Short and Sweet. Part 4

I read somewhere that a lot of celebrities put on huge earrings and a hat or sunglasses to look glamorous even though they just woke up or got off an airplane. Well I tried to pull it off this morning by throwing on my hat and hoop earrings. I think it worked. Of course I did actually have clean and matching sweats on, so I didn't feel totally scummy going to a few stores. So next time you have no time to shower and need to be on the run, dust off those old earrings and be on your way!

Short and Sweet. Part 3

Who's this? Oh just my bear I have had since I was 4...my Dad's grandmother gave her to me. And she been with me since. I never had a blankie or anything...just this bear. And I never have named her.
Isn't she cute?

What's this? Oh just a pizza lunchable...I am afraid to admit, I love lunchables.

Short and Sweet. Part 2

This little guy took hold of my heart at 12:11pm on May 7th, 2002. And I haven't been the same since then. I asked God for him for so long, every-time I found out we would have another addition to the family in fact (4 times), little did I know that he would be my other half in the sibling world.

Can't get enough of this little guy? Neither can I...here are a few more...

 

Short and Sweet. Part 1

My Pumpkin Spice Muffins....with homemade Cream Cheese Frosting!!! Yum...I took them in my cutsie Longaberger basket to work. Everyone loved them.
Here's the delicious recipe.

Also, I also made these last night...

Peanut Butter Balls! (Darrin's favorite)
1 c. peanut butter
1/2 stick butter
1/2 (more or less) powdered sugar
1 1/2 c. rice krispies

combine them, form into little balls.
melt some chocolate chips and put the two together.

I actually made my p.b.b's kind of big, and put them in my mini muffin tins, and then just spooned the chocolate over them...I don't like to much chocolate. Then I cooled them in the freezer.
These are a quick and easy treat, and pretty inexpensive too!

Fall?

I believe September 22nd marked the beginning of fall. My favorite season.
Here are some things that for the past 19 years I have loved about (Nebraska) fall.
- raking/playing in the leaves.
- husker football.
- wearing sweatshirts.
- being chilly in the morning.
- apples and apple cider.
- just getting into the swing of school.
- changing out my summer clothes for winter cloths.
- highschool football games.
- homecomming.
- going on walks.
- family dinners.
- just the overall joyous feeling i get from fall.

Now that I married and living in Savannah, my fall is way different. Completely different. I have my home and my mind set up for fall...

- holloween kitchen towels.
- "leaves" wall flowers making the house smell delicious.
- candles everywhere (ohhhh wait, that is a must all year long)
- fake pumpkins scattered around.
- purpleish-black toenails.
- a new fall furniture rearrangement.
- a huge bowl of apples waiting to be made into apple crisp.
- sweatshirt sitting in my car.
- dawgs games.

I even said yes to a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. Here is the problem. It is 90 degrees outside.  No I am not complaining...but fall just isn't the same. I have been feeling a little homesick lately, and have been really sad about missing Ponca...that is until I received news this morning that it snowed in Nebraska today. and is 26 degrees outside. Hmmmm...ok, I will keep wearing my sundresses and shorts. And be thankful for where God has me...Southern Georgia and not Northern Minnesota. Because I don't like being cold. I just don't.

Good Mornin' Good Mororornin! We Slept The Whole Night Through, Good Mornin', Good Mornin' To You!

Meet my coworkers. My favorite easy-to-find-when-I-leave-it-everywhere-green pen, and my girly-get-the-job-done pink box cutter. I couldn't live without these two at work. I sign my name on papers, batch and post orders, and make orders...I always need my pen...I also open a lot of boxes of things we receive...and my box cutter does just the trick. If I don't have them in my pocket, I feel lost. And at the end of the day, they ride home with me. I love them? 


But before I see these guys...I see this love of my life...

