Life Thoughts

2010-01-02T11:47:00.000-08:00

Blessing #52

I am blessed that Todd was able to make it here safely for Christmas. When I look at him and see how God has formed him into what he is today, I just marvel at how he has come from a tiny pre-mature baby of 3 lbs 12 oz and has truly become a wonderful young man. I know God has wonderful things in store for him, if he just follows God's leading.

The sad part of Christmas was that our oldest son, Tim wasn't able to be with us, but am thankful that he still has a job and will be moving into a house with a friend or two where he'll have more room.

God has been good this year, and I'm looking forward to what He has in store for me in 2010!

I know I didn't keep up with this every week like it was intended to be, but I'm thankful I at least finished this challenge this year. Thank you, LouAnn for challenging us!

2010-01-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

Blessing #51

I am blessed to be another year older and in good health. When I think about having lived 58 years, it boggles my mind that I have lived this long! I pray that God will continually lead me and direct me in the path He wants me to go.

2010-01-02T11:42:00.000-08:00

Blessing #50

I am blessed to be teaching 3 year-olds this year. I never thought I would like teaching such young ones, but they have truly been a blessing to me. Watching them perform in the Christmas program was such a delight. God always knows what He's doing even when we think "what??" Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with these little ones.

2010-01-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

Blessing #49

I am blessed to be able to be in a Beth Moore Bible Study. This study we started in October is on Esther. I have taught Esther as a 4th grade teacher for 15 years, but there is always something new to learn. I love learning new things from God's Word. I am thankful that they are having a study on Wednesday evenings so I could be a part of it.

2010-01-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

Blessing #48

I am blessed because I love to read, and because of that I am in a Book Club and I really enjoy meeting together with them once a month. They have introduced me to books I would never have read on my own. I am thankful that I have this love of reading (Christian novels mostly!).

2010-01-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

Blessing #47

I am blessed and thankful to still have both my mom and my dad with me and that I am able to live close to them. Since we moved up to Washington in 2006, it's been great to be only a few houses away from them and able to see them often. It was nice to have them along with my brother and uncle and his friend here for Thanksgiving as well. God is good!

2009-11-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

Blessing #46

This week, my blessing is my sister-in-law. I had been typing on my laptop and suddenly my space bar stopped working. That was very frustrating, to say the least! Well, my dear sister-in-law said she had a laptop she wasn't using and is letting me use it! It is so nice when God answers our prayers...especially since I had no money to buy another laptop!

2009-11-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

Here is something we all need to do!

http://faithsisters.com/forum/index.php?topic=11486.msg111171#msg111171

2009-11-08T17:17:00.000-08:00

Blessing #45

I am blessed by once again getting to spend time with some former roommates that I had right out of college. It was fun to get together and catch up with these awesome gals. One of them just had breast cancer surgery and it was great to see how God had blessed her even in these tough times. God has certainly blessed each of us, we just need to recognize the blessings when they come!

2009-11-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

Blessing #44

It was a blessing to also be able to go to our church's Women's Retreat at Silver Falls. It was a great weekend to get away from it all and learn what God wants of us. I was also blessed to be able to host a scrapbooking class and help the women make a "Scrapbook in a Box". It was an enjoyable time, and a very blessed time. It is a beautiful place...seeing the magnificent waterfalls. I was only able to see one this year, but there are many waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park.

2009-11-08T17:08:00.000-08:00

Blessing #43

I was blessed this year because I was able to attend the Evangelical Women's Mission Conference in Clackamas. It was such a blessing to hear the stories and testimonies of women who have been or who will be going to the mission field for the first time. I also got to hear more from my friend, Suzanne, who spent a year on the mission field. I also got to see another missionary I haven't seen in many years. God is working, and it is a blessing to hear how He's working!

2009-11-08T17:03:00.000-08:00

Week #42

I am blessed by more George Fox friends. For many years there have been a group of us who get together for breakfast or lunch once a year. Usually it's in July around the time of Jennings Lodge and Yearly Meeting. But, this year we couldn't meet until September. And, only 4 of us got together. But, it was a great time catching up with each others' lives and see how God is blessing each of us. I truly treasure the times I can get together with long time friends.

2009-11-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

Blessing #41

I am blessed because I have a job! I am blessed because, even though I wasn't sure how I would like teaching 3 year olds, I am really enjoying it! They are so cute, and I just love them! I am blessed to be able to touch their lives.

2009-11-08T16:53:00.000-08:00

Blessing #40

I am blessed because my friend Jane is willing to go to a Beavers Baseball game with me, even though she doesn't really like baseball as much as I do. It was also great to be at the Beaver game because it was George Fox Alumni and New Freshman night. It was sad, though, because no one from our class was there! But, Jane and I had fun anyway!

2009-11-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

Blessing #39
I am so blessed because God "dropped a job into my lap"! I had prayed that it would be great if God would just "drop a job into my lap"...and at the end of August, I got a call from the school secretary at the private school run by our church. She asked me if I would be interested in teaching a preschool class three mornings a week. Well, to be truthful, I did not think I would enjoy teaching 3 year olds. But, when I realized that God had "dropped this into my lap"...who was I to say "No"? So, I said yes, and I can say, I am truly blessed!

2009-11-08T16:36:00.000-08:00

Blessing #38

I am blessed to have college friends who still keep in contact with each other! When we were seniors in college, we had to go to Monmouth to OCE and live in an apartment. So, Connie, Marilyn, Jane, and I all moved in together. Through the years, we went our separate ways, and lost contact with each other. Then several years ago, we reconnected, and now we get together every summer when Marilyn is home from China. This year we were able to go to Marilyn's parent's beach house at Twin Rocks. This is the 2nd year we have gone there. It was great to spend a couple of days there. I am blessed to have friends that are still friends after all these years!

2009-11-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

Blessing #37

I am blessed to be able to have my parents over for Sunday dinner. Even though I don't enjoy cooking, I know it's important to have family over, and it's great that they appreciate the effort and don't expect much! I was able to have mom and dad over to celebrate mom's 83rd birthday. I am blessed!

2009-11-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

Blessing #36

I am blessed to have my mom still with me at 83 years of age. She doesn't get around as well as she used to, but she hangs in there! I am glad that we were able to move close to my parents and get to spend these years with them. I don't know what I would do without my mom! It's so fun to be able to go down and "borrow" something that I need. She also has given me so much, that I could never repay. It's a blessing to still have my mom (and dad)!

2009-11-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

Blessing #35

I am blessed to be able to have scrapbooking at our Mobile Home Park each month. It is always fun to get together with others and scrapbook. It is sometimes just 2 of us, but sometimes as many as 6 or 7. I love having this time to be able to scrapbook and get to know my friends. God has blessed me with many friends!

2009-11-08T16:19:00.000-08:00

Blessing #34

I am blessed to have friends who come to visit. I was afraid that when I moved up to Washington, I would eventually lose contact with them and possibly not see them again. But, my friend, Marilee (for real!), comes to see me when she comes up to Oregon to see her sister and her dad. It's always great to catch up with her. I am glad that I am able to take her to the airport, or pick her up from the airport, and also take her down to Woodburn to meet her sister. It is a blessing!

