Niki's Noodle

April Fool's, My Loves

2009-04-01T22:01:00.000-07:00

My kiddos got me good/bad last year, depending on how you look at it. Towards the end of a typical at home school day I would usually send one of them to grab me a diet coke from the fridge. Anticipating my usual request my kiddos utilized their lunch break and used a thumb tack to punch a tiny hole at the bottom of a can of diet coke and drain it. They then refilled it with water and sealed the hole with a bit of clay. Knowing it was April 1, I figured they had shaken the can or something when they all eagerly went to get me the can of soda at my first request, so I cautiously opened it and when nothing exploded I gladly took a big swig of the icy cold...WATER! Not what I expected. So this year I had to get them back. And I did! It was later in the evening so they all figured mom was going to let it slip by this year, but no, I wasn't. I pulled out my mom's infamous "sponge" cake recipe (literally a sponge covered in whipped cream) and voila, I had 3 very fooled kiddos, the youngest of which cried because she was soooo disappointed she wasn't actually getting cake (no worries, I had some pound cake ready instead to go with the strawberries)=D

Mijo attempting to cut the sponge cake for me

Mo right as she realized it was a sponge and right before she started crying!

Identifying the sponge!

A very frustrated DQ, who was not amused that her mom had bested her for at least the 3rd time today.

Same DQ when she realized she couldn't really eat the sponge cake or the whipped cream!

Wordless Wednesday: On Top of the Mount Shasta

2009-01-14T09:09:00.001-08:00

Why Daddy Would Not Make a Good Nurse

2008-12-09T13:13:00.001-08:00

Mo wiped out on her bike the other day and scraped her knee pretty badly. She was crying so hard that our nice neighbor heard her and carried her home (By the way, she is my one who hates the sight of blood, especially her own). The kiddos had early release that day and, since I was still at school, Daddy had to play nurse and clean, then dress her wound.

After using most of a lot of peroxide and antibiotic ointment, he managed to get several bandages to stick to her little knee. I'll refrain from mentioning how many did not stick!

Poor Mo! Her tears started all over again when I got home and saw her...I felt bad for her, but I couldn't help giggling at Daddy's nursing job. Of course, as big as she is, she's still my baby and kisses from Mama made it all better. At least the bandages stayed on all night, but I'm still not sure how she could walk;-)

WW

2008-11-19T13:39:00.001-08:00

WW

2008-10-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Stretching Like Never Before

2008-10-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

I've always been pretty flexible throughout my life, both physically and mentally. So, when I take a look around at my family right now and realize how so much has changed- and I don't really see an area that hasn't changed in the last 6 months-I wonder if my flexibility is enough.
An old shoulder injury has been flaring up once again and it has been particularly bad for the last 24 hours or so. Simple things like getting dressed, brushing my hair, or driving are proving to be painful to say the least. This is not the time for such an injury to be rearing its ugly head! The girls are going into tech week for Oz and I have tests this week and next, again, as well as a couple of papers and more than one project due. Also, it's Homecoming Week for the DQ complete with the big football game on Halloween night after a rehearsal (we'll try to squeeze in a few trick-or-treats on our way to the game), and a few last minute minor alterations to a dress for the dance that we purchased this summer (on clearance of course, and boy is it cute=). This is definitely not the time that I would pick, especially since I have been without much of a community physically surrounding me during these tumultuous times, but then again, God's plan is so much greater than mine.
Today I realized something while in the midst of all the rushing to finish one school project today after class, scoop of Mo from school while dropping off the form for Mijo to enter the gifted program, shoot an email to the casting director for the next play to squeeze in the girls' audition between scene rehearsals and costume fittings this evening, go through school papers and dole out snacks, finish making dinner and packing it up for the 3 kiddos and I to go to rehearsals and auditions, making sure everyone had homework and books packed to work on inbetween (I'm stressing out just typing this), as well as making it into the car with everything and everyone ready in order to drive the girls' to rehearsal on time. I realized that in all this everday busyness I haven't been doing my physical therapy exercises for my shoulder! These exercises are designed to SLOWLY stretch the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding my shoulder to strengthen and loosen them so as not to be so tense that they are tightened against my inflamed joint. They are also to train some areas and retrain other areas surrounding the joint to work in unison and to help my shoulder not carry so much of the load.
Over the years due to our life circumstances, I have been left to "shoulder through" most things that come our way. I have even crawled under my husband's car while very pregnant to check for leaking brake fluid! These times left me strong and competent to "shoulder through" a lot of what comes my way, both physically and figuratively. They have also created in me an independence from others and a complete dependence on God for which I am eternally grateful to my Father in Heaven. But lately, with all these changes, I've been wondering if I'm still strong enough for it all and how I'm going to get through it. When I realized today that I hadn't been doing my shoulder stretches, I also suddenly realized the parallel between my shoulder pain and my attitude lately to all the changes in my life right now: I need to be stretched like I've never stretched before!
Much like my physical therapy exercises for my shoulder, this is a slow process of stretching by God to teach me and my family not to be so tense during these changes. We are each being trained and strengthened to support and aid one another and to function in unison-an answer to my prayers of so long. So, while it is painful at times I also know the end result is for the benefit of the whole. What a beautiful picture for God to paint for me in the midst of the chaos and the pain! He has reminded me, once again, that He truly does give us Just Enough Grace for the circumstances of our life when we trust Him (OK, that is a shameless plug for my friend Heather's book but I really wanted to thank her for allowing God's grace, truth, and love for all of us to reflect in and through her life. When I look at her life, it is Jesus that I see) and He has reminded me that His plans are not mine, but are so much greater than my own!

