Home from Disneyland

Whew! What a trip! Fast and furious and a total blast. After celebrating Thanksgiving for TWO days at my parent's house, we left early Saturday morning to meet my husband's brother and family in L.A. We met them on Sunset Blvd. at Le Croissant Club- a great place to eat if you like Mediterranean food-which I do wholeheartedly. They have a great selection of items for those who would rather stick to chicken fingers and other forms of nonadventerous fare.

We walked up and down Sunset Blvd till evening...stopped at the Disney store for a pre-disney sampling of disney inspired lollipops.

That evening, we drove to Rialto and stayed with our awesome friends Patrick and Holly Garrett...got to see Katie and Philip Booker and their gorgeous kids too-what a treat!

The next day was Sunday so we took a drive to San Diego-did the 8 boat tour deal and finished the day off at Rockin' Baja's Cantina...I love the place but this time all it seemed to do was rock our pocketbook a little too much...I guess it was the "big trip spending initiation night". I told Doug that after that we'd have to survive on PB & J for the rest of the trip...SO on the way home we stopped at Winco and bought a cart full of groceries to last us throughout the week.

The next morning we began our trek to Disneyland...it was awesome, the crowds were slim Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. We park hopped all three days...I had never experienced "Tower of Terror" so one morning, Elise, Caeden, Ava and myself were the first to arrive to California Theme Park...Caeden had said he wanted to go on it, Elise had already been and wanted to go again, poor Ava had no choice in the matter and I figured I'd better get it over with before I got stereotyped as a feathered creature that lays eggs. So we bravely entered the big scary room where they show you videos of scary twilight zon-ish phenomenons.

Oh my goodness...that ride is FREAKY!!! It was VERY cool...I am NOT afraid of it I promise...but I will say I felt like the world's WORST mom for taking my little innocent babies on it. I couldn't even scream I was trying so hard not to puke...Caeden and Ava both had huge eyes and huge mouths the entire time. Ava cried but at the end guess what Caeden said? "THAT was UNbelieveable!" I said "Really Caeden? You liked it?" He said "YES!" I said, "Wanna go again?" He said "NO." BUT when the rest of our party joined us a few minutes later and wanted to ride too, guess who joined them? AVA! Yep, she rode it AGAIN.

So I guess you could say that was one of my big highlights...other than the one time I spent $5.75 on a chimichanga...that was pretty exciting.

On Wednesday night, I left the crew enjoying ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor so I could have some time of solitude and concentrate on the 4 assignments I had due the next day. Unfortunately, I had severe internet access issues and wasted my entire evening stressing out about it.

The next day, Thursday, was stressful since I knew I still had to complete my homework and the crowds were reaching excessive numbers at Disneyland so we decided California Theme Park was the place to be. We hit downtown Disney that night after the parks closed which is basically what everyone ELSE was doing too which made it very unpleasant for those of us who despise crowded walkways. Really doesn't do too much for self esteem you know...you're just inching along being sandwiched by strangers on all sides...sort of a panicky weird feeling. The looming homework assignments weren't helping me cope either. I ended up staying up till midnight that night completing them.

We took Ava and Caeden to Build-a-Bear which they'd never been, since they both still had some spending $ left. They thought they were in Heaven. It was so neat to see them having so much fun.

The next morning, I had made plans for Maxine, (my sil) and I to go to the LA garment district and the guys were going to keep the kids at the hotel to chill out and do laundry. That plan quickly changed however, when my hubs bro decided to upgrade his tickets for one more day at Disneyland. Our kids have season passes so of course they were eager to join in on one more day of chaos. They had a blast...went on Grizzly River Run a dozen times, got soaked to the skin.

On Saturday, we spent the day with Patrick and Holly again...relaxing...doing the laundry that didn't get done...four wheeling...laughing...basically just goofing off. Didn't leave their house till 6:30 pm...didn't get home till 11:30 pm and by this time I was feeling that tight chest, sore throat, pounding headache coming on. But it was WORTH it!!! I am better already...nothing a few nights of normal sleep couldn't fix!

Managed to get up the next morning for church, after which we had an appointment to meet our new landlord to get the keys to our "new" house. After that we took the kids to pick out a Christmas tree which we took to the "new" house with a thermos of hot chocolate and my ipod with Christmas music on. We set it up and decorated a few areas in the new house before anything else was in it.

This morning, at 9 o'clock 2 trailers arrived at my "old" house to pick up my furniture and any boxes I had ready. (not very many I'm afraid)

SO!!! I have been planted firmly in my computer chair today diligently picking up the pieces of my neglected studies. Finished a paper and took a test...got 100% prayz'im!

I think I might be a bit outta my mind at the moment...so here are a few pics for you to enjoy.

Tomorrow, my mom is coming to help me do the rest of the packing and moving. Hopefully we'll be settled in by the weekend. We'd better cuz Richard and Jessica are coming for the weekend!!! YAAAAY!!!! Can't wait.......partay!!!!!!!!!

Bradley, Elise and Chandler getting ready for the parade

Just a pretty girl I saw at Disneyland
Having a thrilling time on "Dumbo"California Scream!!!!

The gang...minus Brooke who escaped before the camera could get her!

Elise, Minnie and Ava...

My cute niece Brooke

Finally Moving

We are officially moving...our landlord doesn't seem to think they can avoid foreclosure on the home we are renting. We signed papers last night for a different house here in Chowchilla.
It will be a big change...we've lived in our current home for over a year and a half, we've settled in pretty nicely. Same size home but totally different style. Our current home had never been lived in when we moved in...new everything, huge vaulted celings and stark white walls. (which I dislike greatly) We did all the landscaping in the backyard which took lots of time and effort...it's sort of sad to leave it behind but that's just how it is when you rent anyhow.

