Extra, Extra....

December 27th ...look at the snow!!!!

It's crazy to go to bed with the stars shining and wake up to 4 fresh inches on the ground and still coming. I LOVE it!!! I questioned whether I would before we came but I truly love it. It is a different cold than in Cali. So fun!!! We had to drive out in it to get Charley this morning from the kennel and it was amazingly beautiful. Take a look at the video... Yes.. we still ACT like Californians.

Merry Christmas Eve!

It's 5:30pm and I'm sending this little note to all of you who read this. Of Course, I know who reads it and who doesn't...

The kids are baking, playing Tendo, and wishing family were here. We're gonna play a game tonight too; probably Up and Down the River. Thank you Young Family!

We spoke to family and friends today. It's suppose to snow, time will tell. Tomorrow our Fellow Adventurers, the Kurtz's, are coming up to eat a scrumptious meal together. HAHAHAHAH!! All of you know I TRY to cook! They think it taste good so that's all that matters.

Wednesday we are going back to CS to look at more homes. We're getting close. I am anxious to make a decision. So... all is well. We're healthy, together, and have Jesus! What more can we ask for?

Merry Christmas Eve.

Kiss your kids!

The Snow Fort

The girls had a great time finishing the fort in front of the condo. Notice the LACK of clothing. Gloves are good; jacket optional.

December Update

Hi all...

A simple update today to let you know the latest. We are enjoying the snow this winter. :) The kids have been busying themselves with school, reading, and Nintendo. They are out Christmas shopping for Terrell and I as I write. Terrell and I are going to CS this Friday for a day trip to look at more houses. We also are looking for temporary housing in CS so we can get down there and get established. So far everything is VERY expensive. We have a great cooperate condo at a great rate in FC. We have only sent a few Christmas cards to family this year. Know you're loved but we are holding off on a major mailer until we get a new address. To be honest looking for housing has been completely consuming; that and school. We are doing well though. We miss all the family and friends in Cali. I know the kids sure would love good ol' play time with friends. Gabe could use a tough football game or something physical! Charley has done very well. She is a great dog. I am tired of coughing and going stir crazy myself but appreciate the little cleaning that needs to be done here. Good break!

Praise report: The bikes are covered with insurance! Terrell has been caught looking at websites checking out new bikes. I am very happy for him.

Ok... all for today.
Merry Christmas!

Charley at the Park

M&M's..... mmmmm so good.

Terrell bought dark chocolate M&M's for the family. It just isn't Christmas without M&M's! The dilemma: Gabe is an M&M hog!! T had to come up with a solution for this special problem. My sweet husband is the ultimate problem solver. Check out the pictures to see how he resolved this wonderfully, yummy, chocolate dilemma!

House shopping....

So we decided on a realtor and went house hunting this weekend. We saw some weird homes, some too big, and a few that could work with some modifications. We didn't see anything that was PERFECT. Is there such a thing on a budget? The area we are focusing on is Monument. Trees and Mtns everywhere you look. The specific neighborhood is Woodmoor for all you Colorado gurus. Large lots and older homes mostly. Great views. Unfortunately, some work would have to be done on what we've seen. We are trying to think LOOOOONG term now. Can we live here and watch grandchildren toddle around? I just don't want to keep moving. Let someone else do it from now on. (Of course I never know what the Lord has in store but that's my earthly point of view). I have some cute pictures of Kadence here too. Angelina took these while playing with her. How fun it has been to hug and kiss on her each week.

Keep us in your prayers as we navigate this journey... we appreciate it.

Oh, one more request... I can't get rid of this cough. Please pray for God's mercy on my health. I am trying to get better without a doctor. I feel fine; just coughing ALLL the TIMEEEE!!!

All for now.

Tuna Jones signing off.

News: The Landcruiser has Colorado Plates

Today we made another step of residency: Landcruiser Tags. I was quite happy with the cost; so was my husband. Total : $42.00!

