Working for Friday...

Andrew had a job interview today!  Hooray!  He was so nervous, but says he thinks it went well. It's at a McDonald's in Greenwood (well, almost Greenwood) but it would be a great start into the corporate world!  We went over some "practice" questions at home so he said that helped him some.  Hopefully he will hear something back in the next few days. 

It's been a busy few days at work.  Until the transitions are settled I come home mentally drained. We had frozen pizza for dinner Tuesday night, breakfast for dinner Wednesday night and then carryout pizza tonight.  I promise that I'll be up to fixing dinner soon.  Michael is good about starting dinner most nights for me since he is home before me  - and when he does it is usually ready when I walk in the door.  My new shift is 7:30 - 4:30 - I'm excited about that.  And believe it or not, getting to work at 7:30 is working out great.  I'm usually up by 6 (ok...6:09 or 6:18) but getting to work by 7:30 isn't a problem.  GRANTED it has only been 3 days, but give me some credit!!!

I'm getting my hair cut next Wednesday night.  I've been growing it out for Locks of Love  - Andrew's school is having a collection the end of May.  I was going to get it cut there, but I just can't stand it anymore.  So next Wednesday night I'm going to go get a cut and a style, and the stylist will give me everything I need to donate it.  I just checked the website and they need 10 inches in a ponytail.  I'm GUESSING my hair to be at 13-14 inches - so hopefully I have enough left for me.  I had my hair cut once like Demi Moore in Ghost:

               

Now I KNOW I don't look like Demi Moore, but at one time I had my hair just like this and I loved it!  BUT Andrew was tiny and I didn't keep up it cut as I should.  So this is an option.  If you have an idea for my hair (Margie) shoot me some ideas.  I still want to wear bangs (just not these high school bangs) and I hate my hair on my neck.  So it has to be SHORT or I have to be able to put it in a pony tail and I'm not one to spend lots of time messing with it in the morning. If it isn't short short, and if I have enough to donate, I'm good with leaving it shoulder length and maybe getting it permed or something.  But my hair is fine - so I'm anxious about it!

Should be a quiet weekend.  I'll be in work at least some to help get the submittals caught up. We have to cut our grass...with all this rain it's just growing and growing.  My lilacs are about done for the year and now we need to cut it back.  I did some research and as soon as they are done blooming is when to trim them back.  And I want to dig up some shoots to take to Tennessee.  

Had lunch with Daddy today.  I haven't been over in awhile (pretty much since the week before Easter)  - but we had a nice time today.  He is doing great with Ebay and his clock collection. He got his first Grandfather clock for the house - he should have it back from the clock shop soon! I can't wait to see it!

That's all for tonight.  I'm getting ready to call it a night.  I'm behind on laundry - so that is major on my weekend list.  I should work on it tonight, but it just isn't going to happen.

As the rain falls and renews the earth, may the Holy Spirit of God fall on you, give you the renewal of your spirit, your mind and your heart.  

"Home" again with mixed emotions...

Most of you know that there have been some changes at Schmidt.  It's been very hard the last week - seeing friends let go.   To be honest, with each one your heartbreaks for them, you say a prayer for them to rebound and find something quickly and also a prayer of thanks that it wasn't you, and then you wonder if that was it.  No more "rounds" of layoffs.   I've been there for a total of 9 years now (5 years there, 3 years at Riley, 2 years back, an almost move to Hawaii which caused a change of employment for 6 months and then two years back).  I know that sounds funny, but for me it is the right place to work.   I love where I work, but for the last two years, I haven't LOVED what I do.  That changed yesterday. I found out early in the morning that there were some changes and it moved me back up to the front desk.  I love reception - I love doing reception at Schmidt.  To me they go hand in hand.  I can be myself - I enjoy the people there and I look forward to the job each day.  I never knew how draining it was for me to go to work over the last two years until this morning as I was getting ready for work Andrew said, "Mom, you're happy again" - wow...I never realized it.  I had no trouble getting up for work today.  Although I am mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted again tonight as we figure out all the changes, I feel different.  I'm not sure.  Although I  know I'm dealing with what I call "survivors guilt" - and worrying about those not there and how they are going to fare in this job market - I feel at home at the front desk - which actually causes some more guilt...

