Working Hard

Mason & I worked all day making a flower bed in the front of the house. Before we started it had some english ivy growing like this picture of the other side of the front of the house (which we have yet to work on). Ugh.






Now it looks like this. It may not look like a very big area, but let me tell you it took ALOT of work. I am exhausted and am sure I will be sore tomorrow! I sure am glad I had Mason to help me. I can't imagine doing it all myself.




I love the two Yaupon Holly trees on each end.

















Bo worked hard all day on the inside installing faucets, the garbage disposal, and the pedestal sink and toilet in the guest bath.

Progress Pictures

The living room has a new color. It's no longer green. Now it's tan.











A yellow kitchen! The black granite counter tops are under the plastic, but you cant see them. They look nice though.











Here's the granite on my vanity in the master bath. Doesn't it look good with the flowerdy wallpaper?? NOT!



--Also the jacuzzi tub.





Here's Bo's vanity.


We've got a bit of a problem in the shower. The walls near the bottom and the floor keep getting damp, and we don't know why. A plumber is coming on Tuesday again. Gotta figure that out before we tile it. It could be the problem that was there when we first started, (remember I said when we took out the old tiles it was wet behind them). We had it all replumbed and thought everything was ok now, but it keeps getting damp. Very weird. (and annoying!).



Here's a picture of Whitney I took today. She is going to a friend's wedding and is all dressed up.

Doesn't she look nice?!



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The guest bath is finished being tiled, but not grouted yet. I love the rust colored dots on the floor. I saw that done in an open house I went to several months ago. I took a picture of it and copied it.

I stuck two different wall papers on the wall above the tub, trying to decide which one to go with. I decided against the yellow-looking one. There just isnt enough contrast from the tile, I don't think. And I am still iffy on the rust one. It seems too dark for such a small room, but Bo likes it, so that may be it. I don't know, ......but I gotta make a decision SOON.

I am not a decorator and all these decisions are getting hard.

Mason & I put in a flower bed in the back yard today and it looks very nice. I just love my little backyard. I really appreciate it after not having a yard for a year.

The hardwood floor guys are finished for now and the painters start on the inside tomorrow. Thursday the granite countertops will be installed.

Every thing is coming along nicely so far.

Love my floors!

We have hardwood floors! Yea! They look so nice and they're not even sanded & stained yet. They finished installing about two-thirds today and should finish up tomorrow. Then they will wait a couple of weeks, letting the wood acclimate to it's new surroundings, and come back to finish up.


























Also the tile guy is almost finished in the guest bathroom. I post pictures tomorrow hopefully.

Still Working (and feeling it too)

Another day of hard work! Here's the guest bath before and during:



























Bo built the frame for the jacuzzi tub in the master bath today:













Then we pulled out all the carpet in the house and the little tacky boards that hold it in place.

The living room before & during. Not much difference except the carpet is gone.

























Monday the hardwood floor layers come and the tile guy starts on the guest bath. The painters start next week also, and the wall paperers start doing the prep work in the bathrooms. It's exciting!

More Progress

Here are some before and during pictures of our work-in-progress:

This is one side of the master bathroom. The shower is behind that wall on the left and there is a bathtub in front of it. Bo has torn out the whole shower and is now opening it up, and has taken out the bathtub. I had noticed when we first went in the house on Tuesday that it smelled very musty. When Bo got the old tiles torn out in the shower, we found out why. It was very wet behind there. He thinks the shower pan had been leaking, and it caused the bathroom and even the whole house to smell very musty and mildewy.












The bathtub and the tile backsplash is gone:













There will be glass in the open places in this picture and of course the shower will be retiled. I gave up on getting the wallpaper off the bathroom walls and called a wallpaper hanger person. They will finish the job and hang new wallpaper.












Here's the kitchen. We took out the island. It was a nice island, but it took up so much room in the kitchen, it made it look and feel small.












Bo & Mason worked hard scraping that linoleum off the floor the first day, but Bo decided on Wednesday to go downtown to where the day laborers hang out looking for work and pick up a couple of guys. They worked on the floor all day yesterday and got it all done.












I think the previous owners liked pink. LOL.

I will share more later.

Progress!

It's 4:30 a.m. I can't sleep. We closed on our house this morning at 9:00 a.m. and Bo, Mason & I went over and got to work. We really got alot done, I think, but have alot to go still.

Bo & Mason worked on removing the kitchen countertops and tile backsplash, the kitchen and laundry room linoleum floor and the hall bath tile and vanity. I worked on removing the hall bath wall paper. Every thing went pretty smooth. I think the removing of the kitchen linoleum floor and the bath wallpapers will be the most work that we will have to do and ugh, they are BIG jobs.

We are only doing the tear-outs and the installers will begin on Monday. This is quite an undertaking, but I think we will like living there when we are finished.

I'm just happy we FINALLY got the house. Yea!

Mason's Graduation Day

Be sure to turn the sound on to hear the lovely Whitney Rodriguez's accompany music. (Hope I don't get sued for putting the music on without permission).