So the "new" house was actually built in the 80's so it's not new at all...recently remodeled, ONE story-THANK YOU JESUS...the sound running and thumping at 6:00 AM will cease. It's on 14 acres of alfalfa, lots of huge mature trees and it has a barn and a dog kennel.

The best thing about it is it has a mother in law's quarters which will NOT be used for its intended purpose but I will use that area to teach my classes and have my little preschool. It will be really nice to have a work place separate from the rest of the house.

It's really funny because before we even moved to Chowchilla, I looked at this particular piece of property and even asked the owner if they would consider renting it out. (It was on the market) They said no at that time, but now it's been 2 years and I took a leap of faith and decided to ask again and they said they'd like to work it out. We are praying we can be able to purchase it from them after awhile.

So its a horrible time to have to move...we are gong to Disneyland right after Thanksgiving for a whole week so I have scads of stuff to do before we leave. Not only that but I have a 12 page research paper due Monday. I have 3 more assignemnts due before we leave for the Thanksgiving holiday. Do you think I have even started them? Nah. I think I will be burning the midnight oil a LOT this weekend!!!

PRAY SAINTS PRAY!!!

Commercial for moms or any other clean freak

My life is crazy busy right now...research papers due, a 3000 square ft. home to pack up to move, a 7 day trip to prepare a family of 6 for, a wedding to plan, a "pre" thanksgiving dinner to plan for Saturday, sunday school lesson to prepare for Sunday and the list goes ON!!!

BUT I thought I would take a brief moment to fill you in on the latest gadget I've fallen in love with. I'm sure you've seen or heard about the little handy steam cleaning machines you can pick up for about $30 at Walmart or Target...well, I never tried one so I can't say how they perform but my neighbor let me borrow her Shark Pro-Steam Blast by Euro-Pro. It costs $99 at Lowes, and let me tell you it is worth every single penny! It is amazing...I was cleaning my bathroom sink area and has already wiped it down with a rag when I decided to try this steam thing and when I did the additional crud it dislodged AFTER I had already supposedly cleaned was incredible. I cleaned my fridge with ease...the steam just blasted the junk out of all the little rubber seals and hinges. The only thing I think is that you should have a shopvac with a small attachment nearby to suck up the debris as the steamer doesn't do that, the directions say to have a rag handy to wipe up the mess which works fine for small jobs, but a job like my refrigerator needed a bit more...I just let the mess fall to the floor then I sucked it up with the vacuum later.
Lastly, after my refrigerator, sink, stove, microwave, window sills and countertops were sparkling, I swept the floor and used the steamer's floor attachment to sanitize the floor. Little chunks of gunk that I had been to lazy to scrub up for days came up with ease! My floors were so clean and with no dulling or sticky residue. The fresh steam clean smell just made me the happiest housekeeper on the planet. I will say it isn't the most quiet machine I've ever used...I was cleaning out our empty 55 gallon fish tank to sell on craigslist, (such a fun chore hubby left me with) I had my head in the fish tank with the steamer and I had a few moments of feeling like I was inside a jet engine) It produces a LOT of steam too...I could hardly see inside the fish tank...lol.

But overall, I was impressed exponentially. So...go out and get yourself one...I plan to as soon as I can!

"Can someone say gangbanguh?"

While swaying side to side, this is what my five year old said today while trying on some pants he thought were too baggy.

Check out my latest work of art...

I got this canvas of Caeden in the mail yesterday...I am so thrilled with it! I got it from Canvas on Demand and they did a fabulous job! These are available for my customers also...oh, the "do not copy" is not on the canvas itself.

Homemade Pesto Anyone?

Inspired by my friend Misha far far away in Pennsylvania, I was looking at my garden, bemoaning the fact that soon my beautiful summer bounty will be slowing and the need to pull out the plants I worked so hard to maintain. My basil plants specifically as they are huge and I LOVE to pick fresh basil for nearly every meal but most loved is my special combination of garden tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and cracked pepper salad. (If you frequent Macaroni Grill this specific combination of ingredients will set you back $9.95 for a sparse sampling)

ANYHOW, I was contemplating my dilemma and suddenly remembered Misha's little dabbling with home economics and other Martha Stewartish behaviors.
(you're much more talented Mish) I went and harvested as much fresh basil as possible, (leaves are beginning to fade in color due to the cooler weather) I brought them in and washed them thoroughly. Then I cut up about 4 large cloves of fresh garlic and began sauteing them in about 2 tbs of olive oil. I added about 1/4 cup of pine nuts, a few dashes of salt and some cracked pepper. After the pine nuts began to look toasty, I added a few more tbs. of olive oil and added the fresh basil leaves. The amount of leaves after my de-stemming/washing was about 3 cups. I lightly sauteed these leaves until they were JUST barely looking brighter green and BEGINNING to be limp-ish. (I don't like anything overcooked-the nutritional value and taste imo is reduced greatly by overcooking) I then dumped the entire mixture into my vita-mix machine. (a blender would be sufficient) I added about 1/4 cup more olive oil and blended until it was just the texture I like pesto to be! THEN I poured the mixture into an ice cube tray and put it in the freezer. This morning, I took the tray out and put the little pesto cubes into freezer bag to grab for immediate tasty additions to all my soups, pastas and anything else needing a little pep! Oh I forgot to mention that I scraped the remaining tidbit of pesto from the vita-mix into the pasta I had cooking on the stove...it was scrumptious!
I was too busy flinging this stuff all over the place to get my camera out to take pics...I'll probably be able to do it one more time before the first frost hits and destroys the plants so hopefully then I will remember to take pictures so my blog will genuinely rival with Misha's!