It's Finally Cooling Off

2008-10-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to OZ?

2008-08-28T01:35:00.000-07:00

Piercing screams echoed through our home yesterday at 4:26pm-screams that could only be produced by two very excited sisters over a call hoped for but not completely expected for our new little actress (although she’s been preparing for this role since birth, just like her big sis). This same scream was reproduced exactly 3 minutes later as a second call rang through on our phone line, this time for our original Drama Queen. What was the excitement? Both Mo and DQ had auditioned for The Wizard of Oz on Sunday afternoon and received their callbacks! Mo was called back for the part of a Munchkin and DQ for the Cowardly Lion or the Wicked Witch of the East.
Tonight, I am sitting in the lobby of the local theater, finishing the 4th hour of waiting for the girls at that callback. I have completed 3 Sudoku puzzles, one crossword, studied my A&P, did my reading for micro and played a doodle game with Mo for quite a while. The noise level is intense making conversations nearly impossible and the internet connection is intermittent, so I’m out of things to do. Hmm, I think I might start screaming myself, only not from excitement.
In all my years of dreaming what life with my own kiddos would be like, I never quite pictured it this way. I expected to sit on hard bleachers at ball games or meets or even sweltering in the heat while watching a practice. I knew I would spend a large amount of time in my van chauffeuring the kids from one activity to another. But, I didn’t think it would come in the form of both girls acting. Granted, I know their personalities and know how dramatic they both can be (you only have to tell them to clean their rooms or unload the dishwasher once to see that for yourself), but I don’t think I actually expected them to both make it successfully in a large-scale youth theater, especially with singing parts. I am their mother and singing is not really a natural talent in our family despite our love of music. But my plans are not God’s plans and certainly my ways are not His. Thank you God for exceeding my plans and my ways for them.
Oh, and Girls, go break a leg=)

It's Official, She's a High Schooler

2008-08-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

Can she really be old enough to start High School? Where did the time go and how did one haircut and a new outfit age her enough to actually look like a Freshman?!?!?! I think an even more important question is how am I old enough to have a child in high school? Didn't I just graduate?
Questions aside, I am so proud of her and the woman she is becoming. It is with great anticipation and with more than a little trepidation that today I released her to not only go to public school, but to high school. I know she will do well and that she has a strong mind and strong character to handle it. We are both continuing to learn to "Trust in the Lord" in all things, and I am certainly trusting Him with this. I am so excited to to see her grow in this new adventure and especially in His grace as a Child of God! I love you, DQ!

Back to School in a New Way

2008-08-11T23:09:00.001-07:00

With my going back to school and a few other changes in our family right now, I'm sure it won't come as much of a surprise that we have enrolled the kids in public school again this year. They are unbelievably excited, although the younger two do have some hesitations about not being at home this year for school. For me it's been a bumpy journey to come to the place where I'm ready to send them. I was hoping to feel more confident about this decision, but I'm not. I know they will be fine and that I can trust God with the results and that He cares for them infinitely more that I could ever. However, I have a passion for their education that makes me more than a little concerned over what they will receive while attending public school. So, prayers are much coveted during this time of transition for us. My prayers for them are that they will take with them the conscience that we have taught them with God's spirit guiding their choices.
Nevertheless, today was a very exciting and happy day for the Hunter clan as Mo began 2nd grade and Mijo started 5th! They love their teachers and have reunited with some old friends as well as started laying down the bridgework for some new ones. I'm looking forward to knowing their teachers and friends better as well as helping in their classrooms, but I'm not sure how to handle all the time at home while they are at school. Do I finish my curtains first, catch up on some reading, finish my quilt, or take a nap?!?!?! LOL=)

A Long Awaited Break

2008-08-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

After a long year of hard work with school for the kids and I, we finally got a bit of a break when my parents treated us to a trip to the Oregon Coast in Brookings, OR. We spent 5 days there and enjoyed every minute of it, especially when the sun broke out on 2 afternoons and the temperature warmed to about 80 degrees. I never thought this Phoenician would be so glad for a warm summer day, but when most days' high was only in the low 50's with fog and or a piercing, icy wind (notice all the sweatshirts and long pants in these pictures?), 80 degrees was heavenly! Beyond that, Grammy, Poppy, the kids and I had a blast exploring tide pools, splashing and fishing in the surf, and taking long walks in the sand. Nothing beats the smell of the ocean and the beautiful sunsets. I always leave the coast wanting more and anxiously awaiting our next trip.

Mijo's big catch-a surf perch

It took a lot of teamwork to get this kite off the ground

Mo caught this starfish while fishing for smelt. We think it was unable to hang onto the rocks because of its injured appendage when she accidentally hooked it.

A harbor seal fishing for the same smelt we were.

I was cold...very cold.

How Thankful Are You?

2008-07-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

You Are 77% Thankful

You are a very thankful person - for both the big and little things in life.

Your optimism is powerful. Getting through hard times is fairly easy for you.

How Thankful Are You?

What Your Latte Says About You

2008-07-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

What Your Latte Says About You

When it comes to what you like, you have your own unique tastes. And people don't really understand them.

You can be quite silly at times, but you know when to buckle down and be serious.

