DaleMeri

home again home again...

2011-08-03T16:50:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful summer we have had. We got to do a lot of traveling and had a great time! I can now say I am a world traveler. The only thing I didn't like about the trip was being away from my precious babies! Oh and the LONG flight to Rome!! I will post about the trip in the future, it truly was a dream come true to go! We are about to kick of our school year here. Lots of changes in the curriculum department. I really believe that this year is going to be awesome! Dale and Meri Ellis are doing great and we are excited to learn new things! I will close with new pictures of the kids, of course the boy doesn't really like to be still enough for a picture!!

Texas trip

2011-06-03T20:58:00.003-05:00

The kids and I are having a great trip "home".

We have been able too go to Jordan's high school graduation and party. The lake was so much fun! Dale and Meri both got to fish, she even baited the hook with worms! They both caught fish! We all swam in the lake, some of us got out once we saw good ole snakes! Yes, I said snakes!! The kids rode seados with Uncle Bob and Aunt Heather Belle, and the other big kids! Dale also learned the fine game of pool! He calls it "pitching balls" when he get one in! We have had a blast! We have gotten to hang out and play. Dale is learning how to tie the grape plants up, and Meri is "watching" the cats and one very special kitten! Mother and Daddy got the kids a swimming pool, it is a huge stock tank that they will later use for cattle, the kids love it and I'm loving the summer baths they take in the pool!

Tomorrow a dear friend and her family are coming over, I'm so excited to catch up! Later we are headed to Abilene to see some friends and then back to the farm! I'm looking forward to some sister time next week too!!

In the near future Stephen and I are going on an amazing trip. We are going on a cruise that will take us through the holy lands, specifically where Paul's ministry was. Stephen's father is very generously taking us! We are so excited! Many people are making this happen, from sweet friends watching our home....thanks Lizzie, Kathy and Paul, to parents and family keeping our kids! We are so blessed! Please pray for a great trip, safety for us and peace while we are away from the kids! I'm gonna miss them!

Long time no post...again!

2011-05-21T23:34:00.001-05:00

So for some reason I can't seem to remember to post! I know Facebook keeps people pretty up to date but this is nice too.

We just got home from camping. This time in our new motor home. We went to Zion! It was so much fun. We hiked in the rain and then were warm and cozy inside out of the rain!

The kids and I are about to head to Texas for a fun trip! We are going to celebrate Jordan's high school graduation! The kids will stay long enough in Texas that they might get their Texas accents back!! Stephen and I are getting to go on an amazing trip. Lots of people are making it possible and we really appreciate it!

JOY

2011-03-03T19:08:00.003-06:00

These two bring such joy to our lives...daily. Not going to say some days are harder and I may want a vacation day...but this is a season...one that is all to short. I pray that we are honoring God as we strive to raise these precious gifts to be conformed to His image.

LIFE!

2011-02-26T16:00:00.003-06:00

Oh we are blessed indeed!

Disneyland!!!

2011-02-26T15:51:00.001-06:00

You could have never told Stephen and I that we would enjoy Disneyland like we do! After the plane crash we went for the first time. It was something we had told the kids that we would do and just had not gotten around too! So we made a point to go! While there we had SO MUCH FUN that we got a season pass. We have been 3 times and once Cha Cha joined us! The photos are from our most recent trip in December. I think we may be headed there again soon! More to celebrate!

Grand Canyon

2011-01-18T10:43:00.001-06:00

Stephen and Dale went to the Grand Canyon with some friends for a guy day. They had a great time and look forward to going again!!

Farm

2011-01-14T12:44:00.001-06:00

There are some cool things you can do with a plane. One of them, and one of the best in my opinion, is taking ariel shots of friends and families homes. This is my parents Farm. Many many great memories here....and many more to come!

2011-01-14T12:40:00.002-06:00

This week has been good. Very BUSY but good! I am working on the last of school right now with Dale...he is sitting on the futon reading while I type this. He is such a great kid. He has not wanted to go go go this week and that seems like all we have done! BUT we got school done and the only stuffing I did was my face!! Will work on that some more...not stuffing it that is! We are off to the gym now and then finishing work.

2011-01-09T23:46:00.003-06:00

Stuffing

I don’t want to do it anymore….

I don’t want to stuff my face…my drawers…my life with things we don’t need.

I WANT to be purposeful and intent on being Christ like in all I do. And what I do to reflect Him.

No more putting a pile of things somewhere that will later be stuffed somewhere. I am going to put it up or get rid of it.

I am not going to stuff my words; I need to say what needs to be said, in love but also in truth.

To be real with all I meet.

To quit apologizing for being who Christ has called me to be.

So here in my list…I will not stuff in a drawer for later.

I will be purposeful.

Quiet time
School
Exercise
Time for me and kids to play
Time for Stephen and me to invest in our marriage
Plan and dream for the future

I think that if I do these things I will be able to be purposeful and will quit stuffing! Now pray I will apply!!

Fencing

2010-10-19T13:17:00.002-05:00

Dale and a buddy are taking fencing. They love it. I love that he has an activity. I love that he is learning discipline without new age tendencies or influence. It seems that this is a gentleman's sport. He is learning to be a gentleman. He is learning to loose, and to win. He is learning to listen to a coach, from France, and is gaining some skills I did not realize went with this sport. Right now he is going across the court with a tennis ball in his hand while balancing it on his hand without holding onto it. A lot harder than it looks!!

Oh and a funny thing is that they have to call the coach the french name for coach...the boys call him "Metro" they can't get their little boy tongues around their Southern and Texan accents!! I can't tell you how to say it other than it is not Metro but he is being kind!

The girls are playing quietly while the boys are taking their lesson. I love that they are happy for their brothers getting to do something that they love so much. Meri Ellis and friend are puppies on the floor playing with the balls that are dropped!!

So we head to Texas in a week and two days!! I am so excited to go!! I look forward to just being with my Mom and Daddy. Seeing my sister, brother and his family! Oh I cannot wait!!

ZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2010-10-06T14:57:00.002-05:00

So today I went to a sleep study class to learn better "sleep hygiene"!

It was funny...and sad but more funny. Sad b/c there are some people that can't sleep and it is job related...bad homelife...school...worry.

Funny because I was the ONLY ONE honest enough to bring my coffee in with me! Ha I wonder how many cups sat in the cars waiting!!

UGH so biggest change is no more caffeine after noon...the other suggestion by the sleep hygienist, that is just funny, was that we redecorate our "sleep areas". So when we went around the room to tell what change we were going to make I told her that at 4 pm when I want the triple venti no foam with whip latte from the local coffee shop I will pray for her and go shopping...for my new bedding! Stephen says "Thanks, thanks a lot"!

2010-10-04T10:48:00.001-05:00

Well I sat down to post...and put some photos up...BUT it won't let me.

Guess that means what I had wanted to say will have to wait and be filtered!!

Have a great week all!

Oh My WORD!

2010-08-27T11:35:00.000-05:00

...I finally remembered my password!! More to come soon...I hope!!

...long time no blog!!

2010-02-07T13:34:00.002-06:00

Okay so here are some new pics of the kiddos. Life seems to go at the speed of fast around here...I know it does for everyone, some just handle it better and get more done!!

We are settling into life here. It is a BIG city!! We are making new friends and keeping up with old. Dale is LOVING Scouts and his motorcycle. Meri Ellis is liking ballet and her time with friends at Co-Op. Spring is coming up and we are going to let Dale have his first shot at sports!! Pray it is fun and a time to grow. We are planning on it being fun. He will be playing flag football, just pray he understand there is NO tackling!! We are hoping to get to Texas soon for a visit...we will see! School is going well, I love the new curriculum we are using. I get to go the the Midwest Homeschool convention in April and I think I may need to make a paper chain to count down I am so excited!! I am sure that there are a lot of others things to say but I will run...

reflection...