Happy Mother's Day to My Mama!

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Little Boy Blue

I found this website that you can upload videos to (Brightcove.com), so I thought I'd try it out. This is an old video I had of Corbin. He was 4 or 5, I think and now he is almost 8. We'll see if this works.

My Hero

Last night about 10:30, my doorbell rang. It kind of scared me so I hesitated to answer. I ran to the window to see if there was a vehicle out front. I could see a truck. I couldn't tell what color it was, but it was running and the lights were on, so I figured it wasn't somebody sneaking up to the door or anything.

Who is it?

It's Cody.

Oh dear, I thought. Why in the world would Cody be at my door at 10:30 at night without calling first? All kinds of scarey thoughts ran through my mind.

I quickly opened the door and there stood Cody with a shovel in his hand.

What's wrong Cody, --was my greeting to him.

I was coming to check on you. Bo called me and said he's been trying to call for a while and keeps getting a busy signal, so he asked me to come check on you.

Oh. ---I breathed a sigh of relief.

I hadn't been on the phone so I went to check it and it was not working. Mmmm.

I thanked Cody for checking on me and gave him a big hug.

After he left I thought about him grabbing a shovel and driving over to my house to check on me and was so touched to think that he was coming to defend his mother. It's funny how the table turns as our children get older. When he was a little boy, I was his caretaker and defender and last night was ready to be mine.

Kinda corny analogy, I know, but.....

I sure do love that boy!

Bo & I were in Tyler this weekend. We stayed at Sister Mary's house and had a very nice time. We got to visit with all the parents, and Sister Glenda & family also.














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Today was a nice day. Great weather! I went to Corbin's soccer game at 9:00 this morning and enjoyed watching my sweet grandboy play. He did a good job, scored two points, I think and they won the game. Yea.

Bo & Whitney went car shopping for Whitney and she got a fancy new black car. It's a Kia Optima and very nice.

When they got back from car shopping, Bo, Whitney & I took her new car down to Palo Duro Canyon and took a hike down to the Lighthouse. It was lots of fun and we enjoyed it very much, but were very tired when we got back.

I took this picture of a guy that I don't know, but thought was pretty brave (or stupid) sitting on a big cliff at the Canyon.

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Judgement Day

Jesus paid it all. All to him, I owe.
Sin had left a crimson stain.
HE washed it white as snow.

I've said it before. I'll say it again. I love this hymn. --White as snow. That's how God sees me. But only in my savior, Jesus Christ. I hear so many people talk about how on judgement day, we will stand before God and be judged for our deeds, rewarded for the good ones, and looked down on for the bad ones. I used to believe this myself and trembled at the thought, because I know how black my heart is, and how sinful my deeds are (but really, only slightly).

What a relief to find out that when I go to stand before God on judgement day, Christ will stand in my place. I will be judged on HIS deeds, and HE is perfect. And my reward will be spending eternity with Christ himself. I don't believe there will be degrees of rewards in heaven. We will all have the same. If you do a word search for rewards (plural) in the bible, you will not find it, in regards to rewards in heaven. You will only find the word reward (singular). Christ is our reward, and what better reward could there be.

Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Why even bother to do good works then, you might ask? Well, certainly not for reward or fear of punishment. Those are selfish motives anyway. Not to impress God with my 'good' deeds. He's only impressed with his son. Do good deeds because of love for Christ.

Who would take better care of a sick child, --a mother who loves her child, or a paid nurse? And would a mother expect a reward for it? If we do good deeds only for payment (rewards, blessings) from God, then we're just working to get paid. How self-centered and selfish. But that's what we do in our human nature. Always looking out for #1.

When we stop thinking about rewards and punishment, just look to Christ and rest in him, good deeds will come, but we probably won't even be aware of them. We will just do what we love and want to do. I believe THAT is Christ working in us. And what a relief to just rest in him and not worry about blessings and punishment. That is true freedom!

Well, in case you're wondering. Mason had a good time at his prom. He danced the night away, even though he has never danced before, and had to learn as he went along. LOL.

I wanted to voice my opinion about the Virginia Tech shootings. What a hard, hard thing for the families of the victims to have to go thru. I know they must be devastated.

But I believe that God is in complete control of all that happens, not just what we consider to be 'good things' that happen. For some reason, which I sure don't know, God ordained this to happen, and he knows best. I believe that everything that happens is for the bringing in of his sheep, his people, the elect, (and utimately for his glory). And when the very last sheep is brought in, Jesus Christ will return to earth.

Perhaps, somewhere, somehow this event will effect someone or several someones to hear his voice and turn to him. God will do whatever it takes to insure that everyone that Jesus Christ died for will hear his voice. --And we are such a stubborn people. Sometimes it takes drastic measures.

Be that as it may, it doesn't make such a tragedy as this easy to bear for the victim's loved ones. Loosing someone you love is devastating and life changing, to say the least. My heart goes out to them all.

A Memorable Night for Mason

Tonight was Mason's Homeschool Prom, AND his very first date. He took a nice girl named Kimberly. And here they are. Don't they look nice?!