My taste for coffee is backkkkk! Everymorning I make about 4-6 cups of delicious coffee. This mug is my favorite (Thanks Meema!), her red sister is also my favorite...Thanks to Anna, I have the perfect holder for my cinnamon(complete with a mini spoon, yes we stopped in the Goodwill...and thats when we adopted this little gem) and yes, that is an ice-cube floating in my milky coffee...I don't do hot, I don't do cold, I do luke warm (as oppose to Auntie Anne, who microwaves it straight out of the pot!)

Meet my Grandmother (Judy), Grandfather (Mark) and their two daughters. Beth is hiding in the back, and Anne. 
Between Grandfather  and Aunt Beth, I had my very own first cup of coffee at age 6. I remember it like yesterday...I have never gone a moment without feeling completely loved and special by these 4...who are those people for you? Aunt Beth also used to work at a coffee shop, and by age 10, I was certain I would be opening my own coffee/book shop some day...who knows? 
Auntie Anne lives in a beautiful cabin out in the Nebraska prairie, I have decided that it is in my top 5 places to be. My other four? 


1. Grandmothers and Grandfathers house.
2. Meema and Papa's house.
3. The Dicks.
4. Out in Blair at the Dick's camper.


I haven't seen Anna and Shawns new place...but I'm sure I would love it. I also do like my parents house, but there is something about having good memories and even childhood memories in a house...


Toodles.

Looking Ahead

This is a little purchase I made a few weeks ago, and what a life saver it is! If you are like me, you have a million different things going on (and I don't even have kids) and your mind just can't hold all the important dates in. I used to keep my own planner, that I would carry around in my purse, but now, Darrin and I both have things going on, that we both want to know about! This dry erase board is not only practical, but very enjoyable to write on! (please ignore my nerdy Sunday writings, I get kind of carried away...) I have ours hanging on the refrigerator, but I did have to buy some extra strength velcro to keep it up there. And yes, our schedules are color coordinated :)

Happy Sunday!

Here is an exert from the book Experiencing God, but Henry & Richard Blackbay...I highly recommend this book. I am on week 6, and it is changing my life, and the way I look at things! It is very convicting, in a good way!

"Don't let experience alone guide your life. Don't allow yourself to be led by tradition, a method, or a formula. Often people trust these ways because they appear easier than cultivating an intimate walk with God. People do as they please and put the whole burden of responsibility on God. If they are wrong, He must intervene and stop them. If they make a mistake, they blame Him. God is not obligated to stop you from making a mistake! I f you want to know the will and voice of God, you must devote time and effort to cultivate a love relationship with Him. That is what He wants!

Until next time....

ok, ok

i don't have any pictures.
i have a million things in my head.
i feel guilty for not writing for so long.
i am self conscious of my blog.

BUT FEAR NOT (Anna, Darrin and Aunt Anne) JUST FOR THE 3 OF YOU, I WILL WRITE!!!
(anyone else who actually reads this, feel free to comment if you LIKE my writtings :) )
Anyways, enough babbling. On with the show!...or something like that.

RECAP:
Once upon a time I told you about a surprise trip Darrin had planned...it was back in JUNE (gasp!) and we went to Miami! We left on a Friday at about 5 and arrived in Miami at midnight. Stopped at an over priced Holiday Inn and then drove 4 hours on Saturday to the key right before Key West. It was worth all the time we drove, because the view was just gorgeous...white sand and turquoise waters. Then we drove back to Miami to pick up Shawn and Anna from the airport to spend some time with them on their layover! We had so much fun cruising up and down south beach, and eating at a restaurant on the water.

The rest of June basically consisted of laying out at my pool or the beach and working part time at a hair salon. It was a very relaxing summer, I am so glad I was able to enjoy the Savannah heat!

On July 17th, Darrin's siblings and two friends came to visit for the weekend. That was a lot of fun to see everyone. As a suprise for Kathy's birthday, I booked a photographer to take our pictures...I think they turned out great, and I think she liked them :) We wanted everyone to stay for so much longer, but they left that Monday. It was really sad for some reason...we miss all of our family!

