Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Golfing Fun!
Generally I don't like shooting games where you are shooting people in it but this one they are shooting alians! So, it's all good. :D
This is such a cute picture of Charles helping Ivy to golf. She couldn't understand why she couldn't just walk up to all the balls and put everyone's ball in the hole. We had to keep chasing her away from the balls that we were trying to hit in. LOL! She thought she was helping.
Ha! We all had fun with this picture. Thankfully my head was small enough to fit it. That way I'm not a "big head".
What a family of gamers!
It was just so much fun watching our little ones trying to hit the balls into the hole. By the time they started getting really good at it, they were closing and it was 10pm. We'll have to go back.Tuesday, May 20, 2008
10 Year Reflection
I was looking back in some of my old photo albums and I saw these pictures. I realized that it has been 10 years since these pictures were taken for my 18th birthday. Wow! How much has changed! There is a sadness when I look back because that day in my life, when I turned 18, was a very heart breaking day for me and I tried to mask it for everyone there. I can't go into it but my life was just not going the way I had thought it would and I had such a hopelessness there. Such a despair and sadness. I thought things would be so different. You always think, "It'll be so great when I turn 18"! That day was bittersweet for me. I wasn't sure if I was ready to go on. All on my own. 10 years have passed and I see now how much has changed. Things went bad from there, in June of 1997, until I met Charles that October. Then my life slowly turned around. He became my friend, someone I could talk to, share my dreams with. He was just THERE. I eventually cut it off(stupidly) with him and went off to do my own thing. I moved out and kept things cool from him. Thankfully, he respected me and was still a friend. Things went downhill real fast when I turned 19. Finally one day, I gave my heart back to Christ. It was like I woke up from a bad dream. My mind could think clearly again. I moved out of my dumb little apartment and back with my parents. Went back to church and I decided to totally give my life to God! Soon after Charles and I picked up our friendship again. A few months later we were married! It's now been 10 years and so much has happened. This December we will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary and we have 5 children together. This past decade has been such a life changing event. What will the next 10 years be???
P.S. So much more happened in this story, heartbreaking things. But it is for me to know! LOL! :P
My Sister & Nephew's Birthday
Note: You might want to pause the slideshow at the top before playing video.
We had a lot of fun getting together for my sis and my nephews birthday. The kids swam, we played volleyball, and basketball. I love being around my family because they know how to relax and just be goofy. Hee hee. Tammy and I love to do pranks on each other all night. Soooo, here is a little video clip of our fun. It's easy to spot my kids because they are the blonde ones! Now, all we were missing was my sis Jodee and her family who are all in South Africa. :)
Monday, May 19, 2008
Schooling Agendas
Thanks, Union Bosses!
You have to see this clip. It is so funny! It is on my friend's blogsite, Homeschool and Etc. , so go check it out. It'll give you a chuckle. It's about "benefits" of unions. Just a short clip.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Picnic At the Zoo!



Since we have a membership at the zoo we just love to go often, picnic there, and see different animals each time. Today was mostly just picnicking in our favorite spot and seeing only a few animals. The kids had fun in the water area. Ivy was too chicken though! Ha! It was pretty hot out though so we didn't stay as long as we usually do. :D We try not to go too much in the summer time because I notice that's when the girls take their clothes half off! I don't like my boys to be around that too much. Malls included. Sooo, today was our last day for awhile. When my my boys start pointing out that moms are hardly wearing any clothes up on top, I know they are seeing too much. It's funny when they say out loud, "how come that mom is showing her chee-chee's"? I'm like "uh...." Don't know what to say. :P
Amazing Grace History!
