Sunday, July 31, 2005

a mom's life part 1

Take your plate into the kitchen, please.
take it downstairs when you go.
don't leave it there, take it upstairs.
Is that yours?
Don't hit your brother.
Just a minute, please, can't you see I am talking?
I said, don't interrupt.
Did you brush your teeth?
What are you doing out of bed?
Go back to bed.
You can't watch that in the afternoon.
What do you mean there is nothing to do?
Go outside!
Read a book.
Turn it down.
Get off the phone.
tell your friend you will call them back. Right now!
Hello.........No, he/she is not home.
He/She will call you when they get home.
take a jacket. take a sweater. (in my case i say sweatshirt)
take one anyway.
someone left his shoes in front of the tv.
get the toys out of the hall. get the boys out of the bathtub. get the toys off the stairs.
do you realize that could kill someone?
hurry up!
hurry up everyone is waiting!
i will count to ten and then we are going with out you.
did you go to the bathroom?
I mean it!
why didn't you go before we left?
can you hold it?
what is going on back there?
Stop it!
I said STOP IT!
i don't want to hear about it.
(to be continued)

Saturday, July 30, 2005

new to me

I found a radio station in the car -k love 96.9 and they have a website to listen to as online too. (see links on the right) so far I like since they do not seem to have a bunch of commercials and it is music I like. We will have to try it and see. have a good weekend all and bless someone today! (thanks lisa for that)

Friday, July 29, 2005

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

I do like that song and my kids love that song. Kota even knows all the lyrics to it!

Anywhoo- I just need to say congratulations to the Ridgeway Nazarene Church and their Softball Ministry. One word- UN-DEFEAFTED!!! It is wonderful that you got that record, I know that there is no standings in the league but you should be proud of yourselves. It was an honor of being part of the spectators and cheering you all on. Thank you for allowing my guys to play with all of you this season. Thank you for just accepting us as part of your church family. I really felt like family when I was offered one of the special gum balls full of nerds candy. LOL It was great to do the tournaments and I appreciate the invite to go camping with your church. Truly that means so much to me and my guys- especially now! It is awesome how God can take something that I thought was "yucky" and turn it into something special. Now all I have to say is let's play ball and have some fun at the tournament!!!!!!

What are the Holy Scriptures?

ACLU (yes them again) are trying to get the Quran and other related books to be used in a court of law. They want them to be used for people of other religions to swear their oath on.

Yes, we do have freedom of religion but this country was founded on the principles of God. It will be interesting to see how this will turn out.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1441476/posts

Thursday, July 28, 2005

my inspirational thought for the day!!!

it is from a song

Rain on me.
I will not drown,
I stand on Higher ground
-Amen

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

sometimes I cannot stand technology

If i am not on the computer alot it is because my sweet bessie (the computer) is dying. She is giving me headaches and is being slower than molasses on a hot day. Tonite I ordered meself a new computer and it will be delivered shortly. I cannot wait to play with all the new toys that I ordered with it. Sometimes I do however reminisce about the good old days (B.C.= before computers). Do you remember life before them?

Oh and what about today wasn't it such a beautiful day. Could not have asked for anything better. I do smell football season around the corner though and the only reason I say that is cause my son got his football equipment today. :) Bless someone today!!

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

time out with Him!

Yesterday was hot and around nine o'clock p.m. our power went out. It was only my house and 3 others on our street. Well I had to go get Nicholas at a friend's house at 9:30 p.m. so that took up some time and then when we got back we all loaded up in the Expedition with some snacks and watched a movie. Well they started to complain that they were hot,etc....... fortunate for me someone called and offered for the boys to come and stay the night and I took them up on it. After I took them and dropped 'em off at 11 o'clock p.m. and came back home I realized how quiet it was. I just laid on the couch watching the lightening through the bay window and just had some nice quiet time with God (about 1 1/2 hours). It was great especially since my schedule is usually quite hectic. Running here and there (just like everyone else) and to lay there watching his artistic ability with the lightening and the way the clouds were formed was so peaceful and soothing. It was awesome to just spend some time with him. I really enjoyed it God thank you!!!!!!!!! mmmuaaaaaaaaakkkkkkkkkk!

Monday, July 25, 2005

WOW!

Hey if you want to express your artistic self then be my guest. But all I have to say is that I appreciate my son and pics like these make me really appreciate him all the more.

