tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-155328672011-04-21T15:30:09.913-07:00(Or, "Me" Remembering Purpose in the Midst of the Mundane)Joannoreply@blogger.comBlogger6271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1152627228035819732006-07-11T06:54:00.000-07:002006-07-11T07:19:29.046-07:00

I'm moving! Uh, no....not in that sense. Just the blog.Been at blogger almost a year! Faithful attenders here. Time for more options--CATEGORIES!!! Ah! Bless my weary soul. (Didn't I try to make it work here? I milked Blogger for all it was worth and then some.) WordPress.Com ==free. Yes! God is good! Does he hear the most remote desire of our hearts, or what?www.5purposedriven.WORDPRESS.com I

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1152569349836150952006-07-10T15:02:00.000-07:002006-07-10T15:09:09.876-07:00

Today has been totally awesome. (Very 80s lingo there.)I did pretty much nothing. And it was good.I need to fold some underwear. But I did not.I played. I worked on recovering a chaise lounge chair (totally freaking me out, but I'm up for that kind of work).On to VBS.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1152542499655268292006-07-10T07:30:00.000-07:002006-07-10T07:41:39.696-07:00

1. Praise Band: I've never had an experience like I did yesterday playing. It was...relief to me. From a long week, I was Saul...the music my release. Joy, uncomplicated thoughts, beauty, light, joy--flooding in. Breath. Air. It was sweet.2. Vacation Bible School: Wow. Like, I SO dreaded it. Royal headaches all day, 4XS Tylenol and 1 Naproxen, 1 Clarinex, Nasonex, and Afrin...and

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1152507465971697772006-07-09T21:47:00.001-07:002006-07-10T07:29:22.196-07:00

If you are my friendBe patient with meI am grievingBabies, mine and yours, lostold friends, mine and yoursI am afraid, somehowof the inevitableor the surprisethe dangerthe accidentthe loss, of any kindReminders of past losses, devastating lossesI cannot endure againOr think I can'tOr equally as mind boggling:Contemplating lifeMeaningPurposeLegacyFeeling so lost--yet knowing I am notAll processAll

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1152506854121919992006-07-09T21:42:00.000-07:002006-07-09T22:34:03.573-07:00

Comparison of wordpress.com and blogger: Wordpress.com (not WordPress.org), offers free blogger hosting now with categories. I'm toying with it a bit to see if it's worth the switch. I REALLY like the idea of categories. They only let you host, I think it's 25MB of pics, which, for me, may become a problem as much photoblogging as I do. If I could transfer pics through "hello", storage is much

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1152372882598930442006-07-08T08:34:00.000-07:002006-07-08T08:34:42.890-07:00

With the passing of my uncle-in-law and great cyber friend, there is left a notable gap. I find it hard to blog, write, and invest myself knowing all will someday only be a memory. Reading this blog today inspired me to fill the gap (not repace, but fill), and realize the worth of what we do to share and communicate and enjoy new forms of community than our world has known so far. I've asked

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1152295943135599522006-07-07T10:59:00.000-07:002006-07-07T22:14:47.660-07:00

This week, Jesus came in a burgundy minivan. He offered to bring me milk when I didn't feel like getting out much. He stayed for lunch.Today, He arrived today in a wine Explorer (must trade vehicles a lot, but seems to stay with maroon) when my van was in the shop. He shuttled my girl around. I was so glad to get her where she wanted to go. Crazy Mom forgets the day of the week!In the meantime,

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1152278407503252402006-07-07T06:06:00.000-07:002006-07-07T06:27:42.920-07:00

When I get really tired, self pity begins to seep in. I see all the worst in myself and life.I keep a few books around that seem to ground me when I'm blue. When my emotions are rattled and my spirit gets worn, I don't want to hear anything. I'm just tired. Yet...I know it's the truth of the word of God that will feed and refresh my spirit, if I'll just find moments where I can quickly soak in

Joannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1152117800014582182006-07-05T09:40:00.000-07:002006-07-05T09:43:20.036-07:00

