WhatEva     A Daily Journal By: Eva Moore

      Quote of the Day    

There smites nothing so sharp, nor smelleth so sour as shame.

William Langland
English poet (1332 - 1400)
 

1.31.06
12:35pm

     Ok, sorry I didn’t get to write too much last night.  Seriously, it is very hard to type anything out when you have people chatting away in your ear.  I tried my best too…but it was almost 1am when I finally gave up.  I had fun though.  We talked about all kinds of different stuff.  James said that he could hear me laughing all the way upstairs.  Although he also forgot to close his door all the way, so that could have been the problem.  lol 

     Anyway, so this morning has started off really good.  It is James’ week to take Isaiah to school, so he woke up this morning and took care of that.  I was glad that we had the chance to hang out alone, (I don’t count the baby as much of a distraction) we got to play cards and James highly enjoyed kicking my butt.  I plan on seeking revenge later when he doesn’t expect it.  Later, I went and picked up Isaiah.  It was a good thing that they ask for extra clothes to be left there, because Isaiah did end up having an accident.  When I got him home though he started acting a little bit cranky, so he is taking a nap right now.  Days like today when he is gone so much really make my day seem calmer…since he isn’t running around like a crazy person.  lol

     Evelyn isn’t having much of a better day.  She is crying and crying for what seems like no reason at all.  I gave her some infant Tylenol and put her down for a nap.  I hope that she sleeps for a good long time.  James is working right now.  I love him.  I just wanted to say that, I don’t know why.  Sometimes you just need to let the world know I guess. 

     My birthday is coming you know.  February 16^th.  I will be 26 years old now.  4 years more and then I am thirty.  I know that it will go by fast too; it always does when you have kids.  James asked me today if I wanted to do anything for it.  I told him that I would like to maybe go out, have dinner, even have dinner with Jeff and Jen maybe.  Now, James  won’t read this, so I have no problem in saying that I would really like to have us go to a movie, go to dinner, and then come home and have us just hang out, play a board game or something.  Oh, and in regards to presents, I would like something nice, like a pretty necklace or bracelet.  Silver preferably.  I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens. 

     One thing I love about this time of the year is that it is tax season.  I love getting taxes back.  Right now, I figure we can pay off that credit card with the movers and car shipment bill on it with the taxes that we get back, and then, we can use what we currently have in our savings account to pay for a fence.  Hopefully, we will have some money left over from that, and we can use it for some others things too. 

     Ok, the time is now 8:40pm.  American Idol.  I love it.  And I must say that it is hilarious to me that so many people who have been rejected before, sometimes horribly rejected, still come back as if the judges will just have a drastic change of heart.  It is so funny.  I also wanted to say though that I was feeling odd today.  Later on, after I wrote the stuff before this, I just started feeling odd.  I will be honest here…which I usually am, but I am going to be especially honest right now.  I sometimes get really tired of watching Evelyn all the time.  I love her, I lover her so much that it makes me cry…she and Isaiah are everything to me…but…I guess it is just so much easier to have a kid who can entertain himself you know, and I have had that for like the last 2 and a half years.  It is still hard for me to be ok with taking care of a little one and taking care of the house, and Isaiah, and anything else that comes along.  I feel bad about it.  Sometimes I catch myself being disappointed when she wakes up from her naps.  Is this normal?  I feel like I am such a bad person.  Of course this isn’t an all the time thing…just once in a while.  I guess that when you haven’t had a baby in so long, it can take a while to adjust.  I mean the more demanding your little one gets, the harder it is.  I end up having so much that I have to do; it can make a person feel a little bit down.  I will say this though…I love Isaiah and Evelyn more than any person on this entire planet…I would do anything for them…I will always be there to hold them when they fall…so, in regards to these feelings of wanting a “break” from the neediness of my little one, I will simply pray, because even though praying is a simple thing to do, it is incredibly powerful.  God can do amazing things people…and I know that if I am faithful, God will get me through any negative feelings that I have, no matter what the topic is. 

     Anyway, I better go now.  I still have to finish the dishes.  And, spending some time with my husband, if he ever stops working, would be nice too.  Bye.

1.30.06
11:27pm

     Hi everyone, today was a boring day.  Nothing new under the sun.  I feel like I have no idea what to write.  Well, that's not true.  Actually I have plenty I could write about, but I am currently talking with Lorenda, and she is a huge distraction.  And just for the record, she claims at this very moment, that she is more important than writing this out.  Which, is just her opinion of course, but we will let her believe she is right.  One thing I did want to write about was that today I received an email from Pastor Rob that was emailed to me but was actually for Pastor Bobby Gilstrap to read, but Pastor Rob wanted me to read it also.  So anyway, I thought that it was funny how in the email Pastor Rob had one part where he was explaining my personality to Pastor Bobby.  So, I thought that it was funny because that is not the first time that a friend has had to "describe" me to someone else.  It's funny, from what Lorenda says, she sometimes tells people about me before they met me.  And Kevin says that I am just a shock to some people, with how open I am.  I like that.  And they both say that they like that about me, or at least that they are used to it.  It's just funny, it leaves me wondering, what would someone say if they had to describe me at length.  I think it would be funny to hear James, Kevin, Lorenda, and Tiffany, write down a description of me.  I bet that would be a good read.  LOL  Ok, I better go now.........I have been writing this for so long and look how much I have gotten done.  nothing practically.  So, I will write more later, when I am not chatting with Lorenda and Kevin.  I gotta go now.  Bye folks.

1.29.06
8:26pm

     I just got home.  We were gone for most of the day.  The kids woke up pretty early, so we decided to just have us all go to church early with James while he practiced singing songs for service.  After all, I got lost on my own last time.  So we all got up and ready, and we made it on time.  I liked watching James practice.  He sounded good...ok at times, but generally he sounded good.  Service was another good one.  James was pretty tired though and so he was fighting off the constant heaviness of his eyelids.  I don't know why he always gets like that.  It can be the most exciting day ever in church ,and he will still get sleepy.  I think that it is just the whole sitting down for so long.  That can wear on some people.  After church was over though we came home and had lunch, relaxed some, and then sooner than later it was time to go again.  If you recall, I mentioned that we would be going to that Discovery Class for the church, kind of an introduction to what the church is all about.  It was just the two of us and the lady Lauren whose house it was.  The "class" lasted from 3pm to about 6pm.  I enjoyed finding out what everything was about, and I was sure to ask questions and state my opinion if I had something to say.  Sometimes it was overwhelming though.  Towards the end Pastor Bobby showed us the contract (covenant) that the church plans on using for people who decide to become members of the church.  He went through the whole thing, what members are expected to do, in regards to trying to help the church grow, praying for the church, not gossiping, helping out, etc.  At one point he mentioned that if someone is causing trouble in the church, like gossiping, and refuses to stop,  and after exhausting every avenue available to try to resolve the issue, if it could not but resolved, that person would be asked to leave the church.  That sort of threw me for a loop.  I didn't expect to hear that.  I have never experienced someone getting kicked out of a church.  I always thought that people were allowed to be able to attend service where ever they wanted.  It freaked me out, I was picturing that if I didn't want to help out with certain activities, or maybe I didn't want to do one of the things that members agree to do on the contract, like get up and greet guests (which I don't like doing) that I would get kicked out.  Pastor Bobby explained things though, and I was able to understand where he was coming from.  And although I understood why he wanted people to sign the contract, I still don't really agree that it is something necessary.  I feel like if I say I am going to be a part of a church, that should be good enough.  Doesn't it say somewhere in the bible to let your yes mean yes and your no mean no?  I don't know, it could be that I have just never been shown something like that before.  Even back home, at FBC Galt, we never "officially" became members in the traditional sense.  But I know that we were and are.  I think that having to sign something just turns me off.  Not because I can't commit, I can, I just feel like it isn't something that is a necessity.  I could be wrong on that though, but I try to go by what feels right for me.  Of course it could be the part of me that is just stubborn too, and doesn't want to do something that another person says that I should do to be committed.  But, whatever, really none of that is so important that it should be a worrisome thing.  If we choose that church, we will do what feels right for us and what we feel God wants us to do.  If it isn't the church for us, we will go where God sends us.  One good thing is that Pastor Bobby is a good preacher, he gives good sermons that hold my attention and I do feel like I am learning something each time.  Actually, I have written in my bible journal every time we have attended.  Also, the lady whose house it was at Lauren Cole, was really nice.  I enjoyed her company a lot and would like to become friends.  That is of course assuming that she liked me as well.  Her son, who just turned 4 in December, got a long really well with Isaiah, they played the entire time we were there, literally.  So, I told her that I would really like to get to know her better and then the kids could hang out too.  I felt sort of dumb telling her that I hoped she liked me too, I didn't want to sound like a high schooler, but I didn't know how else to say it.  I didn't want her to feel like she had to hang out with me if she didn't want to.  So I was honest and said that if she wanted to start ignoring any calls I might make that I would get the hint. lol  I am so not good at making new friends.  But I know that I need to, and that no one will know that I want to get to know them unless I speak up and say so.  I need to get brave.  I get so nervous.  But I am going to call her this week and see if she would like to get together this Friday and just hang out while the kids play. 

     James is already upstairs, he is tired he says. Luckily I don't have much to do here since my mom cleaned up quite a bit, and it's just toys and silly stuff on the ground.  Today was Ethan's birthday party (Lorenda's little boy) so I am going to call her after I am done with this and see how things are going.  Hopefully the party is over and I won't be disturbing anything.  So anyway, that is just about it regarding my day.  Lots of learning and having fun, I would say overall it was good.  I am missing having a bible study class or Sunday school to go to, but I was happy to see that Pastor Rob has posted the bulletin on the website, it makes me feel like I am right there.  I know just what is going on.  Ok, I am gonna go though, I need to pick stuff up, and the make my phone call.  Talk to you all later, bye.

