Moblogging

Just checking once again to see how this moblogging works. Wish me luck. Wish wish wish.

Braden walking on the pool ice.

The joy of today......Note the big splash before anything happens.

New Years Resolutions 2010

1. Read my bible as many days as possible
2. Start up my Prayer Journal again
3. Lose more weight
4. Continue tap lessons
5. Move toward healthier eating
6. Take more pictures and videos

New Years Meme

New Years Meme

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?

Successfully lost weight 

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I dont remember them. I better write them down, but losing weight is always on the list and I did that. 

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Pastor Steve and Laurel, Victoria, Breanne, 
4. Did anyone close to you die?

Residents at the facility I work at

5. What countries did you visit?

Mexico

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

More consistancy, more follow through, more time with my kids that are growing up so fast!
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Feb 15th Lincoln and Ellie were born. Who knew they would end up with us and be so fun! (they are Shih Tzu's)

March 18 Kiara turns 17!

March 19 Kiara gets her License

April 30 Braden turns 19

Nov 29 Darryl and I went on our first cruise
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Starting to learn to Tap
9. What was your biggest failure?

Same as before
Not being consistant as a mom. I do really good in one area and others suffer, I want to be PERFECT! WAAAAAAAH!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Fibromyalgia
11. What was the best thing you bought?

I would have to say Christmas presents for my kids. They wanted more expensive things this year so only got a few presents, but they are enjoying them so much.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Friend/co worker who prayed and looked for Squirty because she escaped again when we were on the Larson Reunion. And the co workers who helped look for her. The lady who brought her back even tho she wanted to keep her.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

People who are very mean to their kids in the stores when the kids are just tired. 
14. Where did most of your money go?

God (tithe, church budget and other) Christian education, Housing, No car payments thankfully.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

I love giving my family gifts that surprise them. Braden got an ipad for his birthday. Darryl got a telephoto lens for his camera, Kiara got an ipad for Christmas
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?

Better than a Hallelujah by Amy Grant

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Happier. I would like to think I get happier with each passing year
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner YAY!!!!!
c) richer or poorer? Financially better off.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

More helping the less fortunate. I would like to do a little more each year

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Griping about being the only one who does anything, but hey I am getting lots of help now!
20. How did you spend Christmas?

A day early since Christmas was on Sabbath this year.
21. Did you fall in love in 2010?

Yes. Over and over with the same guy for the last 30 years. (26 of those married) and with these little Chihuahuas called Squirty and Kilher, the medium size Shih Tzus: Lincoln and Ellie, the  big Chocolate Lab: Kai and a psychotic cat "squirrel" that screams and screams for food even right after she has had some. 
22. What was your favorite TV program?

Cake Boss, Say yes to the Dress, Pretty Little Liars, Office, Chuck, 20 Kids and Counting
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I try not to hate anyone. I hate some of the things they do however

24. What was the best book you read?

The Greatest Sermon Ever Preached by Ellen G White

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Jackie Evancho!
26. What did you want and get?

I wanted help around the house and I got it!
27. What did you want and not get?

Cant think of anything

28. What was your favorite film of this year?


29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

We went to Silver Falls and then to the tulips and got pictures

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

If I could keep my kids young forever....
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?

Anything cute at Ross Dress for Less. Lots of suits for work, Kiara picking out clothes for me and  a Red Dress, Red Shoes and a Red Purse my Kids got me for Christmas.
32. What kept you sane?

Dawn and praying
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I do not fancy people if I do not know what values they hold.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?

I dont get stirred by politics
35. Who did you miss?

My kids when they are not home. I would say my hubby, but we do everything together even work.
36. Who was the best new person you met?

Dr Kevin Thompson that saved my dads life with a stint on December 17th
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.

That no matter how small an event may seem to me, I should give people the option of making the decision on whether to attend or not, instead of keeping it quiet as in my ReBaptism on July 27th. Dad got rebaptized too

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

When a problem comes along you must whip it!