It's raining. Post party clean up. Laundry. Iron for funeral. Depressing.I need to shop. Or at least do some admirable browsing. I'm thinking clothes.Where's your favorite place to shop on-line? (OR: Go find one and tell me about it. I just checked out Land'sEnd.com {great dual duty quick dry hiking shorts/swim trunks for hubbie I liked} and ColdWaterCreek.com. Nice stuff, but nothing

Joannoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1152072143976221942006-07-04T20:57:00.000-07:002006-07-04T21:02:24.000-07:00

Watermelon + Grilled Hamburgers + Swimming + Neice + Nephew + 2 sets of joyful grandparents + strawberry punch bowl cake + homemade ice cream + fireworks + old quilts + summer storms + setting off home fireworks (a first!)+ Coca Cola + lots of friends + football + stroller walks + impromptu grilling party + old friends + lots of red, white, and blue + flowers in full bloom + suntans + excitement

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1152071771539018192006-07-04T20:56:00.000-07:002006-07-04T20:56:11.553-07:00

My Son (Left) Taught My Nephew Great Things Today

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1152071439750705462006-07-04T20:50:00.000-07:002006-07-04T20:50:40.093-07:00

4th of July~Testing Out My Sony Cybershot 5.1 on Fireworks...I like it!

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151981166984384052006-07-03T19:46:00.000-07:002006-07-03T19:48:35.380-07:00

In Loving Memory of Uncle Dave (d. 7-3-2006)door-knocker woodwork by Dave (2001)re-hung at new residence 7-3-2006 on news of his passing

Joannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151901381721513292006-07-02T21:19:00.000-07:002006-07-02T21:36:21.776-07:00

One of the hardest weeks of my life. I have not yet lost any of my aunts or uncles. My mom and dad had huge families and they are all still living. My husband, losing his first...it is my own. I know him better than many of my own because he chose to share his life stories with me...mostly by email helping me learn to compute. (In those days, I "downloaded" everything, whether I was

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151793528397564232006-07-01T15:35:00.000-07:002006-07-01T15:38:48.416-07:00

4th of July weekend. My favorite holiday of the year. Sun, relaxation. Homeade ice cream. Baseball. Flowers. Swimming. Fireworks. Sunburns. Frisbee. Biking. I love it.This year. A whole bunch of stress management. My face is breaking out, I'm craving food constantly, and I'm thankful, worried, and stressed--all at the same time. I can't even sort it.Reading the latest in the

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151631519929051642006-06-29T18:32:00.000-07:002006-07-05T21:03:46.833-07:00

Back home. 1400 miles so far this week and it's only Thursday. Wow. For a girl not used to driving, I'm catching up.Step Dad is better. Home. Recovering. Mom had a migraine middle of the night last night. We were up half the night. But, we giggled and ate out and laughed really hard together. I read her Psalms and we both relaxed. A hard week. But, a good mother daughter week. My hubbie and I

Joannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151524366749203252006-06-28T12:49:00.000-07:002006-06-28T12:52:46.773-07:00

Yesterday was tough. My step-dad crashed. My husband's uncle is sliding. We're trying to stay rested and are in survival mode at the moment. Today, my step dad is better. He's fighting the fever and they are dealing with pneumonia in both lungs...how it got there, we don't know. Trying to get things caught up and keep things floating here for them. I'll be going going back for another visit

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151422878567726702006-06-27T08:41:00.000-07:002006-06-27T08:41:18.600-07:00

Focal Experiment

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151422804236216952006-06-27T08:40:00.000-07:002006-06-27T08:40:04.260-07:00

Late Bloomer

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151422725980187572006-06-27T08:38:00.000-07:002006-06-27T08:38:45.996-07:00

Sunrise

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151422667096345672006-06-27T08:37:00.000-07:002006-06-27T08:37:47.110-07:00

Magenta

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151422375132376722006-06-27T08:32:00.000-07:002006-06-27T08:32:55.490-07:00

Went to my garden for joy today and played with my camera settings for a few minutes.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151363454648740882006-06-26T15:58:00.000-07:002006-07-05T21:06:17.063-07:00

My brain sinews are leaking out my eyeballs. It hurts. I am typing with my eyes closed my eyes hurt so bad. I am a wimp, I know. But, it's been a long few days. Sunday night, grabbed dear and loyal friend who took off work to get me to Illinios to a step dad's shoulder reattachment. Friend knew the way. We drove over 300 mi (open eyes for number keys, ouch, my eyes--I REALLY need sleep). Slept