1.28.06
11:20pm

     Well, today was the start of a good weekend.  I got to sleep a little longer, and then the day started.  James took the gigantic trash can back to Lowes that we couldn't use cause it was too big, and he was able to get two more for half the price of the last one.  So, they gave him a gift card for the remainder of the amount, which was $47.28, we are going to use that to buy a large metal shelf for the garage, they cost about sixty bucks.  We really need those, all of James and my dad's tools are just on the floor in the garage right now.  Later, I was able to take Isaiah for a really nice walk.  The weather was really nice, 48 degrees.  We went all over the place.  I really like spending time with Isaiah like that, just the two of us, walking around exploring everything around us.  And let me tell you, Isaiah always manages to make everyday things new and exciting.  I love that about him, and I can't wait to experience the same things with Evelyn.  Plus, it will be different than Isaiah too, she will be a person all her own. 

     Also, late this evening, around 8pm, Angela Shaw and two of her kids (not really kids though, they are in her twenties) came over.  Remember?  Pastor Robs step sister.  They stayed for about an hour and a half.  We had a good time chatting with them and will be seeing them again I am sure.  They liked our dog Dusty.  But then again, everyone likes her, she is a addict when it comes to people petting her. 

     I don't know what else to really write today though.  It was a good day, but only because everything was so good and calm, relaxing, I really enjoyed it.  Tomorrow is a busy day though, church, and then that class that they are having for people to be introduced to the church.  That lasts 4 hours, from 3pm-7pm.  I hope that we can make some friends there, even if we don't decide to the stay at that church.  Anyway, that is all for now.  I am done.  But I should have plenty to write tomorrow.  Bye.

1.27.06
11:51am

     Ok, so you know how yesterday I had scheduled for someone to come out and give us an estimate on a fence?  Did I even tell you that?  Who knows…the point is that I did, and she was supposed to be here at 1pm.  Well, she calls around 12:30pm and says that she just finished a really big job and she will be arriving late.  She was in Ann Arbor, and couldn’t say for sure how long she would be since it all depended on traffic.  I said that was fine, after all, we weren’t going anywhere.  Well, 2pm came and went, 3pm came and went, 4pm came and went…I was getting agitated.  5:30pm, and I am mad.  No phone call, no nothing.  Do they want my business or not???  It’s this kind of stuff that really gets on my nerves.  I just tried calling them to see what happened, and I got an answering machine.  Forget them; I don’t even want to use them now.  If they can’t afford a secretary, I don’t want them.  I called a different company, AAA Fencing, and their secretary answered my call and will talk to “Randy” to see when he can come out to our area, and then give me a call.  Works for me.  Stupid people…they make me mad. 
     Ok, now the time is 8:22pm.  Have I done much since the last time I wrote?  No, not really.  Nothing to exciting at least.  Laundry, cleaned the kitchen, dusted, and played with the kids.  I had a slightly frustrating day with the baby, she only took one nap, and refused to take another.  I even let her scream in her crib for over 40 minutes, still nothing.  And then, when I finally gave my mom permission to go get her, she was wide a wake and all smiles.  Figures.  I did however put her to bed 30 minutes early, just because I know that even if she doesn't think so, she is tired.  She fell right to sleep.  Isaiah on the other hand did not fall asleep well last night, and I thought he would take a nap today, but no such luck.  Whatever. 
     I called Lorenda this morning.  She had something to tell me, but couldn't say anything to me last night due to certain people being in the room.  So I called her at 7am California time, and she spilled the beans.  I feel so bad for her that she has to deal with all of this.  It seems like she is constantly having her emotions messed with.  I know you all don't personally know her, but in a way you do through me, so please keep her in your prayers if you can.  Her and her family. 
     I realized today that I still have no idea what good radio stations are up here.  I have been listening to one that seems to play a good variety.  But I don't always want variety, I want all alternative rock.  So today when I went to Subway I asked the guy helping me what radio station plays good rock, and he said 88.7 , well he was right.  I like it already.  You know what else I noticed?  I think that girls (or maybe it's just me) can't help but try to look extra cute when they see a cute guy.  When I went into Subway I had my hair up.  I look better with it down.  I noticed right away that the guy behind the counter was cute, and so automatically, I took my hair down.  lol  funny huh?  I don't really know what the point of that was, but I know for a fact that I do it all the time.  Sometimes I even try to give that certain look...you know, that look how cute I am look.  Like I said, I don't know why, I think it's just something us girls do.  But it could just be me I suppose, I am odd after all. 
     Another thing about us girls, is that we can't help but critique other girls.  While in Subway, on my way out, a young mother, but older than me, noticed that I was wearing flip flops as shoes, and gave a sort of disgusted stare at me as if I was a nut job.  Now, because I understand that most girls, at least the ones close to my age range, simply do this, I didn't care about it, but you know, she could have at least given the same look to the guy who was wearing shorts.  I wasn't the only crazy person. 
     Tomorrow is my mom and dads anniversary.  29 years together.  WOW!  And still looking good too.  Today they used some of our gift, $50.00 bucks, to go out to the movies, and I think that tomorrow they are going out to dinner.  That should be nice.  And that just means that James and I will have the house all to ourselves, unless you count the kids...ugh.  That is the bad thing about living with my parents, I can't send the kids to their house to stay the night.  I can't "get rid" of them.  Hopefully in time I will get some friends that I feel close enough to that I can send them there.  Please GOD!!!  lol
     Right now, this very second, I feel funny.  Not funny haha...not sad, not particularly happy, not blue, I guess I just feel sort of BLAH.  You know what that feels like?  I guess the best definition would be indifferent. I feel very indifferent.  The worst part is that I don't know why, and don't really know what to do to stop.  I suppose that it will go away on it's own...as usual.  Oh, my mom and dad bought a treadmill.  I know that I should use it, and I guess I will.  I just really don't feel like exercising.  I need prayer for that too people.  Make me feel it.  lol  AAHHH, ok, I am done, I will talk to you all tomorrow.  Bye.

1.26.06
9:20pm

     Hello all.  Well, my mom didn't have her interview today, they moved it to Tuesday.   So we will have to wait.  I will just keep praying for her.  Right now I am just sitting here though watching a new episode of CSI.  I love this show.  I love the mystery.  Not to mention the fact that they manage to somehow get actors who are all good looking.  Who wouldn't want to watch a show like that?  I was just chatting on Skype with Kevin, and with Angela Shaw, Pastor Rob's ex-step sister.  Remember how I was telling you about that guy that I was chatting with on Skype, but that I thought it was James playing a joke on me?  Well it wasn't James, and it wasn't Kevin.  It actually was some guy from a far off country, but he was nice enough.  I can't remember for the life of me what the name of the country was, but I know it was next to Russia.  Anyway, so I finally changed my settings on Skype so that way only people on my contact list can call/chat with me.  I really like that program, better than Yahoo's messenger. 

     Anyway, so I didn't do much today though.  Stayed at home, cleaned some windows, watched the kids, took Isaiah to school.   Stuff like that.  Isaiah had a great time again at school today.  And he really liked his new lunch box.  There were a lot more kids there today also, I think that was good for him.  He needs to be around more kids.  So, I didn't do much, and so I am going to end this.  I will write more stuff tomorrow though.  Promise.  Even if I have to make it up.  lol  Bye.

1.25.06
12:28pm

     I am starting this sort of early, but I am not going to post it until tonight.  I had something that I thought was funny, and I didn’t want to forget about it.  Today I asked James to take Isaiah to Wal-Mart or Target and buy him a lunch box for school.  He needs one.  Also, some ice packs.  I thought it would be a good opportunity for them to do something together.  They left at 10:30am.  Well, James comes back with a very large, adult lunch box.  The kind that James was using for his big lunches I used to pack him.  I was like, “What the heck is that?”  He said that Target was doing some remodeling, and they currently didn’t have any.  Either way, that is not the type of lunch box I had in mind.  It is way too big for a small sandwich and some snacks. I mean really, did he actually think that something like that was practical.  I guess that is just what guys do though huh?  They just think that if it works, it is good enough.  Well, I told him that is not going to work at all; it is not practical at all.  So, tonight after work he is going to go back to Target, return it, and buy a new one at Wal-Mart.  Actually, he offered to do that, and that was very nice.  The interesting thing is evidently they have 3 X-BOX 360’s there, and James asked if he could get one.  We decided that since we are going to be paying that credit card off with our tax money anyway, he might as well put it on the same card.  So he is going to buy one of those while at Target and I told him to go ahead and buy a few games.  That should keep him occupied for a couple months.  It’s just funny to me how these things come about you know.  Going in for a lunch box, and in the end leaving with a $600.00 purchase.  Only in America can that happen.

     So far so good today though.  Nothing too interesting happening.  I am reading a really good book though.  I can’t think of the name at the moment, but I am really enjoying it.  I always need to be reading some kind of a book.  I love putting myself into a different world so to speak.  I love the mystery, the wonder of who did what.  Trying to figure out how it is going to end before I get there.  And even though I know that I shouldn’t, I always read a couple pages from the back of the book just to see who is still alive.  I know that is cheating, but I can’t help it.  I always do that with the new Harry Potter books too, but I think that for this last book, the final and last one, I will leave the whole thing as a surprise.  I am just going to be so sad to see the story end though.  I really like them a lot.  Too much really.  Oh, I remember the name of it all, it’s by Dean Koontz called Life Expectancy.  I am getting pretty emotionally involved in it too.  I recommend it. 

     So, now the time is 5:11pm.  I just realized that if I am to go with James tonight to Target and then Wal-Mart, I will have to miss American Idol.  Possibly, Lost too.  Of course, I can always digitally record them and watch them later, but do I want to be up that late?  Not that I can’t just watch it the next day, but I won’t do that, I get too anxious.  Dilemma. 

     James is still working right now.  I am not “making” a dinner tonight because I decided that making dinner’s everyday was too hard a thing to do around here.  And I just didn’t want to.  So I have resolved to just cook dinner every other day.  That way I get a break, and James still gets dinner frequently.  Works out well for everyone I think. 

