Blog Fast, Sabbatical, Call it what you Want

Time for a break. Fasting is good. I'll be back. You know how to get ahold of me if you want.... Ta Ta for Now. Keep Praying.

Saint's Coffee

Well for goodness sakes I found a way to help orphans and enjoy an good cup of Joe.

Many of you know and for those who don't... T and I have a heart for children. I always cry when missionaries come and share about kids, I always look for ways to help orphans around the world. Operation Christmas Child is soon. Compassion International is amazing. There are many ways to get involved and reach beyond yourself.

So adopting isn't always the answer but you want to help right? You feel the tug to be a part of something bigger.

I found Children's HopeChest through a book I read this year. Tom Davis has a heart for orphans. When you purchase coffee through Saint's you help feed children too. How cool is that?!

Saint’s Coffee is a small-batch, micro-roaster offering specialty blends and unique varietals of 100% Fair Trade Certified™ and organic coffees. But beyond being the freshest, finest, and fairest of them all—Saint’s Coffee is transforming the lives of orphaned children by investing over 1/3rd of net profits from every sale into organizations helping children.

I am so excited that we can help out in a new and refreshing way. Don't take my word for it.. check them out yourself. Either click on the icon in the upper right hand corner or go to their website at www.saintscoffee.com . Now I know most of you are coffee drinkers. Go ahead, check 'em out.

Office View

Terrell sent this email to me a minute ago. I had to share it. His office is in the middle of Colorado Springs. A very pretty area but busy none the less. We on the other hand live in the mountains out of town and I have not seen one deer. We see fox and squirrel but no deer. I guess this is their friendly reminder there's more to life than work.

From Terrell: This is one of 4 local critters parked outside the window next to my desk right now…

Order or Chaos?

I watched Suze Orman on Oprah yesterday. Very good report on where we are with this whole American fiscal mess. And a mess it is.

Suze said something interesting.

"If you have messy cabinets, you have messy finances. If your cabinets are generally clean so is your finances."

I began to wonder..is there a correlation? I like order not chaos but I do have cabinets that are out of order. I don't organize the pantry all the time. Actually messes overwhelm me so I tend to close the door. We also care greatly about our finances. They overwhelm me too. More conversations about that than anything these days.

What do you think? Pipe in..I'm curious. Feel free to leave an anonymous note if it's too personal.

Expressively Cakes...just for me!

I went over to have some coffee for the VERY 1st time to a friend's house since I moved to Colorado. Is that a run on sentence? Sounds like it. Hmmm. I know, you're shaking your head in disbelief but it's true. It was refreshing. Kinda felt like a guilty pleasure. She has a great, yummy, oh so delicious, cake business (for all ya'll Colorado folks) and I was surprised with this cake today!

I finished it ALL. BY. MYSELF. It was of those "need to eat chocolate afternoon"

Thank you Dee Dee, my new Colorado Friend. :)

I'm 41 today...

Today was my 41st birthday. Oh my sister is 44 today. Be sure and click over and wish her a Happy B'day for too! I always loved sharing a birthday. Can't wait to actually have one together again some day. Happy Birthday Reginia. I got so00 many cards and emails and phone calls today. You guys are great! Thank you for making such an effort for me.

My sweet sister-in friend. (I hate sister-in-law) made me a great dinner and cake tonight. I was so blessed to be able to just show up and eat.Yah me. Thank you Joanna for the scumpious dinner. Even Gabe, my anti-pasta boy, ate seconds!!! This is my first birthday with my brother in years. How long.. couldn't tell you..long time. Not sure he was gonna make it home tonight but he did! Thank you Robby. So.. 41 is good. God is good. He has been so true to me every step of the way. I am truly blessed. And that's not a cliche. I really mean it.

These beautiful flowers are from my sweet husband.


Who knows what were discussing... My birthday cook and I. So glad she's here!!!!

I love my family. Baby Keaton is growing so quickly.
Joanna made this delicious meal and amazing cake. YUMMY! Chocolate!!!
We missed seeing the kids. Kadence was so happy to see Cousins tonight.
I wish you could hear her say Uncle Rell. Too Cute.
Is it this? No.. getting warmer..

So when we were leaving I asked T if he remembered my perfume (that's all I wanted for my B'day this year)... No, sweet man..BUT he said we were gonna play hot and cold for another surprise at home. The kids and he bought me my very own Milano cookies. Great with coffee! Ok another story..a little of track here. We're terrible at cards. Just terrible. We decided not to get 'em anymore cause it just wasn't worth it. Well, Terrell remembered this time but forgot to sign it so I had him read it to me out loud and tomorrow..it's going back to the store. LOL. It's the thought that counts.

Sunday...Fall, Football, Books, Games, Food..and Coughing!

Fall is in the air. The leaves are starting to turn and fall, I'm in long sleeves more than short, and I soak in the tub every night. Yep, Fall has arrived. Our September has been glorious. Perfect weather really.

Of course with Fall comes Bronco games. I love supporting the home team even more now that we live here. T has always been a fan and tivos all the games. We can only support them via our living room couch! Good thing it's comfy. Maybe next year we can get tickets in the BIG house.

I have my annual cough. It came early this year followed by a cold virus thingy I had. I am NOT happy about it. It is getting in the way of a good workout and life. I did exercise twice this week and fought through it but left feeling irritated by it. Nauseous more like it. I started on Claritin and various other drugs and herbs. I am praying for a quick recovery. I don't want this to last THREE months again. Note the hot tea.

Gabe ventured out at midnight the other night to get the third of the Eldest trilogy. He reads it every waking moment he isn't working or doing something. Almost finished..

The older three kiddos started with all their Bible studies this week. Lina has Awana now too.
4 nights. 4 kids. Busy.

