More Rambling

Its Friday, if you weren’t aware.  Most people are.  I remember making a huge deal about fridays when I actually had a reason to look forward to one particular day that would be the last day of “work” and then two days of “not working”.  Life was surely simple at one time.  Ten years from now I’m gonna look back on these past few years and think “wow, that was sure a simple time.”

Maybe not.

But still . . . easier to look back and see the simplicity than find simplicity in the present.

At least for me.

I woke up this morning to Tob crawling into bed . . . his ice cold feet being the first thing to draw me from the depths of dreamland in to the early morning now. ugh. He curled up and was quiet for all of 2 minutes . . . then his hand was a spider crawling over my face and then he asked to eat breakfast . . . “get up get up, breakfast time!”

No noise from Sam . . . he was still sleeping.  Angel child of mine.

Finally . . . after it was confirmed he could eat cereal for breakfast and watch Wally sometime today, I gave up trying to sneak a few extra winks and got up . . . bleery eyed and EXHAUSTED.

This has been happening a lot the last few weeks, a month maybe.  Just downright tired when I crawl out of bed.  I blame being under the weather and having my teeth pulled in the middle of being ill . . . just trying to recuperate, I believe.

Can someone fill in for me til I feel better?  . . . That’d be great. Thanks.

But . . . no, no one is coming, are they?

I just sat around after making breakfast . . . making breakfast, thats a laugh.  Pouring bowls of cereal and adding milk . . . hard job, it is. Actually keeping the cereal coming as fast as they can devour it is the hard part.  When did they start putting away so much food??!!

Anyway . . . just sat around trying to get the drive to be active and productive and all that.  Finally got my butt up and decided a workout was in order.  I managed to dress the boys, pack, load them up and get to the Kroc Center by 10:45am.  Not bad.

I thought Tob was gonna have a conniption fit over not getting to swim right away.  Instead I put both boys in child care, which they were both very excited about (weird), and went and worked out.  I guess I should of worked out longer cuz Tob was totally not ready to go when I came to get them for swimming.

Kind of weirded me out really.

So that was our morning this morning.  Now I have a diaper full of housework to do and I kind of want to nap.  That is unfortunate . . . the working out didn’t make me feel any more awake.  But we enjoyed ourselves.

Now the boys are sleeping soundly and I’m wasting even more time on here . . . I win!

Justin is at his clinical at Meridian Hospital, here in Salem, today.  I believe he’s with the respiratory therapist.  He was in the OR on Tuesday . . . he was putting the tubing stuff they use in the patient’s throats for operations, doing IV’s, administering drugs and all sorts of stuff. Wait a minute . . . maybe I should of gone to school for this stuff. Nah, I’m to air-brained.  I don’t want my spaciness to truly kill anyone. I make him tell me everything he did and saw when he comes home from these things . . . follow him around the house, stalking him really and ask lots of questions.  Sometimes a conversation with Justin feels more like an interrogation . . . me interrogating him, one question after another.  I told him I wouldn’t do that so much if he would just talk more and fill in the details . . . you know, before I asked.

It really is amazing how much I feel I have to say to him after spending a day with a 3 and 4 year old.  Just simple things.  ”I really gotta cut my toenails, they’re getting out of hand.”  ”Did you know Thanksgiving is next week?” (about the 20th time I’ve confirmed this with him in the past 2 days)  Then sometimes I just talk and talk and talk . . . kind of like I do on here . . . from one subject to the next . . . filling him in on family drama and non-drama . . . talking about anything and everything.  He doesn’t even pretend to listen and sometimes this annoys and offends me . . . but it doesn’t stop me from rambling on and on and on.

Something might be wrong with me.

Maybe I should be a hairdresser or a bartender.

Maybe I would be a really annoying hairdresser or bartender . . . and they’d just tell me to shutup.

Justin never tells me to shutup . . . if I stop and act offended he’s not listening . . . he tells me my dribble is distracting and weirdly soothing, to keep talking.  :)

Thats what it is for you crazies that read my blog . . . weirdly soothing . . . hahaha!

