Nov. 17, 2008 - Surprise -- Above Rubies Retreat

I could not mention this before as Princess and I decided to surprise my friend Nicole and her daughter and show up at the retreat.  And that we did.  It was so fun!

I struggled with wanting to go to the Above Rubies retreat in Arkansas this year.  Oh it wasn't that I didn't want to go.  I didn't want to spend the money involved to get there,(even though Shane was not concerned)  nor did I want to spend 6 + hours in the car driving there.  But alas, Princess and I ended up making the trip afterall.  And it was well worth it! 

So Vange spoke this year for the first time in 2 years.  WOW!  She is like my Bubba and Sweet Cheeks together on steroids, jumping up and around all over the place... telling us what we needed to hear in no uncertain terms.  She talked to us about not belly-aching about motherhood!  And about Discipline. I bought her teaching set and can't wait to listen.  I also purchased Serene and Pearls newest CD, about marriage.  It's incredible... wonderful music to encourage us as wives to our husbands.  I was also able to get Nancy's study guide on the family meal table.  I have wanted for so long, Shane told be before I left to get it, so I did. 

Nancy spoke about us mothers being the Shepherdesses of our flock.  She had 13 points she covered and I must say that a little of each point touched me.  I can't say that one particularly grabbed me.  Maybe after I go back and review my notes something will.  The fellowship was wonderful and I was able to renew aquaintances and made new friends.  I have a feeling that some of the people I met will become great long distance friends (like Nicole). 

This was a weekend of confirmation for me:

Because Vange spoke we didn't have a time of testimony yesterday morning, but instead broke down to groups of 3-4 and prayed for one another... was that INCREDIBLE!  I was with 2 other ladies that were definately filled with the Spirit and Shabba spoke an encouraging Word of the Lord over me that I needed to hear.  Honestly, that was probably the most encouraging to me of the weekend. 

Through Christ, I am adequate in His Spirit to mother my children.  Shabba spoke the verse "Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord" I claim that verse for myself.  And I fully admit that I have been trying to do this on my own as of late.  Oh Lord Jesus let me rest in you to mother my children as you desire for me! 

Shabba also spoke the Word of truth saying that I am especially blessed as an adoptive mother.  You see sometimes I feel less than adequate because I haven't birthed my children in my womb.  I think of the curse of the barren woman and the Evil one begins to speak to me.  That is the one thing that bothers me at the AR retreats.  There is much emphasis put on bearing children in YOUR womb... it is especially hurtful to hear, "Wow, many times when you're adopting God blesses the womb, maybe you'll get pregnant too." (that was spoken to someone else this weekend, not to me, but I cringed as I thought of the curse that was spoken to this first time adoptive mother). 

Adoptive children are blessings too!  And quite honestly it takes just as much love or more to bring a child into your home that you have no earthly ties to and make them as your own. 

I am not a second class citizen because God has chosen to not bless my womb, but he has chosen to bless my heart--as that is where my children are born... This is the path God has chosen for me.  And I am proud to follow that calling for my life.

We also spoke to a friend about an opportunity we have been given that is in similar shoes.  God used her to confirm that we are doing the right thing.  So look for some exciting news in the near future (don't you just love that I'm leaving you hanging?????)

Psalmody braided Princess's hair for her (look for a picture soon) and Princess decided she doesn't like having a cold head, but she LOVES the updo.  She was almost giddy the entire weekend.  So fun to see her getting so excited over hearing Nancy and Vange's teaching, and Serene, Pearl and Meadow's singing, and fellowshipping with young girls and older women... praise God for his provision!  We are blessed!   

Nov. 14, 2008 - U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child

Apparently the attorneys at HSLDA think that this horrible "treaty" will make another appearance with Obama in office.  They have recently sent out information about it again after a long hiatus. 

Have you seen it?  If you haven't you need to right now.  Although some of it may sound good on the surface, it destroys any rights a parent has over their children of any age. 

Well on our local support groups email loop today was a response to HSLDA's warning from an Obama supporter.  Yikes!  Unfortunately, she didn't appear to have a clue as to the damage this little document could do. Not only in education, but just about any realm of parental authority. 