2009-11-08T16:12:00.000-08:00

Blessing #33

I am blessed to have friends that I've known for 33 years. Going to the Cudahy Reunion, I was able to see many friends who I have not seen for several years. We are like family, and it was like we had not been apart at all. God has blessed those who attended Cudahy Community Church, and I am blessed to be part of that group since 1976.

2009-11-08T16:07:00.000-08:00

Blessing #32

Blessing #32 is my friend, Diane. Because of her I was able to fly to LA and attend our Cudahy Reunion (my former church from the 80s). She is such a blessing to me. She has been a true friend for many years, and I truly appreciate our friendship. I pray God will bless her many times over!

2009-11-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

Blessing #31

I am blessed because I was having a problem getting my rebate that I was supposed to get with new cell phone. I was afraid I wasn't going to get the $50 gift card promised because I got a rejection letter. BUT, I went to the AT&T place where I bought my new phone, and they re-entered my information, and a few weeks later, I received the $50 GC! God is so good, even in the small things! (but it was really a BIG thing to me!)

2009-11-08T15:51:00.000-08:00

Blessing # 30

I am so far behind on my weekly blessings (again). BUT...I am still blessed, so I will attempt to come up with all my blessings since July 21!

I am blessed because I was able to go to our Jennings Lodge Camp/Conference. When I was growing up, going to Jennings Lodge was always a great time. The evening services are such a blessing...the singing, the preaching...all of it. It is a little sad that it is no longer "camp" but more of a conference time. But, at least the evening services are still good! I pray that we will always have Jennings Lodge.

2009-07-30T13:15:00.001-07:00

FaithSisters is two years old! Click on link to find out all the fun things in store at Faith Sisters!

http://www.faithsisters.com/birthdaybash.php

http://www.faithsisters.com/images/ads/FaithSIsters_Happy2ndBirthday_ad.gif

2009-07-21T15:58:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings #29

After a wonderful trip to DC and NYC, I came home to participate in our Community Yard Sale on Saturday. Crazy! But, I was blessed to have a fairly good sale, thanks to the baseball cards and CD's my husband was willing to sell! It was a blessing to make as much money as we did.

2009-07-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings #28

I cannot believe I actually was able to visit New York City! I know, to many it is not something one would want to do, but I had always wanted to visit the city and "experience it". Well, I did! In a day and a half, I saw quite a bit of the Big Apple. I was blessed to have my son, Todd as a tour guide! He made the trip wonderful! Thank you, Todd!

2009-07-21T15:52:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings #27

I am very blessed to be an American. Being in our nation's capital on the 4th of July was truly a blessing. God Bless America!

2009-07-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings #26

I am very blessed that I am able to go to DC and visit my son. The weather was perfect and it was a wonderful trip. Visiting The Holocaust Museum made me realize just how much God's people have suffered. We should never forget the injustice done and never let it be repeated.

2009-07-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings #25

Since I am so far behind, I'm now must numbering my blessings instead of by the week!
My blessing is my son, Todd. It looked like I wasn't going to be able to go to New York because my "Plan A" and "Plan B" fell through. BUT...my son, Todd told me he would take a couple of days off work and go up there with me! I was really touched that he would do that for me, because he knew how much I wanted to go to New York! Thank you, God for giving me a son like Todd!

2009-06-19T00:04:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 24

My blessing this week is that God has blessed my eBay sales! I had a very good week selling 24 of my books. I am thankful that God is blessing this venture of mine.

2009-06-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 23

This week's blessing is that I have been blessed with getting a lot of subbing jobs this year. Even though we're still struggling financially, it's been great to be able to work nearly every day this school year. God is faithful!

2009-05-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 22

This week my blessing would have to be our Sunday School class. Today we had a class picnic at the park. It was so fun to see each other outside of class, and I really think we got to know each other better. Other than seeing several of the ladies at our newly developed Book Club, we don't really get together outside of class. I pray that we will have more "social events" in the future!

2009-05-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 21

This week my blessing is that I am actually making my plans to go to DC and visit my son! AND...I am also planning a trip to NYC thanks to the help of my friend, Kim! It is so exciting to think I actually will get to see my son and where he works, but I'll also get to see New York City! This has been a dream of mine for many years. I am just thankful to God that it's finally coming to be. I'm also thankful that my son, Todd, is actually looking forward to seeing me! :)

2009-05-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 20

Well, I am a week behind, but I'd have to say that my blessing for last week would be getting to fly over SW Washington with my brother! He took me around Mt. St. Helens. It was a beautiful day, and the mountain was spectacular. It is truly amazing viewing God's creation from up in an airplane. God really knew what He was doing when He created this beautiful world for us to enjoy. Thank you, Jim, for allowing me to see the beautiful scenery from above!

2009-05-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings--Week 19

This week my blessing is my mom. She has been an incredible person throughout my life. Even though we haven't always seen eye-to-eye, we still love each other very much. She has been a real role model to me as far as being a great homemaker and living "within her means". I don't know how she managed to stay out of debt even though as I grew up, we didn't have a lot of money. But, we never really suffered. She has made entertaining seem "easy" (even though she says she hates to entertain!) I cannot even begin to entertain as well as she has. Thanks, Mom, for being a great role model in my life! I love you!

2009-05-05T22:56:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 18

This past week I was still down, but thanks to my good friend, and a lot of prayer, I am coming out of my "funk". Problems are still there, but with God's help and being surrounded by friends who pray, I know that things will be better. Thank you, God for giving me friends to pray for me and be there for me!

It seems that my blessings have been my friends a lot lately! Friends are a good thing :)

2009-04-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 17

This past week was kind of a downer week for me...I was letting "life" get me down. BUT...then I remembered that I have a Friend who never fails and HE is with me and will never let me down. I am blessed to be a child of God. I am thankful that I have friends who gives me Scripture to get me through my "tough" times!

2009-04-29T18:36:00.001-07:00

2009-04-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 16

This week I am blessed because with friends...both near and far. I am blessed to have friends I have known for 30 years and friends I've only known for a year or so. I am also blessed to have reconnected with many friends on Facebook! Sometimes the internet is a good thing! :) I thank God for my friends! Without them and God I wouldn't be who I am today.

2009-04-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 15

This week my blessing is the fact that Jesus gave His life for ME! I am in awe of how much God loves me and was willing to send His Son to earth to die for my sins. AND, that Jesus was willing to do it! How can I not serve Him? We should never forget what Jesus did for us on that first Easter over 2000 years ago.!

2009-04-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by my fellow Faithsister Theresa!

Here's what to do:

Go to the photos folder on your computer.
Go to the seventh folder of photos.
Go to the seventh photo.
Put the seventh photo on your blog along with a description.
Invite seven friends to join.
Optional:
(leave me links to see your pictures!!!)

So, here is my 7th photo. It was taken in January of 2007 when we had "snow". This is in front of my house.

