Tuesday, September 30, 2008

"fun thing"

You'll have to "go with me" here to really understand what I am meaning...

Jackson went with my mom to go see Veggie Tales Live on Sunday. He was very excited, she was very excited. It went well and they had fun. He talked about who he saw and how much fun he had, etc. etc.

Creighton didn't get to go.

The time we (Jeff and I) had with her was also very valuable and memorable and fun (in my opinion). I really doubt she understood that she was in fact "missing out" but I kind of felt bad for her, so we bought her a present at Walmart. It is a silly (albeit cute) little princess chair and she loves it and sits in it for (surprisingly) long periods of time. (turns out to be a really great purchase....)

Anyway, where I am going with this all...and it could lead to a million roads...but one in particular has been on my mind. This is where you'll have to be creative with me to get DOWN on my level of thinking here :)

There has been much fuss over the new chair. Fighting and arguing and jealously, and lots of chaos. Though explanation after explanation as to why Jackson got the show and Creighton got the chair, he just doesn't get it. (and really, why would he? I am being realistic as to his comprehension of the subject matter--although that is entirely a different subject matter)

It made me think that his "fun thing" was just something that happened and went away, not forgotten but can't really do anything with it now, just a memory. Creighton's "fun thing" is HERE, for them it is forever. She can play with it, touch it, use it, etc.

Reminded me to store up my treasures in heaven. To have my dearest "possessions" to be the things that will last forever, and not be taken by time, by earth, that can't be destroyed. Things that will matter. Things that aren't just merely gone in seconds time. Things that will be around. For eternity.

(disclaimer: i have not lost my mind. i do know that silly princess chair isn't going to heaven with her, although, jackson and creighton might disagree at the moment ;). that is why you had to stretch yourself to come down to my level of thinking for the moment. God uses really weird things in my world, because i am just me, and He knows i'll get it :))

I am not certain any of that made sense, but that is okay...I got the message, just not always good at relaying it, sorry.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

This might just be my favorite post of all time!

We had a fun day at the Duck Pond on Friday. I was a little camera happy and took over 100 pictures. Here are just some of my most favorites. I really do enjoy my subjects. Creighton was being so sweet and cute this day. I have a few good ones of Jackson, but he was WAY more concerned with the sticks and rocks than looking at me. I have a lot of the back of his head ;) But, oh did I ever get some sweet ones...just look!
throwing rocks
so precious

partial smile. his full smile might just be too much for the camera :)

my sweet girl

serious. concentration

yeah!

awesome

she's my little diva. she loves to dance and sing and does so all the time

just adore this picture. they look so serious...but I LOVE IT

so cute

hanging on the trees


This was the group that went to see Rascal Flatts! Had to share :)


Friday, September 26, 2008

The Concert

The Rascal Flatts concert was a ton of fun! I really enjoyed it and myself and my 3 friends that came along with me. I really do enjoy their music--a whole lot! They are great and so talented. However, a few things struck me while I was there, that kind of hit me out of nowhere.

It got me excited for heaven.

We were in a sold out arena with probably about 10,000 people *much a guesstimate* and it was pretty awesome when we all sang together. I thought how cool it will be to be in heaven and sing to our awesome God with all our hearts a song worthy of His praises and a song where I will know all the words, and so will everyone else, and it won't ever get old. We can sing and dance and get excited and worship and praise--Someone worthy of it! Someone I do adore and admire and worship. Not some silly boys from Oklahoma who are no doubt gifted in the area of music, but not worthy of worship, as MANY were inclined to do tonight. Can you imagine everyone in heaven singing? I got a small glimpse tonight of how that sounds and the adrenaline and the rush and the excitement. I know it won't measure anything like it, but I was glad that was where my heart and head were, even amid the chaos and very worldy things...

You know what else?

God won't need an encore to come back out, He'll never leave. It won't ever stop. The party will continue without ceasing...that is awesome. In the words of Rascal Flatts, "take me there"!

