Well Done, Josh!!!!

We celebrated my cousin, Josh's, graduation last night at my parents. I am so proud of him and happy that he has accomplished what he had set out to do. It makes me sad that he will go to wherever there is a job opening and we will miss him. I am praying that God will give him an awesome job in this area so we can keep him, even though he is probably wanting to move closer to home (Michigan), or closer to his girlfriend. In any case, I am proud of you, Josh, and so glad that you were able to finish up your schooling living with Mom and Dad so we could all get to know you.

BTW, Josh, we still haven't played a game of Scrabble yet. Are you up for the challenge?

Nelon's Concert at BBC, Port Orchard

About 10 years ago my friend Patti and I use to go to as many Southern Gospel concerts as we could. We would sometimes drive 3 hours and pay admission to hear some of the greatest music I have ever heard. Of all the groups we heard, we loved the Nelon's above all the rest. I wore out all their CD's and our Ladies Ensemble have sang many of their songs.

Since those days we have been blessed to have many of these same groups sing right here at our own home church. Including the Nelons, who were here about 4 years ago and then again last night. One of the highlights of the night was when they took requests. They tried to sing "Joy Bells" off one of their old albums for us and had the entire audience laughing as they mumbled through some of the forgotten lyrics and forgot who sang what part. It was fun to see that side of them, and I am hating that I didn't get that part of their performance on video.

I am looking forward to their next visit up to the Great Northwest so I can hear them again...until then I will be wearing out some more of their CD's.

"Lamb of God" a song of worship by the Nelon's

My Bucket List

Place an X by all the things you've done during your lifetime.

( ) Gone on a blind date
(x) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
(x) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
(x) Been to Florida
(x) Been to Hawaii
(x) Been on a plane
(x) Been lost
( ) Gone to Washington , DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Played cops and robbers
(x) Recently colored with crayons
(x) Sang Karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only
( ) Climbed to the top of a mountain
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(x) Made prank phone calls
( ) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(x) Lied about your weight
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) Danced in the rain
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( ) Got straight A's on a report card
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sunrise with someone
(x) Blown bubbles
(x) Gone ice-skating
(x) Gone to the movies
( ) Been deep sea fishing
(x) Driven across the United States
( ) Been in a hot air balloon
(x) Been sky diving
(x) Gone snowmobiling
( ) Lived in more than one country
(x) Laid outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets
(x) Seen a falling star and made a wish
(x) Enjoyed the beauty of Ole Faithful Geyser
( ) Seen the Statue of Liberty
(x) Ate dog food as a kid...or adult
(x) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
( ) Been to the Grand Canyon
( ) Won cash or prizes worth more than $1,000
( ) Been on a cruise
( ) Traveled by train
( ) Traveled by hitch-hiking
(x) Been horseback riding
( ) Ridden on a San Francisco Trolley
(x) Read a Bible from Genesis to Revelation
(x) Been to Disneyland or Disney World
(x) Truly believe in the power of prayer
( ) Been in a rain forest
(x) Seen whales in the ocean
( ) Been to Niagara Falls
( ) Ridden on an elephant
( ) Swam with dolphins

1. Any nickname? Ally, Al, Baby
2. How much do you love your jOB? very much! I have the 2 best bosses ever
3 Birthplace: Wayne, Michigan
4 In how many states have you lived? 3
5 Ever been to Africa ? nope
6. Ever eaten just cookies for dinner? guilty
7. Ever been on TV? yeah, the Glory Hour :)
8. Ever steal any traffic signs? nope
9. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4
10. Can you drive a standard shift car? yes
11. Favorite pie: mmm pumkin
12. Favorite number: 7
13. Favorite Movie: Mamma Mia
14. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
15 . Favorite dessert: ice cream
16. Favorite food? Indian
17. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
18. Favorite brand of body soap? Bath & Bodyworks
19. Favorite toothpaste? Crest Cool Mint Gel
20. Favorite smell? a baby after it's bath
21. Favorite vacation spot? so many, Texas, Disneyland, Hawaii
22. How do you relax? go to Joys and lay on her big bed while we play with our laptops or going down the street to Lindsey's for tea
23. How do you see yourself in 10 years? "Grandma"??? wow, I am getting old.
24. What was the name of your first pet? not sure, but the first one I remember is our dog Jiffy /aka: Jiffy Jenny Popcorn Hughes :)
25. What were you doing this time yesterday? running through Fred Meyers for the things on my grocery list