 I believe the article in question as far as being a threat to our home educating our children is Article 28 a.

a) Make primary education compulsory and available free to all

So I wrote her privately and explained.  I thought it might be good to post here for any thinking that this document would be a good thing.

Nov. 10, 2008 - It Took 12 Years...

but we finally made our first trip to the ER. 

The children were outside yesterday afternoon getting some energy out. (And it's only November).  Sweet Cheeks got a hold of a mushroom in the yard. Bubba came running in to tell us.  Shane called poison control and they recommended the ER.  We knew that if she swallowed any at all it wasn't more than 1/4 teaspoon because Princess got to her right away and dug it out.  But we also didn't want to take any chances. 

Shane and Princess took Sweet Cheeks, while I stayed home with the boys.  Princess went and picked some of the mushroom and put it in a paper bag.  That's instructions from poison control, no plastic. 

I was sorting clothes and making a good dent in it, and their room was a mess, so it made sense for Shane to take her-- on that front, I got it all done in one day and no boxes of clothes are sitting on their floor for weeks at a time--yippee!. 

I also called our family doctor (gotta love him) and he recommended ER unless we could confirm that it was a Morel.  We're not very mushroom savvy, but we know it wasn't a Morel. 

Sweet Cheeks bounced her way all over the ER.  She was so active that Shane wasn't able to do anything but watch her, eventhough he had taken his laptop.  She never acted sick or anything.  The ER doctor apparently spent about an hour on the internet researching and never found the exact mushroom,  he also researched the top 30 poisonous mushrooms and this one didn't look like any of them.   (I'm thinking I could have done that at home and saved an ER visit).  But in this situation, I'd much rather be safe than sorry and it could have been a dangerous mushroom and made her very ill, or caused her kidney's to fail.   Especially since she can't really tell us that she didn't swallow any. 

ER doctor, gave us instructions to keep an eye on her for the next couple of days, if her urine becomes bright yellow or she is producing less or more than she usually does, bring her back or to our Dr.  

Shane was only gone about 3 hours.  And we were even able to go on with our usual Sunday evening ritual, even though it was a little later than usual.  Something fun to eat (in this case smoked ribs and fries) and a DVD  "Ben Stein's Expelled".  Which we had not seen yet. 

So that's it.  Our first trip to the ER.  Actually with Bubba in our house, I'm very surprised it took 12 years.  I expected it much sooner

Nov. 5, 2008 - 2 Years ago Today

I know this is my 3rd post today, but I could not let today go by without mentioning that 2 years ago today Sweet Cheeks came home from Liberia. 

Thinking back to how small she was and how sick she seemed to be.  How quiet she was... how tiny she looked as she was in the Snuggli on Shane's chest as he walked out of the secure area at the St. Louis airport.   Then that first smile she gave me in the middle of the night as she was drinking her bottle.   How we didn't really know what the future would hold for her.  

Well, we still don't know what the future will hold for her, but she is certainly not struggling any longer.  And her trachea seems to be growing straighter, she eats everything in sight.  Is extremely opinionated and just as happy as ever, most of the time.  I'm so thankful for 3 before her, because I'm not sure I could keep up with her if it were just her and me... even if I was 10 or 15 years younger than I am.   I'm still looking for the "off" button. Oh yea, that happens when I put her to bed.  She rolls over and is promply sleep in about 2 minutes. 

We are so very blessed!

Nov. 5, 2008 - Charity Auction for the Children

I don't know how many of my blogging friends might be interested in this, but I've got to post it anyway. 

I have written  about my sweet Uncle Chip before.  He was in the music industry until he retired several years ago.  He was a guitarist and producer for many years.  Most known for his picking with Elvis many, many years ago.  He also picked on Billy Swan's 1976 (I think) hit song "I Can Help" 

He was very good friends with Jerry Reed and in fact they grew up together in Atlanta, GA.   I remember Jerry in "Smokey and the Bandit" and the song "When You're Hot You're Hot" but there were other songs and movies he was known for.  Jerry died earlier this fall.  But Jerry and my Uncle had built a gas model airplane and Jerry wanted to see it auctioned off for charity.  The letter my Uncle sent the states that the proceeds will go to "Feed the Children"  

Here is the link for the Ebay auction    Go check it out and if you're into gas model airplanes... bid on it.  BTW,  The handsome guy on the left is my Uncle...