Yooo HOOO!!!

Fort Collins or Colorado Springs?

The verdict is in.....

We're moving to the Springs! After looking last weekend and visiting family, there is no turning back. We are heading south. The family is excited about finding a home and getting settled. We are prayerfully waiting and considering. I have done my homework on schools and now we are researching homes. Our favorite place is Monument. The town is very mountainous, full of trails, and close to CS and not far from Denver. But the best part of it all is the Kurtz family! We are excited about being near family and getting in lots of baby fixes with Kadence. I think I may have to go shopping for toys!

Please pray that we are patient and find the right home for our family. We'll keep you posted!!

Landscape of Fort Collins

Snow and more snow!

Winter is here! We are getting 4 more inches today. Come on over and play with us. I'll make the coffee. Snow can be so distracting...all we want to do is play!

Colorado Springs

We went to Co Springs this weekend to visit Robby, Joanna, and Kadence. It was great to see them!!! You just can't replace family. We saw the Christmas program at New Life and attended service Sunday before the shootings. My brother is the lighting director for New Life. We also took a serious look at CS area for our future. We'll keep you posted.

Below is an excerpt from my sister (in-law) about praying for the church.... Please pray during this difficult time.

From Joanna.....

Yesterday afternoon someone opened fire on people coming out of our church worship center. We are so thankful that Robby left the church about 10 minutes before this all happened. So far we know that 1 person was killed and 3 others are in the hospital. The church was on lockdown the rest of the day. The roads were blocked off and the church was surrounded by SWAT team and snipers the rest of the day, and searched thoroughly. The attacker was fatally shot by one of the volunteer security officers at the church. Thank you so much for everyone who called to make sure we are ok - we are fine, just sad and still in shock. Our church has been through so much adversity in the past year. It is full of the most loyal people who have stuck with the church family through thick and thin. Please pray for these precious people and for the families of the victims and the attacker. Also pray for our pastor, Brady Boyd, who is showing his incredible strength in leadership through this situation. He has only been the pastor here for about three months, and already has a huge job in rebuilding the church from the very public fall of its previous pastor a year ago. Just pray for strength for him and his family during this time, and that God would give him everything he needs to lead these people through this time. Pray that through this tragedy, our church would be knit together in Christ and learn to trust Him more. Thank you for your love and prayers.

Posted by Joanna at 10:15 AM 1 comments

Park Play! Snow Play!

Here is another video of us today at the park. Charley surprised me with how much she loves the snow. She ran and ran. You may hear me coughing in the background. So sorry! Can't get rid of it. This was definately a highlight so far. Enjoy the snow!

Look at Charley go!

Charley loves the snow and the kids had a blast at the park today.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

It finally snowed! Wow... the girls ran around all excited this morning when they realized the snow came last night. Charley even got into the excitement. I have to say it feels strange after all the years in California to wake up and see snow outside. My childhood memories of Kentucky came rushing back. My big plan for the winter is to make my children snow creme like my mom made us. Can't wait!

Webkinz!

The girls have really enjoyed Webkinz with their friends. This is Lina playing Webkinz with Haley. She finally had to stop because her hand went numb! Email and chatting have kept the kids in touch with their friends. Thank you to all of you out there who have emailed or signed into Yahoo messenger!

It's official... we're really in Colorado!

So here is the first BIG change for us.

Terrell and Gabe went to the DMV and with the greeeateesst of ease had the trailer tagged and licensed.

Toto, we aren't in California anymore!

" This is for all the oily people "

Okay.. I know the song is lonely but today it's for the OILY people!

This is for all the oily people,
Thinkin' that dry skin has passed then by.
Don't give up until you, move to Col or ado.
Then your skin will surely dry!

It's true! Colorado will dry out your oily skin right away. I have always had the big O but no more. Actually I think I will invest in stock for the lotion companies. I'll definitely being using a lot! So for all you out there looking for a place to dry out your oily pores...come join me!