I TAG Lindsey and Shannon

Wrong Email Address

This one is priceless....A lesson to be learned from typing the wrong email address!!!!

A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier.
Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida onThursday, with his wife flying down the following day. The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address, and without realizing his error, sent the email.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister who was called home to glory following a heart attack.The widow decided to check her email expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she gasped and fainted. The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:

To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: October 16, 2005

I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here nowand you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in. I've seen that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then!!!! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.


P. S. Sure is hot down here!!!!

Friday vs. Monday

A Little On the Short Side

I haven't had a real good haircut in over a year. I miss leaving the salon with that excited feeling you get when your hair just looks stinkn' adorable.

After I left the salon today I took a good long look in my car mirror. My hair has never been this short. I have sideburns! It was styled kinda like an old lady would wear it with the sideburns styled down my cheeks and the rest of my hair set perfectly without a hair out of place. It did not look like my usual messy, cutesy, flipped all over hairstyle. I called Joy and boo-hooed about it and then went home to see what I could do with it.

After washing it and starting over it isn't as bad as I had thought. It's still a little too short and the sideburns break my heart, but its only hair, right? It will grow back...but the sideburns will take longer. Maybe I can go as Elvis at the next costume party.

I didn't want to, but I'm glad that I did.

Yay, Dustin arrived safely from China on Friday afternoon. His sister Tiffany had called the day earlier to let me know that their cousin Billy, who they hadn't seen in about 25 years, was going to be in Seattle that weekend. They all wanted to get together for dinner Saturday night and to my surprise Dustin said he wanted to go no matter how jet lagged he was. I really didn't plan on going since I have been battling this nasty cold since last Tuesday, but Dustin said that he really wanted me to come with him and he was very persuasive. I decided to get out of bed, shower, and dope myself up on DayQuil so I could go. THEN I got a call from Tiffany saying that we would all meet at the Crab Pot in Seattle at 5:30. Ummmm...the Crab Pot??? I have seen pictures of people eating at that place and even the pictures turned my stomach. I am not a seafood lover, so the thought of them dumping a bucket of water creatures right onto the table where I had to eat just didn't sound very appetizing. I tried to back out of going but Dustin said I was being a baby...which I was, but I didn't feel good and...seafood...Ewe!! I reluctantly put a smile on my face and decided to go.

The weather was absolutely beautiful. Mt. Rainer looked close enough to touch! We were even able to see a beautiful sunset from the car. We took the back roads through Seattle so that he could show me K2 Corp, his place of business, as well as George Town, which I have never seen before. As you can see, I got to play with my camera too. : )

Dinner was not as bad as I had expected. I focused on the conversation rather than the seafood medley of crab legs, oysters, clams, and these big shrimp things with antenna's and eyes that covered our table. It was nice to meet his cousin, as well as catch up with other family that we hadn't seen in a long time.

It was a memorable night and I am grateful that I was a part of it, seafood and all.

Next time I vote we go to The Cheesecake Factory!

Now That's A Pizza!!!