I did have fun. I had a blast. But my eyes and my heart are just okay with being set on things above...

Oh yea, we had dinner at my favorite restaurant in the world: Shogun. It was fantabulous! I love that place. I requested Paul (the best guy there) and we actually got him as our chef. That was a great start to a great evening.

Ps. People watching is very entertaining in a scene like that. I mean really...really...really entertaining :)

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Medicine and Music = Marvelous

Things are looking up in some areas: I got sick. :) I mean it though. Because I got sick I decided to take Nyquil. And I slept for like 5 WHOLE hours, UN-interrupted! It was a beautiful thing. And, then I took it again the next night and I slept for about 4 hours, then had to take care of kids and then about another 3. My headaches are getting better...lingering around a little bit, but I'll take it.

Oh yea, and also, I have this really fun and exciting trip to Tulsa with 3 friends planned for tomorrow...to see Rascal Flatts. (birthday/christmas present) That does a whole lot of good for my soul :)

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Who Am I?

Just thought I'd share. I guessed wrong, and maybe you will too, unless you've seen it. However, makes you think!

Who Am I?

I am under 45 years old,

I love the outdoors,

I hunt,

I am a Republican reformer,

I have taken on the Republican Party establishment,

I have many children,

I have a spot on the national ticket as vice president with less than two years in the governor's office.


Did you guess?




((Scroll down for answer))









I am Teddy Roosevelt in 1900


Saturday, September 20, 2008

a 360

Even though I didn't get sleep last night, and here it is 11:30 and I am still awake, I am doing much better.

My mom is great and she came up this afternoon and helped me clean my house. Let's just say my kitchen was SO dirty she was in there for over 2 hours alone. But, it's clean and looks stunning and awesome! I love it!

I was so overwhelmed, I didn't know where to even begin. I made lots of small strides on my own, but once she came, it all just happened and now I have a clean home. I also went to Walmart and so that is another thing off my list. I made money today at the volleyball thing which paid EXACTLY for my new running shoes I just bought (that I was stressed about spending so much on). I worked on our bills, budget and all that depressing stuff and got it out of the way (at least the admin. side of it). I got all the kids clothes organized and put away and the only dirty laundry is the stuff I just took off, whew...that was about 10 loads! :)

So, its been a busy and productive day and maybe that is what I needed to get my spirits up. I also spent some time with the Word and memorizing and praying. That obviously helps a ton too. Just when I didn't think I could take one more day, God pulled through. Again, my circumstances haven't changed, just my outlook and my attitude.

...just in time for my family to pull in the driveway :) I've missed them...goodnight

Humpf!

Psalm 127:2 "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. "

Starting to wonder here...I know God loves me, but why then, will he not grant me sleep? Even when there is no one and nothing else in the house to make it not happen, and even with insomnia pills, for crying out loud!

I went to bed at 10p last night, after spending some time in the word/bible study/prayer, and yet I saw the clock at 2, 4, 6, 6:30, 7:20, 8 and finally just got up. I just don't get it. Why?

I want to scream, but I can't because my head hurts too bad. I am a bit peeved. Humpf!

And now I have to go blow a whistle for 3 hours, reffing 3 volleyball matches. Ugh. I thought I'd get a really great night's sleep and it would be fine, but I am thinking I wish I would have just said no. Oh well.

Good news is I get paid I guess! ;)

Friday, September 19, 2008

In the dumps...

I just commented on Dalene's post Seaworthy and decided I'd blog finally on my own about it.

I am just in the dumps. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. Mentally. Every "-lly" there is right now. I hate it.

You know I KNOW not to write that things are going just peachy, because then they will certainly not remain that way, but I did. And they didn't.

To say I am barely hanging on is an understatement. I don't really know what I am holding on to, or how, but I find that I am still able to breathe, even on the days I wish I wasn't, or feel incapable to do so. Somehow I am still functioning on the outside. At least enough for most to not notice that something is very wrong on the inside.