2009-12-30T11:51:00.002-06:00

Okay so as the New Year approaches I begin to think about goals and what the New Year will hold...
The new issue of People magazine comes out..."Half Their Size"...I need to be motivated by that...not that I want to be half my size but 1/4 might not be a bad goal! I want to be more deliberate in my actions...not just "go with the flow" of the day...but plan and decide what we are going to spend our time in...make investments in. I am going to be at home more...not running all over town because I forgot something from the store...which means I am going to need to do menu planning! The most important goal is to spend more time in the Word...reading...meditating...setting Godly goals...doing that all the other will fall into place and I will like the reflection...

Dale is 7 years old!

2009-11-24T12:55:00.008-06:00

My goodness time has FLOWN by!! Our precious little boy is 7!! We had a good birthday at home this year. He choose an "army" theme so we had a tank cake, and it was really cool! We just hung out as a family and went to eat wherever he wanted. Breakfast was the traditional donut...lunch was PF Changs...and supper was Long John Silvers! We love this little boy so much...cannot believe how fast he is growing up. He is almost 60 pounds and is over 4 ft tall. I think he will be HUGE! He is sweet and kind and loves his family and friends. He is just the best gift from the Lord and we treasure him.

Remembering...

2009-11-24T11:41:00.004-06:00

Remembering why we homeschool...
because some days I want to price uniforms...
because it is hard...
and a lot of work...
...and we have attitudes....both of us...especially me...

...then I remember I want to homeschool because He told me too...and I had better listen and get it together and take it serious...because I don't want them to remember that I ... priced uniforms or on hard days that I didn't want to do the hard things especially when I had a bad and selfish attitude!...So I am going to take a bid dose of get over myself and get it in gear and treasure this time...it is flying by!!

Dale is going to have a birthday!

2009-10-28T11:39:00.004-05:00

WOW so I decided that we could take a trip down memory lane! Dale is about to be SEVEN! WHOA...time has flown for us. Stephen and I are seriously trying to talk him into not growing anymore or having birthdays! Oh we will still get him gifts and have parties but we just want him to slow down on this growing up he is so good at! Dale is a sweetie...so is his sister! I am going to post some photos of birthdays past for our little trip down memory lane! These are from when he was born...his first birthday and then also a second b day shot...that one because it included "B" his teddy bear he still sleeps with! What a special boy we have been blessed with...more later! E

Grapes!

2009-10-22T15:52:00.002-05:00

Planting the first Grapes in March 2005! WOW! I will put up some from this year it is amazing to see how far they have come!

2009-10-22T15:41:00.002-05:00

Okay so we are having a good day.

Stephen is still gone...he is in Texas getting an airplane. Please pray he gets home soon. Some complications with the plane along with weather have delayed his trip home. And if you didn't already know we just bought an airplane. A Cozy Mark IV, this was a dream of Stephen's for years. So yay for dreams coming true!

We have some little friends over to play. Their sweet Mommy and Daddy and little brother are getting their household goods delivered today. We are enjoying the fun and giggles. But right now they are all "resting" WOW!! All on laying down, not together, and looking at books. I think "A" may be sleeping. We went to the park and played and then got lunch. After rest time we are going for a walk!

So I am going to work on the budget. Fun stuff!!

More later...E

The Front!

2009-10-17T13:59:00.002-05:00

Okay so we will start with the "front" of the house!! As you can see we do have some grass, this is nice not all the houses out here do! Of course we have put pumpkins outside, reminds me a little of home! The area with the gravel is leading up to the backyard but it has a sitting area, I guess if we wanted we could sit out there and watch the kids ride bikes. We spend most of our outside time in the back...when I post those you will see why! Tonight we are having some friends over so I am going to clean so I will take the other photos!! We do have a few boxes left...still not the storage we need but we really do love the house. COME SEE US!!

Cub Scout Cake Photos

2009-10-17T13:47:00.001-05:00

See I really did let him crack an egg!!

Cub Scout Cake

2009-10-14T19:51:00.004-05:00

YAY for Dale he made a cake for Cub Scouts. I even let him crack the eggs and pour in the ingredients!! I did roll out the sugar leaves BUT he put them on himself! I iced the cake too...I know but my OCD came out and I couldn't stand to think of the mess...I am working on it...he did get to crack 3 eggs!!

We had so much fun last night at the Pack meeting. His cake was the highest bid and made $25, the total for the troop was over $500!! He was so excited. He bought a "football" cake and it was yummy, or so they tell me...has gluten so it is a no go for me!

Well supper time around here...I am thinking In-N-Out burgers...YUMMY! And yes I can eat there, just no bread/bun.

For some reason it won't let me post pictures...I will get them on here later!!

WOW...I'm BACK!

2009-10-13T13:46:00.003-05:00

Okay so in honor of the halfathon that we are doing I have taken a photo of day one of training. We are going to do this to celebrate a friends milestone birthday and also to get in shape...the motivation will be the trip and celebrating with my girl friends. Most are walking it, some are running but in the end it will be fun and great for us all. We still aren't sure where we are doing the halfathon but will keep you posted!!

So we are mostly settled into our new home. Moving across country to a different part out West has been an adventure. Getting settled into a routing with home school is the most important thing right now so I am going to give FB a break and I will be blogging more! That way the grandparents and other family can see what is going on!! We have been to the Grand Canyon twice (North and South Rims), once on our way here and then again with a df. We also went on a grand adventure to Zion! It was amazing and all I can say is I cannot wait until the next trip!! I have had requests to post photos of our house on FB but I am going to put them here...you know the whole FB break thingy!! We are starting Dance with Miss Merideth tomorrow and Dale is a Cub Scout...we are enjoying it all. I better run...got a lot to do around here!! Next post will have the front of the house...then I will add more later...or it may include Dale's leaf cake for the Cub Scout Cake Auction!!

We are here!

2009-09-03T13:19:00.002-05:00

Well we have arrived safely in our new home. It is great, there just aren't as many closets! I guess newer homes do have drawbacks! We feel blessed with the house we rented, it is actually a house we had originally thought we would buy...decided with much prayer not to purchase and found this house online for rent. WOW God is great huh!? So the fun of settling in a new home and a new part of the country begins. I will put a list of what is great about here later...so far so good. BUT I do so miss my family and friends in Texas.

The movers are here today so busy busy but I did want to check in. More later.

Updates

2009-08-09T18:47:00.002-05:00

We are really enjoying New Mexico! The kids and I are spending a lot of time at the base pool and they are BROWN! Funny thing that pool; it is a lot more fun when your kids can swim!

The photo of my hand is me holding a horny toad. We really wanted to keep it as a pet but they are a lot of work and decided to let it stay with its Mother!

Then a photo of the entire family. Dale with the typical thumbs up and well I can't figure out why Meri Ellis is upset!??

We move to Las Vegas in about 2 weeks and are looking forward to getting settled in a home again! Come see us!

Letter to Dave Ramsey:

2009-08-06T14:29:00.002-05:00

We always say that other Jesus Christ in our lives Dave Ramsey has made one of the most important impacts on us.

After years of using credit and credit cards we decided we were sick of it! Our church in Mississippi offered a Financial Peace class and we joined…we drank your kool aid! That was January of 2005. Our consumer debt, including cars but not our home was over 60K. We paid that off in less than 3 years, we tried to call then!

In the meantime the Air Force has required us to move and we bought another home thinking we would be in Texas for several years! NO, we have moved again and are headed to Las Vegas…I think we are some of the few people who are in the position to buy but are choosing not to. We sold our home in Texas this week and can now truly say we are DEBT FREE. We like this feeling and are going to hold onto it, take you advice and not purchase another home until we are going to be there awhile, and hopefully we will pay cash!!
Thank you so much for you honesty and your convictions. We truly laugh when we are able to “give” money to charities and our church, it is so much fun! We want to encourage others on the program to continue tithing or to start and write it into their budget.

