Rough Day....

Rough day today; real bad. Glad it is coming to an end. Heading to bed soon. Been working on AVON stuff tonight.... lots to learn.

The Return Of An Old Friend!

First, let me give you an update on my husband. The CT scan came back showing infections in most of his sinus cavities. Now, that is after 4 rounds of antibiotics already! He started his 5th round yesterday. He will get the results of his ultrasound on his gallbladder tomorrow. He was sick in bed from pain yesterday. Will update the official diagnosis tomorrow.

NOW, I have some exciting news! My friend Gail, the one I wrote about over a year plus ago, that left Pensacola to go help start a church in Ohio...you know, the one that is legally blind and just picked up and moved... I hope that will entice you to read about her; well, anyway, she is coming home! She will be moving back in June. We've already found her an apartment close to Olive and close to me (yeah!). Now, I need you to pray for Gail. Gail needs a washer and drier. It does not have to be new; she just needs it to work! Gail does not work, she lives on disability due to her blindness and social security. So, please pray for her, pray that the washer and drier will be provided in what she can afford.

Thanks ya'll. I have an AVON meeting this morning and am getting a hair cut afterwards. I haven't had a hair cut in months and months and need a "style." Even blow drying my hair leaves it stringy... ewe.

More later.

Prayer Request

I would appreciate your prayers for my husband today. I don't mention my husband a lot on my blog because he is much more private than I am. His blog consist of his opinions in local and national politics, the books he read, his comic books, stuff like that. BUT, today is the exception. He has been suffering from tummy problems, pain under his ribs and shoulder blades for months now. The speculation is gallbladder. He has an ultrasound scheduled at 7:30 a.m.

Also, for over six months, he has been experiencing headaches, nose bleeds, light-headed, "weird" is how he has described it at times. He has been treated with four different rounds of antibiotics as the assumption was a sinus infection. The antibiotics haven't worked. He has a CT scheduled for 9:30 this morning.

I know it will be days before we get the results; so, if this crosses your mind, please pray for him.

Been awake since 3. I guess I'm up for the day. I was hoping to go back to sleep until 5; gonna try closing my eyes for a few minutes at least.

Pornography

Please take a few minutes and read Lysa Terkeurst's of Proverbs31 Ministries blog from today. She has a guest blogger that is speaking about pornography; pornography in the Church. Tomorrow, his wife will be the guest blogger.

I got more gardening done today at home and at Memaw's. I love to garden; it is very therapeutic. I like to be able to get dirty and sweat...feels good to know I've worked hard. I usually have a good time talking with the Lord while I garden, very insightful.

Starting dinner...Spaghetti and meatballs...:)

I'm Pooped!

I have been so busy trying to learn all I can about AVON that I haven't done much of anything else. Well...I've been doing other stuff, just not what I should be doing...

Christopher and I planted over 142 seeds last week. They are doing good. It's exciting to see him excited over the new growth. We still have a good bit of work to do in the garden area before we can plant those seedlings. The kids and I also went to Memaw's today and planted a few things... not much, but enough for her to enjoy...I hope.

I have been doing pretty good about not being tired, until our trip to Panama City. I feel like I've "relapsed" on my exhaustion... I've doubled up on my Juice Plus, drinking lots of water, but man, I am plum pooped. I just can't seem to get things back in gear. Today is the first time I was even able to get up at 5 a.m. for my quiet time. While that was great; I've been dragging all day. In fact, I hope to be in bed by 8:30 tonight. Just don't know what's going on. Ready to be 100% again.

That's all for now.

Later:)

AVON

Here's the link to my website for AVON. It will take you straight to my page. I am also adding it to my LINKS section to the right of this post. Just scroll down and you'll see it.

Happy shopping!

Saturday At The Paden's....

Kayla spent the night at a friends last night; she'll be home soon. The other two kids and I have been out in the garden this morning. Chris planted some seeds about 7 days ago so I covered them with plastic to try hurry up the germination process. Watered the other garden area where the potatoes and cucumbers are. Christopher helped me plant seeds the other night (over 142 of them) in one of those seed starter things. I needed to get my seeds started, but still have so much to do to get the dirt ready for planting.... gardening is so therapeutic for me. Some of the best Bible studies for me have come from the visuals the Lord gives me in gardening....hence the name of the book I've been working on...."Pullin' Weeds." Well, I haven't been working on it lately, but do plan on getting back in to it. I hope my younger two pick up on the importance of gardening, as my 16 year old hates it. Of course, if I had started with her as early as I have with them, things might be different.