He went and picked her up, then came back by our house so I could take pictures, then headed to Red Robin to eat with several of the other kids going to Prom. After the Prom they are going to one of the kids' house for breakfast, (but not really breakfast).

I hope he has a great time.


















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There is a little munchkin visiting my house this weekend.













But then, he's really not such a little munchkin anymore. More like a big Hon-yock!

There's something I want.

I pray for it and ask others to pray for it for me.

Is God swayed one way or another by how often or how many people are praying for that something for me?

Does prayer make him change his mind about giving it to me or not? (ie. Prayer changes things).

If I ask lots of people to pray for something for me, are my chances of getting it higher than if I had just asked one person?

Does it matter if I am praying for it selfishly or (in my judgement) unselfishly?

If I believe with all my heart, not doubting, that I will get it, will I get it?

What do you think?

Indian Winter

Here's what it looks like in Amarillo, Tx this morning on April 7, 2007. It's 27 degrees.

Is there such a term as Indian Winter?

We have a Date!

May 15th. That's the date we were given today to take possession of the house we are buying. Even if the owner's new house isn't ready, they will still move out by the 15th of May, they said. Finally, we can make some concrete plans.

Yesterday I got a call from a man who said he asked the builder when the house would be ready, and the builder said August 1st at the earliest. August 1st??? I said. Holy Cow. So Bo called the owner and said maybe we should back-out. The owner said he would call the builder. Well, the owner called back and said the builder said 30 days. Then the owner said, "Give us until May 15th. We will be out whether the new house is ready or not."

I am very relieved. I know ya'll are tired of me griping about it. I know Bo is too. Frankly I, myself am tired of griping and worrying about it. Now hopefully I don't have to anymore.

Driving Off For the First Time Alone

Off he goes out into the big wide world.

Seven Vehicles & a Port-a-Potty

I drove by 'the house' this morning on my way to Walmart. (It's only about 1 1/2 miles from my house and on the way). Here's what I saw:



If you look real hard, down at the end of the vehicles is a port-a-potty. Yesterday there were several cars too, but not the port-a-potty.

Could this mean they plan for several people to be working there in the days to come??? I sure hope so.

Yea! I'm encouraged again.

Birthday Week

Mason & I had a birthday this week. Mine on Wednesday and Mason today. Since Bo & Mason were leaving town on Tuesday, we had cake and ice cream on Monday night with Cody, Jenny, Corbin & Whitney.

Notice my candles say 29. Thanks Bo.

Here are Mason & I blowing out the candles on our cake.



Corbin gave me a little bookmark to use in my bible. He picked it out himself and gave it to me proudly. It was so sweet. The bookmark said 'Grandma.' I said 'Grandma?!' He said, 'sorry they didn't have one that said Grana.' LOL








Yesterday in Washington DC, Bo & Mason went to hear President Bush give a speech to the National Cattlemen's Association. Afterward, they got to shake his hand and Mason got his autograph! Isn't that exciting? --Mason thought so.

I'm enjoying my time at home by myself. They will be home Sunday night and it's back to the old school grindstone on Monday with three weeks and counting left before we're through. Yea!

Discouraged

Well, I'm feeling a little discouraged today about the house deal. I went to several open houses this afternoon. I just like doing that and I like to get ideas for decorating also. When I was out, I drove by the house we are waiting for to be built and saw people going into it, so I stopped and went inside. It looks to me like it is no where near finished, and as slow as those people work, I just don't see how it can be finished in a month (which was the latest estimated date of completion). Here are a couple of pictures I took inside:

It looks like about 3 or 4 months work of work to me with as slow as these builders are. And the other day I was talking to a guy that I planned to have do our hardwood floors. I told him our situation and where this house is and how we are waiting for it to be finished, and that it should be finished by the first of May. He actually began to laugh, and said, 'mam, I know that house & I don't mean to burst your bubble, but I don't think there's anyway that house will be finished by then. I know those builders.'

OK. So it's probably going to be 3 or 4 more months. We've been waiting for this house for a year this month. We thought it would be six months or so, but just kept waiting because each month or so, we thought 'well, we might as well just wait, it's not that much longer.'

Now I think it's getting ridiculous. I don't like the thought of spending another summer in this townhouse with no yard (even though it's really a very nice place). But hey, we've waited this long, might as well wait another few months. --Uh, that's what we have been saying, and the months have turned into a year, and now over a year.

I've booked our remodelers to start May 1st. That will have to be cancelled and rescheduled, rescheduled for when, I don't know. I need to give the remodelers a month, month and a half advance notice.

What do we do? Keep waiting? I like the house. I think we are getting it at a good price. I really don't want to start looking again. And the place we are living now is not bad at all. (except it has no yard). --But as I said, this is getting ridiculous.