We are still sorting things out as to who will do what - but I hope the stomach filp/flops will stop and I can just enjoy being at "home"

My prayers are for those who have lost their jobs - for financial wisdom.  For confidence in who they are and that they can have peace during this time.  May God guide their steps and give them the wisdom to see where He is leading them.  May they find jobs quickly and be happier than before.  

  

Stellan's Home! Stellan's Home!

Horray for Stellan!  He proved to be a good patient and was released yesterday and they flew home today!  

Please keep the little guy in your prayers that they SVT stays away!!!

I finally got some sleep last night! What a difference a good night of sleep can make!

Had a WONDERFUL time at church today. I'm so thankful that Indian Creek uses so many creative arts to make the sermons real and memorable. We are doing a series on "Bii Fit"...

And how Jesus can be our personal trainer in this life - He came to earth to show us how to this life God's way. Pastor Gary's sermons are always very good - biblically referenced, well explained and bits of humor here and there. The creative arts team is doing a weekly "Biggest Sinner" video that was just a great giggle! They have two teams with trainers and each week the "Episode" reflects the sermon. Again, it was a great way to make a point that we will remember. Today was about going the road together. And it made me thankful for my Sunday School group. Andrew and I had searched awhile to find the right church and I'm thankful for Indian Creek!

Went into work again today for 3 hours. My goal is to do what it takes to be completely caught up (and stay that way) no matter the hours I have to work. I was thinking on Friday it would take a good 8 hours to get caught up. I put in 5 this weekend - I'm planning on going in early tomorrow to help get caught up...check up tomorrow to see how that goes!!

I made some chocolate chip cookies tonight - it was SO frustrating that they turned out flat this time. Exact same recipe and same everything. They taste ok...but just look like well, flat. :( and of course, I made a double batch.

Be sure you check up on baby Stellan. He certainly has been a challenge for the doctors, but (knock on wood) he will actually be heading home soon!! He has been out of SVT now for 48 hours (I think) and MckMama is truly thinking they will be heading home soon! Praise God for this blessing!

Back to the grind stone this week. I think it will be a slow week for me so THAT is a good thing! Nothing going on except my Thursday night meeting. WHEW!

This week as we go about our day, may we remember that we are not alone - nor are we meant to go alone. May you be surrounded by those that are willing to walk the journey with you.

(((HUGS)))

Time to catch my breath...

This week proved to be a busy week!  I've got so much work to do that I feel like I'm sinking again.  I was able to work late one night and go in early another morning (believe it or not....I was at work at 7am) so that helped.  But there are a lot of things going on in the office that I'm not prepared to discuss (now or maybe every) - but lets just say I'll be in the office all weekend getting things caught up.  I think most of it is that I'm tired of always being behind - so if I can give up a Saturday (even though it is supposed to be beautiful) I'll feel better in the long run. 

My lilacs have finally started to bloom!  You can smell them again this year all around and even in the house!  Unfortunately they are at the TOP of the bush, so it's a struggle to get to them. The bush is almost to the top of the roof!!  I think we are going to cut it back this year, but I'm not sure the best time of year to do that.  I don't want to hurt the bush at all or cause it to NOT bloom next year.  If you know, please let me know so I do the right thing!

Andrew pulled a good one on me yesterday morning.  And Michael was in on it too!  Andrew got up for school at 6am to study but ended up crawling in bed with me.  My alarm when off at 7 and Andrew informed me that he wanted to take the day off and wanted me to call him in sick today.  I wouldn't do it!  Next thing I know, Michael called and told me to let him stay home, it's the first really warm day...blah blah blah.  I refused to call him in!  Andrew gets up and goes to "get ready for school" and I talked to Michael for a bit as he still prodded me to call the boy in sick.  I come out of the bedroom and Andrew is standing in the hallway with a letter from school that he received on Monday that due to an academic meet (or something - I didn't actually get to read the entire letter) that the high school kids had the day off.  Lucky duck. Those rats pulled a good one on me!  So Andrew went to Papa's to do yard work and enjoyed the rest of the day.  