I have decided Fred Meyer has the best Whole Wheat bagels of all time.  Though Safeway does a stellar job too with their fresh bagels. MMM! I love a good bagel. And that whipped cream cheese, that stuff is from heaven above.  Ok, maybe I’ve seen too many commercials.

I always buy the same kind of creamer.  Vanilla non-fat.  I bought vanilla nut this past week . . . talk about gross. The fake nut flavor made me gag.  I bought coconut creme one time and could hardly taste the difference between that one and good ol’vanilla.  I guess my usual is my usual for a reason.

Life keeps going.  I feel really quite blessed . . . God just keeps providing and meeting us where we are.

Have a blessed weekend one and all!!

 

Oh, Hey, Its Me . . . We Live

It is November already and I can’t even get close to getting over how quickly this past year has flooowwnn by.  Blows my mind actually.

The boys are doing fantastic!  Tob enjoys school so very much . . . Sam is huge.  Huge, I tell you!  Yeah, he wears size 5.  5. Size 5.  Tob and Sam wear the same size in clothes and are about size apart in shoes. They are 17 months apart, right?

Just checking.

I hate rain . . . hate it.  I went out into it anyway today . . . walking and jogging (jogging used lightly) for Byron’s sake, really. Poor puppy dog, I think he misses summertime more than me . . . thats pretty bad.

I put his rain coat on . . . thats why I bought it.  A bright yellow rain coat made for Byron’s size.  We get home, I take it off and the underside of the “raincoat” was damp.  Whats the point if its not waterproof?

Anyhow . . . then my loverly friend, Jalaine, brought Taebo Kick-My-Butt over and, well, kicked my abs really.  Buns are tomorrow . . . I know you’re thrilled. Maybe I’ll actually start making a dent in the 10 or so pounds I put on through the past 6 months . . . grr.

We did get a membership to the Kroc Center, thanks to Tob’s preschool, its a brand new fitness club, pool and community center not a mile from my house.  That has been the biggest blessing!  And in the nic of time, this stinkin’ cold winter weather limits the old outdoor time, for sure. The pool is super cute, made for kids and the boys have loved every second.  Mom loves the workout facility and daycare so I can actually USE the workout facility.  Nice!

Justin is in the thick of the Paramedic Program . . . he has started clinicals, about 2 weeks ago, and next week that ups to clinicals three times a week, plus school, plus studying, etc.

Holy Crud . . . and thank ya, Lord . . . all at the same time.

We do get to make the trip to Washington for Thanksgiving with my parents . . . yeah, they are currently residing in the Trij-Cities, if you didn’t know.  Much closer than Vegas. Justin has the weekend and I’m so looking forward to the family time!!

Tob has taken to calling us different kinds of animals.  He has settled on me being a rabbit, Justin being an elephant, Sam being a turtle and himself being a frog.  Its been this way for a month . . . he reminds me of our animal kingdom names every few days.

Myron . . . that is what Tob decided Byron’s name was today and there was no telling him otherwise!  Myron, kinda cuter than Byron.  Hmm.

The imagination of a 4 year old boy. I won’t talk about the smartelic remarks that come from the same beautiful face.

So, here’s to living . . . my life is really not very exciting so I haven’t written very much lately.  Just wanted to pop in here and let ya’ll know we still exist . . . our hearts are still oxygenating blood and pumping away . . . though Justin has informed me after the billionth time of listening to my heartbeat over the course of the last few months that I have an irregular rythm every once in awhile.  I asked if I was going to die, he said no, so I think no more of it. The heart has its own electricity . . . I love learning this stuff and making it my very own . . . how freakin awesome is that?  And I’m not tested and graded . . . much funner!

My wisdom teeth were pulled out, all four of them, on Friday.  Awesome, cuz the two bottom ones were rotting.  Painful, it has been . . . but apparently very normal healing process. They feel like giant holes in my head . . . my friend informed me the grow together, in other words the holes go away over about a month’s span of time.

Cool . . . hurry up about it!  I love almonds and almonds are IMPOSSIBLE to eat without getting the little almond crumbs in those gosh darn holes.  grr.

The hardships of life.