All for now!
Tuna Jones

Happy Birthday Charley!

Today is Charley's Birthday. She's one year old today. We celebrated with her by getting her a new crate and a new collar. I gave her one green bean..shh. Isn't she cute! Gabe took her up to the dog park today to play.

Hope all is well for all of you!

ps... I'm checkin' the mailbox daily for those Christmas cards!!! I can't wait to hear from all of you.

Family Pictures...Mexico

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

How lovely are thy branches!

We had a great day. First we slept in..mmmm. We had breakfast and left the house to explore the area. We drove in a big circle around the Fort Collins area. We went from Masonville to Wellington . After all was said and done, we came home for a quick break, grabbed Charley and took off again. The kids went to the park to give Charley some exercise and T and I went to Walmart. After dinner we went out again to get a tree. The "Home Depots "of the world had pitiful trees, but the tree lots around town had great ones. We purchased a tree we had not seen in California. Some sorta spruce.

Okay.. here is the fun part of the evening.... we left so much in California that we forgot our tree stand. My sweet husband was determined we were gonna find that stand and cheap! We drove away from the lot and wouldn't you know it, around the corner was a thrift store! Out jumped T, Boo, and Zoomie. After seeing them run around the store a few minutes they appeared again outside. Boo started digging in this rolling bin near the door and out comes this tree stand! SCORE! $2.99...whoo hoo! Then our tree needed a topper..SCORE again! $1.99. Plus we found some cool ornaments. The tree is beautiful!

Today we visited REZ church. http://www.rez.org/ Great service! The Spirit was there and the message perfect. The children's ministry was great for Lina. She wanted to go all by herself. I was very surprised and happy for her. We took some time to drive around Loveland after service.

And now I am cooking a Thanksgiving dinner...want to eat? Come on by!

How about a cup of coffee today?

It's cold, almost 8am our time, I slept on the couch, and I'm drinking my morning cup of Joe.

I could use some company today, unfortunately all of my friends are somewhere else. Speaking on the phone is tough right now because of this silly cough I have. It interrupts me regularly plus my voice is tired.

So, If you happen to be driving by Fort Collins today, stop on in!

Funny thing is, someone tried to walk into our place last night. We didn't lock the door and they were at the wrong town home! Too funny!

ps... it is supposed to snow today! The kids can't wait!

A time of Thanksgiving...and coughing.

So... This cold I have is dragggging me down. I sneeze, blow my nose, cough and have almost no voice. fa la la la la..la la la la. Unfortunately, I don't get rid of them very fast. la la la laaaaaa.

Enough about that! Moving on....

I missed Thanksgiving this year in the traditional sense. We were on the ship for Thanksgiving and there were signs up and a "Thanksgiving Dinner" served but it felt more like well, vacation. I do say it was mighty neat to have so much family around! There were 28 of us in the ship between family and friends.

There is so much to be thankful for. We live in the land of the free and home of the brave. God has blessed us with a beautiful nation. So much opportunity. So many privileges. Let's pray we always will. I personally am so thankful for my life. Remember awhile back when God told me I complained to much and gave me an assignment of being thankful. I'm still living that assignment. Even with this nasty cough, I'm thankful...I'm not in the hospital or dying from some dreadful disease. God is good to me. Through this move and transition in life, I'm thankful. We made it. The kids are happy. We are moving in the forward direction. Will there be challenges? You bet. Are some days gonna drag by? Yes. Can I anticipate tough decisions? absolutely. Don't we always have challenges and tough times? That's how we grow up in Christ and become who God intended us to become. Still, I'm thankful. I know how the story ends.....

Reality Check:

What are you...whiner, complainer? I am sometimes. That's okay as long as you don't camp there. Roll up your sleeping bag and get those hiking boots on. Take a walk into a new place. Ask the Lord for a heart of Thanksgiving. One full of Joy!

"For the JOY of the Lord is my strength!"