Chris went to Sam's for me as he has the Sam's card and I don't since I am not working at Pine Summit anymore.

The kids were ready to come in, so once Chris gets back home I'll had back out. I think he is going to umpire a couple ball games today. Some leagues are hosting a fundraiser tournament for something...can't remember...but he wanted to donate his time for that. Other than that, I don't have to go anywhere today! My house is a wreck as I haven't done anything since getting home from Panama City last week. I am thankful the tickets to the E-Women's Conference sold or I'd be there and not home. While I'm sure many will be blessed by it, for me, this particular weekend would have been just one more thing for me to have to do and put off one more thing at home that "has to be done."

Have pics of the kids to post later from the mud event in the driveway. I think I'm gonna try finding a truckload of pine straw to eliminate all the mud in my driveway.

I'll also have my AVON sight up and running this evening.

Gotta run.

What We Do For Our Pets!

Well, Bandit is home and sleeping. His tummy is still sensitive and the vet could feel a knot; but the x-rays are still inconclusive. We have to keep watching the cat litter...for you know what.... or maybe the lack of you know what.... Other than that, all we can do is "wait." I visit a blog all the time who regularly (weekly...I think it's Wednesday's are for waiting...") As soon as I wrote "wait" I was reminded of a blog she wrote on the Woman at the well. My favorite so far. Please take a moment and check it out. You will be blessed. Ooops, my mistake...the devotional about the woman at the well was about "moving on"....here's the link http://vanwalton.blogspot.com/2009/03/movin-on-after-movin-in-mondays_23.html to that and then another one about the waiting....this one is about the woman that had been bleeding for 12 years....http://vanwalton.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html talk about waiting.... wow. Anyway, for some reason both of these devotionals came to my mind when I sat down.... they blessed me, I hope it does you.

Nearly 5:00 and I haven't even started dinner. Still covered in dirt from head to toe from working on the garden. We are making progress, but I sure wish I had been able to start two months ago! Long way to go.

Oh, the kids are out in the mud; gotta take some pics and will post later.

It's Official, I'm An AVON Rep.

Well, after much prayer and questions and prayer, I have signed up to be an AVON Rep. I'll have my website up and running this weekend and will post a link from my blog to the AVON site. I'll also have a link on my facebook. With the website, orders can be placed from anywhere and shipped anywhere.

I still have the tickets to the Women's Conference this weekend. I can't help but think it's meant for me and Kayla to be there. If we go, my AVON site won't be up until Sunday. I'll update through my blog and facebook.

Bandit is still at the vet; I'm supposed to call in 20 minutes.

Blessings.

E-Women's Conference

My prayer has been that if the Lord wants me at the women's conference today/tomorrow; then he would provide for me to pay for the tickets. Well, the tickets haven't sold and He hasn't provided the $80 to reimburse my friend who bought me the tickets; so..... I am trusting Him to sell the tickets today; or provide the money today.

Bandit is back at the vet. Will know more this afternoon around noon.

I've been looking into selling Mary Kay; Avon; Tupperware. I have to supplement my income from not working; and be able to pay for Kayla's modeling. While I would love to sell Mary Kay, I don't think I have the time, money or patience to start and build a clientel. Tupperware...not really interested in; but; Avon has caught my attention. I've been praying about which direction to go, praying that the Lord would widen my vision on ways to bring in extra money, and for some reason, Avon just keeps coming back to me. I have an appointment at 10:00 to meet with a local director. It only cost $10.00 to get started. I'll let you know what I decide; although I do sense the Lord's "wooing" in that direction.

I would appreciate your prayers for my Kayla. I can't get into it, but she has to make some tough decisions in the next few days. If the tickets to the E-Women's' Conference don't sell, then she is going with me. Hhmmm....just had a thought, maybe this weekend is for her?! Wow!