On July 18th my mom was re-married. If she actually read this blog I would write more, but she doesn't....so....

On July 25th Anna came and stayed for a whole 5 days! (Thanks Shawn!) For those of you with a sister, you know that NO ONE:
1. knows you better
2. makes you laugh till you cry
3. relates to you
4. has the same memories
5. likes the same things
6. has the same characteristics
7. is your best friend

thank God for sisters. I would go on to talk about all the beach-lovin, yahtzee- playin, wave-dominatin, music-jammin, bargain-shoppin time we had, but I am only in July and it is almost October...pressing on...

The day after Anna left my family came down...all 6 of them (oh, except my beloved father :( who we missed so much). They all stayed for two nights and then we sent mom and Jeff off to Florida...so we could have so REAL fun :) just kidding...but there is something about having no "adults" (little does Joe realize that me and Darrin are actually adults, shhhhhh, don't tell him! Then he might stop telling me his secrets and giving me kisses)
Anyways, we had a blast with those guys...of course you all know how much my siblings mean to me, so I won't gush anymore....buttheyarethebestinthewholeworld.

After mom and J got back we left for Omaha. I don't know what I was thinking when I planned the 11 day trip AWAY from Darrin...but I had so much fun back in Omaha...here's what I did:
1. went to adventureland with dad and the kids...for the 1st time in 8 months, I finally felt like i could let my guard down and breathe. i was laying in my hotel bed, and caroline was watching t.v next to me, and dad and joe were doing something, and for a minute i just felt great. i don't think i every realized what a daddy's girl i am until i moved away from him...it was great.
2. went to the zoo.
3. ate (gaggg) sushi.
4. had long talks with my grandmother.
5. went to meema and poppas house (one of the best places on earth).
6. watched an ole game of sand volleyball.
7. saw some good-old friends.
8. went to my moms wedding reception.
9. cleaned my mom's house.
10. sat in the dick's living room and talked with dennis and kathy...always wonderful.
11. walked around darrin's old house, it was bittersweet. i LOVE that house, but i missed darrn. and it reminded me of when i used to live in omaha without darrin...that wasn't very enjoyable.
12. went to the ole grace dorms.
13. hung out with my friends. my real friends.
14. at runza.
15. had dad's homemade dinner.

Ok, then I got back into Savannah and I was back home again. wherever Darrin is, thats where I want to be.

I started my "new" job as soon as I got back, and after 6 weeks, am still loving it!
We have got into a yet new (routine) this fall.**

Labor Day weekend brough us Darrin's parents, Dennis and Kathy. They arrived Friday evening and stayed until early Tuesday morning. It was such a treat to have them here, although the whole weekend I felt like death :( We love them so much and loved going on all the double dates! But they would never let us pay for ANYTHING! We are so spoiled. It was a nice relaxing weekend, and they got us into the habit of going on walks! Now I don't want to poke my eyes out, I actually enjoy it! and I now walk 2 miles everyday during lunch...thanks D & K!

This past weekend was yet another vacation for us...we went up to Toccoa, GA with our friend Laura to see our good friend and her boyfriend, Robbie. We had a great time in the beautiful small town, near the mountains! The weather was gorgeous, and those two are so fun to be with. It was a great weekend.


Well there is a little peak into the lives of me and Darrin! Hopefully now that I have caught up I will actually blog more :)
toodles!

thought of the day...
God is pursuing a love relationship with us! He is making an effort, are you?