6 year old british super star

Due to popular demand I decided to open my blog back up...
Scroll down to the bottom of my blog and watch this little girl sing...she is amazing! If you want to hear more of her music, go to my photography blog and listen via my player there.
TTFN!

Ava's Happy Day

It was mine and Ava's birthday last week, which most of you know marks a very special time and place in my life and heart. We spent time with my mom celebrating on the 16th, then on the 20th, Ava had a cowgirl princess party with all of her little friends. It was quite a party and the little celebrity just glowed all day with the festivites.

I had a fiasco at the bakery when picking up her cake-it was nowhere to be found and once they "found" it (more like whipped it up real quick in the back) it wasn't even close to what I had ordered-solid white with plain pink writing "Happy Birthday". I had ordered this spectacular "My Little Pony" cake with a castle on it and everything and it was all I would settle for. It was quite humorous really because technically, Ava had no idea I was getting so frantic about this cake thing, she was in fact happily pushing her own little cart in the store and was gloating in her birthday glory while wearing her birthday best-the boots and petti you see in the pics. She had just taken a sharp turn in her glee and had toppled her cart over, spilling its contents. It wasn't a huge deal, I scolded her ever so gently for the spill, but as tenderhearted as she is, she was quite downcast and heartbroken at this latest turn of events...I used this to my advantage, and said to the negligent baker lady, "Do you think I can tell HER that she won't be having a "My Little Pony" cake?" The lady said, "Oh of course not honey, we'll get you your cake!" OMW I thought I was going to come unglued, I had this huge lump in my throat like I was going to cry, so I had to be really strong and tell them I was not paying for that pathetic looking cake but that I was not leaving without a cake. (this was 1 hour before the party started mind you!) Needless to say, I got my cake, a few gray hairs added to my collection but all went well after that.

Alls well that ends well!

Patriot Day 9-11 Remembered

Well I know many will post about this today, since today marks the anniversary of that fateful day 7 years ago when our nation was rocked by the heartless attacks on the twin towers and the pentagon.

I remember that morning, our trailer was parked at The Rock Church, in the parking lot, and my husband was going to be preaching the back-to-school covering service that was being held that Tuesday morning there. My husband woke me up early that morning, saying "Babe we've been hit, we've been hit!" In my sleepy state of mind, I thought maybe I was unconscious or something and we'd been in a car accident. Then I thought our trailer had been hit by a vehicle in the parking lot. I couldn't figure out what he meant. Then as I came to my senses, my husband explained to me what he meant. The full reality of the situation didn't really hit until days later when we were able to see footage of the wreckage and the aftermath of the disaster.

I'll never forget that day, as I know it marks a piece of history for our country. Indignation and anger wells up in my heart again for the lives that were destroyed that terrible day.

May we remember those who hurt today, pray for them and continue to pray for this nation that our leaders will keep us protected and safe in the future.

God BLESS the USA.

San Fran Whooee!!!

This weekend my husband and I celebrated our 12th anniversary! We went to San Fransisco-rented a 2 seater convertible and buzzed all over the city in it. It was so awesome! We got there Saturday afternoon and met our friends Neil and Sherah Hyler for dinner on the wharf at Joe's Crab Shak. We had a BLAST with them!

On Sunday morning, we went to church in Hayward. We went out to lunch with Bro. and Sis. Hall and their sweet daughters. We had so much fun catching up with them!

We spent the rest of the day shopping and driving around the crazy city.

On Monday, we drove across the Golden Gate bridge and went into Sausalito-admired all the beautiful homes and yachts...we hit Starbucks and Jamba Juice at least 5 times each...yikes...I'm glad our trip was only 3 days!
Anyhow, we had a great time, it was a much needed mini vacation.
Now its back to the grind...school, babysitting, home school, work, bills, weeds, laundry, messy kids...and the list goes on and on my friend!

My Lovely Daughter

Since all anyone ever sees pictures of are my adorable kids, I figured I'd post something ugly today!!!!! Ava absolutely HAD to have these...

Hubby's health update

Well, my husband had his surgery on Thursday. I was probably more nervous than he was since he's never had any sort of surgery before. I'm really panicky when it comes to anesthesia...I know they do it hundreds of times a day but there's just something weird about it to me.
I stayed with him until they took him into the operating room and they told me it would be 45 minutes to an hour before they would be done. I had actually planned to go to the college for a little while to sign up for a few additional classes, but once I got there, there were so many students waiting in huge lines everywhere I knew there was no way I would be back to the hospital in time. So I went to Starbucks instead. Almost as soon as I returned the anesthesiologist came out and told me everything had gone well and that Doug was in recovery. Whew!!! That was super fast!
They prescribed him FORTY lortabs (a form of extra strong vicodin) and I am so proud to say he has not had even ONE! He has been feeling great...not even any complaints, I am so impressed. He was doing laundry and even grilled some tri-tip on the barbie last night. He preached like a house-a-fire this morning. I know the surgery wasn't invasive or major; however, I did expect him to be a little more on the needy side after this procedure.
I suppose the tissue they removed will be sent to pathology to be certain it wasn't sinister-so keep us in your prayers for yet another good report please!
So once again I thank you for all your love, concern and prayers, we serve an AWESOME God!!!

My landlord finally responded back to me and informed me that they are indeed having severe financial issues and are "working with the banks" whatever that means. I'm just going to take it one day at a time and remember God is in control.

