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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Christmas Memories
I was reading a friends blog and found "smilebox" which is a online scrapbook thing. I made one up so I thought I'd post it. Hope it works for you.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Happy New Year!
Oregon weather is so weird! Yesterday it poured down rain and the snow was quickly melting-we can see grass now!! What a change from a week ago. Yesterday the grater (snow plow) finally came through our neighborhood.......by that point we could already see pavement, so I'm not sure how necessary a plow was. It would have been nice if they could have come earlier. Yesterday was the first day in a while that I could get out of my driveway!
What a difference it is between living here and Spokane! Life here kinda just stops when it snows! But finally things are getting back to normal and people are coming out of hibernation! I'm thinking that in about nine months we are going to see quite a few babies!! :)
On another note, yesterday was Bill and my 13th anniversary! I cant believe it's been 13 years! It's been great though. Bill and I have grown together as a couple over the last few years and I LOVE being married to him. He is such a great husband and dad and I am looking forward to the many years to come.
Bill is on vacation this week and the boys are loving having him home. We havent really gone anywhere over the last couple of weeks (besides me going to work) and it's been so nice to stay home. I'm becoming a home body! It helps that I live in St.Helens and there is not much to do here and I dont like driving into Portland too much.
Today is my 8th day on the job. I am loving my new job but by the end of the days my brain gets so fried!! There is so much I have to learn and am thankful for the 8 or so months of training I'll be getting.
Anyway, thought I'd do a quick update.......hope you all have a great New Year!
What a difference it is between living here and Spokane! Life here kinda just stops when it snows! But finally things are getting back to normal and people are coming out of hibernation! I'm thinking that in about nine months we are going to see quite a few babies!! :)
On another note, yesterday was Bill and my 13th anniversary! I cant believe it's been 13 years! It's been great though. Bill and I have grown together as a couple over the last few years and I LOVE being married to him. He is such a great husband and dad and I am looking forward to the many years to come.
Bill is on vacation this week and the boys are loving having him home. We havent really gone anywhere over the last couple of weeks (besides me going to work) and it's been so nice to stay home. I'm becoming a home body! It helps that I live in St.Helens and there is not much to do here and I dont like driving into Portland too much.
Today is my 8th day on the job. I am loving my new job but by the end of the days my brain gets so fried!! There is so much I have to learn and am thankful for the 8 or so months of training I'll be getting.
Anyway, thought I'd do a quick update.......hope you all have a great New Year!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
It's 11:45 Christmas morning and we are all just enjoying being home and together. As I am writing right now, I'm looking out the window watching the snow. It's so rare that Oregon is having a white Christmas but I am loving it!
Bill and Elliot are putting together Elliot's new Indiana Jones lego set. Brady is playing NFL Madden on the Wii and Riley, is going back and forth from doing whatever it is he's doing. He's such a busy busy kid. My mom is playing solitare and I am on the computer......such a nice relaxing day.
Last night we had our Christmas Eve candle light service at church and went to my moms for a nice dinner and played Pictionary. We went home around 7:30 and Elliot, who still believes in Santa (Yes, we do the Santa thing) ran up to bed with his boots on! Ive never seen him so excited to sleep, but the poor kid could not get to sleep! Then Elliot and Riley were up at 2am hoping to open presents-but quickly got sent back to bed. Funny kids. I remember the anticipation of Christmas morning when I was there age.
This morning the kids were able to open presents from Santa. (thanks mom!) Bill made a wonderful breakfast for us all of Crepes, bacon and sausage.
This afternoon, our good friends Aaron and Lisa will be coming over with their 4 boys for dinner and games. (if the roads are drivable)
I hope you are all having a wonderful, relaxing day with your families and friends!
Merry Christmas!
Bill and Elliot are putting together Elliot's new Indiana Jones lego set. Brady is playing NFL Madden on the Wii and Riley, is going back and forth from doing whatever it is he's doing. He's such a busy busy kid. My mom is playing solitare and I am on the computer......such a nice relaxing day.
Last night we had our Christmas Eve candle light service at church and went to my moms for a nice dinner and played Pictionary. We went home around 7:30 and Elliot, who still believes in Santa (Yes, we do the Santa thing) ran up to bed with his boots on! Ive never seen him so excited to sleep, but the poor kid could not get to sleep! Then Elliot and Riley were up at 2am hoping to open presents-but quickly got sent back to bed. Funny kids. I remember the anticipation of Christmas morning when I was there age.
This morning the kids were able to open presents from Santa. (thanks mom!) Bill made a wonderful breakfast for us all of Crepes, bacon and sausage.
This afternoon, our good friends Aaron and Lisa will be coming over with their 4 boys for dinner and games. (if the roads are drivable)
I hope you are all having a wonderful, relaxing day with your families and friends!