The kids and I went over to my sister Joy's house Sunday night after church. Since there was no school on Monday we decided it was the perfect opportunity for a slumber party. She ordered a pizza while I ran home to pack a few things and grab the doggies. I was starving and when we got there her kids were in the livingroom with a pile of pizza on their plates. My heart sunk, as I thought there wouldn't be enough for the rest of us...that is, until I walked into the dining room and saw this gargantuan pizza sitting on the table. (yes, that is another BIG word for me but it decribes this pizza to a "T" and I have been waiting for an opportunity to use it..haha). In all my days I have never seen a pizza that size. Joy said that they had to tilt the box to get it in the front door. Awesome!!! ...and Oh, so yummy!

Seabeck Party Size Pizza...try it, you'll like it.

A Letter From Your "self"

We all struggle with that old "SELF" that tries to dominate our lives. If you are a Christian you have to understand that being a Christian not only means your sins are forgiven and you're on your way to Heaven......it also calls for a crucifixion of the old "SELF-LIFE". We are called to give all rights over to the indwelling Christ. Here's a letter explaining how the old "SELF" manifests itself:

Hello,
I am your "SELF." Allow me to introduce myself. I have been here since you were born. I am "SELF"ish. I am hurt when I am not recognized. I am easily offended. I expect the world to bow down and make me happy.
If you disappoint me I'll be sure to let you know. If I do something nice for you and you don't talk about me I may never help you again. If I'm not applauded for my spirituality I'll go somewhere where people will notice how spiritual I am. When I walk into a room I want to be noticed and I pay very close attention as to who admires me.
I'm not content to perform little "hidden" works for God. No, I want the BIG, showy, SELF-gratifying, SELF-glorifying deeds! Give me something to do where people will SEE how much of a servant I am.
Don't expect me to dress plain, talk simple, live average or love to remain unknown. I need the spotlight. Give me fancy dress, a lot of talk about myself, the newest of material things and let me hear my name being praised on the lips of others.
Oh don't get me wrong....I'm very religious. I make sure others know about my wonderful experiences and how long I spend with God. I even leave my Bible open where others can see it so they can see which verses I have underlined and highlighted.
I am doing so well at this Christian business. It's a shame others haven't "caught-up" with me yet.
And don't dare cross me. If you think you can offend me and get by with it you're sadly mistaken! I'll show you real fast who's the boss in this temple! I know that Jesus was reviled and never opened His mouth....but not me! I'm "SELF"ish! Not only will you hear about it but everyone else will too!
I demand your attention. I insist on having my way. I am number one. I am god. I own what I own and don't even think that I'll give it away. It's mine.
So just remember, you'd better not ignore me. Bow to me and recognize me. Feed my ego. Be perfect. No offenses allowed. Praise me. Talk about me. Tell others how wonderful I am. Serve me. Adore me. And never tell me I'm wrong. There's no use arguing with me because I have to win every time.
Sincerely,
Your self

...and that's how the fight started!

My wife walked into the den & asked "What's on the TV?" I replied "Dust". And that's how the fight started.....


A woman is standing, looking in the bedroom mirror. She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.' The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's near perfect.' And that's how the fight started.....


My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.. She said, 'I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 200 in about 3 seconds.' I bought her a scale. And that's how the fight started.....


I asked my wife, 'Where do you want to go for our anniversary?' It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation. 'Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!' she said. So I suggested, 'How about the kitchen?' And that's how the fight started....

One year, a husband decided to buy his mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift. The next year, he didn't buy her a gift. When she asked him why, he replied, "Well, you still haven't used the gift I bought you last year!" And that's how the fight started.....


My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table. My wife asked, 'Do you know her?' 'Yes,' I sighed, 'She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up back in college, and I hear she hasn't been sober since.' 'Wow!' says my wife. 'Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?' And that's how the fight started.....


I rear-ended a car this morning. So, there we were alongside the road and slowly the other driver got out of his car.. You know how sometimes you just get so stressed and little things just seem funny? Yeah, well I couldn't believe it. He was a DWARF!!! He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and shouted, 'I AM NOT HAPPY!!!' So, I looked down at him and said, 'Well, then which one are you?' And that's how the fight started.....


