Wednesday, July 30, 2008
So much going on...
~ God has been providing in incredible ways since I stepped out in faith a few months ago!
~We got a new puppy and the boys named her Shadow. She's a yorkie-poo and is mostly black with a little bit of brown. She's very cute and fits in nicely around here.
~ The boys I babysit are very allergic to dogs so looks like she might be leaving us sooner than we expected!
~ My Grandpa has been very sick and several of his organs are shutting down. Please pray!
~ Went to High School Summer camp with church and had a blast. Did white water rafting... pictures to come! My Hubby, Mom and Sister all did wonderful with the kids while I was gone. It was the longest Jeff and I have been apart in our 8 1/2 years of married life.
~ Celebrated Josh's 7th birthday. How in the world do I have a 7 year old already??
~ Getting ready for Josh to start 2nd grade next week. School already??
So there will be lots of pictures coming soon but I wanted everyone to know I was fine and enjoying life! Can't wait to catch up with all of you soon.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Christmas in July
T.J. Beary Tales for $15 (originally $50)
Magnetics Cars $1.98 (originally $14.98)
Dora Leapster Game $3.98 (originally $29)
Another magnetics set $3.98 (originally $30)
Stocking stuffers from .40 - $1.98
It was incredible and I'm already getting ready for Christmas! If you live nearby you should go check it out and see what they have!!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
In My Eyes...
So the other day I left a comment, like I always do and she replied to it. She is such a crack up and I love hearing her take on life. Anyway, I mentioned that I had wanted to call but always chickened out. I got an email back saying "Check your cell phone you big dummy!" I laughed so hard when I read that and then quickly checked my messages. She left one saying "Stace it's me Shalee, quit chickening out and call me you big dummy!" Then I couldn't stop laughing.
I picked up the phone and called her. She was so easy to talk to and asked about my family. We had a great time talking for about 20 minutes. It was wonderful to actually hear her voice! I'm so glad we finally made it a priority to chat. I know it won't be the last time! Thanks Shalee for making me step out and say hello :o)
Speaking of blogging friends, my friend Beth has been trying to blog for a while now. She always posts stuff and then gets frustrated and takes a break. Yesterday I went to her house to help her get it all set up and ready. So stop by and say hi to Beth when you get a chance!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
You. Will. Get. Wet.
So I went with a great attitude and didn't even care when they broke water balloons on top of my head or down my pants. They thought I was awesome for joining in and I had a blast! It was a win, win situation.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Unexpected blessings
Little did I know that God had a plan. As I walked into the lobby I ran into an old friend, Tabby. I was in Kindergarten through 6th grade with this girl. We've seen each other a handful of times since. As we stood and talked about our lives we realized we had quite a bit in common. In fact, she has two little girls that are close in age to Josh and Jacob. I was able to invite her to church and she seemed very excited. I'm glad God put me there at that exact moment to reunite with an old friend and to possibly see Him work through her life.
Thank you Lord that your timing is perfect! If Jacob would have been well I might not have had the chance to show your love to an old friend.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The backseat of life
"Are you going to tell me where we're going?"
"How long will it take?"
"Are we there yet?"
"Where are we going? Just tell me!"
It got me thinking about how many times I'm riding along in life with God and I'm bugging him about the plans He has for me. I know I question His plans and authority in my life. I say I completely trust Him for the things He is doing but I nag Him about what's next or when we'll get there.
Today I want to start fresh and not question Him. I want to hang on and enjoy the ride, knowing that eventually He will reveal the surprise for my life. I want to trust that there is a reason He's not telling me exactly what's around the corner!
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to give you hope and a bright future. Jeremiah 29:11.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
GO Missions Trip 2008

We just got back from the GO missions trip with our church. What an amazing 8 days we had. God was definitely there and we felt it each day. I'm blown away by the amount of talent these students have. The Lord has given them some wonderful gifts to use for Him. There were several times Jeff and I just sat back and watched them lead. We saw so many of them grow during the 10 weeks of training leading up to the trip but it's incredible the growth they actually have while on the trip.
We are so proud of each of them. Darius had to switch us to another team at the last minute and that was hard. However, we knew God had a plan in doing this and trusted Him to lead. It was weird not being with the team we had all through the 10 weeks of training but it worked out great. They were so excepting of us and were glad to have us as leaders. We kept teasing our old team that they were in our hearts and we missed them. I think it all worked out fine because we still got to hang out each day when we got back to the school.