God Bless you and your ministry.
Elizabeth and Stephen

There is more to this story...so much more and I will write it later but we are so excited to show and share that our home has sold!! YAY!!! Thank you everyone who encouraged us and prayed over us during this time!!!

Riding bikes in New Mexico!

2009-06-21T18:24:00.000-05:00

White Sands New Mexico

2009-06-17T11:11:00.002-05:00

We had a lot of fun at White Sands. It truly is unbelievable...all that sand and NO WATER!! We may have stayed longer except for the confession that Meri Ellis had put a BB in her ear!! Oh yes she did. So home we went...I will post photos of Stephen removing said BB later!! FUN FUN!!!!

No title today

2009-06-10T09:06:00.002-05:00

Okay so LOTS of things to update on...

-the packer/loaders finally came and got our things the AF is moving on June 1/2
-we loaded our things we put into storage...thank you so much neighbors
-decided to pay someone to clean our home...some of the best money spent EVER
-moved to Holloman AFB in Alamogordo NM on Thursday...arriving on Friday June 5
-checked into our temporary base housing...long story about that but if you are going TDY en route to MQ9 training call us and we will give you info on the situation...thanks to the new squadron that is helping us get it all worked out
-Friday June 5 at about 11pm Texas time my sweet very dear Granddaddy went home to Jesus.
-Saturday we decided to just stay in NM for one whole day
-Sunday the kids and I headed to Tx to celebrate Grandad with our family
-Monday the funeral

We are going to miss Granddaddy but know he is not in pain anymore...it is a huge adjustment as he is a very big part of our family.

The kids and I are going to head back to NM on Thursday...
WHEW....

Still praying we sell our house.

Missing friends...

Adjusting....

Love, E

Moving...

2009-05-31T10:03:00.002-05:00

Okay so here we go....

Thank you to all our friends who are coming to help today! We should be headed out of Texas by Wednesday! Lots to do in the next few days and even more going on...

Please pray for my family as we tell my Grandfather goodbye from this earthly home as he goes to his heavenly one. My sister is coming home from Hawaii to help take care of him, she is an RN and so sweet and giving to come and do this. Pray for Daddy as he is going to miss his Daddy so much.

We have other things going on but they seem small compared to the other...

I will post more when we get moved for the summer class....

Love, E

Lots going on!

2009-05-20T09:18:00.002-05:00

Oh my the kids are growing too fast!! They just got back from a weekend sailing trip with Stephen...I will post those photos as soon as I get my computer to cooperate!! I do know that other than a side trip to the ER for Dale cutting his head the trip was a success...even with a little girl going!! I stayed home and was going to pack BUT my eye gave me trouble again so I was in bed for a good part of the time...there went my plans to pack!! The drs finally figured out what was wrong with an MRI and I have "orbital myositis" evidently it is very painful and hard to diagnose!! REALLY!! Anyway steroids and a lot of pain meds I am on the road to feeling better! Now if we can get the AF to get our move scheduled and our dates to us we will be set!! We will be packed and moved in less than 2 weeks now!! Oh and we still have a house for sale!! YIKES!!

eye business...

2009-05-19T14:20:00.003-05:00

So they have a diagnosis and it is orbital myositis...My Dr is calling around to see what treatment to seek...I am just looking forward to feeling better! This hurts!

Dale had an accident to day and earned a trip to the ER...he is doing OK but banged his head and cut himself pretty bad...

Oh and we move in 2 weeks and I have a ton to do and life seems to be falling apart in many areas....

Please pray for my grandfather...he has been in the hospital for over a week now...

E

Better

2009-05-16T09:14:00.002-05:00

Thanks for the prayers! My eye is feeling so much better. I am still going to have the test done on Monday to see what is going on, it has minimal pain but is so much better!!

We are getting so close to the move and it feels like we are going in slow motion in the day and then BAM wake up and it is 10 days closer to leaving! We still have a house for sale...In HIS time right!

I am going to drink some coffee and listen to the rain!

E

Retrobulbar Neuritis

2009-05-14T19:19:00.002-05:00

My eye hurts...BAD! I have headaches and it is only in my right eye and hurts to above my eye brow...other symptoms but I won't bore you with them! It has been hurting for a week or so. The eye Dr thought it could be allergies and sent me home with a RX for that and to call if it kept hurting because it could be autoimmune of some sort. Well it started hurting again and I called and went to one Dr then another...a specialized eye Dr...then to my regular Dr. I am going to have an MRI done on Monday, if not sooner. I wish I had not looked up what this could be...I am going with sinus infection! Please pray with me that it is a simple fix!http://www.ecureme.com/emyhealth/data/Retrobulbar_Neuritis.asp

YUCK

2009-05-13T13:53:00.002-05:00

Well all potential buyers are not "potential" after all...now we are back to square one. WAITING on the buyer...waiting on God...remembering that HE is in control of this all! Thankful we even have to opportunity to own a home keeps things in perspective! I am going to start packing some things this weekend. The kids and Stephen are going sailing. (Pray for their safety and fun) I am making a lot of lists! I am marking some things off them, makes me feel accomplished...now if I can just mark off the "house sold" that would be GREAT!

She is FOUR!!

2009-05-10T20:57:00.003-05:00

So here is the girl's birthday! We start every birthday with donuts and singing! She had a big pink princess cake...lots of pink and a whole lot of fun! She conked out midway and I HAD to take this photo of her clutching her jewelery box! We are privileged to be her parents, she brings us a lot of joy and makes me want to be a better person...she is just so wonderful...

We are BUSY...as in I know everyone is but "hey we move in 3 weeks and the packers will be here in 2 weeks busy"...Wow that one snuck up on us huh? I am overwhelmed with all that there is to do and feel pressure to be what everyone wants/needs...BUT I am going to be what God needs...and Stephen and the kids need...I am going to be...

The gluten free is going great! I am feeling better and am loosing weight! That is a bonus I will take!!

I better go and make me a list!!

Celiac...Going Gluten Free

2009-05-05T10:30:00.002-05:00

So big changes here...again!

When I had my gall bladder out the dr was optimistic that it would help the problems I have been having with my health. He was somewhat concerned that b/c I tested positive for Celiac disease gene I would need to go gluten free. Yesterday when I went to the dr he put me on a gluten free, or GF, diet. It is not just "cutting down" on the gluten it is NO GLUTEN at all! It is a pain in the ... but if I feel better it will be worth it, right?

Anyway I am off to do some research...it is overwhelming as gluten is in a lot of foods, additives, seasoning, drinks...it is everywhere...even in make up!

On another note...Merideth started doing some school today. She did great and had fun with it! Let's see how long the "fun" lasts!!

Now on to the research!
E

Birthdays and Dresses

2009-04-30T13:27:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe that our precious girl is about to be 4! Here is her invitation for her family party...I think that is all I can swing this year! Here is what is going on...

WE move in less than 5 weeks!

Merideth is turning 4 on the 9th!

We still have a house for sale.

We need to pack...schedule movers...etc

MOVE...

Granddaddy's 85th birthday party.

School.

And then just the other everyday stuff we have going on! I know we will blink and we will be on the road to New Mexico for the summer, Stephen's training is there...then...blink...we will be in Vegas! WOW!

Okay so to keep my sanity...sort of! I am sewing some...just a little because we have to keep this house ready to show! But her dress she has on in the photos is from the greatest pattern maker...Portabellopixie...Sandi Henderson. Her patterns are easy to use and I can make this dress in under 2 hours. The pants pattern is a favorite too and they are easier than the dress.

Well I better go do some productive things around here!

2009-04-14T18:19:00.001-05:00

About Life

2009-04-11T12:54:00.004-05:00

This photo was taken last year around Easter...for some reason I cannot find a photo of them in the Easter outfits...

I hand smocked Merideth her dress last year, sure wish I could find the photo! Oh well hold out in anticipation of this years dress...it has smocked bunnies!

About life...

