What I...

I am taking a cue from Beki over at The Rusted Chain for my post today.



What I know...

Happy is he... whose hope is in the Lord. Psalm 146:5

What I miss...

Texas and Blue Bell ice cream

(and all of our family, of course!)

What I wish I were drinking...

Strawberry and lime water

        

What I was drinking...

over ice! YUM!

What makes me giddy...

Canada Geese

Where I like to go...

Oquirrh Lake, Daybreak, UT

What made me happy yesterday...

Receiving our Christmas ornament from

The Rusted Chain

What I love...

My family

So... What do you?

Instalove and a little more

It amazes me how fast the days travel by. There are many that slip through my grasp and there are those that I am happy to get passed. 
I am striving to live with better intention. With more purpose. 
To savor and thank God for the sweet blessings and thank Him through the struggles as well. SO.NOT.EASY.

I just have to tell you how much I love, LoVe, LOVE Instagram. I am a little addicted. Absolutely.

I may not use it exactly "right"... however that is. But I adore it.

First introduced by my girlies, I quickly became a big fan. I am blown away by the "real" photographers who are so amazing that my talent genes are crying out. They have the ability to transport you to places you have only imagined or dreamed of. You can visit when normally you wouldn't have the ability.

Yes, I know that photographs have long been published in books, in mags, and online. There is something different about this Instagram thing. They are all in one place. Tiny. But all together. Whether they are from Istanbul or South Carolina... you can see them all. You can pick and choose, you can comment or not, and you can like it or leave it alone. We each have the ability to make it our own.

I definitely have made my Instagram my own. I do not have a theme as most people do. Oftentimes you find scenery... drop dead gorgeous scenery. Those are the pics that help me take a deep breath and feel God's Peace. This time of year it is the fall colors. The trees and leaves which make me smell pinion wood burning. Don't know why... just does. It's calming.

Some people stick with people. I mean, they photograph people. Typically these are not my favorite. Yes, I know that sounds so wrong. It sounds weird. I think it is because I think of hanging them on my wall. The Instagram photos, that is. And so, I think... why would I want to hang a picture of someone I don't know? That being said, there are a few exceptions. I love seeing pics like this...

...that allow me a little glimpse into the life of my college girl and the crazy things she is doing. :-) I also love pics of people from my talented blogging "friends" like Carissa, Beki, and Kelle because I "know" them and like to see their family photos. Because they are my family, too. Most of those Instagramers are photographers as well, so their photos are jealous worthy. ;-)

MY feed is a mish-mash of stuff. From family photos to beautiful sunrises. Just whatever makes me happy at the moment. I do find myself "studying" things more closely. Stopping in the middle of the street because "Oh, that would be an awesome IG photo!" or my infamous "Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?!". It works for me. Especially now... just a difficult season. Thank you IG for helping me see God's beauty.

My youngest introduced me to Kristin. Her photography skills are amazing and we both love her sense of style, if you will. However, my favorite thing about following her on Instagram is her ability to shoot her family. Of course, that is, take photos of her family. They are unique. They are vintage. They are creative. They are love through her eyes. She has been featured at A Beautiful Mess for their "At Home With..."  which will give you a glimpse into her life. You must check her out!

Speaking of my youngest, as I was a bit ago... this pic is one of my faves of hers. I might be a bit partial because it is of her sister.

She has entered it into a contest (don't have results yet) and used it in a portfolio that she submitted for Sterling Scholar at her high school. We found out yesterday that she has been chosen as the Visual Arts Sterling Scholar. WooHoo! So happy for her!

Now on to regionals...

Have a great weekend all!

It's Friday!!!

Funny thing about Fridays... for a stay-at-home mom, it doesn't signal a couple of days off. I DO get to sleep about an hour or so later. Just depends on when the dog decides he's hungry. His inner alarm clock tends to be painfully accurate.

On this Friday, I am aware of some of my favorite things...