I tag:
JackieAnn
Karma
Shirlene
Cheryl
Michelle
Cheryl O.
Laurie

2009-04-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 14

This week's blessing is the fact that we got to take a vacation to southern California. We were blessed to have great friends who let us stay with them. Thank you to Dennis and Lynn Barrett and to Mel and Linda Loucks for opening their homes to us. It was more than appreciated!
We had a beautiful week in Escondido at the Welk Resort. It was so great to enjoy God's creation (and beautiful weather!) and be away from the "daily grind". I was able to spend more time in the Word and I also got caught up on His Holy Name Challenges from Faith Sisters!

It was a great week, and I am thankful for safe travels to and from California!

2009-04-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 13

My blessing for this week is my friends. I have a very dear friend named Diane, who I got to see this week (March 27 & 28). She means a lot to me, and it was really great to see her. She blesses me by just being my friend. She did something really nice and unselfish for me, and for that, I will be eternally grateful. She made my life a little easier...thank you, Diane!
I have another friend named Dodie that I also got to see on the 28th...thanks to my friend Diane for driving me up to see her! She has such a talent for organization and I'm always learning new things from her. She also has deep spiritual insite to so many things. I am so thankful for her friendship.
These friends were seen because we took a trip to southern California for a week's vacation.

2009-03-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 12

This week my blessing is God's creation. I planted daffodil bulbs over a year ago, and they bloomed last year, and now they are blooming again! Spring isn't my "favorite" month, but it's close! I love to see the flowers bloom (especially now that I am in the beautiful northwest and can see His beauty everywhere you look) and just the whole "newness" of what spring means. I thank God for all the seasons He gives us, and I'm happy to be living in the Northwests where I can truly enjoy each season as it comes. Isn't He great to give us seasons? :)

2009-03-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 11

This week my blessing is my mom and dad. Yesterday (Saturday) we celebrated their 6oth wedding anniversary! Eleven of us gathered together at The Olive Garden to celebrate this awesome milestone. In this day and age when marriages are so easily discarded when bad things come along, it's great to see a marriage that has lasted 60 years. True, their time together hasn't had its problems, but they committed to stay married to each other 60 years ago (actually on the 16th of March) and they remain faithful to each other to this day. I know it's because of their faith in God, and having made Him first in their lives that this has been possible. They set a good example to their two children by having daily devotions (which they continue to this day). They have never been in debt (except for a house payment or a car payment) and have been able to make many oversea trips, even though they never made a lot of money.
Thank you, Mom and Dad for leaving a great legacy! I love you!

2009-03-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

52 Blessings Week 10

I cannot believe week 10 has come and gone...I forgot to post last Sunday! Let's see...my blessing last week...
I'd have to say my blessing this last week was my friend, Jane. I am so thankful that she has come into my life again. We were roommates our senior year in college (a loooooongg time ago!) and we went our separate ways until about 4 years ago. And now, we live in the same town, and we have decided to try and do some outing together once a month. This has been fun. Saturday (the 7th) we went on an outing to look for a Letterbox at Champoeg State Park. We didn't find it...the weather was cold and was threatening rain, and we were still a long way from where the box was supposed to be. But, we had fun, anyway. I am so blessed to have Jane as my friend!

2009-03-02T15:39:00.000-08:00

52 Blessings Week 9

My blessing this week is my youngest son, Todd. He is really starting to make a name for himself, and it makes me so happy to see him doing so well! This past week he wrote a blog on the website where he works and Rush Limbaugh was so impressed by it that he read it on the air! Now, I know this may not be a very big deal to many of you, but it is a very big deal to me (and to him!). At 27, he already has thoughts that are worth repeating :) He also got his picture in the Washington Post, but they misrepresented what he and his friend were doing. Can't trust those newspaper reporters! Anyway...I just had to brag on my son! I truly thank God for the gift He has given Todd in expressing himself in the political world. We need more young people like Todd!

2009-02-22T22:36:00.000-08:00

52 Blessings Week 8

Well, this week I have to say my blessing was my Faithbooking class that I started at church. Friday night was our first meeting and 13 showed up! Everyone seemed real excited about doing something to keep a legacy of their faith. I'm really excited to see what they come up with and share next month! God is GOOD!

2009-02-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

52 Blessings Week 7

My blessing this week is my Aunt Betty. She had a stroke a week and a half ago, and is doing remarkably well. I really love my aunt. She's a lot younger than my dad, and she's a lot of fun. I would really be upset if something happened to her...she's too young! She was in really great spirits when my dad and I went to visit her yesterday. I love family and I love my aunt Betty!

2009-02-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

52 Blessings Week 6

In continuation of last week's post (which was just posted a few minutes ago!) I want to recognize the blessing of my cousins. David and Randy are my cousins, but they are much closer to me than cousins...especially David. We are only 9 weeks apart in age, and Randy is 9 years younger. David and I grew up together, and we spent many Christmases etc. together. Even though David lives in Anchorage, AK and Randy lives in Oklahoma, I pray that we will always keep in contact with them and that they will feel apart of our family. I will miss your mom, David and Randy. Even though it was a sad time saying good-bye to her this week, it was great getting to see them and spending time with them. There is nothing more important than family here on earth. I am blessed being close to my aunts, uncles, and cousins, even though we may be separated my many miles.

2009-02-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

52 Blessings Week 5

My blessing for this week (which is really last week's since I didn't post one then) is my extended family. My aunt (mom's sister) suddenly became critically ill and was taken to the hospital on Friday, Jan. 30. Sadly, she passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009. I was very close to her, she was like a 2nd mother to me. I spent several summers living with her and her family when I was in college earning money at the cannery. I will truly miss my aunt Anita. Thankfully, she is in Heaven rejoicing with the Saints!

2009-01-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

52 Blessings Week 4

This week's blessing is the fact that I've had a lot of subbing jobs this year. God knows we need the money, and He as faithfully provided jobs for me. I'm also thankful that I am getting two days off this week! That's the beauty of subbing...it doesn't have to be everyday. But, I do want to sub as often as I can. I already have a job lined up for Friday, which is really nice! Plus I have my regular Thursday job in a 3rd grade class (of which is another real blessing...to have a steady job at least once a week!). God is GOOD!

2009-01-18T19:32:00.000-08:00

52 Blessings Week 3

Today I have to say that my blessing is my dad. Today, he turned 85 years old. He is a WWII Vet and a pastor for 15 years. I am thankful for his Christian example. I am blessed that I now live only 6 houses from him (and my mom!) and have been able to go on many walks with him. I realize that our days with dad here on earth may not be very many more, so I realize that I am blessed for every day the Lord leaves him on earth for us.

2009-01-12T22:07:00.000-08:00

52 Blessings Week 2

This week I am definitely blessed to have a two week subbing job! God knows our financial situation, and He has blessed me with a short term subbing job for the next two weeks! PLUS, the school where I subbed today, needs me back on the last Friday of the month. So, I am basically teaching the last 2 weeks of January. Thank you, God, for being faithful and supplying our needs.