Justin was at school all day . . . now he’s at the gym . . . he’ll be back anytime now.  I better go for now, I suppose. I might need to go to bed as well.

Huh.

Well . . . have a loverly week!  Happy Veterans day, for Wed., I surely appreciate whats been done for me and mine, including my country!!

 

Does Anyone Have a Mallet?

I forget the last time I wrote . . . maybe I should’ve checked that out before rambling or repeating myself.

Oh well. I’m lazy.

A month ago Justin bought me hanging baskets.  HUGE ones. Two Lotus and two Fuschias.  Someday I’ll share photos. I’ve missed being able to play with my photos and post them. Anyhoo . . . those gorgeous flowers are in my line of vision right now and they make me smile . . . and make me feel good. Sometimes I’m blown away at the love and companionship I’ve found in Justin.  A big dorky dork like myself finding someone that loves me unconditionally.  He’s human, no worries, but he’s an incredible human. And he’s mine! See what flowers can do? hee hee. 

I brought up the flowers for a reason.  I did, really . . . besides making you puke with sentiment. 

A Humming bird has made a regular appearance.  Being drawn by the brightly colored blooms, no doubt.  I have a Humming bird feeder but he’s not interested in that . . . just the flowers.  The first time he came around . . . yeah, I decided at some point he was a he . . . not a she . . . anyhow, the first time he came around I was still watering and kept thinking “man, thats one big bee!!” . . . when I turned around it was the Hummingbird.  Kinda cool . . . kinda old lady to think its cool . . . but I’m not young, so I guess that makes me oldish and so its ok if I think of having a Hummingbird friend as cool. 

I also find myself doting over my flowering hanging plants . . . doting, perfect word.  I dead-head them and fertilize and bug spray them . . . oh, I hope that doesn’t hurt the Hummingbird! . . . I hadn’t thought of that. Bug spray and Hummingbirds. Yikes. Hmm, I might not spray the next time.

Anyway . . . I might be getting old . . . thats really my only point, if I had a point to begin with . . . besides sharing about the Hummingbird.

Old, cuz guess who’s birthday is this next week?  Ok, a lot people’s birthdays are this week . . . my sis, Amy . . . my bro, Billy . . . my hubby’s, Justin . . . one of my good friend’s, Kacy . . . I’m sure I’m forgetting someone I know.  Well, Sunday, the last day of the loverly month of May is also my birthday.  I get a new car for my birthday . . . just kidding, sorta. 

I’ll be 29 . . .

 . . . ok, I lied by 3 years.

To update any and all who care.  Justin is at the paramedic program interview as I type.  If all goes according to our grand plan, he’ll be starting that program in the fall.  He did look snazzy walking out of here with his suit and tie on!! Hmm, yummy snazzy.

He’s been doing cooperative work experience at a Clackamas County fire station twice a week . . . thats been a new adjustment for us to deal with at the end half of a busy and stressful term.  But, in the long haul, it’ll be very very good!  Just trusting God with it all.  Justin might pass out from exhaustion but we keep praying and trusting.  Its not a paying position and it takes him nearly an hour to drive one way . . . did I mention he’s there twice a week?  24 hour shifts.  Its draining having him gone so much . . . so he’s full time at school, part time work study and now cooperative work experience 48 hours a week (minus class time, if he’s got class the day of shift). 

Well, that makes me feel lazy.

Maybe I’ll take a nap for him today . . . in his honor. 

I gotta crack jokes or I crack up . . . don’t rightly care if anyone else laughs.  

I plan to send Tobias to preschool this fall . . . shall I delve into all the insecurities that brings up?  Yeah, I’ll spare ya.

But I think, overall, it’ll be really good for Tob.  The school picks up right out here, in a small bus, and I can ride with him . . . Sam and I both can ride with him whenever and hang out in class with him whenever we want.  That’ll be good, especially getting him adjusted at first.  

I think I’m gonna stop talking about that for now.  

I was given a bag full of books lately.

Ok, I was given a bag full of books this past week, cuz my closest Salemite friend moved to another town!  My friend, Anne, the one who lived just a few doors down in our loverly apartment complex, moved.  I am saddened and stuff by this upheaval.  She better come visit me . . . and often! Her friendship has seen me through some of the most stressful times of my life.  . . .I know she peeks in here every once in awhile . . . 