You have a good deal of energy, but you pace yourself. You never burn out too fast.

You're totally addicted to caffeine... but you like to pretend like you aren't!

You are responsible, mature, and truly an adult. You're occasionally playful, but you find it hard to be carefree.

You are sophisticated and daring, but you are never snobby.

What Does Your Latte Say About You?

Will You Live to 100?

2008-07-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Chance You'll Live to 100: 65%

100 is looking pretty likely for you right now. You've made your health a priority.

So kick back, keep doing what you're doing, and enjoy the great life you've made for yourself.

And you might get to see what the world is like 70, 80, or even 90 years from now.

Will You Live to 100?

In Honor of the 4th of July: How American Are You?

2008-07-04T00:41:00.000-07:00

You Are 82% American

You're as American as red meat and shooting ranges.

Tough and independent, you think big.

You love everything about the US, wrong or right.

And anyone who criticizes your home better not do it in front of you!

How American Are You?

Just in Time for the 4th: What Kind of Pie Are You?

2008-06-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

You Are Apple Pie

You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional.

You prefer things the way you've always known them.

You'll admit that you're old fashioned, and you don't see anything wrong with that.

Your tastes and preferences are classic. And classic never goes out of style.

Those who like you crave security.

People can rely on you to be true to yourself - and true to them.

You're loyal, trustworthy, and comfortable in your own skin.

And because of these qualities, you've definitely earned a lot of respect.

What Kind of Pie Are You?

A Little Something for Me

2008-06-26T23:08:00.001-07:00

After many years of homeschooling, raising my family and turning the majority of my attention to taking care of my family and our home, I've finally decided to treat myself to something that I really love and have wanted for a long time: completing my education. Yes, I officially re-enrolled in classes this summer and am 3 more school days and one N.E.T. away from completing all of my pre-requisite courses to apply to the nursing program at any MCCC . I will continue on with coursework this fall, working towards applying to the accellerated nursing program at ASU West.

It has been rather surreal to step back into a classroom from the student side, especially into an accelerated course of Anatomy & Physiology in 4 1/2 weeks , which would usually last for 18 or more weeks. The amount of information thrown at us in one day makes my brain hurt, literally, but I am loving every minute of it. I enjoy the process of learning, and am glad for the opportunity to show my kids what it means to set a goal, study hard, work hard and achieve a dream, especially in terms of education. I'm proud to say that I am carrying an A average, and that is largely due to the pampered position my ENTIRE family has created for me.

I am so thankful to all of my kiddos for the sacrifices they are making for me to completely focus on this class at this time, i.e. lots of heating up frozen chicken patties, eating lots of leftovers, & PBJ's, an absent mom, more chores, and keeping a quiet house, but it is being rewarded by lots of time on the Wii and fishing at Grammy & Poppy's house. Yes, they went with them to Northern CA last week, so that I could concentrate on finishing this class. And I thank my parents, too, for being so willing to sacrifice their own lives for me in this way, although I know what a delight it is for them to have that time with them.

I'm excited to see where this will all lead to in the end, but I am definitely enjoying the journey. It's taken more than a "little getting used to" the idea of concentrating on me, but the sense of accomplishment, confidence and joy has well been worth it.

Hmm, I really should be studying, but...

2008-06-24T00:52:00.000-07:00

I needed another chocolate fix. Try this one out and let me know what your taste in chocolate says about you;-)

What Your Taste in Chocolate Says About You

You are sophisticated, modern, and high class.

Your taste is refined, but you are not picky.

You are often the first to try something new.

You are laid back and fairly easy to please.

All you need in life is your friends.

Sometimes you go along to get along... but you don't mind.

You love being around people. Friendships are important to you.

You feel lost when you're by yourself... so you tend to avoid being alone.

The Chocolate Oracle

A Funny Thing Happened the Other Day... a Very Funny Thing

2008-06-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

2008-06-23T23:54:00.000-07:00

Time for a study break-more on that later-so here's a cute little quiz for you to take. How do you think I did? Make sure to let me know what kind of chocolate you are, too. Now, off to find some dark chocolate. I know I have some hidden somewhere!

You are White Chocolate

You are White Chocolate

You are sweet, caring, and truly very innocent.

Whether your naive ways are a bit of act or not, people like to take care of you.

You are a quiet flirt, and your power is often underestimated!

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

SURPRISE!!!!!

2008-04-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

And what a surprise it was! Over a month until her official 13th Birthday, our Drama Queen had the surprise of her life when she opened the front door to surprise her Mama with her new outfit and jewelry (gifts from Grammy, for this very purpose, although she did not know it at the time) and 13 girlfriends greeted her! It's 3 days later and I'm still amazed at how we pulled it off and how surprised she truly was-check out her face in case there's any doubt. She was shaking and screaming for nearly half an hour afterwards. But the fun didn't end with the surprise, as we had turned our home into an American Idol set!
The girls competed through four rounds to the finals for $100 Grand and a new '08 Ford Focus and, while it was a SINGING competition, it wasn't all about talent. "America" (little sis, Mo) voted by drawing contestants' numbers for eliminations and for taking turns as the judges. The talent overflowed from the contestants, judges, and even Ryan Seacrest (little bro, Mijo).

We took a short break from the competition for her 5 layer chocolate cake from Costco (side note here-if you haven't tried it, you are missing out on one of the greatest indulgent pleasures of your life, and I don't care for cake!) and presents, but quickly resumed the competition for the finals. The DQ wowed us with an on your feet performance of I Love Rock N Roll and took home the big prize for the night. No, we did not plan for her to win, but can you imagine a better ending to her night?