Nov. 5, 2008 - God is Still on the Throne

And Obama CAN'T "change" that! 

Disappointed yes!!!!!!  But our God is a Mightly God!!!!  The One and Only God and He not only allowed this, but it is in His ultimate plan! 

First, McCain was NOT a true conservative!  He voted with the democrats  many times-- including the recent bail out.  And, instead of confirming supreme court justices nominated by Bush that would have interpreted the constitution as it was written 200+ years ago.  One that pops to mind is Alito. 

 He is also not pro-life.  Don't care what National Right to Life says.  He supports government funding of embryotic stem cell research. 

Will babies die under Obama?  Unfortunately, yes.  Will more babies die under Obama than are already being murdered under the name of "choice"?  Maybe, but I'm not convinced that anything different would have happened had McCain won.  I doubt seriously that Roe V Wade would have been overturned during a McCain presidency.  And honestly, the farther we get away from the decision, the harder it will be to overturn it.

Hopefully, the Republican party has learned that it NEEDS us ultra-conservatives on it's side to win... I am convinced that is why Obama didn't win.    And quite honestly, it peeved me that McCain didn't think he needed us to win.  True, those of us voting 3rd party didn't add up to more than a couple of percentage points in any one state, but I still think we made a point.  

Of course I am also disappointed that many ended up voting for "the lesser of two evils."  Friends, that is not the way to vote.  Let's see, abortion in the first trimester? Or partial birth abortion?  Neither-- thank you very much.  You can't vote for the lesser of two evils and expect good to come from it.  In other words, two wrongs don't make a right! 

I truly don't see this outcome as a vote for Obama or "change."  I see this as a vote against Bush... very sad that people cannot overlook their pocketbooks for the good of the country though.  Especially considering that it was the Clinton administration that paved the way for Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac...

I am sad... I am sad that the networks accentuated the racial divide by showing us how "white voter voted."  Yes, at least one network broke their analysis down that way.   And we have our first "African American" president... unless he just got off the boat from Africa-- He ain't AA... I have a daughter that IS African-American, but her children will be Americans.  Obama is black, or brown, or even chocolate, but he's not AA any more than I am a "Polish-German, French, English, Etc... American."  I am of the firm opinion that giving titles such as this further divides our country racially... instead of remember it's melting pot roots.  Can't we just be just plain old "Americans" again?????

I am sad that those in the inner cities that are gonna get "more of the same" at the expense of those that actually work for a living.  I would like to see people working to encourage those in the inner city to work for a living instead of depending on "Robin Hood" for their money. 

If you think about it, that's what Obama wants for the majority of the country-- the inner cities is what big government has given us.  That and long lines at the DMV with sour faced employees that don't really give a cr*p whether you get your license or not.

I am sad for what we may have to face over the next 4 years at the expense of this country's stupidity to elect the most liberal senator ever to the White House. 

And I am sad that the government schools have indoctrinated our young people so they cannot think for themselves, they have been taught the liberal agenda for many years now, and it is coming to fruition... even those in the church.  This is the first election many of them would have voted that were born any time after 1986. 

I have a friend whose children decided to wear black yesterday to show mourning for the election and the probable outcome.  I thought about wearing black today... But you know what?  After this post, I think I'm going to wear red, or bright pink or something fun! 

Afterall, it is going to amazing to see God's plan unfold in the coming days ahead!

Please read the comments too... some nameless someone asked an interesting question and my answer is in the comment section.

Nov. 4, 2008 - Interesting Twist on Nebraska Law

In light of the election I decided to post something that struck me funny today. 

We received a newsletter from our adoption agency every quarter.  This quarter's newsletter had a very interesting article: 

Apparently Nebraska was one of the last states to pass a "safe-haven" law that allows parents to drop off their infant babies at hospitals or firestations without penalty.  Well, Nebraska extended the law to "help"  children up to the age of 19. 

Since July when the law was passed,  14 children including 7 teens have been left by  parents/caregivers in 6 families.   So when your teen starts acting like a brat because you haven't trained him/her, make a trip to Nebraska...  

 I'm not sure this is what the lawmakers had in mind.