You should see this. Follow it all the way through. My heart absolutly breaks when I hear stories of slavery. My heart breaks even more now when I hear of any kind of racism whatsoever. Why????!!! Where did anyone get the notion that any one race is better than the other??? Where in God's Word (The Bible) would anyone find this? God said all men are created equal. So, this video really touched my heart. My heart just cried watching it. This is very precious to watch. I am glad God made us all different! I'm glad we all have our own unique fingerprints! I'm glad there are different skin colors, different cultures. The world is so much more interesting, fun, and beautiful to explore. Why would anyone want to all look the same as the other? God didn't make a mistake when he created any one of us.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Ashley's Many Disguises
Anonymous Cowards
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Chore Charts on Trial

Here in this picture the boys are helping mommy with a meal. They love to cook, and since I told them they can all be chefs and take over for mommy someday, they are happy to oblige. But.... there is the other side. Regular chores. (You can almost hear the theme music from the movie Jaws here). How do you motivate without nagging or just getting frustrated? So, we have this (positive reinforcement) chore chart in trial at our house. You can see for yourself at Easy Child and it goes by your child's age. Pretty neat. Okay, this is the funny part. My kids started out their day a little rough. As soon as I hung the new chore chart up and explained it to them, they instantly were finding ways to redeem themselves for negative points they received earlier in the day. Chaz came in while I was working and he said, "oh mom, my room is totally clean." After daddy and the boys came back from the park, the boys went straight to the showers (which is 3 points), brushed their teeth (1 point), and read one of their Phonics books to their little brother (1 point). Ha! I was like, this works!!! I didn't have to remind them. As they get older, the chore chart changes to adjust to their age. Of course I tailored it a little. This is just too great. So, of course they'll redeem their points at the end of the week for money. Don't worry, it's not very much! Little guys don't need a red hot convertible for a prize to be motivated. I added things such as "Behavior at church", "Reading to their little brother or sister", "Homeschooling", etc.
ALSO:
You have to read this. This is so funny. Your Chores or Mine? I was chuckling my way through it. Such a great idea. I am totally implementing it.
Do you have great ideas to share with me? I would so love to hear them!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Thursday Thirteen #21
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1. My mom and dad loved me through the thick and the thin. Believe me, I was not an easy kid, or a teen for that matter. 2. They stayed married. In this day and age, that's a miracle. Everyone thinks their love life is supposed to resemble a soap opera. 3. My mom and dad raised me to understand that nothing in this life is more important than our relationship with Jesus Christ. They helped me to understand that there is a difference between "believing there is a God, and having a relationship with Him." 4. My mom and dad loved me and they both worked so hard. I was lucky enough to have a mom be a homemaker all my life and my dad was an extremely hard worker on his job. I never ever heard him complain, even though I knew he was exhausted. That amazes me. 5. When I was a teen, I ran away a lot because I didn't get my way, so my dad would drive around looking for me even though he had to get up before the sun. They always welcomed me back with loving arms and didn't yell at me when I came back, even though I was out of my mind at times. They had grace. I had already knew what I did was wrong. 6. My mom would find ways to make us costumes for halloween and get creative when we didn't have enough money to buy one. 7. I remember I would wake up really hungry in the middle of the night as a kid, and I would go up to my mom's bed to ask her for a sandwich. She would get up without a word and make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of milk without complaint. She knew I was just going through growth spurts. 8. My mom and dad would take us on outreaches every Saturday so we could share our faith with others. To tell them about Jesus. I learned boldness as a child and not to be ashamed of my faith. Jesus said to tell others about Him and my parents showed us how! 9. They've bailed us out of our own stupid mistakes time and time again. If I were my kid, I'd be like, "You're outta here!" Ha ha. 10. My mom knows that if am grouchy, it's just because I'm hungry. She'll make me something to eat because she knows that's all I need. Then I'm back to being a happy camper! 11. I would wake up in the middle of the night as a child and tiptoe into the living room so I could see my dad before he left for work. I would rarely tell him I was there but when I tiptoed into the dark room, I would see my dad on his knees praying. During the day I would see my mom in her chair reading her bible. 12. It amazed me time and time again that although my parents have been betrayed, talked about whether because of circumstances in life or just because someone has a bone to pick... time and time again they stood the test. They never gave up their faith. They never threw in the towel. They didn't spread rumors in return, they only forgave. They showed me what forgiveness really means. They could've gotten angry back many times, but they didn't. They just respond in love and with kindness. Sometimes people don't understand that what they might hear of someone is a lie. They taught me that you don't always have to defend yourself. Just give it to God. 13. And finally... but not lastly. My parents are my Heroes because they CARE. They care if I'm sad, they care if I have exciting news, they care if I'm sick, they care if I'm broke, they care if I just need a break. They forgive me when I'm overly sensitive, grouchy, or just plain moody. When it comes down to it, they will be there in an emergency or just a time of need. How could I have gotten so lucky? Thank you God. Boy, I'm sure blessed. |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
"Here I Not!"

Yesterday we were all playing hide and seek (while Charles was trying to take a little nap). So we would all count to 20 and then say "Ready or not, here I come!" Well, I could never hide by myself because they would all follow me and before you know it, there are 3 kids hiding in the shower with me. We always get caught because they are either breathing loud or bumping into something. LOL! If we can make it to base before the hunter sees us, then even better. Running with 3 little elephants is tough since I'm usually tip toeing out of my hiding spot. Charles' version is much cuter because his is called "Saving the Princess". Something to do with turning off all the lights in the house and using light sabers. Anyway, the the whole point of this story is that when it was Kyle's turn (4 years old) to be the hunter, after he was done counting he said haltingly (trying to remember the words), "Here I Not....Here I Come!" I laughed out loud in my hiding spot so of course I got caught. Ha ha.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Show Your Support!