     Isaiah is crying right now.  He fell earlier, and even though I find it to be impossible, he swears that it is still causing him great pain.  Agony as a matter of fact.  I told him that he can either cry about it in his room, or eat his dinner.  He is currently eating. lol   Kids are great like that you know.  Threaten them with something they don’t want to do, and they will do the more pleasant thing.  I doubt that will work forever though, as he gets smarter we will just have to adapt.  Not that I am looking forward to that day.  I don’t want to become aware of the day when he actually tells me a lie for instance.  I know that will mean that changes are starting in his life and ours.  Big changes.  I want to keep my sweet little boy.  Ah dreams. 

     We got a thing in the mail today inviting us to a lady’s house (Lauren Cole) for a “Discovery Class” for the Celebration church.  It will help people understand what the church is about and what is going on.  It’s from 3pm to 7pm on Sunday. I am thinking that I would like to go, but I haven’t mentioned it to James yet.  I don’t know if he wants to stick to that church or not yet.  I feel like there are still so many other ones out there we could go and visit still.  I will discuss it with him later I guess. 

     James’ mom’s birthday is coming soon.  I wanted to send her a card, but I think it is too late now due to how long it would take to mail it.  I guess we will have to settle for calling her, which I would have done anyway, but I think that cards always add a nice touch.  Don’t you?  Anyway, before I go I want to mention about the devotional that I type out.  Pastor Rob asked me if it was a chore for me to be typing it out everyday.  Quite frankly, it is.  Sometimes I am really tired and have to do it still. It can be frustrating.  So, I am going to end it.  It would be easier if I could copy and paste it from somewhere, but isn’t the case, so farewell to the daily devotional.  Anyway, that’s all for me.  Talk to you all later.  Bye.

1.24.06

10:25pm

     Hi, well, I am sitting here trying to write this out, while listening to 3 people talking in my ear.  Right now I am having a conference call over Skype with James, Kevin, and Lorenda.  It is so hard to type, let a lone think of things to type.  I can hear all their conversations.  It is hilarious at times, and then other times disturbing.  In a good way.

Anyway, so right now I am good though.  I didn't do much today in regards to going out to stores or anything, but I did do one thing.  I took Isaiah to school.  YEA!!!  His teacher, Marie I think, said that he had a great first day.  He didn't have any problems and by the time I got there he was asleep.  I asked the lady in charge about the possibility of bringing him in 30 minutes sooner, so that way I can get there before nap time starts.  She said that it would be fine.  He just isn't used to waking up that early in the morning.  So when 12 noon came, and it was nap time, he was out like a light.  This way, if I bring him in at 7:30am, and get him at 12pm, I will get there right as nap time is going to start.  I can just bring him home myself and give him a nap here.  I am just so very glad that he had a good time.  I am very very hopeful that he will really like it there.  I just hung up the "phone" with Lorenda, James, and Kevin.  It was too much, I wasn't typing anything out.  It is 11:27 already, see how much time it took just to write this out?  Crazy.  It is near impossible to do this while talking to someone else.  Although I do think that the whole conference call thing is cool.  I mean we can have as many people as we want on here just chatting it up.  It's all free to, that's the best part.  I am basically having a phone conversation with 3 people, one who lives in my home, and I am just using a head set instead of a phone.  Cool huh?  It's really good reception too. 

     My mom got a call today from that bank.  She has a interview on Thursday at 11am.  I am so excited for her.  I know that she would like it there and I think that they also offer benefits.  And from what I hear, the pay in this state is much better than in CA.  So that is always good.  Did I tell you that I finally wrote in my own personal journal?  Took me long enough huh.  I felt really bad.  I hadn't written in it for 8 months.  8 months!!  That's a long time.  But I wrote out almost 3 pages and I intend on writing some more very soon.  Probably on a weekend, so James can watch the kids for as long as I need.  I have so much to say still.  Also, I am planning on printing up the whole years worth of journals from this thing.  I am going to print them all, (that's gonna be a lot too) and then put them in order in a big binder.  This way, incase anything every happens to the computer, I will still have them.  I mean you never know, the server could crash, or something like that.  So this way I will have them, and future generations can have them too.  I will just print them all up each year.   That should work I think.

     I often wonder how people can get through life without writing anything out.  It just seems like something that people should want to do you know.  I mean I feel like it is a natural urge to want to have a part of you live on.  Leave something behind so that way people can know who you were, what you were about, what you did, and just know you, in general.  Especially since the fact of the matter is that you don't really know how long you have on this earth.  Your kids, if you have any, would greatly benefit from letters written to them while they were still kids, but meant for when they are adults.  I write letters.  I like to.  I have a bunch for Isaiah already, and 3 for Evelyn so far.  I am very honest in them, maybe too much so.  But I need to be.  What if I am gone?  I need to make sure that my thoughts and feelings are still known.  I want to make sure that they get advice from me on certain topics.  And believe me I go through it all when I write it down.  I just don't want people (my kids mainly) to wonder what I would have done.  I want them to know what I did.  I want them to not only know that I loved them, but read it, in my own handwriting, that I loved them with all my heart, all my soul, forever and ever.  I need to know that all of this is being done in the event of my early passing.  These kids will know me!!!!   So there you have it.  I think it's a great thing.  And if you want to do the same, write your kids a letter.  Just do it.  If your nervous, don't think you'll know what to write.  Just start.  Say hello, say who you are, talk about your day, your feelings, the rest just comes to you after that.  You won't regret it.

     Some one that I don't know just messaged me on this Skype thing.  His name is Erlen.  I have a sneaking suspicion that really this is James or Kevin though using a fake ID.  So far though he is pretty convincing.  Says he is from another country.  Practicing his english.  HHMMM....I don't buy it just yet.  Ok, I checked out the country he says he is from, it checks out. Ugh, I just get nervous talking to strangers.  And I didn't realize that random people could contact me on this thing.  I don't like that.  I am way to paranoid for that.  I am trying to find a setting to change that, so it won't happen, but I can't find one yet.  He seems really nice though and so I might leave him on my contact list.  I like meeting new people, I just get nervous is all, you never know who is out there.  You have to be careful.  Especially since I had all my info on my Skype profile, even my phone number.  I did that because I thought only my listed contacts could see it, so now that I know that isn't the case, I have removed it.  Ugh, anyway, before I go I wanted to mention something else.  I am considering removing the daily devotional I have posted on here.  I get the feeling from the monthly stats that it isn't that popular.  So, if it is important to "you", email me and let me know...or else I am going to remove it.  I'll give you a couple days. 

Talk to you all soon.  Bye.

1.23.06

8:49pm

     Hi.  I feel so tired.  I was up way way way too late.  I am seriously going to try to be in bed by no later than 11pm.  That is my goal.  I don't know if I will do it or not, but I am certainly going to try.  Today was an exciting day.  Isaiah was watching Dora the Explorer, and I noticed that this time when she asked him to do something, he did it, and when she asked him to say something, he did!!  He said 3 new words.  Backpack, map, and oar.  I was so excited.  Especially since yesterday he said "milk" for the first time.  I don't know what is spurring him towards using new words all of the sudden but I am really glad.  Tomorrow is his first day at pre-school.  I can't wait to find out how he does.  I am going to pack him a lunch, and some extra clothes, and then off we go.  Pictures will be taken.  lol

     The people came today for the office furniture.  I was really glad to be done with that.  It could still be over two weeks until we get a refund though.  Then I got an unexpected bill in the mail, which I really should have realized we had coming, but I didn't, and so now we owe another $4000.00 on a credit card for the rest of the moving company and car shipment.  I just forgot that we used that one to pay them when they got here with our stuff.  And of course, we already used dang near all the extra money we had.  There is simply not enough right now to pay it off, pay for a fence, and keep some incase my mom and dad don't get jobs and we have to keep paying the whole house payment.  UGH  I ended up feeling very sad.  I just wasn't expecting this at all and went to my room to just lay down and get over it.  I did, and now I feel much better.  I realized that I can simply pay that whole thing off with our taxes this year.  Everything will be fine.  Praise God. 

     We have an appointment on Thursday to get an estimate done for a fence with a company called C&D Fencing.  I am hopeful that it won't cost that much.  I just really want to get it done.  If that gets done, I will feel like things are coming together.  It's just one of those things you need to have.  Like sleep, you need to have sleep.  lol  I need it at least. 

     Other than that I didn't do much today.  Went to the store, and did some laundry.  I am just so tired though, I don't know how much more I will be able to get done.  So, I am going to go, and hopefully I won't have long until bed time is here.  Wish me luck.  Bye

1.22.06

10:46pm

     WOW, I am watching the TV channel TLC and the show is about amazing pregnancies.  One woman, in Morocco, was pregnant for 46 years.  Evidently, the baby developed in her fallopian tube, burst, she didn't die, the baby did, and then the baby attached itself to her stomach and vital organs.  When she went to the hospital all those years ago to have the baby removed, there was another woman there who died during her labor.  The woman (Zahara) got scared and left.  She left the baby inside of her all these years, and her body, to protect itself from infection, and many other things from the dead baby, encased it in a great deal of calcium and other things and it basically turned to stone.  They showed the baby after they finally removed it, and my heart broke, I can't even begin to describe to you what it looked like.  My heart just broke.  Even worse, was when they cut the "stone baby" in half to see what things looked like inside the stone casing.  Honestly, it was so painful to watch. 

     Ugh, but lets talk about something that is pleasant.  I hate discussing all this sad stuff for too long.  Today after all was a good day, it's Sunday and that means church. 

Once again we went to the Celebration church and today James had to leave earlier than me since he would be singing.  I was nervous about that, since I hadn't driven there myself before.  Usually James drives, and I don't pay too much attention.  Well, I got directions from Google, and thought I was set.  My mom and the kids were with me.  Well, of course I took a wrong turn by accident, and then thought that I would fix it by turning down another road, which was dumb, because that road wasn't a through road, so I had to turn down another road....well, we ended up getting lost, but I wasn't nervous at all, which is surprising.  I normally would be very scared.  But, we found our way there and we were only 12 minutes late.  When I got there, James was already up there with 3 other people leading the music.  He did a good job.  I was proud of him.  I took some video of it, but of course I screwed things up by forgetting that if I sang along, my voice would be the one you heard the clearest.  Of course that is what I ended up doing.  Idiot, I know.  lol  But James was good.  He says that he still hasn't made a final decision though about that church.  I don't know what he is waiting for exactly.  But we keep praying about it. 