OH!  Andrew called me at work today and told me that McDonalds called for an interview. Unfortunately they wanted to interview on Sunday between 9:30 and noon - and we don't get out of church until noon. Andrew chose to tell her that he wasn't available due to church - and she replied back that she would have one of the other mangers call him next week to pick a different time.  Wish him luck!!

Less than a month till the Great Banquet.  I'm excited and nervous.  May is going to be a BUSY month for me - I've got the Great Banquet weekend, the following weekend we are doing a road "race" to TN to see Nece (my nephew is organizing a road rally down there - we will have things to do on the way, challenges to do, certain pictures to take - I'm so excited!) and then the weekend after that Dad is going to have a yard sale and boy do I have stuff for that! Unfortunately my great buy at Joann's a few weeks ago (when I bought the Aida cloth on clearance) didn't sell on Ebay.  So I have lots of that to get rid of!!

It's going to be in the 80's the today and tomorrow - I'm hoping to find some time to get some geocaching in.  I did go after one last Tuesday night.  Andrew was at bible study and Michael was playing poker with my dad so it was just me and Cocoa.  So when a new one popped up about 6 miles away I grabbed the geopuppy and off we went - yes, in the drizzle and drops. Unfortunately I had to post a DNF (did not find)  and it was found the next morning.  I'll head back out to get it soon, but I'm going to need someone a hair taller than me to search where it is at.  At least that is my reason for the DNF and I'm sticking to it!

Michael W Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman were in concert at the Murat this past week. That is RIGHT behind my work.  I thought about knocking off someone as they were parking in my parking lot and taking their tickets, but that's not the right thing to do...so I missed the concert. Booo!!!!  Speaking of Christian Music....the Dove awards were last Thursday night.  I'm so glad that 10th Avenue North won new artist of the year (song # 1 on my playlist) - and Casting Crows won group of the year (whoot whoot!) as well as Video of the year for Slow Fade:

Be sure to watch the video when you have a moment (push pause on my music below) - I find their music touches my heart in so many ways.  Powerful, convicting words and just downright good music all the way around!  I hope you enjoy the video!

That's about it for now - I actually haven't been sleeping well and last night was the worst of the nights.  I did get to watch "Bill Cosby - Himself" and it was good company in the wee hours of the morning.  It's almost 7am now- I think I'll fix some breakfast for the boy - he is going to my dad's to do yardwork there @ 9.  Maybe a quick nap before I head into work!

In these uncertain times, when the storms of life are rocking the boat, may we truly seek to find our peace in Jesus and allow Him to guide our steps - even though we may only have enough light for the step we are on - His path is true and it is in times like these that He is carrying us.  Stay strong...Stay Faithful...

(((HUGS)))

Tricia

PS...make sure check up on Stellan!  His little heart is giving the Dr.'s a run for their money - but God is faithful and true!

Stellan the Superstar!

Be sure to check on Stellan's Blog - well, MckMama's Blog!  Stellen was a good patient today during surgery and things are looking up!  

Please continue to keep the family in your prayers!

Praise God!!!

Who I want to be like when I grow up...

Let me tell you about my "adopted" Grandma. I'm not sure who adopted whom, but I've never met a more special person in my life.

We moved into this house Sept of 1993 - Andrew was just 10 months old. Our plan was to be here a few years and then move out of IPS district before he started school. Those plans changed the minute we met our neighbor whom everyone in the neighborhood called Grandma Irma. She had been a widow at that time for about 15 years. She was in her early 80's then and so full of life! She loved everybody - no matter what and she was always encouraging people. She would stand up for the underdog every time. She loved animals - birds, cats, squirrels, dogs...you name it! There must have been a sign somewhere for stray cats that they would have a long happy loved life at G'ma Irma's house! She loved Andrew as if he were her own grandchild. I don't have many pictures of her, but we found a video tape the other day of Andrew (he was about 5 or 6) and Grandma Irma sitting out in her back yard, each in their own chair with a TV tray in front of Andrew with cheese chunks, town house crackers and orange juice (that was her typical snack she would make for Andrew). She would always talk "with" him and not "to" him. She would spend time with him every single time he went over or if she saw him out back. She taught him games she played growing up - including a neat one that she pulled down from her attic just for him!