Letter Reversal...Maybe a Little Too Funny?

2008-02-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

My girls taped this over our doorbell, recently, while we were finishing up our last lessons for school, so the neighborhood children would stop incessantly ringing our doorbell. I must add here that this was on one of Dad's days off, while he was sick in bed. Notice the top right portion, where M attempted to write dad. Does anyone else read /bA - B/ (baby)? I hope you see the humor here, too=)

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

2008-01-06T14:06:00.000-08:00

You Are a Plain Ole Cup of Joe

But don't think plain - instead think, uncomplicated
You're a low maintenance kind of girl... who can hang with the guys
Down to earth, easy going, and fun! Yup, that's you: the friend everyone invites.
And your dependable too. Both for a laugh and a sympathetic ear.

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

Merry Christmas& Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T12:35:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the joy of Jesus Christ this season and all year through.

In His Love,
The Hunter Family

Just Keep Swimming

2007-12-06T15:14:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what I was watching earlier this week, but on came Dory singing one of my favorite songs, although it seems to have become quite a theme in my life right now. It's funny how often I find myself singing like Dory, convincing myself to trust God and just keep swimming. While I'm glad we are not facing any health crises of our own, I've had too many friends go through big things lately to know this, it still is not easy to face these stones that have been set in our path. Just Keep Swimming!

Thanks for all the prayers for my shoulder. It WAS a bit better, but then I took a big spill in my garage this afternoon. I was in a hurry and didn’t see the bag of toys destined for the Goodwill in front of me and I tripped over it, catching myself on a bike and bouncing off the van to the ground. So, now it’s not just the shoulder, but the hip, the head, the wrist, the knee, and the ankle, as well as some other scrapes and bruises! Just Keep Swimming!

But that is not the beginning. This happened on top of an otherwise already bad day. That’s the true prayer request. Delicately put, we are engaging in a battle with our mortgage company, AGAIN, and were informed today to hire an attorney. This is a long story that goes back many years, but because our loan was bought during the midst of the previous court proceedings it seems we are in the midst of the same familiar battle that cost us so much before, and I don’t mean just financially. It’s a scary place to be in, but we are trusting God that the truth will be revealed and we will be able to rectify this. It’s just a difficult process and it means a lot of long hours for me pulling records, making copies, writing letters, and if need be, filing court motions. Hmm, and I’m not even a paralegal! Just Keep Swimming!

So, on top of the many “bad news” phone calls today and a lack of sleep from DH's snoring, again, and trying to manically take care of my laundry while listening to DH on the phone (to be ready with paperwork as needed), and teaching M her math lesson, I accidentally threw the vinyl liner for M’s mattress in the dryer with her sheets and turned it on high. Just Keep Swimming!

Basically, I melted it completely inside my dryer. So much so, that when I remembered it and asked Sam to grab it out quickly, she couldn’t find it! It had shrank and adhered itself to the back wall of the dryer. So, I ruined the dryer. Just Keep Swimming!

I tried scraping as much off as I could, but there are still a lot of streaks of vinyl adhered to the wall that don’t want to budge. I thought maybe I could throw an old towel or sheet in and set it on high again and see if it will stick to it instead of the wall, but I’m afraid it will start a fire. And after all that my sister's family has gone through after the fire in her garage, that is a very real concern to me right now. Any other suggestions? Just Keep Swimming!

Oh, and the refrigerator door, that’s been dying a slow and painful death for over a year has finally died. And the replacement part costs almost as much as a cheap new fridge! Just Keep Swimming!

OK, now time for the silver linings (Thanks Sally for being an example to us all):

DH has really stepped up and made all the necessary phone calls, and even kept his facts straight, without my having to write him notes while he was on the phone.
We are pulling together as a family to help one another do whatever it takes to get through this, kids included.
I did not start a fire!
We are all healthy, minus my banged up and bruised body, which will heal.
It's Christmas time and this year I can truly rejoice in Jesus' birth- my hope lies in His life.

Just Keep Swimming!

Trust His Heart

2007-11-27T19:20:00.000-08:00

I am so blessed to have truly amazing Christian women in my life. Sometimes I sit back in awe at who they are in Christ and His beauty within them. After just returning home from the memorial service of one of such women (the mother of yet another beautiful woman in Christ) I was sent this poem and want to post it here to share how great and good God is.

TRUST HIS HEART
Eddie Carswell & Babbie Mason

All things work for our good,
Though sometimes we can’t see how they could.
Struggles that break our hearts in two –
Sometimes blind us to the truth.
Our Father know what’s best for us;
His ways are not our own.
So when your pathway grows dim,
And you just can’t see Him,
Remember, He’s still on the throne.

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don’t understand,
When you don’t see His plan,
When you can’t trace His hand,
Trust His heart.

He sees the master plan.
He holds the future in His hands.
So don’t live as those who have no hope;
All our hope is found in Him.
We walk in present knowledge,
But He sees the first and the last.
And like a tapestry,
He’s weaving you and me
To someday be just like Him.

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don’t understand,
When you don’t see His plan,
When you can’t trace His hand,
Trust His heart.

He alone is faithful and true.
He alone knows what is best for you.

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don’t understand,
When you don’t see His plan,
When you can’t trace His hand,
Trust His heart.

