Sharing our Life

The other day I left Eric for a few minutes to do his English/Grammar while I did some other things around the house. When I came back, he completed a couple of the sections and wrote the word 'skip' by the sections he didn't want to do. He obviously went back and did those sections, but I thought it was funny that he thought he might be able to get away with skipping them. I thought a picture could 'say' it better

We have met some wonderful people since we have moved to East Texas. It was a difficult move for me as I was leaving good friends, 2 of which were more like the sisters I never had, to come to somewhere unknown. I'm not a good friend maker. I tend to be quiet unless someone else engages me first. I'm not a small talker. I'm a people pleaser - which means for me that I tend not to ask for things or call on the phone (see here for my post on phone calls!), etc. because I don't want to inconvenience someone. I know deep down, it's weird, but that's who I am. I also knew from past experience that my dear, beloved husband tends to work alot and if I didn't connect with some folks, I'd lose my sanity quickly! It took awhile, but I can honestly say that I have made some great friends here. I appreciate you all reaching out to me and making me feel welcome and at home. I am particularly blessed at this moment by some friends from our Sunday school class. A coupl...

This was an email from our real estate agent: "We may have interest in the house. I have an agent that showed it yesterday to the guy who loves it. The wife or fiance hasn't seen it yet but the agent says the guy wants to write an offer………so……….cross your fingers!" We're praying!

We have yet another dog!!! It was kind of unexpected, but for the most part he is a good dog. The good news is he's not a puppy (about 6 years old) so he's completely house trained and for the most part doesn't chew on anything he's not supposed to. The bad news is he still likes to jump and he sometimes licks (which that definitely needs to stop!). He loves to run around and loves it when you pet him. Here's a picture of our newest dog!

I haven't documented this well, but I wanted to give an update on David's mom. In February, David's mom found out she had breast cancer. You can read a little more about it here and here you want some background. She did have a double mastectomy on Friday and so far everything appears good. The surgery went well and she is already home (don't you think they send you home way too early from such major surgery?). I'd just ask for your prayers for her recovery, healing and adjustment. I'm sure the next few days and weeks will be slow and painful. Thanks!

The foil dress up at a friend's birthday party - she won 1st prize! Poor Bo - his cone after surgery (at least he wasn't able to escape under the fence!) Bowling with friends over Spring break Bowling - Eric Bowling - Jaelyn Jessica - bowling That's what you get for trying to get the last bit of crumbs from the dog treat box - you get your head stuck! Our newest edition - Diamond the toad!

So, we decided to lower the price on the house in Omaha. The bad news - it's gonna initially hurt when we sell for this amount! The good news - the loss would be about equal to our tax refund (isn't that a coincidence??!!). So, we're hoping and praying that someone will love the house at this ridiculously low price!

I know I'm sounding like a broken record, but I guess I'll say it again anyway! Our real estate agent emailed us this evening asking us if we'd be willing to reduce the price of our house in Omaha. At the current price that it is listed, we'd have to come up with about $4,000 to cover everything. We're just not sure how much more of a hit we can (or want to) take. I really don't want to go back to renting; but I also don't want to take a huge hit financially (we'd have to borrow the money). So, your prayers for clear direction, peace and no worry would be appreciated.

Over the weekend, we had a minor fender bender. We came to a stop at a traffic light that wasn't working and the person behind us, didn't! Everyone was in the car (including one dog). Fortunately everyone was OK. We were dreading (at least I was) the potential outlay of money to repair the van (the damage wasn't bad, but bad enough). If we had to come up with the money, we probably would have let it go for awhile (the double mortgage thing doesn't allow for such luxuries!). We initially called our insurance company and they suggested we call the other person's insurance company directly (that way there's no mark on our record - I can't quite figure that one out since it wasn't our fault, but we weren't going to argue with them). So we called the other company on Saturday and gave them all the information. A local agent called on Monday and the van was taken in today for repair. They provided a rental car as well. I just got a call and the dama...

Eric asked me - "Do I need to wash my hands or can I just let the dogs lick them?"