OK. I'm through griping and complaining now. Thanks for listening, ....er reading, I mean.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Today was a pretty uneventful day. Probably not one that I will remember ten years from now (that is, unless something drastic happens between now and midnight). I worked most of the day and it rained most of the day too. After work, Jenny went with me to look for granite and tile for our house remodel. I think I've changed my mind about the granite. I'm thinking of going with BLACK granite for the kitchen countertops and butcher block for the kitchen island with beige blacksplash tile and yellow for the wall color. We found a picture in a magazine like that and I really like it. But we'll see.

I took Mason to a barbeque/party tonight for the graduating homeschooled seniors. He will be all done with school in about 3 weeks and will be in a graduation ceremony in May. One week from today he will be sixteen! He and Bo are leaving for Washington, D.C. next Tuesday with the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, so that will be his birthday and graduation present along with a vehicle to drive. He is getting our old 1995 Tahoe. A pretty good ride for your first vehicle, I say. It's been being worked on the last couple of weeks getting it in good shape for him. Many changes are about to happen in his life. I think he will keep his job at Sonic for a while but will begin to get more hours when he turns sixteen. Fifteen year olds can only work about 12 or so hours a week, so he has only been working on Saturday and Sunday. After next week he can work more days with more hours, and he's going to need those hours of work to pay for gas in that Tahoe. It costs $50 - $60 to fill that sucker up with gas.

Well, that's it for me today. TTYL.

Good Reading

I put a list of books I have listened to or want to listen to (or read) in the future on the right side under the 'Blogging Chicks' links. I've enjoyed all of them, if you're looking for a good book to read, you might take a look. Also, if you know of a good book to recommend, let me know and I'll add it to my list.

I think my favorite book on the list is 'Kite Runner.' I loved that book. It was very interesting. I learned alot about life in the country of Afghanistan and the story was so moving. It stayed with me for a long time after finishing the book. I highly recommend it.

I listen to books as I walk or ride my bike and I download them in mp3 format from Audible.com. As far as actual reading, I like to read theological books and articles on the internet.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Today was an absolutely georgeous day. Bo & I went to Palo Duro Canyon and hiked 6 miles. It was great and I loved it, but my shoulders are pretty red and sunburned. We were so tired afterward. It's not the same as just walking on the street. There are many hills and valleys, so you really get your exercise. There were so many people out there today and lots riding their mountain bikes thru the trails.



Bo & I rode mountain bikes thru the hills in Colorado one time about 7 or 8 years ago. We were with a group of people that worked for the same company as Bo. One guy fell off his bike and hit his head on a rock. He was knocked unconscious for about 5 minutes. The guide that was with us would not let him move and a helicopter was called because there was no way for a land vehicle to get to him. When we got to the end of the trail, a local news reporter was there and interviewed several people and it was on the news that night. It was quite an ordeal and the talk of dinner that night. (The guy just had a slight concusion and was fine in a day or so).

Mountain biking is a pretty strenuous sport, too strenuous for me, I think. Now here's the way to go. Bo & I took this bike tour down Haleakala Volcano in Maui, Hawaii on our honeymoon 11 1/2 years ago. It was wonderful. Downhill all the way, nice smooth road, beautiful weather and scenery. It was great and a very special memory for me.

In fact, Bo was the one who booked the bike ride in Colorado for the group, because we had enjoyed the bike ride in Hawaii so much. We thought it would be the same as the ride in Hawaii, coasting down the mountain on the pavement, but when we got there, we found out it was on the dirt and thru the hills and valleys. But it was fun anyway, albeit it exhasting for someone not in shape for it, like me. Bo likes mountain-biking though.

Well that's it for me. Have a good night.

Happy Birthday PAJ!

Today is my daddy's 81st birthday. This is him and his wife (my stepmom and a very nice lady), Dorothy.

My daddy is a very hard-working (still), smart, kind, and just all around good guy. I have been very blessed to have him as a dad.

I love him very much!

Activity!

I walked over to the house I'm watching be built today and I about fell over from shock. There were three workers' vehicles in the drive and a dirt-mover-tractor-looking thing in the front preparing for a lawn. I couldn't believe it. That's the most activity I've seen over there since they were roofing it about six months ago.

Do ya think maybe they will actually get industrious and get the house finished soon? They said it would be ready by the middle of April (this time). Well, I won't hold my breath, but it does give me a little hope.

We'll see what happens tomorrow. It's supposed to be a beautiful day here, 80 degrees and low winds. Sounds like a bicycle ride day to me. Yea! I love nice days and riding my bicycle. I'll have to pedal over that way and see if the activity continues.

I'll keep you posted.

I planted some seeds last week in these little expandable sod things and this week I've got some sprouts. Aren't they cute?













I was at Walmart this afternoon and I put a six pack of Diet Coke in my basket. When I got to the register and lifted them up to put on the belt for the checker, I noticed one of the bottles was only about 1/4 the way filled. Oh man, I was going to have to hold up the line and run all the way to the back of the store to get another six pack. Then a man behind me in line spoke up and said, "I'll run get one for you." And off he went.

I thought that was just so kind of him and I really appreciated it. What a nice man.

Our Venture Out This Morning.

