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???"