It is not suprising that He hears us and answers us and holds us in his grip. Gives us answers when we don't think there are any. Gives us peace in ways we did not expect. He is good and He is ALIVE!

So a better day around here...still moving slow. I am going to take a rest, a short one as Merideth calls the nap!

Have a great Easter...

2009-04-06T10:18:00.002-05:00

My sweet little somethings! I love them so much. They are being very patient with me today!! I have been up since 5:30am! Oh my word. I have not been up this early in a while. Stephen was snoring and I just couldn't sleep. I didn't want to take another pink pill because I will be alone with the kids so Tylenol it is. It is working fine. We have had a great morning. We have rocked, done school, read, made muffins, read and done laundry. I am washing all the rugs today. Hopefully the buyer for this house will show up soon!! Please pray with me in Jesus name!! Later I am going to call in a professional vacuumer. Whitney does a great job and I can't do it yet. Well I better go and figure out lunch! ...then I am taking a nap!

Jeep in Mexico.

2009-03-31T09:19:00.003-05:00

So I will be out of commission for a few days. I am going to have my gall bladder out Wednesday ...I know I will start to feel better so...that is the plan...So pray recovery is quick!! Oh and that this house of ours will sell soon!!

Stephen and I in Mexico! We had so much fun...more pictures later!!

2009-03-19T15:36:00.002-05:00

Hello! So while we were on our cruise Dale and Merideth stayed with my parents at the farm. While there I guess they were flipping through channels on tv and the scene in Titanic was on where they stand on the bow of the boat. Well the kids recreated that shot! Another funny thing is that they really wanted Stephen and I too also...but you can't get to the front of the boat/ship! BUT we do have a photo of us in the front of a boat....I will post it later! I just love this photo...it shows the girly side to my Merideth and then Dale, being all boy, not wanting to do this but doing it b/c he loves us...Mother and Daddy emailed us this while we were gone. It made us miss them even more!!

The cruise was great, but we missed the kids. I will do a post just about the trip later...

I have other things on my mind.

Today it has hit me hard that we move in less than 2 months. I was doing the April budget. I suddenly realized that is the last full month we will live here. Oh I can feel the ache of homesick already. I am going to miss my Mother and Daddy so much. I feel like a little baby just thinking about it. Those who knew me when Stephen and I made our first ever AF move will remember how homesick I got. It was bad. This move feels like that. I am excited about what lies ahead but very nervous about being away. Also we still have not sold our house. We changed Realtors. Please pray it happens soon!!

Well I am gonna go and get supper ready...Meatloaf tonight!!

New week...

2009-02-23T08:36:00.001-06:00

Okay so here we are. It is a little after 8:30 and we are all dressed for the day. I have been to the gym and we have done school! WOW!!

Thank you Krista for getting me the new background...YAY cupcakes!

This time next week we will be on our cruise...WOW!

Okay Cyn is here gotta go and sew!!

E

Just life going on.

2009-02-15T11:20:00.003-06:00

Newest photos of the kids...I am sure you have all been wanting to see their angelic little faces...

Well we are just trucking along here. Right now I am researching home school curricula for next year. UGH...I normally let my friends do this for me! But I am looking into the suggestions of what we will use a little more intently this year. There are so many good ones but for every good one there is a bad one or one that does not fit what we need or how we do school. So I am looking at them all again. It helps to have friends that have done this before!! I really enjoyed My Father's World last year with Dale, and we have a few weeks left to go before we are done so now is the time to decide what we are going to use for next year. And when I say next year I don't mean "next year" I mean for 1st grade. I know we will need some review to keep up until I make the decision once we are done but if I have the next years stuff then we can just move right into that. Anyway I am sure this is boring to some...The things I look for in curriculum is that is has to use the Bible, meaning it goes to it for a lot of what I teach. With MFW it did/does. For example for the letter A it used Apple...then went on to the fruits of the spirit. It went into character and then also nutrition. I loved how it all ties together. So that is what I am looking for. I am not against using MFW again but I want to make sure it is the best for us. Anyway enough about HS.

I have started doing a new Bible study and love it. THANKS Krista and Donna for the encouragement to do this study. Of course being so sick last week I missed another lesson but am keeping up with the homework and am really learning and enjoying it a lot. I am doing the "Esther" study by Beth Moore. Also in our small group we are studying the spiritual gifts. I find this fascinating. I can tell you what Stephen's is but mine is being elusive! It is great and reminds me to use the potential that I am to God's glory.

Well I better go and fix lunch for our company...

School

2009-02-10T11:26:00.002-06:00

So today was another good school day. We did his math...then on to his print work...which is really lacking so we need to focus more on that. We read a story and are memorizing a verse. They are both doing this and Merideth does better if we start the day with including her in school work. She will sit and color while Dale and I do math or read. I called My Father's World and am going to use it for Dale's 1st grade. I love how everything we have learned points back to the Bible. I am not sure what I am going to use for miss Meri Ellis. The MFW stuff for pre k is really just toys...so I am going to look a little more. Mardels is opening here soon, PTL, and they have a great section for homeschoolers so I am excited about that!! So off to get lunch and work on taxes...E

Sickness...

2009-02-09T09:26:00.002-06:00

Okay so we are home from a great trip. We had so much fun and enjoyed the beautiful place we stayed. We give a hearty 2 thumbs up to Veterans Holidays. We miss our friends, or as Dale calls them "our other family"...and I miss all the homemade bread, but not more than my friends! YUM!

Well I have a really bad cold...
Dale has the stomach bugs...started about 3 this morning...He says that he has bugs in his tummy...Merideth has stomach eggs...which means she is feeling sympathy for Dale. I pray that is all!!

We are doing school. I am determined to make this work...I need more consistency so with that I am not going to be as available...school and training needs some focus. So leave a message...ha!

We are still trying to sell the house. It is a heavy burden on me and I pray we are done soon with this chapter! I don't do so well with change and we have a lot coming up!

I better go check on the progress of my little scholar!
E

Headed out

2009-01-31T17:02:00.003-06:00

So tomorrow I head to the woods for a few days with a very dear friend and her kids. Oh the joy of home school...being able to take "real" field trips!! I will update when we return!
E

Vegas update....

2009-01-28T12:59:00.002-06:00

So here are a few "random" shots of our Vegas trip. I really liked it a lot more than I thought that I would! The one of the kitchen is the typical kitchen in the houses, well the ones that still have a kitchen!! (More on that later!!) One is of oranges, Merideth LOVES oranges. Starwars M&M's to show Dale. A goal I had while we visited Vegas was to get photos to show the kids where we are moving, they are a little sad to be leaving Texas! Also is a photo of a view you can get from a house we looked at. And a photo of the drive up to the "cooler" weather in Vegas. Just 30 minutes out of town and the high only gets to 90 in the summer, I have a feeling we may be going to the Mtns a lot!!

Great view!! Now the hard part is just waiting to sell our house! We know where and what we want to buy in NV so we just wait...

We have another open house scheduled for tomorrow for Realtors and I hope to get some feedback on ideas of what can "move" our house! I better finish getting caught up around here!! E

Vegas...

2009-01-18T01:19:00.002-06:00

We are headed to Las Vegas to look at houses and get an idea of the area we will be moving...I have never been.

Pray for us to have peace, and be mindful of what we really need, not what we want when it comes to our next home!!

Also please pray for our first and we pray ONLY open house this Sunday from 2-4! I am praying that we sell quick and have to move!!

I better go to bed that alarm clock will go off early!!

Oh and you can catch me on facebook, email is hard to check!! Or my cellular devise!!

THANK YOU!!!
Love, E

Please pray...