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151205894577504722006-06-24T20:11:00.000-07:002006-06-24T20:24:54.606-07:00

Okay, so today did not turn out as I had supposed. First, I wanted to paint the two decks that needed painting. Ever tried to match a paint sample, and well...it ending up involving WAY too many trips back and forth to the paint store? This is one of those tales. Not a happy ending yesterday. Rainy, misty forecast anyway. You know, after this week, I was really in a mood to GET AWAY. I've

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151154903703434032006-06-24T06:15:00.000-07:002006-06-24T10:47:41.843-07:00

Was surfing blogs and read this this morning. I love it. I think I'm going to have to put it on a notecard for reivew. .: Greg from Winnipeg :.: "I don't have high expectations of this coming year. All I want is to do theimpossible at every turn, have a relationship with God so intimate that itincapacitates me, bring community to the lonely, reality to the blind, distressto the comfortable,

Joannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151117732276646552006-06-23T19:55:00.000-07:002006-06-23T20:07:55.286-07:00

Okay, so I was cross-linked back to a hit from United Kingdom, blog of a blog friend...anyway, this girl is talking about going to see a skiffle . I'm like, "What is a skiffle ?"So, there is a link to this band, and they look funny, so I click and get to a myspace music link where I can listen.And. Hum. Oh. Wow. It's different. I like it. What can I say...?So, now my whole family is

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151098788882226982006-06-23T14:39:00.000-07:002006-06-23T20:09:38.136-07:00

Drumroll please....All the photo album links are fixed! Yee-haw!Thanks!me!

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151069988733475232006-06-23T05:53:00.000-07:002006-06-23T13:23:36.713-07:00

So...we got a deep, earth-drenching rain yesterday. We love to go out and pick up limbs and "weed" after a heavy rain. The soil is so moist that the weeds pull up all the way down from the root. My garden often does speak to me, and yesterday, once again, it was deep.Standing there, holding a dandalion leaf with a five inch HUGE root--no way I could have gotten it out until the soil was thorougly

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1151067207279622232006-06-23T05:44:00.000-07:002006-06-24T08:25:25.476-07:00

Just a few minutes after I blogged the "blgh" blog yesterday, I had some of the best wisdom, prayers, and support. You know what I think? Sorrow is not heathy until it's able to be shouldered wtih someone else.A friend read my blog, knew the day before I was having a tough time (I'd called her), realized it hadn't gotten better, and was here in minutes, just to sit with me, tell me it's okay,

Joannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150982987108960912006-06-22T06:06:00.000-07:002006-06-22T08:36:36.926-07:00

The older I get the more I understand why some people do extreme sports. I have a hankering for one right now. Total mind distraction. Total focus. Total stupidity. Total escape.This week has been one story hard after another in community circles.Sunday--funeral.Monday--unspeakable.Tuesday--my identity stolen.Wednesday--a friend miscarried, a special person diagnosed with prostate cancer, another

Joannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150939823645106712006-06-21T18:30:00.000-07:002006-06-21T18:30:23.853-07:00

Only concerned about your sons with internet images? Think again. See Anne's story from flowerdust.net published today at Relevant Magazine Online.RELEVANT MAGAZINE: "But in between my family's Christmas portrait and a broken, dot matrix printer sat a computer screen. Little did I know the place where I typed up book reports or instant messaged my friends would also become the doorway to an

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150858866994385492006-06-20T20:01:00.000-07:002006-06-20T20:01:07.373-07:00

Okay...to make my life easier, here is a direct quote re. The Book Club mentioned in the last post. I've not formally visited the actual discussion forum, but enjoy being exposed to new authors and current reading lists as he mentions them. I'll shut up now.This Guy Falls Down: "The June Book Club selection......is Praise Habit, by some guy named David Crowder. We did a littlesurvey on the

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150818128536756842006-06-20T08:23:00.000-07:002006-06-20T08:42:08.890-07:00

