Rachel Ann's Place

Rooftops

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:26:00 +0000

Here I am before you
Falling in love and seeking your truth
Knowing that your perfect grace
Has brought me to this place
Because of you I freely live
My life to you, oh God, I give

So I stand before You God
I lift my voice because you set me free

So I shout out your name from the rooftops I proclaim
That I am Yours, I am yours

All the good You've done for me
I lift up my hand up hand for all to see
You're the only one
Who brings me to my knees
To share this love across the earth
The beauty of Your Holy Word

So I kneel before You God
I lift my hands because you set me free

So I shout out your name from the rooftops I proclaim
That I am Yours, I am Yours

All that I am I place into Your loving hands
And I am Yours, I am Yours

Here I am, I stand with arms wide open
To the one, the Son, the everlasting God

Throw in the Towel...

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:20:00 +0000

Do you ever wish you could throw the towel in on this thing called life? Just buck it all and join the circus; run away to a deserted island; or simply hide out in a strange city where no one knows you?

A bit drastic I know...but sometimes, like now, I just want to run away!

I'm tired of hearing, "No thank you! You need more experience for this job."

I'm tired of seeing more bills than income.

I'm tired of being single and childless.

I'm tired of snow causing me to have no work.

I'm tired of dreams seeming to not come true.

I'm tired of life sometimes.

I'm the Queen of "It's ok..life goes on!" And I know it does.

So what do I do?

"Stick out my chin and grin and say, 'Tomorrow, tomorrow...the sun'll come out tomorrow!'"

No, even though I love that philosophy, I put out my hands and ask for the Lord to come and fill me, guide me and direct me. I pray for a different door or window to be opened. I pray for understanding, mercy and grace. I pray that I have a better attitude.

I praise the Lord for good and bad times and I ask to be taught a lesson in the midst of everything I go through. I give Him all the glory! I know that He is doing a good work in me! I know that He NEVER leaves me nor forsakes me and when I am hurting the most He is carrying me in His arms!

December in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 04:44:00 +0000

Of course, the season can't start without posting a letter to Santa! Elly and I went to Macy's over Thanksgiving weekend and wrote all the things she wanted. The most important was a PINK BARBIE HORSE!

Cheese! This girl is hilarious! I love her!

This is Dink! You might also call her Jocelyn....we celebrated her 2nd birthday over Thanksgiving as well!

I took a day to decorate my house for Christmas...look carefully...what do you see at the top of the tree?

Of course, it is a TOP HAT!

Team Switzer and I went to Bellevue for a day for some shopping, dinner and a visit to Snow Flake Lane. The inside of the mall was beautiful!

Part of Snow Flake Lane was the drummers playing and the snowing falling right at 7 o'clock pm!

We love celebrating all holidays, so we celebrated Chanukah one night. We, meaning Carter and Elly, lit the menorah and Holly read the commentary that went with!

We also played the Draydel and guess who won?

Oh yeah, the Lady who wore the "Lucky Shirt"...I took the whole shebang!

Christmas morning was spent down at my Mom's house! My Grandma Pat was down here with us as well...love these women!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:25:00 +0000

This is me!

Age 37

December 28, 2011

2011 was a good year, not the greatest, but good!

I'm looking forward to 2012 and seeing what God has in store for me!

Remembering Pearl Harbor

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:53:00 +0000

Did you take a few moments today to think of the 2,402 service men and women who lost their lives 70 years ago today?

The attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the most devastating events to happen in American history (before 9/11). You may read this having had a parent, grand parent, aunt or uncle at Pearl Harbor. Some of you might have even lost a loved one that day. While we can't bring them back, we definitely can take a few minutes to remember those individuals and send a thank you up for all their service and dedication to our country.

While you're at it...stop a military man or woman and simply say, "Thank You", you never know when their life might be taken for protecting my life and freedom.

Stationery card

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:21:00 +0000

Peace To You Holiday Card

Click here to browse Shutterfly's holiday card collection.

View the entire collection of cards.

Blessed

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 05:59:00 +0000

Today was my birthday! I am blessed beyond all means and measures with all that God has given me! It might not seem "right" in my eyes the place I am in financially, with relationships and everything else; however, God has everything under control! I am constantly amazed by how much he loves me and how He never will forsake me!

Hello September!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 06:37:00 +0000

One says, "It's September!" and instantly your mind goes to all those cute kids going back to school.

I'd love to be one of those teachers going back to a full-time classroom; however, it still wasn't meant to be this year! I know that God has a better plan for me, but the willful human that is me would like to know NOW what is going on...but that is for another time and place.