Miss You

2007-10-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, there's just no other way to put it. I miss EVERYONE.
I miss my family who seem so far away, epecially as one brother travels to attend a PGA school in Florida and as my sister's beautiful family has to rebuild their lives after a devastating garage fire this past Saturday in which they lost many possessions and a precious pet. Now they must figure out what to do as the smoke damage is detrimental to my sweet nephew's very sensitive preemie lungs (he was just diagnosed with asthma and the spices from cooking are enough to throw him into a breathing fit-can you image what smoke would do?).
Growing up, I never thought I'd be so far away from the people I love, ever, especially my parents. I miss being able to hang out with them, play games, visit, celebrate birthdays and holidays, and depend on them in a pinch-you know, like when you have to rush a child to the ER and your DH is working nights or when you haven't had a night away with your DH in over 4 years! I fully realize I have my dear precious kiddos and my sweet husband with me every day and they mean so much to me, but my parents, my siblings, and all my extended family with whom I grew up are so far away from me and the knowledge that some of them have even turned their backs on my family makes the pain even greater.
Yes, my in-laws, are not too far away, although they do live across the valley from us. Yet somehow, it's still far enough that we barely manage to see each other but two to three times a year. I don't know my nieces and nephews. How does that happen? I miss them, too.
And then there are my friends. I am terribly missing my friend Heather who is physically so far away and seems a world away right now. The year before she left we were always running in opposite directions and I regret not having forced myself to grab a cup of coffee with her more often. I am also missing all the friends that I used to get to see on somewhat of a regular basis due to Bible Study, church, homeschool support groups, and such. And I miss getting to participate, on any regular basis, in the many beautiful conversations between like-minded christian moms on an email loop. Our lives have been so busy-OK my life since my DH works 14-15 hours a day 4 days a week and then is completely wiped out the rest of the time. I'm so worn out trying to keep up with my daily life that I just want to scream, "STOP!" But I'm not sure why there seems to be such a distance from so many at once. It's as though they've all disappeared. And the few times I actually get to see them, I'm missing them so much that I pull pack for fear of overwhelming them with, well, me-the emotionally charged and never able to disguise my true feelings and can talk your ear off for hours since I'm so deprived of genuine adult conversation at his point with anyone but my husband, me (Thanks for listening, Sally)!
Yes, I admit it, it's my fault that I haven't been the one to call, email, write or purposely make the time to get together with a friend, but I honestly thought that someone might miss me enough to call me, write me. I'm still here. I haven't disappeared. I still love you. Thank you to the one who has called me though. You mean the world to me right now and I'm so blessed to have you in my life. And coming out to see my son's game so that we could get a chance to talk, that's HUGE in my book!
So, what do I do now? I cling to my Jesus, as always. He is my best friend. He is my savior. He is my life. I trust Him that He has me exactly where I am to be. I do see a sifting in my life right now-a change in priorities and functionality directed by God. He is showing me things in such a new light and I praise Him for it-even when it brings pain. And while right now that pain is in the distance between me and so many that I love, it is nevertheless good. For I must draw my strength and my comfort from Him and trust Him as He leads me on this path. But I still miss you!

Sharing My Ink

2007-09-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

The placement

Getting Started

In Black

Full Color

This is an original design by my sweet husband. I've always wanted him to draw a piece for me. To incorporate it with my favorite Bible verse meant so much. Notice the scripture in the middle of the cross, Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths." Thank you, sweetie, I will treasure this forever!

I went with a couple of girlfriends from my Bible Study group in March of 2006 to have this done. It was so much fun having these Christian women in a tattoo shop getting inked. There's a lot of symbolism in this piece, a lot more than my first one, which I got back in college. Notice the 3 points below the cross for The Trinity. The outer points are also a J and a C for Jesus Christ. The heart is for God's love which is the foundation for the cross and His giving His life for us to give His life to us to live His life through us. The vines on either side of the cross are a reminder that He is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5).

Wordless Wednesday

2007-09-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

Because Nice Matters

2007-09-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks Sally for thinking of me. It had been a particularly rough week and your timing was impeccable. Like Heather I think all my blogging friends have received it already, so I'll say a big, "THANK YOU!" and use this time to praise my mom. I've been trying to teach the kids, "because nice matters" all summer, especially after spending so much time with my mom and all the crazy antics that go on at a city hall. She is a true testament to this, because no matter what is flung at her, she is always nice. And believe me, a lot gets flung at her!

Not a Surprise

2007-07-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

You Are A Vanilla Ice Cream Girl

Flexible. Easygoing. Classic.

What Flavor Ice Cream Girl Are You?

Thanks Sally and Heather for letting us know about this fun little quiz. It's no big surprise to me that I'm a vanilla girl, I've always loved vanilla, I've always been one and I'll forever will remain such. Besides, more toppings go on vanilla. That all goes back to my roots. Thanks Mom & Dad. Have some fun and take the quiz! Let me know your results.

No More Oxygen!

2007-07-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

I am so overjoyed to announce that after much anticipation, my nephew has formally been weaned off of all oxygen, daytime and nightime! In addition, he weighs in at over 8 pounds. I'm so proud of you, mijo, and your mama and daddy too for all their hard work and great care. And I'm sure it has nothing to do with all the kisses and cuddles from Nina Niki while she's been visiting you, but a Nina can dream, can't she?

