You know, life is just full of hair-pin curves, detours and sometimes drop off cliffs. The sun is shinning - you are basking in the warmth and seemingly out of nowhere it starts to rain, hail and earthquake. What was steady and sure underneath is now rattled. At first you remain motionless - surprise and shock turning into reality. Gingerly you start to move - toward the "rocks, the unmovable" - attempting to gain steadiness. Disappointment gives way to disappointment and just when you don't know where your next step or grasp will be - you feel a familiar place - It was there hidden beneath the "rocks". I now come in full contact with a surface so strong, so sure that I fall against It bearing all my weight - unaccustomed to the strength and shiftless foundation. I regain my bearings - I can focus - I can pray for that is all that is left. The total dependency on the Foundation leads to fervent prayer and sweet relief as you feel the doubt and uncertainty give way to trust. This renewed rest in the Foundation gives me assurance that my life is in His hands and He holds tomorrow.
The last several days have been somewhat rough - I know you can probably relate. I'm hoping this will remind you from where our strength comes! I recently read the words of Jim Cymbala - "I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can't resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need him."
Is that why I have felt the shifting beneath my feet? Was I basking in the sun too comfortable to really depend on God, leaning too hard on my rocks? For anyone out there that may be in the same boat - God is in control. He still reigns. Let's pray for God's strength, grace and wisdom during difficult times.
(I want to add - I thank God for the "rocks" in my life. I don't feel they have forsaken me and I hope they know I haven't forsaken them, I only need to draw from God's infinite store of grace and strength.)

It's finished!

We had a moment of - "now what?" Saturday when we walked away from the farmhouse. It is in move-in condition and our tenant was doing just that. Wow! I can't believe it's done. We have more work to do later, but we're done "living there" for now. My man has put so many hours into this place. I have know idea what has kept him going - of course it might of had something to do with his very supportive wife and work crew :o) A picture is worth a thousand words. So, I'll let the pictures talk.

In the beginning....

And when she slept - we worked....

Working on school work...

Do you know how many times I painted that?? I have no idea - I have put it very far from my mind, but I still have KILZ on my body to prove I did it.




Ta daaaaa! I tried to match them up to the before pictures. Sorry about the glare.

The end !

It's green!!!

I looked out the window the other day and almost stopped my "Calm's" heart at my over-excited exclamation - Look the grass is green! I truly was ecstatic. I can't wait for all the green and spring blooms. She replied with something like - Yes, I see.... it's green.?? On the other hand my "Wild" would share in my excitement even though she may be totally oblivious to the reason.

The puppies are growing so fast. The girls love them.

Easter pics. This is just the perfect look for my wild - cowboy boots on Easter. I looked and looked for brown dress shoes.... I like the boots.

Hello

OK OK I'm really sorry, but I've just had a few things keeping me from the laptop. I've had brief moments in which I've tried to keep up with you. So, I thought I'd just let you know I'm among the living. You know when you think it just has to slow down or you may ..... life takes on a whole new level of speed and somehow you manage to stay afloat and actually adjust - rebounding from one day to the next. Well, that's me right now. I'm going to post something I wrote last week and just didn't finish. In the meantime... Lavycountry has increased in population by three puppies. It was a rather traumatic birth as she delivered a bit premature by our calculations. As we were preparing to leave for church last Sunday we were abruptly halted and quickly transformed our house into a beagle neonatal intensive care unit. All said and done we have three little healthy, fat puppies.

Steve came in from Texas this past weekend. He had a whole two days and then it was back to base and lock down until he's deployed to Kuwait. It was nice to see him and can't wait until he's back again.

Racing season is here. This thick winter insulation that I've accumulated must go. First race in about three weeks. AAAAAHHH! I'm undecided at this point if I'll be joining the team for that one, but I have started the training. Oh, the pain!

That's it for now. Hope you all are well and please whoever is enjoying some Spring-like weather PLEASE, PLEASE send it my way. I need it so badly. Catch y'all later.

When life gives you this....

Make these.....

There are benefits to being snowed in! In a feeble effort to keep up with my fellow bloggers I am posting a picture of the result to my labors in the kitchen. Oh, they were so good with our Sunday dinner. And, too, I am just so sick of that other picture I have had glaring at me for too long! This was the snow and dinner rolls from this past weekend.

There is a herd of deer that have been frequenting the back of our field. They're pretty small in the picture as this was taken from my house and it is a long way back there.

Since I'm so far behind which just seems to be normal lately, I'll give you some quick updates.

Gatlinburg last month was wonderful. Me and my hubby headed for the mountains all alone! What a pitiful site we were - just the two of us with nothing more to do than whatever we wanted to!! It was great. We missed the girls and were very ready to see them, but we were thankful to have the time together.

We have been pretty occupied lately with the renovation of a farmhouse. I'm fairly sure neither one of the girls will be a painter or drywall hanger after this is all over, but there is one two year old that has mastered the scaffolding! I'll post before and after pics when it's done.