You know that Bo, Mason & I (and sometimes Corbin)worship at home each week on Sunday. We have a good study and listen to a sermon tape from one of several gospel churches scattered about, but not within driving distance for us. Bo & I talk very often of how we wish we had a gospel church to attend, how we miss the fellowship of like-minded people, and even entertain the possibility of moving near one someday. Well, there is a Calvinistic Presbyterian Church here. We visited it one time before about 3 years ago, and this morning we decided to visit it again.

It started off well. We sang several hymns and the preacher even expounded on one of the hymns, "Jesus, thy Blood and Righteousness," telling of how Christ is the only way to heaven. Yes, he certainly is. I agree, tell us more.

Then he opened the bible and began preaching on Hebrews 10:23-25.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

A good scripture passage, but this is where the focus on Christ was left behind, and the focus on US and what we need to DO, began. By the time we left, I felt like I had been given a tongue-lashing on what I need to and better get to DOING. We were told that even though we would probably prefer to go fishing, or golfing, or whatever on Sunday morning, we must put that aside and go to church. We must love and be there for other believers.

WHAT??

Now, this may be the way that churches that preach law and works get people to church, but it's not the way to get true believers to church, is it? All you've got to do is preach Christ, and believers will be there, because they love Christ and love the gospel. True believers PREFER going to church to fishing or golfing, if the preacher is truly preaching Christ.

I hate hearing the message of do, do, do. I love the message of done, done, done. What Christ has done, that is. And he has done it ALL. There's nothing left for me to do. What a wonderful gospel. A gospel that is new every morning, and never gets old no matter how many times you hear it.

And because of this gospel, I want to go to church (even though I don't have one). I want to hear the gospel expounded upon. I feel a love for and kinship with other believers, but certainly not because I mustered it up myself. No, no.

The gospel truly sets us free. Free to do exactly what we WANT to do.

I guess this morning's excursion was a good experience for us,

but, needless to say, we decided to just continue studying at home.

Just some thoughts

“Whatever fate befalls you, do not give way to great rejoicings or great lamentation; partly because all things are full of change, and your fortune may turn at any moment; party because men are so apt to be deceived in their judgment as to what is good or bad for them.” --Schopenhauer.

I read this quote on a blog I read regularly called The Happiness Project, and I started thinking (dangerous, I know). But I think this quote is very true. We don't know what is good for us or even what is bad, really. Now we know what feels good or bad at the moment, but that's about it.

I think and have said, I feel the same way about praying. How can we possibly know what to ask for, short of asking for someone's eyes to be opened and the gospel revealed? (And even then, only if it's God's will). When we pray for someone to be healed of sickness, how do we know it is not in their best interest to remain sick? Maybe the Lord will use their sickness to bring them to himself. Maybe someone's death will deliver them to heaven and persuade someone else to seek the Lord. --Maybe not.

I do believe that God is in control of every little thing that happens, so really what need is there to pray requesting anything, except that his will be done in each situation, as it says in the Lord's prayer. 'Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.'

I guess I think prayer is mainly for praising the Lord, thanking him, and agreeing with him that we are dreadful sinners in need of his mercy. Also lifting up others and praying for God's will in their lives. --But we know his will, WILL be done regardless. He's sovereign and in control of all that happens. Still, he tells us to pray.

To be honest, many times when I pray, I feel so hypocritical because my prayers aren't said in earnest. My prayers are shallow, dead and lifeless, repeating the same old lines day after day. Often my thoughts are wandering and I know I am just doing 'my duty' as a christian. What a waste of time. I hate this.

Other times when I am just thinking of the Lord and his great mercy, reading a scripture, or listening to a sermon about the Lord Jesus, I feel such joy and gratefulness in my heart to the Lord. For just a short period of time, I get a glimpse of Christ. And what a wonderful blessing from the Lord.

I wonder, could this be a form of prayer?

Here is the granite countertop I really like (the one on the right) and am thinking, at this point anyway, we will put in the kitchen at our new house, if we ever get to take possession of it. The granite color is called Crema Gianti. I like the splash of red in it.


If the owners of the house don't call and say the date their new house should be finished is moved back AGAIN, we should be able to take possession the middle or end of April.

That's not that far away. Yea! Time to start making plans.

A New Look

I got a new bedspread yesterday (from Walmart, no less). But I like it. First here's the old one I've had for 13 years. I'd say it was time for a change.














And here's the new one:




A little more sleek, I think. Sleek? Is that the right word? Yes, to me, it is. Now I don't know if sleek goes with the antique-look in the room, but oh well.

You know, the "experts" say your bedroom should be your safe haven, your refuge from the hectic world, your oasis, your special place, your ......, well you get the idea.

Worthy?

I heard someone pray last night at a meeting I was at. It was a nice prayer. Then, he said, "thank you for dying on the cross for our sins. I just hope we can be worthy of that sacrifice." He finished and everyone said 'amen.'

How in the world can we ever be worthy of Christ's sacrifice on the cross? I don't believe we can.

Romans 7:18 For I know that in me that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Thank the Lord and praise his wonderful name that he, in his gracious mercy, died on the cross for his people, who are so very UNWORTHY.