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Ok...well I was going to send out Christmas pictures this year, but since it is already 6 days away from Christmas, I thought I'd cheat a little and do a Christmas letter online this year.
This year has been a year of change and growth for all of us. It's been by far one of the most memorable years we have had. Like others, we've experienced a lot of hardship, but with that came some major victories and we've felt and seen God's faithfulness and love throughout the year. God is good and our hearts are thankful.
I thought I could start out with Elliot. He turned 6 in February! I can't believe our "baby" is already 6!! He started 1st grade in September and is attending a local Charter school here in St.Helens. He is doing so well and at his parent teacher conferences his teacher called him a "teachers dream". Oh my, how nice it was to hear that! Elliot loves playing with his neighborhood friends and his brothers. He looks up to Brady and Riley and wants so badly to do what they get to do. Ever since he's been a baby, he's always been more interested in playing with the big boys! I'm not ready for him to be a big boy yet. I cannot believe how fast time has gone by! In my eyes Elliot should only be about 3 years old. This year, Elliot is going to play baseball and he is counting down the days till he can play football. He has to be going into 3rd grade to play, but it's so hard for him to wait!
Now on to Riley. He is such a joy and melts my heart. Riley is 10 years old and in the 5th grade at the same Charter school Elliot attends. He is our "social butterfly" and is very outgoing. He says that he is the class clown....which scared us both at first but after talking with his teacher, it's ok and he know when to stop the goofiness. Riley loves anything to do with history and knows all about all the past wars. He is like a sponge when it comes to learning about most things. Riley also likes Science and loves doing his own experiments. He has such a kind and compassionate heart and loves Jesus. Riley wanted so badly to play football this year, but because of him only having one kidney, his doctor wouldn't sign the medical release form for him to play. That broke his heart, but he was still able to have a position on Brady's team this year. He was the water boy, which fits perfectly for him because he likes to help people. He even got a jersey and was able to be in the team picture! Right now, with the snow, Riley spends most of his days outside with his friends. We have a hill behind our house that he and his friends go sledding on.
Brady is growing up and becoming a young man. He will turn 12 this month. It's hard to believe that in one year, we will have a TEENAGER!! He has changed so much in every way. Last spring he got braces put on and it's amazing how much even his facial features have changed. When he got his school pictures it was so fun to compare all his school pictures to see the change. Wow! Brady is 12 going on 16 I think. He is maturing so much and is fun to talk to-like a little adult. He is in the 6th grade and goes to Columbia City School-which is a public school here that only 6th graders go to. It's a great program that they have here! This spring he will be able to go to "Outdoor School". Brady is very much into sports. We started off the year with baseball and Brady made the All Star team and had a lot of fun. Then, in August football started. Football is by far, our most favorite sport! Brady was able to play in a lot more positions this year and learned so much! Unfortunately, his team did not win one game, but the boys still had a ton of fun and it seemed like they all learned a lot and made some new friends. Brady can't wait till next August when training starts again.
Since we are talking football, that leads us to Bill. Bill was one of the assistant coaches this year again. I think one of the reasons we love football so much is because it brings us together as a family. Especially Bill and Brady. It's something that bonds them together-the love they both share for the game! Bill is a great coach and loves getting the kids excited to play. Bill is still working for Blumenthal Uniforms and loves it. He isnt traveling as much as he was because he is now serving more local departments. He is such a hard worker and even though the boys and I don't say it enough, we appreciate his hard work and sacrifice for our family so much. He is also leading the 4th-6th grade class at our church. The kids seem to really like his class-he makes it so fun for them to learn about Jesus. Bill and I have been seeing a financial counselor that has been certified through Dave Ramsey. If you've known us long enough, you've known that finances are our biggest area of stress. Last fall, after years of trying to do things in our own strength and wisdom (or lack there of) prayerfully, we found this counselor. He's more of a mediator and an accountability partner for us. He's there to "hold our hand" and guide us through the process of getting out of debt. We try to meet with him a couple of times a month to go over our finances and what our next step of action is. On the weeks we dont see him, Bill and I are meeting to discuss how our finances are going. It forces us to go out together too. Even if it's just at our local Starbucks and only 1 hour or so long, we are getting out on a "date"! Besides meeting with our counselor, we are also reading Dave Ramsey's books together and watching his DVDs. Even the kids are getting into it! Since we are on the Dave Ramsey plan this year, we aren't doing Christmas gifts for anyone, including the kids. We've talked to the kids about it and they understand.....well, as much as kids can understand such things. Plus they've got a few sets of grandparents that will be able to provide some presents for them, so it won't be that bad....anyway, Brady was watching one of the Dave Ramsey videos that we hadnt watched yet, and found the idea of giving away certificates to each other. For example, we did our family Christmas this last Tuesday with my parents since my dad wouldn't be home for Christmas this year. So, instead of us buying gifts for them, we gave them gifts of service. Brady offered to help them with their yard this year and help my mom by cleaning out her fridge when she needed it. Sometimes I think gifts of service or time mean just as much if not more than something bought at a store. The kids had fun making up the certificates and figuring out what they wanted to do....they are going to do them for each other as well. It will be interesting to see what they come up with!!