1) this sweet boy (despite his early alarm)

2) that this girl will be coming home for fall break

3) which means that these 4 will be together again... and whole again

4) for this beautiful land that we live in

I am linking up with Rachel today...

(click on name not on button... problems!)

Let's try this again ~

Hello everyone!

I had hoped to get a blog facelift before beginning again... it's just not in the budget. Time or money. So, for now I will just give a short and sweet update of sorts.

When I was last blogging, we were jobless and living with the in-laws. Yep... for real. One of those challenges God allows you to go through to grow you. You know? Well, I wouldn't say that we grew as much as He would've liked us to, but I choose to believe that there was some growth. I just can't actually put my finger on it.

After 13 L.O.N.G. months, hubby took a job in Utah. A world away from the south. We may have lived in 5 states since our girlies were born but it was always in a southern state. However, we were so happy for him to have a job that we really didn't care anymore.

My blessings

The climate would be different and the culture would be different. We knew that. Lots of prayers went up about both of those! We moved a mere 2 weeks before school started last year. Our oldest was going to be a Sr. (I couldn't imagine much worse than starting a new school as a Sr.) and the youngest a Jr. It was rough for a bit but God was faithful. He got us into a brand new house in a great area of the Salt Lake Valley and gave us a mild winter.

          Wasatch Mountains                                                                 

  

             So excited to have lots of Canada geese up here!                                        

                                          

We have now lived here 13 months, hubby LOVES his job, our big girl is in college (3 1/2 hrs. away!) and our baby is a Sr. I am still a stay-at-home mom but desperately needing a job. That is the new focus. Ugh.

For now, here are some pics of where we are now in our lives...

The girls had to represent. ;-)

The family at Provo Falls

Our pretty boy ~ Zippy

Our weird but wonderful cat ~ Baby

One of my favorite of her Sr. pics

The first visit home from college...

(Forgive me for the funky spacing... got to get back in the swing of things.)

Until next time...

Enjoy your blessings!

Over Forty

Yes, forty is a big number. And I am a few years passed that. But I am thankful. Here's a couple of things I am thankful for...

My big girl

My youngest

Yes, I am blessed. :-)

I've been looking forward to joining this party of all parties!

The first thing that went through my mind was "what should I tell everyone?"; not far behind came "what would make someone want to come back?''.  I began to piece together the answers to the first question in my mind but decided that the 2nd one was not mine to answer right now. I long to have a "productive" and "fun-for-all" blog one day, but at this time in our lives, there are too many obstacles to overcome. I know that when the time is right, God will put it all together. And I will smile. Inside and out.

My name is actually Kellie... not Sue. The title for my blog came about because my husband used to tell me that my best attribute was my smile. He said that I had a "sunny" personality. Then one day at church, one of the older men (not old, just 20 yrs. older than me) that I did volunteer work for, and truly respected, told me that I lit up a room when I walked in with my smile. He was like a father figure and it meant the world to me. Well, hubby was there and heard his compliment as well, and Sunny Sue was born.

I am a mother to 2 teen girls who have grown faster than I could ever imagine. I remember big bows and picking out clothes. Now we are beginning to search for colleges and taking ACTs and SATs. I am proud of who they have become and the days when I long for their presence are fast approaching.

Hubby and I celebrated our 20th anniversary this year and have lived in 4 different states throughout our marriage. We began in Texas and are back "home" again. I love being a Texan but I use the term "home" a bit loosely. We are not sure where that is exactly anymore. Our family is going through the biggest struggle of our lives right now. Jobless for 9 months. I won't linger there because we know that God has a plan for us and we are trying our darnedest to hang in there and stay positive.

My blog is mostly about family and stuff I love. I love to scrapbook and plan to share more of some of my favorite things. I like to share about tips I learn, books I read, and blogs I love. I hope you will hang around and get to know me better.

For now, join the party and meet some new bloggers!

Miscellany Monday

Linking up with Carissa today...