I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order first. 'I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please.' He said, 'Aren't you worried about the mad cow?' 'Nah, she can order for herself.' And that's how the fight started.....

Real MOMS

MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...

It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The NELONS in Concert

We are excited about having the Nelons in concert at Bible Baptist on Thursday night, February 26th (7:00). You don't want to miss it!!!

The Nelons have been one of my favorite groups for many years now. Their songs make me love Jesus more and put a longing in my heart for heaven.

We had the Nelons at our church about four years ago, and they were such a blessing. They have been serving the Lord as Worship Leaders at the Grace Baptist Church in Powder Springs, GA for the last three years but have decided to go back on the road from time to time.
The music of the Nelons is uplifting and honoring to the Lord. They have a great legacy in Gospel music dating back to the 1960’s (as the Rex Nelon Singers). They have received six DOVE Awards, three GRAMMY nominations.
Please accept this invitation to a great evening of inspirational music with this fine family group of Gospel singers. Bring a friend with you!
If you’d like more information, please contact Bible Baptist Church 360-876-0602.

Visit the Nelons web-site for samples of their music (http://www.thenelons.com/).

Lifehouse "Everything" Skit

A sweet friend sent me this link this morning. It brought me to tears. What an amazing God we serve...He is everything that we need.

Snow...it's so beautiful.

I was so excited to wake up and glance out the window to see the white flakes gently falling. I don't know why I love the snow so much since it can be such a inconvenience at times. With all that we miss out on when we get snowed in for a day or two, the benefits of staying at home all cozy with our loved ones far out-weigh the disadvantages.

...okay, no joke, the power went out just as I finished that last sentence. haha! The timing couldn't have been more perfect. "...all cozy with our loved ones..."??? umm, not quite so cozy after that.

After a long afternoon nap I woke to find the power still out and the kids whining that they were hungry and bored. I loaded the kids and the dogs in the car and headed to Auntie Joy where it was warm..(and cozy).

Here's a picture of the tree in my front yard. I love how it looks with little snow clusters on the bare branches. I messed around with it in photoshop since I am trying to learn all that stuff.

Quilt of Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

The Original S.U.V.

As our nation's Big 3 auto manufacturers face bankruptcy, we must go back to the old time basics.

Americans will soon need to once again embrace the original Sport Utility Vehicle!!

Waiting

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”―2 Thess. 3:5


Waiting
Waiting
We hate to wait.
We get bored quickly
“antsy”
Uncomfortable
Waiting

Think about the prophets of old who knew Messiah was coming
So they waited
And waited
And waited

Most of them died without ever seeing their Savior with their eyes, just their hearts

Think about those who were alive when Jesus was born
Waiting
Then a baby came, a baby that fulfilled all of the prophecies they have been taught
Waiting
Then a baby comes that is the One they have been waiting for
And most of them refused to believe.
They would rather wait
And they died without believing even though they had saw Him

Today people are still waiting
Waiting for someone to make them feel good
Waiting on someone to solve all their problems
Waiting for someone who cares
Waiting for a savior
Every day they see Jesus in the people they come across
Every day they see the evidence of His creation
Every day Jesus calls out to them
And they wait
And wait.
And one day they too may die without ever believing in the One they see every day
Because they would rather wait than believe.

Christians wait too
We wait for a better time to tell someone about Jesus
We wait for a more convenient time
We wait for the next revival service
We wait until granny is in town
We wait for the Pastor to preach the right sermon
We wait till we are comfortable
We wait until we know enough
We wait for a safer location
We wait
We wait and our friends, neighbors and family members die eternally because we waited

Satan is waiting too.
He is waiting for a lost sinners time to expire
He is waiting for hells population to go up one more
He waits for more souls to die.
Satan is busy while he waits
He is busy telling lost people there is plenty of time
He is busy convincing Christians that there is enough time to wait.
He is waiting for a victory, as small as it may be

Jesus is waiting
He is waiting for lost folks to believe
He is waiting for His children to be faithful
He is waiting for Christians to actually follow Him
Jesus is waiting for faithful, obedient people to do what they should

Is Jesus waiting on you?