Much to do; it's only 8:30 and have already gotten Christopher to school, Bandit to the vet, my blood work done.... drinking my first cup of coffee as my blood work was a fasting one; then start Kayla's schoolwork.

Continuing to trust in Him.

Sick Kitty

We have a sick kitty. Bandit. He is our 7 month old kitten that we got when he was 4 weeks old. He got into my sewing stuff and swallowed red thread. I thought we got it all out; but he was hiding all morning and not being his normal wild self. Called the vet, and they wanted to see him pretty quick like. His abdomen is sensitive. X-rays were non-confirming. They gave him this liquid stuff to drink, kept him today to do x-rays every 2 hours. If the dye goes through his body, then he is OK; if it doesn't, then he will have to have surgery.

Kayla, my oldest has started a blog. Check her out.... http://www.soundeniablyme.blogspot.com/. She's a little long-winded; opinionated, but fun and is as level headed as a 16 year old girl can be :)

Gotta run, have a child in the bath, one playing Lego's, and my garden still isn't finished.

Thankful

One of the updates from a friend on facebook was about being thankful. It has had me thinking this morning just how often I don't say thank you. So today, I need to verbalize thank you.... I am thankful for the hope I have in Christ today. Without that hope, I would still be a homeless drunk. I am thankful for mercy as I am human and blow it many times. Mercy is not receiving the punishment I deserve. I am thankful for my husband who loves me...the good, the bad and the ...whoa so ugly! I am thankful for my three children and the one I never got to meet that is in Heaven. I think of him/her almost daily. I am thankful for my mom who is now my friend, as well as my "mother." I am thankful for my grandparents whom I love more than words can express. I am thankful for Marsha who takes care of my grandparents. I am thankful for my dad, that while we have gone round and round at times, we always seem to find that place of respect for boundaries and are able to move on from there. I am thankful to live in a house with extra rooms and storage. I am thankful the Lord shows Himself faithful in meeting the needs of living in a larger house. I am thankful for the Lord's provisions in meeting the needs for our children...from modeling, to school pictures, to shoes, socks, underwear, shampoo, soaps...every day life necessities. I am thankful for a cup of coffee this morning. I am thankful that when I am sick I can pick up the phone and call my doctor and he will see me, even when I can't pay. I am thankful for my mother-in-law who loves my children; even at their worst! I am thankful for Uncle Craig who plays with my kids and lets them abuse him. I am thankful for the relationship my kids have with Aunt Julie, Uncle Derek and cousin Rich. I am thankful for my precious sister, who used to hate me because of who I was and what I did; but now....she loves me...sigh. That alone means the world to me. I am thankful for my nephew Hudson, who thinks I'm the best (only:) aunt in the world! HAHA! I am thankful for the rain we have had that has watered my flowers and garden so I don't have to. I'm thankful for the food that will be produced from our garden. I am thankful for the sunshine this morning. I am thankful for the ability to get out of bed on my own, without the aid of an assistant or a machine. I am thankful for a washer and dryer that I can wash my clothes in my home instead of going to a laundry mat. I am thankful for my friends who have loved me through six months of strugglings. I am thankful for our vehicle. I am thankful for the lights I have on in my house right now. I am thankful to have clean water to drink daily. I am thankful for a husband that lets me home school Kayla, that has been willing to cut back in order for me to not work and stay home with our kids. I am thankful for my fingers that allow me to type this very moment and toes that I can paint and give me balance to stand and walk. I am thankful for the protection that is given to me, that I have yet to even see. I am thankful for the privilege of going before my Master for any and everything. I am thankful that I've been able to find some friends from high school and Christian City Children's Home. I am just thankful today....

F-35 Eglin Airforce Base

My feathers are ruffled. I was born into a military family; my father and grandfather both proudly served in the United States Marine Corp. The sign entering the base in Beaufort, SC states, "The sound you hear, is the sound of freedom." It royally chaps my backside to hear of four lawsuits filed because of the new F-35 being brought to Eglin Air Force Base; and why... because of the noise?! Oh GOOD GRIEF! Pack up your bags and MOVE to a country where you aren't defended.

I thank each and every person that has flown on my behalf, my family's behalf... to protect us and to protect our freedom!

The sound I hear, IS THE SOUND OF FREEDOM!