This year has been a year of change and growth for all of us. It's been by far one of the most memorable years we have had. Like others, we've experienced a lot of hardship, but with that came some major victories and we've felt and seen God's faithfulness and love throughout the year. God is good and our hearts are thankful.
I thought I could start out with Elliot. He turned 6 in February! I can't believe our "baby" is already 6!! He started 1st grade in September and is attending a local Charter school here in St.Helens. He is doing so well and at his parent teacher conferences his teacher called him a "teachers dream". Oh my, how nice it was to hear that! Elliot loves playing with his neighborhood friends and his brothers. He looks up to Brady and Riley and wants so badly to do what they get to do. Ever since he's been a baby, he's always been more interested in playing with the big boys! I'm not ready for him to be a big boy yet. I cannot believe how fast time has gone by! In my eyes Elliot should only be about 3 years old. This year, Elliot is going to play baseball and he is counting down the days till he can play football. He has to be going into 3rd grade to play, but it's so hard for him to wait!
Now on to Riley. He is such a joy and melts my heart. Riley is 10 years old and in the 5th grade at the same Charter school Elliot attends. He is our "social butterfly" and is very outgoing. He says that he is the class clown....which scared us both at first but after talking with his teacher, it's ok and he know when to stop the goofiness. Riley loves anything to do with history and knows all about all the past wars. He is like a sponge when it comes to learning about most things. Riley also likes Science and loves doing his own experiments. He has such a kind and compassionate heart and loves Jesus. Riley wanted so badly to play football this year, but because of him only having one kidney, his doctor wouldn't sign the medical release form for him to play. That broke his heart, but he was still able to have a position on Brady's team this year. He was the water boy, which fits perfectly for him because he likes to help people. He even got a jersey and was able to be in the team picture! Right now, with the snow, Riley spends most of his days outside with his friends. We have a hill behind our house that he and his friends go sledding on.
Brady is growing up and becoming a young man. He will turn 12 this month. It's hard to believe that in one year, we will have a TEENAGER!! He has changed so much in every way. Last spring he got braces put on and it's amazing how much even his facial features have changed. When he got his school pictures it was so fun to compare all his school pictures to see the change. Wow! Brady is 12 going on 16 I think. He is maturing so much and is fun to talk to-like a little adult. He is in the 6th grade and goes to Columbia City School-which is a public school here that only 6th graders go to. It's a great program that they have here! This spring he will be able to go to "Outdoor School". Brady is very much into sports. We started off the year with baseball and Brady made the All Star team and had a lot of fun. Then, in August football started. Football is by far, our most favorite sport! Brady was able to play in a lot more positions this year and learned so much! Unfortunately, his team did not win one game, but the boys still had a ton of fun and it seemed like they all learned a lot and made some new friends. Brady can't wait till next August when training starts again.
Since we are talking football, that leads us to Bill. Bill was one of the assistant coaches this year again. I think one of the reasons we love football so much is because it brings us together as a family. Especially Bill and Brady. It's something that bonds them together-the love they both share for the game! Bill is a great coach and loves getting the kids excited to play. Bill is still working for Blumenthal Uniforms and loves it. He isnt traveling as much as he was because he is now serving more local departments. He is such a hard worker and even though the boys and I don't say it enough, we appreciate his hard work and sacrifice for our family so much. He is also leading the 4th-6th grade class at our church. The kids seem to really like his class-he makes it so fun for them to learn about Jesus. Bill and I have been seeing a financial counselor that has been certified through Dave Ramsey. If you've known us long enough, you've known that finances are our biggest area of stress. Last fall, after years of trying to do things in our own strength and wisdom (or lack there of) prayerfully, we found this counselor. He's more of a mediator and an accountability partner for us. He's there to "hold our hand" and guide us through the process of getting out of debt. We try to meet with him a couple of times a month to go over our finances and what our next step of action is. On the weeks we dont see him, Bill and I are meeting to discuss how our finances are going. It forces us to go out together too. Even if it's just at our local Starbucks and only 1 hour or so long, we are getting out on a "date"! Besides meeting with our counselor, we are also reading Dave Ramsey's books together and watching his DVDs. Even the kids are getting into it! Since we are on the Dave Ramsey plan this year, we aren't doing Christmas gifts for anyone, including the kids. We've talked to the kids about it and they understand.....well, as much as kids can understand such things. Plus they've got a few sets of grandparents that will be able to provide some presents for them, so it won't be that bad....anyway, Brady was watching one of the Dave Ramsey videos that we hadnt watched yet, and found the idea of giving away certificates to each other. For example, we did our family Christmas this last Tuesday with my parents since my dad wouldn't be home for Christmas this year. So, instead of us buying gifts for them, we gave them gifts of service. Brady offered to help them with their yard this year and help my mom by cleaning out her fridge when she needed it. Sometimes I think gifts of service or time mean just as much if not more than something bought at a store. The kids had fun making up the certificates and figuring out what they wanted to do....they are going to do them for each other as well. It will be interesting to see what they come up with!!