39. Favorite quote of the year?

All my life I have tried to pluck a thistle and plant a flower wherever the flower would grow in thought and mind.
Abraham Lincoln 

40. Favorite new blog discovery this year (and how did you discover it)?
Hip2Save recommended by my sister in law Leslie when teaching me couponing 101 and 102

Reflections on 2010

20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?  I have grown spiritually

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? Learning to trust God instead of having anxiety

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year? Cancellation of a court case and savings of 4000!

4. What was an unexpected obstacle? How hard it would be to send my boy off to college

5. Pick three words to describe 2010. Wonderful, Joyful, Hopeful

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2010 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).  Happiness, Laughter, Joy

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2010 (again, without asking). Content, fun, happy

8. What were the best books you read this year? The best sermon ever preached by Ellen G White and Experiencing God

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships? My family and my friend Dawn whom is more like a friend, counselor, and sounding board all rolled into one. 

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? Lost weight

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? Learned to handle some of my anxiety

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? Learned to trust God more

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically? Learned to eat differently

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? I learned that I should have learned not to be so shy because people are so fun to get to know. 

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)? Working with Dementia residents and at home working with someone else in the family (I like company, what else can I say :}

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)? Most challenging is keeping up with paperwork at work and at home As well as dealing with my fibromyalgia.

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? Island Paradise which I quit cold turkey and have not gone back

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year? Spending every moment possible talking with my teens

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year? That God can handle every problem if you let him

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2010 for you. My hope is in the Lord

God Rocks: a weekly miracle story

This week i am thanking God for keeping my Dad safe and alive. He was headed home from a store and had chest and arm pain, but he just wanted to lay down. My mom is very intuitive and said "no we are going". Then Dad wanted to go to urgent care and Mom said "no we are going to the hospital, they have the best cardiac care in the Northwest". By the time they got to the hospital the pain was horrible he rated it as way over a 10. Immediately & people were working on him and he was taken to the cath lab where they found 2 blockages and then fixed them with balloons and wire mesh. The Doctor came out and said "whoever got him here is to be commended cause he got here just in time". So God gave my mom the intuition to make him go and then to go to the hospital. God also gave the doctors the skills to fix the blockages. My Dad is feeling 100 percent better but still has some blockages on the back side of his heart so pray for him please.

Fibromyalgia and Pain meds

Whomever said narcotics do not work for Fibromyalgia probably didnt have it. Recently I was on a trip and had some of my pain meds stolen. As a result I ran out before my next prescription. I am trying to be brave, but the pain is so intense, I cant take a deep breath or even a normal breath. And I still have, and take, 2 other pain meds. I just dont have the strongest one. If you are in severe pain, talk to your doctor about trying pain meds for Fibro. Cymbalta for depression also takes the edge off the pain. It is expensive, so make sure you have good insurance coverage before getting it. TENS units that send out electrical impulses to pads you put on your skin are very helpful. The only hard part is deciding which hurting area to put it on first. Hot tubs or hot baths are helpful but mostly while you are in them. Massage is helpful as long as you ask for pressure that is not painful. If it becomes painful then it keeps hurting for days. It also helps to tell the people around you that the playful slap on the shoulder feels like being run over by a mac truck to you. My gift today from my son who is still a teen for a few more months was that he and his Dad, my hubby, put the lights on the Christmas tree and did more decorating outside. That was the best present of all.......

Thanksgiving on the Larson Side of the family!!! Kiana, MOD (my other dad), Darryl, Erma, Leslie, Milt, Me, Kiara, Braden. Missing (Brittany, Jordan, Lorrie, Greg, Kerry, and Eileen)

Teens need your time

I have found that my teens need me to spend time with them doing things they enjoy in order to fill connected. Some teens need more time than others. One of my teens will find me in whatever room I am in and share trivia, stories, things they are doing. Our relationship is fairly easy. My other teen doesn't feel a connection till I spend lots of time doing things like watching shows or movies, sitting in the hot tub together, shopping etc. They both are at the age they drive and have their own cars but I find now that I don't have to take them places, I am choosing to spend time with them. Its the only way they open up and let me know what is important to them. So if your teen is difficult, try spending a tom of time with them. Even if they resist for the first 100 times. All teens really want is to be heard, understood, validated and to know that you can be fun too. My daughter tried on dresses this last week and I picked out a few choices which is usually a big no no. Anyway I told her to go ahead and try them on just for the laugh factor. And sure enough we both about died laughing. I treasure every moment because before I know it she will be all grown up.