I spoke to a dear friend yesterday who had so much trouble commenting with blogger losing her comments that she's given up. AAaaagggghhhh! My soul is bleeding. I'll keep thinking on ways to better things on my end. And, she is right, God may have been preventing her ultimately when her time was needed elsewhere. That's fine. In any case, some advice on commenting which may or may not prove

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150816946815078202006-06-20T08:01:00.000-07:002006-06-20T08:22:27.410-07:00

The poor and needy search for water. Their mouths are parched with thirst, but water cannot be found. I can't seem to get beyond this verse. But, some life responses have happened as a result of little it settle:1. Bought two copies of David Crowder's "Praise Habit" to read with a friend this summer. Great read. Water.2. Teaching my oldest son how to use his rNIV Bible this week. I don't

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150729647544429362006-06-19T07:40:00.000-07:002006-06-19T08:07:27.820-07:00

Wow. Anne's post is so well written today, I don't even want to start! Great writing today. Humors me (and makes me want to be a better writer)! I should never read hers before I try to write my own! Anyway, after you go see her, here's my rambling. I don't know about any of you other homies out there, but Father's Day weekend freaks me out. I mean, I usually get depressed, feel guilty,

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150667701815774592006-06-18T14:54:00.000-07:002006-06-18T14:55:01.816-07:00

Update:Game Two Score: 18500Top it! Post it here! You know you want to.(I didn't survive the River Canyon too well on level two! Tip....falling off the jetski is NO GOOD!) Level one tip...jump on the motorcycle! (On or off the bike and ski, jump with spacebar...arrows for direction.) -----------------------------------------------------------*Waffle Boy's Mountain Adventure My Score First Time:

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150565909998441952006-06-17T09:37:00.000-07:002006-06-17T19:31:32.613-07:00

"The poor and needy search for water...their mouths are parched with thirst, but water cannot be found."Considering the context of this, you see HOW THRISTY the people in Isaiah's daywere, the utter devatstation and destruction it took in their lives for them realize their true thirst.Isaiah says these people had been so blinded that they could not see that the same peice of wood they burned for

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150561557786774082006-06-17T09:06:00.000-07:002006-06-17T09:25:57.820-07:00

A break from the text in this post.I lost about eight months worth of digital negatives from last year. I thought I'd backed them up before deleting them from my old computer's hard drive. Had prints of most of what I wanted anyway...but, whew...still a loss. Red's first major league ballgame. Man! Just realized I can't insert a pic I want on this blog. Ouch!Teaching my oldest son to throw

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150427644203500392006-06-15T20:14:00.000-07:002006-06-16T09:06:05.913-07:00

Above: Poor guy. I took this picture yesterday....a new transplant. I've watered it three times in the last two days.Condition: critical care, ICU.Bulbs transplated last last fall. I have NEVER watered them...NEVER, not at all. That bed looked equally as pitiful when I started last year.Why the difference in drinking? Think about it. Spoke to me yesterday in terms of why my "drinking habits"

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150383152222706202006-06-15T06:57:00.000-07:002006-06-15T07:52:32.493-07:00

Wednesday: only girls in the house. Pool. Dress up. Painting (no spills). Slip and Slide. Homemade chococolate chip muffins (yuck!). Great Bible study last night--on journaling and sharing your life's story with people...your day by day walk with the Holy Spirit...not just your salvation story. Great plug for blogging!---------------------------*Insightful comments yesterday. For today,

Joannoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150298153141092592006-06-14T07:57:00.000-07:002006-06-14T08:27:30.893-07:00

Tuesday:1. Refreshment. Only two girls here. Long shower. Slow morning. No kid's fussing or barging in the bathroom. Aaaah.2. I love email. I love comment posts. THANKS! A lot of wisdom there. If you don't read what others tell me? Well, better than what I say (and usually shorter!)3. I love friends who blog (published and unpublished). THANK YOU! I love your lives.4. I love godly women. Thanks

Joannoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150220346155743692006-06-13T10:32:00.000-07:002006-06-13T10:39:06.183-07:00

Today my spirit feels frustrated. Ever so busy for a season it takes you a while to "re-enter" your own life again? I was thinking today: If I took away everything I did for other people...friends, family: what would be left of me? If I took away family...what would be left of me? If I took away service to causes and defending the others and dealing with issues and problems...what would be

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150219912723875922006-06-13T10:31:00.001-07:002006-06-13T10:31:52.750-07:00

A Newbie. Love the bright orange! Go God!