Thanks for listening,
Tuna Jones

Where are you Summer?

Hey all friends.....

I sent an email to Summer and it got kicked back to me!!! Please let me know if you are out there somewhere. Did your email change?

Write me!
Tuna Jones

So what's happenin' in Colorado?

Today is Tuesday. We came home from the trip yesterday. I brought a souvenir home... a cold. Oh joy!

We had a great trip and it was great to see all the family together. I have some of the pictures below. Be sure and check them out. This sign cracked us up!

The house is feeling small right now...I wish you could hear the kids. I can't help but to laugh. The quarters are tight tonight..whoo hoo!

We are supposed to start school again tomorrow. It should be interesting.

Enough said.....

Good night to all!

Thanks for listening,

Tuna Jones

Mexico Pictures!!

Mexico! Celebrate!

Mexico.... Cruise

Here are a few photos.....

We met some cousins that are just wonderful! I love the picture of Gabe with BOTH Grandpas!

Even More Photos....

I can only upload a few at a time due to the size... I'll make them smaller next time...

Here are some more photos of Fort Collins Living....

Fort Collins Home

We are unpacked now and repacking! Cruise time!The boxes are empty! YAH! Here are a few photos of our place. The air is very clear here. Crisp too. I don't remember California air being so clean. The kids found an amazing park. It has soccer fields, dog park, baseball diamonds, play area, and roller rink all in one! Beautiful! Not sure where we will settle for the long term yet but we really like the feel of Fort Collins. Small town feel with all the amenities one needs! The trees and neighborhoods remind me of Ky when I was a child. We also like our town home. It is just big enough to move around and small enough to hear everyone. What a concept! As I think of more I'll write again. I know we are still into the honeymoon period...it won't last forever. Thank you to all who have put their chickadees on IM and email. The kids are grateful.

Road Trip or Trip in the Road?

We made it last night into Fort Collins! I am sitting in Starbucks with the kids taking a break to write. Here is a small glimpse of our Adventure to Colorado.....

God has been so good to us. We are blessed to be safe today.

1. We left early Saturday morning and headed out over the Sierras.
2. Landcruisers: all the girls including a sleepy puppy plus a bike rack full of bikes.
3. Burb': Boys only and the over loaded and over weighted trailer.
4. Great weather for driving. We were stoked on how well the trip was going.
5. We were, oh, 30 minutes past Winnemucca, Nv when a tire blew out on the new trailer taking the fender off too. After a repair and then into elko for a new tire we were off again! We had to take it slow from there.
6. Motel 6 here we come! Salt Lake City.
7. After an inspection of the room the girls and I were totally grossed out! Becca and I had bugs in our bed. We DID NOT sleep under the sheets that night. I took a shower with flip flops on in the morning! So glad to get out of there.
8. Stopped in and amazing little town called Jeremy Ranch Utah...look it up... for Starbucks. Beautiful!!!
9. The road was clear and the drivers respectable. Good driving!
10. Wyoming: Outside of Rawlins a bad, bad thing happen.... the bike rack broke and off went the bikes! I was praying there wouldn't be a major accident. The cars and trucks avoided the bikes and no one got hurt. Terrell and Gabe ran to get the bikes and evaluate the damage. T's bikes are trashed. Gabe's too. My gears and handle bars drug along the ground. We have some replacements to do.
11. After making some adjustments and getting the "bikes" in the trailer and truck, we were off again.
12. We made it into FC last night and took the kids to dinner.ahhh!
13. Motel 6...again.... this time it was very clean. YAH!

Now we are in FC and it reminds me of Ky when I was a child. Wonderful!

I'll down load some pictures soon.

Tuna Jones

Ahhh... We did it!

School that is.

It is the toughest thing to do school and move. The kids really got a hold of it today and did it! Yah!! Gabe is reeling trying to figure out what school is for him now. I'll keep you posted on what that means for us. The girls are working hard and trying , really trying today.