Little Miss Engineer

2007-07-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Oh, I wish I were a Union Pacific Choo Choo,

That is what I'd really like to be...

For if I were a Union Pacific Choo Choo,

Everyone would fall in love with me!

CHOO! CHOO!

First place winner of the Dunsmuir, California's Annual Railroad Days Little Miss Engineer Contest in the 6-8 year old catageory! Our "Little Miss" was a passenger on the Union Pacific Railroad and even rode in her own little choo choo while throwing candy in the parade!

Happy Fourth of July!

2007-07-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

(Wordless Wednesday)

Fishing Fun

2007-06-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of spending time with Grammy and Poppy is all the fishing trips! Whether it's ice-fishing during the winter on Castle lake or out on the boat at Lake Shastina, off the dock at Irongate Reservoir, and off the shore at a Mount Shast Fish Hatchery pond, my kids are getting to experience some of the enjoyment I had as a kid with my family. Not to mention that they are becoming quite proficient fishermen, too!

I have fond memories of fishing while growing up. I loved our camping trips we would take that always centered around good fishing lakes. I'd wake up with my dad just before the first light of the day would start and we would usually don our sweats (and garbage bags if it were raining) and quietly slip out onto the lake before the birds -or anyone other living being- had even started greeating the day. We'd spend hours out on the lake until we finally had our fill and usually couldn't wait to use a bathroom any longer. Then there were entire days spent on the lake or river, sometimes with never a bite and sometimes we'd be catching blue-gills so fast that I could drop my bare hook over the edge of the boat and have a fish in the boat before my dad ever had a chance to toss me a new worm! I have so many memories of fishing as a kid and they all come flooding back to me each time we take the kids now.

I love what fishing taught me: patience, perseverance, and to enjoy life as it was, especially with my dad. I miss those opportunities now as they seldom come living in the suburbs of Phoenix. But I'm glad that my kids will grow up knowing the joy of fishing. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Our Shining Star

2007-05-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of you!

This year our oldest DD put her drama to good use and auditioned for a part in a local youth theatre's production of Annie, Jr. It's a shortened version of the original Broadway hit. She had to sing, deliver a monolgue and ran lines later at her call-back. She succeeding in securing a spot as Mrs. Pugh, a servant of Daddy Warbucks, as well as being one of the chorus members in "NYC."

She worked hard and we spent many days and nights in the car traveling to and from rehearsals for two months. I spent a number of hours sewing the servants' costumes as well. It was a busy Spring for us on top of DS's first year of Little League and our vow renewal/vacation plans. But we made it through and her performance was brilliant, despite battling Strep Throat!

Looking forward to many more performances, sweetie!

Kindergarten Graduate!

2007-05-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

Our youngest daughter graduated from Kindergarten on May 24, 2007. I'm so happy that we made it through the year together. I enjoyed working on a weekly basis with her class and will miss all of the boys and girls there. They all have a special place in my heart. Thanks to everyone who helped us make it through this year and especially to her teacher, Mrs. Marini. We love you guys!

Calling All Warriors

2007-04-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have so many friends in my life who spur one another on to love and good deeds. My friend Laurel sent this timely little piece to me yesterday and I asked her permission to share it here:

Hi Friends,
God wove some interesting Scripture together for me today. I thought I'd share... I praise God that His word is timeless. The same verses are just as applicable to me today as they were x number of years ago. His Word seems new every day... The beauty of what God showed me today is that it isn't specific to any one situation. It covers a whole lot of "shtuff".

I Thess. 5:23-24 says, "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who called you is faithful, and He will do it." Observation: it struck me for the first time the progression of "parts" in that verse. It starts with the spirit--the part of us that has the capability of knowing God and having relationship with him. Without this, we are just bones, flesh, and parts. Then it moves on to soul--the seat of the emotions and personality. Then body--the physical part of our beings. Isn't it interesting that it starts with the core, our spirits, and works its way out? I know him and am sanctified in my very inner part first, and then my personality and emotions will follow and then my physical body.

So how does that work? How does one overcome difficult situations and circumstances (thereby showing proof of the sanctification of the parts)? Eph. 1:19-20 says, "I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms." Just before that, Paul calls that power our "inheritance". We automatically "get" that when we belong to Christ. God pointed out to me that we get it, but we don't always use it. His power can be alive in us. What is it that you struggle with? I know what I'm struggling with. I had my whole list of excuses for it too. Does God understand our weaknesses? Sure. But, sometimes we use our weaknesses as an excuse to keep us in a place that is not overly affective in the Kingdom. If God wants to sanctify my whole spirit, soul, and body, then I want to love him with my whole spirit, soul, and body. That means getting rid of some of the junk that would keep me from being able to do that. I've tried to get rid of the junk on my own. It doesn't work. My power is NOTHING. His power is EVERYTHING. His power is what raised Christ from the dead! Could there be a more HOPELESS situation???

II Cor. 10:4 says, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have diving power to demolish strongholds." Something struck me. It's not that I haven't wanted to battle the strongholds. I've just been using the wrong weapons. The world offers many of them. But none of them compare to our spiritual weapons. THOSE weapons have the POWER to DEMOLISH strongholds!! What do I mean? Here would be a "for instance". Let's say that my stronghold is my overeating. (I'm really reaching here... Wait, no I'm not!) =) I can determine in my heart to battle that. I can be all ready to "start Monday" with my new plan. I've got the best diet available; I've got my exercise regiment all mapped out; I've got my veggies and fruit all ready to consume at a moment's notice. Those will work OK. For awhile. But then comes the "I don't want to do this anymore. I'm tired." So then what? Have I demolished any strongholds? No, I've simply given my colon something to think about. But, if I were to pick up the spiritual weapons like prayer, perseverance, sanctification, etc., THEN I've got some serious armor.