1) Has anybody seen "Waiting for Superman"? It is a documentary about the failing public school system. Sound boring? It wasn't. It was actually scary. By the time the movie was over, I was sad, angry, appalled. You just can't imagine what innercity schools go through. 

I know that a large # of you bloggers out there are homeschool moms and I commend you. It just wasn't for me. I believe I would be in a hospital somewhere by now. My family agrees. (Not sure how terrible that actually is... denial.)

The movie is worth watching. If you have never heard of Geoffrey Canada or David Levin & Michael Feinburg, you simply must check this out. It is amazing what they have done for public education and yet, baffling trying to figure out why it is so hard for the rest of America to do the same.

One part of the movie I wish I could quote was about bad teachers in New York somewhere. They get sent to what is known as "the rubber room" because since they have attained tenure, they can't be fired. While these 600 teachers are there for up to 3 years, they play cards, sleep, read, etc. AND get paid their full salary!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, America...

2) Last week we had some baby calves in the pasture next door. They have been bottle fed by the neighbors and are just the cutest things. To have them run up to you (hoping you are hiding a bottle somewhere), with their baby mooing and licking the air with their LONG black tongues... well, it is one of those times when you are thankful for God's creations.

3)Finally, I have a few softball pics to share that were taken by another mom. This is where we have been spending our time, for the most part.

That's my big girl at 1st base.

After a huge tournament championship.

(My mgr. girlies are on the far left of 1st and 2nd rows.)

Tourney Champs again

(2nd and 3rd on back row)

Hope you all have a great Monday!

My Blogoversary & A New Party

Yes, it is true. It has been one year since I first started this blog. It has transformed and stalled (due to very limited internet) all within a year. There have been many blogs that I would like to imitate. There are many bloggers that I would like to be like. I would put cute little links in here for them, but today I am just short on time.

There are a few weird things going on with this blog as of late... commentors receiving e-mails that their comment was rejected and not being able to post certain pics with their links (such as the button I speak about below). Hopefully I will get it all resolved soon! Anyway...

HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY TO ME!

I have been seeing this cute little button (below) on some of the blogs I frequent. I have not been a consistent blogger because of our current situation, I only have a handful of followers, and I have a whole lot to learn about this blogging community. But, there is so much that I want to do with it!

My problem...
                     I want to know it all and do it all RIGHT NOW!


For today, I have decided to join this blog party. It seems like a fitting way to celebrate by letting you get to know me a bit better.


 

What celebrity/celebrities would create a “Star-Struck” feeling if you saw them in real life?
George Strait, Matthew McConaughey, Beth Moore :-)

Who is your favorite blogger? Why?
Big Mama- F.U.N.N.Y.
Carissa - honest, real, and relatable

What is your comfort food/drink?
Dr. Pepper is my drink. Kind of wish I could stop drinking it to be more healthy. Kind of.
Ice Cream. Oh, ice cream. Blue Bell, of course. I am a Texan, you know.

Be brave – tell us something very random and weird about yourself.
I am a bit of a germaphobe. Love me some Clorox wipes and Germ-X.

Do you have a strong desire to do something you’ve never done? What is it?
Work in a scrapbook store and/or create digital scrapbook papers and elements.

Movies: Action, Drama, Romantic Comedy, Documentary, Comedy? What are your favorite genres?
Definitely Romantic Comedies like Sweet Home Alabama and Pretty Woman 
Dramas based on true stories like Remember the Titans and The Blind Side

 Books: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, Biographies, True Stories, Self-Help, Devotional/Study? What are your favorite types of reading material?
Christian Fiction... Karen Kingsbury is my fave. Seems like the largest % of Christian Fiction writers like to write about the Amish or living in the Old West. Karen is current and so life applicable.
Would love any recommendations if any of you have any. :-)


Music: Funk, Rock, Country, Jazz, Classical, Film Score, Blues, Classic Rock, Crooner, Alternative, Heavy Metal, Techno? What are your favorite types?
We used to call it Contemporary Christian. Now, it gets many names. Faves are hillsong united, MercyMe, Casting Crowns, etc, etc, etc. Way too many to name.
However, my overwhelming favorite would be if I could get our old church in Tulsa - Church on the Move to put out a worship CD. Andy Chrisman (4Him) and Kenneth Weston and the rest of their crew just make me want shout from the mountain tops.