We decided to take Charley with us on the trip to Co. At first we weren't so sure but now we are. I am hopeful it won't take too long to secure a house, God willing. Until that time we will be walking her lots since the place we are staying has no yard.

We are enjoying our visit with our friends the L's this week. We are trying not to become "Lazerus" to any one family. :)

Tonight we have one final good bye..Water polo. The banquet is tonight and it should be a good time for Gabe.

Pray for our trip this weekend. It'll be a long drive. I am a little nervous about the time in the car. God is good and always comes through. I appreciate the prayers.

Our New and Revised Schedule

So... here is the latest schedule for our family.

Monday-Friday : November 5th-9th California
Saturday: Off to Colorado we go. We'll not make it the whole way on Saturday. We're thinking of stopping in SLC, Utah.
Sunday: Fort Collins
Monday: November 10th we get to unpack in our townhouse.
Friday: November 17th we are flying back to San Diego to get on ship with 25 other family members.
Saturday: November 24th we disembark from a great family week. I hope I have a tan!
Monday: November 26th we fly back to Colorado to continue our adventure and settle in.

We have yet to decide where we will permanently land. We have a state picked out, the next step is picking out a city. God is directing each step of the way. Our children are doing very well considering our homeless state. I beleive He will continue to show us where to go. Stay tuned!

Friends are so sweet....

Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them.....Micheal W. Smith

We are so blessed with friends!

Friday Night was game night at the Smith's. We used to be a part of this monthly dinner in years past. Friday was our last time to join in and also say good-bye. My dear friend A cooks so well and definitely has the Gift of Hospitality. We felt so loved! We received an amazing gift from our homeschool network too. We also had some sweet conversation with all who were there. On Saturday we had soccer and more soccer. Becca's team threw her a going away party. They signed a ball and gave her some balloons! What great friends. Another dear friend, M, made us lunch today...including cake! We have friends allowing us to leave stuff in their garage and friends allowing us to sleep in their house. We have friends sending us words of encouragement and friends cooking for us! So many wonderful friends loving on our family. Our family is so blessed. Thank you Lord for friends.

Where are we today?

The week has been full of changes.

Gabe had a final water polo game on Wednesday. Becca had her good-byes at the ranch that taught her all she knows about horses for the last 7 years. We ate out wayyy too much. T and I celebrated our 18th anniversary. First one being homeless. Last harvest party at church. Hardly any school accomplished. Gabe finished up at RHS. Fun dinners with friends and chats with girl friends. let's see... we now own a trailer...almost. it will deliver our belongings to Co via the 'Burb and then transport dirt bikes. Charley LOVES the V family and Canada(the dog). She will hate leaving. We are all teary eyed when we reflect too much. So many directions, so little time! Our time frame to leave is one week and counting.

Thanks for listening,
Tuna Jones

Friday here...but Sunday's a comin'

We had some great help today from a friend of Terrell's at work. Gabe had half day of school so between Terrell, Gabe and Mike, a lot was accomplished. We are making great strides to be out by tomorrow. We have until Sunday at 4pm but we'd really like to see it happen by tomorrow night. Another great friend loaned us his trailer to use...thank you Bob! TG took my girls to class today. YAH! Lots of people coming together to make this happen. Through it all I still haven't let it sink in that in oh...two weeks, I'll no longer live in California. Weird thought as of now. I believe it will good. I read a devotion this morning by Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest. I thought I'd share it with you tonight as a word of encouragement.