Nov. 3, 2008 - Overwhelmed

It seems that nothing is settled in our life and we are at odds with many around us.  

 I have not spoken to my mother since we returned from E. TN in January.  (remember the pit bull incident?) Other family members call and talk "at" us and when another phone is ringing must go take that call... it's very frustrating.  We cannot talk to them because they are always right and we are always wrong.  So we stuff it.   Relationships with many family members are not what they once were, but they are as good as they'll get.  And we're realizing it's not necessarily because they've changed, it's because we have gotten weirder.  Shane works for Christian radio and feels alone in his convictions.  He was asked Friday if we wanted a McCain/Palin yard sign--thankfully we live in the country so it wouldn't do much good even if we were supporting McCain, so Shane didn't have to say anything.  Shane hasn't told anyone at work that we aren't voting for McCain... but some have made speculations,  while Shane is nearby... (we're voting for Baldwin).  We are the only homeschooling family where he works... Others there feel like their children should be salt and light in the government school.  Or "need" 2 incomes to support their families.  There are a couple of people that he works with that are difficult to say the least and when he takes it to upper management, they tell him to "be the bigger man"  How long can he "be the bigger man" and continue doing his job to the best of his ability with the kind of things going on that are?   Things with Little Bit are so much better, but it seems that I cannot get past some of the residual affects of 4 years with yelling fits and so much more... my hormones are significantly improved since I found my new doctor that told me I needed to ditch the bio-identical hormones.  I also started taking "Vitamin Code" vitamins last week.   So things are improving... but I want it over NOW!

We are looking for a new church home again.  But thankfully God has given me such a peace that I am content to look for a long time, and to not place membership immediately when that time comes... if it ever comes.

Then there are the little things, would you believe the crazy lady with the angry husband CALLED our home yesterday morning before 8 AM and wanted us to buy the Suburban they didn't want to sell us a month ago!  Probably for more money than we bought it for the first time, since they had it relisted on Ebay due to end yesterday evening.  I got a call from a company that scams people for past due debts (yes, I googled and they are scammers and have been reported numerous times) ... they tried to tell me I owed money for a debt from 20 years ago... very frustrating since that chapter of my life has been closed for nearly 20 years and the statute of limitations is WAY past.   The neighbor apparently still hates us because of our dog and I don't know what would happen if we really needed something out here as none of the neighbors, save one, are remotely friendly.   Shane's "best friend" and him haven't been "best" friends for some time... since we left "the church" really... the  Parents as Teacher's thing was just the icing on the cake... 

We tried a different church yesterday, one in the same town where we live.  The Pastor was wonderful, not just the sermon, but the Pastor himself.  And the service itself was nice too.  Although the worship leader could use a little help-- but he was a younger man, and that always excites us to see a church using the young people in service.  The Pastor does a "table talk" instead of Sunday school for the adults.  He was SO good with the children and Bubba especially enjoyed the TT greatly.  The Pastor is a prof at one of the seminaries in the city, and has been on the mission field which I think makes a great difference.  The people were very friendly, although there were several government teachers, or retired administrators.  Yikes! They finally figured out that we weren't sending our children to their AWANA classes. After one man explained that "there was a school teacher and former adminstrator teaching the classes that could handle anything that might come up"  I guess he thought we were afraid that our "foster" children wouldn't behave--HAHAHA!!!!  Of course, it didn't take long for them to realize that they were our children and they do behave.  The Pastor seemed to understand what we were doing and even seemed to enjoy having our children in his class.  We were encouraged yesterday which, for now, is the goal for us in a church.   Of I must also say that it did make us long for Shane to be in ministry again... we do not understand, he has felt called to preach since he was a young child.  But are trying to wait patiently on Him. 

We'll probably go back, but it'll be totally up to Shane. 

My battery is almost dead, so I better go plug in and recharge.  Please pray for us... We know God is God and He is in control, but when everything is piling up it can tend to wear on ya, even in the best of circumstances. 

Oct. 31, 2008 - Reformation Day and Math

Happy Reformation Day! 