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150219890241913722006-06-13T10:31:00.000-07:002006-06-13T10:31:30.270-07:00

New Day Lily to Bloom Yesterday...Isn't she lovely?

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150219759964467712006-06-13T10:29:00.000-07:002006-06-13T10:29:19.983-07:00

My Men at Work

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150219723623704632006-06-13T10:28:00.000-07:002006-06-13T10:28:43.863-07:00

My kids last night shoveling and hoeing their first family garden. They sere so excited.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150085214961267262006-06-11T21:06:00.000-07:002006-06-11T21:06:54.986-07:00

Today at TumbleWeed...Birthday Boy gets his own free ice cream...VERY happy boy. He thought sis had gotten some earlier and was very mad he didn't get any...turns out hers was only a cup of butter for her potato.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150085155446791782006-06-11T21:05:00.002-07:002006-06-11T21:05:55.503-07:00

My camera and I are about to get WET! Is that a water gun or what?

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150085127137888622006-06-11T21:05:00.001-07:002006-06-11T21:05:27.136-07:00

My SuperBoy

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150085115459322372006-06-11T21:05:00.000-07:002006-06-11T21:05:15.476-07:00

My baby is FIVE! Third year he's wanted the very same cake..."LarryBoy" with super suction plunger ears. (VeggieTales)

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1150085065855839352006-06-11T21:04:00.000-07:002006-06-11T21:08:57.930-07:00

My man showed up with a tie on to match my dress all on his very own...what a man! We had a great time on our "date" hosting the dance. Food was great, magnolias were in full bloom, a zillion candles, great band. We had a wonderful evening. We slipped out to get a quick pic made. We don't dress formally every month...it's usually fun themes. But before it got "too hot" we thought we'd have a more

Joannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149878092049446922006-06-09T11:34:00.000-07:002006-06-09T11:43:08.086-07:00

In an article titled How to Respond to the Horrible Sayings of Jesus, John Piper writes: "...at the end of the parable, Jesus says in Luke 19:27, 'As for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.'"During his sabbatical in England, Piper was compelled by the instruction Jesus left us to teach all things he had commanded us. He was

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149808075773387822006-06-08T15:35:00.001-07:002006-06-08T19:43:08.696-07:00

1. Blogger is on the blink,--thanks for letting me know.2. Thanks for the input. Let me know if you had trouble. I had trouble reading all the way across the screen with text so close to the margin, so I made entries in a more narrow column.3. I'd love to figure out how to fashionably get my header to go all the way across the top, but for now, I'll be a trendsetter and just do it different.4.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149775986370196342006-06-08T07:13:00.000-07:002006-06-08T12:55:31.743-07:00

FlyLady.net: Your personal online coach to help you gain control of your house and home: Well, today was the day. I visited flylady.com. Tip after tip to go there, but honestly, I did not want a schedule for my housekeeping! --The one thing I have control over!!! Nobody telling me how or when to do it.Or, do I have control? No...right now, it's controlling me!I had the inspiring thought: "Okay...

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149746802453784302006-06-07T23:01:00.000-07:002006-06-07T23:06:42.456-07:00

So...now I get the three columns of typepad with free blogger! Now, that's inspiration for the day!Some of you like it, some are still having to get used to it. Okay, so you liked my daffodils? Well, why didn't you say so? Thanks. But, time to move on. It's summer. This is a pic of the sky I took last year. On a down day, I often take out the camera and capture the sky...God's gift to me.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149741261933282472006-06-07T21:26:00.000-07:002006-06-07T23:01:14.050-07:00

Did I mention we got 3/4 in of rain in 40 minutes. As a rather interesting follow-up to the last entry...the basement also flooded. I have been vacuuming for four hours.My abs hurt. Was needing to work out today anyway. Hubbie tells me it needs to be shampooed tomorrow. Just what I wanted to do. Instant workout...there you go. Look for the positive!Red's party to get ready for (thank goodness I

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149725110735958032006-06-07T16:50:00.000-07:002006-06-07T21:37:30.356-07:00