I guess I should tell you a little bit about the trip itself... We took off around 7:30 on Saturday the 7th. The trip was going fine until the students decided we needed to stop every 1 or so to pee. By about the 4th stop Darius had had enough. We stopped and he had a talk with everyone and then we were back on the road with scheduled stops only. The first night we showed up and only had one room for all of us. Not the ideal set up when you have guys and girls but we made due. The following night another room opened up. The girls moved to the new room and left the gym to the guys.
Up in the girl's room we had lots of fun at night. We giggled, laughed, talked and even wrestled a couple of times. In the morning we all got back together and did a devotion. I had such a great time leading the devotions each morning. The first morning was tough because everyone wasn't sure about opening up but after that we had some really great conversations. I'm so glad Darius asked me to lead that. I'm already coming up with some great ideas to use next year!
Each evening we would eat breakfast, have quiet time, pray, go over what God did in our VBS for the day and then Darius would teach on something God had laid on his heart. During the time between "Holy Huddle" and "lights out" we had so much fun. We played basketball, boxed, blogged, made cards, play card games or just hung out. These students know how to have fun! One night the guys even put on a "glow stick show" for us girls.
It wasn't your typical camp food and I have to give a big thanks to Mark and Lynne! We had pot roast, baked ranch chicken, spaghetti, tacos and so much more. It was so yummy!
Friday, June 06, 2008
He's a winner in my book...
I had more pictures I wanted to post but they had the school name on them and I know that's not a smart idea. So you'll just have to use your imaginations :o)
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
He's done it again...
Here's a list of some things I love about you:
1. There's no one else like you.
2. You have a great sense of humor.
3. You have an incredible memory.
4. Your mad bargain hunting skills
5. You are very generous.
6. You take care of our home and kids
7. You are level-headed
8. You're usually right.
9. You're a great mother for our boys.
10. You are a great cook.
11. You try to look for the positive in most situations
12. You were there for me when my mom got sick
13. Serving with you at church / high school ministry
14. Your smile
15. How you slyly get me to rub your back
16. You chose me and no one else
Love you. Have a great day.
Isn't that just the sweetest thing a husband could do??
Saturday, May 31, 2008
So I am...
Let me know who you are!!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Four jobs I’ve had:
1. Staples (2 different ones)
2. Wee Learner's Preschool
3. Ran my own day care (in home)
4. Avon
Four movies I’ve watched more than once: (I could name way more than 4)
1. 50 First Dates
2. Ms. Congeniality
3. While You Were Sleeping
4. Night at the Museum
Four places I’ve lived:
1. Phoenix, AZ
2. Goodyear, AZ
3.
4.
Four TV shows I watch:
1. CSI original, NY & Miami
2. American Idol
3. House
4. ER
Four places I’ve been:
1. California
2. South Dakota (as far as I've been)
3. Nebraska
4. Oklahoma
Four people who email me regularly:
1. My Mom
2. Jeff
3. Julie
4. Tina
Four of my favorite foods:
1. Anything Mexican
2. Orange chicken and rice
3. Spaghetti
4. Pizza
Four places I would love to visit:
1. Indonesia
2. Chicago
3. Hawaii
4. New York
Four things I’m looking forward to in the coming year:
1. Vacation with the family
2. Going on the GO trip with the youth
3. God's continued blessing in our lives
4. Watching my kids turn 1, 4 and 7!
Four friends I’m tagging:
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Life's about to get busy
I'm planning a shower for my friend Julie on the 30th. She is adopting two little ones from Ethiopia. God is truly doing amazing things through her and her family this year! I'm so proud of her and I can't wait to meet these two beautiful children!
We're also planning Jake's first birthday party for May 31st. It's not going to be anything big, just cake and ice cream and maybe a few munchies. He's too young to remember it all anyway.
Then Josh's last day of school is the 4th. He's pretty excited about that!
We leave for the GO missions trip at our church on the 7th and return the 14th. It will be lots of fun and I can't wait to see how God works in all of our lives while we're gone. It's been an amazing journey as we prepare each week. I can only imagine what the actual trip will hold!
Jacob will be having tubes put in on the 19th. I'm nervous but we did it with Seth already so it shouldn't be too scary for me. It's such a quick operation and I know it will help so much. He's already had six ear infections since January. Poor thing.