The potential renters initially wanted us to reduce the rental price. We decided to be firm as the price would allow us to come really close to breaking even if we did decide to rent the place. We prefer to sell and just cut our losses, but we don't want to close any doors. My prayer is for God's protection and for wisdom. Well, God has protected us. The potential renters decided that our price was OK and they still wanted to rent the place. Our property management company did a credit check and found several judgements against them and several collections. Not a good indicator to pay the rent. So, they were turned down. Now, we need a buyer! I have confidence that the right buyer will come at the right time. I don't think I've been doubtful, have I? Last night at church, our pastor preached (yes, he preaches on Wednesday night too!) on James 1. In particular I was struck by verse 6: But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is l...

We got a call today that we have a potential renter for our house in Omaha (they've completed the application). Would you pray for wisdom? We really prefer to sell; but we also don't want to close doors to potential income (or should I say not as much loss!).

Awesome!! We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we can't. Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine, after the rain.... Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall; But God's always ready, to answer your call.... He knows every heartache, sees every tear, a word from His lips,can calm every fear... Your sorrows may linger,throughout the night, But suddenly vanish,dawn's early light... The Savior is waiting, somewhere above, to give you His grace,and send you His love... God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

I know there are worse things in the world (health issues, unsaved people, job loss, etc.), but for us this is our 'thorn'. Our house in Omaha is still on the market (trusting God to sell it in His time). However, we had 3 showings today (Friday) and we have another one on Sunday. I would appreciate any prayers on our behalf that one of these folks is the right buyer and will make an offer. Thanks!

This has been going around on facebook, so I thought I'd post it here as well. I interviewed the kids separately - here are their answers! 1. What is something mom always says to you? Jaelyn - Sunshine Eric - Don't be mean. Jessica - I love you 2. What makes mom happy? Jaelyn - By kissing you Eric - picking up when you say. Jessica - Me, Jaelyn, and Eric 3. What makes mom sad? Jaelyn - Not listening to you. Eric - When I disobey. Jessica - When we get hurt 4. How does your mom make you laugh? Jaelyn - By asking me funny questions. Eric - Make funny faces Jessica - When you are joking to Eric, Jaelyn, and me 5. What was your mom like as a child? Jaelyn - I don't know Eric - Little Jessica - How should I even know that! 6. How old is your mom? Jaelyn - 18 (gotta love that!) Eric - 43 Jessica - 45 7. How tall is your mom? Jaelyn - Taller than me Eric - About 40 inches, maybe? Hang on, more than 40 inches. Jessica - 5 feet 8. What is her favorite thing to do? Jaelyn - Go on th...

I'm still doing some research on this, but from what I can tell and from what I hear, I don't like it. I believe there is talk that Congress wants to adopt this treaty for the U.S. So, do what you will with this information. For more information, you can go here . Ten things you need to know about the structure of the CRC. It is a treaty which creates binding rules of law. It is no mere statement of altruism. Its effect would be binding on American families, courts, and policy-makers. Children of other nations would not be impacted in any direct way by our ratification. The CRC would automatically override almost all American laws on children and families because of our Supremacy Clause. The CRC has some elements that are self-executing, while others would require implementing legislation. Federal courts would have the power to determine which provisions were self-executing. The Courts would have the power to directly enforce the provisions that are self-executing. Congress wo...

Last week in ELO (homeschool coop classes), Jessica did a presentation on Grover Cleveland (they are studying the presidents. She did such a great job; I was so proud of her! Here's a picture of her with the poster she made. Her 'speech' is below! I helped her find facts on the internet and then she picked the ones she wanted to use. Did you know that Grover Cleveland’s first name is really Stephen? Stephen Grover Cleveland is the only American president to serve two non – consecutive terms. He was the 22nd and 24th president. He was the winner of the popular vote for president three times – in 1884, 1888, and 1892. However, he still did not win the presidency. This is due to the fact that his opponent received more Electoral College votes. Cleveland was the only president to be married In the White House and was the first to have a child born there. He had 5 children Ruth, Esther, Marion, Richard, and Francis. Cleveland answered the White House phone personally and he used...