Nerf War

This Monday Night was Trenton's turn to go hang out with Daddy (just the two of them). We call it date night. John took Trenton to McDonald's then they went out shopping. Trenton had some money left over from his birthday so Daddy took him shopping. He knew exactly what he wanted...a Nerf Gun (like his big Brother Jacob has). He also got some bullets that fit into another Nerf Gun we had so needless to say - Nerf War was so on at our house! As soon as the boys got their guns all geared up John and Papa turned into big kids. The boys (that includes Papa and John) had so much fun shooting each other. Boys are so weird! It was great to hear them all laughing together. Those are priceless memories I know the boys will hold on to forever. I think we all will.

Who's going with me?

CALVARY CHAPEL CENTRAL VALLEY WOMEN'S CONFERENCE 2009 at Calvary Visalia On March 14th Calvary Chapel will be hosting the Annual Central Valley Women's Conference from 9 am to 4 pm. A one day conference for pastors wives, assistants, staff members wives and any and all women who serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Guest Speakers: Sandy Macintosh and Gail Mays. Special music by Sarah and Jonny Macintosh. A box lunch is available for $8.00. Advanced reservation required. If you are coming from out of town and need a hotel, accomodations can be made at the following hotels: Comfort Suites, Visalia, 559-738-1700, $92.00 plus tax (rooms are suites), and Fairfield Inn, Visalia, 559-636-7600, $99.00. Both hotels offer a free breakfast. To pre-register for lunch, contact 559-687-0220 or email Terri Buford at terribuford@gmail.com.

Pslams 25

Psalm 25 (New King James Version)
A Psalm of David.
1 To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me.
3 Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.
4 Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.
5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.
6 Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses, For they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, or Your goodness’ sake, O LORD.
8 Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
9 The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
11 For Your name’s sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
12 Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
13 He himself shall dwell in prosperity, And his descendants shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD, For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, or I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses!
18 Look on my affliction and my pain, And forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many; And they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 Keep my soul, and deliver me; Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all their troubles!

disappointment into laughter

John and I were blessed to get away this weekend. We went to Hanford and stayed at the Irwin Street Inn. It's an old Victorian home that was converted into an a bed and breakfast. We stayed there on our honeymoon 11 years ago and it was beautiful. Unfortunately, the 11 wasn't what it used to be. I guess 11 years since our visit had it's wear and tear on the place. The 1st room we got was not up to my expectations (cause I'm a brat! I see that now) so we changed rooms, and the second room had what I wanted but ended up being a nightmare (long story, but I felt horrible), But I learned a good lesson on this trip - "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit" (That's a famous saying of my Mothers). I also learned that my hubby has so much patience (he is married to me...he has had a lot of practice). The Inn disappointed me and bummed me out at 1st (yucky attitude, I know) but John had such a great attitude about it all and made our trip wonderful! We ended up having the best time together. This trip showed me that material things don't make us happy, only God does. He took my disappointment and turned it into laughter (we laughed about it all weekend long). What an awesome God we serve!

11 years

John & I just celebrated 11 years together (yesterday). My in-laws watched our kiddos so we could enjoy a night out together (and that we did). We had a great time going out to eat and going shopping. Next weekend we plan on getting away for the weekend (with no kiddos). I can't wait! I still can't believe that 11 years has gone by so quickly, yet it seems like I can barely remember my life without him. I thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful Hubby. I continue to fall more and more in love with him as we age and as we draw closer to Jesus. Jesus is the glue that has held us together this long. What an awesome God we serve!

Grandpa Smokey

This is Johns Grandpa Smokey. He is an amazing, hard working man (that where John gets it from). The other day the kids and I went to visit him and his wife Cappy to help them pick some oranges. Me and the kids were so glad we went to spend time with them and look forward to our next visit.

These pictures are of Grandpa loading his fireplace, Grandpas birdhouses he made, Grandpa and his dogie, and Grandpa and Grandma Cappy's garden. Grandpa and Cappy never quit! They always stay busy. Johns Grandpa is on Dialysis 3x's a week but yet manages to keep his yard and garden pristine. These two put us to shame. If they aren't out in the yard planting something or picking weeds they are inside cleaning, or taking care of their animals. Grandpa still plits his own woods and make sure the fire is going when it is cold. And Grandma Cappy is like the energizer bunny, she keeps going and going. She still quilts (all by hand) and cooks everyday. It amazes me how much they do.

Jacob and Trenton had a blast picking oranges and lemons for Grandpa. Jacob loved getting up on the ladder and he enjoyed using the orange picker also.

The oranges were so yummy! What a treat!

Grandpas kitty

Christinas 21st birthday

My Cousin Christina just turned 21. Seems unreal but it's true. Where does time go? Our family got together and celebrated Christinas special day. We had a great time.

Trials

Reckon it nothing but joy...whenever you find yourself hedged in by the various trials, be assured that the testing of faith leads to the power of endurance (James 1:2-3 WEYMOUTH).
Through the leaves of every trial there are chinks of light to shine through. Thorns do not prick you unless you lean against them, and not one touches you without HIS knowledge. The words that hurt you, the letter which gave you pain, the cruel wound of your dearest friend, shortness of money - are all known to HIM, who sympathizes as no one else can and watches to see if through all, you will dare to trust HIM wholly.
From Streams in the Dessert - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman (January 12th)

fun in the sun!

Breath taking view as the sun sets on our 1st night at the beach.

The kids had so much fun running from the waves. They laughed so hard.

Jacob & Madi are making sandcastles here and I am enjoying a great book!

We had such a relaxing time.

Jacob has always loved looking for rocks at the beach.

When he was itty-bitty he would come home with rocks in his pockets. He still does.

Mexico Mission Trip

My Sister Sara and Brother In-Law Jason took about 18 Youth kids/teenagers and 6 adults (that includes them) to Mexico. Please be praying for them as they spend these last few days sharing the Love of Jesus Christ to the people in Mexico and please pray for a safe return home.
If you would like to know more about there trip you can visit thier blog online at http://ccfresno.blogspot.com/