Proud to be an American

My Little Man...

Christopher has been on his new medication for about two weeks now. While I see good improvements regarding his hyperactivity; it is affecting his sleep, in fact, bedtime has become a nightmare. BUT, we are taking each day at a time.

I've had many people tell me that milk products can cause reactions to children with ADHD. We took Christopher off of all milk products for months, until the last few weeks. He began begging for milk. I had him screened at an allergist yesterday. He was poked so many times; it broke my heart. He has not one allergy to foods, to air materials, nothing! Whew! What a relief. I took a picture of his back....

This afternoon I was working on the garden area. We are getting a late start on it, but we have been so busy with life.... anyway; Chris took over for me. I went out to find him and Christopher were working together. These are times that Christopher will one day remember... a special memory of him and his dad....heartwarming.

Christopher is telling me how to do this....

Daddy working hard!

I should have planted my potatoes at the beginning of last month; so don't know if planting them now is going to do any good or not; but I'm gonna give it a try. I've never planted potatoes before, so we'll see what happens! Christopher wants to plant carrots. Ya'll, he hates carrots, but he says he wants to plant them for everyone else. Last year we had like 43 green beans plants..... watermelons, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, .... I can't remember what else....anyway, we are doing new stuff this year. I've never canned anything before, but plan on making it a first this year also. Will keep you posted.

Gotta finish up dinner or my kids will be screaming!

Kayla's Runway Walk

Chris added Kayla's "walk to fame" :) on my video list. You'll have to turn off the music I have playing by scrolling down and pausing. My battery was dying; missed her introduction... but you get the point.

EWomen's Conference Tickets At Early Bird Price!

I have been so tired since returning from Panama City; can't seem to catch up on rest and get going! I still haven't finished unpacking....but did get the dirty laundry washed.

I still have two EWomen's conference tickets for this weekend to sell at the early bird price of $40! They are selling for $60 now and then $80 at the door. If you know of ANYONE that would be interested, please contact me. I also have a friend who has five tickets to sell. If I hadn't been gone all last week/weekend I would be going; I am really just so tired.....plus I have Chicken Pot Pies to make this weekend.....! I am trying to find ways to raise money for Kayla's pictures and traveling expenses; if you have any suggestions, PLEASE let me know! The profit on the pot pies are not all that great; of course, anything is better than nothing! Another reader has a friend who makes cookies; she has offered to make them if I buy the ingredients.... what do you think? Would home-made cookies be a good thing? I used to clean houses; I might call some of my old clients and see if they have stuff I can do to earn extra money.... I just seem to be a dead end for ideas.

OK; much to do today. I appreciate your prayers for Kayla as we take on this new adventure; and your prayers to sell these tickets for EWomen's Conference!

More later.

Random Pics/National Discovery Weekend

Lots and lots of people; this wasn't even half of them!



one of many seminars

us in line:)

Bill Scott with Kayla; scout.



Us



Kayla doing her "thang....."

"Walk this way....talk this way...."

Kayla and I were treated to dinner by some friends at this restaurant. It has four decks (I think) and is over looking the water.

Kayla trying on hats in the gift shop at the ship we ate at:)

" Arg..... "


Sarah Beard with Kayla




"It's a 'cut throat' business!"



aaaaagh, finally.....rest (I had 45 minutes of beach the entire time)

after the call backs..... can you tell she is happy?!

Kayla Has An Agent!

We just received an email from Bobby Duerr. He is the agent out of Atlanta that Kayla and I both really liked. SHE MADE HIS FINAL CUT!! Woohoo! Kayla is bouncing off the walls hysterical ya'll! We will need to return to Panama City in two weeks to have photos taken. We are continuing our fundraisers of selling Chicken Pot Pies/Beef Pot Pies and of course, our chocolate bars! The photos are $395 with a $195 deposit. Ya'll, my prayer through this entire ordeal has been that the Lord would provide; if He did provide, that we would walk through those doors. If He doesn't provide, then we know this was not the avenue for Kayla to walk through. While she and I are both thrilled about this; we both know that "no good thing will be with-held from her." I would appreciate your prayers for us as we continue walking through opened doors. At this point I am trying to find a part time job to work that won't interfere with Kayla's homeschooling and kill us in childcare expenses for Kaitlyn. Again, we would appreciate your continued prayers.