In thte meantime, in addition to college, homeschooling, church duties, church business planning I will also be reorganizing and cleaning our cupboards and drawers in preparation for the inevitable move that hopefully won't be in December!!! But if it is, we will be content no matter what.

Just checking in...

Well, I can't think of anything deep or intellectual to post today but I know my blog is overdue for something so here I is!

I started class today-I have 3 classes, Leadership in Organizations, and 2 Child Development classes. I cannot wait to be done with school. I am also working on getting licensed for our church to have a preschool. So if any of you have tips, knowledge or advice in that department feel free to email me.

I feel very blessed to be able to live in a beautiful home that we are renting. In Elk Grove, the cheapest house on the market was just inside our means-1100 sq. ft. 1950's oldie. Here in Chowchilla we rent a house 3 times as big for 1/2 of the price our mortgage was then! Go figure. We've lived in this house for about a year and a half. Anyhow, a few days ago, a woman knocked on my door and asked if I was the owner. When I told her I wasn't, that I was a mere tenant, she took my contact info down and asked me to notify the owner that "what they are working on at the bank is still in process". Okaaaaayyyy...what does that mean? I know they could be refinancing, I also know it could mean they are losing the house which would NOT be a pleasant experience for me. Unfortunately, the rent market has gone up considerably so getting a house as big as mine is (3100 sq. ft.) for the price we pay will be impossible-barring a miracle that is. I wouldn't be too worried except for the fact that I have tried calling my landlord several times as well as emailed him with no response. THAT's the kicker I guess. So! I really really REALLY don't want to move right now, I'd really like to wait until we are ready to buy so it will be a one time deal for a looooong time. So the house I really really want is 3800 sq. ft. and its on the market right now for $324,000. Sigh...OR there's one in the country on FORTY ACRES I am NOT lying and its priced at $419,000. Its priced low like that because its not completely finished and there are no trees or landscaping at all. Its a gorgeous home though. So pray with me folks that a miracle takes place SOON so we can take advantage of the real estate market's position.

On another note, keep my husband in your prayers this week too. He is having surgery on thursday, its not supposed to be any big deal but he is a little stressed out since he's never been put under nor cut on. He's doing MUCH better in all other aspects. GOD IS FAITHFUL!!!

Well, I think I've typed enough for anyone super bored to get even more bored so I'm going to check out and head off to Starbuck's where I am teaching a bible study tonight.

Venti Iced Soy Caramel Macchiatto here I come...ciao!

Me and my sidekick

Elise and I had so much fun hanging out together at camp...she is crazy just like me!

Goofy Elise and Goofy Shalay

Last year at Jr. Camp, everyone kept getting Elise and Shalay Lackey mixed up. They dressed alike and pretended to be twins all week-then this year, Elise got glasses and I told her "well maybe since you have glasses now, you won't be mistaken for Shalay all week!" Well, when we got to camp guess who had new glasses too!

Back 2 Norm?

I don't know if I am quite back to norm yet...still draggin' a bit BUT I have all my laundry
D-U-N. I can't believe it really since I have such a tendency to procrastinate when it comes to laundry. I must give credit to my frigidaire front loader machine that has delayed start-a feature I adore. It helps me not to procrastinate ALOT. When we bought the machine a few months ago, my husband thought that feature was dumb. Its not. I like to put a load on before I go to bed at night or before I leave to go somewhere but I despise stinky clothes from sitting too long in the washer. I used to always end up washing loads 2 sometimes 3 times! Anyhow, this feature has been a lifesaver for me!!!
I cleaned and vacuumed out all the suitcases (7), cleaned out my truck, and did all the dirty dishes my sweet darling hubby saved up for me while I was gone. I don't know why I am so proud...I guess cuz usually it takes me about 2 weeks to get everyting done and since its only been 2 days I am just happy about it that's all.

OMW, I was just changing a stinky diaper of Colton's (little 10 month old I babysit) and he was being a booger trying to escape so I was trying to hurry and I forgot to use powder and as I was putting his shorts back on, Ava said "But Mom, what about the seasoning?"

I tell you life is never boring around here!

The next few weeks will consist of me getting all of our homeschool materials together. I am excited because I am venturing out on my own and building my own lesson plans etc. I will be posting more about that on "my home's cool" blog later.

Hope all my faithful readers are having a great day!!!!!

I am HOME!!!!!

Okay, we are home from Donkey Rock Jr. Camp! We had an absolute BLAST as usual but I am wiped out fo sho!

THANK YOU everyone for all of your love and prayers. It means THE WORLD to my fam and I. While I was at camp, my husband had a consult with a surgeon for a mass he had found on his right shoulder. He had had an mri of it the week prior and we had not received any results as of the day I left so I was a bit nervous and apprehensive as to what the doc thought it might be. On friday, however, when he talked to the surgeon, the surgeon told him it does not seem to be anything serious, just a benign fatty tumor of some sort. PRAISE GOD!!! Weird though. Anyhow, he does need to have surgery to get it out but that will be a cinch I'm sure. 2-3 weeks recovery time...on the couch...lots of books, audiobooks, cookies, rice krispy treats, chips, and other r & r paraphernalia. In addition to the mass, he was screened for GERD and it was discovered that he had H.Pylori bacteria in his gut so he has been taking antibiotics for that and it has been KICKING HIS TAIL. He was also informed he has an enlarged liver-I don't know if its fatty or what but after all this other junk goes away we will have to get him on a diet to help that too. I guess turning 39 just brings on a lot of ailments...my poor aging hubby!!! So once again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers. My nerves were shot to smithereens with having to prepare for camp, prepare to take my little kids to my moms, prepare for my final exams as well as help my hubby get to all his Dr. appts. etc. CRAZY!!!