I hear, "It's September!" and I instantly think that my birthday is almost here!

Yep, that's right! September 16th is just around the corner....I LOVE my birthday! I don't always get birthday celebrations but there is this little part of me that just gets giddy when September 1st is upon me because I like to celebrate all month long!

Do you get excited like me? How do you celebrate?

Any other September babies out there?

"What's Going on?"

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:28:00 +0000

Do you pray?

Do you expect to hear from the Lord?

I do! I do! I do!

But then again, sometimes I can't hear what he is trying to tell me. I get frustrated. I get discouraged. I get depressed. I get anxious.

It is a terrible feeling to not be able to discern the voice of the Lord during my prayer times. I think sometimes that I am so hung up on the big picture that He gave me a few years ago that my mind gets focused on how to achieve that big picture. And then when things are going desperately south (and I mean in a big way!) my brain is so far into overdrive that I can't stop and listen to the side trips that the Lord wants me to go on?

Make sense? If it does, please explain to me! :)

I know that the Lord called me to be a teacher! He gave me the means to go back to school a few years ago and get my teaching certification. However, the road since then has been filled with potholes, refining fires and many, many valleys! I haven't been able to get a full-time job. The first year I couldn't even get an interview. I've been going on interviews this summer (tons in fact) yet, I don't get the job. I've been subbing, but that doesn't give benefits or steady pay. I've had to work an additional part-time job to make ends meet. And as I type I have just about $75 to my name...bills aren't paid, credit cards are maxed, I'm not working and I'm feeling like "What the HECK!"

Someone asked me the other day over dinner have you just asked God, "What's going on?" It doesn't have to be a completed prayer, but a simple request. He told me, God will answer you. But I have to be able to hear Him. Sometimes I feel as if I've lost my hearing! But that's where I am right now, "God, what's going on in my life?"

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord has something SPECTACULAR for my life. I'm being refined in the fire and molded by the master sculptor for a reason! The verse I've leaned on for years and years is "He will never leave me nor forsake me!" God isn't done with me yet...nor is He done with YOU! Thankfully I stand before a God who is mighty and I stand with friends and family who are praying for me daily!

A friend messaged me these verses the other day and I will leave you with them:

Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you."

Psalm 27:14 "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."

Yummy Goodness!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:56:00 +0000

I love these!!! What is your favorite candy?

Happy Father's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:04:00 +0000

Money doesn't grow on trees!

Have you ever heard your Dad tell you that? Mine told me that over the years of growing up...but I'm not sure I believe him...I think he is still keeping it from me! Maybe I need to go money tree hunting late at night...

What Dadism's has your Dad told you over the years?

In honor of my Dad...Arthur McAskill, here are some "throwback" pictures of him and his three girls!

I'm first~me and my Dad!Shannon getting some tips on how to walk from Dad

And last, but not least, Camille

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 23 May 2011 03:26:00 +0000

This last week a group of us went to go see Mary Poppins at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle! What an amazing musical!

So I was taking a picture of myself (my favorite way to take pictures) and I forgot that I had the zoom on...but I kind of like how it came out so I kept it! :)

Girl's Night Out!

Mandi, Me, Holly, Sue, Barbara and Heather!

I think I can fly...but I might be missing my umbrella!

Dinner beforehand was at the Cheesecake Factory...yummy goodness!

The girls at dinner!

PBR

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 23 May 2011 03:06:00 +0000

PBR in Seattle! Yee--Haw....8 Seconds Baby!

Barbara and I enjoying the cowboys...well, I was enjoying the cowboy butts!

Me and Sean Willingham

ME!!!

The Nun that overlooks the kitchen table at Bucca di Beppo's in Seattle! We had reservations for dinner and were surprised when we were seated in the kitchen! The food was scrumptious and the company was great too!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 19 May 2011 03:21:00 +0000

"I still have my feet on the ground...

I just wear better shoes!"

~~Oprah Winfrey~~

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 06:20:00 +0000

Hallelujah!

He has Risen!

How can a person not be excited for this weekend? We, as Christians, have the opportunity to worship Jesus Christ who was crucified on a cross for MY sins, buried in a tomb and rose from the dead three days later!

If you happen to stumble across this blog and don't know who Jesus is and don't have a relationship with him...please stop a moment and ask me about Him. I know that He would want to know you!! Even through a blog such as this God can find you just where you are. Please know that He loves you and wants the best for you!

Happy Easter All!

Please have a very Blessed weekend!

Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:41:00 +0000

“Follow the drugs.”