Today is the day that has traditionally been the anniversary of Luther's nailing of the 95 Thesis at Wittenburg, Germany.  We are celebrating in a similar fashion to the last 2 years.  The first year, Shane was in Liberia with Sweet Cheek, the children and I watched "Luther".  Last year we watched "Luther" and this year it snuck up on us.  Plus, when you're the only one you know that celebrates this holiday it's kind of hard to do a carnival or some such other Medieval theme.  So tonight we feast on smoked turkey, popcorn balls, caramel apples, root beer for the children and a yummy Kansas City brew... "Boulevard" for Shane and I, all while we finish watching "Luther".  (We began last night).

On the Math note...we have been struggling for some time on what to do for a formal math program for our boys.  Bubba used to LOVE math, but 3rd grade Horizon's soured him last year.  Little Bit LOVES math and both are very good at it.  We've been having Bubba read through "Exploring the World of Mathematics" by John Hudson Tiner and then reviewing it with him.  And Little Bit has been doing a workbook that is beneath his level while we decided what to do.  Of course, we've been doing math as it came up-- you know in measuring and such. 

So this morning things weren't going so well.  I talked to Shane and decided to order Rod and Staff math for both boys, at that point not caring whether they ended up hating math or not...  Okay, so while I was looking for R&S I ran across a post on my Bluedorn yahoo group about Developmental Math.  Shane and I had actually looked at something similar a while back, but it was an expensive upfront output and we didn't want to invest in something we weren't sure about.  So I printed out the placement test and off we went... Bubba is probably starting in level 6 (at least level 5, but I couldn't get the placement for level 6 to print, so Shane is bringin git home) and Little Bit is starting in Level 3...  This is right on target for where I think they should be, so I am very excited.   I ordered 3 levels for each boy...  hopefully it will work very well, and at $75 including shipping for 6 levels, I'm pleased with the price too.  Now if it will work...

Oct. 29, 2008 - McCain's Flop on Life Issues

Doug Phillips recently expounded on Senator McCain's former stance on life issues:

Here's the link

Oct. 29, 2008 - McCain's Flop on Life Issues

Doug Phillips recently expounded on Senator McCain's former stance on life issues:

Here's the link

Oct. 29, 2008 - Your 3rd Party Vote

In recent days, I have heard this election likened to the election when Clinton won and Perot ran 3rd party.  I admit I've struggled with voting for Chuck Baldwin and wondered if I would be throwing my vote away.  However, the other day it finally occurred to me.  This election is VERY different.  There is no clear choice for the 3rd party.  I've seen billboards in the metro for candidates that want us to write them in.  Now, if Ron Paul would have decided to run, I believe the outcome could have been very different, but he's not.  

 I know people that voted for Perot that are voting for McCain this year.  I don't believe there are enough people voting 3rd party to pull enough support from McCain... so I can vote my conscience instead of voting against Obama in fear. 

We must remember that whatever happens.. it is God's will and His plan.  And if Obama is elected maybe God will use it to grow Christians with backbones instead of the wishy washy mess of people that call themselves Christians as 85% of people in this country do...and then they live by their own moral standard's.  This election has the abiity to seperate the wheat from the chaff--that's for certain.  Oh, and BTW, if you call yourself a Christian and vote for Obama... you're chaff.  That's not judgemental... it's Biblical. 

Oct. 28, 2008 - Disappointment in No Greater Joy

We first heard Michael and Debbie Pearl's name many, many years ago.  I remember getting larger black and white No Greater Joy magazines at the first home Shane and I lived in when we were married... that would be 14 years ago.  I remember reading "To Train Up a Child" for the first time around that time.  Over the years, we gave copies away to those that we thought could use it, we ordered different resources, including the mailbag tapes that our children listened to during their resting time. 

We read their thoughts on KJV only and did NOT agree, nor did we agree with their view of end times... but there was still good child training tools there... so we continued receiving their information.  A few months ago, he came out condemning Calvinism... amazing since Armenianism was thought to be heretical when it was first introduced. 

A few days ago, we received the most recent issue of NGJ.  The next day I cancelled our subscription.  I saw in this issue, young women, especially, writing to ask Mr. Pearl's permission to "rebel" against their families.  I have seen a proud and haughty spirit in Mr. Pearl for some time, but this goes over the top of acceptable in my book.  There is but ONE God and Mr. Pearl is NOT it.  