Home

Got home a little before 2:00 today. Cloudy all the way, but did not hit any rain; storms were being called for this afternoon, so thankful we did not get any. Sad I didn't get to go see dad, but will make the trip to see him in T-town soon.

Kayla did GREAT! Have tons of pics, but my kids are getting my time tonight, just trying to update for Mammow to know what happened. Six agencies are interested in Kayla. Four are modeling agencies, one scout and one agent. More info to come in the next few days. Pics will come in the next few days also. We have many decisions to make; where He leads us we will follows.......

Gotta run, Kaitlyn ready to get out of the tub!

Panama City Pictures/National Discovery

These are a little smudged, but you get the point. I'll fix them when I get home..... Lots of classes today; so much for enjoying quiet time by the beach! Will post more later. The pic below is the best of Kayla.... again, will fix when I get home.

Long Day

We arrived in Panama City a little after 2 today; made much better time that I thought we would. Got checked in, rested for a little before checking in at the convention. Hundreds of people were in front of us! I got pics, but am too tired to deal with loading them now. Once she got registered, we were done until 9:00 which is when one of her classes started;
I'm beyond pooped. We didn't get back until 11:30 tonight. I'm turnin' in.

Blows My Mind!

Kayla's dad's child support is taken from his paycheck each week...garnished, and is paid through the State of Florida, supposedly each week. However, while his check is garnished each week, I do not receive the child support weekly. I don't know why, it just happens this way. Last week we didn't receive anything, and we didn't expect it this week either. In fact, while we know we will eventually get it, we don't count on it and if we get it, then it is a blessing. I say all this because when I went to balance our checkbook this morning, there were not one, but TWO direct deposits for child support!!! Woohoo! I don't know why I am so surprised. I have seen and experienced the Lord provide time after time, after time.

Thank you Father, for providing and forgive me for doubting you.

Jehovah-Jireh

Got the strangest phone call today; out of the clear blue a lady called wanting to buy some more pies! She bought some through a friend who bought some through her sister....anyway, her sister-in-law was in Pcola today and could meet me to get some pies! She bought two large pies today ya'll!! What is that scripture, Malachi 3:10, "Bring the full 10 percent into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this way," says the LORD of Hosts. "See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure."

Just want to give praise where praise is due. Got all the laundry done, packed, and ready to go. We'll head out around noon tomorrow.

Will post along the way. Blessings to you.

PRAISE

Headache is easing! Just got a phone call from Kayla's aunt...she forgot to mail the check she was sending to sponsor Kayla; she wired $!00 to our bank account! Hallelujah! Thank you for your prayers!

We are heading out to get the car an oil change. Thank you again for your prayers!

Pain......

I would appreciate your prayers today. I've been up and down throughout the night with a tension migraine. I have too much to do today to have to be dealing with this. Please pray also for our finances... two checks haven't come in we have been "waiting" for. This makes traveling skimpier. I have to take the van for an oil change, tires checked...etc; start packing....meals as ready as possible for Chris and the kids (they are staying home)....oh my head. Please just keep us in our prayers. We leave tomorrow, midday. Return Sunday....don't know time frame. I will update along the way this weekend.

Simple Really IS Better

Saturday, as I mentioned on another post, the kids and I spent time together reflecting on the meaning of Easter. I don't want my kids to think the "Easter Bunny" is it. This year, was very, very basic for the "Easter Bunny." Each child got a chocolate bunny, well, Kayla got pink peeps.... her fav's, chocolate kisses were placed in plastic eggs along with a few nickles, pennies and dimes, M&M's ad some Kit Kat bars. That's it. The eggs we colored were hidden and were quickly stumbled upon.... the kids ate the chocolate and it was OK. We attended a Saturday evening church service at Olive. We had hamburgers and hot dogs, potato salad, deviled eggs, chips and tea for lunch, OH, and the best part was the Gooey Butter Cake mom made.... Oh yum! Clean up was a breeze...paper plates.... I looked at Chris last night and said, "It has been a great, stress free day!" I think it was the best Easter we've had. Now, my goal is to make Christmas just like Easter! Each child will get three gifts, each one reflecting gold, frankincense and myrrh. The gold items is a luxury item, the frankincense is a necessity like clothing items and the myrrh represents something that will give them personal growth in the Lord. With all the gifts the kids kids get from others and little "happy's" along the way, they don't need anything more than that. Of course, they will get "stocking stuffers"..... but in our house, that is usually fun little stuff.