Physician Guided Weight Loss Centers

These places are amazing. I have tried many diets and the weight came back very quickly. With this program I wasnt hungry. I ate every 2 hours and had a mini meal each day. I lost weight fairly quickly (2 to 3 pounds a week) and I havent followed the plan seriously in over a year and still lost a pound! I recent put on just a few pounds (slowly) and so am back on the program. If you have struggled with every diet plan out there, see if you have a Physician Guided Weight Loss in your area. Their success, I believe, is the ratio of protein to carbs, vitamin/enzyme injections, and Physician Counseling. Try it, what do you have to lose?

God Rocks

Wow its been a long time since I have been here! Good news is that little Issac lived. I just saw him this past weekend. He is walking and playing like any other 2 year old. Thanks to all who prayed for him

A friend of mine had an amazing story of what God can do. She got up in the middle of the night and passed out. Her husband who usually snores through everything was awakened and came to her rescue just in time. Turns out she had a heart arrthymia that only 10 percent survive from. There was many people praying for her recovery and that it would be complete healing. She is doing great!

And lastly I thank God everyday for my 2 wonderful teens!

Happy 50th Anniversary Dad and Mom!!!!!

Happy 50th Anniversary to my Awesome Parents!

Howard and Maris

September 17th, 1960

My grandfather Robert Lea walking my mother down the aisle

Wedding Party: Cynthia, Aunt Roberta, Mother, Father, (some guy, some dude)

Little girl my parents knew

Nice cake!

Cynthia helping Mom with the garter

Dad Lifeguarding at Lake ___________?

Fun at the beach with Dad, Mom, Bruce and his girlfriend.

Dad graduating from Andrews with a Business Degree and holding me. I was 1 month old

Dad Graduating with his Masters in Teaching

Mom holding me. My favorite picture of her. I was born April 12th, 1962

The new parents: Dad, Mom and Me!

Dad and I

My little Bro born August 29th, 1967

My Brother almost grown up

My little sister, Grandpa and Dad She was born May 13th 1970

Dad and Sis

Mom and Dad (Year????)

Dad and Mom camping (year???)

Mom and Dad (he probably tickled her) (year?????)

I love you very much and so glad you are my parents.

(See part 2 for the grandkids)

God Rocks: A weekly (or yearly :) Miracle story

Hmmm, I had quite a few answers to prayer to blog. But sadness overwhelms me today as a friend who had twins at 24 weeks gestation just lost the little girl named Isabella Ellen. The parents faith in God is amazing and incredible. They are looking forward to the day Jesus comes and they are reunited with her. She lived 15 days. Her brother Isaac Luther is critical but stable. They were due Jan 19th I believe. Sometimes we forget the miracle of healthy children that have grown up with very few health problems. If you pray, please pray for this family and little Isaac. 

New Years Meme

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?

Mission Trip out of the country! Never ever thought I would do that, but through a series of miracles and God's leading, that is what we did.

Recieved an Awesome side by side refridgerator with ice and water in the door from my Dad and Mom

Recieved a Company Car, drop dead awesome!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I tried really hard and exceeded for a while. And yes I will make more. My motto is NEVER give up.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Mellisa and Ben: Kim and Ben (and no Ben is not the same person....lol)


4. Did anyone close to you die?

My grandfather died.

5. What countries did you visit?

Canada, Ecuador

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

More consistancy, more follow through, more time with my kids that are growing up so fast!

