With the election just days away...

I don't know about you but I am MORE than ready for this election to be over. I am tired of the emails, news stories, and media crap about all of it - let's just get on with it!

I remember the first election that I got to vote in - I was in college and it was Bush v. Clinton, Clinton won. I went to a small Christian college and all the talk was how Clinton just had to be the anti-Christ and there was wailing at the thought of him making it into office. People were so dramatic over it and I just thought it was silly. That's not to say I was happy that Clinton won, I wasn't, I am a Republican and have yet to meet a Democratic candidate that I'd be willing to vote for, this year included.

Yesterday I got another email, this time saying that Barak was the anti-Christ and trying to scare all that read it. I was reminded of a GREAT post that my friend made a while back regarding the election. I've thought of it several times as I've reflected on the thought that the candidate I don't want to win might actually get elected.

Here it is (hope it's okay if I post this Todd!):

I'm a member of the Republican Party, but I'm not hugely sold on John McCain. And the longer I live and the more I fellowship with persecuted Christians the less I expect our government to "fix" my problems or reflect my beliefs. There are Christians who seem to believe that if the "wrong" candidate wins the election God will be kept from working in our nation for the next four years. My brothers in China and Egypt and other nations have a hard time imagining that belief: their governments are opposed—even violently opposed—to God's work, but He keeps on working. In fact, His family in those nations is growing FASTER than it is here, with our religious freedom and our Christian president.

3 year old + Xyron = 10 feet of craziness

Only a scrapbooker can truly understand my "joy" at finding my 3 year old putting paper into my Xyron 510 sticker maker and using up at least 10 feet of the 18 feet that the cartridge came with.

Serenity now!

My baby girl is SEVEN today!

Today is Morgan's 7th birthday. It is sort of surreal to even type that - where did my baby girl go?? Now she's a fun-loving 1st grader who loves hanging out with her friends and playing with her American Girl doll. She is in Brownies and enjoys going to church. I love seeing her grow up.

Last year I posted her birth story, you can check it out HERE (click "HERE" for link) if you want to.

I love you Morgan!!! Happy 7th Birthday.

My little ladies man

My second born, Drew, is quite enamoured by the ladies it seems. There have been several young (and older) ladies that have drawn his attention in the past several months, and this at the ripe old age of 4.5 years old! We are in SOOOO much trouble!!!

Aside from his Momma, of course, the first young lady that Drew thought was pretty was a girl named Emma who helped out during his VBS this summer, I believe she's in 9th grade now. He came home and gave me a sweet smile, blushed, and acted a little shy when he told me that he thought Emma was pretty and he liked her. I mentioned to her that Drew had a little crush on her (not in front of him, of course, he would have been mortified, he was embarrassed when I mentioned it to his father) and she thought it was cute.

This morning Drew informs me that he's going to marry Madalyn (don't worry Rachel, it's not his cousin Madalyn LOL!). He tells me that she is in his class. When I asked her why he was going to marry her, he got really shy and then told me that he thought she was pretty and that she wasn't a family member, we had a talk a while back about how you don't really marry anyone in your family. He gave me another one of those embarrassed, shy smiles and started laughing (I'd say giggling but isn't that a term to use for girls laughter?). When I picked him up from school today I asked him who Madalyn was and he pointed her out, giving me another shy smile. His teacher noticed and realized immediately why, I'm guessing because she's noticed his crush too.

Tonight he tells me that now he has 2 girlfriends - Madalyn and my neighbors daughter, Maya. Maya is only ONE YEAR OLD!

It seems that my little Drew, with the big brown eyes and handsome smile, is going to be quite the ladies man. I don't remember even noticing the opposite sex in this way until I was much older.

I better always be his best girl!

Great Aunt Cara Lee

Today (Tuesday), the Mueller family said an unexpected good-bye to a strong, faithful, beautiful woman of God. Eric's Great Aunt CaraLee passed away this afternoon leaving behind a husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a huge extended family that loved her so much.

I first met CaraLee about 12 years ago when I came to work for Bartlesville Wesleyan College, now Oklahoma Wesleyan University. She was very active in the church and part of a HUGE family - the Mueller clan. Little did I know that at some point in the near future I was going to be a part of that same family.

During Eric's first year in Bartlesville, he lived with his Aunt CaraLee and Uncle Duane. They were instrumental in his life during a big turning point for him.

During our wedding CaraLee & her sister-in-law, Charlotte, helped prepare our rehearsal dinner, putting together a wonderful meal that all those in town to celebrate with us could attend. I have many pictures of them working so hard to make that night special for us.

Over the years we have been blessed to spend time with Duane and CaraLee. I remember the times that they helped by providing a place to stay, helping us with house purchases (Duane is a builder), and giving lots of Godly advice. I enjoyed hanging out at CaraLee's house, watching her quilt, as we talked.

Duane & CaraLee have been incredible witnesses for the cause of Christ, not only in our lives, but in the lives of countless others. CaraLee was steadfast in her pursuit of Christ and eager to share His love with words and through practical service. I can and have learned much through her example.

She will be missed greatly.

Owen is THREE!