Anyhow, I’ve been reading and reading and I forgot, sorta, how much I love to read.  I had aspirations once to write a novel . . . or ten.  I had binders and binders full of stories.  Then our family home burned down and there went the binders of stories, not mention everything else we lost.  hee hee, someday perhaps.  I also wanted to be horse vet, a horse trainer, a rancher, a missionary to Uganda, and a bizillion other vocations.  So . . . with a grain of salt, eh.

I still have dreams and as I get older they are tempered with reality but I think it is good to dream . . . 

Maybe I will write a novel.

Boys are getting big.  Sam will be 3 in September.  Just a few short months off.  But he’s nearly the same size as Tob.  He weighs the same and wears the same size, except for the length in pants. 

Tobias talks and talks.  I love it. Well, I love everything but the bossiness. 

I remember my brothers when we were younger.  The bantering and the slight obsession with farts, burps and the like.  I thought it was something they picked up later in life . . . caught on to my dad’s subtle jokes and figured that these normal bodily functions were comical in every way.  Sometimes they turned into contests . . . but I’ll stop there.

My boys, as young as they are, think burps and farts are hilarious.  This was, surprisingly, not egged on by yours truly.  I don’t think twice about a 2 year old tooting . . . much less laugh about it.  And burps are the same.  But one will burp or toot and proceed with “ewww . . . thats gross!” and laughter will erupt.  At the table I curb it, come one, we can’t be without manners . . . and away from the table, I don’t encourage it but I kinda laugh inwardly.  It makes me nostalgic for my brothers . . . their bantering now isn’t nearly that innocent now, so I know to enjoy the innocence while it lasts.

So time keeps ticking.  Life keeps rolling.  And I’ve gotta do something besides sit on this thing.  

God Bless!

Nothin’ to do and Nowhere to go

Justin has been home for two days now, from school stuff, and it has been a time of just hanging out soaking up some good old family time.  We don’t have extra money to do anything, necessarily, so we’ve just been at home and on walks and on the local playground, etc.  The norm for me and the tots but so much funner with dad.  

I forgot how different the household dynamic is when we’re all together . . . I think I might really like it!!  

Really nothing new here . . . besides that.  

I wanna to get to church this weekend . . . and we have plan for a few things next week.  Watch out Tiff, here we come.

Hope your weekends are full of good things!

God Bless!

This picture cracks me up.  How guilty can you possibly look??

Loverly Sunday

My boys enjoying the great . . . and pretty cold . . . out of doors, the other day.  I’m sure glad we have several playgrounds around our complex!

I might completely bore you with photos now that I figured out a different way of uploading these pics . . . my computer wouldn’t do it with the flash uploader.  Crazy, old and diseased computer of mine.   This photo cracks me up . . . like a little old man and his dog, hanging out in some park . . . all ya need is some pigeons with Tobias throwing crumbs to the hords of  hungry birds.   Like the guy feeding the sea gulls in the middle of the grocery store parking lot yesterday.  Mass sea gull invasion . . . whilst people are trying to park and maneuvre around them.  Weird.

Such a cute dog, I will take the liberty to say . . . and he turned out to be such a great dog!  We had our moments of complete frustration . . . hint: puppy years . . . and he’s still very active but well behaved (with very little work from yours truly). I understand that not very many Jack Russells are like this.  Just to warn you.

Ah, here’s his favorite activity of all time.  Located at the expansive 25 acre dog park . . . Frisbee.  Yay!

Sorry for the grainy photo . . . his other favorite activity of all time.  Anything that can be chased, will be chased!

Oh yeah, another favorite activity . . . of course, this is after the chasing and the running and the frisbee fetch.  The boys look so solemn . . . not sure what had their attention at the time.

It was quite the sunset that day.  Last week sometime.  We’re all enjoying the dog park and the relatively warm evening.