     You know what I love?  Ever since we moved here, actually, the morning we left California is when it started I think, something between James and I changed.  Something wonderful.  I can't explain it, but I feel like somehow we are closer.  Like this move, this "adventure", has somehow affected us in a way that we didn't expect.  I "feel" closer to him, I sense a certain something there that even though it was always there before, it has grown immensely.  I really wish that I could explain it to you, but it's not something that I have the right words for.  You'll just have to  take my word for it. 

     After church we came home and I was very hungry by then.  Because I am usually not hungry in the morning until after 10am, I have decided that it would be good to just skip breakfast, and wait until lunch.  I am having a hard time losing weight since my dance pads broke, and now the X-Box is also broke, so buying new ones right now would be pointless.  James plans on buying an X-Box 360 very soon, and I can only hope that they start making those dance pads compatible with it.  I need to be doing that again.  We are going to be buying the metal pads this time though, they are more expensive, but I think that if I can lose a lot of weight with it, it will be well worth it.  Very worth it. 

     I just realized that I have yet to tell you why I was out so late last night.  James and I went to dinner with Jeff and Jen, it was supposed to be lunch, but plans got changed.  We went to this great restaurant called Uno.  Great food.  Really good.  Then they invited us to go back to their place and watch the movie "The Exorcism of Emily Rose".  Wow, what a great movie.  They based it on all the transcripts from the defense attorney's files and other people who were witnesses.  It was amazing.  I highly recommend you watch it.  Assuming that everything that happened to her was true, well, you have to watch it, really great. 

     Anyway, that's all for me people.  I am going to go.  It's midnight over here now.  Talk to you later.  Bye.

1.21.06

12:50am

     As you can see by the time.  It is late.  I just got home.  Literally.  So I will write more tomorrow and I will tell you all what I did tonight, tomorrow night.  Sound good? Ok then.  Bye.

1.20.06

11:23pm

     Well, I just finished watching the movie Four Brothers.  Another good movie to add to my list.  I really enjoyed it.  I think that the next one we will be watching is Dukes of Hazard.  It just came in the mail today.  I am personally not that interested in that one.  I never watched the show and so I really don't care one way or the other.  But, James wants to see it, so I will give it a try.  Plus Johnny Knoxville is in it, and I do like him.  It is raining over here right now.  I am pretty sure that it is supposed to be snowing tomorrow.  Do you realize that today it hit 50 degrees!?  WOW.  I mean talk about us getting to have good weather here huh?  I am loving it.  Even tomorrow isn't going to be that bad.  36 degrees.  I am just full of praise to God for breaking us into this new environment so slowly.  I am 90% sure it is all because of us moving here.  I know that really does sound dumb, but I can't help it. 

     My dad bought the wood today so he and James can build some steps leading down from the sliding door out to the back yard.  I will be so happy when that is done too.  I am tired of having to worry about stepping in dog poo in the front yard since that is where we let them out all the time.  I would love to use the sliding door and let them out in the back, but currently it is a 3 foot drop down.  I just don't understand why the builders of these houses leave them like that.  I understand that the houses are built up higher than normal because of the basements, but they could at least attach some steps.  It's just nice. 

     Today I didn't do much.  Well unless you count cleaning and mopping the kitchen floor much.  I don't.  I did however make a really great dinner.  Nachos.  I don't that doesn't sound too exciting, but when you have beans, ground beef, steak, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and olives all piled on, it's pretty great then.  Everyone stuffed themselves, me included. 

     Oh...so James is going to be singing at church on Sunday.  Pastor Bobby Gilstrap asked James if he would consider going to the front during service and, well I don't want to say lead, but be a main singer I guess.  Considering that the other guy who does the singing seemed very shy last time and didn't know the songs all that well, I would say that James will be doing good up there.  I am excited to see how he does.  I wish that everyone else we love could see him, I know his mom would want to.  She likes that kind of stuff.  I just called her, she asked me to take video of it.  lol  James wasn't too excited about that.  But I am going to do it anyway.  LOL  I love anything that will bug James, since he seems to really like bugging me. 

     Anyway, after dancing in the living room tonight with Isaiah, and then cleaning, and then emailing, and writing this thing, I am getting slightly tired.  I suppose I will start the devotional and then be done.  Goodnight everybody. 

1.19.06

8:36pm

     Today was another good shopping day.  I ended up buying everything at Wal-Mart is you can believe that.  I started off there because I knew that I got my last pants there, and so I thought that I might as well try again.  Sure enough they had them...the also had a lot more there in ,y size then the Wal-Mart in Lodi had.  A lot more.  So, I ended up buying another 7 or 8 shirts, two pants, and then a thing to keep my make up in.  That was just a perk.  I also took advantage of my time and bought some other stuff that I felt that I needed to have here in the house.  A new bed for the dogs, a lamp for our night stand in our room, some new toys for Evelyn, some pre-school learning books for Isaiah, stuff like that.  Oh yea, and a little bit of candy that we all shared.  Speaking of pre-school though...I took that packet back today and turned it in to the pre-school.  I paid for everything and Isaiah will have his first day of school on Tuesday.  I am so excited.  He will go on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 12:30pm.  I will be packing him a lunch and an extra set of clothes just incase of an accident.  I am seriously so excited about him going.  I am even going to let him take his clothes and lunch in his back pack.  He will be so cute. 

     I was outside today at one point walking our dog Dusty, and our neighbor across the street (Nino) came over to say hi.  He said that he thinks that we brought the nice weather with us when we moved because all of this 40 degree temperature stuff and sun we have been having is not what should be happening.  I told him that personally, I have been thinking that God is just slowly breaking us in.  I love the fact that once again today the sun was out, it melted almost all of the snow.  It's so nice.  If this trend continues in a few years it will be like California in the winter here.  lol  Wouldn't that be funny...if the climate here started changing? 

     Oh, by the way, tonight we (my mom and I) decided to play the board game Sorry.  Well, Isaiah was around I thought that really this was a game that he could play with us.  So we asked him if he wanted to...you know, he was really good.  He almost won. I barely got the win before him.  I think it was a good game for him also in regards to hearing all the numbers and seeing them on the cards.  And it was nice for him to have to follow rules and do things a certain way.  He needs some kind of structure in regards to activities.  That's another reason that I am so happy about him going to school.  I can't wait until he starts coming home and shows me all the neat things that he has done.  I know that a lot of moms get all sad and cry when their kids go to school for the first time, but I am so jazzed about it.  I am going to take a lot of pictures for everyone.  You'll get to see them too. 

     James will either get paid tomorrow, or Monday.  After that we will be making our first payment on this house.  Since my mom and dad are not working currently (although my dads interview today do good well) we are going to have to pay the whole thing ourselves.  We will be using money from our savings account this month to make that happen.  Thank God we have it.  Other wise it would be "Hello Credit Card!"  lol  No one wants that.  We just paid that thing off.  I really really hope that my mom and dad can find some work very soon.  Please keep them in your prayers in regards to that.  It would make everyone feel so much better if they had some money coming in. 

     Well, I think that is enough for now.  I am surprised at how much I typed and how quickly.  It's only 8:57pm.  WOW.  Go EVA!!  lol  Anyway, I will talk to you all tomorrow.  Bye-Bye

1.18.06
8:39pm

     I am once again watching American Idol.  Today they are in Denver Colorado.  It is kind of cool because I know that I have driven by there.  I like that now I can say I have been in different states.  It is pretty cool.  Well, today I did go shopping.  I had $300.00 dollars and I went to Kohls with it.  I was able to buy seven shirts and I bought Isaiah a pillow.  I thought that it would have been less, but I ended up paying $158.00, not bad I guess.  I am going to go to Target tomorrow though and Lane Bryant.  I am hoping that I can at least buy one more pair of pants, and then some more shirts.  You know what the problem is?  When you have to buy clothes my size, they are never shirts that you really like.  I pretty much have to buy shirts that look ok, and fit, but are not my style at all.  I guess in the scheme of things, it being my style is not the biggest deal.  But it would be nice to wear the type of clothes that I like.  It can be one of the things that makes buying clothes very frustrating.  I know that I need to lose some weight.  It's not like I don't know.  I just don't want to start trying yet.  I am just not in the mood. You know, I just remembered, one time I went in for a yearly physical that all us girls have to get, and I remember the doctor said to me, "You know your over weight right?"  I was like..."Yea, I know".  What the heck was that about?  I mean does she think that I didn't know?  Did she think that I was unaware of the fact that I am wearing bigger clothes than I used to?    I think that had to be one of the dumber things that I ever heard a doctor say.  And one of the ruder...in a way.

     It was snowing for most of the day today.  It was wonderful.  When I went shopping today it was like being somewhere else.  All of the trees outside along the freeway were beautiful...all the white covering them, on the ground, it was magical.  I kept wishing that I could pull over and just take a picture.  The worst part of it all was knowing that all the people around me, who have lived here forever, probably didn't even take notice of the beauty around them.  I am so glad that I am here and get to experience it.  

     I am watching the TV show Lost right now.  I really like this show a lot.  But you have to figure that it wasn't all that hard to think of it.  Take a bunch of people, put them on a plane, let the plane crash on a mysterious island where literally anything can happen.  That's all you need.  After that you just let the writers have their fun.  HHmmm, what do we need, a scary monster, sounds good.  We need something else, ah, people who kidnap you and you never see them....that's a good one.   One more, ah, a mysterious number that is bad luck to everyone.  That will be great.  And you know what...it is.  The show is great, the actors are great.  I am telling you, it's like a crazy modern Gilligan's Island.  Simple as that. 

     You know I should probably end this.  It's almost 10 pm and Isaiah is still awake.  I need to put him to bed soon.  Lets hope tomorrow is another good shopping day.  I need more clothes.  Talk to you all later.  Bye.