You know. I need a good cry right about now. Sometimes the work of life just gets overwhelming. I had to skip church tonight so that I could vaccuum water off my back porch (carpeted) from a monsoon like rain that just hit. I didn't really want to go yesterday because I have so much that needs to be done at home this week. Now that I have to miss, it ticks me off.My van is skipping...and not out

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149652330530101582006-06-06T20:52:00.000-07:002006-06-06T20:52:10.546-07:00

Well, there it is. My first official swing of my own of my married life. Took me almost 14 years, but I made it! We had one in a rental house when my oldest was 1 yr. old. He fell asleep on my lap many times there in that unfamiliar place. Today, Red looked over the back, testing it out. He said, "Wow! I can see clear to Texas from up here!" Boy Wonder said, "I wonder how many hails they

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149652140744418702006-06-06T20:49:00.000-07:002006-06-06T20:59:11.160-07:00

The Hay Bailed--19 Rolls. Our first year with our own hay on this land. No animals on our little farm yet. No Rain! Whoo-Hoo! (Wet Hay makes the Hay mold inside the bails...yucky). I'm not a farm girl, but I figure if I fake it long enough, I won't have to feed animals.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149615690413544622006-06-06T10:37:00.000-07:002006-06-06T20:02:37.760-07:00

I love this song...and I'm not even a fan of wrap. Check it out.iTunes Link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=25516223&s=143441&i=25516190Words: (Load 'em on the pod):They call us Diverse City we're colorful good/It's like a freak show in your neighborhood/So, if you wanna pray you can come on down/ cause this freak show’s leaving the ground/Up, up and away,

Joannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149567484937687162006-06-05T21:06:00.000-07:002006-06-05T21:18:04.980-07:00

Well. I'm exhausted. Red's birthday party is Saturday, which always throws me into a Martha Stewart tailspin. Well. Not to any extremes... I just start doing weird things, like wanting to touch up paint things that should have been painted two years ago. I spent all day painting and need to paint some more tommorrow. Reminds me of the guest speaker yesterday. Well. Not Really. But, I

Joannoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149560774515702082006-06-05T19:26:00.000-07:002006-06-05T19:26:14.880-07:00

Hubbie is working on a swing for the back porch I found Sunday for $15.00. I painted and sanded on it all day today. I can't wait!

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149374152487151672006-06-03T15:12:00.000-07:002006-06-03T15:35:52.510-07:00

This week, my son won an iPod..actually his grand-dad did, and gave it to him. We've been introduced to the 1GB iPod Nano. Fun. It's a tiny little thing. We loaded 80+ songs on it the first day. He loaded words onto it. It's great to see him enjoy my taste in music at 9 yrs. old. I hope it lasts. Hearing him walk around the house singing, earphones dangling...so much fun. He wants me to

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149197129591421062006-06-01T13:29:00.000-07:002006-06-01T14:25:30.286-07:00

Accomplishments for today: Learning how to vac the pool without blowing up the $800.00 pump, keeping prime in the pump while vacc-ing, having a temper tantrum after losing prime and having vac contents spill back into pool after an hour of vac-ing, and teaching children to not ask for favors while I'm M-A-D and T-I-R-E-D and F-E-D U-P!!! (Still working on that last one. They don't take normal

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149129012835426982006-05-31T19:25:00.000-07:002006-05-31T19:30:12.856-07:00

I was just sitting here thinking, "There are days I wish I had a sister. Today is one of those days."My little girl came up to me and said, "Mom, will you play with me, no one wants to. The boys are busy."I am so thankful for my little girl.Now, I have to go play.~Me

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1149108875678203082006-05-31T13:52:00.000-07:002006-05-31T13:54:35.710-07:00

I just about blew up the pool pump after a meeting I didn't want to go to doing something I don't have time to do. Now, I'm waiting on parts, bored, not wanting to go to another meeting tonight necessarily. Can't wait to get the pool opened and taken care of. Sometimes the expense and headache of it get the best of me. I just want it DONE. NOW. I'll be glad to see the kids out there in it

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148874144558798762006-05-28T20:37:00.000-07:002006-05-28T20:42:24.560-07:00

This Memorial Day was much better than last. Johnny came marching home.Last year, two days after the birth of his son, my brother was shipped to the Persian Gulf. He did get to see the baby's birth, a praise. But, bittersweet. Today, he was home and part of our Memorial tribute to those who've served. An emotional climax to a full year of worry and waiting and wishing and missing. I felt so

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148873719164288882006-05-28T20:35:00.000-07:002006-05-28T20:35:19.176-07:00

I got three runs playing softball. (I didn't have a pic of that. But, I did like this one of the fishin' hole.)