2009-01-16T23:40:00.002-06:00

http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/

Fini Flight

2009-01-15T10:57:00.001-06:00

WOW...I can't believe it is this time again!! But Stephen did do the flight earlier than he normally would have...we don't move until May. Right now things are slowing down...but we are busy still with school and keeping the house clean!! Gotta sell it!! We are headed to Vegas Sunday to look around. I have never been! Please pray that the house sales quickly! That we have peace and certainty about what and and where to live in Las Vegas. Lots more but I am gonna go and be a mommy!! Love, E

WW & Gym & The Baby's Birthday...

2009-01-09T07:34:00.009-06:00

These are of "the baby". The one with the cake is her FIRST birthday! Today she is 33 and I am 34. Mother always loves the few months when we are so close in age...Happy Birthday Heather Belle!

Will it get easier or will it just become my new normal?

That is my question about eating better and working out. I have been doing WW since Tuesday...Gone to the gym 2 times. Am VERY frustrated that I have let myself get "here". UGH! I will not be defeated...

Okay so since I am so down I thought that I would make a list of wonderful things in my life...I know that there are many more but here are a few...

I get to be a stay at home wife and Mother.

I get to home school.

I LOVE my husband.

I adore my children.

My hair is getting longer and I can put it in a ponytail!

I love and enjoy my parents, I really do!

I have wonderful friends who hold me accountable to Jesus.

I got to eat Sushi yesterday and wonder if I had it again Saturday if it would be too soon to go back there!!

I live in a country where we have choices.

I have a relationship with My LORD and I hear Him, when I am still.

I am going to be still today...

Mostly today I am thankful that it is Heather Belles birthday. I don't remember there ever being a time where I didn't have her. She is my baby too. That is what we call her, "the baby". I adore and enjoy and LOVE her so much and miss her. She lives in Hawaii...When we move to Vegas we will be closer to her, this is a good thing about the move. I pray that Heather Belle has a great Birthday...I thank my parents for letting me have a baby before I was two!! I LOVE YOU BABY!!

Okay I better go and feed these kids I adore!!

WW

2009-01-06T12:18:00.004-06:00

These will be my before photos...and they include my Daddy, Mother-who will reach goal in one week...she really does not need to loose weight, and my sister...Heather Belle...They are doing this with me.

So I begin it again!!

Weight Watchers...

...it is hard

to see how much I overeat...

BUT it will be great to see how I can be successful...

My parents and sister have joined me on this road to health.

I have a few goals...here are a couple...

Be healthy

Be wise about food choices

A long term goal is for exercise but since I am so overweight it will be hard to start running...so with anything that you begin that you want to last I am going to start with walking...YUCK. I like to eat, I love to eat a lot, and I really enjoy junk to eat. BUT I want to feel better and I want to do this the right way.

When Dale was a baby I did WW and was successful. I had a carrot so to speak...it was wanting to have another baby. Well I reached my goal, we had her and I didn't stay on plan or even for that matter any plan or path...well the one to the kitchen and take out but hey you can all see how great that has worked!! So I have a new goal...FEEL BETTER and be an example to the kids of what you should eat. Now I will still have sweets and my coffee. Just not so much of it, and when I do have those things to eat it will be limited.

I look forward to the new way of life...I don't think I will miss feeling draggy...but right now I do miss some FOOD! Oh dear Jesus Help me not to eat the kids!! I am hungy!!

I better go and read a book!!

Pray it goes well for us all!!!

To better health...

Master Manipulator

2009-01-06T10:02:00.003-06:00

That could be what I call Merideth....but I don't want her to know I have caught on!

...

Overheard from the piano lesson this morning...
"Mrs. Logan I just missed you so much"
"Merideth you need to play the keys really softly, can you do that for me?"
"okay...but first I need to give you a hug"
"Aww Merideth I would love a hug"
Now before Merideth will do anything she has to hug, dance or twirl before she can do it...because..."I just missed you so much" And I am sure she did!

Excited dread...

2009-01-02T17:46:00.004-06:00

This is the best term I can come up with getting ready to move. It means that I look forward to what Las Vegas will hold and the adventures we will have there. I know the Lord goes before our family, He has every time we have moved. That is exciting to think about. What is in store for us, our family of 4 there? The dread comes in when I think of leaving behind my friends here, being further away from dear friends that are truly family, but mostly I am going to miss my Family. I am so blessed to have a family I love, parents I ENJOY spending time with. I do enjoy my parents, I love that our children know them, and their Great Grandparents, that they know and love their cousins and Aunts and Uncles. I just dread being away. But I am excited too...

TAG

2008-12-27T18:16:00.004-06:00

So my friend in Korea tagged me to do this where you take the 4th photo in the 4th folder. Well I love her and the number 4 is my favorite so here it is!! I had to cheat a little since so many of my pics are of other people...you understand! I tag S, Karri, Mandi and Marsha!

So this photo was taken in March 08 on the first camping trip we took with our pop up camper. We went to Glen Rose Texas, the dinosaur park. Stephen LOVES to hike and I DO NOT, but we were looking at all the tracks and some are in water. Don't worry if you fall in they have "life saving" jugs for you!! I found it funny and took a picture of them. I wonder if they really work? They probable do and the park has them there rather than expensive rings, it makes me wonder how many everyday things I take for granted that can be used for something? Anyway...

I am off to bed. We go to Graham tomorrow for my side of the family Christmas. Should be fun the Heather Belle will be there...all the way from Hawaii. I cannot wait to see her!

Until later...

ps Please pray for my friends in Knoxville they are getting a house ready to sale and moving to another state. I know those transitions are hard...so please pray that everything falls into place for them! THANKS!!

WOW

2008-12-25T17:30:00.003-06:00

So I am a little behind on my posting! Seems like I have posted but I guess I have been in full swing Anniversary, Christmas and Birthday mode.

Stephen and I celebrated our 12th anniversary on Sunday the 21st. It is so hard to believe that we have been married that long! I am so blessed to have him and he really spoiled me this anniversary. He gave me a cruise! We are going in March on a 7 day Western Caribbean cruise! We are so excited!!

For Christmas Eve my parents and grandparents came over. We enjoyed being with them and letting the kids play with the wiggle cars Nonnie and Poppy got them. Then we have had a laid back Christmas day. Again I have been VERY spoiled and VERY surprised by my gifts. Stephen got me an ipod that he even had engraved with a message! I love it! Of course the kids are having fun with gifts and all the fun of Christmas.

Hope you have a great day and remember the REAL reason for the season. JESUS!

Love, E

ps i will post photos soon

THE dress

2008-12-14T22:39:00.003-06:00

(I have not proofed these photos but HAD to post them)

With that here is the dress, well collar that I smocked. The red velvet dress is from when I was a little girl. The collar took several hours and I enjoyed making it for her. I did most of the work at my parents farm. I am so thankful I can make these heirlooms for my precious little girl.

I better head to bed.

Princess Meri

2008-12-14T22:34:00.004-06:00

So Merideth came out of her room with this on her head. She said, "Mommy I am a princess." It reminded me of when my sister and I would dress up like Mary and Joseph.

...remodel...

2008-12-14T22:25:00.002-06:00

So here is the almost finished product. All we lack is finishing, as my Daddy would say! Also cleaning up the stuff, putting up tools and you know just finishing. Our plan is to list soon. So with that we need to CLEAN, SORT and get it done!

More later!

Christmas Past

2008-12-03T09:00:00.002-06:00

This photo was taken last year while we were on a cruise. We had so much fun with the kids. Stephen had just returned from a 6 month deployment and we decided to get away as a family. We really love to cruise and look forward to going again, hopefully soon!

Dale had just turned 5 and Merideth was 2 and a half. They are certainly growing up too fast!

We are busy getting the house ready for market and just getting ready for all the little things that go on with a move. We are planning, right now, to move early May. Stephen's class starts June 8.

I better go teach!

Remodel update

2008-11-20T23:24:00.003-06:00

I seriously wish I had a before photo to show you. I will find one for tomorrow...or next week.. Here is a sneak peek at the kitchen. We did an octagon tile with oak trim. The cabinets are "Texas leather" color, thanks S for the Pottery Barn suggestion. The back splash is slate. I am still unpacking stuff so this is not the final way it will look...BUT I wanted to show a little of what all has been going on!

