I Am Pooped

You Before Me

2012-02-26T13:59:00.000-06:00

I Love Fiona ♥

2012-02-23T12:20:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2012-02-23T11:04:00.000-06:00

To: Fiona

Wishing you the happiest kind of happy Heart Day!

Your heart is so big, enjoy your day.

Love,

Grandma & Grandpa

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2012-02-23T10:54:00.000-06:00

To: Kinsley

Enjoy every delicious moment of the day.

Happy Valentine's Day

May your day be filled with sweet choices.

Love,

Grandma & Grandpa

Each of us is a free individual, with neither one in control of the other.

2012-02-23T09:38:00.000-06:00

I will not permit myself to become emotionally involved in matters that should not be my concern. I will not interfere with the working out of another's difficulties, however dear and close we may be to each other. Detachment is essential to any healthy relationship between people. Each of us is a free individual, with neither one in control of the other.

Welcome to the Lenten Season!

2012-02-22T16:51:00.001-06:00

I really like what my friend Kathy said about Lent:

"Today is Ash Wednesday and Lent begins. This is the time of year to truly reflect and remember that our Lord and Savior gave up so much for us. He gave up His life for us! What am I willing to give up for Him?"

Early this morning my husband Don and our oldest daughter Lauren went to a special church service for Ash Wednesday. They are each giving something up for the next six weeks. I have two things I am giving up. Well..I have several things I am giving up.

I am giving up SWEETS for lent. See that birthday cake up there? There are many birthdays coming up including my own birthday and I will not be eating any SWEETS. No birthday cake, ice cream, cupcakes, cookies..NONE OF IT. Not even for my own birthday which is just around the corner. If it is a SWEET TREAT it will NOT be going in my mouth.

See all the chocolate up there? That falls into the SWEET TREAT category. I will NOT be eating any. No chocolate milk, no Hershey's with Almonds, no cherry truffles..NONE OF IT. No cocoa, no hot chocolate..NOTHING that says chocolate or is chocolate. My oldest is giving up chocolate too. She will eat other sweet treats BUT not chocolate. ME...I will eat NONE of it.

JUNK FOOD...see the JUNK FOOD up there? I will not be eating any JUNK FOOD. If we eat out it will be a healthy choice or nothing at all. If they don't have salads to choose from I will not be pulling through the drive thru. This also means NO LITTLE DEBBIES, NO POTATO CHIPS, NO PRETZELS...if it comes in a bag it's probably not good for me.. oh and NO FRIED FOODS. If I think it might be JUNK then it's JUNK FOOD and it will not be going through my digestive tract. Period. Don is giving up JUNK FOOD but not all JUNK FOOD..just the JUNK that he struggles with. Me...I am giving it ALL UP.

Anything that has PEANUTS in it I will not be consuming. NO NUTS. NO PEANUT BUTTER. I will have NONE of that. Literally and Figuratively NO NUTS and certainly NO NUT-JOBS. What do I mean by no NUT-JOBS? Just that: NO NUT-JOBS!!!

If I blog something, comment on something and a NUT-JOB chimes in with their fact-less, base-less, asinine mumbo jumbo..I will not engage. If we do not agree socially, politically OR religiously I will NOT discuss OR engage with you. Period. If I feel the need to go over a topic that I have come across on the net, comment on or chime in with regard to what is happening in the world..I will do so by blogging BUT YOU NUT-JOBS are wasting your energy going there with me. I will not participate and you can think whatever you want..I will not consume NUT-JOBS during Lent.

See the Sugar picture up there? I won't consume anything that has sugar in it. NO CAN DO. It falls under chocolate, sweet treats, and junk food. BUT to take it one step further there will be no sugar in my breakfast or my coffee AND I will not substitute the sugar. That would be cheating. If the cream isn't half n' half OR MILK I will drink my coffee black. No honey nut cheerios, no oatmeal with sugar in it...NO SUGAR. Apples, Oranges, Grapes, Strawberries...are all A-OKAY. SUGAR in the powder form or a SUGAR substitute - NOT Okay. NO SUGAR for ME.

Any time I feel WEAK I will picture my LORD and SAVIOR on the CROSS and suck it up!!! Any time I feel that panicked feeling I will hop on the treadmill. I will PRAY. I will read my BIBLE. I will drink water. I will chew gum (because I can spit that out when I'm done). I will clean my house when I am feeling weak. I WILL DO THIS!!! I WILL SUCCEED!!!

What will YOU be giving up for Lent?

Learning A Little About Lent

Happy Monday Everyone

2012-02-20T11:57:00.000-06:00

The kids are home from school today and tomorrow. We have a few things planned. They need haircuts so we will be headed to Great Clips for that. They also need new sneakers so we’ll be headed to one of the shoe stores for that.