On another note, camp was so much fun...I could never type an entire weeks worth of stuff that happened in one post but I will try to share some highlights.

First of all, we had 2 of our church kids to get the Holy Ghost! It was awesome to see kids who never seemed interested in church much less the Holy Ghost to poor their little hearts out to God. That was the highlight of the week for sure. My own kids, Elise and Chandler both were renewed every night with the awesome preaching of Bro. Don Hyler Jr.

The rest of the week for me consisted of thinking up strategies to not get bombed with shaving cream and water balloons every time I exited the women's bathroom. It only happened once. Then I decided my lady friends and I had better step it up. We did have some serious knock down drag outs with some crazy people. It was great fun. I ended up with shaving cream up my nose and in my ears and my eyes plastered shut with it. I got hit with some mean water balloons too but I am tough and I threw my share of them and doused some people with whipped cream.

One day, my friend and I decided to let some of the campers help us fill up our water balloons. There were about 6 precious hmong little girls who were delighted to assist us with our plan. We lined them up at the bathroom sink and showed them how to fill and tie the water balloons. While I was overseeing them, I overheard one say (in her cute little accent and sing song voice) " We work factory but we no get pay!" I laughed so hard and I said, "You're our little elves!" She was delighted and said "Oh yes, just like Santa's elves, we have present for boy, we toss water balloon on boy!" It was so funny...

Unfortunately, Elise left her camera at my mom's house so we had no camera all week so unless someone emails me some pics I can't post any. I know Devin Hill got a great video clip of Elder Morton playing jump rope with the girls. He looked like he was about to have a heart attack but he didn't thank god. If I get that clip I don't think I will post it since I don't think he would appreciate that very much.

I won't forget my good friend "Aunt Jemima" and that one guy Bro. Hernandez nicknamed "Bouncehouse"...OMW...too funny.

I love Donkey Rock campground. I have been there at least 30 times in my life and I always feel sad when we have to leave. If it wasn't for the fact I am utterly exhausted by the end of the week, I would stay another! I think next year I will try to plan to go to teen camp and jr. camp both. Watch out, the crazy Morgan lady is coming to camp again!!!

Prayer Request

Well, I don't have time to post a novel tonight. But I did just want to pop in to Blogville to ask my friends for some much needed prayer for our family. We are going through some things and need God's hand to touch. I firmly believe in the power of prayer and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt God is with us.

I am believing that I will have a good report the next time I post.

July 20-26 the older kids and I will be at Jr. Youth Camp. That will be lots of fun for them.
Hopefully, I will post again before then.

I love you all very much and appreciate your love and concern.

"I'll pray for you, you pray for me..."

Jesus is Everything I Need and More!

I came across this incredible list of what my Jesus is in each book of the Bible. I did not compose this myself but I found it so powerful that I felt like posting it on my blog.


Genesis---He is the Creator God
Exodus---He is the Redemmer
Leviticus---He is your sanctification
Numbers---He is your guide
Deuteronomy---He is your teacher
Joshua---He is the Mighty Conqueror
Judges---He gives victory over enemies
Ruth---He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer
1 Samuel---He is the root of Jesse
2 Samuel---He is the Son of David
1 Kings and 2 Kings---He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords
1st and 2nd Chronicles---He is your intercessor and High Priest
Ezra---He is your temple, your house of worship
Nehemiah---He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies
Esther---He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies
Job---He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles, but has the power to do something about them.
Psalms---He is your song and your reason to sing.
Proverbs---He is your wisdome, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.
Ecclesiastes---He is your purpose, delivery you from vanity
Song of Solomon---He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon
Isaiiah---He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the everlasting father, and more. In short, he is everything you need.
Jeremiah---He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.
Lamentations---He is the ever-faithful one upon whom you can depend.
Ezekiel---He is your wheel int he middle of a wheel, the one who assures that dry dead bones will come alive again.
Daniel---He is the ancient of days, the everlasting God who never runs out of time
Hosea---He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back, even when you have abandoned Him
Joel---He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.
Amos---He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.
Obadiah---He is Lord of the Kingdom
Jonah---He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will.
Micah---He is judge of the nation
Nahum---He is the jealous God
Habakkuk---He is the Holy One
Zephaniah---He is the witness
Haggai---He overthrows the enemies
Zechariah---He is Lord of Hosts
Malachi---He is Merciful
Matthew--He is king of the Jews
Mark---He is the servant
Luke---He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel
John---He is the Son of God
Acts---He is Saviour of world.
Romans---He is the righteousness of God
1 Corrinthians---He is the rock that followed Isreal
II Corinthians---He is the triumphant one, giving victory
Galatians---He is your liberty, he sets you free
Ephesians he is head of the Church
Philippians---He is your joy
Colossians---He is your completeness
1 Thessalonians---He is your hope
11 Thessalonians---
1 Timothy---He is your fatih
11Timothy He is your stability
Philemon---He is your benefactor
Hebrews---He is your perfection
James---He is the power behind your faith
1 Peter---He is your example
11Peter---He is your purity
1 John---He is your life
11 John---He is your pattern
111 John---He is your motivation
Jude---He is the foundation of your faith.
Revelation---He is your coming King. From the beginning of the world to its end, there is no place you can look and not see jesus. He is everywhere. He is everything. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17)

credit: http://www.ignitethefire.com/fuel.html

Whoooeee! I feel a SHOUT comin' on! Thank you Jesus for being everything I need and more!