Don't think prayer works very well? Have you "tried" it and found it to fail? Or, have you, like me, hidden behind the excuses and allowed God's power to go unused? Gear up, dear Warriors! Tap into the real power. It's there no matter the situation, no matter the stronghold.

Love you,
Laurel

Thank you for sharing this with us Laurel!

In His Love,
Niki

Update on my nephew

2007-04-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

It's busy times here as we are preparing to go on our annual family vacation to Puerto Penasco, Mexico. I'm especially excited this year as our 10th wedding anniversary falls on the day we travel down there. We will be having a celebration and a vow renewal ceremony on the beach that night! I have been having so much fun planning and preparing for it, that I haven't updated on my nephew.

He is doing fantastically as well. He might be released in the next week or two, which would still be about 4 weeks earlier than his due date. He is up to 4# 7oz. as of Sun. He is feeding on his own regularly and was moved out of his incubator to a nursery bed last week, so he is holding his own body temperature. He is still on a canula for breathing and despite several bad apnea episodes, a transfusion and meds for anemia, and a now "minor" PDA (a valve in his heart did not seal completely-very typical in premies), he is doing incredibly well. They are talking about sending him home on oxygen. The completely amazing thing in this is that they are certain, based on his development at the time of his birth that he was actually more than 13 weeks early and not the 12 weeks that they had calculated prior to his birth. He responds to his mommy so much and always watches the nurses. They have affectionately nicknamed him "Curious George" because he is constantly watching them with his big soft brown eyes! (Can you tell I'm a proud auntie?)

I also got to be blessed enough to meet him for 5 minutes on the last day of my trip to visit and take care of my sister. It was truly a miracle and a blessing, since NO ONE except mom, dad, and grandparents are allowed in the NICU there. But the head nurse heard that I had flown out to take care of my sister and had been sitting in the waiting room all week while she visited him and told my sister I could come in for 5 minutes as a going away gift. I almost missed my plane, but it was so worth it! It was amazing. He is amazing. God is so amazing. Despite all the pictures and videos, it's too hard to understand exactly how small he was. It's like trying to imagine and comprehend how big the Grand Canyon is. God is so great and mighty. Wow!

So, now I looking forward to seeing him again on May 29th! Thanks for sharing this journey with me and for continuing to keep them in your prayers. I know my sister and her husband are getting really nervous now that their son is about to come home. They are also very anxious about RSV, since he will be high risk. Thank you in advance to all you prayer warriors.

In His Love!

Loneliness

2007-03-01T23:10:00.000-08:00

Loneliness...it's a funny thing. It can just sort of sneak up on you or it can hit you all at once. Have you ever been in a crowded place, maybe even one full of people you know, and you feel completely alone? You can't always explain it, but it feels so bad. That feeling makes me sick, literally. I usually want to run out and cry. That empty pit feeling in the bottom of my stomach hurts and often leaves me feeling short of breath, discouraged, and yes, even hopeless. Now, I'll admit, I do need alone time on a regular basis, but as a general rule I love to be with people. And it's not enough to just be with them but to be engaged with them on a personal level. I hate to work alone and have always preferred to work along side someone. My parents used to say, "One will chase a hundred; two will chase a thousand." I firmly stand by that and it can truly motivate me, but that's not always how the world operates.
So I ask, why, as a believer in Jesus, a new creation, filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit, can we feel such loneliness? God's Word promises us He'll never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 13:6,8). But why do we choose not to believe the truth of His Word? Why instead do we choose to believe error, the lies of Satan? After all, he is the father of lies and would want to make us believe we are incredibly alone. I know the truth is that God is alive in me and that nothing in all creation can separate me from the love of God that is in Jesus (Romans 8:38-39) and yet I still struggle with that feeling of loneliness.
That's when I am reminded by the Holy Spirit that we are to no longer conform to the patterns of this world (that would be what Satan wants me to do, to believe his lie that I am alone), but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). That means that if even in my physical circumstances I am alone or if I feel alone, to remember that I am not ever alone. God is with me always. God lives in me. I must choose to believe the truth. But then I feel that loneliness still and I want to get rid of it so desperately. It feels so real.
That's where faith truly kicks in; I must live by faith not by sight, or rather, my feelings (2Corinthians 5:6-8). Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1) It's believing Him, that He is in me, and that I can rest in Him. Am I going to choose to believe my feelings, what Satan tells me, or what God tells me? There's a reason that God, through Paul, is so adamant about guarding, renewing, protecting, and on what we set our minds (Romans 8:5-7, 2Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 4:23, Philippians 4:7, Colossians 3:2). If the Holy Spirit resides in our hearts and we are a new creation with a new heart in Jesus (Ezekiel 36:26, 2Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15) and if the job of the Holy Spirit is to lead us to all truth (John 16:13-15), then it is not our hearts that are the trouble, it's our minds. And what controls our emotions? Not our hearts, but our minds.
As an example, try a little experiment on yourself. Remember the saddest time in your life. Think about it in detail. Recall all the events surrounding it. Who was a part of it? What happened? What were the results? I mean really think on this. Let these thoughts take hold of your mind....Are you feeling sad? I know for me I can totally fall apart thinking about things like that. Or what about the future? Who of us here worries or is anxious? What might happen tomorrow? What if I don't get this done? What if my child chooses to do this? What if someone I love gets really sick or does something unimaginable? And we could allow our minds, our thoughts to go on and on. What are your feelings telling you now? Are you sad? Worried? Anxious? Depressed? Now, think about the best moment of your life. Recall what happened in detail. Remember who was there, what was happening, every detail. What happened to your feelings now? Did they change as you thought on different things? This is to demonstrate to us that what we think controls what we feel and if we choose to not give that control to Jesus through His Spirit in us by renewing our minds with His truth, we will continue to feel such things as loneliness. Feelings don't change instantly. We truly have a physiological response to them, such as crying when we're sad (or even when we're happy, like me) or an adrenaline rush when we're scared or stressed. But, they feelings do change. They have their purpose, as God intended them, but they are NOT truth.
It's funny. I started writing this almost a month ago, but stopped due to a loss for words. I wasn't ready yet. God was preparing my heart in advance. He was bringing to my mind His truth so that I could choose to believe it in the upcoming times. These past two weeks have been a testing of my faith and my feelings. My sister delivered her first baby more than 12 weeks prematurely. She was admitted twice to the hospital and the second time they were unable to stop her bleeding and contractions. There was a time during all of this that we were unsure if she or my nephew would live through this. Usually I could have let me mind and thus my feelings run away with me. But God is faithful and because I He had already been teaching and leading me to His truth, I chose to believe Him. I chose to believe that His ways are not my ways (Isaiah 55:8) and that He is in all things working for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). I chose to believe that God is sovereign and that He knits each of us together in our mothers' womb and knew the number of our days before one of them came to be (Psalm 139). And because I exercised my faith in Who He is and I chose to seek Him and praise Him, giving Him thanks in even this circumstance, He truly guarded my heart and my mind in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6-7) and I could praise Him and rejoice in Him through it all. And the best part is that I got to brag on my God to my little ones!
Lord, may I continue to grow in Your love. May I continue to grow in wisdom, in knowledge of You. Thank you for allowing me to exercise, and thus build, my faith in You. I praise You and thank You, my God, my Father for this test and these trials. I ask for perseverance during these trials to produce character which produces hope and to rejoice in You always.