T and I still love each other! Our anniversary of 19 years is next month. WOW!

Life is good. Happy Sunday.

And So She Sits

Sweet Charley Girl...

Waiting for the kids.. gaurding the house.

ps. Ya'll are no help so far on ideas for my pitiful basement.. come on..COMMENT!!!

HGTV Help My Basement!

My basement needs help. We have an awesome space that is crying out for color and style. Every time I walk down there I walk right back up and close the door. So sad.

Here's the dilemma.. HGTV won't come visit me. Nope, they sure won't. I went online to submit my poor basement as a project and sure enough they only reach as far as Hollywood. How sad is that? So..It's up to me to come up with a plan. Well, me and the family. Next problem..A vision and some spare change. I want this space to be "Fun Central" with very little layout from our pocketbook.

So here's what I'm thinking:

Americana Theme. Notice the period. This is a done deal. I have always wanted something in my house red, white and blue.

Bookshelves or built ins?

Foosball, Pool Table, Both?

Jute Box?

Pub table?

What else?

See the couches. We have a projector and keep them like that for optimum viewing. We really like it actually. So how do I separate the room space or do I?

Ok.. your turn. I no or very little artistic ability. Seriously. Ask anyone and everyone. Show them these sad photos. Help me come up with a plan! We are opening up this space to teenagers and friends. I need to make this happen soon.

As Kyra says on The Closer (our favorite summertime drama)...Thank, Thank you very much.

Old Navy ...What happen?

Hi all...

I went to Old Navy yesterday to buy my fall long sleeve shirts. Wayyy disappointed. They are so thin you can see your hand through them. Poor quality this year. I actually wrote their customer service headquarters. I buy those shirts EVERY year. I was so shocked. And sad. Now where do I go to find my modest long sleeve knits?!!!!

Happy Birthday Elizabeth!

Boo is 14 today. She is a beautiful young women and an amazing daughter. She is full of laughter, song, and life. I'm so glad she's mine. I love you Boo.

It's a Girl Thang!

Friday Night Family Night was for girls only. The men of the house went off to a retreat with the church this weekend so we thought it only appropriate to have some girly fun. After a Ma-va-lous dinner we jammed to some oldies (funk). Then came facials, soaked our feet, painted toes and fingers, ate chocolate of course and the closest thing to Bon Bons...Dibs. And we watched a girly flick.... with a little fast forwarding on mom's part. Right before bed we took Charley Girl out and look..do you see the picture... The girls saw their breath!

Yesterday was a BIG day for Becca. She got her permit!!!! In Colorado, you can do an on-line program and then have your parents teach you to drive. Saves money. So.. my sweet daughter has doddled with the on-line program but finally finished yesterday. Yah!! So off to the DMV we went. She passed her permit test and then we waited..and waited..and waited. Ok, this DMV was a little busy. Patience comes along with most DMV visits. I wanted to start the wave or a sing-a-long. The girls poo pooed this idea. Something about places with lots of people that makes me want to do that. Hmm. After two hours we left with smiles on our face and a permit in hand. That evening T took her out for her first real drive. On 9/11/09 Becca will have her license. Yep. One year of waiting here. Can't wait!

AARP?

I'm 40, almost 41. Not 50!

Why did I get this in the mail today? This is 10 years too soon. Looks like my membership kit is soon to follow. Who's up for dinner? I can get the senior citizen discount!

Angelina's 1st Day of School!

This morning is a new beginning for my baby. She was so excitedly nervous. How's that for the use of adjectives and adverbs! She looked adorable, had her lunch all packed and was off. I can't wait to hear about all she did today. I am very pleased with the choice of curriculum they use. She has art and music weekly, spanish, computors, and of course the three R's every day. There is so much parent involvement too. This year has allowed for so many new adventures for our family. This being another BIG one.

Friday Night Family Night..Pirates!

Friday night family night was a regular thing in our home since the kids were younger. We'd eat pizza every Friday, watch a movie or play games together. They loved, we loved it. Since we've moved here we've gotten out of the habit. So..with a little inspiration from her and her.. I'm at it again. Here's the sad part...Gabe didn't participate! He went to a football game. I guess that's what happens when kids grow up. I didn't give the boy enough notice and well, he is 17.

Pirate Night was the theme this week. I searched for the Game of Life (the Pirate version) with no luck. I did find a cool Pirate recipe for pork chops and we made Kettle Corn for desert..with MnM's. We did a treasure hunt and then watched the first Pirates movie. I DO NOT like movie 2 or 3. Too dark. We had a great time with the girls. Next week... ooh. I'm not gonna say. Come back and check yourself!

Sleeping in...

Oh the glories of good rest. Today Terrell had an early meeting so when the alarm went off at 6:30 am I turned right back over! He took Boo to school for me and gave me some much needed sleep. I am still not used to the schedule after 3 weeks. It all gets changed up a little more next week when Lina starts school too. Shoo.

Today, I'm rested. Yah.

Brrrr...

It's mighty chilly outside this morning! Fall is in the air. I love the fall. Apples, pumpkins, my anniversary, birthday and warm bread. I have my Laura Ingalls Wilders gown out and socks on my feet. I'm making stew today and looking out for the sun by afternoon. Time to do inside projects.

How's your weather?

Ta Daaaa! It is Officially Finished!

Check it out... Terrell worked so crazy hard on this amazing playhouse. The girls and Gabe were there along the 1 month trek to completion. Tonight we had our ribbon cutting ceremony with the Kurtz's. We know Kadence and Keaton will get as many hours of use from this as Lina! I am so jazzed to see my girls drag stuff outside to hide away. How cool is this!!! Thank you my sweet man for doing this for our baby.