"My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36
The great enemy to the Lord Jesus Christ in the present day is the conception of practical work that has not come from the New Testament, but from the Systems of the world in which endless energy and activities are insisted upon, but no private life with God. The emphasis is put on the wrong thing. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation, for lo the kingdom of God is within you," a hidden, obscure thing. An active Christian worker too often lives in the shop window. It is the innermost of the innermost that reveals the power of the life.
We have to get rid of the plague of the spirit of the religious age in which we live. In Our Lord's life there was none of the press and rush of tremendous activity that we regard so highly, and the disciple is to be as His Master. The central thing about the kingdom of Jesus Christ is a personal relationship to Himself, not public usefulness to men.
It is not its practical activities that are the strength of this Bible Training College, its whole strength lies in the fact that here you are put into soak before God. You have no idea of where God is going to engineer your circumstances, no knowledge of what strain is going to be put on you either at home or abroad, and if you waste your time in over-active energies instead of getting into soak on the great fundamental truths of God's Redemption, you will snap when the strain comes; but if this time of soaking before God is being spent in getting rooted and grounded in God on the unpractical line, you will remain true to Him what ever happens.

I read this today and realized that the quiet we will have in Colorado will be good. Time to soak before God. I can easily be involved in "over-active energies". I'm looking forward to discovering more of God.

Thanks for Listening,
Tuna Jones

Tuesday... the day to sign

Rain, Rain, Rain. It was definitely more wet than I thought it was going to be today. Nice change, if i do say.
We accomplished more packing today. There sure is alot of stuff after 18 years of marriage and 4 kids! The rocker recliner went to a new home today too. I LOVED that rocker but it was time to depart with it. We signed the papers today and so did the BUYERS! Woo Hoo! On to the new adventure.

Monday, Monday...so good to me....

So today was a productive day. The future owners came through with the painter to look over the house and plan where to paint. We packed some more, cleaned none, ran errands, and ate what we could find. My sweet sister in law is here with the baby! So cute! Charley thinks shes a toy. So here is the plan as of today...emphasis today.

1. Move out by Sunday.
2. Put all of our belongings in a storage unit here in California.
3. Live out of a suitcase until ? that part isn't so secure yet.
4. Go to Colorado.
5. Go to Cruise ( by the way... that's BACK in California!)
6. Go to Colorado.
7. Live in Fort Collins for awhile.
8. Live in Co Springs for awhile.
9. Decide where to live.
10. Buy a home, unpack, get settled.
11. Find a church and get plugged in!

So... we are up and runnin'. Pray for energy, patience, and the love of Christ in each moment. Each of us is processing the move differently. Some tears, some excitement, some frustration. We know the Lord is in the move. We are doing our best to keep our eyes on Him and rely on His daily guidance.

Sunday is moving day!

I'm tired. We haven't stopped and there are so many details yet to be worked out. We are almost ready. I'll let you know more tomorrow.

Thanks!
Tina

Wednesday Smiles

Today was another day of busyness. I ran the kids places and made some more phone calls and finally packed. The girls tackled more of the upstairs while I tackled the kitchen. My dear friend Krissy and her daughter shared the burden! Thank you Krissy! It was also a day of research. I feel like I belong in a Think Tank. I am in front of this PC researching things all the time... houses, schools, court house hours, grades, ect..... My house is a mess! To be expected but it's just grossing me out!

OK, so here are my smiles for the day:

1. TG made an adorable keepsake album for Lina.
2. My husband and his sweet words. He had some Ah Ha's today!
3. The field on the way out to the ranch. It was glistening in the sun today from the rain.
4. Chocolate! Terrell brought some home today. MMMM!

I am off to vacuum. VRROOM! VRROOM!

Thanks for Listening,
Tuna Jones

May God grant His peace tonight to you.

Busy Tuesday

Today was busy... we are either on the phone, running errands, doing school, or talking about plans. All is moving along nicely. We secured some housing in Colorado and now we are searching how to move. Do we go with POD or UPACK? We aren't sure just yet. I am also realizing there are a lot of loose ends to tie up. I went to the ortho today for Boo. Finding a new ortho in Colorado; another task at hand. I have been summoned for Jury Duty WHEN I'M GONE! Gotta write a letter to them. On and On and On.... Busy! Busy!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

I wrote this Reality Check back in the spring...It seemed apropos for the season I am in now. We have been making so many choices lately. I pray this speaks to your heart. May God bring enlightenment to your heart where decisions need to be made.