Here are a few of my favorite memories of her:

• 
  
  Andrew (probably 5 or so) was in trouble at home for something - and grounded to his room. I went over to visit her and we were discussing this. She told me in no uncertain terms that as his lawyer, she felt his punishment was unfair. Unfortunately, since I was the judge, she was overruled!


• 
  
  Another memory was, again, about Andrew being grounded - this time from the TV. He asked to go visit G'ma Irma which was always fine with us. Next thing I know, I'm looking out his bedroom window and into her dining room and there is Andrew sitting in her favorite chair with a TV tray in front of him and yes, you guessed it, watching cartoons and eating cheese chunks, town house crackers and orange juice! Let's just say he only got away with that once! That I know of anyhow...


• 
  
  A special treat for us was on Sundays. One of the local colleges would play Polka music on the radio about noon each week. She would turn it up so loud that if you were in Andrew's room, or out front/back you could listen to it too!


• 
  
  She loved to tell us of when she was a kid. Just to sit and listen was an honor.


• 
  
  She loved cherry tomatoes, Arby's Big Montana sandwiches and banana nut bread! And BOY did she have a sweet tooth! I LOVED baking something and taking it over there just as soon as it was out of the oven.


• 
  
  I remember her buying extra bread in the winter and cutting it up, pouring melted margarine on it and toasting it for the squirrels and birds. She used to feed Andrew's bunny everyday like clockwork weather permitting.

Her heart was soft, her mind quick and her friendship genuine. She was passionate about standing up for what was right and in taking care of people (and animals too!) I can honestly say that I am a better person for knowing her. She has blessed my life in so many wonderful ways. If I could only be as wise, tenderhearted and genuine as her. She never had a bad word to say about anyone -even if they had wronged her. She had many obstacles to overcome during her life, but she overcame them, learned from them and literally changed the world for the better. Every life she came in contact with was changed for the better.

G'ma Irma died July of 2007 - at the age of 95. I lost my mom 9 months prior and my mother-in-law 3 months after I lost my mom. I lost the 3 most important women in my life in a matter of 9 months. Each woman has helped to encourage, mold and teach me in a different way. And I pray that I am able to live up to the example of each one of them.

Who in your life has impacted you? Tell them now, like the song says, in The Living Years.

Father God, I thank You for the people you have put into my life for a reason, a season and a lifetime. Thank You for the friendship, the love and the lessons that I've been blessed to share with each of these people. Help me to learn to share with them now what they mean to me and not wait until it is too late.

Sound of Music! Flash Mob Event!

Ok...this is one of the COOLEST FME I've seen yet...

check it out here if the video below doesn't work!

ENJOY!  (Be sure to push pause on my playlist at the bottom!)

(FME = Flash Mob Event)

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video

Amanda...The Movie

They blocked off the meters in the streets yesterday here at work and today they are filming a movie. It's called AMANDA (at least that is what I was told and by this post I am in NO WAY endorsing this movie) - just something cool that was going on. They are filming in the apartments next to us and the scene you are about to see (well, still shots of) are of her (I assume it is Amanda) running down the street and the taxi does a U-Turn in the middle of the street and follows her. I took the pictures with a coworkers camera and I'm not used to it so I didn't get any closeups. So I guess from now on I'll carry my camera with me! They will be back in two weeks to film somemore.

While I was watching they did this shot at least 6 times (then I had to get back to work) - so who knows how many MORE times she had to run by us! And let's just say all the guys in the office were watching her run.

It's been kinda neat to see all the stuff involved for this shot. The truck in front of our office has been unloaded and there is stuff everywhere! I think if click on the pictures you can get a better shot!

To Tell The Truth...