As I write this, I am sitting at my desk for the last time. Until today, I worked for the Oregon Department of Human Services. I start a new job tomorrow for Columbia County 911 as a dispatcher! I have mixed emotions because I am very sad to leave the friends I have made here but oh so excited to be a 911 dispatcher!! It's going to be an intense, stressfull job but I feel like I'm up to the challenge and also feel like this is what God is leading me to do. I will have a completely different schedule too-it will be Saturday through Tuesday from 2:00pm to midnight. After some thought, I think this just might be the perfect schedule and Im very excited about it. It brings me home more during the week with the boys, which is what I have been feeling needs to happen. I still get to go to church on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights with my family. I'm very nervous to start this job because of the intensity of the job, and I am praying that I can catch on quickly. I am so thankful for the friends that I work with now and am planning on keeping in touch with them on a regular basis. Also this year, I finally became an Aunt!! My brother Derek and his wife Lisa had a beautiful baby girl named Lilli! We were able to go to Las Vegas to visit them in April. She is such a sweetheart and I wish I could see her more. But I do get to have my "baby fixes" at church. A couple of times a month I get to be in the nursery holding the babies! I love that so much and I'm thankful that I will be able to continue this even with my new schedule. Speaking of church, we are still at the same church we started at when we first moved here. We all love it and God has blessed us with a wonderful core group of friends.
We hope this "letter" finds you and your family well. Merry Christmas!
Bill, Stephanie, Brady, Riley and Elliot Beckham
Friday, December 5, 2008
Thanksgiving, Sickness, New Job and Christmas
I haven't posted in a while so I thought I'd better play catch up here now! It's been a busy couple of weeks. Lets see.......Thanksgiving was great! We went up to LaCenter Wa (just about an hour from here) The food was all good and the company even better. The kids love going there...they usually take their BB guns and go into the woods to hunt for some rabbit. (they still have yet to get one)
Brady has been sick all week. His asthma has been acting up all week and has run a fever, so he's been home from school and now has piles of homework to catch up on!! Oh well, hopefully there wont be too many flare ups in the future. He missed over 20 days of school last year because of his asthma. I'm hoping and praying that this year will be different. This is his first flare up since February when he started getting allergy shots.
I had my third and final interview with Columbia 911 Communications on Wednesday this week. It went great and they offered me the job. I had to take a physical today.....hearing, vision tests etc. I passed and my official start date is the 20th. I will have a new schedule of Saturday-Tuesdays 2:00pm-midnight. I'm kinda excited about this schedule. I think it's actually going to work out really well. I get to be home more on the weekdays with the kids and even get to go to church on Sundays and Wednesdays. And even more....I will be making more money per month, which will also help us with our Dave Ramsey plan. Which by the way is going great!
We still have a very long road ahead of us but at least now, we can see the light at the end!
We met with our financial counselor on Thursday. I'm so thankful we have that accountability! Not only for helping us keep on track but also to encourage us in how far we come. I have a feeling that we will have some "down" times, but having a third party involved will help us get through those times.
We've decorated our house for Christmas minus the tree...we should be getting that in the next couple of weeks or so. It's weird here though. I'm still trying to get used to Christmas with no snow-but only rain. Last year, it snowed a little but not a whole lot to make it feel "Christmassy" (is that a word?) It's funny, when it does snow, the kids' schools will be on 2 hour late start or even canceled!! The kids dont mind it one bit, but it seems so silly to me.
Riley and Elliot had their Christmas (er, I mean Holiday concert) tonight. I think they sang 3 Christmas (agh, I mean holiday) songs but mostly songs like "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" or "Lean on Me" etc. On a side note, I really miss hearing "Merry Christmas" when I go to the store.....not "Happy Holidays".
Anyway, so I guess that's it for now. Only 20 days till Christmas and I'm sure these next 3 weeks will go by so quickly. If I dont update before then, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!