Her sister’s last words shake FBI agent Heather Sloan to the core. They also convince her that the helicopter crash only Heather survived wasn’t an accident. Sheriff’s deputy Jeremy Latham is assigned the case—he’s the one who can help Heather find the person responsible. Once she convinces him they should work together. As they dig for the truth, they learn to trust and care for each other. Will they lose it all when the killer targets Heather? She’s willing to risk her life to find her sister’s killer—but her code of justice could cost her the chance to win Jeremy’s love.

I'm not usually one for suspense books, but I love a good romance and Liz Johnson delivers both a good suspense and romance all in one! Not only does Liz deliver romance but she also makes her characters believable! She explores the sister/sister bond...I have two sisters and know that I would do anything for them, just as I imagine others would do the same for their siblings. Although I'm not sure I'd put myself into the position of offering myself as bait to catch a killer! Would you?

Dive into this great book which can be found at places like amazon.com or cbd.com!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 06:59:00 +0000

It's raining, it's pouring;
The old man is snoring.
Bumped his head
And he went to bed
And he couldn't get up in the morning.

Rain, rain, go away;
Come again another day;
Little Johnny wants to play.

Bath Time

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 06:58:00 +0000

I went to my Grandma's house this weekend and scanned pictures all weekend! In total, I scanned over 650 pictures...pictures of old black and whites of family members I don't know and lots of pictures of us as kids!

Me and my sister Shannon sharing a tub outside!

Can't believe we were ever small enough to both of us in that tub!

What a cute tush that is!

Tampon Anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 04:51:00 +0000

Girls, we've all seen the tampon machines in any public bathroom that we've gone into (in fact there are a few arenas that I've been to that they have them sitting out free!) Can anyone tell me if they've actually purchased merchandise from one of these machines?

Here is my quirky thought for the day...

My work (which I suppose should remain anonymous...but hey, why? Babies/Toys R Us in Tukwila) just reopened its new store and this machine is in our womens' restroom. The thing that I don't get is why is it still EMPTY after five months of being open. The next thing I don't understand is why are companies still putting them in bathrooms? Do they really think that we don't carry female items in our purse?

I know...such a random thought/picture, but had to share with someone!

Way too HOT!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 05:44:00 +0000

I am sitting here multi-tasking as usual....laptop out, tv on and a book nearby! Right now I'm watching The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

I just have to say that this man is just a wee bit hot!

However, no matter how hot Mr. Reynolds is...my all-time love is David Boreanaz, aka, Seeley Booth! YUMMY!

Um, do you forgive me?

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 06:35:00 +0000

Yes, I am a slacker!

I have come over to my blog throughout the last year and keep thinking to myself, "I really need to post something to my blog!" I had been so faithful in writing on my blog and sadly, I have let it go to the wayside the last year.

Do I have excuses? Nope! Not one! But do you forgive me anyway? I know that there is at least one person out there that reads this...so please forgive me! I promise to write a bit more faithfully this year.

So what have I been up to this year?

1. Still, and I mean still, looking for a full-time teaching position. Since last summer I probably sent out or filled out online applications for at least 50 openings. I even applied to the Houston, TX, school district...moving forward and even getting a phone interview with one school. I have had a few interviews during this school year for positions that I am not fully qualified for (but was favored with interviews anyway)....but did not get the jobs. I have been subbing frequently this year, but really need and want a full-time position! I know God called me to be a teacher and I know that he has the best job out there for me.

2. Church: I started attending Lifespring Foursquare Church a year ago and I am really liking it. It took me awhile getting into the groove and getting involved but I am slowly but surely getting more involved! I attend our young adult group (Converge) get togethers and try to make it to the events for women. It is a part hard making all activities as I am working a part-time retail position in order to make extra income.

3. Family: most of my family...meaning my two sisters and all their kids, live in Idaho Falls, ID which is a 15 hour drive from my house! My Dad and I made the trip over at Christmas time but holy camoly that is a freaking long drive! I do see my Dad every 4-5 weeks (should probably be more since he only lives 30 minutes from me!) and I need to see my Mom more (she only lives 3 hours away!). Still missing my Grandpa who passed away last March and visit with my Grandma on the phone frequently...I get to go see her in a few weeks!

4. Finances: Mine SUCK! Not having a full-time job right now has been very difficult. There have been weeks that I have very, very little in the checking account! The reason I even say anything is to let you know that I firmly believe that I serve Jehovah Jireh...which is God my Provider! He never lets me down...He never forsakes me and He always is watching out for me!

Even though this has been a very difficult year for me in regards to job and finances, and I have felt like I am being crushed and suffocating many, many times MY GOD WILL SEE ME THROUGH!!!