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

My New Nephew!

2007-03-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

Praise God through whom all blessings flow...while my nephew was born more than 12 weeks premature, he is a fighter, like his Mama, and is doing well for his circumstances. He's had to have very little intervention and I can't wait to meet him.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-21T08:24:00.000-08:00

Thursday Thirteen

2007-01-18T13:59:00.000-08:00

 
Thirteen Things I love about Heather

I'm just getting back from a long visit to my parents', so I'm picking up this tag now-a little late, but still heartfelt.  This is a tribute to my dear friend who is battling cancer and in the midst of it has made a transcontinental move with her family.  I miss her terribly, but know she is being taken care of by the best.  She will beat this, and my prayers are with her.

1…. She is strong...in personality, in character, in faith, in love, in determination, and until recently, in health!.
2…. She is beautiful, inside and out, no matter what time of day, night, or life.
3…. She is a true friend.
4…. She loves the Lord Jesus with all her heart, all her mind, all her strength, and all her soul.
5…. She is intelligent.
6…. She is wise.
7…. She is amazingly energetic.
8…. She is generous with all that she has.
9…. She makes me smile and laugh.
10…. She is incredibly witty.
11…. She is a coffee and chocolate lover just like me!
12…. She can see the best in people and love them through the worst.
13…. She is dedicated to passing these traits to her precious family.

I look forward to having her in my life the rest of my days here on earth and in heaven.
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I'm Allergic to Mondays!

2006-10-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

I think I'll take a page from my oldest dd and proclaim loudly for all to not only hear but to have to acknowledge,"I'M ALLERGIC TO MONDAYS." While Mondays have never particularly been my favorite day of the week, today seems particularly inane yet manic. Pick-up from the weekend, bless the house, help DH with pool equipment, declutter, plan out week, make appoinments, secure a sitter for later, etc. Not the way I'd like to ease into my week. I did finally quit procrastinating out of the guilt of not having called a dear friend to check on her during her recovery from having a major organ removed and when I called to chat for 5 minutes her patient and friendly understanding put me on a more blithe path for the day. Top that off with only having to spend 15 minutes keeping youngest dd focused on her homework (homework in Kindergarten-we won't even go there today) and with being able to accompany oldest dd to see "One Night with the King" this evening and it should make for an overall Monday that shouldn't be so allergenic.
Still, it is Monday and the start of a long week that will fly by before I know it. It also means 3 more nights until I can sleep with my arms wrapped around my DH. Thankfully, we were able to celebrate the birthdays of several friends this weekend and my hubby and I got 2 outtings together and some desperately needed quiet time. It's amazing what that can do for a marriage. And, with all 3 kiddos at sleep overs Sat. night, DH and I put our feet up around 7 and were sound asleep before 9:30-a long time dream come true. I didn't even have to hit snooze Sunday morning!
So, I guess I won't have to proclaim so loudly, at least for today, "I'M ALLERGIC TO MONDAYS! " I can simply say, "Thank You, Jesus, even for Mondays, because without them there wouldn't be any other days of the week."