2009-01-04T22:23:00.000-08:00

52 Blessings Challenge #1
So, this year over at faithsisters.com we have challenge to blog, scrapbook, or journal one blessing a week for one year. I have chosen to blog my blessings each week. If you would like to join in on this challenge, feel free to check it out at
http://faithsisters.com/forum/index.php?topic=7313.15

Here we are at week #1...

My 1st Blessing is my two boys. I was so happy to have my two sons spend Christmas here with us in Washington. Even though getting here and even going home, proved to be a challenge for them (weather and airline problems!), I am truly thankful and blessed that they made the effort to come up here. God has truly blessed me in giving me two terrific boys. My prayer for them is that they will always follow the Lord and make HIM #1 in their lives.

2008-12-31T12:17:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is, almost 2009. It seems like just yesterday we were anticipating the year 2000, and now here we are 9 years later! Where does the time go? This past year has been interesting. Last December, Tom had his knee replacement "revised" so, he was off work until the 1st of May. I wasn't working too much as a sub, so times were hard. Then I didn't have any work throughout the whole summer, so that didn't help. In September I got a long term subbing job for the months of Sept. and Oct. so that was good. Then in November I started subbing every Thursday in a 3rd grade classroom at the same private school I subbed for in Sept. and Oct. It's the school that our church is in charge of. I also started subbing as a paraeducator (staff assistant) in the public schools. I've worked pretty much every day that I've been available, but the pay isn't that great. But, it's something. It was great to have both boys here with us for Christmas this year. This was the first time Tim has been up here since we moved up here. The last time he came to visit Grandma and Grandpa was in 2001. Tim went home on the 29th and Todd goes home on the 4th. I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year, and I pray that God will guide you every step of the way in 2009.

2008-09-25T19:14:00.001-07:00

Join Faith Sisters for our Birthday Bash Cyber Crop!

Who: YOU are invited!
When: September 26-28th
What: Challenges, Prizes (traditional and digital,) Sales,
Chats, New Goodies and MORE!
Where: www.FaithSisters.com
Why: To celebrate our 1 year birthday!

2008-08-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

Wow! Here it is the last day of August and I just realized I haven't posted since June!
Well...what's been going on? Here's the scoop...
First of all, my son Todd has successfully moved to Washington, DC and is happy in his new job at The Heritage Foundation. He has been there almost 3 months already!
Second of all, I have a job! Well, ok...I'll be teaching (subbing) for a 2nd grade class for the months of Sept. and Oct. School starts on Wednesday, Sept. 3, so ready or not, here I come!
Third of all, my oldest son, Tim, has just moved. He is still in southern California, and still has the same job. He seems to be doing well!
I have been busy keeping up with the Scripture Challenges at Faith Sisters. It is a great website, and I encourage anyone to join this awesome group of Christian ladies! http://faith-sisters.blogspot.com/
Sign up, and you can join us in our discussions. Very fun and supportive group!
I have just finished reading my 49th book for 2008. So far I've read 3 more books this year at this time than I did last year at this time. So many books...so little time!
I am so thankful for the way God has provided this job for me. I am confident that He will supply all our needs for the coming year.

2008-06-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Big news in the Thurman family...Todd is moving to Washington, DC next week! He got a job working for The Heritage Foundation and is in the process of moving clear across the country. I'm really happy for him, but sad that he'll be even farther away from us than he already is!

My selling on Ebay has come to a stop for now. I did sell 15 books on there, though! I was happy because I sold some books to a lady who is rebuilding their church library after Hurricane Rita destroyed their church. The church is being rebuilt, and she's trying to get books for their library.

That's about all that's been going on here!

2008-04-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I've entered the world of selling on EBay! Actually, I'm trying to sell some books for my mom. So, if you want to check it out, go to Ebay and look them up! I'm selling books by Michael Phillips and Liz Curtis Higgs. I've got 8 books up for sale so far. The sale ends Friday sometime. I hope they all sell! So far there are bids on two books. I wish I knew how to tell you how to get to them, but if you look up Angels Watching Over me and find my user name (marileet51). Then I believe you can see other books that I am selling. I'm so new at this I have no idea what I'm doing, but at least my dh can help me as he is a mega seller on EBay.
Let me know if you check them out!

2008-04-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've blogged (as a couple of my friends so kindly reminded me when I saw them last week), so I guess I better do some blogging!

I had a great week last week as Tom and I went to southern California. We visited with friends and also got to see our sons. I just wish the weather could have been a bit warmer...but it wasn't too bad. The worst was when we went to the Dodger game on Wednesday and it rained! We did not wait for the 1 hr. 15 min. rain delay...we went home. I had my Dodger Dog so I was happy. :)

I also had the privilege of going to the Women's Retreat from our Burbank church. What a great time! Plus, I got to spend the afternoon with my oldest DS, thanks to Pam letting me use her car!

I really missed Faith Sisters while I was away. If you read this blog and want to be part of a great group of women who love Jesus and also love to scrapbook, then check out faithsisters.com. It is a great site, and I have made some great online friends. I am hoping to get to meet some of them in real life in the future.

My subbing jobs have been better in February and March. So far I have two days lined up in April.

Tom is still recouperating from his knee revision surgery from Dec. He should be good to go back to work around the first of May. But, then he is scheduled for Jury Duty April 28 for two weeks, so who knows when he'll actually go back to work!

I am reading a good series of books right now. They are Sisterchicks books. There are 5 of them. I am on my 3rd one. They are by Robin Jones Gunn.

Other authors I enjoy are: Karen Kingsbury (the BEST!), Lauraine Snelling, Beverly Lewis, and Wanda Brunstetter. Tracie Peterson is also good. They are all good Christian authors. I encourage you to read their books!

Well, that's all I've got for now! I'll try to do better...but I've said that before!

2008-01-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by my friend (?) JackieAnn :) to share some facts about me, based on my Middle Name~
Here are the rules she sent:
1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.
2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name).
3. After you are tagged, you need to update your blog with your middle name and your answers.
4. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and that they need to read your blog for details)

Ok...I don't have a middle name, so here goes with my maiden name!
K-Kind :)
N-Nice :)
O-Oregon born
L-Loves to Laugh
L-Longs to see Jesus

Ok...it was hard to come up with these, but when your maiden name is Knoll...it's the best I could do.

I don't have anyone to "tag" so guess I'll have to skip that part...I hope nothing "bad" happens to me since I didn't follow all the directions!

2008-01-12T22:57:00.001-08:00

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

2008-01-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone! I can't believe just 8 short years ago we were anxiously awaiting the year 2000, and now here we are 8 years into the new millineum! My, how time flies!

I don't have any real resolutions this year, but I do want to try and keep up with the weekly challenges at faithsisters.com. It is an awesome website and I encourage any of you scrapbookers who may be reading this blog and have a love for Jesus Christ, to check it out! Another challenge I want to keep up with this year is the Scripture Challenge 2008. A new challenge each week. Not sure what all that will entail, but it sounds intriguing!

I am going to scrapbook today with my friend, so I am hoping that by scrapbooking on the first day of the new year, that it means that I will get a lot of scrapbooking in this year!