God's Love

I keep hearing that God loves everyone. Smile, God loves you & such. I do not believe this to be true. ~Shocking, I know. I believe God loves his people, his elect. He loves them with an everlasting love. He loves them so much that he sent his son to die for them and everyone of them will go to heaven.

If God did love everyone, then what would God's love have to do with anyone's salvation? Apparently, nothing. Because some people will die and go to hell. Will God still love them when they're in hell? Or will he change, and hate them then?

As much as we love our children, would we let one die and go to hell, if we had the power to stop it? Would we say, "You have sinned and you did not choose to follow me, so you must go to hell." Or would we grab them up, change their heart, and take them to heaven anyway, knowing what is best for them, even if they don't. Is God's love less than ours? I don't believe so. It's more, much more.

God loves his people so much that he would not let even one go to hell. He did all that was needed to insure that ALL the elect go to heaven. He sent his son to die to pay for their sins, and that IS enough.

What a wonderful, merciful, loving, God!

Bo's dad, Corky went home from the hospital today after having a port-a-cath put in, so that he can take his chemotherapy without having to get a new IV each time. He will start chemotherapy next Wednesday. They have decided to give him chemotherapy only and not radiation since the cancer is so advanced, and they don't think they can cure it anyway, just hopefully prolong his life some. We will have to wait a couple of months to see if he is responding to the treatment.

I did laundry, went to the grocery store, and made up next week's school lesson plans this morning, and then went to work this afternoon. As I was coming home from work, and sitting at a red light, the car in front of me had a man and a boy who looked to be around 10 or 11 in it. All of a sudden the boy started hitting and yelling at the man, and the man started punching back and yelling back at the boy. You could tell they were both very angry. Then the light changed and they drove off. Strange and very sad.

Bo's dad, Corky was diagnosed with Metastatic Lung Cancer today in stage 3.5 to 4. A very serious and grave diagnosis for him. I know he must be feeling very scared and upset tonight. He will begin a treatment of chemotherapy and radiation soon.

I know that Paula, Bo's mom, Bo and his siblings are feeling very sad and worried tonight. I hope they find comfort and rest in our Lord Jesus Christ. He is in control of all that happens and he knows best. But still, the trials we face in this life are sometimes very hard to deal with. The people we love in this world are very precious to us.

Our time on earth during this life is just a short stopping place on our way to heaven, if we know the Lord Jesus, if he is our substitute, our advocate, if he died for us on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. We can rest, assured, if we know him.

May the Lord's will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Would you take me to the mall? Would you take me to the YMCA? Would you take me to work? I need a ride to my friends house. These are questions I hear almost daily. But in just one month, I shouldn't be hearing them anymore. Mason will be turning 16, and he will be getting his driver's license (if he passes the driving test). Yikes! Mason with his driver's license. That's a scarey thought. No, really, he's a pretty responsible boy.

I have had kids that needed rides for the last 27 years of my life. Since I was 23 years old and had my first son, Cody. Now, Cody & Mason were both very good to use their legs and their bicycles to get around quite a bit. But still, there are lots of places legs and bicycles can't go and get there very quickly.

Part of me is glad Mason will be driving, and part of me is sad too. He is growing up and moving on, just like Cody did. And the old saying:

A daughter is a daughter all of her life, but a son is a son til he takes a wife.

is true in a lot of ways.

---Well, I still have a few more years with Corbin.

Isnt this a pretty picture that a friend sent to me? Her husband is a photographer and they live in Friday Harbour of San Juan Island, WA. His website is here.

(Double-click on the picture to make it bigger).

It was taken at Skagit Valley near Tacoma, WA. Did you ever go there, Jocelyne?

I think the snow geese are so pretty and fun to watch. We used to have some at Rita Blanca Lake in Dalhart sometimes. When they all take off together, it is just amazing to watch (like the ones in the background of this picture).

The wind is blowing so hard here today. 40-50 mph with 60-70 mph gusts! Corbin & I tried to run across the street this morning, but had to walk mostly. It was just too hard to run in the wind. I thought he was going to blow away just like a leaf.


And another one.

Corbin & I went to see a play tonight called 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.' It was put on by a local theater group of young people. We tried to get Mason to go with us, but I guess he thought it was just too uncool to go to a play on Friday night with (gasp) your mom & young nephew.

Bo stayed the night in Gruver to work tomorrow. He has taken most of the week off this week to be at the hospital with his dad who has had pneumonia, and is waiting for a diagnosis on a tumor in his lung. The doctors took tissue for a biopsy earlier in the week, but it was inconclusive, so they will try again on Wednesday of next week. In the meantime, he went home from the hospital today and will go back next Wednesday. May the Lord's will be done in that situation, as I know it will be.

Anyway, the play was really good and the young actors did a great job. I was somewhat surprised that they did as well as they did. I don't know what I expected exactly, but just thought it would be more amateur-ish than it was, I guess. Corbin enjoyed it alot too, although I don't think he understood what was going on thru much of it. You had to really listen to follow the story, but it had alot of funny lines.