**Ok here is an average week for us:
Monday...
7:30 am...I am up cleaning, doing laundry, singing, drinking coffee, and getting ready for my day. I have the most energy in the morning so I take hold of it!
8:40 am...kiss my still sleeping love (because he was probably up until about 2am) goodbye and I am on my way to work! This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made...well, you know the song.
6:00 pm...I am off of work! Darrin has been to 2 classes that day and is somewhere doing homework or work. I am heading to my "Power of a Praying Wife" womens-dinner bible study.
8:00 pm...me and Darrin time!
10:00 pm...I can't keep my eyes open...so I go to bed, and as I am falling asleep Darrin goes to to homework...this is the time when he now has a lot of good energy!
Tuesday...about the same except that Tuesday nights are free!
Wednesday...we meet at Blitz...the jr. high youth group at church.
Thursday...Darrin is at church rehearsal until about 9:00pm or so...girls night for me!
Friday...small group or date night!
Saturday...sometimes I work from 8-5, and Darrin always works from around 1 or so until about 7:45 at church...I go to an "Experiencing God" bible study at 6:15pm at church.
Sunday...Church together in the am, then we do whatever, and then we go downtown to a more contemporary service of our church at 7:01pm.

GOD is so good.

I'm still here!!
A lot of new summer changes happening here...

* We are enjoying the summer sun and our apartment pool. We also have spent many hours at Tybee Island, we are now brave enough to actually go deep into the ocean.
* Darrin is still working for Car Wash Express. His boss also has given him extra side jobs making flyers and doing computer stuff.
* Darrin also just got hired by our church, Savannah Christian, for a part time job. He is really excited about it, he will be in charge of a small group of volunteers and willl be getting everything that you see on the big screen ready for Sunday. This job is really a blessing, as it is what he enjoys doing, pays well, and is a great experience for him.
* On June 12th I start a part time receptionist job at a brand new Great Clips in Richmond Hill, GA.I am especially excited to just work in a salon environment, plus my good friend is the manager.
* This fall I will start Cosmetology school...Praise the Lord!!
* We are still loving our apartment and this city.
* I am thankful for this time to grow closer as husband and wife, and become our own family!
* But we still miss all our Omaha friends and family!
* This weekend Darrin is taking me on a surprise trip, I have an idea as to where we are going and who we might be seeing, but I'll let you know later :)

pictures from my iphone.

What I'm Listening To...

1. Hey Ya - Obadiah Parker
2. You Are Everything - The Stylistics
3. Major Tom - Shiny Toy Guns
4. Never Gonna Let You Go - Sergio Mendes
5. I Told You So- Carrie Underwood
6. Lost - Michael Buble
7. Completely - Ana Laura
8. Into the Night - Benny Mardones

ah...

One of my dreams has always been to take a rainy weekday and sleep in with my husband. Well, today that dream came true! Darrin got off of work early, at 8:30a, and my walk around lake Mayor with April was canceled. It has been raining since late last night. Darrin turned on King of Queens and in a minute was fast asleep. Now instead of getting up and doing whatever it is I needed to do, I took this time to cuddle up next to Darrin, enjoy the feeling of my new crispy white sheets, and pray. When I can't sleep, I find that that is the time when I utter my most thoughtful and heartfelt prayers. So after a lazy morning of sleeping in and enjoying every minute with Darrin, I am finally up, and Darrin is back at work!

I wish I had pictures from last evening. We went out to, oh man, I don't even know what its called. It is a place where people dock their boats, and you can jet ski and stuff. Its like the little lake that leads to the ocean. Anyways, our friends April and Jared have a jet ski and were taking it for the first ride of the year. Jet skiing in itself is a blast, but imagine jet skiing with two dolphins! It was incredible, we think they liked the noise, because they seemed to follow us! I have to admit, I was a little scared, but in awe of these creature nonetheless.

Trying.

As some of you know, right now I am on day 3 of having no job. Not that I am complaining, but I am kind of in a struggle against myself. Since I have the whole day to myself, I want to use the time wisely. Now, yesterday and Monday I was pretty medicated because of my bum finger. But not today. Although I am looking (really hard) for a job, I have decided to also put more time into being a good housewife. My schedule isn't near as tight or disciplined as Summer's, but I am trying :)

TODAY (WEDNESDAY)
10:30a- Make sure whole apartment is clean (CHECK!)
11:10a- Go walking for 40 minutes.
12:00p- Meet Niq for lunch
1:15p- Go pick up groceries for potluck
2:00p-Finish some thank you notes
4:00p- Make salad for potluck
Then after that, I will talk to Darrin, get ready for small group, pick up friend for small group,go to small group, come home and go to bed.

