Please Pray for Kate McRae -

Here is a link to her Caring Bridge website: Kate McRae

Her story from her Caring Bridge:

Monday June 29th began like every other day, and ended like one we could have never imagined. Our daughter Kate was taken to the dr. for tremors in her right hand. We proceeded to Phoenix Childrens Hospital for a stat CT of her head. At 5:30 I, Holly, Kate's mom, was taken into a room alone and told Kate had a massive tumor on the basil ganglia portion of her brain. I called her dad and our journey has begun. One we never would have chose to be a part of, but was chosen for us, and our sweet Kate. She is now in the Phoenix Children's Hospital undergoing treatment for this disease. Please, our dear daughter needs your prayers, as do we, Aaron, Holly, Olivia and Will.

You Tube Video's -

Initial Video July 2nd:

Update July 11th:

Video Update July 21st:

Please pray...this little girl and her family needs lifted up to the throne of God!

I'm still here!!

Has it almost been two weeks since I updated? Forgive me please!

I had a wonderful birthday! Here is the gift I wanted from the boys:

It's a sorter for my cross stitching stuff, and as you can tell, it is full! I needed something to keep it all together in and it is on wheels so I can roll it into the living room and then back to the bedroom when I'm done! I used my birthday dollars to fill it. The boys and I went to dinner at Logan's in Greenwood in two cars. After dinner they came home and then I went to JoAnn's/Michael's/Hobby Lobby. I had so much fun! :o)

Here is the sorting system I got for my thread:

It's a binder system with each thread color in a numbered bag. So all the colors in the 300 range are in one binder. I absolutely love it! And this way I won't waste any threads - it's easy to store the cut threads in each baggie! :) I'm so happy!!

I finished my bib:

Well it is almost done! I have to put a backing behind the bunny so the threads don't unravel. I'll try to get that done this week. I don't know if she will ever use it, but I had fun making it! I've also worked on a new type of project that I was able to mail to a friend. I'm really enjoying it a bunch....BUT...I have about a month to finish my big project and I haven't picked it up in a few weeks. I keep getting distracted on other projects.

The boys are doing great. Andrew still doesn't have a job - but he is still cutting grass and cleaning the pool to earn money. I go Thursday to register him for 11th grade....I can't believe it. I am encouraging him to go get a job this week - at least try. He has rather enjoyed his summer. I can't believe that he hasn't had a hair cut all summer - this is a boy who keeps it SHORT. I think he is letting it grow in so he can get a style in a few weeks before schools starts.

Michael is getting more hours on the "bugging" team! We love the Japanese beetles! Every Thurs/Sat he works long days - we are getting almost 40 hours! Good timing too! I can only imagine what Andrew books are going to cost us. And then there is school clothes...and...and...and...

Other than that....not much going on. We've had some unseasonably cool weather this week and I've enjoyed it. We did a campfire tonight and now the boys are playing chess.

We aren't seeing much of his dad since the talk a few weeks ago. On one hand it has been kinda nice having family time to ourselves, but on the other hand just wondering what his dad is up to is a bit frustrating. I think Michael is more worried than he lets on...he is grumpy and stressed - and I'm not sure what to do/say. Thoughts?

Anyhow, that is it for tonight. I'll chat again soon...sorry it's been so long since I updated!

To Tell the Truth...

Today is my birthday and I decided that it is time for a change.

God has been quietly talking to me over the last few months. What is influencing my mind, my thoughts and ways. And I've been listening. I guess when God is talking to your heart you don't have a choice but TO listen - You can ignore or deny it is God, but you know it is Him and even if you don't want to listen - He still talks to you.

Well, God has been encouraging me lately to make some changes. Some are little changes, some are going to bigger changes. Some are quick changes, some are going to be a lifestyle change.

Please note that what you read below is just about me. Decisions I'VE made for me. This does NOT mean I judge you if you decide differently. This blog is, after all, all about ME! You may or may not agree with what you read below. You may think I'm off my rocker or off in the deep end. But it is me...and as I respect you and your choices and decisions in life, I would expect the same respect back to me.