Then on the 19th we have a wedding to attend for a sweet couple at church.
Anyway, it looks like it's going to be a full calendar. I bet it's all going to fly by as time seems to do these days. I will try and get pictures for each event and share them with you all :o)
Monday, May 12, 2008
First Little Shiner
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
I also know she wouldn't be the woman and mother she is today if she didn't have the influence of her Mother. What another great example of a Christian woman. My Grandma has such a kind and gentle spirit. She can find the good in anyone or anything.
I'm am so blessed to be touched by both of these incredible women. I love them and appreciate them more than I could ever say. Life just wouldn't be the same without them!
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
That was random...
The other night I had to laugh as I overheard Jeff walk into the boy's room and say "Just FYI guys, tomorrow we're going to do such and such." The boys said "What's an FYI?" Later I asked him if maybe he had been spending too much time at work :o)
Today my Mom is working on something really cool that I will eventually be able to talk about. Until then, I'm praying that she has the courage to get through it! I love you Mom!!
My friend Julie's dog died last week and I'm so glad I was able to go with her to the vet. I can't imagine if she had to do it alone. Poor thing was so upset and I think the last three weeks or so had just caught up with her. Love you Julie and I'm sorry you had to go through that!
My friend Patti is so great! She is always helping out when I need her... watching the kids and helping pick up Josh from school. I was telling my Mom just yesterday that she is actually like a big sister to me sometimes. I never thought I really needed one until she came along. I'm so thankful that God brought us together!!
I miss my sister in law, Tina so much. I've really been struggling lately with her being gone. I'm not sure why it's not getting easier. She's doing what God has called her to do and I'm so proud of her. What an awesome example of following God's will in your life!!
I'm so thankful that my sister is up and walking again. It's been great to see her so encouraged lately. God truly blessed me when He placed her in my life!
So it really was random but I got some things out of my head and off my heart. Thanks for listening!!
Friday, May 02, 2008
Stepping Stones of Life
This past Wednesday night we talked about the stepping stones of life. My Mom had gotten a basket full of small stones and asked us each to write significant milestones in our lives along with the dates. It was such an awesome time of sharing and growing together as a group! I'm so blessed to have each of these women in my life!
I wanted to share with you some of the milestones, good or bad, that have helped shape me to be the woman I am today...
1981 ~ Born to the best parents ever
1982 ~ Became a big sister
1986 ~ Accepted Christ as my Savior
1987 ~ Baptized on my 6th birthday by my Grandpa
1983 ~ Started Jr. High... very rough time
1997 ~ Got my first job
1998 ~ Attempted rape by my cousin
1999 ~ Graduated High School
2000 ~ Became an aunt for the 1st time
2000 ~ Married Jeff and gained a wonderful sister in law, Tina
2001 ~ Jeff has a seizure while I was 5 months pregnant w/ Josh
2001 ~ Mother in law Peggie finds breast cancer
2001 ~ Auntie again... #2
2001 ~ Josh was born
2001 ~ Got counseling and fought back!
2001 ~ Met my friend Julie
2003 ~ Auntie again... #3
2004 ~ Seth was born
2004 ~ Auntie again... #4
2004 ~ My sister got sick, left home and we didn't contact us for 5 months
2004 ~ MIL, Peggie has emergency brain surgery to remove tumor
2007 ~ My BIL and SIL leave for South East Asia... hard to say goodbye!
2007 ~ Jacob was born
2007 ~ My Mom found breast cancer
2007 ~ Moved positions in my church preschool area
2007 ~ My MIL passed away
2008 ~ Step down from preschool at church and start working with High School
Thursday, May 01, 2008
It's Shaping Up... *Updated*
And that was all before 8 this morning...
Oh the joys of motherhood, it's a beautiful thing I tell ya!
* * Updated * *
Just keeping everyone informed because I know you all want to know how my day is going :o)
Josh has "tossed his cookies" 7 more times. Jacob had another poopy diaper... of the explosive nature! Seth slipped in Josh's "cookies" that I didn't know about and is now in the tub. I finally got a shower with about 2 minutes of peace and quiet... Hallelujah!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Be sure your dirty dishes will find you out
So have you ever hidden dirty dishes as a desperate measure?