I think this sounds like a productive day :)

Back in the day...
This picture was the day that Darrin left for SCAD for the very first time. It was almost 3 years ago. I can't believe how far we have come since this day! As Kathy would say...PTL! (Praise the Lord :) )

ouch!

On Monday morning, I reluctantly rolled out of bed, got ready and drove to work. When I got there, something was not right. Then, Ms. Carol told me they couldn't use me anymore, and so I think I was fired. This is my first job EVER being let go. It was weird, but for some reason I am O.K with it! It wasn't my dream job, and to be honest it all was a little shady.
At about 10:30a I decided that I was hungry, so why not eat lunch? I decided to make a grilled cheese sandwich, so I grabbed my velveeta slices, whipped out the Sarah Lee, and was mad because my butter was so cold (I always have a stick out on the counter, nice and soft! But since we had been out of town, all my butter was solid and cold) anyways, I went to cut my butter, but somehow my finger got in the way! Next thing I know, I have cold water running over my finger, and the blood won't stop flowing. I knew that this was the worst cut I have ever had (and I have had many) so I tried to give the blood time to stop, but it wouldn't. I went through 2 huge band-aids, and thats when I decided to call my nurse, Anna. She said to get some guaze and wrap it up good, but I would need Darrin's help...he was about to start class. I by the time I hung up with Anna, the fat in my finger had started to swell and peek out of my cut. So when Darrin got home, he took me to an Emergency Care and they said I would definitely need stitches. I was kind of excited because with a cut this bad, I better have something to show for it! My cut didn't hurt at all, until they started injecting it with numbing stuff, and literally sewing my skin back together. When it was all done, and I had 8 nasty looking stitches, we went to Target to fill my prescription. Now, a day later, my finger still hurts and throbs. So I take 3 different pills. Strong Ibuprofen, and antibiotic, and if it really hurts, a strong pain killer. Well, it really hurts, so I have now (at the appropriate times) taken them all, but the pain killer makes my whole body go kind of numb. It fogs up my brain, and I wonder if it is a legal drug. :) I hope I don't have to take it for much longer.

Here are some pictures.

Today Anna graduated from college. I have been thinking of her all day, sad that I couldn't share this very special time with her. Graduating from college, what an accomplishment! While I don't think I will ever experience this, nor do I want to, it certainly is something admirable. Congrats Anneliese! You will make a great teacher!

This picture describes us perfectly. Different in so many ways, yet so similar.

On a different not, per Anna's request, I will write an update on my life.

Work is going great. A new girl, Nikki started 2 weeks ago, and it is so fun to work with her. On Friday both overcame our huge fear and started stepping on the huge cockroaches. Instead of spraying the heck out of them with raid, or trying to try to squish them with an object before they ran away. I can't believe I step on these things, but its really easy. And is saving me from a mini heart attack everytime I spot one. I am bigger than them!

My boss, Roy, has a lot of property. On one of those acres is a garden and a beautiful pond/lake. I have been working in the garden, purely for therapy reasons. I go sometimes when Darrin is at work, it is a rewarding thing. This is why...
-I feel like I can be a good witness to Roy, and Tommy (my black,61 year old, toothless, friend. And we really are becoming friends.).
-The dirt (although rather sandy) takes me back to when I used to garden with my mother. I feel like I am doing something that she would be proud of.
-I secretly smell the tomato plants, and I feel like I am back in Wahoo. Just me and my mom gardening. I think all summer my mom would smell like tomato plants. Yum...
-It is relaxing to listen to the birds, see God's creation, and actually do some hard work.
- Although I come home sweaty and covered in dirt, I get to show Darrin a part of me that he hasn't seen before. And he likes it.