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148873650322322422006-05-28T20:34:00.000-07:002006-05-28T20:37:39.836-07:00

Spinnin' out Cinnabon yeast rolls for bro.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148873615704215612006-05-28T20:33:00.000-07:002006-05-28T20:33:35.720-07:00

The Boys Strummin' a Lick on the 'ole porch swing

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148873493106130732006-05-28T20:31:00.000-07:002006-05-28T20:31:33.116-07:00

Flash in Motion

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148873458326961082006-05-28T20:30:00.000-07:002006-05-28T20:30:58.513-07:00

Yes, I caught a catfish. He tasted yummy.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148668203000887892006-05-26T11:17:00.000-07:002006-05-26T20:31:49.456-07:00

Here are the last 100 visitors to this site from sitemeter.com. (Which is free and fun to use for bloggers.) Which dot are you?Below" stats for 2005 (starting in August) to today. On Anne's blog, she had us play, "The Lame Game", asking everyone to let her know:1. who they were, (or net alias)2. where they found her link,3. their blog link (if they had one),4. age (or decade 20s, 30s...),5. A

Joannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148649522237035452006-05-26T06:16:00.000-07:002006-05-26T06:18:42.300-07:00

Having three kids home and expecting overnight company Sat night, family reunion Sat (need to cook something of substance to take), time with all extended family...it has it's joys...so why do I feel so entirely STREsSeD OuT? My house is getting on my nerves, my kids are getting on my nerves...they are griping, complaining, arguing, fussing, picking, and getting hurt every 10 minutes.Other than

Joannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148577273795526642006-05-25T09:43:00.000-07:002006-05-25T10:14:34.333-07:00

Relationships are the hardest work there is.Working on a relationship?Fatigued?Drained?Tired of thinking--about anything?Soul weary?Relationships are the hardest work there is. The most valuable work. The most rewarding work. The hardest work. Most of us won't work that hard. Christians do. They value relationships above all else. It's who we are. We do the hard work of relationships, and

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148526971098550782006-05-24T20:11:00.000-07:002006-05-24T20:16:11.120-07:00

We've been working on plans for the Memorial Day service today. I'm so excited about it. My brother is in on vacation leave and, now, having a family member who's served in the middle East...the whole patriotic thing hits me a whole lot closer to home.He's going to sing in our service, "You Raise Me Up". Don't spoil the surprise! I get to introduce him. Man, I could do some work. He really

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148393177635286412006-05-23T06:59:00.000-07:002006-05-23T20:11:03.133-07:00

This is a cruel joke. See, this is what happens to me. I defrosted the sausage for my aforementioned husband's breakfast. Went to bed early. Got up, cooked the sausage, scrambled the eggs, toasted the bagel, added the cheese, poured the milk. Okay, so I cooked breakfast...but that sounds way to easy.I ate breakfast also. It was good. I love fresh Tropicana no pulp calcium added orange juice. This

Joannoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148305893788097892006-05-22T06:42:00.000-07:002006-05-22T06:51:33.793-07:00

Well, I'd better blog while Red is proccupied with Nick Jr. for a moment. He'll soon want computer time. My main goal for the next month is to weed through his 510 photos from the last year and have his scrapbook ready to lay out for his birthday party celebrating his last year. My family who haven't been able to be around for all the "events" can catch up when they come visit. If I need to

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148305371159378462006-05-22T06:41:00.000-07:002006-05-22T14:24:47.540-07:00

The US led a Taliban air strike killing 80 headlines today say. Did I miss something? What are we doing leading air attacks at this point?