I've been to the doctor. She said my blood work is all normal. But my headaches are of some concern (22 days straight with no let up and no amount of Tylenol or Motrin even touches it). So, if I can find the money to have a CAT scan then that is the next step. I've had a massage to see if that would help. I have tried spending money, but that only made it worse. I've tried exercise, and that almost makes it worse. I've tried loving, no help. I've tried bitterness and rage and short temper, and of course that sent me back a few hundred steps in healing anything. I am just in the dumps and don't have a "pic-axe and rope" to save my life.

My sweet hubby took the kids to Enid today and won't be back till Saturday night or Sunday morning. Maybe, just maybe, this will allow me some rest (which was my diagnosis by the way: Sleep Deprivation) and get my house in order (also causing much distress in my mind) and spend some time with my Jesus (because I know if I just would REALLY go there, I'd be okay).

Monday, September 15, 2008

Photoshop excellence

At some point this week my hope is to show you all of the pics that I compiled to work these "masterpieces" in Photoshop! :) But aren't they cute!? AND, I am quite proud of my photoshop work! :) Cousins, gotta love it! Sarah, 12; Aaron 11, Jackson, 3, Creighton 22 mo, Jake, 4








Sunday, September 14, 2008

It's a wee bit crazy here...


I was going to add more pics, and at some point this week I will, but for now, I thought this one pretty much summed up life! :)

They took down EVERY.SINGLE. item of clothing off the hangers and on the floor of the closet so much so, that I could get the doors opened wider than what you see and then of course they were swinging and hanging from the bar! Who's kids are these? Oh, but isn't she cute? And don't tell them, but I was planning to do that to his closet (well, a bit more structured) to get all those clothes out and put new ones that actually fit in! So I couldn't get too mad!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Blessings in Chaos

Well, if I am choosing to see the positives in Ike, then the biggest one of all is that my family has evacuated to Oklahoma for the time being. I didn't get to see them all summer long and so I am very thankful for the days we have now together!

However, there is much damage that they are returning home to, which is very sad. And of course, there are so many that stayed behind that are still in the midst of chaos, trash, debris, and damage to the maximum extent (all without electricity!). That must be scary and very sad.

I am glad my family is safe and so grateful for the time we have to hang out. We have done a lot of talking, loving, laughing, wii-ing, and eating! I love it!

I had such a neat conversation with my niece tonight on the drive home back to Bartlesville. I will treasure it in my heart always. I love this girl! She is awesome and I LOVE it that God is pulling on the strings of her heart and that she is so intelligent and asks some really neat questions. I LOVE it that she is aware of Him, that she is sensitive and that she is caring and compassionate.

She is staying the night with us tonight and hanging out tomorrow and I can't wait for more conversation!

Jackson and Jacob (my sister's 4 year old) are going a million plus miles an hour and acting not much unlike Hurricane Ike, in terms of disaster, noise, and fury! Man, they are just nuts. They adore one another and they hardly ever get to see each other. It's funny. It's annoying. It is humor filled and discipline packed days, but it's family and that's okay. These are priceless memories being made on every level. I wish they lived closer!

Praying for Ike's path.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Money Grew on Trees...

...well, kind of.

Last night was a surprise celebration for Jeff at Nikao for it being his 5th year anniversary at Grace, as youth pastor. The parent board team and Brittany did an excellent job of making him feel very loved, special, blessed, and incredibly surprised by it all.

I have lots of video and a few pictures that I will have to download later, but wanted to make sure to write about it today. We are so blessed by the families at Grace and our youth. They made 3 big cakes, a huge box FULL of letters of appreciation by families & youth, and a really really really wonderful money tree! Blessed our socks off!

Thank you Grace Community and Nikao for 5 years together from all of us....here's hoping for at least 5 more! We love it here and are so excited to do ministry here. Thanks for your encouragement!
Love,
Jeff and Courtney

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Do you Believe?