I also like a little country like The King of country... George Strait, Keith Urban, Sugarland, and Lady Antebellum, etc. Too many for this list, too.

If you inherited a million dollars, what is the first thing you would do with your money?
10% to the church, pay for my girls' college, buy a new house, take a vacation with my family (We have only been on one real one that wasn't to visit family and it was still in Texas!)

Name one weakness of yours (confession is good for the soul).
How about 2?
Scrapbook paper - I am a collector. I have a great desire to put it all to use someday!
Magazines - Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbooks Etc., Real Simple, and All You - LOVE THEM!

If you could live anywhere at all (and take all your loved ones with you), where would you go?
I really don't have a clue. A medium sized town with 4 seasons.


What’s something you consider yourself to be good at? (Don’t worry, it’s not bragging, it’s acknowledging a God given gift).
Helping people. I love to open the door for someone, carry something for somebody that needs help, push someone in a wheel chair. Things like that.

What is one of your favorite things to catch a whiff of?
A fresh watermelon or cucumber
A Bird of Paradise Circle E candle

When you leave a social gathering, do you wish: You would have talked more or You would have talked less?
Definitely less.

If money wasn’t a factor, what stores would you shop in?
Pottery Barn, Coldwater Creek, North Style (catalog)

What is your greatest fear or strange phobia?
Losing family or me not being able to see our girls grow up and have their own families.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Our girls

What are your favorite animals?
Dogs, dogs, dogs

I think that is enough revealing for today! If you want to join in, you still have a few more days over at Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground . I look forward to getting to know more about you, too!

SSMT Day

I had a longer post planned, but will just have to finish it tomorrow. It has been another tough day at our house. Seriously, I know God is doing his best to grow me somewhere. Maybe that's the problem... I'm just not getting it!!!!!!

Tough stuff on our list today:
1) Today would have been our Abby's 10th birthday.
2) My daddy is in a VA hospital for terrible leg and back pain along with depression.
3) Hubby just got another job rejection where he had made it to the final 3.

 I think my new verse is just the right one. Especially today.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal. 
~2 Corinthians 4:18

**I don't know why some of you are getting a message that your comments aren't getting to me. I will do my best to check it out tomorrow and hopefully fix it! I appreciate your comments too much to miss them.

Stuck in a Rut

OK, I know that I said I would be better at this blogging thing... obviously I haven't been. After losing Abby, we just kind of existed. Sadness was overwhelming some days and other days I felt like I was just going through the motions. Looking forward to weekends when we could all just be together and relax.

Softball season has begun here. One plays and one manages the team. For us, that means lots of driving back and forth, late night dinners, and no free weekends right now. So, we will settle into this new rhythm, enjoy the ballpark life and treasure our time together.  *pics coming soon

Abby

She's the sweetest. She's one of the best presents I've ever received. She's been in our lives for 10 years. She's part of our family. And now...   She's sick.

Over the past 6 months there has been a lot of diarrhea and vomitting. Gross, I know, but when it is a "family member", all that kind of goes out the window. Especially if you are a parent and have already been through many a diaper change and toilet cleaning.

In the past few weeks, everything has gotten more intense. We have been to the vet numerous times for blood work, sonograms, meds, etc. Today, a new vet. A tumor has been found and a biopsy sent off. And so we wait. With heavy hearts. And pray for our sweet Abby Gail. For those of you that are not dog lovers, this may not make any sense. But, to us...
she is one of our fur babies and we love her very much.

More Miscellany



1) So glad the winter weather is gone. Like being home with the family but sometimes things happen. This go-round the oldest lost her cell phone... at a snowball fight with about 20 kids... at a park about the size of a football field. So much fun spending hours on end with wet cold feet. Plus side? Phone found, still on, not even wet. Only God.