Wowzers what a surprise!!!

Today, my doorbell rang and when I answered, my mail lady was standing there with a box. For me. From Amazon. I didn't order anything from Amazon. My husband wasn't acting guilty of doing a nice thoughtful deed...he was acting suspicious as to my recent online shopping activity.

We opened the box-the suspense was unbearable! I was so surprised to find inside the box, a totally awesome photography book that I have been pining for!!!!! My sweet friend Sherah Hyler was so thoughtful to take a look at my materialistic little amazon wishlist widget that I have here on my blog! What a doll she is! Thank you Sherah!

Now for the rest of you, even though I love gifts...please don't think I posted the widget for that purpose...okay okay, I can just see the eyeball rolls...I'm SERIOUS! I put it there so I don't forget myself what I wanna save my pennies for...and hubby needs help in that department too you know! And I also think it helps people learn more about me just knowing what sort of things I like!

Anyhow, Sherah made my day...which was going kinda haywire. I love my friends!!!

Nap Anyone?

In the world of photography, there is a trend of photographing newborns in odd places-I'm not too fond of the trend myself as it leaves me with a weird feeling of abandonment on the baby's behalf. Bookshelves, dresser drawers, counter tops, doorsteps, none of these make me jump for joy at the beauty of the portrait. Nor does it spark pangs of envy at the photographers creativity. Of course each to his own, HOWEVER, when I didn't hear Caeden's incessant chatter for a few moments too long, my hunt for him resulted in this clever little spot he chose to lay his head. I honestly do not know what he was thinking.

Kari Kari....how does your garden grow?

I have tomatoes coming out my ears...and the yellow squash is growing crazy. We pick at least 3-4 per day...I have a huge pile of them on my counter, the neighbors are getting lots of "gifts". I told Elise if we could just be content to survive on tomatoes and yellow squash we could save a bundle of money! Unfortunately, that did not fly with her too well. And she is the easiest to please when it comes to food. The other kids would think life had come to an end if their dinosaur nuggets ceased to exist. Even more traumatic the mere thought of consuming yellow squash! Sigh...I THOUGHT by planting a garden my children would be jumping for joy to eat more veggies. NOT.

My Zinnias

Hah...I am such a granny today posting a picture of my flowers...but I am amazed these grow from just a tiny seed. They are SO beautiful. God's creation amazes me!

Fourth of July Kids Parade

God Bless America!

The kids were able to participate in a neighborhood event on the Fourth of July...they got to decorate their bikes/scooters and go parading through the neighborhood. They had a blast...mom and dad were wiped out after running after them with the camera!

What a Life

Here is a snapshot of Caeden enjoying a popsicle...what a life!

Father's Day Golf Buds

Here is a photo of my hubby with Chandler and Caeden on Father's Day. We are blessed to live on a golf course which comes quite in handy according to these three. Chandler and Caeden also just got to attend their first "Golf Camp" which was an absolute blast! They want to go AGAIN..."pleeeeeze mommy???"

Photo Sesh Joy

This is what a typical photo shoot with Ava is like...even with lollies and gum.

Elise's Crazy Art

My Awesome Husband

I just thought I'd take a few minutes to brag on my awesome, gorgeous, funny, crazy, hyper husband! I don't tell him enough how much he means to me. He is the best daddy in the whole entire world I am convinced of that!
On Father's Day, he received some money from our church. As soon as we got home from church, he took the boys to the sports store and bought THEM each their own set of golf clubs! Then he took them to the golf course for the rest of the day! He spent the money that was meant to be spent on himself for his boys. Then, the next weekend he took Elise to Sacramento to visit friends and he took her and her 3 friends to Six Flags!
Even when he is exhausted from working out in the heat, he is never too tired to roughhouse and wrestle with the kids on the floor.
He always puts me and the kids before himself and I am so thankful to be married to such a loving, caring and giving guy.
I love you Babe more than you'll ever know!

First Watermelon!

Ava was thrilled to be the lucky girl to pick our first watermelon.

WHOOOOEEEEE!!!! Yay Partay!!!!

Just kidding I'm not having a party but I was just tossing and turning in my bed so WORRIED about the dumb assignment that I had to do Monday. WELL, so I got up and checked one last time to see if the grades were posted and YES they were!!! (drum roll puleeeeze)

Anyhow, I got full credit and I was not even sure I was doing the stinkin' assignment right!
Oh man, I am soooo glad...I know its not like graduating from Harvard but hey, ya nevah know I just might one day!

Here's an exerpt from what my instructor had to say...

You did an excellent job on this paper. The content is rich and it is nicely formatted. You adhered to APA formatting guidelines. The general construction and grammar of the paper were in order. You addressed questions very well and used an outside source to connect your learning. Well done!

Now, you know, I am generally a very modest person about my accomplishments but since this is all new territory for me (going to school and getting my brain out of mushville) I must say I'm downrat prouda m'sef...

Okay I'll stop...its all I could think to blog about.

Tomorrow I'll try to post pics of my kids or something a bit more unusual. Ha.

Family Pic

Bleh...I finished it

Check out the time...I finally finished that assignment I was so stressed about. I am a crazy woman. What is wrong with me? I will be slugging the rockstars and lattes tomorrow! For all of you who tell me to write a book as to how I do "everything" come check out my piles of unfinished laundry and then you'll be like "oh". Seriously, I get it washed and folded but put away? Hah! In my dreams...

Well, I am taking the kids to the library tomorrow for the Summer Reading Program Kick-off...its gonna be BIG time in this little cowtown!
Cheers!

Pinky Promise?