Brady has been sick all week. His asthma has been acting up all week and has run a fever, so he's been home from school and now has piles of homework to catch up on!! Oh well, hopefully there wont be too many flare ups in the future. He missed over 20 days of school last year because of his asthma. I'm hoping and praying that this year will be different. This is his first flare up since February when he started getting allergy shots.
I had my third and final interview with Columbia 911 Communications on Wednesday this week. It went great and they offered me the job. I had to take a physical today.....hearing, vision tests etc. I passed and my official start date is the 20th. I will have a new schedule of Saturday-Tuesdays 2:00pm-midnight. I'm kinda excited about this schedule. I think it's actually going to work out really well. I get to be home more on the weekdays with the kids and even get to go to church on Sundays and Wednesdays. And even more....I will be making more money per month, which will also help us with our Dave Ramsey plan. Which by the way is going great!
We still have a very long road ahead of us but at least now, we can see the light at the end!
We met with our financial counselor on Thursday. I'm so thankful we have that accountability! Not only for helping us keep on track but also to encourage us in how far we come. I have a feeling that we will have some "down" times, but having a third party involved will help us get through those times.
We've decorated our house for Christmas minus the tree...we should be getting that in the next couple of weeks or so. It's weird here though. I'm still trying to get used to Christmas with no snow-but only rain. Last year, it snowed a little but not a whole lot to make it feel "Christmassy" (is that a word?) It's funny, when it does snow, the kids' schools will be on 2 hour late start or even canceled!! The kids dont mind it one bit, but it seems so silly to me.
Riley and Elliot had their Christmas (er, I mean Holiday concert) tonight. I think they sang 3 Christmas (agh, I mean holiday) songs but mostly songs like "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" or "Lean on Me" etc. On a side note, I really miss hearing "Merry Christmas" when I go to the store.....not "Happy Holidays".
Anyway, so I guess that's it for now. Only 20 days till Christmas and I'm sure these next 3 weeks will go by so quickly. If I dont update before then, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!
Friday, November 21, 2008
The Invisible Woman
This is a great video...if you have a few minutes, check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Changes
Ok...so if you've read my previous blog, you know Bill and I are making some big changes in our house. Today was my turn. I am am out of gas for our van. Usually, I'd go to Fred Meyers and write a check (since they still take them) and PRAY that it doesnt clear before our next payday which is a week from Friday! But, I cant do that anymore. In fact, I dont want to do that! So, I figured I could walk to work.....it only takes me 4 minutes to drive there, so walking shouldnt take too long, right? Not so much. 45 minutes later, I arrived at work-30 minutes after I was suppose to be there! Oops. (Tomorrow I think I will leave a lot earlier!! ) Thankfully I remembered my umbrella because it was pouring down rain.
Actually, it was a nice walk, and I really could use the exercise anyway. :)
Actually, it was a nice walk, and I really could use the exercise anyway. :)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Baby Steps
It seems like every time you turn on the news or even talk to anyone, the biggest concern on everyones minds is finances. It's the same with us......actually if you've known us for very long, you'll know that finances have always been our biggest stress in life.
For about a month now, Bill and I have been working with a financial counselor certified by Dave Ramsey. For years now, I have listened to Dave on and off and we even took Financial Peace University at our church...TWICE! But Bill and I could never get on the same page with our finances for one reason or another.
I think it took moving over here to get us to the place we are at now. God, like always, knew what He was doing.
We have been working together so well over this last month-more than ever before. It's amazing what a difference I've seen and felt since we've been working together. The accountability is awesome! I cant believe it's taken us so long to get here.
We have a long rode ahead of us..and I know we will have some slip ups, but if we keep doing what we are doing now, we are going to make our goal! I'm so excited! This is the first time I can see the "light at the end of our tunnel"
http://www.daveramsey.com - Get REAL debt help: Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover Plan (Link to http://www.daveramsey.com/)
For about a month now, Bill and I have been working with a financial counselor certified by Dave Ramsey. For years now, I have listened to Dave on and off and we even took Financial Peace University at our church...TWICE! But Bill and I could never get on the same page with our finances for one reason or another.
I think it took moving over here to get us to the place we are at now. God, like always, knew what He was doing.
We have been working together so well over this last month-more than ever before. It's amazing what a difference I've seen and felt since we've been working together. The accountability is awesome! I cant believe it's taken us so long to get here.