My baby turned THREE today!!! I am not sure where 3 years has gone. We are visiting my family this week and it was special to get to celebrate Owen's birthday, on his actual birthday, with my family. Here's one picture from the day.




Also, last year I posted Owen's Birth Story - you can check it out HERE if you want to read it.

$12,000 in 48 hours...

I know that many of you know Alison & Brad Bynum and their adorable daughter, Norah. God has really blessed them with that little girl and they are preparing to welcome her brother or sister to their family.

They are trusting God to help them raise the $12,000 they need in about 48 hours to aid in the adoption of this new baby.

CAN YOU HELP??????

Please consider it - check out Alison's blog at www.ADOPTIONPHOTOBLOG.com

Pray, pray, pray for this family!

Pray for a new friend

Okay, I wouldn't normally share this particular information on my blog but it is in the context of how I met my new friend today who needs your prayers.

So - today was my "big" day. Thanks to good genes (I love you Mom & Nan-Nan), I have been blessed with some issues of the female variety that have caused me some real problems this past year. After 2 ultrasounds, my Dr wanted me to get a mammogram at Baptist Hospital that would check out one particular area of concern and give the dr. a baseline mammogram to use for the future. I can't say that I was terribly excited about going but it had to be done. I got to the Breast Center at Baptist and was shocked to see a waiting room of over 30 people at 8:30 am. I finally get brought back only to be in another waiting room with another group of women.

Now, I was already nervous and hearing these ladies talk about their experiences with breast cancer wasn't making my anxiety any less. A few of them got called back and it was just me & a few others. One lady in particular looked very anxious and close to tears. She then started crying as she told us that she had just gotten diagnosed with breast cancer and that today was the day of her surgery. She was overwelmed, scared, and very upset.

I was thankful that God gave me a peace at that moment and I was able to talk to Cathy a little longer. Before she went back we were able to pray together for her surgery.

I have been so focused on my own issues lately that I haven't really stopped to think that there are others, often times right around us, that need a hug from Jesus too. I'm glad that He reminded me of that today.

So - please pray for Cathy from Sparta. Pray that the dr. (also my dr) got all the cancer out today and that it hasn't spread. Pray also that she is encouraged and that God gives her peace.

THANKS!!!

PS - after 4 hours & 4 extra pictures just to make sure I was clear (can you say OUCH!), I was given the "all clear"!! What a relief. God is good.

Check it out!

You may have seen my previous post showing you how I enhanced my guest bathroom using Uppercase Living products and I am so excited about my latest project that I have to post it.

SEE:::::::::



It was SUPER easy. I just bought a canvas, painted it, put the monogram on (one solid piece, easy!) and then attached the ribbon. That's it! It looks wonderful on the wall in my dining room.

I'm finally having my Uppercase Living party on Tuesday, Sept. 30th (the previous one was cancelled b/c of kidney stone surgery). If you are interested in coming, please let me know!

My biggest pet peeve

Okay, I'm sure you don't really care to hear about one of my biggest pet peeves, but I'll put it out there anyway.

Tonight we had the turnover meeting for our homeowner's association. Our neighborhood is now done being built and is in the hands of a homeowner board with the assistance of a management company. There are about 130 homes in our neighborhood therefore 130 possible votes out there. How many people came to the meeting??? If you count one homeowner per house (married couples only count as 1) then probably 30-40. That means 100 homes decided not to participate. MORE THAN HALF. I get that people are busy but I know for a fact that many people didn't go because they just didn't care to be there, not because of other commitments.

At church, school, etc. they are always looking for volunteers, they NEED volunteers to provide the services that they do, that we all enjoy, yet they are often lacking in that department. At the same time there are an abundance of people who will tell you about what is wrong and what needs fixed yet very few that are willing to step up and be part of the solution. "We need to do this" really means "someone else needs to do this."

The presidential election is the WORST. Only 40-60% of those that are of eligible voting age actually do so. WHAT????? There are people in other countries who could only dream of voting for their leaders and we sit here and choose not to exercise the freedom we have to do so?? Really? So, are only 40-60% of the people complaining about how things are going??? I don't think so.

I am a firm believer in this, if you are able to be apart of the solution and you choose not to because you just don't want to burden yourself or take precious time out of your schedule to do so, don't complain (note, I'm not talking about those that are already involved and can't over commit themselves with something new - you can't do it all, I get that).

If you don't vote you have no room to complain about what the chosen leader does or doesn't do. You had no voice in electing them and therefore, to me, you have no voice in complaining either.

So, there you have it. Agree, disagree, that's how I feel.

PS - If you choose to not vote in the election, don't tell me, I don't really want to know.

Sports Fanatic

Our kids, minus Owen, are at the age where they can participate in organized sports. I'm glad for the opportunity for them to do a team sport, I truly am, but I have to tell you, I'm a little over-whelmed by the level of commitment and time involved at such a young age.

Why is it necessary for a 4 year old (playing on a 5/6 year old baseball team b/c of his birthday) to have 2-3 games a week with 2 practices (unless they fall on game days)? Does that seem a bit much to you? It does to me. I can see one or two practices with one game on Saturday but 2-3 games per week?