1.17.06

9:31pm

     The time has come.  It has begun.  Yes people, that's right.  American Idol is on.  I am so happy.  I am watching it right now and am loving it.  There are some people that I just can't believe even think they can sing.  I mean do their ears even work at all?  And you can't help but wonder if they really do think that they can sing, or if they are just there to be on TV and have their 15 seconds of fame.  I would say 15 minutes but really it was just seconds that they are on there.  I am also excited to see Survivor when it starts.  TV is great.  I am sure that if there was no TV anymore, I would get over it eventually, but thank goodness that I don't have to you know. 

     So I was supposed to go shopping today and I really meant to, but it didn't happen.  Whether it was because of the rain, or just pure laziness I don't know, but I didn't go.  Instead I stayed home and cleaned up, I played with the baby, called an add in the paper for a babysitter but hung up when I got the answering machine.  I was excited to hear that my dad got offered a job today, but sadly he had to turn it down because they wanted him to live in the apartment complex that they would be working at.  But getting the call made me dad feel really good just the same, so that was great.  My mom on the other hand did not get a phone call from the bank today like we were all hoping for.  I will be praying that tomorrow is her day. 

     James was working pretty hard today...all that stuff that I mentioned was going on with his job, will hopefully get fixed up this week.  James made some phone calls and he thinks that he figured stuff out.  Evidently there was some confusion about how to go about paying him since he is getting paid from a California company and living in Michigan.  I guess the taxes are different and they have been trying to figure it out.  The nice thing is they say that his paycheck shouldn't be late.  I hope not because I have a new house payment that I have to make. 

     I am watching the news right now.  It's funny how for so long I have been used to watching channel 13 news, with Michelle Kane, Patty, etc...and you just take for granted how used to those people you are.  It is really odd watching these other people and it's even stranger not hearing about what is happening in Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, Lodi, and other places.  I feel so out of the loop. 

     I also wanted to say that I am so impressed with Joe Patterson right now.  It is amazing to me that he was willing to go to Liberia.  What a sacrifice.  I will be honest with you, I don't know if I could do it.  Besides the fact that it is a lot of plane time, I just don't know if I could do it.  Away from everything, family, general everyday comforts.  Being in a place where you are literally out of place.  It takes courage to do that, and it's courage that Joe has that's for sure. 

     Anyway, I will hopefully go shopping tomorrow for some new clothes.  If I do, maybe something amazing and drastic will happen that I will be able to write about so you guys won't get bored with me....lately it hasn't been to exciting over here.  lol  But you know, life isn't always fun, sometimes life is boring, and that's ok.  I mean if I was full of constant drama, well, I would be stressed out probably.  Anyway, I better go now...gotta clean up and I have a computer date with Lorenda soon.  We are gonna chat.  Talk to you all later.  Bye.

1.16.06
12:02am

     I am sitting here in my kitchen at the built in desk right before our larger living room typing this at a time of night that I have been trying to avoid typing during.  I am failing miserably.  But, on the up side my house is clean, and my baby is sleeping, my son is not, and my husband is upstairs on the phone talking to a friend until I manage to get up there as well.  Isaiah is awake, as I just said, watching a movie in his room.  Why?  The only possible reason is because the kid is nuts and won't go to sleep.  We tried, believe me we tried, but tonight he is just not tired.  So why make a big deal out of it, let him stay awake with a movie, and then he can go to bed.  The movie, (the incredibles) is just about over anyway.  So I will go up there in a bit and say goodnight hopefully for the last time tonight.  Evelyn, although she is asleep right now, was awake all of ten minutes ago. I guess she got hungry and so I went up and fed her.  I changed her diaper, but I almost didn't.  You see, I realized tonight that I have about 5-6 diapers left in this house.  I didn't realize it until it was too late.  In the morning, around 10am, we are going to head over to Costco and go buy some more, and some baby wipes as well.  There is some stuff going on with James' job right now that has me slightly concerned about spending money at all right now, but he assures me that everything will be fine, and that I have nothing to worry about.  But if course I am always worrying about something, so I am sure that I will have a hard time not thinking about it. 

     The main thing I am concerned about is paying all the bills this month and seeing how we do.  I am excited to see what we can and can't afford now that we are here.  Not paying all that money towards gas is a big thing.  I mean a big thing.  We are at the very least saving $300.00.  And honestly having my mom and dad here to help buy groceries and stuff really helps too.  I like how things are going so far.  I am continually praying for them to get jobs though, I know that it is taking a toll on them, and that pressure might even be part of what is making my dad unable to sleep. 

     Today was a good day though.  Jeff came over for a little while.  That was nice.  I played with Isaiah in his room for quite some time, we had a lot of fun playing with Mr. Potato Head, and then with his train set and then action figures.  We even built some tall towers with his blocks, and he liked throwing them down and breaking them into pieces.  Although what kid doesn't I guess. 

     You know what I just realized?  I am not going to have to go to any more birthday parties for family members and friends.  I won't have to attend any more little kids parties at all.  You know why?  Yep. I live too far away people, and that's the best excuse you can get.  It will be sad though, I am going to miss all the family get togethers, but I think I will be ok with missing all the kids running around like crazy people.  What I am really going to miss is that My brother in law Patrick and his wife Kari are pregnant, I won't be there to see the baby at all.  Just pictures.  ugh.

     Anyway, I better go now, I need to head upstairs.  Oh, by the way, those stairs are a work out.  My legs are getting firm.  Ok, talk to you all later.  Nite.

1.15.06

10:08pm

     Hi there.  Today was a really good day.  It started off with going to church.  It was a good service too.  I really enjoyed it and afterward we stayed and chatted with Pastor Bobby Gilstrap and a couple other people.  Pastor Bobby said that he would probably call in the after noon and come by the house to pick up the 17inch computer monitor that we offered to give him to use for church service.  The one he is currently using is pretty old and not that big of a screen.  So, after we had lunch and cleaned up some of the house, he called and came over.  He stayed for about 30 minutes or so and we all talked and got to know each other better.  He asked James if he would be willing to stand in front of the church during service and help with the singing.  James told me that he wasn't sure yet.  After all, he would want to make sure we are going to be staying at that church first.  He thinks that we will continue to try it out for a couple more weeks and see if the Holy Spirit starts to tell him if we should be staying with that church.  I am willing to do that.  After all, I did enjoy today's service.  Anyway, after that James had the entertainment center all finished.  The speakers were hooked up and we started a movie.  The Transporter 2.  It was not only a great movie, but it sounded great too.  I made lasagna while it was on and we all ate that mid way through.  I am really enjoying having them here. I just wish that my dad could sleep.  He is still having problems.  He said that he didn't fall asleep until 6am this morning.  Which oddly enough is the same time that James went to bed.  Guess what he was up all night doing?  Yep, video games.  But this was a game on his PC, and of course he was playing this game in bed with the light on.  So of course, periodically I was waking up due to the light.  But hey, who cares about my needs right?  lol. 

     I almost forgot.  I wanted to share what Pastor Bobby was talking about today during service.  He had 6 key points that I really liked.  It was about how you as a Christian can figure out if the decision you are making, or the thing you want to do, is a good and wise decision.  They are basically good principles to live by.  Here they are.

1.) Is it in harmony with God's Word?

2.) Would I want everyone to know about it?

3.) Would it make me a better person?

4.) Could it become addictive?

5.) Will it harm other people?

6.) Is it the best use of my life/time.

     And then he had a good bible verse to go along with it. 

1 Corinthians 6:12

     All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient, all things are  lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

     There is one more thing that I really liked to.  And then I will be done. This is out of the commentary in my bible.

Christians...

1.) are not to judge the practice of other Christians in respects to doubtful things .

2.) are accountable (personally accountable) to God for their actions.

3.) are not to do anything that will put a stumbling block before their brethren.

4.) have Christian liberty regarding what they do.

5.) are to do what will edify their brethren.

6.) should, for the sake of their weaker brethren, voluntarily abstain from certain practices.

7.) are to do only what can be done without self condemnation.

8.) are to follow the example of Christ, who did not live to please himself.

     Anyway, that's all for me right now.  I am going to write my devotional and then be done.  Goodnight all.

1.14.06
12:0am

     I just got back from the movies.  The theatre is brand new from the looks of it, and huge. At least 20 screens.  And they had all kinds of different foods to choose from that you can eat there for the movies, even pizza, or ice cream.  Lots of awesome stuff just when you walk in to keep you busy.  They had a big screen on the ground that a projector was showing a game on, it had all these different things on it, and as you walked on the screen they things would move to dodge you, like fish, race cars, popcorn, it was always changing.  I just stood there for a little while watching all the people who were walking over it being surprised.  Especially the kids.  It was so obvious this place was fairly new, since everyone seemed to be looking around.  I am so happy with the town that we have moved to.  It seems like it is really a growing area, and they are putting some awesome stuff here.  I really like the mall.  I was also excited today because my dad, my mom, and I finished the office furniture today.  Why wasn't James helping you might ask.  Well that's not so good.  The reason is because this morning he fell down the stairs.  Not far, only the last 4 steps he says.  But he hurt his hip pretty good, and he hit his elbow on the way down on the banister, it looks blue.  I am sure that it will eventually bruise up worse and turn purple.  Maybe I'll take a picture as a memory of this house's first fall.  lol  But we did get the furniture put together, and it looks great.  I am excited to unpack all the office "stuff" and set that up tomorrow.  We also got the large living room all done.  It looks great.  The only thing left now is to hook up the speakers so we can hear the TV.  Maybe we will do that after church.  Although we are also supposed to go to Lowe's at some point and return a large trash can we bought and exchange that for a smaller one, and I want to buy a couple of metal shelves for the garage so we can put all the tools and such on there.  I am really happy with this house.  And I am thinking that we will be ok here.  It's just to bad that we can't have everyone else here with us you know.  I would love that.  I really wish that I had a friend from home here.  Hint Hint to anyone reading.  lol  I think that I might get to go shopping soon for some clothes.  I am excited because they have a Kohls here and I know that I will be able to find some nice stuff.  I feel like everyone but me has a lot of good things to wear.  I basically wear the same 5 shirts every week.  It's my own fault.  I don't buy myself enough clothes.  And then when I do they always end up getting ruined somehow.  That's the worst part you know, when you have a really nice shirt and it's basically your favorite, and then you get a stain on it, and in my case a stain that is not going to come out no matter what I do to it.  That really gets on my nerves, but then again what doesn't right?  lol   Did I even tell you what movie we saw?  I didn't.  The Matador!!!  It was so funny.  I really liked it a lot.  Pierce Brosnan played a role that you don't see him in all the time.  Not his usual cool and classy self.  I really liked it and was laughing out loud.  I won't recommend it for everyone though, it is rated R for a reason.  It was really nice being able to go out with James tonight like normal though.  I felt like home, if that makes any sense.  And the cool thing was that we got to go out and leave the kids at home, because they are sleeping and my mom and dad are here.  We just gave them the baby monitor and we were off.  Cool huh?  It is really working out having my mom and dad here with us.  I am glad that they are here.  I just wish that my dad was able to sleep.  The last 4 or 5 days he has literally been unable to sleep at night.  He might get am hour in occasionally.  They don't really know why, but as soon as they get there medical cards they are taking him to the doctor.  He doesn't sleep much during the day either.  So, he is basically tired all the time.  I feel so bad.  If you all could take some time to pray for him in regards to that I am sure it would be helpful. 