This latest object of his wrath seems to be the very "movement" "Mr. Command Man" was instrumental in creating so many years ago.  Now, he is condemning it??? 

Yes, I believe there is such a thing as too much sheltering.  Our children must know how to live in the world-- unless they join the Amish.  But to be hateful, and judgemental about it to the point of Mr. Pearl being right and everyone that doesn't follow his statues wrong is dangerous ground. 

I think it's wonderful that so many  solid Bible teaching ministries and pastors are overlooking differences in the name of unity, like R.C. Sproul Jr. and Voddie Baucham, Doug Philips, and Ken Ham just to name a few.  It's called G-R-A-C-E. 

I am saddened and outraged at those that continue to mark lines in the sand judging others when it is not their place to judge....

Mr. Pearl I pray that your eyes will be opened and you come to humble repentance...

Oct. 27, 2008 - Funny, and Other Stuff

Don't ya just love these titles lately... my creative juices are flowing... duh!  I was getting ready to write about how disguisted with the entire election thing and how concerned how I am with Obama and McCain.  However, I have the funniest children ever, so I have to change my perspective.  It's much more pleasant to talk about anyway...

Sweet Cheeks hates and I mean hates shoes and socks.  She not only pulled her laces out of her boots, but she tore them apart.  Tonight it is supposed to be 27 degrees (see Diane, it's not even November and already have the long pants out and I'm in my flannel jammies).  I mention to Shane how chilly our Liberian furnace (a.k.a Sweet Cheeks) felt this morning and tell him about some snuggly p.j.s she has.  He finds some with feet in them and puts them on her:

Sweet cheeks says "Daddy toes" while she is tugging on the feet in the pj's trying to get her toes out. 

Then she sighs deeply and says "daddy, just forget it"

Bubba and I are just alike.  We watched the conclusion of "My Fair Lady" tonight and he was frustrated at the ending, because the writers do not tell you exactly what is going to happen.  I remember a time when I was about 12 when the same thing happened to me, although the movie wasn't "My Fair Lady"... can't remember the movie right now.  But I could not for the life of me accept that the lead characters would live happily ever after without seeing it for myself...

Connie, we took your suggestion and Caspian is now Cassie, much better IMO.  

I would really like to go to the Above Rubies retreat in AR in November but I'm not feeling peace about going, so for now I'm staying put.   

Oct. 27, 2008 - Obama Ads on Christian Radio Start Today

Most, if not all of you, know that Shane works for Bott Radio Network (Hello Eben  ).   Last week the station, and apparently several other Christian stations in the area, got a phone call from the Barak Obama camp.  They're ready to run ads on BRN and these other stations, hoping to further convince conservatives that he is too.  Considering that he is the #1 liberal on Capitol Hill, Obama certainly is NOT conservative. 

If you'll remember a while back, I explained that this would happen.  It happened when Clinton ran too.  And I explained how it would happend.  FCC regulations basically force Christian stations to run any federal level ads of candidates who call wanting to run them.  I'm asking you again, please do NOT call your Christian radio station and betrate them for running these ads-- call them and encourage them to do a 15-30 second commentary after the ad that tells the truth about the liberal candidate instead. 

The Botts are brilliant!  Shane had told me that Mr. Bott would record commentaries to run after the ads, explaining where Mr. Obama really stands on the issues important to Believers.  He has done this in the past, but I heard Rich Bott's voice yesterday morning.  And not only is he going to be telling people where Mr. Obama really stands, but all the proceeds from the ads are going right to organizations that support LIFE!  I'm sure he probably did this last time too, but I don't remember for sure.

Thank you Mr. Bott for standing up against the "popular" crowd and once again doing the right thing!  

Oct. 25, 2008 - Too Funny and Other Happenings

Bubba has been persistent since his hamster, Laura died, that he wanted another little critter. We tried some gerbils from the evil place, that bit all of us at least once and some of us 4 or 5 times before they made the trip to the pet store.  Bubba's kind of like me in that respect (yes, sweetheart go ahead and laugh, cause he's ALOT like me in that respect). 