We have a long rode ahead of us..and I know we will have some slip ups, but if we keep doing what we are doing now, we are going to make our goal! I'm so excited! This is the first time I can see the "light at the end of our tunnel"
http://www.daveramsey.com - Get REAL debt help: Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover Plan (Link to http://www.daveramsey.com/)
Growing up
After waiting and waiting....Elliot finally lost his first tooth! I have mixed feelings over this. I love toothless kids-they are so cute! But its just one more reminder that my "baby" really is growing up. I know, it's just a tooth, but it's also Elliot's tooth.....in my eyes he should be only 3 or 4. Not 6 1/2 and in the first grade!!!
I took some pictures of him on my cell phone, because my camera is broken and I tried uploading the pictures of him on here, but they didnt come out so well. So, the picture will have to wait.
As for Elliot, he's excited because he's seen his brothers lose teeth and he wants to be just like them and tries to do everything they do!
I took some pictures of him on my cell phone, because my camera is broken and I tried uploading the pictures of him on here, but they didnt come out so well. So, the picture will have to wait.
As for Elliot, he's excited because he's seen his brothers lose teeth and he wants to be just like them and tries to do everything they do!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Football is Over, What Now??
Well, after 2 hour a day 5 days a week football practice-once a week games, our 2008 football season is now over.
Over the last couple of years I have grown to absolutely LOVE football. In fact, right now, I'm watching the Monday night football game between the 49ers and Arizona Cardinals. But my favorite games to watch are my son, Brady's football games. This year was a fun but difficult year to go through. Our team lost every single game :( It was so frustrating at times to watch, especially those last couple of games when they really should have won if it hadnt of been for a couple of mistakes!
But, even after losing those games I am still in love with this sport. It has been so fun watching Brady try new positions and really grow as a player. What I'm most thankful for is that Brady has a new love for football also. You'd think after a losing season, he wouldnt want to play again, but he wants to play more now than he did last year after being on a championship winning team! Last year at this time he was questioning whether or not he even wanted to play again.
Next year Brady will be in 7th grade and the 7th graders will have a team of their own. Thankfully most of the boys will have played before and hopefully we will have better results than this year.
We are done with sports for now. We were going to sign Elliot up for basketball but missed the sign up date. That's ok. I've enjoyed being home at night and I've been cooking and baking like crazy. I think my family appreciates that too.
On another note, last year about this time, I started testing for a job at our counties 911 dispatch center. In April I passed the final test and was put in the hiring pool. I was called last week and had a second interview. I really thought I bombed the interview, but within 2 hours they called me back and offered me the job. I still have to pass a physical and they have to receive my reference checks and finish my background check, but hopefully, I'll start around the first of December. The schedule will be something I'll have to get used to and training can last up to nine months! This is a bitter sweet thing because I'm so excited to work there, but am so sad to leave the people I work with now.
Riley and Elliot are doing good too. Both are doing great at school! Elliot has been having some tummy issues since July and we just went to the GI dr on Friday and had a couple of tests done. Hopefully we'll find out what is going on with him. Riley is our little charmer and is having so much fun going around the houses in our neighborhood to rake leaves. He started his own little business of walking dogs too. Jeesh.....I feel like I'm writing a Christmas letter!!! I guess that's coming soon, right?
Over the last couple of years I have grown to absolutely LOVE football. In fact, right now, I'm watching the Monday night football game between the 49ers and Arizona Cardinals. But my favorite games to watch are my son, Brady's football games. This year was a fun but difficult year to go through. Our team lost every single game :( It was so frustrating at times to watch, especially those last couple of games when they really should have won if it hadnt of been for a couple of mistakes!
But, even after losing those games I am still in love with this sport. It has been so fun watching Brady try new positions and really grow as a player. What I'm most thankful for is that Brady has a new love for football also. You'd think after a losing season, he wouldnt want to play again, but he wants to play more now than he did last year after being on a championship winning team! Last year at this time he was questioning whether or not he even wanted to play again.
Next year Brady will be in 7th grade and the 7th graders will have a team of their own. Thankfully most of the boys will have played before and hopefully we will have better results than this year.
We are done with sports for now. We were going to sign Elliot up for basketball but missed the sign up date. That's ok. I've enjoyed being home at night and I've been cooking and baking like crazy. I think my family appreciates that too.
On another note, last year about this time, I started testing for a job at our counties 911 dispatch center. In April I passed the final test and was put in the hiring pool. I was called last week and had a second interview. I really thought I bombed the interview, but within 2 hours they called me back and offered me the job. I still have to pass a physical and they have to receive my reference checks and finish my background check, but hopefully, I'll start around the first of December. The schedule will be something I'll have to get used to and training can last up to nine months! This is a bitter sweet thing because I'm so excited to work there, but am so sad to leave the people I work with now.