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

May 1st Son Braden gets his Drivers License
June 7th Daughter kiara's 8th Grade graduation
June 28th Left at 3 or 4 am for mission trip to Ecuador
August 28th Daughter Kiara's first day of highschool and Son Braden's Junior year
Surprise Refridgerator from Dad and Mom
December 31st Given a company car to use that is SO AWESOME!


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Making friends again with my kids, as they got to be teens they started pulling a way and I found a way through prayer and reading to connect again

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not being consistant as a mom. I do really good in one area and others suffer, I want to be PERFECT! WAAAAAAAH!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

6 weeks of respiratory illness and severe headache.
Muscle in my hip that rubs on Sciatic nerve causing great pain, especially when I
have to sit for long periods

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I would have to say Christmas presents for my kids. They wanted more expensive things this year so only got a few presents, but they are enjoying them so much.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Mom, Dad, Sister, bro in law, nieces, co workers, friends, church family all who prayed for our little Chihuahua "Squirty" when she ran away while we were in Ecuador and for the nice family that chose to give her back, after she ran in their house after 4 days on the run.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Anyone who does terrible and mean things to children or animals Shame on them!

14. Where did most of your money go?

God (tithe, church budget and other) Christian education, Housing, No car payments thankfully, Oh yes, and to the Mission trip

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

I got really really excited about the new fridge, the hot tub and the Company Car! Of course I get overwhelmed with excitement when someone gives me a ball point pen too!

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

Calling you by Blue October because my teen daughter listened to it so much I know all the words. And Chris Tomlin cause she listens to him a lot too


17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Happier. I would like to think I get happier with each passing year
b) thinner or fatter? About the same, but hoping and praying for a miracle
c) richer or poorer? Financially better off.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

More helping the less fortunate. I would like to do a little more each year

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Griping about being the only one who does anything, but hey I am getting lots of help now!

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Surprised our extended family in Canada with our arrival. Actually they are my sister's husbands family but they have always treated us like family

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?

Yes. Over and over with the same guy for the last 27 years. (23 of those married) and with these little dogs called Squirty and Little Dude, the big dog Kai and a new kitty who as of now has no name, but is the most lovey cat I have ever had.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Meer Cat Manor, Orangutan Island, Office, Man vs Wild,

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I try not to hate anyone. I hate some of the things they do however

24. What was the best book you read?

LOVE AND RESPECT. It is a must read for married people

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Connie Talbot. That girl is right on key!

26. What did you want and get?

I wanted to take my family on a mission trip and we did go. We worked for 6 days straight building a church and both kids and hubby want to go on another!

27. What did you want and not get?

Spot bot for pets,,,asking for it for my birthday

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Evan Almighty. So cute, clean and didnt contradict the bible

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

We tried to go to the tulip patch but the weather was not cooperating so we had my birthday in a really cool McDonalds. Afterward, the weather cleared up and we went out to the tulip patch and got our pics. I turned 28 for the 17th time.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

If I could keep my kids young forever....

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

watch a lot of "What Not to Wear" and try to embrace the concepts lol

32. What kept you sane?

Text messaging and praying

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I do not fancy people if I do not know what values they hold. but I have been fascinated with the ones who are adopting from other countries, such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

I dont get stirred by politics

35. Who did you miss?

My kids when they are not home. I would say my hubby, but we do everything together even work.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

Jessica. I knew her as an aquaintence but now we are good friends. She is awesome.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.

Just because you think you know the meaning of respect, doesnt mean you know how someone else views respect. Read the Love and Respect book!

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

When a problem comes along you must whip it!

39. Favorite quote of the year?
TBA
40. Favorite new blog discovery this year (and how did you discover it)?
TBA

Company Cars are the best!!!!!