I want to start a prayer journal this year as well. There have been so many prayer requests at faith sisters, that I want to keep track of them and see how God works! So, hopefully, I will get my prayer journal started today also!

May God richly bless you this year! One of my faith sisters has this motto that says: God is Good ALL the Time! Also...Fully Rely on God. (FROG).

2007-10-29T10:17:00.001-07:00

Ok...I've been "tagged" twice now, and I'm just figuring out what that means! Anyway, I'm supposed to post these rules first:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

Here are my 7 facts about myself:
1. I was a preachers kid for 15 years
2. I worked in two canneries during the summers when in high school and college.
3. I picked beans and raspberries to make money in high school.
4. I was a teacher for 28 years (15 as a 4th grade teacher, but also have taught 1st-6th grades).
5. I have two adult sons living in California
6. I became a Christian when I was 5 or 6 years old.
7. I am left-handed.

I don't have 7 people to "tag"...so now what do I do?

2007-10-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

Croptoberfest 2007 is now history! I was very excited about everyone who turned out...it was especially fun having two "Faith Sisters" there! Everyone seemed to have a great time scrapbooking, and I think they may even start coming to my monthly free crops! (at least the ones who live in the area...I don't expect the two who came from Centralia and Belfair to come! LOL).
TODAY WAS A BEAUTIFUL SUNNY DAY IN THE PNW! I loved the day. I went for a walk...not with my dad because he went without me :( But, I did walk to Walgreens to pick up my Croptoberfest pictures. It was a two mile walk. I even got hot! (no, it wasn't due to hot flashes!)

I am praying for my friends in SoCal with all those fires. It's hard to grasp how bad it is. I hope the Santa Ana winds end soon, and the fires can be contained soon.

Oh! Because of the beautiful day, I was actually able to plant the last 3 plants I needed to plant...woohoo! Now, if they will just not die!

2007-10-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

I had a great weekend...went to a Women of Faith Conference, and it was amazing! I love all those ladies. They are so real. They shared from their hearts, and how God helped them through their trials. Which reminds me of what Marilyn Meberg said...."David didn't say, 'Yea, though I walk around the valley of the shadow of death', or under it, or over it, but THROUGH it." Through it means there's a beginning, a middle, and an end. God will be with us THROUGH our valleys. Something I knew, but is nice to be reminded of.

Today, I actually planted some plants in my front and backyard. Major undertaking for me...the non-gardener! I just hope they don't die! We're supposed to be getting a lot of rain this week, so at least they'll get water!

I am hosting a Croptoberfest this Saturday. I'm excited about it, I just hope everyone comes who says they will come!

I am really enjoying the FaithSisters forum. Awesome group of ladies!

I can't believe October is half over. Winter will soon be here...

2007-10-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

October has arrived! Yesterday we had a huge rainstorm, complete with thunder, and I'm assuming lightning, although I never saw any. I don't like all this rain this early!

I didn't get the dental office job, but applied for another one. I haven't heard from that one either. I do have a subbing job for tomorrow (Friday) so that will be good. I also have an interview on the 19th for a paraeducator substituting position in the Vancouver school district. We'll see how that goes.

I am so enjoying the faith sisters blog. Great group of ladies!

I am also enjoying a Bible Study at my mom's church. It's a Beth Moore study on A Woman's Heart. It's all about the building of the tabernacle. Very good study! It's fun to do something like that with my mom, too.

2007-09-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well! I'm getting even better...two blogs in the same month...imagine that!
I applied for a job in a dentist office, but haven't heard yet if I got the job. Not looking too good at this point, but I'm not giving up hope until I hear the final word!
I've subbed one day so far this month. Hope things pick up.
I've been working out in our yard...er weed patch thanks to the help of my dear friend. Tom has even gotten into it a little bit. We bought some bulbs and plants so hopefully, by next spring we'll be looking bright and cheery!

I belong to a great website for fellow Christian women and scrapbook lovers. It's called faithsisters.com. I am really enjoying reading the posts of everyone and seeing layouts and getting great ideas.

Well, September is almost over, and tomorrow is the first day of fall. Last year I was really excited about the coming of fall because I missed fall when I lived in SoCal. Now, I want to hang onto summer because I didn't feel like we even had summer this year! Plus, fall means I better get a job.

This is all for now!

2007-09-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm getting better! Only one month since my last post:) I keep forgetting to come here to post. But, alas...here I am again!

So...in my last post I said that Jane and I had discovered Letterboxing, and that we hoped to find 5 letterboxes that afternoon. Sadly, we were only able to find one of the five we were looking for. But! When we went on our road trip in August, we were able to find 4 of the 7 we were looking for. And, we also found one near my house in a city park. It is so much fun! Even for "old" ladies:) (BTW...I am NOT old!)

Road Trip...in August, Jane and I went on a road trip to the Grand Coulee Dam and Spokane area. She wanted to see the dam, and invited me along with her. On the way, we stopped at the Mary Hill Museum... not to go into the museum, but to look for 3 letterboxes! We only found one of them. It was fun looking though.
After that, we headed on to Toppenish, WA where I spent five years of my life (ages 10-15). We looked up several places of interest to me and we also took a tour of murals that were painted on the buildings. There are over 70 of them. It was quite interesting. I think one of them was actually painted by the dad's of one of my friends I had when I lived there.
On to Ellensburg, where we spent the night. Next morning it was off to find two letterboxes in Ellensburg...which we did! woohoo! Very fun places they were in:)
Then we were off to Grand Coulee where we viewed a laser light show on the dam at 9:30 PM. It was very good. We spent the night in a bed and breakfast there.
Next day we were off to Spokane, but on the way, we went through a couple of towns where my dad and aunt and uncle and lived. It was fun to see the places where they had lived. They are very small towns, and so I'm sure they haven't changed much since dad lived there over 60 years ago. When we got to Reardon, Jane got to do the other "goal" she had on our trip...visit a quilt shop! She had fun for about an hour. We then headed to eastern Spokane to find Newman Lake (to look for a letterbox...which we could not find, and to find the campground where I went to church camp...found the place where the camp was, but it has houses built there now.) We drove into Idaho, so we could say were there! We spent the night in Spokane.
On Sunday, we went to see my cousin's Ruth and had lunch with her and Sid. I was so glad we were able to see them. Sunday afternoon took us home. What a fun, but tiring trip! I guess I'm getting too old for such ventures. BTW...I am NOT old!
Now...what else is happening in my life? Well, here it is...school has started, and I don't know if I want to sub or not. I put my name in to sub, but wasn't sure I really wanted to do that. So, I looked in the paper, and found a dentist office looking for a front office receptionist. So...I sent my resume and the letter of Recommendation Roberta had written for me. I had an interview on Tuesday. Sounds like a good job, but not sure I really want to work fulltime...Guess I'll just wait and see if I get offered the job! I need to have time off to be with Tom when he has his surgery, and to be with my aunt Anita when she has her surgery. I also want my summers off! But, the job did sound nice...we will see.

Guess that's all till next time!