     I haven't talked to Lorenda since this morning, and it feels kind of odd.  She has been gone a lot today, and so have we.  She seemed to be doing good today.  She told me that it would be ok to tell you guys that what is happening is that she and her husband are going to be getting a divorce.  It is a hard time for her, and she doesn't quite know what she is going to do in regards to money.  Any prayers you could say for her would also be good.  I know that we pray for her all the time.    Well, I better go now, I need to type out that devotional still, and then go to bed.  Church tomorrow after all, and the more sleep I can get the better.  Bye.

1.13.06

9:37pm

      Here I am, and I think that I am catching a cold.  Or maybe the cold caught me...either way my throat feels sick.  Little bit sore, and I can tell that my voice is changing slightly.  Hopefully I will not get to sick.  I don't like feeling tired...and that's usually what happens when I am sick.  Today I made a phone call and was able to get the plot plan for our property.  WOW do we have a lot of yard.  It goes 62 feet back from our house.  And we also have a whole lot just around the sides.  We really got a great deal on this house.  I mean if we stay here for a long time, which I see no reason why we wouldn't, then we are going to be able to sell this place for a lot of money.  And we will be building a back deck, and putting a fence around the back yard, so all of that will help a lot.  I am excited.  And today my dad started painting.  He wanted to pick somewhere small to start with, so he did the half bath on the first floor.  It turned out really good and while I was out today I bought a few really nice canvas paintings to put on the wall that were on clearance at Kohl's.  I went there with my mom to help her pick out some clothes so she has something nice to wear in the event that she gets the job at the bank. 

     In regards to my friend that I mentioned last night, everything is ok.  She wasn't changing her mind, and I will say that I am very happy.  I was really praying that would be the case.  I suppose that it is obvious that I am either talking about Tiffany or Lorenda.  I will say that it is Lorenda going through all the rough times right now.  Really, James and I have been trying to convince her to pick up and move here with us.  She could stay with us as long as she needed to.  There is plenty of room.  We really want to help her start her new life.  But, I doubt that it will happen, she is going to try to stay where she is.  Just have to wait and see I guess.  I would love to have her here though. 

     We bought our airline tickets today.  We will be flying down on May 10th 2006, and going home on the 15th.  That means that I will be at church on May 14th.  YES!!  I am so happy.  I can't wait to see everyone again.  We will be having a joint birthday party for Isaiah and Evelyn probably on the 13th.  So I am sure that we are going to have a massive guest list.  Whew...that's gonna mean a whole lot of presents.  You know, now that I think of it, I might just tell everyone to skip the gifts.  He doesn't really need them, and I think it's present enough that we are getting to see all our friends and family.  I will think it over and decide later.  I have to ask James and see what he thinks.  Gift certificates would be fine of course, and anything that is small enough to fit in his suitcase.  We'll see.  The same will have to go for Evelyn.  My gosh I can't believe she will be one years old so soon, and Isaiah will be 4.  Time goes by so fast.  I just know I am going to miss these young ages so very much.  I love my little boy and girl.  They always warm my heart. 

     We got our first utility bill today.  DTE Energy it is called.  I was worried, because the neighbors were telling me about their bills, and since our house is bigger, I thought that guaranteed me a bigger bill, but that wasn't the case.  It was only $387.86.  A lot less than what I expected.  I am used to having at least one large utility bill like that, so it's all good for now. 

     I do want to mention the fact that two important shows are starting again.  Survivor for one, and the other one is American Idol.  I am super excited because now we have a DVR with our dishnet and I can digitally record shows like Tivo does.  YES YES YES!!!  So very happy.  As you very well know if you read this when last season was on, I hate having to choose between these two shows, since they are usually both on at the same time.  I won't have a problem with that this year.  I know, I am a big nerd.  Oh well.  lol   Ok, I better go now, talk to you all later.  Bye.

1.12.06

12:16am

     I am so worried about one of my closest friends.  She told me something tonight that has me very worried that she will make a bad decision.  One had already been made that I believe was good, and now, she is thinking about changing her mind.  Of course whatever she decided to do, I will stand beside her and support her the entire time, but I really don't think that changing her mind on this is a good idea.  I feel in my heart and soul that the best plan is the one she originally had.  I am going to say the only prayer tonight that seems right.  That God's will be done in her life and that he gives her strength to do what needs to be done.  I am just so worried about her.  I wish I was back in California right now.  It would be nice to be there with her. 

     I love the webcam that we got.  And even better I love the chat program that we are using to use the webcam.  It really helps the video be good quality, and it has has practically no lag at all.  And you can go chat with it, regular "voice over ip", and lots of other stuff.  It's called Skype.  If you want to check it out, and you should, go to www.skype.com   I bet you won't regret it. 

     Tonight James and I (mostly James to be honest) got the actual computer desk assembled tonight.  We still have to put together the top part which is basically a bookshelf and paper filing area.  It is all going to look really nice though.  I am excited to see the finished product.  There is still a lot of room in there for a pull out couch too.  So that is really exciting.  I would like to get a nice one, something that has a thick mattress in it so you can't feel the steel rod in your back you know. 

     Today I took Isaiah across the street to the park.  We had a lot of fun running around chasing each other and just playing.  Sometimes I forget how much it can be to just run and chase after him.  I usually let James do all of that.  I love him so very much.  He is so cute.  Today he learned how to say "No Duh"  I thought it was pretty funny.  I wish that Pre-School would hurry up and call me.  I am giving them till Monday and then I will call them.  After all, it's not that hard to call someone is it?

     My mom might have a new job.  This guy from a bank that she applied at called today.  It turns out that not only are they interested in her working at the bank, but the regional manager was so impressed with her that she wants my mom to have a higher position that what she was going to apply for.  We are all really happy.  Hopefully she will hear something soon. 

     I am really tired.  I am going to go.  I need to close my eyes.  Talk to you all tomorrow.  Bye.

1.11.06

11:46pm

     Yep, it's been an odd day.  I was good for most of it, but the last half of the day I was not feeling like myself.  I feel out of sorts.  The kids drove me insane today.  Literally.  Evelyn was having some kind of problem today, all she wanted me to do was hold her, and I certainly wasn't going to give in.  So I let her scream, and scream, and I normally don't care if babies are crying, but today I was just unable to deal with it.  I was going nutty.  And Isaiah was acting like he was on drugs.  Running around like a crazy person only wearing his underpants.  He was a good boy, he was just nuts.  So then I went to the grocery store and did some shopping.  It was nice to be out on my own and not have children making an abundance of noise.  I enjoyed being around other adults, even if it was just passing by them in the aisles.  I also noticed that there was lots of sauerkraut for sale in the store.  I only noticed this because my dad recently bought some for his hot dogs.  Since then, I am now noticing it when I see it.  It was in a few different areas in the store actually.  And it occurred to me, that I have no idea what sauerkraut even is.  Not at all.  Is it a vegetable?  A fruit? ( I doubt that one) Does it grow on a plant?  Is it a plant?  Or do you make it?  I have no idea.  You would think this would be something that I should know, but if I have never eaten it before, and no one has ever introduced me to it before, why would I know what it is.  You know what another good example of that is?  Cranberry sauce.  All my life when I ate that stuff (and I love it too) it was for holidays.  Christmas and such.  It was always just on the table.  I never saw anyone take it out of the can.  So, when James and I had our first holiday meal at our home, I bought some.  I soon realized that I had no idea how to get it out of the can.   I actually had to call up my grandma and ask her how she did it.  Of course once she told me I was like, "Duh!"  I mean it seemed so obvious.  I guess that's just what happens when your young and inexperienced. 

     I am typing this while I am on the phone with Lorenda by the way.  She really misses us.  And of course the fact that she is going through some hard times in her life right now doesn't help matters.  I really wish that I was there to help her out.  But instead I have to rely on the new webcam that we got today and let her see me on that.  The cool thing is that the webcam has a built in microphone.  So it was really fun that she got to hear all of us talking while we were just in the room. 

     uh oh....James just said, "It would be nice if I could go to bed soon."   That was my hint, it is almost 1am here right now.  It's Lorenda's fault for talking to me and making me slow at typing this out.    So, I will go, talk to you all tomorrow...bye.

1.10.06
12:18am

     What did God bring to me today?  I'll tell you.  He brought me a very relaxing, fun, humorous day.  I got to watch my son be a spaz, my daughter be cute even when she was being cranky, I washed my car in the front of my house and I only used water, but it turned out great.  I talked with friends on the phone, I vacuumed the whole house, (which takes forever I might add) I did laundry, and I even had time to sit down and watch my soap operas for an hour and a half.  OH!  And we also got a pleasant surprise today when we got a check in the mail for over eight hundred dollars.  Turns out that we paid to much when we paid off our house in Lodi.  So that was a nice thing and I am considering asking James is I can use some of that money for new clothes and a few other items that I need.  Really though I just need some new shirts, the ones I have here now are just not enough, I barley have enough to last 5 days.  I need new ones desperately. 