I am at a loss for words................

Sunday, July 24, 2005

mistakes and positive attitude go together?

Thomas Edison tried two thousand different materials in search of a filament for the light bulb. When none worked satisfactorily, his assistant complained, "All our work is in vain. We have learned nothing."

Edison replied very confidently, "Oh, we have come a long way and we have learned a lot. We now know that there are two thousand elements which we cannot use to make a good light bulb."

I like that positive attitude. If I could just bottle that and open a can of positive attitude everytime I make a mistake or get discouraged I would be the happiest gal around. And if I sold it all bottled and packaged I am sure I would be one of the richest lol. However, I am not sure I would have been so confidently positive as Edison. After like the 20th time I would have thought forget it, it is never going to happen. I am not supposed to be doing this, I quit!!! Well lately I have been trying to have that kind of mind set. Positive attitude when there are mistakes or discouragement. I find it easier to take a deep breath, pause, and then be positive. What I did not anticipate to be so difficult is the part when other people may be involved. People can be so negative and suck the energy and positiveness right out of you. (not all but some) Especially when you are making a conscious effort to be positive. But since I am trying to be positive I will not let that discourage me. I will keep on with my smile and sweet ------(the word really does escape me at this time) I will continue to be positive when my son doesn't park in the drive way properly. (even though he has been told for the past 6 months) Or when my other son walks through the house with muddy feet after I have mopped the floor. (and he has been told not to come through that door just 5 minutes before) It is just not as easy as I thought but with a conscious effort it is easier!

Friday, July 22, 2005

newest commercial i have seen

have you seen this commercial yet????

http://www.fruitcountryvideo.com/

the newest in buying your whitey tighties.

softball highlights

We played Tuesday (a make up game) and Thursday this week which was fun and we won all four games wooo hooo! Go team. I don't have to tell you that my brother in-law hit a couple of home runs in right field. that was and is a given. Nicholas and Bronson had a bunch of hits and rbi's. Bronson made a double play. awesome job. Nicholas tagged someone out at home plate at both the Tuesday and Thursday night games. He also burned someone in left center. What a shot! I also have to give the boys credit too since this week is football camp. Yes they are young but still.... to get up at 5 am to go to work and then go straight to football camp from 4-6 and then go and play a double header of ball. that is YOUTH! This Saturday they are playing in a church tournament in Howell. Pray there are no injuries and that everything goes accorrding to HIS plan. I believe first game is at 7:30 a.m. and they will play four games for sure. after that it is all about winning your way to the top. Good luck team!!!

Thursday, July 21, 2005

unusual names

last night on tv there was a show about wacky names, which were mostly from celebrities. It got us talking and thinking here on the home front. some of the names that were mentioned were: (drum roll please....)
Jermagesty (a boy)
Denim (boy)
Apple
Reign Beau (a girl)
Pilot Inspektor (not joking)
Tu (and her last name is Morrow)
Tullelah Belle
Saffron
Prince (there is a 1 and 2 in the same family) Kind of like the George Foreman thing
Dixie Dot and Bibi Belle
Rumer
Story and sister Dream
God' iss Love Stone (full name)
Rebel Rocket Racer and Rogue make up one family
Coco
Audio Science
Banjo (boy)
Fifi Trixibell sister Peaches Honeyblossom and sister Pixie
Poppy Honey
Pirate

Well Nicholas mentions that he wants a cool and unusual name for his kids. (not sure if he is expecting a shock reaction from me?) I told him sure as long as the kids are not going to be made fun of too badly. We agreed to a certain name but...... we will wait and see. and we will wait a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time! lol Oh and by the way Kota has stated that at one point in his life he was changing his name to ...........DARK! whatever!

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

spending my time wisely!



More things for me to spend my time on, let's check out all of the taco bell sayings on their hot sauces. Nicholas and I will pick 'em all out and read 'em and choose our favorites. What else should I be wasting my time on????

Our Faves are:

When I grow up, I want to be a waterbed.

Not to be used as a flotation device.

How many of these do you already have in your glove compartment?

Use your stomach nacho mind.