2) More snow headed our way. Cell phone will stay in the car.

3) Watched a donkey and a border collie playing while I ate lunch. We have never been around so many donkeys in our lives. They are everywhere. Cute when they are newborns, though. Lots of "fuzz". Loud when they grow up.

4) Beth issued a challenge today to go the rest of the day without criticizing or complaining. Ugh. Not one of my strong points. I think God must of told her to do that. I just know it!

Link up with Carissa and post your miscellaneous thoughts today.

Have a good one!

It's almost Christmas!

Christmas is quickly sneaking up on us and it has been quite some time since I have given you all an update. Unfortunately, our situation has not changed. However, as I write, Hubby is at an interview in Kansas. So far, we have only checked into our hotel and had a bite to eat at Jason's Deli. So far, so good. :-) Well, at least we have seen plenty of civilization (familiar eating and shopping places) and everyone has been nice to us. I haven't investigated schools or much about the community yet because everytime that I have, it hasn't worked out. That doesn't mean that I am superstitious, just don't want to get my hopes up. So, I will wait...

We have had a hard time looking forward to Christmas. It is hard to "get in the spirit" when we don't have any of our decorations. None of our trees, ornaments, stockings, etc. However, because of family generosity, we were able to visit our old church and see the Christmas program. It was such a great gift for us and just what we needed as a family. An incredible memory!

I must go for now but promise to give a better update soon...

           Merry 
                           Christmas 
                                                   everyone!  

Still Wandering Through Our Desert...

I thought I would give a quick update to those few of you that are wondering where I have disappeared to. We are still staying with family in Texas and still job searching. We thought that we were moving to Alabama and spent 6 weeks of prep, etc. but all that came to an abrupt and unpleasant end. The afternoon before moving we found out we weren't going. Even without all of the headaches it caused, it was an emotional upheaval. Kind of like a death in the family. Hard to explain and hope I don't ever have to go through it again.

We are learning to live in small town Texas again. Because our internet access is so limited, I haven't been able to keep up or catch up with any of you. I hope to be able to do that before too long. I feel like I have lost a part of me.

So, for now, we wait...

Hope you are all doing well and having a great  F
                                                                           A
                                                                                L
                                                                                     L! 

It's a New Day

Well... guess where we are?

Yep, house sitting again. And glad to be here. It really is a treat. We feel connected to the outside world here and get to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Reflecting off of the lake water. (I would post some pictures here if I could. Cords are packed away somewhere, etc., etc.)

I have been able to see my brothers and parents this trip which is nice. To see how our families have all grown, however, makes me long for "days of old". At least a little. Time does seem to shoot by and I try to hold on tight enough to enjoy the sights. We have the first great-grand (actually she is already a year old) and she is a beauty. To think of my brother and sister-in-law as grandparents is odd but they wear it well. And have the pics to prove it. (I will  ask for permission to share some.)

This afternoon we did make the time to take a dip in the lake. The weather was beautiful and the water was warm. The evening has been relaxing. Tomorrow however, our "job" will end and I think I can speak for my whole family by saying that we are not ready. We wanted more time. We needed more time. I had hoped it would be a weekend for relaxing and letting go of our stresses and concerns. Turns out... they are still strapped on. Kind of like trying to get out of the car without taking off your seatbelt first. As we head home in the a.m., maybe they will fly out the window! :-)

Simply Saturday

Our time of house sitting comes to an end tomorrow. There have been some challenges but more blessings. It will be sad to go but I will be glad to see Hubby again. We have enjoyed this beautiful home. Kind of like staying in a resort for us. (Except no one to do the cooking and cleaning!) However, we have been treated to many wonderful meals and have been so many places that we had never seen before. Let's just say that we have been the recipients of some extreme family generosity.