This kid is awesome. I can't tell if he has a photographic memory and memorized his speech or if he is just a very talented young man, but regardless, I like him, and I believe in him. Do you believe in this generation of young people? Make a difference, whether you are a teacher, a parent, a friend, or just know a child/youth!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Productivity!

The last two days have been incredibly productive. I have done a ton of things around the house that I haven't been able to do because of time and the kids and whatever other excuses I could muster up! ;)

I still have so much more I want to do though....I LOVE getting things accomplished. It is so refreshing and energizing! I have neglected several things while I have been productive, but that is okay too...

I need to get on the ball and take some pics of my sweet babies...I have been slacking severely in that area. Among millions that are now running through my head...

One that I have been neglecting that I.must.get.better.at.doing is sleeping. For the love of all that is good, what is my problem? I can't go to bed a decent hour! I desperately need my rest, but there is only so much time when I can accomplish things without the kids, ya know?!

Anyway, I am tired and thus, rambling...goodnight!

Friday, September 5, 2008

Nothing...

I am here and reading blogs, but feel as if I have absolutely NOTHING to say. Life is a wee bit crazy. Full days, and staying up (again) too late every night. I am exhausted and sore. I am working out quite a bit with the 90 Day Challenge, doing Beth Moore homework/bible study, leading a small group, trying to attend an adult one, oh yeah, and playing and having lots of fun with my family and the wii fit! (which I still love).

Even though I am crazy, tired, and life seems to be going a million miles an hour, I am so content right now. I just feel like I am in a good spot. I am so scared to say that, but it's the truth. As I was lying in bed last weekend, it was like the weight of the world, for the first time in a long time, wasn't on MY shoulders. It's been at least 16 or more years since I have felt that kind of freedom. That is good and worth noting I suppose.

But I think I am going to bed now...

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Random Reviews...

Oh the things of fall that I love...there are so many. One tonight was watching Prison Break with Jeff. It was the opener (2 hour) and I loved it. I totally predicted one of the major surprises and there was a ton of things that "just so happened to occur" to make the plot for this season, but goodness, really? I just love those boys...and I am so glad they are back on my computer screen :)

We also got Wii Fit and that has proved to be VERY entertaining for our family, specifically Jeff and I! I love it. It is fantastic and the fact that we are doing a 90 Day Challenge at the YMCA right now is great, because I can check my weight (to the tenth of a pound) and BMI everyday to make sure I am staying on schedule. The activities are so fun and really, that actually make you work, unlike Wii Sports, where we've all learned how to do them from the couch without moving barely any muscles. This you can't. You have to actually workout but it is fun and before you know it you are out of breath :)

Creighton peed on the potty last night out of nowhere. She sits on it a lot, but nothing ever happens. She was very proud of herself as well as we were for her. But today nothing but lots of sitting and no peeing. Her arm is looking MUCH better thank heavens. There is one spot that is being a silly spot and not healing as quickly, but that is okay I suppose. The rest of it looks much better. I think that spot that isn't healing as fast is the central location of where the actual hot glue was, and it's also located on her wrist where it continually moves and bends so it can't heal...as well. But it is looking great. I am so thankful for silvadene...if you ever get burned, it's 4 dollars at walmart (with prescription) and it heals like a miracle salve!

Please pray for my friend Christy and her little boy. I don't know all the medical jargon but basically there is hope (in testing right now) that he could not have to have pumps and shots but rather a pill to control his Type I Diabetes. This would be a huge answer to prayer for them in so many ways. It would be treated, not controlled. Wow. Please pray!

Monday, September 1, 2008

No place like home!

Whew! We are back. It was a whirlwind of a weekend filled to the brink with family, activities, love, food, celebrations, lots of traveling and much more. I am exhausted and ready for my own bed. (oh I can't wait!)

I'll post more tomorrow or Wednesday after I get my crazy messy house in order (and my kids out from underneath me).

Oh, I love being home. There is nothing like it. Even when it is a disaster on every level, it is mine, and I love it. There is no place like home! :)

Happy Labor Day everyone.