     Lorenda says that she would like to come visit us soon.  She really misses us.  I understand it, I miss her too.  It's hard when there is a person who is such a big part of your life that you don't see anymore.  I would really love to have her just come live up here by us.  She could stay here until she got on her feet and could afford a place of her own.  Of course, that probably won't happen...so I will just pop that bubble on my own. 

     When I woke up this morning I was so surprised to see that the sun was out.  I think that it is the 3rd or 4th time since we have been here it has happened.  I love it, not having the sun everyday really makes me you appreciate it.  I went outside, picked up all the dog poo, pulled some weeds, and trimmed some bushes.  While I was doing that I noticed something that I had been wondering about for awhile.  Once again today a bunch of kids gathered across the street from my house to get picked up to go to school.  The school bus came, picked them up, and left.  The odd thing was, it was 11L30am.  Since when does school start at that time.  The only thing I can imagine is that all those kids are the same age and maybe it's kindergarten and so it starts at 12pm.  I suppose that could be it, but I just don't know for sure.  I just think it's odd is all.  One of these days I am going to ask one of the mom's or dad's who stand out there with them.

     Anyway, I better go, I want to try to fall asleep tonight before Evelyn wakes up for me to feed her.  I will say this though, I am loving taking turns with James to get her at night.  I feel more awake because of it.  Talk to you all tomorrow.  Bye.

1.9.06
1:12am

     Wow, why do I always stay up this late???  I must have a disorder of some sort.  lol  I was very happy today, not only did I receive my new atm card, but James got paid and it went into the correct bank account.  Now we can actually start figuring out what we can afford a month.  Also, the rest of our office furniture came today.  I was hopeful that we would be putting it together tonight, but James has started working out with my dad (trying to get in shape for all his girlfriends no doubt.  lol...j/k) and so his muscles were all sore.  Maybe tomorrow.  Who knows.  I am feeling very upbeat right now...at this very moment.  Earlier I was feeling awkward.  Different things that are going on in my head have been affecting my personality.  I feel open at some points, and then reserved at others. I know that makes no sense to any of you, but that doesn't matter.  Just pray that God has his way with me.  I need his direction right now.  Sometimes things get in my head, that I know shouldn't be there, and once they infiltrate, it's very hard for me to get rid of them.  I need God's help.  So tonight I will pray about it and hopefully God will give me a answer very soon.  But I am sure some extra prayer from all of you wouldn't hurt.  Funny how stuff like this can happen huh?  One day you are perfectly fine, and then something happens that just changes all your random thoughts around.  I hate that.

     James is still really enjoying working from home by the way.  I think that it is what's best for him.  He loves being home and getting to see everyone during his day, I really think it helps him somehow to stay focused.  Or at least when he isn't watching cartoons or playing video games huh?  Anyway, I gotta go.  It's very late.  I look forward to tomorrow though.  I am excited to see what God brings my way.  Nite.

1.8.05

11:09pm

     Today we went to that church...and when he says that it is a new church, they really mean it.  Like 12 people...maybe a couple more were there.  Obviously everything was very low tech. After all, they are having it in a school at the moment.  Everyone was very nice though and the service was good, not impressive, but good.  They did have child care, and it was good too.  I am just not sure about whether or not to pick that one as our "new church" yet. James wants to keep going there.  He thinks that we could have a lot to offer a starting church like that and he also thinks that it would be great to be original members like that.  Plus, we could be instrumental in the direction that the church goes.  I don't know...maybe it's just me being selfish, but I want to join a church where I can just feel cozy and at home.  Walk into an actual church where there are pews, classrooms, and lots of stuff going on.  I want a church where they are settled and have a comfortable but fun feel.  You know what it is, I just want to be home, I just want to be where I am familiar.  I really hated it when I read what Pastor Rob is going to be preaching on and I am not going to get to here any of it.  Is it just me, am I the only one who leaves a church and misses it so much?  I feel like I am being stupid.  I just can't help it though...I want to be where people know me.  "NORM!!!"  Get it?  You know, the show "Cheers"?  I liked that show.  I need to be more open...I just don't know how.  I am so bad at constantly comparing things to FBC Galt.  I need to stop doing that.

     Tomorrow we are going to DMV (Secretary of State)  and we will be registering our cars.  James doesn't get to actually get a license here yet since you have to have at least 3 types of ID to get one.  Your out of state drivers license, birth certificate, marriage certificate, student ID, etc.  Well, James only has is CA ID...so we are sending away for the kids birth certificates, and our marriage certificates.  Hopefully it won't take too long.  I am still thinking about whether or not to get the personalized license plate.  James says no still, but I have a couple yes votes.  Lorenda thinks it's a good idea.  I will probably end up making a quick judgment call. 

     We cleaned up the garage tonight.  It looks so much better now.  I think that we have about 15 large garbage bags in there right now.  Once those are all gone things will be so much better in there.  It can be cramped sometimes as it is with two cars in there when you are trying to lean in the back seat to strap your kids in their car seats.  I will be so glad when those kids are old enough to not need car seats anymore, they are a pain in my behind. 

     I am typing this and also watching Lorenda on her webcam, she is talking to James on the phone.  Webcams are great.  James ordered one today so that way we can let people see us and say hi in a more personal way.  It will be nice for James' mom and dad too, so they can see the grandkids.  I know that Patty will love that.  You know, I should go I guess...I feel like I want to write more, but I don't quite know what I want to say.  I am feeling a little bit sad I guess just because I am chatting with Lorenda and Kevin online, and it makes me miss them.  I wonder when all these feeling will subside.  I can't wait till we get to come visit.  I just hope we have time to see everyone.  Although as long as everyone comes to Isaiah and Evelyn's birthday party, there shouldn't be a problem.  Ok, I better go now.  Time for sleep.  Bye.

1.7.05

8:41pm

     I just finished cleaning the kitchen, and if I do say so myself, it's looks pretty dang good.  We also just finished watching the movie Wedding Crashers.  That was hilarious.  I just might buy that one.  Today was very good though, lots of stuff got done.  First of all, I went out this morning and took some pictures with that old camera that James' Uncle Doug gave me...remember when I told you about that?  Well, I went out and drove down this dirt road that I had been meaning to check out, and it was great for taking pictures.  I got a lot of good ones.  I will try to go develop them this week.  I also took some with my digital camera, so I could have a few here already.  Most of them turned out great, a few were ok, and then the rest were just not as good of shots as I would have liked.  But I was proud of them nonetheless. After that it was all about cleaning up the areas of the house that I have been meaning to clean, but have been putting off.  Such as mopping the hardwood floor. I bought this cleaner that was specifically for hardwood floors, and it worked great.  I also vacuumed, and I swear that there is always dog hair that needs to get cleaned.  I think that is the most annoying thing about dogs, their hair.  Why does it need to shed so much anyway?  We don't shed our hair and then grow it back...why the heck do they?  I just don't think that it is necessary.  I talked to Lorenda yesterday and today.  She got home last night and from what I understand they were all very happy to be there.  I know that I am going to have a hard time the longer that I am here being with out her and Tiffany.  I'm not feeling it yet, since it hasn't been that long.  But I know that there is going to be a day when I am just going to start crying because I miss them.  Oh....speaking of friends...I am going to take Isaiah to the new library here on Monday night because they are having an interactive story time in the children's section that evening.  It starts at 7pm and I am hoping that meeting some new kids will be good for him.  Hopefully he will enjoy it, he is hard to figure out sometimes.  Tomorrow we are going to church at the one that Pastor Rob recommended.  It's called Celebration Church.  Now that I know they provide child care I am really excited about going.  I have a good feeling.  Lets pray that it all works out. 

     I am feeling really comfortable here.  It feels like home.  Isaiah seems to be acting like nothing has changed.  He is very accepting of change I guess.  Nothing like his mom I assure you.  But he likes his room, and he likes the house, and I know that he likes playing in the snow.  Although we haven't actually had any snow cover the ground here in what feels like a long time.  Just light snows here and there, nothing that actually stays to cover the ground.  I am actually looking forward to seeing a real snow storm, as I have never seen one before.  I think that it will be pretty cool.  And I am sure that while I am looking at it through my windows, I will be glad to be inside where it is nice and warm. 

     I was looking at my tattoo today and I am really glad that I got it.  Every time I see it I think if Tiffany, and that's exactly what the purpose was.  It's nice to have something unique right there with me that will always make me think of her.  For what ever reason, that made me think of the fact that we need to decide when we are going to make the trip down to Galt in May.  We need to set a date, and decide who we are staying with.  We would like to stay with James' mom and dad, but at the moment they don't have any room since Gus and Dawn live there.  If that is still the case in May, we might just have to stay with my grandma.  Or a hotel as a last resort.  I don't know, we'll figure it out.  I am sure that someone will be nice enough to let us crash with them.  Well, I think that's enough, I am going to go now.  Chat with you all later.  Bye.

1.6.06

10:08pm

     Today I went with my mom to the DMV.  Over here they don't call it that though.  It's called the Secretary of State.  I guess that's because the people who help you can do everything you need done at the same window.  You don't have to go to a different window to do the car registration, and then another one for your license...it's all the same person who helps you.  That's pretty cool.  I was unable to get my car registered though because I needed to have James there to sign the paper too, and he wasn't.  So, on Monday I will take care of that.  We are going to go in the morning around 9 am so we are there right when they open.  I have to do that because my mom has a appointment in Ann Arbor at 11am...and she wants to make sure she has time to find it.  I was thinking about getting a personalized license plate.  Now, I ran my idea by James, and although he thought it was funny, he thought it would be silly to have as a license plate.  I want to know what you all think.  I thought of putting WHATEVA.  I know.  But for many years now people have been saying that to me, at least since high school, and really it just kind of fits me now...especially now that I have this journal.  I thought it would be fun.  What do you think?  Is it stupid?  Let me know.  ecm1980@gmail.com 

     Another thing that I am going to have to do Monday is start making phone calls to Pre-schools and Day Cares for Isaiah to attend.  I just finished making a list up of some that are around me.  There are quite a few.  I think that I have 15 so far.  I have no idea though how to go about this at all.  Am I supposed to go there and check it out first?  Or do I call first and if they have an opening I then go check it out?  I just have no idea.  I only want some place that he can go to 2 or 3 days a week...something for just a few hours...you know, so he can be around kids and have some fun.  I get so nervous doing new things.  Although I guess that the last 40 days have all been one new thing after another huh? 