I hate mornings. I hate getting up in the morning. Doesn't matter the day of the week...what I have planned or what the weather is like. I hate mornings...period. It doesn't matter what time I go to bed, it doesn't matter who is around....I hate mornings!

But I can't sleep in. Nope. Saturday's usually find me up by 7am. That just stinks. Sunday's the same time and I don't have to get up until 8 for church. Just one more hour...that's all I want!

And I can't nap. I have RLS and that make is hard to nap during the day (or sit through movie or anything like that, but that is another post) - unless I take 1/2 a leg pill. And then I'm knocked out for 3 hours easy. So I really try not to take my medicine for it unless I really can nap. But that can really eat away at my day.

I don't think I was always like this. I think I used to be more of a morning person. But I know I've always been a night person. I love staying up late (although I try to go to bed by 10:30.) When we were first married Michael worked 3rd shift. I worked 2nd. I would get off work and then go home and get him up from his nap and chase him off to work. About 2:30am I would start fixing his "lunch" and then take it up to his work. Pretty stupid of me at the time, I traveled from Greenwood to 465 and Harding in my first car (a 79 Datsun 210 - not the most reliable car) - I'm sure the hand of God was watching over me! I would visit then come home and go to bed - he'd crawl in bed about 8:30 in the morning. I'd get up about 10:30 or so and start my day. I have to say those are my kinda days!!

But lately I'm finding mornings harder and harder. The joke in the family is how many times I hit my snooze in the morning. My alarm goes off at 6:30 and I usually hit it until 7ish. Not much of an issue MOST mornings, except on Mondays - Michael's day off. Some Mondays I'll grab my alarm clock and put it in bed with me so it is quieter and it is easy to hit the snooze button. I know...I know. Eventually Michael threatens to push me out of bed if I don't get my butt up.

If you have any thoughts for me I'm good with that! I've THOUGHT about putting it across the room but I'm not sure on that. My fear of that is that I'll shut it off and then crawl back into bed and then be late. And besides, our bedroom is small so I'd only have to crawl to the end of the waterbed and hit snooze....

Good thing Andrew knocks on my door in the mornings to get me up...and then he lets Cocoa in. But the dog would rather curl up next to me and go back to sleep, so the puppy isn't much help!

This post was triggered by yet another slow morning for me. When I used to drop Andrew off at school, it was easier - I had some accountability. When I carpool with my friend, it is easier. She has threatened to sit outside and hit her horn - and I don't think my neighbors would appreciate that. I did make it in by 8:30 today - so that means a quick lunch or working a little late to make up the time.

So if anyone has any thoughts for me...please post them! And no, telling Andrew to come in with a cup of ice water is NOT a good idea....

Scolded...

I got a quick scolding today because I haven't updated in awhile!  I would say I've been too busy -but that is only 1/2 the truth.  The other part is that I've been rather busy stitching - no no...not my big project yet...another small one - but again, I'm glad I did this one.  I've learned a technique that will help me do 1/2 stitches better.  I'm almost done with it, I'll post a picture as soon as I get it finished.  

Friday we went to Good Friday services at church.  I'm so thankful that I have a church that uses creative worship in the services.  The service was good - the ending video left us something to ponder as we took communion and left in silence.  

Andrew and I attended Easter service on Saturday.  That way when Easter Sunday came around there was plenty of room for visitors.  And they started with one of my favorite new songs "Prepare ye the Way" - by Michael W Smith.  And I have to be honest, our band gives his band a run for their money!  It was a high energy service and a very good message.  

After church Andrew colored Easter Eggs - I boiled one dozen but he had so much fun with the first dozen that I boiled another dozen!  Here is some of his artwork:

If you know Andrew - you know about Bob.  Bob is the center of all his artwork.  Bob has been drawn in all of his school books.  Bob is an added member of our family!

And then there is the humor of a teenager:

          

And an Easter Egg of course:

And have you ever wondered what an egg looks like if you mix all the colors together and let it soak?

It was a lot of fun.  Good thing I like egg on my salad!