A Love Story

The love story of Ralph and Edna:

Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have. Ralph and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospital swimming pool. Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end. He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed there. Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled him out. When the Head Nurse Director became aware of Edna's heroic act she immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, as she now considered her to be mentally stable.
When she went to tell Edna the news she said, 'Edna, I have good news and bad news. The good news is you're being discharged, since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of the person you love. I have concluded that your act displays sound mindedness. The bad news is, Ralph hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead.'
Edna replied, 'He didn't hang himself, I put him there to dry. How soon can I go home?'

Grape Seeds

Good health information on the value of “Grape Seed” from “The Week” magazine (Feb. 6, 2009, p. 22).

Grape seed extract holds promise as a potent anti-cancer agent, a new study has found. University of Kentucky researchers found that natural substances called proanthocyanidins found in grape seeds killed 76 percent of leukemia cells within one day without damaging healthy cells. The extract caused the cancer cells “to commit suicide,” said researcher Xianglin Shi. Previous laboratory studies found that grape seed extract also protected against breast, prostate, and skin cancer by causing the cancer cells to die. “What everyone seeks is an agent that has an effect on cancer cells but leaves normal cells alone,” said Shi. “Grape seed extract fits into this category.”

http://www.theweek.com/article/index/92736/Health_038_Science

I will definetly be buying grapes for my family on a regular basis.

God Is In Control

If you take a good look at the picture you can see where this driver broke through the guardrail, on the right side of the culvert, where the people are standing on the road, pointing. The pick-up was traveling about 75 mph from right to left when it crashed through the guardrail. It flipped end-over-end, bounced off and across the culvert outlet and landed right side up on the left side of the culvert, facing the opposite direction from which the driver was traveling. The 22-year-old driver and his 18-year-old passenger were unhurt except for minor cuts and bruises.

Just outside Flagstaff , AZ on U.S. Hwy 100. Now look at the second picture below...

If these guys didn't believe in GOD before, do you suppose they believe now? Let this be a reminder to all of us, GOD is in control!

And the Dance World continues...

Well, we all took a deep sigh of relief when Grace got back from Florida after performing twice in the UDA Dance Team Championships. Before Nationals she was at dance practice 3 afternoons a week as well as many Saturdays since way back in June. Now the Cedar Heights Dance Team is over for the year.

We thought it would be nice to have Grace home in the afternoons again, but she on the other hand, loved being involved in a sport that kept her physically fit and motivated to keep her grades up. She suggested "wrestling" last week. My mouth dropped open. "How could you go from being a graceful dancer to rolling on the floor and fighting?" Dustin thought it would be okay as long as she only wrestled with girls but I was against the idea from the start. No wrestling for my little girl who is on her way to becoming a lady.

Then...the most exciting thing happened. She was asked to be on the All Star "Elite" dance team for our area. This would mean more practices for her and sacrifices on our part, as well as another trip to Florida for WORLDS in April. She has promised to keep her grades up (and rub Dustin's feet any time he wants) if we let her join the team. After discussing some things, Dustin and I agreed that this was something that we wanted her to do. I like having something to pre-occupy her time, it keeps her too busy to get into any trouble.

Grace puts her heart and soul into her dancing and it shows. I am a very proud mommy.

My Little Flower Baby

I found this old photo of Grace and David as I was going through some things over the weekend. I have always loved it, although Dustin didn't like the fact that I dressed his "boy" as a flower. The thought behind it was just the fact that pouring our love onto a baby is a big part of how healthy they grow physically and spiritually.

There is another shot of this somewhere that I liked better. It had the two little ones looking at each other and smiling. I will have to dig around some more to find it.

I hope that someone showers you with love today!