**********************************************************************************

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions. We have decisions to make everyday. Some are big and others are small. Some decisions affect just you and some affect those around you.

Let’s go through a few:

Hmm, should I eat a bowl of cereal or have those hot, syrupy pancakes this morning?
Should I have that other cup of coffee or switch to water?
Should I wash the clothes or hope everybody has clean underwear?
Should I walk to the store or jump in the car and help gas prices go up some more?
Should my kids have any extra-curricular activities or do I want a life? (Just kidding!! NOT!)
Do I really have to speak kindly today or can I just let everybody have it that comes in my path?
Do I want to buy a new car or keep what I have?
Do I stay in my job or look for a new one?
Do I serve me or do I serve others?
Better yet… Do I serve the Lord or do I serve me?

See how the questions are getting bigger? Some of these would affect me and others would affect my whole family and sometimes even people I don’t know.

Our family has a motto: Romans 12:10. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” We picked this scripture along time ago and the funny thing is that we kept tellin’ the kids, “It’s not about you!” way before Rick Warren made it popular.

Okay, I hear you sayin’ it, “The plane is a circle’n. Bring her in for a landing.” Ok,ok.

What does all this have to do with decisions?

Just this..Think before you act. Think before you speak. Think before you make a decision that is going to affect you and everyone else around you.

Have you ever asked this question… how will this decision affect my GRANDchildren? Yah, you heard me, GRANDchildren! I know you don’t have them yet, well at least some of you don’t!

I want my life to be a legacy that my kids can talk about. I want Jesus to be so much in me, through me, and with me that my children speak major kudos to their children about me.(Go Mom, go mom, go Mom!) I want the decisions Terrell and I make have an impact on our grandchildren and their children. I want to honor one another above myself. BUT IT IS SOOO HARD!!! I know. I know!! You’re preachin’ to the choir here.

To live is Christ and to die is gain.

To die to myself (that’s a tough one), to die to the world (sometimes harder). Everyday? Yes, everyday. Only through Christ can this happen. Him and Him alone. Apart from Christ it just can’t happen.

Reality Check:

What decision did you make today? Did it honor the Lord? What decisions are you putting off? Is it too tough to make? Does it impact others around you?
It’s between you and Jesus. Make it count.

Thanks for listening,
Tuna Jones

When did you say we were moving?

So.... We are moving. Question is when. We are looking at different housing options right now. Charley Girl is a BIG factor in housing. We found some executive housing that is move-in ready. I vote for this! Our other option is for a small house. Either way we are packing up and storing some stuff until we find a home. We can't quite decide when we will leave California. We really want time to finish up a few things here and say goodbye. We have a family trip the week of Thanksgiving that has been planned for a year. This is also making the transition interesting. I'll come back with a tan but come back where? :) California or Colorado? AGHHH!! So many decision to make right now. We see God's hand in all we are doing and praying for His guidance the rest of the way. My brother's sweet family is moving from Texas by December as well. My other family members are not there yet, though I hold out faith that all will one day be together again!

Here is a list of praises for the day:

1. Boxes! We found many, many boxes in one location!
2. Health! We are all well.
3. Attitudes! We are not grumpy....all the time.
4. Weather! WOW! What a great fall we are having. Easy for packing and playing.
5. Friends! So many great friends loving on us right now.
6. My Amazing husband. Tim the Tool Man has nothing on Terrell. He has been Mr. Fix it, Mr. Find it, and Mr. Research. We are making a great team.
7. My Children. God has blessed them with an adventurous heart and they are flexible. Of course we have had tears of sadness but they are grabbing hold of the vision.

Prayer Request:

1. God's timing on the move to Colorado.
2. Housing. We want it to be the right place.
3. School. Pray the kids will make up the difference quickly and that I can find curriculum for Gabe.
4. Sustained strength.
5. Pray the Holy Spirit is in all we say and do right now.