Monday, May 12, 2008
America Catering to the Muslims?
Man, how come they won't cater to the Christians? Or the any other religion for that matter? Why Muslim? My husband tells me that, as a Christian, he hates how violated you get just driving down the freeway and seeing the foul billboards that are up in the summer time. Christians complain to these companies all the time. How come they don't cater to us? How come the government doesn't step in and say, "Hey, you are violating Christian principles." I mean after all, we are a "Christian Nation" which was founded on Christian principles. As Christians, we have to go to malls with our kids and see half naked ads all over the malls. TV is crawling with sex, violence, alcohol, drugs, foul language, yet we have them in our homes in our "Christian Nation". We are violated left and right for the sake of entertainment. Even in just a toothpaste ad. We are fools to think that our kids don't see those commercials where a woman's seductiveness is used to sell toothpaste. I was told that the Government doesn't specifically force a certain way on anyone because this is a free nation where not one religion is forced upon another. Yet, now we have to worry about Porky Pig offending someone, or worry about getting dirty looks for eating ham in a restaurant. This is silly yet SCARY. Muslim is the fastest growing religion everywhere (including America) and America is slowly falling for it. Make no mistake, they are out to oppose their religion on us "Infidels". Sadly, people have bought into the media's lies that they are a peaceful religion. Obviously the media hasn't read their Koran. They won't of course, because it would embarrass them and shock them to know that the Koran says to kill all those who are not followers of the Koran. I know, because I've read it myself. This article should make every one of us cringe. This is just another giant step toward other things far worse than this.
Conference Week
This past week was conference week at our church and so that is why I did not do much blogging. I had nursery Monday, Thursday, and Friday night and sang on Wednesday Night and Friday morning for the seminar. It was a tiring yet wonderful week. All the church come together in our fellowship and it is a time of encouragement and refreshing for the pastors coming in. It's just a week of seminars in the morning and services at night every night for a week. So of course, we helped out with their little kiddies. Here is one in the picture. He certainly was the fish monster (instead of Cookie Monster). Boy, could he eat! I was actually tired in that picture because it was the last night and it was extra long service because they were sending out new churches. They usually send out new ones to be started in areas where there are no churches. Praise God! So, this was a great past week.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Thursday, May 01, 2008
99 Days of Blessing
This video reminds me why I am so blessed. I may have my tough days, but my kids are healthy and alive. This video sure brought me to tears.
Thursday Thirteen #20
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1. Well, first off. Have you read the recent reports on fast food? My state was #2 in the worst fast foods in the United States. I'm talking about health wise! Inspections are turning up some pretty horrifying things. Like roaches in someone's Mcdonald's pancake. Gross. 2. I would rather not have a big butt if I can help it. I know that some people cannot help it. But since I've been blessed with my daddy's metabolism, I would rather not do anything to tempt God. Why should God keep blessing me when I've made The Big Mac my best friend? If He wanted to He could just tweek my metabolism anytime. The next thing I know, I could be suing Mcdonalds for making such small seats my butt can't fit in. 3. I've known plenty of people who have spit into people's food just to get them back for being rude. Ummmm..... yeah. That's gross! Ha! I hope I was never one of them. You never know.... 4. Who says Taco Bell is even Mexican Food? Who are we kidding??? 5. My next pick would be Filibertos but they have REALLy bad health violations. Like 5. Ohhhh, they have such good Carne Asada burritos. Man! 6. Arby's has gotten many people sick because they keep their food warm for too long. Yes, I have yet to see them make a fresh sandwich. They are so overpriced it's a joke. I'd rather stop at an actual restaurant. 7. I don't know how many times I've pulled up in a drive through and we couldn't communicate because they couldn't speak English. Don't take me wrong! I'm not prejudice! But I think if an American company is going to successfully run a business in the states, they need to hire English speaking folks. Kind of helps. It's hard repeating an order 5 times because they have to finally go get the manager to translate. 8. It's soooooo bad for you! Can I hear somebody shout, "Grease?" If I started one, I would call it "Grease Lightening". It wouldn't be called that because it's a 50's diner either. 9. More and more the prices of fast food are rising so high, my costs of living are getting stretched. Just because it gets hectic at times and I need to stop for some fast food and I am feeling like it would just cost as much to go to an actual sit down restaurant with some real service. 