I didn't plan on getting off on that.....

My mom gave me and Chris an "Easter" happy. This beautiful angel to hang on our kitchen wall. Isn't it gorgeous?! I love it! Thank you momma!

We leave Thursday for Panama City. Dateline had a special on last night about modeling schools.... fortunately, we have not paid the amount of money the people on the program had paid, nor is it with the school. Nonetheless, it still ruffled our feathers with fear a little. Pray for us, that we would have wisdom and discernment when walking through doors. Also, PLEASE pray for my husband who will have Christopher and Kaitlyn all by himself for four days. Christopher looked up at me, with those big blue eyes and said, "well who's gonna be our mommy?" No lie. Absolutely has broken my heart. I am praying for a way to take husband and kids with us. I'll have to do a lot of cooking of meals and freeze them, use a microwave at the hotel and stuff like that, but I'm working on figuring out a way to make it happen.

It's pouring down rain, thundering... gotta get off this thing for now.

More later.

HE IS ALIVE!

PRAISE HIM! Because He lives.....I have hope.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbRPWUHM80M

CELEBRATE!

Easter Mountain and Resurrection Rolls

This morning the kids and I ventured into new territory; we made an Easter Mountain and Resurrection Rolls! I had heard of the Resurrection Rolls, but not the Easter Mountain.... both are pretty cool for teaching Jesus at Easter, instead of just the "Easter Bunny."

Easter Mountain

4 cups flour

1.5 cups salt

1.5 cups water

1 TBS. Oil

Mix ingredients and knead. Add small amounts of water as needed until the texture is right.... we didn't know what texture was right....with the 1.5 cups of water, it was so course we couldn't do anything with it; added some more water...probably another 1/4 of a cup, and it was a little too much....

Get two sticks from the yard, bound together with twine or a rubber band...or even pine straw.... make the size of the stick 5 or 6 inches tall; make the cross.

Shape the lump of clay into a mountain. Use a can or small jar for the "cave" opening. We were given one of those miniature clay pots to use....

On the top of the mountain make a deep enough hole for your cross to be able to stand in once the mountain is baked. Because ours was a little runny, when the cooking was half way done, I took a knife and made a whole in stiffer mixture. Our directions say to make the hole a bit larger than the actual stick circumference because the hole will get smaller as the mountain bakes... set cross aside.

Get a rock; we were given a flat pebble rock.....but any size rock will do to fit the size opening you make. Press the rock that will cover the tomb against the opening to shape a better fit. Set stone aside.

Bake at 250 degrees for four to five hours. When cooled, color as desired with paint or markers.

Now, it took our four hours to cook. It's been sitting for two hours and is still warm, so if you attempt this tonight, tell your kids nothing about painting it until tomorrow or they will drive you nuts to want to pain it!!! Lesson learned the hard way:)

Resurrection Rolls

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Give each child a triangle of crescent rolls. The crescent roll represents the cloth in which Jesus was wrapped.

Give each child a marshmallow representing Jesus.

Dip the marshmallow in melted butter representing the oil of embalming.

Dip the buttered marshmallow in cinnamon-sugar representing the spices used to anoint the body.

Then wrap the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll, completely sealing the marshmallow inside. This represents the wrapping of Jesus' body after death.

Bake 10 - 12 minutes in the oven representing the tomb (pretend it's in there 3 days).

When the rolls have cooled slightly, the children can open their rolls (cloth) and discover that Jesus is no longer there.

HE IS RISEN!!

Now, I suggest doing the Resurrection Rolls first.... my kids are 3, 4 and 16. All three kids loved it! My oldest thought it was too "deep" for them; but Christopher got it with no problem and Kaitlyn did too.

We also colored our Easter Eggs this morning.

Olive is having a service tonight and two tomorrow; we are going tonight.

Celebrate Jesus!