I talked to sister Glenda today. It's her birthday and she was doing well. Happy Birthday Glender! She is three years younger than me, but was always much tougher than me growing up. I was a big wienie and both my sisters could beat me up pretty easily.

One time Gendy took me for a ride on her dirt bike. (I should have known better). We were about 11 or 12 & 14 or 15 years old or maybe a little younger. I can't remember for sure. Anyway, it was just a little 50cc motorcycle, and we could both barely fit on it, so I was kind of hanging off the back. She started going pretty fast and I kept telling her to SLOW DOWN! Of course, she didn't listen to me and just laughed at me as she sped down the blacktop road. We hit a bump and, --you guessed it, I fell off the back. Dang, that hurt. I had road rash all over, and got up limping home. She came back and rode along beside me telling me to 'get on and I'll take you home.' I wasn't about to ride with her again and I was furious with her. 'No way and get out of here and leave me alone!' I yelled at her. I can still remember how mad I was. LOL. That night I couldn't sleep all night, I was hurting so bad. I had big oozing scrapes on both legs and on my arms. --And she just went on her merry way, unscathed.

Thanks alot, Gendy!

Here's the house we're waiting on to finish being built, so we can move into the builder's old house. It is supposed to be done by the middle of April. (First it was December, then February, now April). I went inside today and looked around and there's still quite a bit to be done on the inside so I'm skeptical about the middle of April. Now if they would work on it everyday, they could get it done, but from what I see, they only work on it about one day a week. And it's hard to get alot done working at that pace.

I can tell you one thing, if I ever do build a house, I will not use that builder.

Christ our Substitute

I love the gospel. It is truly a wonderful declaration to God’s people. And it IS a declaration, not an offering. The Lord Jesus Christ took upon himself all the sin of the elect and the punishment for that sin, and gave to us his holy & perfect righteousness. Now we can stand before the father, holy & without blame. Now we can enter into heaven and fellowship with the father. We have no sin. We are perfect. ---What? Me, perfect? How can that be? --Only, ONLY in Christ, my substitute. Praise his wonderful, holy name!

Jesus paid it all,
All to him I owe.
Sin hath left a crimson stain.
He washed it white as snow.

I took this picture a few months ago when I was out on a bike ride one day. Cody, Adam & I lived in this house. This is the house we lived in when Adam died. I have such sweet memories as I look at it. What I wouldn’t give to go back for just a little while. But I know it would never be enough, and the thought of what would happen later would ruin it for me. So I guess there is no going back, is there?

I have been a bit under the weather the last few days. Wednesday afternoon at work, I began to feel sluggish and feverish, so I decided to head home and get some rest. Later that night my stomach began to feel queasy and that lead to a case of the ‘back door trots’ or the 'running off' as we called it growing up. (Do you have the 'running off,' my mother would ask) --Seems kinda funny now, but sounded perfectly normal back then.

Anyway, ---Not a fun time, and this went on most of the night and part of the next day. Then Friday morning, I felt somewhat better, albeit tired and unenergetic, but I decided to go back to work nevertheless and hopefully get some things accomplished. It was a pretty productive day and I felt better as the day went along.

But then, last night, it all started again. No, no, no, I said, I’m supposed to be getting better! ---All to no avail. I was up again all last night. Once I even slipped and fell on the bathroom rug, as I was making a mad dash to the comfort station. (no, I wasn’t hurt, just a little disheveled).

I’m better today, but again feel drained and tired.Ugh.

I ate some no-fat Pringles on Wednesday and again on Friday, you know, the new kind with the fat substitute olestra (also called olean). I can’t imagine that would make this happen to me, but I have read that olestra can have this side effect in about 2% of people that eat them. Funny thing is, I’ve eaten them before, several months back and was fine. So maybe I just have a bug.

Who knows?? But I don’t plan on eating no-fat Pringles again any time soon. (They sure were good though and with only half the calories as regular Pringles).

Hope you’re having a good day anyway.

Are you a hugger?

I read this post on a blog that I regularly read called Antique Mommy, on the subject of hugging. (wish I could be as funny as she is). Boy, could I relate and was so glad to know I’m not the only one feeling that way. I was beginning to think I was just really weird or something.

Have you noticed that hugging seems to be a big thing these days? I just gotta say I’m really not very comfortable with it. Now mind you, I love a hug from close family or friends, people I love and care about, but strangers or mere acquaintances, I can do without the hugs. A nice smile and a nod will do, thank you.

Frankly, I don’t even care for the handshake. I always walk away wondering where that hand has been, and consciously try to remember not to touch my mouth or face until I wash my hands.

Here’s a video that has been going around the internet for a while now about hugging. It really gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling, but it almost makes you feel bad if you don’t like hugging strangers. Like you're just too uptight or something. I don't buy it. To me, hugging should be reserved for special people in my life!

What do you think?