2007-08-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well! I guess I'm not any better at computer journaling than I was at book journaling! I thought this would be easier, but here it is 9 months since my last blog. My, how time flies!

So...I substituted during the school year at 5 different private schools. I hated it at the time, but now that it's summer, I am thinking it might not be too bad to sub. Still thinking about looking into office dental work, though. Also, I may try and look into being a staff assistant at Vancouver schools. We'll see.

Summer...ahhhhh...love summer. I guess it's the teacher schedule that has been with me for so many years, that I still love summers off. I really don't want a job where I have to work in the summer! Guess I'm just spoiled.

I ended up flying down to LA to help out my dear friend Diane in a dental office. I went down there 4 times! It was great, I even got to see my sons, and my Burbank/Village friends some of the times I went down. I even got to go to a Dodger game once! That was really exciting...except that they lost to the Giants. Not good.

Tom and I enjoyed a vacation to Cortez, CO (family reunion) and then on up to Park City, UT. We were gone 11 days. We had a really good time. Saw Four Corners, Mesa Verde, Arches National Park, and things around Park City. On the way home, we also stopped at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City, OR. It was interesting.

My friend Jane and I have discovered Letterboxing! We've only found one so far, but hope to find 5 this afternoon! I'll keep you posted on whether we were successful or not (at least I hope to, but with my record of posting, it may be 6 months before I post!).

Well, let's see if I can keep this up!

2006-10-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

BIG CHANGES have taken place since I've last posted a blog. Wow!

Since May, we put our house up for sale. By June 12, we thought we had a buyer, but he backed out. So, the waiting game began. However, I decided to go up to Washington and try and find a place to live and put some money down on a place. I found a place! It's right down the street from where mom and dad live. Imagine that. It's a good thing. I never thought I would say that! But, I guess maturity happens in one's life!

So, when would our house sell? We finally got a buyer around the 6th of July. Escrow would close on the 4th of August, or by the 10th at the latest. So, we made plans to move the weekend of Aug. 5. We got the movers to come. We had it all planned out. Then...escrow wasn't going to close until possibly the 17th! Oh no! What to do, what to do. Well, here's what we decided. Tom would stay in California until escrow closed. The furniture would be moved out on Saturday as planned, and I would drive up to Washington with my friend on Sunday. Perfect! She would fly home on Monday, so she could be back to work on Tuesday. Then...another clitch...the movers couldn't come until Sunday! Oh no! I had to be there to watch them load the truck! How could I miss that? But, if I wanted my friend to go with me, the only choice we had was to leave on Sunday and hope the movers would load everything correctly. I wasn't completely sure I trusted Tom to oversee this. As it turned out...he left a lot of stuff that should have gone in the truck. So, he had his car loaded to the gills, along with our cat! But, he got most everything moved. I'm still not sure about a few things. But, se la vie (?)

So, I got up here, Tom got up here, and we managed to throw my mom an 80th birthday party at my house on the 19th of August! We had 39 people here. It was a lot of fun, and everyone thought it turned out great.

Then, life began...again. In September I sought out substitute teaching jobs in the private schools around here. I happened to be in the right place at the right time (thank you, God!) and the first school I went to, the lady in charge of all substitutes for the private schools was in the office, so she put me on the sub list for all schools! I subbed about 3 days a week for the first month, but now, I haven't been called in over a week. I hope I can get some more jobs soon!

I'm also pursuing my scrapbook business. I've had a class at my house, and have approached the private schools about doing after school scrapbooking classes for kids. I hope they will let me do that at all four schools! We'll see... I'm also planning on a monthly crop in the clubhouse where we live. I hope to get interest up in that. The manager is all for it. My friend has also said she would have a class for her teacher friends!

So, that's my life since May. I'm still having to TRUST...which is a good thing, albiet hard at times. But, God is always faithful, and for that I am thankful.

Until later...

2006-05-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

Getting Ready to Move

Well, here it is May 1, and you may be wondering what I've been doing lately. (As if there's anyone besides me who actually reads this!). Well, I'm still teaching Music one day a week, and working in the dental office two-three days a week. On Mondays I clean house, walk, and try to pack stuff.
We're getting ready to move. This is the biggest move we've ever made. I think it's because 1) it's the longest we have ever lived in any house since we've been married, 2) it's the biggest house we've ever lived in, and 3) it's the first time we've ever had to sell our house, since this is the first house we've ever owned. There is so much to do to make sure the house is ready to sell. We spent the day today taking a bunch of boxes and some shelves, and our entertainment center to a storage unit. It was quite exciting as I had to drive a big truck that we rented for a few hours to get all our stuff to the storage place. Thankfully, Tim and Todd helped me load and unload all the stuff.

One of the hardest things about moving is leaving my friends. It is so weird, because I sometimes feel that if I moved, no one would really care. But lately, several of my friends have indicated that my moving is really upsetting to them. I feel terrible, because I know how it is for friends to move away from me. Inside, I feel like saying, "Ok, I won't move!" But that is not really my heart's desire since I have never felt like California is "home", and I've really wanted to move back up the the northwest in like forever. I cannot believe I've lived down here 28 of the last 30 years! That's mind-boggling! I mean, how can I be that old! LOL. And now my parents are in their 80s (ok, Mom will be 80 in August) and I really want to spend as much time as possible with them at this time of their lives. And, I am really looking forward to having a nice manufactured home with a room for JUST ME to have my scrapbooking in! And even more importantly, Tom can have HIS OWN ROOM for all his baseball cards and stuff he's selling on EBay! Woohoo!

Another hard part of us moving is...Tim and Todd will be staying down here. This is very sad and somewhat upsetting to me. As much as I would want them to move out and get on with their "adult" lives, I really don't want to be so far away from them. I just hope and pray that they will find success in their jobs and in life in general. I really worry the most about Tim, because he doesn't seem to have any direction in his life and I don't know how he's going to make it. I just have to pray and pray and TRUST!

Well, that's all for now!

2006-04-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is almost the middle of April! Time sure does fly! We are beginning to get into gear to getting our house ready to sell. Very scary! But, exciting too. I have started to "declutter". I have been inspired by www.flylady.net. Every day I get emails to motivate me to do something. Even though I don't follow her exact zone cleaning schedule, it gives me ideas on what to do. I have gotten the habit of dressing to my shoelaces every day, and I am keeping my sink clean (and the dishes done) pretty regularly, and I make my bed every day (but I was doing that before April--this was April's new habit to form. There is one more habit I was supposed to form, but for the life of me, I can't remember what it is! But, I'm sure I'm already doing it LOL!

Every week is different. Two weeks ago I didn't go to Hermosa Beach to work; I subbed in 3rd grade at Light and Life on Wed-Fri. Last week, I didn't go down to Hermosa Beach until Thursday (I was going to go after Tom's physical therapy appointment, but my car had an oil leak, so I went up to Valencia and set at the car dealership for an hour and a half!). This week, after taking Tom to a doctor's appointment and a physical therapy appointment in the morning, I'm going to get together with Joan and Marilee for an early dinner. I can't wait to see them and catch up!