Riley and Elliot are doing good too. Both are doing great at school! Elliot has been having some tummy issues since July and we just went to the GI dr on Friday and had a couple of tests done. Hopefully we'll find out what is going on with him. Riley is our little charmer and is having so much fun going around the houses in our neighborhood to rake leaves. He started his own little business of walking dogs too. Jeesh.....I feel like I'm writing a Christmas letter!!! I guess that's coming soon, right?
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Vote and Pray
This is a big week for our county. I've never been so into an election before because I really do not like politics. I know what I believe in and why but I really dont like the debating that goes along with it all. This year is different. It seems like there is a lot more at stake this time. Part of me is scared, but then I remember to pray pray pray and I remember that God says no one is put in authority unless God puts them there. I have to have peace that God will protect us and His will-will be done. God is good...All the time. Even so, the closer it gets to Tuesday, the more anxious I feel but Gods word says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 4:6-7). So, no matter what happens on Tuesday, I will continue to trust God and know that He is in control and He is good.
(One thing I will be thankful for is the end of all those political commercials!!!! Ugh.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61wj4tJICcc
(One thing I will be thankful for is the end of all those political commercials!!!! Ugh.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61wj4tJICcc
Monday, October 27, 2008
Not Me! Monday
Ok, so I'm going to try the "Not Me!Monday" game I found on another blog I'm following. It looks like a ton of fun and maybe even theraputic!!! :)
I did not eat a bunch of our Halloween Candy over the past couple of days and I did not gain 2 pounds in 2 days!! I did not eat that yummy slice of pizza even though I was not hungry today and I did not enjoy it one bit! I did not leave those dirty dishes in the sink or leave the clothes in the washer and dryer.
I did not talk myself out of going to the gym when I should have. I did not almost hit a police car on the way back to work one day last week and I did not show up to work late today!
I did not forget to bring my sons lunch to school after I said I would and I did not forget to add a drink in all my kids' lunch this week.
Ok....so this was fun and I will hopefully be able to keep this up every Monday. I'll be more attentive to what I'm doing this next week and try to be more creative next time! You should try this!!
I did not eat a bunch of our Halloween Candy over the past couple of days and I did not gain 2 pounds in 2 days!! I did not eat that yummy slice of pizza even though I was not hungry today and I did not enjoy it one bit! I did not leave those dirty dishes in the sink or leave the clothes in the washer and dryer.
I did not talk myself out of going to the gym when I should have. I did not almost hit a police car on the way back to work one day last week and I did not show up to work late today!
I did not forget to bring my sons lunch to school after I said I would and I did not forget to add a drink in all my kids' lunch this week.
Ok....so this was fun and I will hopefully be able to keep this up every Monday. I'll be more attentive to what I'm doing this next week and try to be more creative next time! You should try this!!
If you want to join in the fun, click on the "Not Me!" Monday link to see the directions.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
God is Bigger!
What a busy week it's been! One of the harder weeks I've had I might add. It started last Monday when we got "the" phone call. Of course, like every other time, it had to do with our finances, but this was different. This time we couldnt see a way out or any solution of our own. I wont go into all the details, but it was scary for both of us.
So, I went and did my work out at the gym Monday night and felt better, but when I woke up Tuesday morning, it hit me hard. I had one of those days where felt like staying in my bed all day! But, I made my way to work, hoping I could keep to myself all day, but no, it happened to be a meeting filled day and I had to be at all of them and couldnt stay in the safety of my little cubicle.
Once I was able to vent to someone, I felt a little better and was able to move on with my day. I even made it to Bible study that night.
Long story short, I had my 24 hour pity party. Finally at the end of the night when I decided to pray about everything God gave me a sense of peace. I was reminded about how BIG God is. I have a vision of what our situation is like. I can see myself standing in front of a HUGE mountain that I cant climb or get around in anyway......but no matter how big my "mountain" is God is much bigger and He is my only way out! Even though nothing has changed with our situation this week, I still can see little, no wait, make that big victories. Bill and I are on the same page and working together. If you've known me for very long, that is a HUGE victory! We agreed to get an outside opinion on this and now are going to start seeing a financial counselor. We found one that is certified by Dave Ramsey and he will be coaching us until we can figure this whole thing out.
So, a few times a day, I just have to remind myself that even thought this problem is big for us, God is so much bigger and He is in control!
Everything else seems to be going pretty good. Brady had another football game yesterday and they lost again. It's so discouraging because the kids get so down, but it has been so fun to see how much they have improved since the beginning of the year. Next Saturday is the last game and I think all the parents are probably praying that we can at least win that one! I'm praying for that AND I'm praying that Brady can make his first touchdown! I kinda bribed him today-I told him that if he made a touchdown, I would give him $$. I'm hoping that will help a little. (by the way, bribing is not a common thing in our household-just in case your wondering) :)
So, I went and did my work out at the gym Monday night and felt better, but when I woke up Tuesday morning, it hit me hard. I had one of those days where felt like staying in my bed all day! But, I made my way to work, hoping I could keep to myself all day, but no, it happened to be a meeting filled day and I had to be at all of them and couldnt stay in the safety of my little cubicle.