One of the simpler changes I'm making I've already made. It's what I watch on TV. The bible says that we are to be careful what feeds our mind. What we watch, what we listen to. There are a few shows that I really enjoy on TV and and some of them I am choosing to no longer watch. I gave up "House" - 2 weeks prior to the season finale. Although I enjoyed how he solved things and the story lines - most of the newer shows contained subject matter that was certainly pushing the envelope. Prostitutes at his house, strip clubs, a bachelor party that was embarrassing to watch for me even as an adult. I am responsible for what I expose myself to. BUT there is an even BIGGER responsibility that I have. I have to be careful what I expose my son to. If I watch those types of shows it gives an air of "approval"for him and that is not what I want. We have a rule that we don't watch R rated movies (exception for Passion of the Christ) - and we are selective about what PG-13 movies we watch. Now don't get me wrong, we didn't always be this way. And there are MANY movies in hindsight that I wish I would have walked out on - but I'm a work in progress and I'm still learning His ways. Anyhow, this is a start for me. I'm carefully watching what I watch and I'm trying to look at them through God's eyes and how they influence me. There are some shows I would like to watch but with all the "bleeping" they do over the cuss words you can't make sense of the conversations. And truthfully, I know what they are bleeping and I mentally find myself "filling in the blank" - I know that might sound weird, but pay attention next time something is being "bleeped" and I bet without a doubt you are mentally "filling" in the blank yourself. This includes "Deadlisest Catch" which I really like.

I guess from that last statement you realize that we also do not cuss. To me, it is an uneducated way of describing what you want to express. Not to mention I think cussing is downright rude. And that leads us to another topic, "Christian Cussing" (or slang for cuss words like crap, poop, darn it and others) that we are working on taking out of our vocabulary as well.

Years ago God called me to think about what I listen to. Years ago I started listening to contemporary Christian music. It all started with Michael W Smith. I heard his "Cry for Love" and "I'll Lead you Home" - and soon followed Rich Mullins "Awesome God" - and many, many others to follow. As I started listening to Christian music God again spoke to my heart and reminded me that what we put into our minds comes out in our lives. How had the music of the 80's influenced me and my decisions when I was a teenager? I really won't cover that right now. Now as an adult when I listen to the "oldies" (as Andrew puts it) from the 80's I actually listen to the words. I am much more selective about what songs I listen to. And don't get me wrong. Music doesn't have to be all Christian or praise and worship music - there are lots of good old songs out there, but I just pay attention to the words and make a decision from a Christian point of view. One of the things Andrew would do as a toddler was ask, "Mommy, what is this song about?" - talk about a CONVICTING way to pay attention to the words! And it only gets more scrutiny now as he is older and understands so much more. This doesn't mean I took all the 80's music our of my MP3 player, but it does mean I'm being selective. Just as I am paying close attention to what I am watching and turning the channel on TV when I need to. I have also been very careful to what I listen to and expose me and those around me to. Same with reading materials. Gone are certain types of books and instead I'm carefully selecting books that are good for me and enjoyable...

Do you remember this e-mail that went around not to long ago?

If Jesus Came To Your House

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two ..
If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you would do?
Oh, I know you would give Him your nicest room .. this honored guest.
and all the food you would serve to Him would be the very best;
and you would keep assuring Him you are glad to have Him there,
That serving Him in your home is joy beyond compare.

But .. when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door
with arms outstretched in welcome to your heavenly visitor?
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in?
Or hide some magazines and put the bible where they had been?
Would you turn off the television and hope He hadn't heard?
and wished you hadn't uttered that loud, hasty word?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?
And I wonder .... if the Saviour spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing the things you always do?
Would you go right on saying the things you always say?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?

Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace?
And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?
Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you always read?
And let Him know the things your mind and spirit feed?
Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you had planned to go?
Or would you, maybe, change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your closest friends?
Or would you hope they would stay away till His visit ends?
Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on?
Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would do
If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you!

Author: Unknown

God has given me so many examples of things I need to do and change in my life. And not everything has to do with giving up things - I need to add so many things. I need to make getting to know God though prayer and study - that is my number one priority. I need to work on adding patience and compassion. I need to get back into a small group bible study. I need to surround myself with those things that lead me towards a new creation in Him.

II Corinthians 5:17 - ¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

I want to be that new person. I'm want to make sure I'm not going through the motions.... I wear my cross around my neck to remind me who I truly am - and when others see it that they can tell it is not just a piece of jewlery to me...that it represents who I am and who I belong to.

Remember I am a work in process...it is forever ongoing and will never end...but I choose to change. I choose to follow Him and I know He is faithful to stay with me and change me!!

Amen and Amen!

Regina Brett's 45 Life Lessons - and 5 to grow on!

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on
by Regina Brett
Sunday May 28, 2006, 10:13 AM


To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July to all!!!

What a wonderful weekend so far!  Yesterday was a good day off from work!  We didn't do a whole lot, but that was nice as well!  Kenny ended up spending the night and we played Phase 10, one of our favorite card games!  Andrew came in first, Michael second, me third and Kenny last.