It’s rainy and grey outside so I’ve decided to print out my Disney DVD list, head to Walmart, and see what they have that we don’t have. Sounds like a good day for movies to me!!!

On top of that I’d like to get a workout in, pick up the house, tackle dinner, maybe do a blog-of-the-week drawing, get some reading done and just RELAX for the rest of the day.

Fiona has a birthday party to go to tomorrow afternoon so I will need to remember to pick up a birthday present for that when we are at Walmart. I will let Fiona pick out the birthday present for her friend. I think it’s fun when the kids get to pick.

I have been thinking about yesterday’s sermon at church. I can honestly say that I am genuinely content with my life and where I am at. This is where God has placed me and I have absolutely no complaints. I am grateful to God for my family and what He has planned for my life. I hope He never stops pruning me.

Truth Will Set You Free

2012-02-19T08:51:00.000-06:00

Truth Will Set You Free

Many people today don't even bother to think rationally about what they believe and end up building their entire lives on beliefs that are simply not true. Whatever the news media, a celebrity or a group of friends say suddenly becomes 'truth' to them.

Believing what others say rather than exploring God's Word for yourself will actually limit you and even keep you from doing what God created you to do. But, if you will contend for the truth, embrace it and build your life upon it, you will succeed in every endeavor.

If you want to stay on track with God's Truth, you have to make communication with Him a priority in your daily schedule. I can't urge you strongly enough to communicate with Him frequently through prayer, reading His Word, worship, and simply acknowledging His presence and guidance throughout the day.

When you know God, you know Truth. Living in His Truth will bring peace, freedom, and joy to your life.

Prayer Starter:

God, I don't want to be limited by my thoughts and beliefs about what is true. You are the only source of Truth. As I spend time communicating with You, show me and guide me into Your Truth.

John 8:32

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Hat Tip: YouVersion: Reading Plans: Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

Kinsley's Valentine's Day Party

2012-02-18T16:28:00.000-06:00

Kindergarten Presidential Art ♥

Taylor’s Grandmother made fuzzy red scarves for Kinsley’s Kindergarten class. ♥

6 Years Old ♥

Kindergarten Homemade Valentine Boxes ♥

Kinsley’s Rainbow Fish ♥

Kinsley is moving right along with reading and writing in Kindergarten. ♥

Art. Art. Art. ♥

Kinsley and her table buddy Tyler R. ♥

Kinsley’s Heart Art ♥

Kinsley’s Octopus Art ♥

Lauren visiting Kinsley's Kindergarten class ♥

Fiona’s Valentine’s Day Party

2012-02-18T16:19:00.000-06:00

Fiona is Student of the Month. ♥

Fiona with her BFFs ♥

My Love! ♥

Fiona’s Snow Story Art ♥

My Birthday Twin ♥

8 Years Old ♥

The Craft Station ♥

Fiona lost another tooth last week. ♥

Lauren visiting Fiona’s 2nd grade class ♥

Our House Wasps

2012-02-18T15:52:00.000-06:00

I figured out where the wasps are coming from. We’ll be looking for an exterminator in the spring. I wonder if the exterminator will crawl up inside our attic and take a look around. I’ll bet there’s a family of wasps up there somewhere.

I have found 3 wasps in my house floating around upstairs this winter. The other day I was getting ready in the master bathroom and I heard a buzzing noise. I quickly turned around and saw something inside the light above the shower buzzing buzz buzz buzzing around.

It was big enough to be a wasp. I’m almost positive that’s where they are coming from. How odd. It’s kind of comical because we thought they were coming through the windows when we had them open on warm days. Why would they come through the windows? We have brand new windows with brand new screens installed.

It’s going to be interesting to see what an exterminator will say about our wasp problem. Hopefully it’s only a small wasp problem. I don’t like wasps. I don’t like being surprised by them either.

N e b r a s k a

2012-02-18T15:40:00.001-06:00

I moved to Nebraska in 1991. I’ve moved back and forth from Nebraska to this state or that state until I finally came back to Nebraska once and for all in 1995. I’ve been living in Nebraska every since. I’d say that makes me a Nebraskan.

Excruciating Ear Ache

2012-02-18T15:30:00.000-06:00

Kinsley has an excruciating ear ache. Poor kiddo. She is sitting in the recliner next to me snoring. I’m glad she is able to sleep right now because the house is quiet. Don is grocery shopping with Fiona and Lauren is upstairs hanging out in her room. Sushi is snoozing in my lap and here I sit typing away on my laptop.

Whitney took America to Church Today

2012-02-18T15:18:00.000-06:00

Whitney Houston took America to church today for 4 hours and what a moving service it was for everyone who loved her. She was a mother, daughter and a child of God. She had her share of problems but haven’t we all. RIP Whitney Houston.