10. It is a waste of my talents! I could be at home cooking a juicy Filet Mignon and instead I am eating a flat hamburger patty that was just taken out of a freezer and heated up. I need to learn how to cook more and grow in that area. (Instead of my butt). 11. Mcdonalds now supports the Homosexual agenda. Okay, I may like their playgrounds but putting my money into a group that is supporting a sinful and harmful way of life, is not where I want to put my money. 12. Eating at home around a dinner table with my family more often is always a better thing. Fast food places are hectic and your attention is diverted elsewhere. Really, you may gain an easier way of life by not having to cook as often, but you lose something else precious in the meantime. Communication and togetherness. 13. It's just pure laziness! I neeeeeed to just go home and put my efforts and my money into more good and wholesome food at home. It's so tempting sometimes on the way to church to just pick up a meal on the way there. Instead, I should of just gotten ready for church earlier and prepared a meal for my family. After all, that's what a Proverbs 31 woman is. :) Not a fast food hopper. Ha ha. |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Oprah's Church Exposed
Wow.... how far she has come from her roots. It's hard to be a Christian yet fornicate for over twenty years and never get married. It's easy to see why someone would change their beliefs to fit their current lifestyle. My heart breaks for all the women who utterly love Oprah so much that they would follow her into her wherever she goes. "But she does so much for mankind! She cares about people! She speaks up for the minorities and the sick! She gives so much money to the poor!"
The bible says, "Dear children, do not let any person lead you the wrong way. Christ is righteous. To be like Christ, a person must do what is right. The devil has been sinning since the beginning. Anyone who continues to sin belongs to the devil." 1 John 3:7-8
Concerning Adultery and Fornication: "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." Hebrews 13:4
"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." 2 Timothy 4:3
Please seek scripture before believing what anyone has to tell you about beliefs and the bible. This is why it's so important to know the word of God. It is so easy to love someone so much, or really admire someone, so we just soak in everything they say.
One day I was talking to some of my husband's family. I laughed when Oprah was mentioned as a Christian. They looked at me strange and said, "she is too a Christian! What makes you think she is not?" I replied that the bible says no fornicator shall enter the kingdom of Heaven. She has been with her boyfriend for over 20 years and has not gotten married. Nor is she planning to. The bible is the bible and you cannot call yourself a Christian if you don't even believe the bible. You can't just tear out a page in the bible that you do not like. That's not how it works. His family then mentioned that she has done many good works. Still the bible says that it is not our good works that gets us into heaven. That our righteousness is as filthy rags before the Lord. Let us not forget that God is a merciful God. I was at one time there! I willingly lived in fornication. I KNEW that I had turned my back on God and His Word. I willingly was sinning. But, I repented. That is huge. Not just a "sorry" and did my Catholic ritual and went back again and again and again. I repented of that sin, moved as far away as possible from that situation and changed my ways. God is such a merciful God and will help us! He loves us so much. I pray that other Christians will not buy into Oprah's lies and her own deceptions. Oprah is simply finding anyway possible to justify her way of life. "Itching ears". As scripture states above.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The GODMAKERS - Mormon Beliefs
Many teens from polygamist compound pregnant Texas officials say more than half the teenage girls taken from a polygamist compound in west Texas have children or are pregnant.
This is unbelievable. I'm sorry, but does anyone see a pattern in some cults out there today? Why is it that a lot of these religions are all somehow circled around sex? Lets look at the core of the Mormon religion shall we? I don't care what mormons might tell you today. I've STUDIED deeps into the mormon religion. I've spoken to true and dedicated Mormons who have gone deep into it. Of course they believe in polygamy. Its IN their bible. So just because they say they don't believe in it, did they erase it from their bible? Um... if their bible is so true, why would they denounce that one part? Well, that's easy, they say they don't believe it because it's SICK and they know they aren't gonna change the governements mind (as of yet) on this issue. So they backed off of it. It is so strange that mormons today don't even know the basis of their religion. They have only scratched the surface. This will give you an idea. Believe me, they won't tell you this stuff in their first 6 sessions with you. It takes awhile of becoming a mormon to learn all of this. This is not all, this is just some of the beliefs. Why is so many religions based around sex? Muslim men believe they'll die and have 70 virgins waiting for them and a river of wine. Mormon men desire many wives and believe all they are gonna do is have sex, sex, sex in heaven. Why are cults always based around men wanting sex? I know know, you ask me. Fantasies?











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