A couple of weeks ago, he started mentioning snakes, or similar creatures, so I thought it was best to move forward with something besides a snake, because there AIN'T gonna be no snake in my house!  (yea, I revert back to my southern roots when I get adament about something like that).  Anyway, as I was searching for a Suburban, I found someone with two Guinea Pigs.  After I called and made arrangements for us to pick them up that evening, I get back on craigslist and find a cage.  Free Guinea's and a $15 cage large enough for two.  What a deal.  Oh these gals are so sweet.  Yes, I'll take a picture soon.  One is long hair, Fluffy, and the other medium haired, Caspian.  (yes, Caspian was a boy, but oh well, she'll never know the difference). 

So tonight, Shane said something about the "hamsters, I mean gerbils"  So I laughingly replied, "Honey, they're guinea pigs"  

BTW, we found a Suburban too.  Shane bought it and I didn't even see it until we went to pick it up this morning.  It''s green with tan interior.  Seems to be in excellent condition for a 1995.  Hey it even has a 12 disc CD changer, of course we had to figure out how to work something that fancy. 

On a sad note, our dear friends that have property down the road are travelling home tomorrow.  We won't see them for probably 9 months... It's been a very fun several weeks. And we will miss them a bunch...  Shane and her were in Liberia at the same time, nearly 2 years ago.  Things will sure be quiet around here.  They are surprising her husband as he has a few days off work and doesn't know they are coming home a couple of weeks early.  Please pray for their safe travels. 

Oct. 24, 2008 - Freedom

There is a praise and worship song that Dennis Jernigan sings that I love... "make me more free, free me... with wings like an eagle, my heart's made to fly...over sin over sadness to knew realms of life... from morning to morning my gaze fixed so high..."  I'm working from memory, since my computer is working incredibly slow today...

God has been making me (and our family) more free of late. 

1.  Little Bit has chosen to forgive his birthmother for poisoning him with drugs before he was born... this has freed our entire family from his anger.

2.  Shane bought a Suburban yesterday that I haven't even SEEN yet.  Once upon a time I would have insisted that I see it, drive it, etc.  I've seen pictures--they were on craigslist.  It has high miles, but was very affordable and we can keep the van too.  Must have been what God wanted because we found it right after we changed our perspective :)

3.  My hormones have been a mess for nearly 5 years.  I had some issues and was prescribed natural progesterone that long ago, began having hotflashes, etc.  found another doctor that feed that and I had been drugged on bio-identical hormones ever since.  3 months ago, I found a new dr. She told me it was crazy for me to be on HRT at my age.  I'm taking 5 HTP, Vitamin D and a multi.  And feel better than I have in a long time! 

4.  Church issues... yes, we are looking AGAIN.  Unfortunately, the one we were attending and thought match our doctrinal beliefs changed their doctrinal beliefs over the last year... so we're looking again.  But God is given me such peace.  For the first time ever, I don't feel the pressure to have a place to "belong."  We have enjoyed visiting different churches and getting to know our larger church family.   I'm giving Shane input, but he is deciding where we go each week, and I'm content with not placing membership for even a year or more...

5.  Hopefully, in 5 weeks or so, I'll be free from dial-up thanks to T-mobile and EDGE.  They say I'll be able to use my new phone with my laptop and have high speed internet...

Have BLESSED weekend ya'll!

Oct. 22, 2008 - Suburban The Story Ends-- I Think!

For all 5 of you that are sitting on the edge of your seat wondering if we are driving a new to us Suburban... the answer is NO.  Here's what I hope is the end of that story with the red burb from the weirdos. 

Friday morning, after we won the auction and paid the $500 deposit on Tuesday, I open the email account I use for ebay and low and behold our deposit had been refunded along with a short email stating that the sellers accidentally started bid had been $1000 lower than they intended. (note, this was after Shane had talked to Ms. and we had agreed to talk on Sat. morning to set a time to pickup the burb.  Now, anyone that has sold on ebay KNOWS that there is a page to confirm that the listing is correct before it is listed.  Furthermore, anyone knows that anytime before a bid is made the listing can be revised and any information can be changed.  We did not make the bid until approx. 2 hours before the auction ended... so what this tells me is these people are liars. (Of course we knew their social skills were lacking, and that Mr. had a huge anger issue), so am I surprised? No.