Good news! I have two scrapbook classes tentatively scheduled for the last two Saturdays in April! I just hope they actually happen.

Well, life is going on, and I can't wait to see how it all comes together in the next few months!
All for now...

2006-02-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

I've been told I haven't posted in a while...so here goes.
When I first started "blogging" my life was in great transition and I was learning that I needed to trust God for everything. Now, nearly 7 months later, I think I'm learning!

So, what's been happening in my life since my last blog? Well, I have a permanent parttime job now. I'm officially working at the dental office in Hermosa Beach 3 days a week. At least I was going to start working there 3 days a week beginning this week, but there was a glitch in the plan (I'll explain later). But, I am going down there tomorrow for two days. I really am enjoying working there. I'm doing a little "front office" work, which consists mostly catching up on charts, writing when the patient's next appointment is and billing insurance, then I file charts and pull charts. The only part of the job I'm not crazy about, but am learning to do better at is calling insurance compananies to get information on coverage for certain plans. Actually, the worst part of the job is the 32 mile drive on the 405. It wouldn't be so bad, but if you're from LA, you know how bad the 405 is any day or time of the week. It takes me 40 minutes on "good" days, but it's usually an hour and a half. However, on Feb.17 (Friday and rain) it took THREE HOURS!!!! Made me really wish the office was a lot closer. But, I shouldn't complain, because my plan is to spend two nights down there so I only have to make one round trip a week. Many make that trek on the 405 every day, and I simply couldn not bare that. I think it must stem from the fact that I've never really had to drive far to work in my life...until now. Up to this year, the farthest I had to drive to work was five miles, and I did that for 15 years. I have a new admiration for Tom, who drives 38 miles every day to work. Wow!

Meanwhile,I'm still teaching Music on Tuesdays at Light and Life. I quit being the Librarian because I was offered the job of working three days a week down in HB. The Library job just wasn't working out for me.

Now, for the reason I didn't start working 3 days a week this week in HB. On Tuesday, Feb. 21 Tom had knee replacement surgery. He came home the 24th Everything went well, but they wanted me to stay home with Tom for a week. However, he is doing so wel, that the physical therapist said it would be ok for me to go to work. So, I'm going for two days instead of three.

So, my life has been busy, but busy is good! I am learning to trust!

Later....

2006-01-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

Well, life is certainly interesting! Just when I am getting myself organized, "life happens" and disrupts my carefully planned schedule! Yesterday, after I finished working in the school Library at 1:30, I got a call from Tom (husband) saying he was in the hospital! Long story, but he started out at Whittier Community and was transferred closer to home. He had had heart palipitations, but seems fine now. But after blood tests, they decided to keep him overnight and have him do a treadmill test this morning. Well, it's almost noon, and I haven't heard if he's had it yet, or not. The last I heard at 10:30, was that he hadn't. So, I wasn't able to go down and work in the dental office as I am supposed to do. Fortunately, it should be ok for me to go down tomorrow, but who knows what they're going to find out about Tom! And, we have his car to get which was left in Whittier. These are the types of things that discourage me, and cause me to give up with this whole organization and cleaning that I try to do. I like routine, and when it gets interrupted, it's hard for me to deal with. Once again...learning lessons in life. How will I deal with it this time? Time will tell.

2006-01-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

It's a little late, but Happy New Year! I am feeling very up about life right now...hooray! It seems that every January I feel energized to start becoming a better person. Since we are planning on moving this summer, I must de-clutter...BIG TIME! So, I've determined to do a little each week. Mondays seem to be the best day for me since that seems to be the day I never work. I've also joined a group called http://flylady.net and it's been great so far. It's really helping me to stay on track...but then again, this is only the beginning of the second week. I hope it will last!
I'm also excited because I am now officially working 3 days a week. I work in a dental office on Thursdays. I really like it, I just wish it wasn't so far away. It's 33 miles away, which isn't bad, except that I take the 405, and that's always a pain. But, over Christmas vacation, it wasn't too bad! I hope it will give me the experience I'll need if I ever need to get a job as a front office dental office person. That is IF I have to work outside the home! I'm hoping I can get my scrapbooking business going. It's really hard though. I don't know who to recruit. It seems that no one wants to get in the business, which is sad because it's really a great business opportunity!
Todd is home...came home Dec. 19. I was able to go out to dinner with my two sons and my husband for my birthday! What a special treat that was! All four of us have not eaten out together in ages (not counting the night we all went out before Todd went to DC, when his friends were with us). I'm also excited because Todd has a job! He's going back to Yahoo! which is a real blessing. He starts tomorrow.
I'm also excited because Tim bought a "new" car! It's his first car that he's bought on his own. It's a 92 Integra and it's a 5 speed. I was worried he wouldn't be able to drive it, but he is doing really well! Now, if he could just get a better paying job!
Tom sold a baseball card on EBay today for over $183! woohoo! He sold over 100 items this week, so that's a good thing. I hope he'll be able to keep it up! Meanwhile my house is overrun with baseball cards!
That's all for now...hope my year continues to go as well as it's starting out!

2005-11-10T17:22:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is Thursday, and I have not had any subbing jobs this week. I won't sub tomorrow either, because it is Veteran's Day. I don't know what else I should do. I wish I knew, but the only thing I can do is TRUST...that is my theme for this year. I hope I learn this lesson well, because it's killing me through the process! Not literally, but I feel like I'm just "hanging on".

I had a good Bible Study with my friend, Dodie on Tuesday night, and I need to remember to find God in EVERYTHING! That was our assignment this week. She and I have started meeting together on Tuesdays, and we're using a devotional Bible Study book called Simple Devotions by Judy Brower, our former pastor's wife. Dodie didn't think she was going to get much out of it, but the discussion that it generated was very good, and she had a change of heart by the end of our study. I'm looking forward to each Tuesday!

I did make Monday and today beneficial though...I went for a walk! I try to do that every day I don't work...unless it's raining, or we're getting windows installed in our house (two reasons I didn't walk for 2 weeks). I thought it might rain today, but it didn't. It was cold though...ok...not real cold, but the coldest day I've walked so far. Now, if I could just cut the calories and lose some of that weight I've gained back after losing 22 lbs 2 years ago!

That's all for now...
Marilee

2005-10-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I last "blogged". I guess I've been busy. My life certainly has been interesting this month. I've had a couple of subbing jobs, I'm tutoring two girls, and I've worked in a dental office helping my friend, Diane. I've gone down there once a week all month. It's quite a drive (31 miles that takes me anywhere from an hour to almost 2 hours to travel on the dreaded 405). But, it looks like that gig is up, at least for now. BUT....

I have been "hired" by two people to scrapbook their pictures! And, I have two scrapbook scheduled for the first two weeks in November! Yippee!! I'm really getting excited now. Plus, I may have two more kids to tutor, so things are looking up, up, up!