I will end with this one.  I actually haven’t taken very many photos lately . . . as compared to normal. I love my little men . . . and my hubby!  So blessed, I am!  Not that we don’t have challenges and spats . . . but I know I’m cared for deeply and my boys are healthy and happy.  I’m grateful to God for this!!

God Bless!

ps . . . gotta go watch some tots.  Busy busy busy, they are! No wonder they need naps daily, plus a full nights sleep!

And I kinda like this statement . . . but I don’t have to go back again to do these things . . . perhaps I should attempt doing these things now, while they are still young.

If I had my child to raise all over again,
I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.
I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I’d do more hugging and less tugging.
– Diane Loomans, from “If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again”

messy but oh so cute!

Scattered Thoughts

Sorry I don’t write as often as I used to, these days.  I say that and its only been 3 days.

But I just don’t have a lot to talk about really.

I have also been outside, both yesterday and today, for all but the boy’s nap times.  Sunshine and the temps were above 55 degrees.  Too luring to sit indoors and twiddle my thumbs.

Like I do any thumb-twiddling anyway.

But outdoors we went . . . camera was forgotten 99% of the time . . . but we did go to the dog park, where it was remembered.

What a beautiful day we had yesterday too!

The dog and kid park really . . . Thats my men standing there with my crazy dog . . . who never stands still.

So the energetic ones of this bunch romped and played . . . and whined a little.  Hey, the boys are 2 and nearly 4 . . . I don’t think more than 30 minutes goes by without some kind of whining or demanding of sorts.

I was going to upload many a picture . . . cuz thats what I like to do, but, alas, my puter is pooting out on me and won’t cooperate. Its doing this more and more . . . time for a new one. Yay!

Anyhoo . . . we spent over an hour at the playground yesterday morning, amidst my 4 mile walk/jog, and the afternoon/evening hours at the dog park.  Kids are still tired, I think.  I might be anyway.

I’m ready for a day off from tot watching, but I don’t foresee that happening anytime soon . . . so pray and trust God, I will, and cherish another day!

God Bless!

No Dawdling Here . . . Both Feet Immersed

As, anyone that pays attention to my rambling posts, knows . . . we’ve been on vacation for two weeks.  We arrived home day before yesterday.

Approximately two weeks prior to that Justin went on winter holiday from school; time to seperate the fall and winter terms and give time with family during Christmas and such holidays.

At any rate, he was home with us.  He had all of his fire station shifts covered and the whole bit during the month of December.

School started Monday,  so Justin was a few days late for classes . . . though all was in order for him to do so.

So, yesterday marked his time back at it . . . school . . . and he had his 24 hour shift yesterday as well.  Today he is off dealing with an EMT thing he had to attend, errands and, most likely, catching up on homework.  I saw him for a split second before he showered and raced out the door this morning before 7:30am.  And in my sleepy state that could have been more of a mirage than anything.

So . . . here we go again . . .

Thankfully this term is not nearly as full as last term.

And, we have only 1 year left . . . give or take a term.

God bless!

ps . . . I am, admist my sarcastic whininess, very very grateful for the oppurtunities lended us in this venture of life.  God is so good and faithful . . . I’m still human and it takes a bit to get going after having so much down time with the love of my life around so much . . . spoiled is a good word for it.

Two of my three guys, enjoying the views from my Mom and Dad’s balcony . . . views of Vegas strip’s lights and such.  Good times.

Don’t Eat Yellow Snow

Yeah, that title doesn’t really have anything to do with what I’m writing about . . . as far as I know.  :)  Though it has been snowy and rainy and icy and windy and darn right cold here in Salemland.  Odd weather for December . . . seems more like February, if you ask me.  

But, besides Byron’s potty expeditions, in which I try to avoid, outdoors . . . I have seen no yellow snow.

I have greatly enjoyed my husband of 6.5 years being home so much the past week.  Though I will admit that it is trying, to the fullest extent, of all virtues.  One gets very used to being home, independent and biding away time as one sees fit . . . without the minute to minute consideration of another . . . another that might have a pretty strong opinion regarding . . . opinions that will rub one’s self raw due to not being used to abiding and submitting to another.