This adventure we are on is so much bigger than we can see. God's plans are great and we hold onto His vision for us. I'll share more of this later on....

Thanks for Listening,
Tuna Jones

Moving Timeline

well.. moving is happening and faster than we thought....

The house closes by mid October and we will leave for Colorado by Halloween. We're renting for awhile and then finding a permanent place to lay our heads. Pray for us as we tread new territory. Lots ahead of us and little time to do it all!

Homeschooling and Moving?

So... homeschooling 3 girls, encouraging 1 boy, and moving...hmmm.. is this at all possible. Let's see, Angelina finished science, history, and math today. Becca and Boo finished what? I hoped you would know 'cuz I ain't got a clue! Lucky for me they didn't need me except to copy off a math test. I on the other hand talked with a pest man,talked with an old friend, talked to my sister- in-law, talked to my in-laws, talked to my mom on the way to the park, talked to the girls in the Bible study I facilitate, talked to my sister, talked to my kids, talked with our realtor,talked to the neighbors, talked with my sweet husband, and now I'm talking to you! I think all I did today is TALK! Is that possible? I did accomplsih some other menail task while talking:laundry, finances, copied papers for realtor, picked up Gabe, cleaned the kitchen, pet the dog...you get the picture. Today very little school happen, mostly life happened.

I'm gearing up for lots of LIFE happening over the course of a few weeks. I think Lina will have to learn by osmosis. I believe I can stay focused enough for the basics but the big stuff like learning her spelling words and getting ready for a vocab test is just gonna have to wait. Webkinz has become "learning"! "Sure honey, take the quiz...maybe you'll learn something." I think I'll become an unschooler. Can I do that? Sounds good just for a while, doesn't it? Maybe I'll be a carschooler or packinschooler. Oh, oh... how about a onthephonedoingbusinessschooler! That's sounds impressive. Nice big title. I like that one.

School and moving...it's beginning to feel like oil and water.

Thanks for Listening...
Tuna Jones

What's in a Name?

I sure am glad God doesn't have as hard a time writing our names in the book of life as I do trying to switch over my address book. It has taken me 15 minutes to figure out how to send a Reality Check with my new email system. I still haven't perfected this new address book. I may have to sit and type each name all over again into my new book. Which leads me to what I spoke of earlier. God's great"address" book. Yah, I know address isn't in the Bible. I just thought it appropriate given the subject and all. So.. do you think He had a computer before any of us? Maybe He does it the old fashion way, pen and paper. Maybe He thinks it and it appears. I don't know. I do think we will see that great book someday as we stand before Him. I also know there is only one way to have your name written in His book of Life. Through the saving grace of Jesus and him alone. God's system hasn't and won't change no matter how much we do. He is the immovable Rock that keeps order in our world. He still has absolutes in a time when absolutes seem hard to find. I gave my life to Jesus along time ago. I know the day my name was written in the Book of Life. So, when the world becomes chaotic and full of disorder I remember that day. I won't always be here. This craziness and mayhem will cease when God calls. I'm trying and sometimes badly failing to make it in this world. I have days I say to Jesus," Can't you just come back now?" But for now I'm still a pilgrim on a journey like many of you. I can't wait to see Jesus and hear the trumpet sound. I'll be jumping for Joy! Let me tell you. My prayer this morning is that you can say the same .

Can you remember when you gave your life to Jesus? If so, mark the day on your calendar. Celebrate life!
If not, it is never too late.

Thanks for Listening...
Tuna Jones

It's a New Day

It's a new day. Many of you know that Reality Check has been something I strived to do for a long time.

Now that we are on a journey as a family to start something new...I figured well, why not. Start a blog. I will post here as I can on what we are doing and where we are going. I will also give you Reality Check that will encourage you or make you laugh. I am sure there will be some humor along the way! check back regularly.

Tuna Jones