I imagine they were starting low with a no reserve auction to generate bids.  Hey, I've done the same thing (only not on a several $1000 item).  And, honestly, I've lost sometimes.  That's part of the game.  But when that happens, you honor the bid, suck up and sell the item.  It's called integrity!  You don't make up a lie and refund the deposit because you lost the bet. 

Okay, so I file a greivance and am told that because of "privacy issues" Ebay won't tell me what action was taken.  I left negative feedback (maybe the 2nd time EVER).  A couple of days later, I get an email stating that the seller has requested a refund of their Ebay fees because it was "mutually agreed to cancel the transaction"  WHAT!  They're basically saying that we backed out of the sale by asking for this.  So I deny it and in the comments explain again that we did not want to back out of the sale and I can't even believe the seller has the audacity to ask for a refund of the fees.  

So we've driven a few others but can't find anything in our price range (cheap) that will work for a daily driver. And honestly the thought of 12 miles to the gallon turns my stomach.  So we're reconsidering.  Princess says she's not cramped unless we're travelling or hauling groceries when we have things to drop off at the thrift store in the back.  :) 

 Maybe we'll look for one with high miles really cheap (as opposed to just cheap) that we can use to haul extra people and things around the metro, and IF it happens to be roadworthy we can take it on trips too.  Shane has been wanting another truck, so maybe a really cheap one would do double duty. 

Oct. 19, 2008 - Hotmail Funnies

For many, many years we've had a hotmail account set up.  I use it for those places that want my email address, but I know they'll sell my addy.   I certainly don't want my main email overrun with junk mail.  So today I visited and found over 2000 messages in my inbox.   It's always interesting to see what's there:

1) I can meet the man of my dreams on eharmony.  DUH!  I already live with the man of my dreams.  (On a side note, I am SO disappointed with eharmony, it was started with such great intentions and has stooped to spamming for business--yuck!)

2)"Jane" wants me to join myspace.  Who in the world is Jane and why isn't she with Dick?  You know "See Dick run.  See Jane run.  See Dick and Jane run".  Oh I've got it... maybe Jane ran away with someone she met on eharmony...

3)  I've had a paypal dispute for about 6 months now... and every email from them (not really paypal) is urgent.  Boy they must be desperate.

4) One word  "Viagra" 

5)  Of course I've won a new car, and a new house and home improvements on said new house, and can get a "free" walmart gift card among other things if I only click through. 

6)  My account at   insert banks name  has been frozen-- funny I don't have an account at that bank and never have!

7) I can learn how to make money using craigslist.  Maybe it's the same way some fool tried to convince me to "buy" his 2004 Suburban listed the metro, for $4500 but he lives in Montana and the VIN to the burb actually belongs to a dealer that has pictures of the same car on their website for sale in TX.  "Oh just send me your name and address, and I'll set up the ebay account"  Yea right!  I wasn't born yesterday!  Then I posted that it was a scam and got flagged!  Yea I know, take it to the forums,  but I didn't want someone to actually fall for the duuuuuuude before it got flagged off.

7) and among those almost 2000 scam spams, I received an offer for identity protection.  Yeah! Now I can contact all those idiots with the "offers"and I'll be protected!

8) Oh and I can't believe that I almost forgot... a "free" trip to Vegas, Cancun, and Alaska!

Ahhhhhh! The internet... prosperity for all at the expense of other peoples stupidity!

Oct. 16, 2008 - A Must Read Post

If you are struggling with a any trial in your life, Stacy McDonald has an excellent post that sure encouraged me today.  It seems like there are several things hitting us right now.  There are 2 points that Stacy made that I have not been doing:

1) Trusting God's love (Hebrews 12:16)

2) Thanking God for the trial (1Thes. 5:18)

I tend to remember the other 4 fairly well,  but I think all 6 must be in place before true peace can come in the midst of the trial.  (you'll have to go check out the link to find out what they are) 

On a side note:  One of Mr. Bott's friends from the lake is coming up Saturday to interview us for their magazine.... 

Because they like what Shane has told them about our family and they think it will be nice to do an article about us...

To our house. ...

With the yucky carpet (even though it's only 5 years old, remember we live in the country). 

I'm fixing breakfast...

Early so we can get it over with...