 Granted, there was adjusting on his part as well . . . going full tilt, all the time, and then coming to a screeching halt into crazy land with tiny crazy people that consistantly push the envelope and want attention, juice and food; and, sometimes, chocolate milk.  

Different rhythms . . . but they’re slowly coming together and harmonizing once again.  By God’s grace.  

I married a good one!  He is hott!!  . . . and he’s really nice! Bonus!

We’ve had an excellent time decorating the house and buying the boys presents!  Blessed I feel . . . and am!  There are some pretty cool people in our lives that are teaching me what true generosity is . . . I’ll give back, in due time. No worries.

So I saw the snow and ice melting this afternoon and got all excited about going jogging tomorrow . . . though the weather thingy that we watch is not giving me a whole lot of hope in that direction . . . talking about dipping temps and such . . . that’ll just create more ice.  But the weather was better than they predicted yesterday, for today, so . . . I’ll cross my fingers.

I want a treadmill .  . . I don’t think thats in the budget anytime in the near future.

I had the most fun, this week, stuffing stockings.  Thats fun! Candy is fun, especially as I taste test some as they are loaded in.  hee hee.

“Yep, this is good chocolate . . . it has the Mother Tucker Seal of Approval”

 I also enjoy shopping with the whole fam.  I enjoy shopping all by my lonesome, as well . . . thats what I did this afternoon as the boys slept and then hung out with Justin. 

I bought Play Dough for my boys, with some gadgets to shape them and poop out different shapes, etc.  I’m going to regret it, aren’t I?

Actually, you know what, Justin just left and I gotta go wrap his gift . . . its not much but its the thought . . . you know.

God Bless!

A Couple of Things

#1

I missed Justin today. The boys and I went to church whilst he did the responsible thing and got his homework (that was uncharacteristically late) done today. He also had some other obligations.

In short, I missed him.

#2

I wasn’t too far off my guessing of what the Coast Guard does patrolling the river . . . the Columbia in this case. One of the biggest events was towing a vessel 5 miles to his place of parking his boat . . . pier? Mooring? I don’t know much about boats. A dad and his small boy were aboard that particular boat and were stuck with malfunctioning motors . . . not good. Justin thoroughly enjoyed it, which does not surprise me in the least.

#3

We went to church this morning. I am falling in love my Jesus all over again . . . but in a different way. I’ve never been so enamored with the truth of HIS Word before. Grace, love, knowing HIS presence . . . all things I’ve pursued in my spiritual infancy but I find I’m craving truth (which is built in love, loaded with grace and I’m finding even more of HIS presence) and I’m really getting fed at church right now . . . sorry if I’m using a worn out cliche. And, in that truth I’m finding a deeper, more meaningful relationship with HIM. One that is more settled but going so much deeper. Peaceful, yet passionate. How do I explain what I mean? I’m not sure.

You can check out their podcasts off their internet site . . . they are in my blogroll ‘Life Bible Church’. Then they have a HUGE link to your left. Last week’s service and today’s was two of the best I’ve heard in a long time!

#4

I had a fantastic day with my sister, Tiff. She had myself and the boys over and we wolfed some pizza and then went walk/jogging. Not sure the wisdom in that order of events. The day was absolutely beautiful . . . almost (note: Almost) making autumn my favorite time of year. Summer still wins. We walked from D Street bike trails, in Springfield, to Alton Baker and back. The boys chased ducks and we chased the boys for a bit.

I miss living in close proximity to my sisters. Tiff and I have become closer as we’ve gotten older and I cherish the friendship I have found there!

#5

Justin’s mom, Kris, and his sister, Ruth, came and visited a month ago. For some unknown and retarded reason I forgot to, ever, pull my camera out and snap off some pics . . . what is wrong with me? I’m not that old.

Anyhoo . . . she took lots of pics and she sent them to me today. So here are some of them. She edited them and decorated them before sending them. I wish I could throw collages together like this . . . my collages are super simple on picnik.com. Not my doing, I repeat . . . Kris did these for me.

The boys loved loved loved this treat. Kris and Ruth are into alternative foods and organic foods. The ooze on their crackers tastes like marshmallow cream but is actually made out of rice. So its called Rice-mellow cream. Frickin’ tasty, not quite as sweet as marshmallow and good!