Sunday morning Andrew and Michael went to the movies.  I enjoyed the time to myself as well as set up a treasure hunt for Andrew for his Easter gift.  We've never been one for lots of candy in his basket, and as he's gotten older we've changed it to a treasure hunt with a gift (with a little bit of candy).  His gift was Lego's (of course).  It was a good family day with a yummy dinner and game night.  

This week is a lot slower for me.  And for that I'm thankful!  Michael mentioned that I am always sink or swim when it comes to me being involved in things.  And right now I'm sinking in things that I'm involved with!

Prayer request for Baby Stellan - he is going to have to go to Boston to the children's hospital there for possible heart surgery.   Please keep him (and his family) in your prayers.   If you haven't checked out his name gallery - take a look here.  I want to get some pictures here in town with his name.  Check that link every day or so - she is really good about uploading pictures! 

Part of my delay in updating was I wanted to post something relevant and meaningful about Easter and it's meaning, but after reading a few blogs I follow, everything that I wanted to say seemed, well, insignificant.  So I'm not sure what to say, just that I hope that as you examine the world around you,  you take the time to actually search your heart for what it is all about.   

Alright Margie, there you go.  All updated! 

Thanks for checking up on us!

(((HUGS)))

Sha

The Seder Meal

Andrew and I had a great opportunity to go to a presentation of the Passover meal - a Seder Meal - at the Church at the Crossing last night. It was presented by Jews for Jesus and it was SO interesting. He went through the passover meal as the Jews celebrated it back in Jesus' time as well as today. The symbolism of the passover meal and what it means regarding the actual passover by the angel of death during the 10 plagues and the exodus from Egypt was so interesting. But what was even more amazing was how the symbolism is a representation of the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus. The exact same meal - the exact same presentation - two totally different views. And as a believer in Yeshua it gave me goosebumps to be able to see both sides, but mostly as Christ my sacrifice, my hope and salvation.

Tomorrow night Andrew and I are going to the Tenebrae service at Indian Creek. We went last year and really enjoyed it. And we are going to Easter services on Saturday night to save room in church on Sunday for all the visitors. This week has been full of reflection of the Holy Week and I've really enjoyed it.

Baby Stellan has had an amazing day and 1/2. Hopefully they have found the correct treatment for the little guy. Oh, if you get a chance go to his name gallery by using the button above. It's amazing to see that he is being prayed for all around the world! I'm got a few ideas of places to take his picture here in town - I hope to do that this weekend!

That is enough for tonight...

With Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday upon us - may we take a look into our hearts and search to see what we believe. Having the faith of your parents (or the lack of) isn't good enough. Having not explored the facts that are out there and saying you don't believe is lazy. Being upset by how other believers have hurt you is an excuse. You are responsible for you - your soul, your eternal life. Jesus is waiting for you - he is standing at the door. The proof is out there...seek and ye shall find! Amen and Amen!

Happy Resurrection Sunday to all!

End of the weekend blues!

This is a game that we used to play growing up - Bermuda Triangle.  Michael bought it for me a few years ago off of Ebay and tonight was the first time we've played it.  Andrew suggested a game night and boy did we have a blast!  You have to move around the ocean - after everyone has a turn, you spin the spinner and it tells you direction that the storm moves. There are magnets on top of the boats and under the storm - if your boat is in the way the storm may swallow up your boat!  The boats on top of the storm are the ones that were swallowed up by the storm. We had had a really good time!

That was the most we did today after church.  Nice rainy day to relax and take it easy!  I did sort all my cross stitching floss and began working on my big cross stitching project again!  I'll post pictures as I get sections complete!!

My Sunday School teacher told us about this great service at a church on the north side.  It is going to go over the Passover celebration as the Jews see it and how we as believers understand the symbolism behind it.  It will be presented by a Messianic Jew - so he will be able to accurately cover both sides!  I'll share more later!

Michael and I watched "7 Pounds" (Will Smith) last night.  It was a pretty good movie, but it was a movie with no hope.  You feel bad for Will Smith for the pain and guilt he carries, but to have no hope was a depressing thought.  And then today Andrew and I watched "Marley & Me" - and although I knew the movie would make me cry, it was such a good movie.  Very honest and lots of laughs.  I liked the way they covered so many items honestly (marriage, children, love, hopes/dreams and even death) and with gentleness. I would recommend it to anyone  - it will make you cry - but it's a good kinda cry.