I am feeling better now that my mixer has been found. It was on the couch in the front room! I don't do well with change, I don't do well at all. With orders (military term for papers saying where we are moving) not done, moves to be coordinated, house remodel, house to sell, icky life situations I have gotten myself overwhelmed. So I am going to just be still...well after the squadron luncheon tomorrow and Dale's party on Saturday...But I am going to be still and listen...I look forward to the rest....

Birthday Fun!

2008-11-19T20:55:00.003-06:00

Dale and all his loot!

He even

got excited about books!

Merideth was so happy to help him with his presents and very glad Dale got so many Star Wars toys. It is fun listening to them play together. Sounds a lot like my brother and sister and I when we were little. Except there is no war over who gets to be Leah!

We had a fun day. He wanted Sushi for lunch and then Thai food for supper. I will post those photos later. Our sweet waitress at Ann's Thai Kitchen made him origami swans for his present. He told her last week we were going to be back for his birthday!

The kitchen is almost done! PTL!

I better go and help defend the galaxy!

BIRTHDAY!

2008-11-19T07:19:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy...

As you can see he was a little sleepy this morning. Merideth wanted to get him up and all that know her know she is an early riser! Stephen had to be at work early so the donut run was made very early...So worth it!

More later!

Dale and B

2008-11-17T08:05:00.002-06:00

I wish that the photos would have loaded with his "older" one first. Dale was 9 days old in the baby picture. This is the bear that my sister gave to him. She gave it to me when we went to pick her up from Eagle Lake in Colorado, it is the Navigator camp that she worked at and also where we went when we were teenagers. We have great memories there. Anyway when she gave Dale Robert the Gap Teddy Bear, I was 7 months pregnant at the time, I remember thinking that I hoped he liked it and would sleep with it and play with him...Little did I know! When my sister, Heather Belle, was younger she had Merle Freddy. I will post a photo of him and her someday...it was in the crazy cabbage patch kids day and she thought/knew Merle Freddy to be REAL. So when Dale started to love on his HB later shortened to B like Heather Belle did her treasured Merle Freddy I though how sweet. Well his affection for B has grown, he still sleeps with B every night. B is the first thing packed and often the first thing left! We DO NOT MAIL him for fear of loosing him! Once we left him when we were going on a long trip. It was about 2 hours into the trip when we realized the loved B was missing...I almost turned around to go and get him! I didn't! Dale still loves his B and so when I took photos last week he wanted B in the picture with him. Dale will be 6 on Wednesday. I wonder how much longer he will be that sweet little boy with the bear?

Oh MY GOODNESS!

2008-11-12T18:28:00.002-06:00

SO here it is! The picture for the cards this year!! LOVE IT! Hope you do too...oh and let me know what size you want it printed in...you know 16x20 or 20x24!!

Thinking

2008-11-12T11:27:00.003-06:00

Well as we move forward with the remodel it has me thinking. Is all this work worth it? I don't do well with uncertainty, who does? So with all this going on it has me realizing that there is a lot of growing that needs to be done. With the changes to the house, just fixing it up and making it better it makes me think about what the Lord wants to remodel in my house; in me. Not to make me "look better", but that is certainly an area I need to weigh in on, but what would make me more useful to Him. Just like putting in a new oven, I need to invest, put into my life things of the Lord. I need to "invest" in my spiritual remodel if you will. Anyway hope all that makes sense! Pray with me as I journey on the remodeling left to do in my life and home!

Oh our orders still say report no later than 4 Jan. What is up with that!?! Maybe we are supposed to be there, well I know we are "suppose to" be there but when? I know I would just like some certainty, there is that word again, of when we are moving!

Well I better bolt...lots to do...you know we MIGHT move soon!!
E

Now don't be shocked

2008-11-10T10:33:00.002-06:00

But we had a great home school day. I even let them BOTH cut and color. I almost got the glue out but thought that I might be pushing my limits if I did! We are studying the letter "O" this week. The numbers 7 and 8. They are both coloring their octopus now. We watched videos of the "creature" online and are enjoying the new knowledge! Hope you are having a great day too!

E

2008-11-09T16:51:00.001-06:00

Just some recent photos of the kids. I cannot believe that Dale is about to be six! Star Wars is what he is all about and I am having fun thinking of a cake to make for his day. Merideth is just so sweet. She is really into "I just need to hug you 3 more times" and then precedes to cry if you don't let her. Normally this takes place about 3 seconds after we have left the person she NEEDS to hug! The photo of them together was taken at the farm. Dale and Meri had fun playing in the water. Dale would fill her gun up and then she would shoot it. He decided to shoot her, well she cried and got mad for about 22 seconds and then figured out she could shoot him too! He would fill up the water guns and then they would shoot each another, that is how they say it...each another...

Well I have things to do! E

Transitions

2008-11-05T20:54:00.003-06:00

So things are going slow with the remodel. I guess I should have expected that. I am just a list maker and doer and then life gets in the way and then gas lines don't run where they thought...okay well enough of that.

The kids and I are in Vera now. I went to be with the kids on Tuesday with my Mom in Graham. Then we came on to the farm. We are supposed to leave for home in the morning...and get ready for a garage sale...we have an ad in the paper, boxes of stuff everywhere. Pray for me as I decide to come home and live in the chaos and have the sale and make the money or stay here at the farm.

Oh and next weekend Stephen and I are headed to "A Weekend to Remember". I am looking forward to it, pray we learn and grow from the weekend what all we are supposed to. (Not what I think he needs to learn!)

I better go and "have a talk" with the kids. They are still up and are "talking"!
E

Interesting stuff...

2008-11-03T14:35:00.003-06:00

We got word today that Stephen's start date for class is not until...JUNE! We are thankful to be staying near family and friends longer. Also it gives us a lot more time to sell the house!

I am feeling fine, just grumpy so I am going to rest now...Tests are all fine!

E

Just Stuff

2008-11-02T10:33:00.003-06:00

Okay so we are still not sure what is happening with the move...I will update about that again when we know for certain what is happening. All other post will relate to that since so much depends/hinges on what is going on. Hopefully it will nor bore you too much! Last night Stephen and I were talking about when we would move and how all the things I am doing around the house are so tied up with what and when. Do I pack up the kitchen entirely or just sort of since we may need some stuff...it is really frustrating! I decided to pack up like it is January and to label boxes really well! Some things are going into storage for the showing of the house. But if I need them I know where they are and they can easily, please Stephen, be gotten!

So on Thursday my sweet Mother came and helped with the kitchen. She completely organized all my food. Which just in case you are wondering is staying! I can't pack that, I need to eat! Well and the rest of the family! But we got the kitchen done. THANK YOU MOTHER. And thank you for taking my sweet babies home with you for so long. I really really miss them! But Stephen and I are enjoying the time together and also I am getting a lot done!

Okay so then on Friday a miracle worker named Risa came over and she started in on the "organizing" part. She is a professional organizer and I HIGHLY recommend making the investment. On Friday we tackled the "office" area of my home. We ended up with at least 8 bags of trash! She came back on Saturday and we went into the school room. We cleaned out one closet entirely and then organized the school area. Oh and she organized my "cleaning" closet. I will not need to purchase cleaning supplies for at least 3 years! I must like to buy that stuff!! Anyway the biggest thing I have learned in the process is that everything needs a home. So with that new knowledge we have purchased a small inventory of sterlite boxes and small containers to "house" stuff! It is great! Googly eyes now have a home, so do pipe cleaners and my million and one sharpie markers, I like to buy those too! It has been exhausting but freeing. As we began the process Risa prayed that this would be a "cleansing" time for our home, for me. That I could release some things I didn't need to hold onto. WOW! It is so freeing to be letting go of so many things. But not the googly eyes we will need them for art projects in 2nd grade, Risa assured me! (She is also a home school mom!) If any local families want to hire Risa let me know and I will get you her information. I send out my full endorsement of her. She truly has a heart for God and I have enjoyed working with her.

