Watch before Voting!!

I don't usually do the "politics thing" but this video is a MUST SEE before voting in November. I really think we need to make a wise decision at the voting polls and this may just help you do that!

Tricia :)

Update: They tried to take this off the YouTube network for copyright reasons...didn't work!! Anyway, I updated the link just in case it was not working well!

So cute

This has been on YouTube for a little while but I had to post it here. It is Mariah singing and my sister and brother-in-law's place. Doug taped it on his computer and posted on YouTube. Just go to the link on the word "this" and you can see it on Doug's YouTube Channel. Enjoy!!

Tricia :)

PS- This is my 80th post...just in case you care!!

Bad news...doing ok with it

Well, I went to an oral surgeon today to consult about some bad teeth. Looks like I will be having surgery (again) on October 24 to remove 5 (yes that is five) teeth from my mouth. I have 3 wisdom teeth that are becoming a problem and 2 teeth that had previous root canals and have fallen apart.

Well, I knew things were not good but I was not ready for this. Plus the out-of-pocket cost is very high and a bit scary. I have to say that I did not have a good reaction to this or what I was facing financially and physically (sorry Mom).

Things have changed tonight though. I had a few moments on the way to the bank and to pick up some rolls for dinner tomorrow. I was alone...just me and God. I didn't really say much to Him, I just kind of listened. I came to the conclusion that although this REALLY STINKS, I am going to choose to be ok with it and let Him work out the details.

Why am I telling you this? Because I need prayer. I really want to allow God to work through this...allow Him to have the control and just wait and listen to His plan. I can't change it...it has to be. So...like I had to do with all the other surgeries...I am choosing to be ok with it. I don't think I will ever like it, ever want it...but I WILL be ok with it.

I don't have a choice, really. I know that we all have the choice to be selfish and think "Why me" but as a follower of Christ, that is not an option for me.

So, please pray that will continue to be my outlook. It will be a daily thing but I know in His strength I can do it!

Thanks for listening (reading)!

Tricia :)

Update: I posted this last night just to ask for prayer and let you know what I wanted to do about it. Well, this morning God provided!! I got a call from someone and all the money we need to pay for the procedure is coming in the mail. The coolest things is that God had this money set aside before we even knew we needed it. Praise our amazing God for what He has done! I owe Him all the praise and thanks, and of course thank you to the special ones who God is using to help us! AMEN!!!!

Thoughts on God

Please go here and read this post. I found this blog through another blog I follow and read this post today. I was very inspired and thought you would like to be too. It is a profound look at how we view our God and life with Him. Good stuff!!

Tricia :)

Can you survive???

I saw this on a friends blog and had to put it on mine. Enjoy ladies!!

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and

3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play

two sports

and either take music

or dance classes. They will also attend cubs, brownies, sea cadets or similar.

There is no fast food.

Each man must:

take care of his 3 children,

keep his assigned house clean,

correct all homework,

and complete science projects,

also, cook, do laundry,

and pay a list of 'pretend' bills

with not enough money.

In addition, each man

will have to budget in money

for groceries each week.

Each man

must remember the birthdays

of all their friends and relatives,

and send cards out

on time--no emailing.

Each man must also

take each child to a doctor's appointment,

a dentist appointment

and a haircut appointment.

He must make

one unscheduled and inconvenient

visit per child

to A & E

He must also

make gingerbread men or choc chip cakes

for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for

decorating his own assigned house,

planting flowers outside

and keeping it presentable

at all times.

The men will only

have access to television

when the kids are asleep

and all chores are done.

The men must

shave their legs,

wear makeup daily,

adorn themselves with jewelery,

wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes,

keep fingernails polished

and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks,

the men will have to endure severe abdominal pain, persistent lower back aches,

and have extreme, unexplained mood swings, but never once complain or

slow down from other duties.

They must attend

weekly school meetings, concerts & plays, church, and find time

at least once a week, to spend the afternoon

in the park or a similar setting.

They will need to

read a book to the kids

each night and in the morning,

feed them, dress them,

brush their teeth and

comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information:

each child's birthday,

height, weight,

shoe size, clothes size, teachers name, best friends name and doctor's name.

Also the child's weight at birth,

time of birth,

and length of labor,

each child's favorite color,

middle name,

favorite snack,

favorite song,

favorite drink,

favorite toy,

biggest fear and

what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island

based on performance.

The last man wins only if...

he still has enough energy

to be intimate with his spouse

at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win,

he can play the game over and over

and over again for the next 18-25 years

eventually earning the right

To be called Mother!