Well, back to the grindstone for the new week.  It's gonna be colder this week adn I'm not looking forward to that.  I liked the spring weather we've had so far!  Even a rainy day today!

As we approach a new week may we seek God's direction in all we do.

(((HUGS)))

Tricia

Quick Geocaching Update!

Went to the event this morning - gosh it was good to catch up with everyone! Since I fixed breakfast for the boys and ate pancakes at home I just got toast to snack on. My count on the Easter candy was 777 (since one of the caches only had 7 pieces in it) - but the final count was 834 (or 843 - I don't remember) - so I didn't win. I don't think my guess was too bad though!!! The winner got a "bag 'o loot" with ready to go caches as well as lots of other stuff! 3 other people closest got peeps and the person who guesses the lowest got a bag of candy - to practice with!!! About 50 people showed up!!

More details later - I've got the boys right now since they are on their lunch break (the only got 20 minutes!) so we are up here at Schmidt. I'm heading back to dad's to do more yard work!

Eggstra Special Geocaching!

I'm so excited! Tomorrow is the first Geocaching event I'll be able to attend since the picnic last fall!! The girls in the area do a monthly event but I never seem to be able to go. Tomorrow they are doing an EGGstra special one! It all started today with 3 special caches that we got to go find...guess I outta back up.

What is geocaching? It is an world-wide treasure hunt game. Someone hides a container (ammo cans, lock-n-lock, film container) and then they use their GPSr to get the coordinates of where they hid it and they post them on the geocaching website. Then people like me get the coordinates and then go find it! All containers must contain a log book (proof that you found the cache) and if it is big enough, it will contain some trade items. I then go to the website and log my find. That is the GUTS of it. But the fun part is the hunt. It's taken me to so many places I've never seen - even local places! Some of the places are unusual, some are beautiful and some are just down right amazing. Sometimes they are right in your neighborhood or you will find them at the end of a wonderful hike. One of my most unusual ones that I've found was this one - Rest In Peace? - (the geocache is off the side of the road) - but I never would have found this neat place if it weren't for geocaching!  Another favorite one is in Beech Grove, a little hidden garden with a trail that leads you to a quiet secluded area.  Here are some pictures I took when I found it:

      

And some of them are just quick Park & Grabs that take less than a minute to find.  On some of them you have to solve a puzzle to get the coords (coordinates).  And some of them are so hard to find that we go back and back trying to find it.  Remind me to tell you about Shelter II sometime!!  And like I mentioned above, geocaches are world wide.  When we went to Hawaii last summer I found one there (yes, only one even though the islands are loaded with them as well!) - I've found them in TN (right by Nece's old house), PA (you know Margie that even though you don't live by the overlook anymore, I'm still going to check on that one when I visit) - OH, IL, West Virgina - but somehow, even though I got visit Nece, I don't have any in KY yet!  That is my next goal!!!  Anyhow...

I've been caching for almost 4 years now.  I'm not a power cacher, but I find it challenging and relaxing and lots of fun!

Now, back to tomorrow.  Tomorrow is a special event.  We had to go find 3 new caches today. Each cache has a container with candy in them.  We have to guess the number in each container and total them for tomorrow (uh, it's today now) - the closest count gets to adopt all 3 caches.   So I went out tonight and found the 3 and I've got my count for tomorrow.  All the caches tonight were Easter themed in the containers.  Here are pictures of two of the candy containers I found tonight:

        

So...got any hints??? Do you have any guesstimates for me???  We are all getting together for breakfast tomorrow for just a time of fellowship and fun.  I've found the geocaching community to be fun caring and just a good bunch of people to be with!  I'll let you know tomorrow if I win!!

I came back and built a small campfire tonight.  I enjoy burning them - except for tonight.  I went to put a stick back in the fire and, of course, it was hot and I burnt my left hand.  I think I have 3 blisters.  DOH!  But Andrew and Eric made S'mores so it was worth it....NOT! 