We should make some more up and send 'em in. They did just have a contest for more slogans. Thank you taco bell, if it weren't for you I would not have known what to put in my blog today.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

We are under construction!

an excerpt from Max Lucado:
God loves to decorate. God has to decorate. Let him live long enough in a heart and that heart will begin to change. Portraits of hurt will be replaed by landscapes of grace. Walls of anger will be demolished and shaky foundations restored. God can no more leave a life unchanged than a mother can leave her child's tear untouched..... This might explain some of the discomfort in your life. Remodeling of the heart is not always pleasant. We don't object when the Carpenter adds a few shelves, but he's been known to gut the entire west wing. He has such high aspirations for you. God envisions a complete restoration. He won't stop until he is finished....he wants you to be just like Jesus.

oh an interesting link to read: http://newswithviews.com/PaulProctor/proctor19.htm

Monday, July 18, 2005

voice of truth

Dan Higgins did a great job yesterday talking about the "voice of truth" (thanks Dan) I loved the part of wondering how did Peter step out of the boat? Did he do it quickly? Jump on over? Test the waters first? Did he talk himself into it? All that matters is he DID it! And David! What a guy to stand before a giant. We all have giants and listening to the voice of truth will really help us defeat that giant(s). Let us all listen hard and very carefully to the voice of truth.

"Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
on to the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

Chorus:
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes
to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone

Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

Chorus:
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
On top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

Chorus:
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe-

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you, you are-

Sunday, July 17, 2005

I am blessed!!

Today is just a good day. I am blessed!!!

Are You Blessed?
by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness..........you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation.......you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace....... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still alive and still married........you are very rare, even in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful.....you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you prayed yesterday and today........you are in the minority because you believe God does hear and answer prayers.

If you can read now, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.



Friday, July 15, 2005

He is always there!!!

I find great comfort in knowing that He is always there. It is awesome to know that he will send comfort, spiritual renewal, peace, knowledge, and strength when you need it. Never too early and never too late. Thanks a million!

Always There
by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

Hello God, I called tonight
To talk a little while
I need a friend who'll listen
To my anxiety and trial.

You see, I can't quite make it
Through a day just on my own...
I need your love to guide me,
So I'll never feel alone.

I want to ask you please to keep,
My family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence
For whatever fate they're bound.

Give me faith, dear God, to face
Each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things
I can't change in any way.

I thank you God, for being home
And listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice
When I stumble and fall.

Your number, God, is the only one
That answers every time.
I never get a busy signal,
Never had to pay a dime.

So thank you, God, for listening
To my troubles and my sorrow.
Good night, God, I love You, too,
And I'll call again tomorrow!


Thursday, July 14, 2005

FRIENDS!!!!

with all that has happened in the past 3 months this really hit home for me!!!! (and I know for some others too!)

A Friend...
by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

(A)ccepts you as you are
(B)elieves in "you"
(C)alls you just to say "HI"
(D)oesn't give up on you
(E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts)
(F)orgives your mistakes
(G)ives unconditionally
(H)elps you
(I)nvites you over
(J)ust "be" with you
(K)eeps you close at heart
(L)oves you for who you are
(M)akes a difference in your life
(N)ever Judges!
(O)ffers support
(P)icks you up
(Q)uiets your fears
(R)aises your spirits
(S)ays nice things about you
(T)ells you the truth when you need to hear it
(U)nderstands you
(V)alues you
(W)alks beside you
(X)-plains things you don't understand
(Y)ells when you won't listen and
(Z)aps you back to reality


Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Truth

I was reading a book about this news reporter uncovering the truth about something and in the book it says something along this line; The story has to do with the truth. Truth can be your best friend or your worst enemy. If you are willing to hear the truth it can hurt a little, but you will benefit in the end. If you are allowing to be swallowed by the illusion and you are running from the truth, well sooner or later it will catch up to you and the blow may be more severe. You may be able to recover and you may not.