If you are facing circumstances that stretch your faith and you feel like there is no way to get out from underneath everything that is holding you down...please, please know that God loves you! He wants the best for you and He will help you succeed! Place Him first in your life and all the rest just falls into place!

Thanks for catching up with me and I promise to do better at keeping up with you all!

Blessings and Happy Second Week of February!

Family Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 06:12:00 +0000

Back in May, my Dad and I made a trip over to Idaho Falls, ID, to visit my two sisters and their families. I had been thinking about family pictures for a long (long, long) time and had actually planned them for a year ago Thanksgiving.

In my family you (meaning me!) just has to make things happen. So I scheduled the appointment, told everyone what to wear and made sure everyone made it the studio (yes, they were late!). My Dad was the worst one to drag his feet...he hates pictures. But he told me (and yes, I am quoting), "I am only doing this because I love you!"

So here are some of the shots from our pictures. I have individuals of all the kids, but need to rotate them before I can upload! We are missing one grandchild...Cassie wasn't with us! And Mom, I promise we will get some done with you in the near future!

Three Sisters!

Rachel (That's me! The older, bossy one!), Shannon (She's the middle child...sitting down) and Camille (Yes, she's the baby of the family!)

Dad (Art) and his girls!

Siefert-Ramirez Family

In the back (L to R) is Josh (20), Brittany (16) and Ernie

In the front (L to R) is Maddy (12), Shannon holding Jocelyn (1), Brandon (20) and Mason (7)

The whole family minus my Dad...Mason is looking a big manic!

The whole crew with Grandpa Art in the middle!

Dragness Family

Joe, Camille, Elliana (2) and Dajia (6)

Guitar Hero, Heroes

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 05:43:00 +0000

How does a family bond?

Well, of course, we play Guitar Hero!!

Poor Camille....looks like she is having fun, but really she was getting booed off the Guitar Hero stage.

Ever get booed by virtual fans off a virtual stage?

Look...even Elliana is getting into the act!

Josh is definitely one of the BEST! He just acts like it is nothing though...PUNK!

What?

Me, a Guitar Hero?

Nah!

But I definitely am hooked on this game!

Brittany's gettin' her groove on...

Maddy used to tell me all the time when she was little that she wanted to be a rock star!

I think she is on her way!

Mason is a SUPERSTAR!

Brandon is just as good as Josh!

These boys have been playing for years and probably know all the songs by heart and can play without even watching the screen.

Shannon plays it all cool!

She is really the Rock Star at heart...she just pretends she is playing for Metallica!

Guitar Hero Videos

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 05:20:00 +0000

When I was in Idaho a few weeks ago visiting my sisters I was introduced to Guitar Hero! Now I am familiar with Guitar Hero; however, I'm not a huge fan of video games, so I have never really played.

But whoa....

The kids got me hooked! I couldn't put the dumb guitar down! Even though I never really mastered much past the easy/medium stage it was a complete blast! I suppose if I were to ever buy myself a video game I would have to go with Guitar Hero!

Here I am rocking out! LOL! Really I didn't realize Brittany was even filming me...what I really like is the small snippet of Elly jamming out!

Don't BLINK!

Here is a few seconds of Brittany...it may be the only video you ever see of her...she is like an elusive pink unicorn only seen once in a blue moon on the fifth Sunday of the thirteenth month!

Suspense Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:53:00 +0000

Do you crave a good suspense book? How about a suspense with a touch of Christianity thrown in? I'm not usually a person who reads suspense books (although I have read some Peretti in the past that put shivers up my spine); however, right from the get go I was hooked on this book.

I was recently asked to review the book Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze and I was extremely pleased with this read. I really enjoyed the character development and the plot of the book. Ms. Hinze is an excellent writer and I think you will enjoy it as well.

Summary:

A mother who cannot face her future.
THEIR ELUSIVE ENEMIES TOOK EVERYTHING. NOW THEY WANT MORE.

Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

Author Bio:

Vicki Hinze is an award-winning author of twenty-three novels, three nonfiction books, and hundreds of articles. Selected for Who’s Who in America in 2004 as a writer and educator, Hinze is active in Romance Writers of America and serves as a Vice President on the International Thriller Writers Board of Directors. Vicki lives in Florida with her artist husband, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Visit www.vickihinze.com to learn more about Vicki’s books, blogs, and writing programs.

**This book was provided free of charge for review by WaterBrook Multnomah**

Would you like a copy of this book? I just happen to have an extra copy to give away! Just leave me a comment of any kind and I will enter you into the drawing. I will draw a winner via random.org next Friday April 23rd! Good Luck and Happy Reading!