Tricia :)

The Room

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class.. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.

Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teary Valley High School. Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them-notes from classmates and teachers, his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven. "It makes such an impact that people want to share it. You feel like you are there." Mr. Moore said.

Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted. The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven.! I know I'll see him"

Brian's Essay: The Room...

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.

As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked" I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again.

He walked over and put His arm around me.. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards.

But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door.. There were still cards to be written.

Tricia :)

New Job

Ok, so I started my new job yesterday evening. I went in expecting to learn and maybe have a hard time adjusting. Not really...on both accounts! I can't say I didn't learn anything but they were totally unprepared for me to come in. The front end manager had no idea I was coming in...that started the evening off just great. Then, I was moved around quite a bit. I can't say I really had any real training last night. I was scheduled to be on until 10 but they were short handed last night (due to bad planning by our friend the front end manager) so I was sent home at 8:00.

Oh well, all in all it is going to be a good thing. I enjoy the fact that I have some time outside of the house. I will miss my little sweetie while I am gone but it is a good thing to be out alone. For all those mommies out there who get how I am feeling, say Amen!!

Well, off for a fun afternoon before starting work at 5:00. Let's just hope things are in order this evening...if not, I will at least be learning flexability!

Tricia :)

Parking for all

Mariah likes to "park" her bike with the cars. We all have our transportation lined up...Mommy's, Mariah's and Daddy's. Thought it was cute, shared it with you. Enjoy!!


Tricia :)

My two favorite people

I love these two! They are the light of my life. I was just outside watching them and thanking God for giving them to me. I appreciate every little thing and can't imagine my life without both of them in it. Can't wait to add more to the family and expand my love even more!


Tricia :)

Bug in a Rug

Here is Mariah getting "snug as a bug in a rug" in our new sleeping bag. We got it for my ladies retreat that our church is having this month but we also have other retreats throughout the year so it will get much use from both Jeremy and me. Anyway, thought she looked cute!

Tricia :)

Family

Here is a photo of my little family with my parents. I am so happy we were able to spend time together! Thanks Mom and Dad for a great weekend. See you in Florida!!!

Tricia :)

Fun Family Time

We spent a majority of our fun time at Grandma and Grandpa's trailer in Hidden Valley. Mariah had a super time with all her grandma and grandpas and her aunts and uncles. Of course she was spoiled rotten by "her grandma" which is my mom. See pictures below. There are a few of the whole family too. We had Denise and Eric and Cassie and Scott and Anna there too!! Yeah for family time!!!

Mariah in the creek...with clothes on!

Uncle Doug joined the fun too!





















Water balloon fight...I stayed dry somehow!

















Family hang out time around the fire pit

The whole family! From left to right, top to bottom: Jeremy, Me, Kate, Morgan (Kate's best friend), Denise, Scott, Anna (Scott's wife), Eric, Dad, Danielle, Doug (Danielle's husband), Cassie, Mariah, Grandpa M, Mom, Grandma M

Tricia :)

Fun at Midway!!

Well, as I said before we are back from our fun family weekend. We arrived in Jamestown about 10:30 pm on Friday so the fun began on Saturday morning at....MIDWAY!!! I remember this place when I was a kid, only it seemed so much smaller than I remembered. I guess growing up makes things seem different. Anyway, pictures are below of our, or Mariah's, fun day!!

Mariah loved the boats...this ride was the one she rode the most

Getting ready to ride the cars...another favorite

Getting ready for a train ride...with Grandma

Skee ball...a must at Midway

Everyone played games and Mariah got this!

We had to try the scooter cars...and we did a pretty good job
(with a little help from Midway helper man)

So, we had a great time that day. The whole weekend was great! Can't wait to be with everyone again in Florida in January!!

Tricia :)

We are home!

Just a note to all my blogging friends, we are home from our Labor Day weekend fun! I will get on this week and post pictures and tell you about our fun weekend!

Tricia :)

National Potato Month-September

Time to celebrate another monthly holiday. Nothing really jumped out at me from the list this month but this one will do. I like potatoes, you like potatoes, we all LOVE potatoes....so....let's celebrate them!!

Well, what can I say about the fabulous potato? I like them fried, I like them mashed, I like them toasted....I LOVE me some potatoes! So, enjoy this month and make some fabulous potatoes, however you like 'em cooked! Let me know what you think of potatoes, tell me any great recipes for potatoes....enjoy the potato this month!

Tricia :)

PS-I hope August was a HAPPY MONTH!!!