Okay so it is funny that as we cleanse the house I am about to start the cleansing of my body!! I have my colonoscopy tomorrow. Also the upper gi test done. Pray all goes well and that I don't eat in the night!!

I better go and organize the bathroom...I already did the other one and man it makes me sleep better having it all done...
E

Ch Ch Ch

2008-10-31T18:46:00.002-05:00

Changes...
We don't know FOR SURE when we are moving. It is all up in the air. People are trying to help us stay here longer. The major kitchen remodel starts Monday and I don't know if I should pack for December or April!

E

January 2

2008-10-30T22:42:00.002-05:00

That is the day that we are "hearing" Stephen is to be in Vegas! We are going to pray that it is made a PCS (permannent change of station) so the entire family can go. Here are a few things to pray for with us...that we all move at the same time...the HOUSE SELLS FAST! Just basically that they trasition is a smooth one. I don't move well and moving away from Texas and the friends we have made here will be hard...
Good things are that a certain red head may be in Vegas not too long after us...See there is always a silver lining!

Well I better get stuff done!
E

Just pray...

2008-10-29T18:53:00.003-05:00

So here is the latest on the move...
We got a "rip" today for Stephen's training. It has him reporting 5 Jan! Okay so that is A LOT sooner than we expected. It is a TDY, which means temporary duty yonder, so that translates to the family is not included in those orders. I guess that it means the kids and I will stay here while he trains, or dear Jesus we can get our hineys in gear and sale the house then we will live in a hotel wherever Stephen is...Oh all the things to do. I feel very overwhelmed! So tomorrow my sweet Mother is coming to help me pack up the kitchen...Why you ask? So that we can tear it out for the remodel that starts on Monday. Which so happens to be the day I have an upper AND lower gi done...Fun Stuff happening here...

see post below

2008-10-29T10:02:00.002-05:00

So for those of you who KNOW me...does this fit?? I think parts of it do but it is funny on some things...

I better get back to working on the list of one million and two things to do before we move!! I think I am on #fourteen!

E

2008-10-29T10:00:00.001-05:00

Your result for What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test...

Balanced, Secure, and Realistic.

30 Impressionist, 13 Islamic, 8 Ukiyo-e, -27 Cubist, -35 Abstract and 10 Renaissance!

Impressionism is a movement in French painting, sometimes called optical realism because of its almost scientific interest in the actual visual experience and effect of light and movement on appearance of objects. Impressionist paintings are balanced, use colored shadows, use pure color, broken brushstrokes, thick paint, and scenes from everyday life or nature.

People that like Impressionist paintings may not alway be what is deemed socially acceptable. They tend to move on their own path without always worrying that it may be offensive to others. They value friendships but because they also value honesty tend to have a few really good friends. They do not, however, like people that are rude and do not appreciate the ideas of others. They are secure enough in themselves that they can listen to the ideas of other people without it affecting their own final decisions. The world for them is not black and white but more in shades of grey and muted colors. They like things to be aestically pleasing, not stark and sharp. There are many ways to view things, and the impresssionist personality views the world from many different aspects. They enjoy life and try to keep a realistic viewpoint of things, but are not very open to new experiences. If they are content in their live they will be more than likely pleased to keep things just the way they are.

Take'>http://www.helloquizzy.com/tests/what-your-taste-in-art-says-about-you-test">Take What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test at

Remodel

2008-10-27T21:03:00.002-05:00

Okay so today Bonham was here and painted patches on walls and did the touch up work in most rooms. We then went to Lowes AND Home Depot.

We bought...
Front door and new locks
New kitchen pulls/knobs
Cabinet for entertainment center
Possibly tile for kitchen counter
Looked at paint for cabinets

OVEN that was 1300 and I got it for 800! It is gas so we have to figure that out but it was a great deal and the gas runs to the area where the oven is now...

I feel like there is so much more to do....BUT we did get a lot done today...
E

The list

2008-10-27T21:01:00.003-05:00

Of stuff to do before we move...

Garage sale
Get boxes
Clean out closets
Clean out kitchen pantry and dishes
Paint hall
Touch up rooms
Paint wall patches
Re-do kitchen
Sale House
Figure out what to do with dogs...
Pack
Paint trim in entire house
Go through cookbooks
" Books
" Movies
Paint kitchen cabinets
install new door pulls
install new front door
repair exterior paint areas
plant panseys
re mulch
figure out what school stuff we need and what we don't...like do I really need 14 sets of science experiments or 13 sets of flashcards??
clear out junk
clear out extra papers
declutter fridge

Lot's more but this is all I am typing tonight...more later

2008-10-26T08:14:00.002-05:00

Here they are, the most precious babies in the world! We were on our way to a "royal event" for a friend. Merideth's friend 'Mia was turning 3 and her party was a dress up one. It was a lot of fun...we are going to miss 'Mia and her family.

We have a prayer request, yes about the move! We are praying we can delay the move by a couple of months. Originally when the "move talk" started it was always May time frame. With all that needs to get done it will make the transition easier and better. We are just needing the time to finish getting the house ready and Stephen needs the time for some "wing building"! Also it would make more sense with his career, I guess he has a "military career building" review coming up in March. (I can't remember what it is called!)Anyway...Thanks! Also we are excited about the new adventure, we are just a little let down because of how quick it is and also we were told something else was in the "works" to keep us in Texas. I know the Lord is going to use this time to really grow us! I look forward to the adventure. I have never lived in such a HUGE place!!

I better get things a goin' round here!!

Finally!

2008-10-24T23:11:00.002-05:00

Well we got word today that we will be moving to a place that family and friends will actually want to visit! We will be moving to Vegas early next year! Lots to happen in the next few weeks. Get the house ready...get rid of a lot of stuff...sell a house...get the stuff together to keep...to DITY (do it yourself move)...sell a car...a boat...wonder what will happen to the dogs...LOTS to do! PRAY! Okay so lots to process...we are a little surprised by the early date to move...We are excited about the new adventure!

Love, E

Learning...

2008-10-24T08:24:00.003-05:00

I really pray that I learn something from this waiting game we are playing with the AF....I know that where ever we live we are where we are supposed to be...I realize that our Heavenly Father has gone before us...I know all this...I just wish I knew where it is we are headed!!

I am also learning a lot from a great book S gave me. It is "Growing Godly Tomatoes". The concept is that you "stake tomatoes to a pole" so you should stake your kids to you when intense training is going on. When we have done this we get great results. So far what I have learned is that your kids will do better if you spend time with them. They will be like, act like show they spend their time with...It is very convicting and motivating. I have not read a parenting book that had me wanting to keep reading even though I need to clean house, do laundry, proof photos, take out trash, cook, rock the kids, read to them, wash my hair...you get the idea the book is good!

I better go and do all those things...
E

Waiting game...

2008-10-20T10:38:00.002-05:00

Still no news on orders. They are saying that it might be the middle of the week.

I had a fun weekend in Shreveport with my friend. It is funny...we went for a girls weekend to Shreveport...Most would assume we gambled. No we sewed, laughed, ate out, talked about goals, home schooling, missed a certain red head, prayed, shared and just had a fun time. BTW the apple dress does not fit...not even close!!

I am trying to get things back in order around here! They did a good job of keeping things clean and kept. Just the little things needed attention...oh and the pile of laundry!

I better get to it!
E

...waiting still

2008-10-16T08:37:00.001-05:00

No new information....

Will update when we know...more...whatever it is....

E

Still Waiting...

2008-10-15T20:32:00.002-05:00

No word yet....

Stephen missed a call on the way home from work, he was riding his motorcycle and was not able to catch it in time. I am so proud of him for not trying to answer while on the bike...