Today I took off and did some geocaching!  I found 12 in an hour and when I logged them on the computer I realized that I was so close to 500 I had to go for it!  So I decided to go back out, rain and all to hit 500!  Got to 499 and hit a Big 'ol DNF (did not find) - here is the log for that:  

- disclaimer - not many geocaching adventures are like this one - remember I found a total of 17 today and this was the only one like this - and it was my own dumb fault.  For those that I've invited to go geocaching with me (Angie) it won't be this way for you (I'm still holding you to the promise Angie) - but I had fun!!!  I promise it won't be ANYTHING like this one!!

 July 4 by ATMS (499 found)
I wish I was as water resistant as my GPSr is....

On my way to 500 today! I found 12 this morning in an hour and realized that I was so close to that milestone I had to go for it! I didn't have the cache page with me, pretty much just the coords. I found the trailhead and it looked easy enough to head in. Nice path back here, nice wooded area. Shame it was raining. Yes, raining. Not drizzling...raining. I followed the path back and around (and curved around again) when I came to the creek. Yup, it had running water in it. It had been raining most of the day and it was about 3 or 4 inches deep. I was already soaked, my hair, my shoes - I said heck with it and in I went (almost literally!) - the creek bank was slick! I slid into the creek - landing on the my feet thank goodness!! Got across the creek and I had the choice of mud or a steep side to climb. I chose mud, what the heck! Got to GZ and couldn't find the cache. Used the hint and I THINK I was at the right spot, but didn't see anything. After about 20 minutes I gave up and retraced my steps back across the creek. This time getting in was easy - just muddy - I rinsed my shoes off in the creek - but getting up the other side was tricky! Tucked my GPSr in my pocket for safe keeping, grabbed a branch from a young tree and pulled myself up only to have my feet slip out from under me and down in the mud I go. Now I'm wet AND muddy! Try it again and made it this time and got back on the path on the way out. Wonder what the neighbors thought when they saw a muddy wet person walk out of the woods tonight....

So a big DNF for me...this WAS going to be #499 - but not tonight...I'll be back - say, mid August when it is drier!!!

Thanks for the adventure!

S0 I found one more on the way home - that one was #499.  Joe and Angi are going to put a cache out  - I want that one to be #500!  Kinda appropriate that my 500th find is from the team that introduced me to geocaching.  So I sit now, in my jammies after a bath from my adventure waiting to get notification that their cache has been published!!  :o)  

Tomorrow I'm thinking about heading up to work after church.  I'm taking Monday off (whoot whoot) and I know we can use the help getting submittals caught up!

Oh, I didn't get to go to the Casting Crowns concert last night at the park.  I really wanted to go, but it wasn't in the budget.  Cocoa and I walked over there for a bit but they had the area blocked off near the fence.  Rats.  But while I was there they were announcing at the beginning of the concert about the true freedom we have in Christ.  You know, sometimes I take that for granted.  I'm working on a post about changes that reflect thoughts like this.  You'll see it soon!

Been working on the bib all as much as I can.  And my big project is right behind it.  Although I do have a NEW idea I want to work on and get in the mail by Monday - it's a small one.  Think I am procrastinating on my big project????  :)

Just got notification that Joe & Angi's cache was up and running - Andrew and I ran out and found it - we were the second ones to get there.  Another team was signing it as we pulled up...if we just hadn't stopped to get gas (yes, the gas issue again) we would have been FTF (First to Find):

 July 4 by ATMS (500 found)
WHOOT WHOOT!

#500!!!

How cool! I hit 500 today and that milestone belonged to the team that introduced me to geocaching! Thanks Team JLA!!

We WOULD have been FTF had we not stopped to get gas...10 miles till empty - and the cache is at least 6 miles away. Decided not to chance it....I had a feeling that K&J would be FTF...

But that is ok... 17 today to hit 500. It only took 4 1/2 years...but we did it!

Looking forward to two more days with my boys.  I'm thinking about using my birthday money from Papa to get us the 6-visit passed to Kentucky Kingdom.  We've never been there, BUT for 6 visits for on each ticket @$30.00 each, I'm good with that.  Knowing my boys, we will spend the entire day in the water park anyhow!!

Stitching a gift...

Ok, so I have my big project I'm working on - but someone at work had her baby, so I decided to stitch a gift! I haven't worked on it as much as I would have liked (man does work ever get in the way!) - but I'm making progress. I hope to have get it done over the long weekend!

Here is what it looks like so far....

When it is done it will be a bunny laying down cuddling some carrots and under that is says, "Snuggle Bunny" - I sure hope she likes it. She may never use it and that is fine, it's just something I'm enjoying doing. I've got another new idea brewing that I want to try out soon. It will just be a quick project - I like to keep a small one with me to stitch when I have to wait somewhere. I'll post progress pictures!!