Drew really wants to play football when he's old enough but from what I understand they have 3-4 practices a week that are 2 hours long plus they have to travel around the area for games.

When I was a kid, it wasn't like that, at least as I remember it. I just don't get it. Why is it necessary to be so hard-core with little kids? I fear letting Drew do all the athletics he wants now and decide he is tired of it later.

I heard about a young man from the area that was a very promising athlete and was on his way to a college scholarship in his chosen sport. Well, he quit in his junior year because he was burnt out, he had been playing since Kindergarten.

So, as a parent how do you balance your child's desire to participate in sports without getting sucked into the craziness that seems to be starting at such a young age?

What are your thoughts on this?

1st grade here she comes!

NOTE: Okay, so I am a bit behind in updating this blog with actual photographs. I've had computer issues, health issues and have just been plain busy. I apologize to both set of grandparents & other family members.


Morgan started the first grade this year. She was excited because she got the teacher that she really wanted. Here's a pic of her on her first full day of school.

Before school starts party...

NOTE: Okay, so I am a bit behind in updating this blog with actual photographs. I've had computer issues, health issues and have just been plain busy. I apologize to both set of grandparents & other family members.

The night before school started for Morgan, she had a fun night at Justice making t-shirts,getting her hair & make-up done, listening to Hannah Montana & The Jonas Brothers, and just hanging out.

Priceless...

69 days + over $1000 (out-of-pocket, after insurance) + 3 x-rays + 1 CT scan + 2 trips to the ER + 1 surgical procedure = ONE large kidney stone that has FINALLY PASSED!

Oh my goodness. I am SO glad that this is finally over.

After getting lithotripsy done yesterday morning and being in excruciating pain last night for several hours, the infamous kidney stone is out!!!!!!!! The minute it came out I felt instantly better. I'm a little sore from the lithotripsy but not bad at all.

WOOHOO!!!

GNO

If you're a GIRL & you need a NIGHT OUT (don't we all) and you live in the SMYRNA area then you MUST come to GNO at First Baptist Smyrna!



Read all about it:

The daily grind for a woman is full of appointments, expectations, errands, meetings, practices, phone calls, and the list goes on. Simply put...your schedule is on overload.

What if you had an evening where there were no demands, no expectations, just an evening to be with old and new friends. An evening where you can be with your friends, have fun, play games, get up and move and then top all of that off with a chocolate fountain!

Girls Night Out will be that and more. You can purchase your ticket and pickup invite cards in the concourse on Sundays and Wednesdays beginning August 31. Tickets and info will also be available in the church office Monday through Friday. For more call 615-459-3311.

Tickets are SUPER AFFORDABLE & not having a babysitter is NO EXCUSE (check out below!
Cost $10
Special price of 2 for $15, details at the GNO booth
tickets go on sale August 31 on Sunday and Wednesdays in the Concourse and in the church office
Childcare is available during GNO for $3 per child ($9 max). You can register for childcare when purchasing a ticket. Deadline for childcare registration is September 14.

Happy Birthday ERIC!

My hubby turns THIRTY today! I know, I know, I robbed the cradle (by 4 years, if you're wondering). I couldn't help myself. :)

If you see Eric around, tell him HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY!

The Lego-Man is also thirty today: LEGO DUDE TURNS THIRTY (CLICK TITLE)

China Confiscates Bibles

I was doing my normal rounds of websites and came across this story on foxnews.com. It caught my eye for several reasons, one of which being that I happen to know the person being interviewed, Pat Klein.

Take a read and learn about China's "freedom of religion".

LINK ------> China Confiscates Bibles from American Christians.

Butterfly Garden

Every time the kids saw the commercials for the Butterfly Garden they would beg me to buy them one. I finally gave in and we got our Butterfly Garden in the mail. Then we sent off for the caterpillars. This has been interesting. About a week ago the caterpillars made their chrysalis's and we moved them from their caterpillar home to the Butterfly Garden. This morning they started to come out. This is pretty cool. I don't think I've ever seen this before. I'm kind of sad that Morgan is at school and missing this part of things but she'll be excited when she finds out that we now have butterflies. I am trying to take some pics but it's hard through the white mesh of the Garden.

I saw several of these kits on the clearance aisle at Wal-Mart the other day and I would definitely recommend it - it's fascinating.

Beijing Olympic Preview

A friend of ours put together a video highlighting the things you can expect to see during the Beijing Olympics and the things about China that you won't see. It's a MUST WATCH. Thank you TODD for letting me share this here.

Uppercase Living

My good friend, Suzanne, has recently started selling a fabulous product from Uppercase Living. You seriously need to check this out. They have a wide range of products that you can put on your wall (as seen below) and use in many other ways. It's VERY versatile! The thing I love about it, it's not permanent. If you were to paint something like this on your wall it would be time consuming and harder to cover up.

I will update this post with Suzanne's website when it goes live, until then, check out her blog SUZANNE'S BLOG.

OHHH - Edited to add - I am going to be having an Uppercase Living party the first week of September!!!! Put it on your calendars - I think it's the 3rd or 4th (whatever is the Thursday).

I put this in my guest bathroom downstairs (rather, Suzanne did - THANK YOU!)