     I got an email from Pastor Bobby Gilstrap.  He is the one who has the church at the elementary school...the one Pastor Rob wanted us to attend.  It turns out that they do provide child care, so that is exciting  and I am looking forward now to checking out that church.  I don't know what their music will be like since they don't have their own building, but I suppose that they could just bring instruments every time huh. 

     Today I also went with my dad to Lowes and we bought $300.00 dollars worth of paint and supplies to start painting the inside of the house.  The walls all have primer but no paint.  As you can imagine, we need some paint.  Especially in the rooms where water is likely to get on the walls, bathrooms and kitchens and such. 

     Tomorrow I am also thinking about taking some time to drive around a little bit and take some pictures of nature.  There are some really pretty areas on the way into town.  And area has a run down large red barn that I would like to photograph.  I am really into taking pictures...so I am anxious to start practicing and maybe someday take some classes.  But that is probably years down the line.  I would want the kids to be pretty self sufficient.  I am feeling pretty good about things here though.  I like being in this house, and I like the area we live in...I just can't help but feel like it would all be better if our friends were here to share it all.  I just want to have somewhere to go and hang out, you know?  I want to have someplace I can go and be with other people.  But, in the end I know that I can always be happy as long as I am with James and the kids. 

     Well, I am going to go now, I have to clean the kitchen still.  Talk to you all later. 

Bye.

1.5.06

1:26am

Well, like Iona's blog, this will be short.  It's too late, and I am going to bed.  But it was a productive day.  Nite

1.4.06

9:25pm

     I am sitting down fairly early to write this tonight.  Crazy huh?  The office furniture came today, I am pretty sure that we won't be putting it together tonight, but I am excited to see it put together.  It will make everything look so much better.  I am not feeling very good.  My tummy is hurting me and I don't know why.  I suppose it could have been something that I ate.  The hamburgers I made tonight were not cooked all the way.  I did microwave them once I realized it, but I did have a few bites before I noticed, so who knows, maybe it was that.  Either way I am not feeling well. 

     So, anyway, today was pretty boring.  I cleaned the house... and so there just isn't much to talk about.  I am going to go though, I still don't feel good.  I will talk to you all tomorrow...good night. 

1.3.06

11:42pm

     I just got a telemarketer phone call on my cell phone.  My goodness that drives me nuts.  When I told her that it was 11:30pm where I'm at...she says, "Um, your in Lodi California?"  And I said, "Well I have a number from there, but I am in Michigan, and it's 11:30pm here.  Plus, you shouldn't be calling me on my cell phone anyway, can you take me off your list?"  She said yes, and then she hung up on me.  Oh well. 

     But I did get to have a good phone conversation earlier in the evening.  Pastor Rob's sister called me today and we had a really good talk.  It was funny because when I got on the phone with her it wasn't even awkward at all.  We just started talking as if we had before.  It was really nice and she is going to try to come over here this Saturday some time.  I think it will be nice.  I need to meet some people over here and make new friends.  And she is a Christian, so that is even better.  We talked for at least 30 minutes or more.  Right before we started watching a movie.  I rented 4 of them and tonight we watched Dark Water.  Jennifer Connelly is the star of that one and I really like her a lot.  But I have noticed that she has gotten very thin in the last year.  She almost looks sick.  I think that I would rather stay the way I am right now, then be that thin and sickly looking. 

     Today James' replacement pieces came for his entertainment center.  Guess what?  Those ones were damaged too.  Yep, no kidding.  So James said "Take em back and order more new ones."  Those ones are going to come on the 11th.  I am so sick and tired of being in limbo for this stupid stuff.  I want to be done.  I want to look at every room in this house and see it completed.  Tomorrow our office furniture arrives.  That had better be in good condition.  I will knock someone out otherwise.  lol  ok, maybe not...but it's a funny thought.  I almost have all the pictures done. 

     I picked up all 181 pictures from Wal-Mart today that I had on a cd for them to develop.  I was surprised at how nice they turned out.  I put all of those in their correct albums but I still need to finish the one of me as a little girl.  It's a hard album to do.  I will work on it tomorrow during Evelyn's nap. 

     I still have a whole lot to do tonight.  I have to clean up this kitchen...which I don't enjoy one bit.  I imagine that there isn't that much to really do, it just looks like a lot. Really I would rather go to sleep.  But how often do I actually accomplish that?  Never.

Luckily tonight it is James' turn to get Evelyn.  Hahahahahahahahahahahaha   let him suffer.  lol  Isaiah is awake.  I know that the late nap threw him off schedule, but still, they kid won't go to sleep, and it's after midnight.  It's not like he doesn't have a warm comfy bed to go lay in.  Wouldn't it be nice to be a kid again.  I suppose not everyone would think so, especially if you had it bad.  But assuming that you had it good...wouldn't it be nice?  I would love to.  Imagine how carefree it must feel to have no worries, no stress of any kind, just to play, sleep, and eat.  I would love that. 

     We just signed back up for Netflix.  I am so very happy.  I was going through withdrawals.   I need movies.  lol  Anyway, I better go, I still have so much to do.  Talk to you all tomorrow night.  Bye.

1.02.06

11:00pm

I have been going through a whole bunch of pictures today.  Putting them all in new albums that I bought, and having to organize them all so they are in the correct order.  A large portion of them were all of me from birth, to about 12 years old.  It is really hard trying to figure out how old I was for some of them.  James and I ended up being detectives.  We were comparing the backgrounds, outfits, hair styles.  It was sorta fun, for me.  James was just being nice enough to help.  He doesn't enough pictures like I do.  He likes to look at them, I enjoy doing stuff with them.  Although he is really tired today.  His new TV doesn't have an area to plug in our cable...strange huh?  So he has been working hard all day on getting that done.  We are going to have to buy new cable...and drill a hole...and...well, it's too much to explain.  But it's either that or pay DishNet $100.00 to come do it for us.  Personally, I would just pay the money...but men will be men.  Anyway...back to me.  I was putting all the pictures together and I really enjoyed it because I got to look at the ones of James and I when we were just dating, when we just got married, our first Christmas together.  I got to see how young James looked, and how much thinner I was.  That's never fun.  lol  It was cool though and I got them mostly done.  I only have a medium sized pile left to go, and I think I will do that tomorrow.  Maybe when the kids are napping. 

My mom has a job interview tomorrow at Kroger Grocery Store.  We are all praying that she gets this job.  She has not been working for over 3 weeks, and my dad has not for over 2 months.  God knows they need the money.  Hopefully she will get this job and it will help to relieve some of the stress they are feeling.  My dad is going to be applying for a job at a brain injury rehabilitation center.  They provide training there.  I think it is more than just the brain injuries, I think there are also people there with other issues, but my dad seems to think that this is an area that God wants him to work in.  So we will see what happens with that.  It would be something very new for him, that's for sure. 

Well, that's really about it tonight.  I suppose that I could write more, but I really just need to do the dishes and go to bed.  It's late over here.  I'll write more tomorrow...promise.  Bye.

P.S.  I am also gonna skip the daily devotional...it will take extra time that I don't have.

1.01.06

10:47pm

Happy New Year!!  Mine is shaping up to be pretty good.  Today James put together my book shelf.  It was so nice to take all my books out of their boxes and set them up.  I have a lot of books.  So, I decided to make a stack just for books that I no longer wanted, books I never read and don't plan to, and books that I read, but they were bad.  I am throwing all of those away.  It gave me a whole bunch of room, and I love how the book shelf looks.  In two more days James will get his computer desk.  Since the books shelf is also in the office/guest room, it will really help to make it complete.  Although with just the books being up it looks great.  I am bias of course.  I am a book fanatic.  I love going into any book store.  I love being around them.  I don't know what it is.  I suppose that I just love knowing how many different stories there are all around me.  So many things that I would love to read, so many things to learn about...I want to own them all.  I wish that I had the time to read whatever I wanted.  That's my real problem.  There isn't enough time in the day.  Especially now.  I feel like the day just flies by over here.  There is never enough time. 

Oh, I almost forgot, we went to church this morning.  We were unable to attend the church that Pastor Rob wanted us to go to.  This morning I checked my email to find a letter from the Pastor of that church.  He said that they would not be having church today because the public school that they hold church service at doesn't allow them to use it on legal holidays.  So he said to join them on January 8th instead.  That kind of made me sad because that meant that they didn't get to have a Christmas service either.  I am a little bit concerned though about attending that church, since they do use a school currently to have service at, I don't know what kind of child care they can provide.  That is important to us.  The church we did attend was another one that Pastor Rob had emailed me about.  Cornerstone Baptist Church.  It was apparent from the moment we walked in that it was not the place for us.  Including the Pastor and us, there were only 15 people there.  All but two well over the age of 65.  Dan Malloy would have had a stroke had he been there to see the music.  It was one guy, who sang ok, and he sang while looking at a hymnal the whole time, sometimes playing a guitar, sometimes not.  He openly said that he didn't always know the words to the songs...it was funny.  The Pastor was really good though.  We both enjoyed him quite a bit.  But, it was very apparent that this church just wasn't going to be the one. 

It is really hard to when you realize that.  I guess we just expected to find a church quickly.  Walk in, and immediately know that it was the one.  I guess that was dumb, but it was hard to not think that way.  I end up feeling discouraged that we will have to keep looking.  I really miss being in Galt on Sundays, and I find myself wondering what is happening in Sunday school class, and in church.  Who is sitting in my seat?  That is the real question.  lol

So, I am sitting here in this new bedroom...and James is asleep.  It's almost 12am and I should really get to sleep.  Tomorrow morning we are going to head over to Costco and buy James his new TV.  I know that he is going to love playing video games on that thing.  42in screen....oh yea.  lol   ok, I better go now.  Till tomorrow people.  Nite.

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