Pinky promise...what is that? I had never known until recently, my littlest kiddo was in some serious trouble. (not beyond the norm for her) She did a very naughty thing, even though my vehicle automatically locks while we are driving, she likes to play with the door locks and handles and while I was on the FREEWAY, my car "dinged" at me that a door was indeed being opened. Of course I was furious with this angelic being I have been given parental responsibilities for and I pulled over to assess the situation. I also assured her of her demise upon reaching our home. She was beside herself with dread...(oooh I remember those days-DAD) Anyhow, as she disembarked from the car, she had tears streaming down her little face and while she sobbed she was fiddling with her hand, trying to do something with her fingers. I said, "What is wrong with your hand?" She succeeded in making sure all of her fingers were clenched except her pinky, she held it up to my face and through her tears said "pinky promise?" I was quite confused and asked "Pinky promise?" She said, "I pinky promise I won't do it ever again mommy, now you have to do this too". So she continued to instruct me as to how to commence this pinky promise thing-you have to link your pinky fingers together and give them a good tug. Then you're all set, you don't have to spank the kid after that cuz they "pinky promised".

...So...a few days later, she was in trouble again. This time it wasn't her safety being compromised but it was at church-got caught running the aisles AGAIN, and this time DAD was the disciplinarian. So HE grabs her and is about to give her the lowdown how she's getting a you-know-what when she gets home and suddenly the waterworks gets maxed out. I slipped behind a corner and spied on them and watched the little hand working itself into the ever popular pinky promise position. As her hand reached up toward her daddy's face, I wondered what effect this would have on her situation. "PINKY PROMISE??? What's THAT???" her daddy's voice boomed. (as only his can) Her little voice, "If I pinky promise it means I won't ever do it again daddy". Suddenly, she was in his arms and he was howling with laughter...hhmmmm...maybe next time I go shopping and spend a little too much at my fave boutique I'll pull out the ol' pinky promise trick eh?

This assignment...and thoughts I thunk

I have an assignment due on Monday. Normally, I am a decent writer; however this particular class I am currently taking is working up my anxiety levels. It's Management for Organizations in which I have already learned an incredible amount of information. (hoping to apply this new found knowledge SOON in the church scene)

Anyhow, it's getting a bit on the techy side of things-not my forte. Sometimes it seems like my classes aren't necessarily intended to "teach" a subject but instead are intended to allow one to "practice" a subject. I am only in my second week in this class, and most of the discussions have been geared towards solving major problems within an organization...I thought I was attending school to learn how to do it, not to share my wealth of knowledge (or lack of in this case) with my fellow classmates. Anyhow, here is my assignment:

Prepare a three (3) page paper to submit to your instructor. Select an industry that you are familiar with, or that is suggested by the instructor. Analyze the industry in terms of:

a. General environment � how will the forces be changing over the next three years and how will these forces impact the industry (for example, demographics � aging population)?

b. Task environment � look at the task environment from the perspective of a team (for example, who are the suppliers?); identify the forces and how they are affecting the organization.

c. In summary, provide a general discussion on the impact of the environment on the organization and the decision(s) of the managers. How is the corporate culture of the organization influencing behavior and how the organization functions?

So my weekend is doomed to be consumed with the task at hand. I'm not complaining mind you, I'm really just thinking out loud-well, in blogville. Any suggestions from my brainy friends? James? Are you out there? I mean seriously, if I had real answers to some of these questions I would be a quadrillionaire.

Another thought I thunk today was revolving around another discussion I took part in, (did that actually make sense? I think its past my bedtime) and that is the concentration we put on a CEO or a manager of a great organization. We tout them and practically worship the ground they walk on, consider their companies to be the top in the nation to work for not only because of what THEY can do for US or their employees, but also their extreme financial success; however, in reality all they are is someone who slipped in and is now carrying the work load and continuing to push through something based on groundwork someone ELSE laid down. I'm curious to know HOW the organization got where it is -not necessarily who is getting all the credit for it now. Whose blood, sweat and tears created the productivity and economic value so many are enjoying now? Well, perhaps by the time I graduate I will have been enlightened a bit.

I am rambling a lot about nothing important. Its just my candystick for the hour. In the morning it will be all about making pancakes and bacon for the fam and throwing on a few loads of laundry. Cheerio!

Giavanna

Oh my goodness. I didn't take this photo-its my friend Olga Johnson's booger #5 (she has 6 boogers) but I had to post it since she is such a BUG and I wish I could smooch all over her!!! I love Baby Gia!!!!!

Another cheesey smile...

Often, I have a picture thats not really that great unless I have my mommy goggles on...that means I like it because its my kid not because it has great composition, focus, etc...I have my mommy goggles on 24/7. Its hard to critique pics of your own kids!

A giggly smile

A Most Exciting Moment

You'd think a little princess would be thrilled beyond words to have FOUR leis around her little neck...unfortunately, four was not enough...she needed MORE. Needless to say, her expression reminds me of a photo my parents have of me when I was about three...maybe I'll post that one tomorrow.

I'm a Snapdragon? oooh...

I am a Snapdragon What Flower Are You?

Ava

I try to keep photography contained on my photo blog but I really like this shot of Ava and so I thought I'd post it here so everyone can see how pretty she is! On this particular photo I used a new processing technique called urban acid...I think its really cool.