This is my busy time at work and I usually take advantage of it being that I would rather work in the winter vs. summer. So, I've picked up a few more days during the week by taking on a temporary part-time position. I like to think of myself as a stay at home mom with a job, because for the most part I can stay at home when I want because I schedule myself. And, I also like to think leaving your kids with responsible, Christian influences will add to their character. And, maybe it is because I have a tremendously rewarding job that I really do love. Uh, oh! Hold on a minute while I digress. I just have to share. I have the best job ever. I know what most people say about peds -- "How can you stand it?" "It is just too sad". Well, kids are kids even when they're sick and they need someone to take care of them and yes, I've gotten paid for playing games, singing Barney and the Wiggles, and just recently donning a birthday hat and celebrating with my dear patient in her room - complete with a goody bag. Kids are so tough. They are so forgiving - I have had to start IV's and poke and insert tubes and at the end of the day when it's "all done" - have them jump in my arms and give me big hugs. And, they have given me so much more than I have ever given them. When you see kids faced with death it keeps your life in perspective. You don't forget to thank God for good health and the ease of breathing. OK - I'll quit. I have so many stories, though. Well, maybe if you're interested I'll have to drop one in every now and then. I just thank God for the privilege of touching lives through pediatric nursing and the blessing it has brought to me.

Where was I......?

So, our lives have taken on quite a pace these last several months. I know people get so tired of hearing "I'm just so busy". I get tired of saying it.

Before I headed into work Monday we had some fun time out in the snow. How strange it was being hot and playing out in the snow. We had to take pictures of us in our t-shirts out in the snow. Beth and Isaiah joined us for some 4 wheelin' and snowman building. Didn't post the t-shirt pic - use your imagination :o)

Oh, I'm such a dork - that is the second time I've used that word today - see I told you I didn't finish, but this is just a representation of my life lately. At least I gave you some idea what I've been up to and I no longer have to be greeted by that crazy picture!

Breaking the silence

Runner-up for the SI Swimsuit Cover

Now the secrets out. You know what I've been up to. Personally, I think it was a pretty tough call. Oh, what a mood I'm in.... It's the February ailment I experience almost every year. Last year we headed down to North Carolina about this time and what a therapeutic treatment it was for my ailing spirits. T-shirts and playing in the park - it was great. Don't take me wrong. I love winter and snow. It is the in-between that sends my spirits nose diving.

Joking aside - that is not what I've been up to. I on the other hand have been just attempting to keep up with all the things moms do. No big races, no extravagant trips, no huge accomplishments, not even a great buy on a year's supply of toilet paper. But, maybe it is in the eye of the beholder .... Because, while just surviving and maintaining is not big in your eyes it could be pretty significant in my 2 and 8 yr. old's eyes when the flip side of maintaining is no fresh laundry in their drawers no home cooked meals and in our case no school. So, while my spirits drift a little this time of year it only takes a sweet note from my "Calm" or an "I love you much" from my "Wild" or surprise flowers from my hubby and it makes my heart smile and combats these cabin fever blues head on. Oh, and the other element that is sure to put an end to my gray days of Winter is a weekend getaway to a remote location with my handsome man. There are benefits to having your birthday and Valentine's Day side by side.

If any of you are like me and need a bit of sunshine -- here's what I have to offer.

God sees the storm from the other side

He knows the lessons learned and just beyond the clouds He sees clear skies

He speaks peace to the raging storm, when peace could not be found

He already sees the rainbow when we see only clouds

words from He Already Sees written by Dianne Wilkinson and Joseph Smith

Now that has to brighten your day! It did mine. Hope all is well and you take joy in all the blessing around you.

Mobilization Ceremony for Steve

Friday was the call to duty / mobilization ceremony for my cousin Steve. Usually when introducing one another we just say sister and brother. It just seems more appropriate since cousin denotes distance and brother - closeness. But anyways...., it was with mixed emotions I attended the ceremony. A part of me swelled with pride while the other half cowered in fear. As I saw the group of soldiers - dads, husbands, boyfriends, sons, and brothers march in I felt so much emotion. I managed control of the urges within me to scream, yell, cry. We were all safe in that high school here in the cozy US of A with our little symbols of freedom being waved freely. They our American soldiers were within reach. I could catch a glimpse of him down there on the third row. And, if I caught his eye and gave him some familiar goofy look he would gesture back, but he in a matter of hours he would be leaving. No longer in my grasp, out of view, away from the security of this great nation and on - head on to enemy territory. I know many are anticipating his arrival and he will be their hero, but the shadow of the enemy clouds my optimism. I took hold of the determination and grit displayed on so many of their faces - the least of which not being that of their commander. He, with a look that could stop you dead in your tracks - swore this troop was ready for their mission, they would be successful and meet us back here for the hero ceremony next January. I know he cannot guarantee the future, but everyone knew exactly what he was saying and that positivity and God's grace is just what is going to keep my head up and looking forward to the day he comes back to my house for cookies and lasagna. Until then, I'll be praying for him, Melissa and Taylor everyday and flying my flag a little higher as my freedom just became even more dear. I love you, brother. Come home safe.