Once I was able to vent to someone, I felt a little better and was able to move on with my day. I even made it to Bible study that night.
Long story short, I had my 24 hour pity party. Finally at the end of the night when I decided to pray about everything God gave me a sense of peace. I was reminded about how BIG God is. I have a vision of what our situation is like. I can see myself standing in front of a HUGE mountain that I cant climb or get around in anyway......but no matter how big my "mountain" is God is much bigger and He is my only way out! Even though nothing has changed with our situation this week, I still can see little, no wait, make that big victories. Bill and I are on the same page and working together. If you've known me for very long, that is a HUGE victory! We agreed to get an outside opinion on this and now are going to start seeing a financial counselor. We found one that is certified by Dave Ramsey and he will be coaching us until we can figure this whole thing out.
So, a few times a day, I just have to remind myself that even thought this problem is big for us, God is so much bigger and He is in control!
Everything else seems to be going pretty good. Brady had another football game yesterday and they lost again. It's so discouraging because the kids get so down, but it has been so fun to see how much they have improved since the beginning of the year. Next Saturday is the last game and I think all the parents are probably praying that we can at least win that one! I'm praying for that AND I'm praying that Brady can make his first touchdown! I kinda bribed him today-I told him that if he made a touchdown, I would give him $$. I'm hoping that will help a little. (by the way, bribing is not a common thing in our household-just in case your wondering) :)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Obama's take on babies'
This is very disturbing, sad.....and even more frustrating that people can ignore what is really going on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIdbYjmbFzo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIdbYjmbFzo
Interesting Facts
Check this out..................it's very very interesting.
http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/
It's the posting about Fannie Mae.
http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/
It's the posting about Fannie Mae.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Football
Ok. I've given in.....I decided to start a blog too. There have been times in the past where I thought it would be nice to have one, but just havent sat down and figured out how to get one started. It didnt seem like it would be too difficult since so many people have blogs.....I'm just a procrastinator at some things and then I wonder if I will actually update my blog. Who knows? It doesnt hurt to try anyway, right?
We have been so busy lately which is another reason why it has taken me FOREVER to do this. Bill and I both work full time and right now is football season which means that Brady has football practice 3 nights a week and Bill is one of the coaches. I love watching him play so I find myself at the field whenever I can to watch. Riley and Elliot dont mind so much because they can bring their bikes or scooters and play with friends during practice. Brady's games are on Saturdays which, since most of our games are away games, our Saturdays are taken up with football!! Thankfully we all enjoy it.........even though Brady's team has not won once this year, it's still fun to watch. What a difference a year can make. Last year, Brady was on the team that took the Championship! Oh well, this is a learning year. It's amazing how much improvement I've seen in his team mates. A lot of them are first time players this year. Also, watching Brady learn new positions like Running Back has been so fun! He is doing great and works so hard.
Riley really wanted to play but since he only has one kidney, it isnt possible. So, he is the "team manager" aka Water Boy. He loves his job and I'm sure the team appreciates him.
Elliot is counting down the days until he can play.......it's so hard to wait. They dont start until the kids are going into 3rd grade. Elliot is only in 1st this year. Two more summers!!
Well, this is my first official blog. Hopefully, I'll keep it updated enough.
We have been so busy lately which is another reason why it has taken me FOREVER to do this. Bill and I both work full time and right now is football season which means that Brady has football practice 3 nights a week and Bill is one of the coaches. I love watching him play so I find myself at the field whenever I can to watch. Riley and Elliot dont mind so much because they can bring their bikes or scooters and play with friends during practice. Brady's games are on Saturdays which, since most of our games are away games, our Saturdays are taken up with football!! Thankfully we all enjoy it.........even though Brady's team has not won once this year, it's still fun to watch. What a difference a year can make. Last year, Brady was on the team that took the Championship! Oh well, this is a learning year. It's amazing how much improvement I've seen in his team mates. A lot of them are first time players this year. Also, watching Brady learn new positions like Running Back has been so fun! He is doing great and works so hard.
Riley really wanted to play but since he only has one kidney, it isnt possible. So, he is the "team manager" aka Water Boy. He loves his job and I'm sure the team appreciates him.
Elliot is counting down the days until he can play.......it's so hard to wait. They dont start until the kids are going into 3rd grade. Elliot is only in 1st this year. Two more summers!!
Well, this is my first official blog. Hopefully, I'll keep it updated enough.
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