I went to Homecoming Nonfire at Village last night. Very strange being there. But I wanted to see Christina, Angela, Angie, Tito, and Weston. They are princesses and princes for Homecoming. Neither Tito or Weston became King. Oh well, I can't always have had the King in my class! Maybe I'll get the queen again this year! Two chances! But, if neither Angela or Angie doesn't get it, my vote is definitely for Christina! In fact, I really hope Christina wins! I am planning on going to see the halftime at the football game tonight, but I suddenly realized they might make me pay! Very strange...maybe if I get there right at halftime, I can sneek in. I'm not going to watch the football game. Hopefully, whoever is at the gate will know me and let me in!

Well, right now, I am learning to keep my trust in God and I know He will see me through!

2005-10-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

Todd has settled in in DC. His living situation is good, and he seems to be enjoying his job! He does plan to move back home at Christmas time though. I'm not sure what he expects to do, but he is looking into some political possibilities here. We'll see...

2005-10-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well, life is going along. I have had my ups and downs, but I think I see how God is working in my life. It's called Trust Him! He is providing, just not as fast as I would like. But, that's ok.

I worked down at the dental office on Friday, and it may work out that I can do that a couple of days a week. That would be great if that could work out. I am still trying to come up with ways to earn extra money. I hope to get some tutoring jobs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Tom has to have knee replacement surgery! It will be in about 5 months or so. Crazy. He will miss a lot of work. Again...trust!

2005-09-24T23:06:00.000-07:00

This week has been a big week in my life...I started my new job on Tuesday. I am the Music teacher, and I teach Music to JK-6th graders. My first day was a challenge in that, of all things...it rained! And it was picture day. So, instead of having Music in the chapel where it was supposed to be, they had to use the chapel for taking pictures. So, instead of the students coming to me, I had to go to each classroom! It was nice for the first day, but I'm glad I don't have to do that everyday!

On Wednesday...BIG DAY...Todd moved to DC! I took him and his friend to the airport with 3 suitcases and 2 carry-ons...basically all his possessions...well almost. There's still a lot of stuff in his room. I didn't cry...but I came close. It was a surreal experience. I still can't believe he's actually gone! He is staying with some friends until he can get into his "house" with 3 roommates. I hope that works out. They are complete strangers...and as a mom...of course I worry! But, there it is again...trust.

I was supposed to have Library on Wednesday, but since I had already scheduled to take Todd to the airport on that day, I was allowed to have Library on Thursday. Wow! What a chaotic mess the Library is! The books are not in order...there was some order to them, but a lot of them were out of order. They are going to get volunteer parents to come in and help me organize the Library...hooray! Library was an interesting experience. It was hard letting them check out books...not all the books had cards in them! So, I either told them they couldn't check it out, or if I had time...I made a card for it.

On Friday, I was supposed to go to an interview in downtown LA, but Erin needed me to sub for her because she was sick. So, I called and left a message to that company that I wouldn't be able to come to the interview. I also told them I didn't think I would be able to take the job unless I could work only on M-Th-F. I haven't heard back from them, so I guess not! But, this subbing job was an answer to prayer, because I really didn't know what I should do about this job situation. I didn't really want it, but I felt that maybe I should take it if since we need the money. But, I'm TRUSTING that I will get enough subbing jobs to survive.

Today is Saturday, and I spent the afternoon and evening cleaning out Todd's room...since he didn't seem to get everything cleaned out of there.

So, my week was full of new experiences, and answers to prayer, and sadness of sending my youngest to DC.

2005-09-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

Another change taking place in my life at this time is...my youngest son is moving to Washington, DC! He is following his life's ambition to go into a world of politics. I just pray that he will have no problems getting settled in and that his new job will be something that he will enjoy. Or, at least I hope he can find somewhere else he can work that will be even better for him.

Have faith...

He flies away on Wednesday. I am happy for him, but I will miss him! He says he'll be home for Christmas...He may be home to stay. But, that will be difficult since Tom will be taking over his room with all his baseball cards and CDs he's selling on Ebay.

Changes...are good...trust...
mt

2005-09-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

I am in a transition in my life. After having a "career" for over 27 years, I suddenly find myself jobless. Even in 1990 when I lost my job because our school and church closed its doors, I was still sure I wanted to be a teacher, so pursued that route. I was able to find a job at a Christian School where I taught 4th grade for 15 years. I felt that I would be there until I retired. I was wrong.

In March of 2005, I was told that I was not getting a contract for the 2005-06 school year. What a shock! Yet, at the same time, I was thinking this could be a good thing, since I was wanting to take a break from the day to day classroom teaching. But, how could I quit when we depended on my income to help pay the bills? I was making a fair salary considering it was at a school, and a private school at that. So, I was scared, yet a little excited at my new venture in life. At least I was excited until the end of August came, and I wasn't hired anywhere yet. As it turns out, I'm not qualified with experience to do anything but teach! Now what do I do? Still trusting God, I continued different venues of job searching until...

On a whim I decided to call Erin, a former teacher with me who also was not offered a contract. She has a job at another school, and she mentioned that they needed a Music teacher at this school. Music Teacher? Me? why not? I have a limited musical background (7 years of piano in my "young" years, school and church choirs, and a Music Theory class way back in college). So, I called, and sure enough they still had the position available. I sent my resume, and a few days later I get a call to come in for an interview. Great! Sounds like a great opportunity. Bad news...it's only one day a week, and only 5 hours a day. I need more than that! But, it sounded like something I would really like to do. And then she said..."We also have a Library position opening, IF we get enough student enrollment." Great! I would love to be a Librarian! Bad news...only one day a week as well, and the pay would be even less than the Music position. But, I figured if I could get subbing jobs on the other 3 days, it should be ok...barely.

Good news! I was hired! for both the Music position AND the Librarian position! I had also put my name in at two other Christian schools to sub, so it seemed feasible, especially since I could sub at my school also. Bad news...I get an email from my former principal saying he didn't think I should sub there at all this year because of all the trauma of the changes made. What? I am very puzzled...

Feeling down...

Good news! I got a subbing job at one of the schools on the first Friday of school! Things are looking up.

Bad news...went to the dentist and found out that I need reconstructive surgery on my receding gums...what? How are we going to pay for that? But, insurance should pay 80% and the periodontist said we could work out a payment plan. Ok...

Good news...?...on Friday (16th) I received a phone call from a company in LA that saw my resume on Monster.com and they want me to come in for an interview. Scheuduled for next Friday....hmmm...it's downtown...scary...will they let me work one or two days a week at my Music/Library job? Can I tell the school...sorry, I found something else? I know how small schools are, and I would hate to put them in a bind. Besides, I am really looking forward to teaching Music and being the Librarian. Why????

Trust...

Bad news...Tom goes to the doctor last Wednesday and was told that his knee that has been bothering him since his fall last fall, and surgery last spring, will need a knee replacement...in about 6 months. Minimum of 8 weeks off work...Help!

Bad news...tonight I was eating my favorite snack food (popcorn) and suddendly I was biting down on something hard...a piece of my tooth! What does that mean? I called my dental assistant friend, and she said...a crown...oh boy...more money to spend...which we don't have.

Trust...

I'm trying...but it's very hard...

More of my life later...other changes are happening...stay tuned...

mt