We still hope to hear something soon...We went out to eat...and shopped...just passing time!

Will keep you posted...
E

Waiting!....

2008-10-15T16:12:00.002-05:00

Still waiting for the call on where we are moving! The suspence is killing me!!

We SHOULD know by tonight...

We also thought we were going somewhere and now we are not...maybe we are...don't know...don't have a clue...well maybe...ugh!!

More later!
E

2008-10-09T19:59:00.004-05:00

Well I was going to show a photo of what I am making for Merideth. Her Christmas dress should be a work of art, if I finish it! So far I have smocked on the wrong side of the collar...gotten way to worked up about "packing pleats" and have changed my mind about the design about 349 million times! I am making her a "float dress" with a smocked collar overlay. The collar is scalloped in holly berries and will be a geometric pattern with her initial. Pray I finish it!

School went really well today. Dale did great on all his work. He is doing better about listening and sitting while we "talk" about his lesson. I really am enjoying the blessing of being able to home educate our children...

Gotta smock...E

2008-10-08T21:50:00.005-05:00

I LOVE Pumpkins! My family grew them for a while and I learned a lot in the pumpkin' patch. I really miss growing them and all...I don't miss the rotten ones, or the ones I left in my trunk!

This weekend is the 12 year anniversary of mine and Stephen's first "date". WOW! We are going camping with the kids and some friends. We are also sailing...pray I am nice...I DO NOT like to sail! I really don't like it at all. Pray I am nice, I think I mentioned that one! Pray we are safe, and that I am nice! I am looking forward to the smores!

I am evaluating the home school stuff we are using. I need to spend more time in the day doing school rather than "planning" school! I was talking to my two best friends, who also home school, and it is funny the weaknesses we each have are so different. And majorly different than what we thought we would have. I do so enjoy it and as we face a new place to live it gives me much comfort to know that school is one area we won't have to worry about. It will be nice to go anywhere, literally, and be able to take school with us! That is one of the blessings in it! There are many more. Tomorrow my goal is to start with Bible, then have a good breakfast, then do the reading parts and some math. Then later in the day, before I start supper read some from "History for Little Pilgrims". I really am learning a lot from the book too. Mainly we just need to be more consistent. I think it will help hearts and minds around here!!

Well I better run...
E

2008-10-06T16:57:00.004-05:00

So thank you to C for giving my blog a new look!

We have a lot going on here. Some whoa where did that come from stuff. Like a move. We were thinking we may be moving, were then told, no not for a while...now we are moving. To where we are not sure...we do know that the Lord has gone ahead of us...has chosen the path, and place. We just have to trust. I do know we have some crazy places we may move, as in places we never imagined this family living. Some great for many reasons and then not great for many reasons too. So please pray for us as we wait...wait for the Lord, wait for the Air Force and Pray that we will feel and find peace. And thank you to you know who for listening and listening....oh and calling and listening....Well we will update you when we know...maybe more in the mean time but for now...we wait...

Love, E

2008-09-30T13:55:00.004-05:00

Overheard while miss Meri Ellis was taking piano this morning...

"Just play the song one more time Mrs. Logan and I will dance for you again!"

I do believe she thinks I have hired her own private musician to come and play so she can dance!! The girl is funny!!

She and Dale learned about quarter notes today and they both did great.

But she likes to dance more than play the piano!!

E

2008-09-28T19:56:00.002-05:00

He earned his vest! YAY Dale! He memorized his first verse, and I love his version better than NIV! It is
John 3:16
For God loved the world so so much that he sent His one and only Son, that WHOEVER believes Him will not PERISH but will have EVERLASTING, forever and ever LIFE.
John 3:16
Notice we use the reference at the beginning and end like any good Nav would!!

Love, E

2008-09-28T19:44:00.004-05:00

SO BIG news around here. Dale is reading. I am so excited to see him "getting it"! We still have a long way to go, don't we all, but he is blending and can read the simple first readers. And guess who he picks to read to? Merideth! And she is a willing participant. Wow, my friend said that this would be so rewarding and it is!

On another note...see Merideth...SUCKING her fingers! Pray we can find a way to help her quit! While it was sweet and cute about 2 years ago...it it time to stop! She does only do it when really tired or in a "new" situation and is nervous.

Love both these babies and love these milestones!! YAY DALE!!

Love, E

2008-09-24T23:02:00.003-05:00

I got the new Creative Needle tonight and I cannot wait to sew. I wish someone lived closer and we could sew and watch a movie....

I also found a section with homeschool magazines! YAY! I will pass it on when done...

I better go to bed even though I want to call a certain friend that is just finishing lunch! Love you!!

E

2008-09-24T16:48:00.006-05:00

Take the Quiz here!

I really enjoy Jane Austen. I really really love the movies. Sad I know especially since I have a degree in Literature. Pride and Prejudiced is my favorite. I really enjoy watching it while sewing with a certain friend!
Is this quiz accurate? I took one once about "which friend I am", well, it turns out I am Ross!??

Have a great day!

2008-09-22T20:25:00.004-05:00

Just some fun photos from Ice Cream tonight. the kids are great. We are enjoying school. Almost to the reading part WOW! Anyway this will be short I need to lesson plan!!

2008-09-18T20:17:00.007-05:00

To the far left are the proud parents of a precious baby boy. Next to Darrell and Krista is a group photo of our small group, we were gathered around for a baptism. We have a great "family" small group that we get to meet with every week in our home. We have awesome leadership and the group has really bonded. It is so awesome to celebrate this joyful news with them...Below is an email Donna, who is part of leadership sent.

Hey Family Group!!
Tonight we are THRILLED to let you know we have a new member!! Earlier today I received an email from Krista that they had gotten their approval letter for adoption through Christian Homes, and that the average wait would be 6-9 months, possibly sooner or later.. Then at 7 p.m. Elizabeth called me with the news that Darrell and Krista HAVE A LITTLE BOY. He was born Aug. 8th and they will be picking him up on Monday!!!!! He weighed 5 pounds 7 ounces at birth and now weighs 9 pounds, olive skin, and sandy-colored hair. Name is still pending....
Because of this wonderful news we are going to have a family group baby shower for them during our regular meeting time Sunday evening!!!! They will have selections at Target, but I am not sure how soon they will be registered. Duane and I ran to their house a few minutes ago to give them hugs and they weren't home, so they may have been at Target registering!!!!!!
Thank you God for blessing Darrell and Krista with this precious little boy!! Finally, the long, long wait is over!!!

See you all Sunday evening....
Duane and Donna

Kinda neat to have some GREAT news on here!!!

Here is a link to Krista's blog if you want to read more about them. She has not updated her blog yet, I think she may have a lot going on!!

http://www.fauveladoption.blogspot.com/

Love to all, E

2008-09-17T15:01:00.004-05:00

So not a whole lot going on here...Just some random thoughts.

Stephen and I were talking a few days ago about marriage. A friend of mine told me about a couple that once went to our church and how they are getting divorced. I cried. Literally. I think I surprised my friend. I know I surprised myself. It made me sad. Made me MAD. Made me wonder. Wonder why some christian marriages work...why some don't. So back to what Stephen and I were talking about. Statistically 49% of all marriages end in divorce and the rate is HIGHER in churches. Why? My friend S and I were talking about how it is a choice. A choice to stay, to love, to honor. Some days I DO NOT WANT TO. I don't want to stay, I don't want to love, I don't want to honor. And then I remember the promise and God's promise and I know I will. Because God is bigger than divorce or yucky marriages. He is so much bigger than that. It makes me sad and wonder what those people, and they seemed to have it together in a Godly sort of way, thought was so much bigger than all of that. By the way we are fine, Satan just likes to hang out here sometimes. We kicked him out by the way. Our marriage is Gods and it is going to honor Him.

Sorry if that was too honest for some of you...life is real around here.

Well I better take advantage of my kids snoring and get the two handed stuff done...E