Saying goodbye to my mom and dad was not easy tonight. To watch them be so feeble has been hard. I don't know how much longer my mom will remember who I am. Each time we visited her, she seemed to study my face more intently. This is something that I refuse to think too much about right now. I pray that God will bring my family through our immediate struggle soon so that my mother and I will have more visits while she still knows who I am.  

My dad can still care for himself so he lives in a different place. They are about 15 minutes apart and only see each other 2 - 3 times a week. At least they are able to see each other and my mother looks forward to Dad's visits. He doesn't hear or see much at all but has learned to cope. He still helps people do odd jobs where he lives. It is fun to hear people call his name to come and help them. I think that is what keeps him going.

We have had fun here and I have certainly enjoyed being back online. Tomorrow that will come to an end for a while. I will miss my blogging friends again but hope to be back soon!

Hot in July

Well, where should I begin? It's been so long since my last post, that I am not even sure I can remember what has happened... but there have definitely been some new experiences.

We were able to experience the 4th in small-town TEXAS. The drive down into my home state was a bit nostalgic. With  little fireworks stands scattered along the side of a 2-lane hilly road... just as the sun was beginning to set. Made me wish I was a photographer to catch small-town America.

We have been met with a few challenges... one shower for 6 people due to some plumbing issues, no cell phone service, no TV, and virtually no internet. Enough said. However, we have had gracious hosts as we wait for what God has planned. We know we are blessed to have somewhere to go.

Now, the girls and I are house sitting for a family member, and as I write, a conure sits on my shoulder bobbing up and down. "Skittles" has taken a shining to my James Avery necklace and is convinced he can take a bite out of it. Did you know that conures poop a lot? Even when sitting on your shoulder? Yep, when it is time to go, it is time to go. Ick! Not used to that. Never will be. At least he is a little thing.

Here, I am able to visit my aging parents. Normally it is only 2 - 3 times a year so this is a blessing. It is sad to see the changes in them. I know that it is all a part of this life, but to see their memories fade and their feebleness increase... well, it's a bit heartbreaking. So thankful for this time with them.

So, we are off to begin a new day here. One that won't be free from challenges I'm sure. (Did I say that it was hot-as-Hades down here?!) With God by our side, we will make it through. And will be stronger for it.

Bless you all~ 
I have missed you!

What is a Dad?

A dad is a person who's loving and kind,

And often he knows what you have on your mind.

He's someone who listens, suggests and defends...

A dad can be one of your very best friends.

He's proud of your triumphs, but when things go wrong,

A dad can be patient, helpful and strong.

In all that you do, a dad's love plays a part.

There's always a place for him deep in your heart.

And each year that passes, you're even more glad,

More grateful and proud to call him your dad!

                                                                                                                           ~author unknown

Flashback photos of the men in my life that I am very thankful for.

 Me at 4 with my dad and brothers.

My first Christmas with my brothers.

(I was a surprise... can you tell?)

Our oldest at 4 yrs. with her Daddy in '98.

Our youngest in '98 holding on to her Daddy .

My father-in-law with his "tuckered out" grandgirls in '99.

Happy Father's Day

to the men in my life!

Woe's and Armor

It's been almost a week since I stared at this screen waiting for just the right words to come. I try not to read back over any old posts, but at the end of last week, I was looking for something in particular. That is when it hit me. It seems like all I have posted other than tips are "woe is me" words. Yikes! Apologies to the masses. Well, all 16 of you. :-)

Indulge me for a moment if you will. If you are a regular reader, you know that my family is going through a season of change. Better yet... a season of uncertainty. Today marks the 4 week countdown to having to be out of our home. Hubby's job and the closing on the sale of our home are 4 weeks from tomorrow. We DO NOT believe in coincidences and know that it has all been orchestrated by God. We know without a doubt what a HUGE blessing it is to be able to sell a home right now. And, to close on the last day of a job? NO COINCIDENCE.