They left me all sorts of crazy stuff . . . well, crazy to me cuz I’m buying exotic when I pick up feta cheese and egg plant . . . and not the organic kind. I never notice if its organic or not. I know, I’m so not hip!! That might change . . . don’t judge too quickly.

I still have the pumpkin seed butter . . . kind of like peanut butter but sweeter . . . and made from pumpkin seeds, if you didn’t catch on. Similar texture to peanut butter as well. Rice syrup . . . yummy with whipped cream and berries (as a topping). We ate lots of tofu while they visited cuz Ruth is a darn good cook and thats her preference. And she took over my kitchen while she was here. I don’t think I did one dish the whole time. Weird feeling.

I had lots of yummy stuff. Of course Toby’s soy topping stuff (not my Toby, its the brand name)

Even in my least favorite shorts in the world . . . he’s hott!!

My boys love Grandma! Here we’re at the playground . . . her and Samare buds!

At the Minto Brown dog park, they have piles of shavings . . . I guess awaiting their turn to be laid flat on the paths for walking . . . in the meantime they are hills of pure joy and adrenaline for two active tots.

Aunt Ruth and Samuel. Samuel is the one who will sit still long enough for photo ops. In case you’re wondering why Tobias isn’t snuggled up to anyone or playing on the playground with anyone. Toby is non-stop movement. No less loved.

I think that covers my topics for this evening.

I truly hope your weekends went fantastic!!

God Bless!

You Wouldn’t of Guessed It!

Yeah, I might be proud of my husband.  I love that God hooked us up . . . so created for one another and yet can’t take credit for even meeting each other!

I love that.  God’s coordination of life.  Thats one of the many ways I’ve seen HIM move sovereignly in my life, all my life.

Justin attending Chemeketa’s Fire Suppression program is also God’s doing.  He had none of the prerequisites taken care of and yet he sailed right on through the approval, interview, testing, physical testing and the sheer patience of a summer in limbo.  Since the program started he has excelled at everything he has put his hand to do . . . and his mind to do.

I know the credit goes to God. HE’s provided J’s health and mental health and the ability for little sleep . . . something that would have taken me out at the beginning. I don’t just love sleep, I NEED sleep.

I also have seen absolutely everything, financially to emotionally, be taken care of by the provider . . . God. We might feel the strain throughout the journey . . . but it only reminds us to be thankful and keep our eyes on the ONE that matters in all of this striving in life.

I delve into Ecclesiastes just remind myself not to get worked up over the day in day out striving . . . nothing new under the sun! But to rest in God.  That doesn’t mean I don’t do what God has put in front of me to do . . . but helps me keep prospective.  Worship God, give God the credit in whatever you do during the day.  The mundane, done in excellence, still glorifies HIM . . . and no better way to stay humble, eh.

So I thought some random photos would be good for seeing a part of what hubba hubba hubby does on a daily basis.  This does not include books and paperwork . . . which is actually more of what he does normally.

Justin is behind the camera, if you’re wondering why he’s not in the shot

A lot (Justin and another guy are the only ones near 30) of the guys Justin is in the Fire Suppression Program with are in their early twenties.  I love the stories and I love the photos capturing the human-nature and the comradery of these guys and gals.

In these photos they are practicing putting out different vehicle fires.

Here there is an RV . . . obviously. They were suppose to remove the propane tanks, which they did, but they missed 2 large ones.  They hissed as the pressure was released (thankfully they didn’t explode!) and the gas being released increased the heat of the fire by quite a bit.  This is all second hand info, so please don’t quote me.

Hard at work . . .

Most of the time.

Then there’s Tod. Thats the thing (I’m sure there’s a technical word) that you wear under the your helmet and SCBA.  Don’t quote me on that either.  I still confuse some of the terminology.

Justin, shock, didn’t take any of himself or let anyone take any of him doing anything . . . or just standing there.  I’m kinda bummed about that, he had the camera all day, for goodness sakes!  I’m gonna catch him one of these days in his suspenders!

Oh hotness fire-hubby of mine!

God Bless!