Me n' my hub

My 6 word memoir

I was supposed to have done this a long time ago-BUT we were camping at the lake for a few days...PLUS I was behind in my piano lessons and had to practice practice, PLUS I had 4 college assignments due this week, (yes I'm a full time college student) PLUS I'm wrapping up the school year of our church school-that entails graduation ceremony planning etc. PLUS my house is a wreck and can you guess my laundry is, yep coming out my ears...(sigh) Let's see what else...I did a Sr. portrait photo shoot, I have 2 more this weekend...I have a Mother's Day Luncheon I am hostessing and speaking on Saturday...PLUS organizing the Sunday too-doo for all our church mom's and my own...I am only a little overwhelmed right now okay???
So my 6 word memoir HAS to be this:

Gotta cowboy up and gitter dun!!!

Whooee!!! I shore thank that sums it up purty good!!!
Oh I got so excited I almost forgot to post the rest of the whatchamacallit I gotta post here...
Okay I was tagged by little miss Christina Bernice-my LONG time high school amiga


And I hereby tag these 3 lucky ladeez...
Monica Hassas
Yvonne Villanueva
Misha Kelbatyrov

Check out the photos of Michele and Jason's wedding...

At my photography blog...

Chandler's B-day!!!

My big boy turned NINE years old on the 18th!!! Can't believe it...what a dude...

Chandler you're COOL, SMART, FUNNY, HANDSOME, CRAZY, and the LIGHT OF MY LIFE...keep up the good work lovin' Jesus and growing like a weed!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

Mom's 60th

My mom's 60th birthday celebration-me bringing her cake. "Hampy" Birthday Mom!
Joe's wife Jaime, myself and Gabe in my kitchen...
The whole gang here...

Friday, we celebrated my mom's 60th birthday here in Chowchilla at my house. It was a smashing success of course-I just can't believe my mother is 60 years old. We're all getting up there I guess...

My brother, Joe, his wife Jaime and their lovely dogs Bella and Charlie brought meat for the barbie and my younger bro, Gabe, his wife Nichol and their newest addition Riley (Golden Retreiver) brought corn on the cob to grill and some yummy appetizers from Trader Joe's. I baked a garlic/rosemary chicken and I also broiled some new potatoes with garlic, olive oil and rosemary. Can you tell what my fave ingredients are? I am a thief-I get the rosemary out of my neighbors yard...shame. Not really, me being a thief that is, I did get permission. It just feels weird I guess snipping on a plant in someone else's yard.

I need to get me own rosemary plant me thinks. (My poor rosemary seeds haven't even started sprouting yet and its been almost 3 weeks. For those of you interested in my garden I will post pics of the seedlings on my homeschool blog)

Anyhow, there was quite a bit of preparation on my part of course-cleaning and all, so this weekend I have been totally lagging.

Happy Monday....

Eeeewwww....Mondays......well anyway, it IS Monday whether you like it or not so might as well make the very best of it right???
Lots of cleaning and re-organizing after a very busy weekend in store for this woman of many hats.
Speaking of many hats...I've been thinking a lot lately about my blog and why I don't post more. Not actually post "more" as in more often but MORE as in depth and meaning etc. I read all these other blogs and the authors are so thoughtful and deep in their writing. (Well many of them are) Anyhow, I know I have very deep and interesting if I can admit thinking patterns and ideas however, I tend to keep them tucked way down inside-perhaps I''ll toy around with a post idea but I let it fizzle in my mind and never get around to posting anything but the small little mundane things of life. NOT to say that my children are small and mundane but I know my posts tend to be like a babybook or a journal which is important to me of course and perhaps to some readers but really how boring is that to read that the Morgans planted a garden...okaaaayyy...

I am involved in so many different things....I'm a pastors wife, school principal, housewife, mom to 4 wild kids, chief cook and bottlewasher basically. Its difficult to narrow things down and focus on one or two particular facets to feast on.

I think I would blog more about spiritual and important things if I kept some separate blogs-one for my incredible journey which is the journey Im taking with God and the supernatural things that happen from day to day, then a family blog for just the everyday fun stuff-I also have a photography blog so I can show off pictures I've done of various subjects. That way, since I have such a vast array of readers, my readers can choose what they are interested in reading whether its about my kids,(which will be homeschooled again after this school year is out so that will be a whole blog in itself) or about our church and the things God is doing in our midst or about my photos or whatever else may be going on in our lives.

I will post the links to these blogs as soon as I have them organized and set up completely.

In the meantime, I am reading The Zookeepers Wife by Diane Ackerman. Its a fairly interesting read-I am fascinated with anything involving WWII. I have been since I was a young teenager and have read many books pertaining to it. The Zookeepers Wife is derived from a journal kept by a woman named Antonina who was, yes you guessed it a zookeepers wife(fancy that-you're a whiz) in Warsaw, Poland during WWII. If you can tolerate indepth discussions of the biological narratives of zoology (I barely can) then you can appreciate the value of this book. If you CAN'T tolerate the biological narratives of zoology then don't read the book...but perhaps you should at least try since it does give an interesting perspective of an upstanding, well-educated, Polish citizen during the Holocaust and the circumstances surrounding it. The zoology lessons do lessen towards the middle of the book and then it is much more concentrated on how this woman Antonina and her husband Jan assisted the Jews by hiding them in their partially irradicated zoo and also how they were part of the underground system that fought the Nazi movement. It is an encouraging book to me in the sense that sometimes it seems that most people turned their heads during such a time of turmoil. It is interesting to read about the local rebellion to such a travesty. Of course, the Nazi's were also anti poles meaning that most Polish people were not acceptable so many were killed along with the Jews for simply being Polish. Two-thirds of Poland's Jewish population was exterminated during the war. Anyhow, after trudging through the beginning of the book, I am thoroughly interested to find out what ended up happening to these kindhearted people.
Stay tuned for more!