Corbin came to spend the night with us on Saturday and that afternoon, Bo & I took him skating. It was lots of fun. Corbin is just learning, but he did really well. Then Sunday afternoon Corbin wanted to go BACK to the skating rink, so being typical grandparents, we said, w-w-e-e-l-l-l....OK. (John Rosemond. a leading parenting expert, says it's OK for grandparents to spoil their grandchildren).

I skated both days, but Bo only skated on Sunday. Thankfully Bo & I both stayed on our feet the whole time, although we didn't go very fast. Can't say the same for Corbin though. He probably has a few sore spots today.

After skating, we went to eat hamburgers at 'Buns over Texas,' a hamburger place here in town. After you place your food order, they ask your name. We gave them Corbin's name. When your order is ready, they call out 'Corbin, your buns are up!' We all got a kick out of that.

Mason played in a basketball tournament ALL day on Saturday from 8 am until 10pm. We went to watch his games, but left to do other things in between. He likes it better when we are not there, and he can just 'be himself' with his friends --without us around. Mmmmmm. Imagine that.

A good quote

“If we wish to conquer undesirable emotional tendencies in ourselves, we must assiduously, and in the first instance cold-bloodedly, go through the outward motions of those contrary dispositions we prefer to cultivate.” --William James.

I like this quote. I read it on a blog that I read regularly called The Happiness Project. I think it has alot of truth to it because I have found it to be true in my own life, if I will just do it. Another way of saying it is 'fake it till you make it.'

I used to think that if I didn't FEEL something, there was no point taking the action. I believe now that feelings can follow actions. If I really want to change something about myself, but I don't FEEL like doing what it takes, I can just pretend I feel like it, go ahead and take the action, and alot of times the feelings will come soon after. It's not easy and it takes work, but it does seem to work many times.

--I think that is a good thing to know.

Take a look at this guy.

We live on a street of townhouses. Most of the townhouses are occupied by older folks. They are all very friendly and nice. Great neighbors.

Right across the street from us is a couple in their 90's, Henry & Ivy. The street mailbox-center is right in front of their house and during the warmer months, they sit outside and talk to everyone as they go to pick up their mail.

A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that their truck was stuck in the snow at the end of the street and there were two men helping them get unstuck. A couple of hours later, our doorbell rang, and there was Henry. This 90-something year old man had walked across the slick street that was covered with ice and snow. He was holding out $5.00.

Hello Henry, How are you? …….Uh, what’s that for?

It’s for your husband and son, for helping get my truck unstuck this morning.

Uh, Henry, that wasn’t my husband and son. Bo is out of town and Mason has been in school all morning.

What?? That wasn’t your husband and son helping me?

No, it wasn’t

Are you sure? I could have sworn it was them.

Yes, I’m sure. It wasn’t them.

Well, OK then. ……….I wonder who it was.

Then he turned to walk away with a puzzled look on his face.

I don’t know, but please be careful crossing that street.

I cringed as I watched him cross that slick street again, but he made it home safely. Thank goodness.

This morning as Bo & I were sitting around, not doing much, the doorbell rang. I went to the door and there was Henry.

My wife wanted me to bring this present and card over to your son for delivering our paper every morning.

Your paper?

Yes, isn’t your son the one who delivers our paper everyday?

Uh….. No. That’s not our son. He doesn’t deliver papers.

He doesn’t? My wife said it was your son, and she sent me over here with this present (a container full of tootsie rolls). I’ve been over twice already this morning and you weren’t home. ….Well, what the heck, just give him the present and card anyway.

Oh no. That’s not necessary.

No, no, please, just keep it. And he turned and walked away.

Well, OK. Bye then.

Bo & I looked at each other and smiled.

About ½ an hour later, the door bell rings again. Ding Dong.

Yes?

It’s Ivy, Henry’s wife.

Can I have that present and card back?

Yes, mam. Here it is.

Thank you. I don’t know why he left it here in the first place since your son doesn’t deliver our paper.

And back across the street she went.

We got our natural gas bill last week and I about fell out of my chair. $31! --- $31? What??

Since we are in this smaller place, I have been turning the heat up MORE than I did in our bigger house, thinking it would be OK. But I was expecting $125 - $150 or so. We have had a cold winter so far. I was getting bills around $225 at our house last year and we had a mild winter.

Last month I got a bill of $25. I was shocked then too, but it was our first cold weather bill, and I thought surely they hadn’t read our meter yet or something. So I was expecting it to all catch up this month. I got this bill, and slowly opened it expecting the worse. And as I said, I about fell out of the chair.

I started to get worried, thinking something is wrong, ….I’m going to get a huge bill sometime in the future. This just can’t be right. Heck, I’ve been keeping the thermostat on 72-73 degrees.

So I called up my landlord. Our heating IS natural gas, isn’t it? Yes, she assured me it is.

OK, so next I called Atmos Energy. Could you check and make sure my meter is being read? I just can hardly believe my bill is right. She checked, and came back. Your bill is right. Your meter is being read.

Wow! This is weird. I feel like I’m ripping somebody off or something. But hey, I’m going to relax and enjoy it.

This will pay for those jeans I bought last week that weren’t in the budget.