I remember a time when I was young and wasn't ready for the truth. Well the truth did not gently knock it came and took me over by a storm and since then I pay attention. Cause in the end it always benefits. Sometimes I must admit that I am not always so focused on looking for the truth and it takes a little bit longer for me to see it. (Remember Vincent's sermon "watch" when he was talking about our focus.) Lately I have had to deal with some new truths that were hard to hear. I am not caught up in an illusion anymore and I am sure this was another growing pain for me in my Christian walk. I pray that others will see and hear the Truth. Ask questions to uncover the story. It does make a difference since the story is the truth.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

i think i may be getting old

I love roller coasters, but about 3 years ago when we went to Six Flags (which I do not suggest going to) I did not fare so well, by mid day. I had the worst head ache ever. Then about 1 month ago I was on the playground swings with Kota and we were seeing who could go higher. Well, I could have sworn that my head felt like it was swimming with clouds during and after the swinging. Then we went to Cedar Point and I told Vincent that I did not think I was going to be able to ride the rides. But that I would try it. I did not want to tell him about the swings, but I did remind him that I had the worst headache at S.F. Well then I went on the Ocean Motion and I felt like i had to go to the bathroom. I made sure that I did not over do it. Plus I had tylenol and did not do any roller coaster back to back. The good thing is that I did not pee my pants and I did not get sick (someone else did on the Ferris Wheel of all things). But I think I may be getting old!!

Monday, July 11, 2005

Highlights of the past 2 days!

Yesterday we all went to Cedar Point. Weather was warm and great! Kota is now tall enough and brave enough to do the coasters. He (and the rest of us) rode the Magnum, the Millenium, the Gemini, Disaster Transport, Raptor, Corkscrew, Wild Cat, Power Tower, Demon Drop, and Iron Dragon. He did not want to ride Max air (which was Nicholas' fave he rode it 3 times at least) and Top Thrill Dragster. Blue streak and Wicked Twister were not up and running. I give him tons of credit for that he did ride. It was such a great day of family fun. Believe it or not it was relaxing too!
www.cedarpoint.com

We did it! we (mainly our son) took the plunge- Nicholas bought his own car!!! He worked hard and saved his money and bought himself a car. He is not 16 for a couple of months yet, but this way we and he will be comfortable in his new car (it's new to him). I am so proud of him!! Great Job Nicholas!

Saturday, July 09, 2005

another busy and fun weekend

Didn't I mention somewhere that all my weekends were filled until August. Well, now I only have two weekends left til school starts that are open.
Last night we went to the drive-in. It was great cause my kids have never been to a drive-in. It was a little different cause you listen to the movie on the radio, but you get to actually hear it. We were telling the boys how sometimes you would have static or it would not be very loud. We also mentioned how you would have to park just so, so that the cord would reach from the pole to your car window. We had the Expedition and we backed it up, put down all the seats and had a bunch of pillows and blankets. We also took some folding chairs and sat outside. Weather was perfect, yet we did have lightening!?!?!?! weird. and it was not heat lightening. Kota was amazed that we got to see 2 movies and not just 1. Yeah we got home late and we were exhausted but it was great. any one that is interested... it is the sundance drive in----Oregon, OH just the other side of Toledo on Navarre.
Nicholas has a ball game today and then we are getting ready to head to CEDAR POINT!! WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!
well have a great weekend. We are!!!!

Thursday, July 07, 2005

a moment of silence

It is sooo hard to believe that there are people in this world who have no problems killing other people for what they believe in. I am saddened to hear of the losses this morning in London. Let us all take a moment of silence and remember ALL those who have died due to terrorism and those who have lost loved ones to terrorism. Oooh I really don't like that word. Also a huge thank you to those who do put their lives on the line for mine. THANK YOU!! and to your families I thank you. Thank you firemen, police, rescue workers, all military personnel, I thank you!!!!

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

The Lord's Baseball Game

Bob and the Lord stood together, watching a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. Bob and the Lord continued to watch as the batter, Love, stepped up to the plate. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails. The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love. The next batter up was named Godly wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch; Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass, because Godly Wisdom does not swing at Satan's pitches. Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly wisdom never swings at Satan's throws. The bases were loaded.

The Lord then turned to Bob and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Bob made a face... Grace certainly didn't look like much to him! Apparently Satan's whole team agreed: they all relaxed and laughed a little when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To all but one's amazement, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried; his center fielder, the Prince of the air, let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing to the ground; then it continued over the fence for a home run! And so the Lord's team won.

The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game by themselves. Bob, looking a bit sheepish, admitted that he didn't know. The Lord explained, "If your love, faith and wisdom could win the game, you would think you could win it by yourself. Love, faith and wisdom will get you on base, but only My grace can get you home. My grace is the one thing Satan cannot stop."