OH!  If you haven't checked Stellans website lately, mom put up a great little video of the little guy!  Praise God he has been out of SVT for a full day now and they are figuring out his meds. He still has a way to go before he can go home, but he is doing so much better!  Thank you for your prayers and keep them coming!!

I'm outta here tonight...it's way past my bedtime - almost 1am!  Eric is in Andrew's bed and Andrew is on the couch behind me (not that he is sleeping yet).  They have a BUSY day tomorrow so I better shut this thing down and let the kid get some sleep!!

May the Healer of heaven above, the creator of the Heavens and the earth touch each one of us in the way we need it the most.  Physically, Mentally and Emotionally and bring us to our full potential of who we are meant to be!

(((HUGS))) to all and good night!

Sha

Sometimes it's all about the timing....

Received a very special gift from my friend Angie today - a gift card to JoAnn's...Whoot Whoot! And yesterday in the mail I got a JoAnn's flyer that included, yes, you guessed it, a 40% off coupon - you can see it in the picture below with the coupon torn out!! Talk about timing!!!! So tonight after dinner I ran down to JoAnn's and got a scroll frame! And it is (finally) the right size. I'M SO EXCITED! Here is a picture of what you can get with an awesome gift card and a coupon for 40% off your highest price item - (there was also a little something else that I'll share later - and yes, I even included the PB Twix - but that was for Andrew):

The scroll frame is 9x24 and will be PERFECT for my big project! And if you look carefully, you can see a dozen or so stitches in it! I got the little container (on sale) to hold my small projects that I work on. I have a (bad) habit of working on a small project, setting it down and losing little things like my needle or my scissors...(did you notice the extra pair of scissors in the picture???) and if I'm going to expect the boys to keep up their end of the deal about picking up after themselves, well, I need to do it too! So this holds everything!! BONUS! And besides Michael roars like a lion when he "finds" one of my needles....

Looks to be a busy week. My long lost son Kenny (Andrew's friend) is spending the night tonight...tomorrow night Andrew is spending the night at Eric's and then Friday night Eric is spending the night here and they are going to Battle Cry all day Saturday. Saturday after I drop them off at Conseco I'm going to the Geocaching Event and breakfast. Then to Dad's to help with his addition to his garage! I'm also taking lunch and dinner to Andrew and Eric at Conseco Saturday...and then coffee duty at church on Sunday! WHEW! I'm tired already!

I'm ready to mail out my bookmark to my blogger friend. And I'm finally ready to share the final project with you. This is actually the 2nd bookmark - the first one looked very similar but the cloud was white. I noticed some of my stitches were going the wrong way (yes, stitches can go the wrong way) so I redid it and changed a few things. I was going to go ahead and mail it as well as the one below to her but when I was ironing it last night I got something all over it and it won't wash out. So I'm just sending the one you see below. I really really hope she likes it. It is going to New Zealand and I have no idea how long it will take to get there. I'm mailing it Friday. And although I really enjoyed making it and can't wait to mail it, I hope I don't have to make anymore just like this one.

Baby Stellan and his family can still use your prayers. He is an amazing little guy and his mom is wearing thin. She is being blessed by so many people - but I know she would want nothing more than to have her little boy healthy and at home. Please continue to pray. Visit her blog to keep up on the details. You can use the button at the top of my blog.

I'm looking forward to Easter Services at church - we are doing special Good Friday Services and then 5 Easter services - so we will probably go to Easter services on Saturday night. Church is packed on Easter Sunday - so I'll let someone else have my seat on Sunday.

That is it tonight. No Great Banquet meeting tomorrow night because of Spring Break so I might go to the auction with Daddy. I will NOT buy an box lot of boxes...don't worry. Then again, I might just stay home with Michael and work on my big cross stitch project!

As we approach the Easter season, may we reflect on the true meaning of Easter and the sacrifice that was made for us. Let us not lose focus of the purpose of Good Friday and the wonderful miracle of Resurrection Sunday.

(((HUGS))) to all!

Tricia