10 years ago today!!!

10 years ago today I was getting ready to embark on THE greatest adventure in my life. I had looked forward to that day for as long as I could remember. I can't explain all the emotions that I was experiencing, yet I remember them as if it were yesterday. If you knew me then you know what I'm talking about. There had been several long, difficult times but it all came together on that day.
We have had plenty of ups and downs. We have had plenty of challenges and changes. One thing is for sure, God is GREAT and His timing is perfect. I couldn't have imagined what a wonderful gift I'd be given in John. He is an amazing husband, hands-on Daddy, and the most consistent friend I've ever had.
I am especially contemplative about not only my marriage but marriage in general as we head into this election. For those of you who may not know this, California has a proposition on the ballot that if not passed could alter the way we define marriage. My heart aches over this blatant attack on one of God's "beautiful mysteries" that is such an amazing picture of His love for the church and even the relationship He has within the Trinity. Please join with us and others in CA that are praying that Proposition 8 will pass.

The Cruise

John and I treated ourselves to a 4-day cruise for our anniversary. We left Long Beach Mon. evening, went to Catalina for the day on Tues., Ensenada, Mexico for the day on Wed., and were "out to sea" for Thurs. We arrived back at Long Beach on Fri. morning. Without going into too much detail ( :D ), we had a great time. A few highlights: 1) Not having to use a watch to do anything or be anywhere. 2) Being able to complete an entire thought or conversation without interruption. 3) Meeting 3 very wonderful christian couples at different stages of this life than ours. 4) My children makin' bonds/memories, being loved, adored, spoiled (a little), and poured into by such a dear family to us. 5) Enjoying the feeling of missing my kids sooo much I couldn't wait to get back to them (at the end of the trip :) ). 6) Remembering that we are each others best friends and realizing how much we have missed each other).



Our Room w/a View.


This has quite a "funny" story. We decided to rent beach cruisers on our Catalina Island stop. We had a map that showed a loop that seemed like it would be nice and scenic. So we went up this humongous "hill" (of which the town sits humbly below) and were very proud of ourselves and looking forward to the downhill ride back to town. However, the road along the beach was closed off so we had to go all the way back up this hill. This pict was taken BEFORE we had realized this (notice how I am still smiling).



This was one of the two times we just sat in the sun and lounged.
With our busy lives we had all but forgotten what these kind of chairs were for.






This was our last sunset on the Paradise. As John and I looked
over the fairly placid water, I told him how cool it would be if we
saw a whale or something. I had no sooner finished my sentence
when we saw a couple splashes and then as we looked out in front of the boat the water teemed with at least a hundred or more dolphins! It was sooo amazing.



Every night when our steward would turn down the bed. He would leave mints and a cute "towel animal" on display. This was a big and little walrus, can you tell?


Here is an almost complete view of the Paradise. Our van full again of our precious treasures as well as Aunt Jeannie tryin' to prolong the goodbyes.

A very difficult last couple of weeks.

Well, this will not be a "fun" post. I have no pictures to show at this time (not for lack of them mind you but for lack of knowledge as to how to download them from the camera). My heart is aching. John and I have really been wrestling with what we should do in response to some decisions our denomination has made. Let me preface all this by saying I LOVE the church we attend. The people are sooo dear to my heart and truly show Jesus in their words and deeds. Our church is a Presbyterian Church-USA. For those of you who don't know all that that stands for, you're blessed. I, on the other hand, have gleaned way too much information of what this means. And, with this knowledge, John has felt compelled at this time that we should no longer attend. Had we known all that we know now when we first began attending 15 years ago, I don't know if we would have attended. It has nothing to do with our little church but what a large part of the leadership in the denomination of that church is/has been doing.
As you can imagine this is heartbreaking to say the least. This is the church where we call "home". This is where my babes have been welcomed into this world. This is where I have cried out and been heard and where I've received countless help. I don't know what to do and quite frankly don't know where we will attend now. I would really apprectiate all your prayers at this time for us.
John and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary with a 4 day cruise next week and it really couldn't have come at a better time. We both need time away to sort through things, reconnect, and pray uninterrupted. I have felt so down and heavy-hearted and pray that will be a thing of the past after this time with my loves (God and John). Thanks for your prayers.

School Days are here again!!!

My tradition for our homeschool is to begin school (officially) the day after Labor Day and end Memorial Day.
I "borrowed" the idea of making our "1st"day of school memorable from a fellow homeschooler and friend at Keeping up with the Joneses.
We have a special breakfast (alphabet pancakes; I had to forgo in lieu of my arm so we had gel icinged letters on pancakes Daddy made the day before). I usually make a back-to-school banner and have some new school supplies "wrapped" up. We also take school pictures (individual and class : D ). I think the kids enjoy it and although it means the end of lazy summer days, they look forward to it.

Continued...

So, another "big event" that happened in August was my birthday.
It was bad enough that I thought my injury was partially due to the fact I was turning ..... but everyone made me feel very special. My aunt threw a pool party at her house on Sat., John made me this AWESOME 8' x 3.5' kitchen table (which I covered w/heavy duty plastic) that was graced with a beautiful flower arrangement my Aunt Barbara wired to me from VA, the kids all lavished me with drawings and love, and a friend took me out to lunch and gifted me with a pedicure.

August Daze!!

Here's a picture journal of our crazy end of July and August.

2 Days before I broke my arm we sent this precious soldier off to Africa (Nairobe, Kenya). Amy is very dear to our family and she has embarked on a most incredible journey. She will be teaching kids at a school for at least this year and possibly a second. We miss her all ready.

My nieces Shaylee and Tenaya came to help me out the week after my surgery. We got a lot of special attention and people visiting and bringing food that I think my children secretly hope I will injure myself again soon.

Not to let a broken arm stop all the summer fun, we went camping for a few days up the road. I figured as long as I'm not sleeping anyway, I might as well not be sleeping at home. John was very gracious and I was able to come home and be alone a couple of times. It really was pretty relaxing and Levi took such great naps that we all were able to have some real down time.

To Be Continued.....

Back from Land w/One Hand!!!

Okay, It's about time I updated my Blog. I have to take the girls to gymnastics and then I will try to gather the picts and write a little to update since The Surgery. Needless to say it has been quite interesting and I'm sooo very thankful for all my appendages. Here is a picture of me the day after surgery. I pretty much looked like this for the next 6wks. (maybe a little less drugged).