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

live 8

Over the past weekend there were many free concerts around the world promoted by live 8. Now, these free concerts were for the needs in Africa. Why were these concerts free is my question? When I had first heard of live 8, I thought cool, musicians donating money to stop hunger, etc. No, that is not what live 8 is about. It is about raising AWARENESS. To raise awareness of hunger in Africa, of starvation, of poverty, of AIDS, of all the needs that are not being met. They want leaders to give aid and to cancel debt. Mhhhmmm, the way I see it is that there are millions of people that are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for a concert or sports ticket. Do you think you could charge for the concert and then donate all the proceeds? It is just one concert. Oh I am sorry you are raising awareness of the problems of Africa.
If the people that went to these concerts really cared they would have been willing to donate ummmmm lets say just $20 bucks. That is not alot per person! Times that with how many people were there maybe we could have raised enough money to make a dent. I am sure we could have easily raised a billion dollars!!
If these people did not care about the concerns in Africa before a free concert (and other places around the world) then why would they care after. They got to enjoy a free concert with their friends and loved ones. Probably even had something to eat and drink too. After all was done they even got to go back to a home where they could lay their head on a pillow. Oh, I know they care cause they are now AWARE of the problem. Interesting. Now please do not get me wrong, I totally believe in helping out others and I don't knock it when people are trying to help others. But a month's notice for a concert to benefit Africa and the agenda is to create awareness to me just does not jive. I like Bono and all he does for others and there are others too many to name. But I am just not sure if this was quite the right thing to have done.
http://www.live8live.com/
give a man a fish and feed him for a day
teach a man to fish and feed him for a life time

Monday, July 04, 2005

4th of July weekend

This weekend was a bevy of whirlwind activity. Poor Vincent worked 2 double shifts back to back so we did not see him for two days, but he is now on shutdown for 2 weeks. After he got some rest on Saturday we had the annual Gonzales picnic. We had the grill going and ball games galore. Around 8:30 p.m. we took it back to Gonzales acres and had a bonfire and set off fireworks. After fireworks we had smores and turned in around 2 a.m. On Sunday we went to church (obviously) and then off to look at cars for Nicholas in Toledo. We stopped at the mall and went out to dinner. Afterwards we went to the Toledo Mudhens game. If you have never been, I highly suggest it. It is a great family event and seats are $8. Yeah the things at the park are a lil pricey but not too bad. We also found free parking which helped. We just had to do a baseball game over 4th of July weekend cause that is soooo American!
The game went into extra innings since there was no score after the ninth inning. In the 10th inning score was 1-1 and the Mudhens won it in the bottom of the 11th inning. We played Richmond Braves and we saw an agitated coach argue with an ump. One of the Mudhen players got hit in the face with a ball being pitched, and we saw extra innings of real edge of your seat baseball excitement. After the game the kids got to run the bases and then there were fireworks. It was a great evening. The weather was perfect too!
www.mudhens.com

Happy Birthday America!!!!!

Friday, July 01, 2005

Softball-a brag on my kid

"A good friend of mine used to say, 'This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains.' Think about that for a while."-Bull Durham 1988

I believe that Nicholas is going to be another Gonzales softball player. HAHAHAHA! Like he couldn't. It is a little bit difficult for him at first when he plays a bunch of baseball games in between the church softball games. But when he gets it down, he gets it down. Good job son! He ended on an excellent note by hitting a shot over into left field. It was a shot that would have made any mother (or dad if he was there) proud. It was a home run!!!!!! Why do I say that he is going to be another Gonzales ball player? First he has the attitude-positive and upbeat. Second he can play ball, NEED I SAY MORE! (LOL) Just last week he was playing at Tate park in a Tournament for Relay for Life with his Church team and in the 6th game of the day he hit a shot to center field. It hit the top of the fence (yes it really did) and it could have bounced out or in. It bounced in, but he had 3 RBI's with that hit and he ended with a triple. Not bad for a 15 year old, but he did tell me that he really wanted that Grand Slam. By the way the team took 2nd in the tournament. Good job to all four Gonzales that played that Saturday. Looking forward to Nicholas' next game-baseball or softball whichever it maybe.

TGIF- Thank God it's Friday!
The new Christian TGIF- Today God is First! (well everyday God should be first, but since today is Friday thought I would just add this lil random thought)