Memorial Day Remembered....

In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.


by John McCrae

We are here!

We are not unpacked (a big job!) but we are here......

promise to post more tomorrow!!!

Thankful Thursday

Well, today is going to be my last day to post before we move.... I know I won't have time to touch the computer tomorrow or Saturday..... so this is my last post until we get settled at Eric's parent's house. I hope everyone has a great weekend and I will post again as soon as I am able!








1Th 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

As I thought to join in on this Thankful Thursday (my first) I sat thinking of all I could write.... the little things, the everyday things, my children, my husband, but I kept coming back to this verse.... and my heart was pricked and tears began to flow.... see, as many of you know, we have been having a difficult time these last few months..... Eric lost his job, and now has been without work for the past 6 months.... and this is the thing God keeps showing me to be thankful for. How, you may ask, can you be thankful for something like that.... easy..... it is commanded. My eyes are more open today to this verse (and others like it) so much more clearly than ever before. Oh, its easy to say it when you are not the one going through troubles.... it is another thing entirely when you are the one in the valley. I can name so many things I am thankful about during this time ....

First, I am thankful that God provided a way that Eric could be home to enjoy the first months of our new baby Jed's life.... seeing the pure joy on Eric's face as he plays, cuddles and just being a dad over again has been priceless.

Second, we have been so blessed by family and friends. You really can tell who is pulling for you in this life when you have gotten into a trial... we have had so many prayers, thoughts and well wishes sent our way (as well as other blessings too) that we have been overwhelmed by LOVE.

Third, it has been a great teaching tool for the children. Although they have never asked for much, they have learned in these last few months that happiness really does not mean having lots of things or money to do stuff with..... we have spent more time together as a family doing nothing more than throwing a frisbee or ball and it has brought us so much closer together as a family.

I could name so many more things I can honestly say I am thankful for even while in the midst of this valley..... God knows what we need in life...... and He allows what we need even if we don't really fully understand why we have to go through something...... God is so very good!

Proud Mommy Moment....

Sneaking a look at mom during the presentation.

A Signature Ribbon is presented to all of the class to remember this special occasion.


First in Line for the food at the reception ...... "I am a growing boy, mom."



Wow.... my Travis is growing so fast! What happened to that sweet bundle that I brought home from the hospital.... he has turned into a half-grown young man now getting ready to enter his first year of high school. Now I have to look up to see into his eyes (which by the way are still my favorite color of blue) and I marvel at how proud of him I am each day.

Congratulations to a job well done, son!

Wednesday's Word

Psalms 16:5 -11 (NLT) LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your godly one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Birthday Wishes

**not sure what I did that made it so that there could be no comments....... a glitch perhaps..... this is Eric's grandmother (his mother's mother)....... oh, found it.... and fixed it!

Christian One-liners

"Don't let your worries get the best of you. Remember, Moses started out as a basket case"

Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited -- until you try to sit in their pews.

Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers

It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes and sand gnats come close.

When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.

People are funny, they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.

God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?

Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

Peace starts with a smile.

I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?

A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.

We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges

Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

Forbidden fruits create many jams.


God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

God grades on the cross, not the curve.

God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

He who angers you, controls you!

If God is your Co-Pilot -- swap seats!

Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!

The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

We don't change the message, the message changes us.

You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

"Dear Heavenly Father, Bless the person reading this in whatever it is that You know they need." Amen!