Speaking of Darrin, he is working a lot. Not because we are struggling to make end meet, but because he is genuinely a very hard worker. He feels that if he has spare time on his hands, he should be working! I think with the jobs he is working, the Lord has really used it to humble him (I think everyone should experience on of these jobs, mine was working at Target.) But he is liking it. He works 5a-10a at Panera, goes to class, and then about 2 days he goes out to the car wash until about 8:30. That is just Monday-Friday, on Saturday he works all day at the car wash, and then Sundays he works at either job. It has worked out because when he works on Sunday morning, we are able to have a date night downtown. We eat dinner, and then go to LATEchurch (which meets at a really neat, old theatre) and then we go up to SCAD so he can work on homework.
So we are managing to hang out...we joined a small group that meets on Wednesday nights, and it really is proving to be a huge blessing in our life. We are meeting really cool people.

This weekend we are going home to visit for a few days...I am really excited, but nervous for some reason! I wonder what my emotions will be like, If I will be a crying mess, or if I will be normal. I just never know these days :)

Thats about it for now...we are really loving it here in this city. I grow to like it more and more everyday. I am just loving this stage in my life. Even if my sisters are 1200 miles away. Even if I don't have kids like all my neighbors. I am content with what God is doing in my life...and content to be my husbands helper!

BLAH!

Just a few things...

1. Why does everyone feel the need to update their facebook status every 5 minutes? That's just ridiculous!
2. Twitter? Pah-leez! In case networking wasn't creepy/stalkerish enough.
3. I like facebook, but sometimes I don't feel like communicating through it! So if someone writes to me, good luck getting a response :) Does anyone else feel like this? I feel guilty. Sort of.

Here are a few things that have been bothering me lately...

When people always have an excuse for why their life sucks...
* I have homework
* My car isn't nice enough
*I've had this cell phone for A YEAR!!!
* So and So is so...
* I need this person so bad...
* I am sad the weekend is over!

Ok, I could go on, but you get my drift. No I am not saying that I am not guilty of whining or complaining. And I know sometimes in life, we go through some really hard times. But come on people, having to actually have to live your life isn't actually anyones problem!

I am not really talking about anyone specific, this is just something that I have been thinking about lately. And wanted to encourage YOU, as I am trying myself, to just be a little more positive :)

the SAV

Things I Love About The City God Has Put Me In...

1. I get to be with my loving husband everyday!
2. I have to be extra careful with the storing of food, because chips go stale in 5 minutes here. It keeps me organized :)
3. I love the big old trees that line the streets.
4. I don't have to worry about running into my old Burke High School friends everytime I go to the mall.
5. There are palm trees here.
6. Spanish moss also is in abundance, it hangs from all of the old trees!
7. It is always on the warmer side.
8. I am minutes from the beach.
9. I am forced to go out of my comfort zone and make new friends.
10. God is teaching me so much about leaning on Him, being patient, and being happy.
11. I don't know the city like the back of my hand, so it is fun to find new places!
12. I get letters in the mail almost everyday.
13. When I am mad and talking to Darrin, all I have to do is break out my southern accent and it puts us both in a better mood.
14. I get to shop at Publix, which reminds me of the stores my mom used to shop at when I was little.
15. I have my own apartment that I am inspired to keep clean, so that I don't get any visiting cockroaches.
16. I seem to be the only one who say's "pop" instead of coke.
17. Chick-fil-A
18. SCAD is right down the street...instead of across the country.
19. The air smells salty/musky.
20. I get a great view of my feet everytime I walk in the grass/dirt, making sure to stay clear of fire ants!
21. Sweet tea is always in abundance.
22. Other people also collect light house themed things, not just me!
23. Beautiful pink, and purple flowers line the streets!
24. I am only 1.5 hours from Jacksonville, FL and .5 hours from Hilton Head, NC.
25. Fried Pickles!

Thats all for now :)

Anneliese.