Atmosphere

2012-02-16T12:51:00.000-06:00

10 On Tues: Hmmm

2012-02-13T17:58:00.000-06:00

More Beautiful Snow

2012-02-06T12:29:00.000-06:00

New England Patriots!!!

2012-02-05T10:36:00.001-06:00

I hope they kick the poop out of the GIANTS. We all know what happened to Goliath...it's about to go down JUST. LIKE. THAT. :)

I want some BLING Baby!!! WOO HOO!!!

It's Still Snowing

2012-02-04T14:08:00.000-06:00

The Weather Channel said Omaha is going to get 12 (TWELVE) inches of SNOW!!! Are you ready OMAHA!!?

2012-02-03T22:24:00.001-06:00

Pic from Grand Island, Nebraska. The snow is on its way. Oh and Imperial Walkers too.

I Love that Girl!

2012-02-02T12:30:00.000-06:00

Fiona made this for me using my computer for Valentine’s Day.

The yellow star says: Love

The brown cross says: He has risen.

The red heart says: We love you mom very much so forgive us when we did the bad things.

I will always forgive you Fiona! I do not hold grudges and neither does Jesus. You are my gift from heaven! I Love you so much Fiona. I do. I do. It’s the same for Lauren and Kinsley too. I Love your Da-Da very much.

The purple heart says: We love you.

The white word cloud says: Cecilia Jack and Eli Lauren Fiona Kinsley love you so much.

You are all very special to me. I cannot imagine what my life would be without you. I will always Love you!!! God loves you too!!!

Visualize Your Victory

2012-02-02T10:37:00.002-06:00

Visualize Your Victory

I've had some great victories in my life. God has set me free from so many old sins, bondages and habits. The thrill of freedom I've experienced is absolutely amazing, and it's something God wants all of us to experience.

I still have battles I need to win and obstacles to overcome, and I'm sure you do too. I encourage you to pick one thing you'd like to start working on today.

Next, start visualizing your victory today. Think about what your life will look like when you're free.

I use Deuteronomy 28 as an incentive. I encourage you to read the whole chapter. It basically says that if you obey God, He will bless you, and if you disobey God, you will be cursed. Now that's a powerful incentive, wouldn't you agree?

I like working with God to conquer things and not let the enemy rule me. In fact, I think the most exciting journey in life is simply saying, "God, I want to change. I want to please you."

When you get into that frame of mind, you can get free from one thing and go on to another thing and another thing and pretty soon, you'll start to realize that you have some real authority in Christ.

Don't live your life without the thrill of growing and changing or you'll miss out on the good things God can do through you.

Take time today to visualize the person you want to be and start pursuing God's freedom. Because one day at a time, you and God can do anything!

Prayer Starter:

God, I believe that I can experience Your freedom. Today, I visualize the free person I can be in You. Empower me as I live to please You and walk in the authority You've given me.

Deuteronomy 28:13

The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.

Hat Tip: YouVersion: Reading Plans: Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

In Her Own Words

2012-01-26T16:19:00.000-06:00

Kinsley (6) informed me in her own words that she would do whatever it takes to get away from an abductor up to and including kicking his p e n i s if it’s a boy.

Dark Blonde

2012-01-26T11:47:00.000-06:00

I was listening to the news while dyeing my hair. The more Newt opens his mouth to let all that hot air out the more I know I am NOT going to vote for him. I do NOT appreciate his attitude. Ron Paul might be weak on foreign policy but at least he understands what is going on in the United States of America. I am also looking at Mitt Romney. So what if he is a Mormon Millionaire. I do NOT believe Santorum will last long. EnJOYing a nice piping hot cup of tea now hoping I can kick this nasty cold once and for all.

10 On Tues: What's Up?

2012-01-24T15:47:00.000-06:00

1. Tuesday morning ladies bible study is going well. I am really enjoying it.

2. Life is Messy but that’s okay. We already know how it will all turn out.

3. I am almost done with my book.

4. I picked up three more books from the Christian book store yesterday while waiting for Lauren to finish up at her meeting. I can hardly wait to get started. They are all very intriguing.

5. I am debating on whether or not I will watch the State of the Union tonight. I am not sure I want to listen to Obama play the blame game. We already know he wants to raise the debt ceiling. He probably wants to tell us that he plans to “invest” more money so we can “win the future.”

6. Oh who am I kidding? Of course I will watch the State of the Union. I’ll probably be tweeting as I watch, listen and puke. I am multi-talented like that.

7. I’ll be leaving to pick up the kids from school soon. I can’t wait to hear all about their day.

8. Have you joined my blog directory yet? It’s called Blog Mommas. What are you waiting for?

9. I wound up burning 500 calories on my treadmill yesterday. Go Me!

10. What have you been up to?