And so are the Company owners that give them! the owners of the company my hubby and I work for surprised my hubby today with a brand new hot off the train 2008 fully loaded Ford Edge. They chose everything from the color to all the features. So far we have figured out we can talk through the cars system on our cell phones and even make calls on the computer screen. It has GPS, 6 CD player, Sunroof and separate moonroof, seat warmers, keyless entry, and many other things we havent figured out yet. We have to take it back in once the DVD's (one for each kid) are here and will be installed. We are so excited we cant hardly believe it. To have the best job in the world and then this....it is beyond belief!

Catching up from July

Here are some questions my sis asked me in July! Who knew? Ever since we went to Ecuador on a mission trip I have not blogged or looked at blogs. I have however been a bit distracted by Facebook. I was pressured into it a month or so ago and its fun because you can give a virtual gift and poke a friend with out all the pain of shopping or spending the lack of money. Ok heres the questions that my sis Laughing Mommy asked:.

1. What is your favorite flower? Why? That is extremely hard question becasue if it has a flower on it, I like it! Even weeds. I would say that I love flowers like lilacs, hydrangeas, fuschias and flowers that close up at night the best.

2. What is the nicest thing a guy has ever said to you? The nicest thing would have to be "here let me help you with that" LOL The worst thing? Impying that I am stupid, because of course I am not! LOL

3. What is your favorite food? Pizza. Always has been. When I was little I was determined to let my kids have pizza everyday! We dont have it everyday, but we do have it at least once a week and sometimes 2 to 3 times a week.

4. What is your best memory from grade school? My best memories are of my bestest friend in the whole wide world, Janice. We lost touch after highschool. However I do know she has a boy and a girl just like me and they are each a little older than my kids.

5. What are you the most proud of? I am most proud of my wonderful teens Braden and Kiara. They are a joy to be around, helpful, and fun.

Ok I tag Oregon Trails End and Laughing Mommy with the following questions:

1. What do you feel like was the most life changing event of your life and why?

2. What is your idea of the perfect vacation? and why?

3. What is your idea of the perfect gift and why?

4, What is you love language. (affirmations, physical touch, gifts, quality time or acts of service)

5. Favorite song and why do you like it.

I AM BACK !!!!!

Hopefully. I am insanely busy with work and teen things but I miss the blogging! However, I have a buch of answered prayers to report on so I better get back at it.

Missed opportunities

Last night just before I went to bed I realized I needed a new towel to put in the kennel our littlest Chihuahua "Little Dude" sleeps in. For reasons in many other posts I have put on here he is on "lock up" at night. In case you have not read earlier posts they have to do with the proper area to relieve himself and getting into trash cans, laundry etc. Anyway, every one else was in bed so I made my way to the garage and as I walked in I noticed in my peripheral vision what looked like a creme colored cat. Since we do not have a creme colored cat, I looked that way and found myself staring at a huge possum. She is lucky it did not trigger my scream reflex as it probably would have made him/her faint. Anyway I took a bucket and tried to shew her out the cat door, but she hissed and then finally made his way behind a table and boxes. NOW if I was a good blogger, the moment I saw him I would have said "wait" and I would have run for the camera. But I guess I am still learning.....Maybe next time.

God Rocks: A Weekly Miracle Story

Being a Seventh Day Adventist, I get a a 24 hour "vacation" from all work every week from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. However the activities preparing for this mini vacation can get kinda hectic sometimes. One Friday late afternoon, when the kids were little, the dryer belt broke. We didn't have much money and the church clothes were in the washer. I think I can do anything, so I went and bought a new belt. I struggled with it for an hour before I realized if I didn't get it on soon the sun would be down and we would be out of luck. I prayed that God would not let Satan win and ruin my "sabbath". I called the place I got the belt, and the guy there was so nice he talked me through the entire process. I was also able to get all the clothes dried before sunset so we could have our weekly rest and time to spend with God.

Sometimes my Staurday mornings are hectic and I cant find things I need before church starts. Everytime I pray about it my eye or hand goes almost directly to the thing I need.

Hide and seek

Watch the video of the wedding song below and see if you can tell when Darryl finally spotted me in the balcony of the chapel. If you need a bigger view you can enlarge it at the You Tube site.