So, where do we go from here? That is something that God has not yet revealed. We would appreciate your prayers as we begin to pack up our belongings. Prayers that we will never waiver in our faith that God will provide. Prayers that we as a family will allow His peace and comfort to be felt at every turn. And that His plan will be revealed very soon. Thank you so much to those of you who will join us in these prayers!!!!

Before closing, I decided that I would share with you the ways that satan has been on the attack. We were making a quick trip to Dallas to celebrate a niece that graduated from high school the night before. Only one hour away from our destination, our truck broke down on the interstate. Not a comfy place to be when the Texas temps are soaring for this time of year. Fortunately there were huge shade trees across the feeder road where we waited for almost an hour to be towed.

We piled into the rescue truck with the lovely scent of old dirty sweat (of one) and newly acquired sweat of four. Not pleasant to say the least. After about a 15 minute ride, we rounded the corner to feast our eyes on something out of "Deliverance". No, I am not kidding one iota. It was a sea of broken down vehicles. The "shop" as you might call it, had employees crawling out of the woodwork like cockroaches looking for food. The food they spied were my 2 beautiful teens. It was CREEPY AND DISTURBING. If I were a betting woman, I would almost bet there were more teeth in my 2 girls' mouthes than in the sum of all of theirs.

The good news was that hubby's truck could easily be fixed and that it shouldn't take more than an hour and a half. "Bubba" had to go get a burger first. Seriously. So, the girls and I looked for shade to stand under and to get out of the line of sight. The only shade to be found (other than under the trees with the 5 "Deliverance" dogs in a pen) was across the street. We retreated to the shade and soon realized it was like being on stage. The girls were easily ogled from there and even began to get honks and waves from passersby. If it wasn't so comical, I would have been vomiting. VIOLENTLY.

Fortunately, Hubby had called the father-in-law and he had driven the hour to retrieve us. We left with him in the comfort of the air-conditioned car in search of food. Upon returning, Hubby's truck was fixed and we were on the road to civilization. And none too soon.

The night went well and we enjoyed celebrating the niece's accomplishment and being with extended family. The next day, we experienced downtown Dallas through the eyes of our girls. Hubby and I used to work there but many things have changed. I will post on our findings and pics tomorrow. We had a good time.

The next attack came upon returning home. My debit card was denied when I went to pick up our beloved fur babies. After being embarrassed and VERY UNHAPPY at the vet, Hubby found out that someone had stolen my card # and put almost $700 dollars on it! In Virginia at Waly world. They didn't just use my #, they actually made a fake card that was able to be swiped. GRRRRR. Hubby is at the bank this a.m. getting it taken care of. At least the company was suspicious and deactivated the card so that these hoodlums (I am restraining myself...) couldn't do any more damage to us.

Needless to say, satan sees that we are vulnerable right now and is doing his best to break us. But he is mistaken. We are strapping on the armor of God and WILL NOT let him win!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.   ~Ephesians 6:10-11

Summertime Saturday

Well, it's almost here. S U M M E R. I have mixed emotions. I am certainly looking forward to sleeping past 5:00 a.m. but I'm definitely not anticipating 100 degree temps.

The girls have half of their finals under their belts. By Monday afternoon, I will officially be a mom to a Sophomore and Jr. in high school. Excuse me a moment...

I am feeling a bit dizzy... and nauseous.

It just can't be true! Why just last week I was pulling their hair up in pigtails. I know I was. It is all such a blur. There are so many things that I still need to teach them. So many things I still need to say.

We can't go back now though, so being inspired by Kelle's post at Enjoying the Small Things, I will cherish the time we have and look forward to summer.

She has also inspired me to make a "to do" list for the upcoming months of heat. I'm not quite ready to write it all down, but one thing is for sure... a move will definitely occupy the #1 spot. Not because it is what I want the most but because it is inevitable.

This is now in my front yard. That is why there are mixed emotions as we head into summer. An incredible blessing from God that it sold so quickly. So for now, I think that much of my list will be centered around telling this town "goodbye" and savoring my time with family.

This is how we started...