I started my new job today, it went great! I think I am really going to like working there! It looks like it will only be part time, so I am going to continue looking for a morning/day job. I am in the runnings for a nannying job that I really want and need. If I get that job then we will need to get another car. So these are a few things on my mind right now. Do I worry about it? No way Jose...I just continually pray about it and let people know my needs. It has worked thus far. And the help wanted adds? What a joke!

I can't believe it is spring already, where has the last year gone? I always love spring, but for some reason it is harder for me to do anything outside, with no siblings to do it with. I am in a phase right now of wondering where my childhood went...do you ever feel like that? It seems like just yesterday Dad was the main man in my life, Kami had buck teeth or Elsielynn couldn't talk. Where did those days go? I love my life now, but sometimes I am sad to think that my childhood is over. I think I understand now why some people think it is dumb to get married so young, they want to stay a kids! But clearly my childhood was over as soon as we moved from Wahoo.

Ok, turning off of memory lane...

On to Luke 6

Please take a minute to read these verses that have really hit home lately...thanks Jesus.

20Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.

23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
24"But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
25Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
26Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.

Love for Enemies

27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Judging Others

37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
39He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

41"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

A Tree and Its Fruit

43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
The Wise and Foolish Builders

46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

amen.

enjoying...

I love looking at pictures, especially when I am reading a blog! I am envious of Summer's creativity with her camera. I don't have a camera, so I googled all my pictures. I hope that it is sufficient :)

Here are a few budget-friendly products that I am using:

In the shower:
Found this little one at Walmart for under $2. Although I love my Mary Kay wash, this bar leaves a much cleaner feeling. I actually bought it for Darrin, but find myself using it over and over.



Reading:
A lady at CBC gave this to me, and I can't put it down!



Throwing in the Dryer:
They make the laundry smell so fresh and clean!



In My Laundry Room:
this smells soooo good.



Drinking:
Our favorites are strawberry, grape and peach.


Cleaning the Kitchen with:
this stuff takes out any stain that may be on your counter!


Smelling:
More specifically, Warm Vanilla Sugar.
I have these in every room of my apartment.


Eating:
In many different ways.
My favorite is warm with a little half and half.


Listening to:
This CD...more specifically : Would You Go With Me

Ponca.

Every fall my Dad's side of the family, the Burkes, go to a fun-memory filled town called Ponca. It is in the North - West corner or Nebraska, and doesn't consist of much, besides a fabulous State Park! You can set up a tent there, or do as we do, and rent cabins. My wonderful Grandparents rent a block of cabins all in the same area and for one weekend, my whole family gets together and do things out of the ordinary. I will now list my family, and then some pictures from Ponca 2008.

Mark and Judy

Matt and Peggy
Nathan (20)
Megan (14)

Tim
Anneliese and Shawn
Maryclayre and Darrin
Kami (16)
Caroline (almost 13)
Elsielynn (10)
Joseph (6)

Anne and Doyle
Grant (14)
Luke (5)
Heidi (3)
Beth and Jim Dear

Joe and Heidi


Crazy sisters, Beth and Anne


Me and My baby Joe!


Poor little Elsie got sick after we got there. I think the poor girl was just exhausted from school and stuff, but she was still sweet as ever!


Here are a few people eating breakfast.


The dirt hill. You wouldn't believe what these kids do with their imagination! They play up there 75% of the time. Good thing there was a rope ladder for the rest of us to get up there and see there awesome fort.


Doyle, Darrin, Nathan and Megan playing football. Just one of the many activities we do.


Love birds Mark and Judy.


Nathan sporting our 1st annual t-shirts.


We also carved pumpkins. Darrin of course, carved batman.



Good morning! Beth, Anne, Anna and Shawn.


Breakfast tree!


The little kids play area #2. Top bunk filled with toys!


These pictures really don't do my family, or the whole weekend justice. But we have so much fun, it is a great bonding experience and I am so thankful for all the times we have all been able to get together!