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148260748616045632006-05-21T17:55:00.000-07:002006-05-22T14:23:51.016-07:00

Today is Sunday. I had no obligations. I decided last night I'd stay up superlate and work on Red's scrapbook. Much to my dismay, morning came. I was fine....I had a nap scheduled from 11:01- until whenever.Well, forgot about that "special" by invitation only baby shower I REALLY needed to get to. And the gift...which meant a trip to the store...and I was DEAD. I got four hours sleep last night..

Joannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148170193526278342006-05-20T17:09:00.000-07:002006-05-20T17:09:53.536-07:00

My Farmer--I love seeing him in the fields...always so relaxing for him

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148170137206799862006-05-20T17:08:00.001-07:002006-05-20T17:08:57.216-07:00

Searching...The Strawberry Patch, A BIG patch

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148170101288215092006-05-20T17:08:00.000-07:002006-05-20T17:08:21.296-07:00

My Strawberry Pickers

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148170072062313372006-05-20T17:07:00.001-07:002006-05-20T17:07:52.070-07:00

I now have a beautiful appreciation for my previously distained mop bucket

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148170049413205782006-05-20T17:07:00.000-07:002006-05-20T17:07:29.426-07:00

Finding strawberries in a weed patch. Mmmmm...these are the sweetest, reddest strawberries I've ever eaten in my life...even the little ones are scrumptuous

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148169941678698262006-05-20T17:05:00.000-07:002006-05-20T17:05:41.686-07:00

Final view of Cranium sculpture: Complete artistry...Can you guess?

Joannoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148169820557416362006-05-20T17:03:00.000-07:002006-05-20T17:03:40.813-07:00

Cranium "Strainium"

Joannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148009232629650212006-05-18T20:26:00.000-07:002006-05-18T20:27:12.630-07:00

Today is best blogged by pictures...there are many. My goal today was to get some order back, and find some simplicity to the schedule. It felt simple, but it was a very full, fun day. Very cool. Boy Wonder went to work with Mr. Wonderful today and they were home early with a new tire for Red's bike.

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148009021712983762006-05-18T20:23:00.001-07:002006-05-18T20:23:41.723-07:00

Surprises all day today!

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148008994810277362006-05-18T20:23:00.000-07:002006-05-18T20:23:14.820-07:00

Picnic food...Chicken Nuggets on Santa Plates with Baked Potatoes and Fruit, Yogurt, Oat Bowl...Mmmm. (I know, it looks a little gross). My bare feet close by make it seem more appetizing somehow...not!

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148008932997942982006-05-18T20:22:00.000-07:002006-05-18T20:22:13.016-07:00

Red had an inordinately good time with the basket

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148008919040822792006-05-18T20:21:00.000-07:002006-05-18T20:21:59.053-07:00

I asked Goldilocks to help me with the whites...I used to do the same thing as a girl...they SMELL so good and feel so soft.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148008768957843522006-05-18T20:19:00.000-07:002006-05-18T20:19:28.966-07:00

Picnic at noon

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148008718583204862006-05-18T20:18:00.000-07:002006-05-18T20:18:38.603-07:00

My Day Started off better than expected...I found leftover Easter Chocolate bunny in the cabinet. Tasted like a horrible excuse for chocolate, but I endured it to the end.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148007255734886142006-05-18T19:54:00.000-07:002006-05-18T19:54:15.743-07:00

Whoa There Nelly!

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148007216091819842006-05-18T19:53:00.000-07:002006-05-18T19:53:36.110-07:00

Learning to Ride without Training Wheels today!

Joannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148006137005387402006-05-18T19:35:00.001-07:002006-05-18T19:35:37.006-07:00

This rose has potential.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148006102598118512006-05-18T19:35:00.000-07:002006-05-18T19:58:36.440-07:00

The lens on my camera is dirty--see that awesome kite to the right of that speck? Time for Photoshop.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148006072488373582006-05-18T19:34:00.001-07:002006-05-18T19:34:32.496-07:00

Flying Kites in the back yard today...wind was crazy!

Joannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15532867.post-1148006042396595072006-05-18T19:34:00.000-07:002006-05-18T20:03:19.280-07:00

My brother in from the navy, Goldilocks got to ride her first motorcycle...a Harley. Very Cool. She can only move up from there.

Joannoreply@blogger.com0