If I'm being totally honest.....

I do worry at times.
I try not too. -- Not only because I have three children who depend on my backbone, and can practically read me like a book, but also because it's a waste of time.
We really can't be certain of exactly what God has planned for us...and we have no right to be concerned about it.
So I think.
But, as the saying goes, "it's easier said then done".


The phone rang around noon.
Work.
A "call out".
Which means "I can't tell you any information. I can't tell you where I'm going, how long I will be, or what I will be doing" "I'll call you when I'm out of danger". (People think there is little danger in this city, but they have no idea. There are criminals carrying knives, drugs, guns in EVERY city)

That's it.
A kiss and a hug.
And a goodbye.
It's now 9:00 p.m.
Nine hours.
Yep. Sometimes it gets to me.
Not often.
But sometimes.

The really good part of it all is:
you seldom take for granted those that you love.
And you always remind yourself that God has plans for you.
He knows ALL.
And I trust HIM.

The love of God....

"Salt water is the greatest component of our world, yet some people have never seen an ocean. That doesn't change the ocean. It is constant and powerful, and, like the love of God, whether we're immersed in it, standing on the shore, or a thousand miles away, it remains."

As written in Mosaic, Amy Grant

Attitude of Gratitude..

It has been WAY to long since I reflected on all things I should be grateful for...
Here is today's list...

1.. The five dollar bill I found in the back pocket of a newly washed pair of jeans..!! Hannah was able to go bowling with friends!











2. My father & brother (and Mike too!) for all of the hours and money they are putting into the finishing of our basement!!!










3. My son and his contentment to sit on the stool and watch his favourite movie--HAIRSPRAY-- as mommy cleans the kitchen and puts the laundry away!!










4. Green licorice

5. The sun shining in my kitchen door and windows!!

6. Grace givers #1, #2, and #3









7. The dollarstore for my brand new picture frames!!!


8. OOOH OOOH Rachael Ray!











9. A carpet quote for the basement that was less than we estimated!! YAY!



10. Mercy given, God patterned, air breathing, love granted, grace receiving, patience needing, character building, trust learning, yearly, monthly, weekly, daily, hourly, minute, second of my...LIFE!!!!

Back by popular demand....

Thanks girls for missing me... I miss myself too!!
Sorry it's been so long... seems as though Christmas and New Years takes a toll on me. I get so excited early November for the season, preparing and getting ready for the holidays..yet as the time comes near, I become quite stressed and anxious. It takes me a little while to "unwind" and get back to me. I think I'm back.
The good news.....
My family "cashed in" on one of our Christmas presents...another trip to GREAT WOLF LODGE!!!
We had a WONDERFUL time (minus papa--and being ill!). Family time is so wonderful!
I will leave you with a few pictures from the weekend, and my word that I will try to blog regularly--for me.

One day, while eavesdropping....

I heard a conversation between my 5 yr old daughter, Hannah, and her neighbourhood friends....

Hannah: He IS TOO real...Yes, he did die, but he became alive again.
David: No Hannah. Jesus is dead.
Hannah: He IS NOT!
David: Yes he is. My mom told me.
Kaleb: No he isn't. I saw him on TV.
Hannah: SEE!

**Warning**

**This post may contain language. But no nudity. Viewer discretion is advised!**

I broke my vacuum. AGAIN. This being the third vacuum in three weeks. I am STILL CERTAIN it is just God letting me know that a) I need to hand over vacuuming duties to someone else...or b) I need hardwood floors.
It does state "He knows the desires of our hearts" yes? So clearly, He is trying to tell me something. Mike has yet to hear Him.
After much thought, I decided to take the third vacuum back. I had only purchased it the week before, and broken the belt twice. I settled the kids, vacuum and myself into the van and set off to Wally World. Not a treck or venture that any of my children enjoy, but one that I wanted to get over with. I needed my vacuum. Even if I didn't use it, I needed to know I had one and could obtain clean floors at a moments notice. The thrill of a clean carpet moved me to set out on this excursion.
About 1/2 hour after leaving, we made it to 'customer service'...Hannah helped by wheeling the vacuum from the van into the store...when we got to the desk, it was not only covered in the dirt from our renovating basement, but managed to obtain some puddle water, a nick from the curb, and possibly a crack or two from Isaiah trying to sit on it while we walked. I was still smiling..all is well.
We were 4th in line. Not too bad. Could be worse. It was vacuuming we're talking about here! Squirmy #1 and #2 found a plant. Managed to knock it over. I was still smiling..although the man behind me did not find it as funny as I. Baby started screaming. Must be tired right? Or was she getting as impatient as I was? The woman in front of me kept looking behind at me. Was there something on my face? Had I looked in the mirror this morning? I couldn't remember. When I got to the counter, the lady didn't even ask about the vacuum. She took my reciept and gave me the money. Odd. Wasn't she to ask me if I wanted an exchange? Must be the lineup! Isaiah was now behind the desk rolling the vacuum around. I was still smiling.
Even this organized, overachiever likes a good adventure now and then...so we set out to get a few baking goods. Well, I set out to get some baking goods...the kids set out for a good old game of hide and seek.
An hour later I had found some lard and butter. Excellent. And since the kids were so well behaved, we decided to get some french fries. By this time we were all ready for some grease.
There were atleast 8 people in line. No problem. Could be worse. It is french fries we're talking about here! I decided I would seat the children and then wait in line. We found a table smack dab in the middle of the store. A lovely old lady was beside us, perusing her recently purchased photos. I started to situate the children, looking after toques, coats..etc when I noticed the lady "harumphing". You know, sighing VERY LOUD. As if she were ticked off at something, but noone knew what. She proceeded to hastily pick up her pictures that she was ever so carefully laying on the table. Something, and something bad, had set her off! Hmm..odd. I continued my undressing. (so there is nudity...sorry!) She continued to "harumph" and then began to glare at us. Then she turned and almost ran to the other side of the store to find a seat.
I settled the kids, went to line up. The lovely old lady quickly walked beside me and budded in front of me. Odd. I almost felt bad for her. I kindly touch her and said "Excuse me. I hope that we didn't make you move from your seat?" As she turned, I knew that I should not have spoken. This lovely old lady, suddenly grew 6 feet and spewed "IT"S NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS WHAT I DO" to an oblivious, smiling me. All 15 people in line, (it had grown) turned to look at this lovely old lady, and ME.
Odd.
For 30 seconds I stood shocked. Then I slowly, infectiously, started laughing. As I looked back at my children, I noticed they were gone. Oh no they weren't. Isaiah was laying on the floor and Hannah was sitting on him.
Ahhh...yes, this is what life is about. French fries, vacuuming and children.
I was still smiling.