So much to learn

Having to drive 10 minutes for internet keeps me from being regular with my posting. When I do get online, I tend to spend my time trying to catch up with my blogging friends and I run out of time. So, I am going to pretend like it's the start of a new week, be a bit random, and act like it is a  Miscellany Monday.


1. I did something SOOOOO stupid and it took me a couple of days to get passed it. The day began like any other... driving my teens to school which is "in town". A woman pulled out in front of me while I was driving about 60mph. When I passed her, she gave us the universally known hand signal. I was not a happy camper needless to say. She also went to the school. I got out of my car. I know. I know.
                         Stupid.
                                                Stupid.
                                                                               Stupid.
She was yelling and certainly wasn't hearing anything I had to say. I did not yell. However, that's when I started shaking. All over. The realization of what I was doing had hit me. But, it didn't keep me from making the next stupid decision. I told her that I wish everybody in town knew what she had done.
There.................................................... I had said it............................................ I couldn't take it back. Ugh. What was I thinking? What made it worse was that there were 3 children raising the flag that were within 15 ft. of us, the principle of the school was not much farther up the sidewalk and a teacher was standing at the front door. I couldn't find a hole anywhere. 
 
2. Joanne is improving by the day. Amazing. Only God.
 
3. When is the right time to get the Gardasil shot? Or is it ever right?  Hubby and I decided a while back that at the girl's ages, it just wasn't the time. This year their school sent out a letter to us. And then another. It's not required but "highly recommended". When talking to the girls, they both held up their purity rings and said, in unison, "This is my Gardasil shot." Wow. Could a parent be happier? Very cool. However, I know things happen. 
 
4. Kind of wishing we were back in Tulsa for the big storm. Something about just being HOME with nothing pressing and no school and no work. Everyone together.  Here it just sleeted a bit. Maybe a flurry or two will drift its way to our part of Texas. We are told not to hold our breath. *sigh*
 
5. All stocked up on groceries just in case some ice keeps us inside. I had a hard time thinking of meals that sounded good. The winter one-pot meals are all running together. Everything is starting to taste like chili. What is your favorite winter food? You are NOT allowed to say C-H-I-L-I!
 
 

No tips today

This used to be my "Tips Tuesday" but I am fresh out. It has been so long since I have been in that mode that I feel a bit brain dead in the tippy area. Oh, I could give you some tips I have learned in the past 6 months, but they might be frowned upon. Let's just say they might come across a bit whiny..... ish. So let's just don't.

Have you heard the WONDERFUL news?! If you haven't checked in on Joanne lately, you must. God is so powerful. And mighty. And awesome. And, well, C.O.O.L!  Hop on over here and get the full update.

With 2 teens, we are trying to take the time to make some memories. You know... good ones. Not the "Remember when we were walking through the desert?" ones, but more like the ones that will overshadow that kind. Anybody got any ideas for us? Inexpensive ones?

Just posted my 2nd verse today for SSMT (Siesta Scripture Memory Team). I had completely forgotten about doing this and so I am a bit behind. Had to get this verse commited to memory so that I will be ready on the 1st to catch up. Here's my #2:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.  Matt. 11:28-30 NIV

This verse is on the Living Proof Live CD that I bought at my first Living Proof weekend in 1998. Beth reads these verses right before Tammy sings "Jesus, I am Resting". Oh, what an impactful experience that was. Well, I'll save that story for tomorrow.

Nothing too profound

Over the past few days, I have taken the time to "catch up" online a bit. What that means actually is that I have made it a priority to read some blogs from "old friends". They are those that have been so supportive through this experience we are going through and I have relied heavily on their encouragement. It has been so refreshing. It is like new life has been breathed into my soul. Connecting with you all has been such a blessing. You know when you are so excited about something that you just want to shout it from the mountaintops? It has been that kind of feeling.

There are many blogs that I haven't gotten to yet, but I will. I won't ever be able to go back and catch up with all of the happenings I have missed. Just to be a part of your lives again fulfills me. It is strange - this blogging world. One day I hope to meet many of you in person. Because to me, you are such an important part of my life.

I am glad to be back. 

Far from Wordless Wednesday

Today I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with things to say/share. I want to start by talking about Joanne. If you aren't familiar with this sweet woman, I encourage you to get to know her and the family that loves her. Life can certainly change in the blink of an eye. Please also consider praying for her and if you feel led, there are other ways you can help which are posted on her blog.

In thinking about Joanne, I realize even more how selfish my complaints are. You have been patient with me. You have "listened" and encouraged. You have reminded me of my blessings. I am grateful. Here's a pic of a couple of my blessings. I hope this doesn't seem inappropriate here in this post.

These are my beauties at Christmastime when we were able go back and visit Tulsa. Utica Square is a place to experience and one that will remain forever special to us. 

The next thing that is competing for my attention is how behind I am. I haven't been online much since the New Year... actually in the last 6 months. So, I haven't read this oh-so-important-to-me blog to realize that I haven't committed to SSMT. Yikes! Gotta get movin' on this one.

This is my first verse...

Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

Hello? 2011, are you out there?!

It's a new year and I am ready for some changes. Looking back at some pictures from high school and college, I am so glad I don't know "that girl" anymore. However, looking in the mirror, I don't think I like the woman that gazes back at me now. Why didn't I recognize the one I liked when I had her? Where is she now?

I know this difficult journey we have been on as a family has been for a reason. I obviously haven't been paying close enough attention. I certainly don't seem to have listened hard enough or gotten the message. We are still on the same journey. Nothing has changed in our situation. I don't think we have changed. I know that God allows changes to grow us. I'm afraid I haven't grown.

I have been pretty good at waiting patiently. I have learned that God's waiting room is quite full. There are many that wait. Some come and go. I am still here. Did I miss my number being called? I hope I didn't. I pray I didn't. I ask God on my knees to show me what I am missing. It is quiet. Maybe I just don't want to hear what He is trying to tell me...

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
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