My to-do list keeps getting longer

Buy Christmas Gifts

Figure out what to get people for Christmas first

Make vanilla bean scones (Friday)

Pay bills

Get stuff done at work

Memorize verses

Order Christmas Cards!

Read Bible

Go to the bank

Prepare for Bible Studies

Normal, everyday chores and cooking

Oh yeah, pack the house

Continue working on the Christmas Program at Church

Buy Israel Tickets

Work out

Buy travel insurance?

Make a doctor's appointment

Find out big news on Wednesday

Kiss Hubs

Play with Ransom

Love on our friends

Pray

Take truck to get worked on (next Friday)

Stop biting my lips (bad habit)

Buy dog food

Providence

"God's providence is His constant care for and His absolute rule over all His creation for His own glory and the good of His people."

Jerry Bridges

Months ago, our friends moved to Dallas. Their house has been for sale ever since. It was supposed to sell on November 15.

On November 16, a court summons was being stamped. It was made out to John Doe (tenant) and Mary Doe (tenant). 

Last Tuesday, I went to the Y after work. I got home around 4:15 and noticed there was a rolled paper in our door. I took Ransom outside, got the mail, and then went to grab what I thought was junk in our door. The rolled up paper was actually a court summons. And the details of the summons made it clear that our house (which we rent) is in the process of being foreclosed. I chuckled, not because I found this funny, but because it was unbelievable.

I remembered an email that I received from our friends. The selling of their house did not go through and they were going to rent it out. Calmly, I texted to see if it had been rented yet. It hadn't. And although we were not being evicted and although it may take months for this all to go through, we thought it better to move into an open home now than when we only had 30 days notice. 

The past 6 days has been filled with twists and turns and lots of new developments and details and hoops. And today we are still not sure how everything will work out, but we do know this: God is working all to His glory and to the good of His people, even something as small as a home to rent. He knew we would have this need, and He was preparing a house to meet our needs. 

We are praising God. He loves us so much!

Christmas Card Out-takes 2010

I was going to share some funny pictures of our Christmas Card photo experience. Last year, it was a challenge.


But this year, we got the shot on the first take. So, I have nothing to share except this nasty picture of Ransom and I.

In other current events...

My parents are camping on a beach in southern Texas. They will be eating Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Gulf. It's 75 degrees and there are porpoises in the water. Doesn't sound too bad.

My brothers and sister-in-law are in West Virginia hanging out and celebrating Thanksgiving there. I'm so happy they are together for the holiday.

I am getting Black Friday coupons and emails by the hour. Normally, this would excite me because they are from my favorite stores and they are great deals. However, for the month of November I am not buying one item for myself (besides the basic hygiene essentials). One reason is because I splurged a lot in September and October and buying things for myself has become second nature. I need to be more self-controlled in the shopping area. I knew Black Friday and Cyber Monday would tempt me, which is why I chose November. So, this Friday I will be shopping completely for Christmas gifts!

Yesterday, we received an interesting notice in our front door. God is in control and we will see where it leads. (More details to come when I get them)

And in 1 week from today Hubs and I will learn some exciting news!! You'll have to wait to hear what it is...

Walmart: A place to ruin joy

Rarely do I shop at Walmart. Not necessarily because I have a particular vendetta against the place, but because I don't feel like it is worth the trip. And after today's trip, I am once again drawn to the same conclusion.

It began as I drove into the parking lot. I took the first spot I came to. Of course there was a cart trapped between my car and another from the lazy, selfish person who had just pulled out of the spot. I grab the cart to take it inside so that cars are not needlessly banged up by other's lack of respect for mankind. To make it even worse, as I am walking towards the store a man takes his cart and doesn't just place it near someone's car; no, he gives it a small shove in the general direction and walks away, disregarding where the cart actually ends up. I work on grabbing his cart, too; mainly out of anger. Then I start walking with two carts towards the store. This same man nearly runs me over trying to get around me and his cart. This is all that was necessary to ruin the trip. Honestly, just take a short trip to Walmart to remind you how utterly depraved mankind is and how desperately we need a Savior. And I was reminded of this before I even stepped into the store.

(If you are one of these lazy people who can't seem to return your carts to the proper spot, please think on this. I cannot think of a valid excuse, besides an armed gunman chasing you, for not returning your cart. Nothing in your life can be so important that you can't take 2 extra minutes - if that - to be a responsible shopper and human.)

I drop the carts off, because I didn't actually need one, and start looking for my items. The store is packed with people buying things they don't need, which is another reason I don't like shopping there. I ALWAYS end up with items that aren't needed, but are so cheap that I buy them. And our Walmart seems to have a wider selection of food items, which means I end up buying "new" pre-packaged things that weren't on my list and aren't any good for me. Anyway, I gather the few items I need (including two fleece throws for only $5 - cheap toys for Ransom.)

The fellow customers aren't necessariliy happy either. I mean, don't get in their way. Because you may just cramp their style. And its all about them, you know.

By the checkout lines I am hot (temperature-wise), which makes my crabbyness sky-rocket to new levels. Walmart was partially redeemed by a very friendly cashier, but my mood was already set. And then, she put my 5 items in 3 different plastic bags, when I would have preferred everything to be smushed into 1. I hastily re-sacked them and threw the wasted bags into the recycle bin, you know, to prove a point.

I got in my car and rolled down the windows to cool off. Then, I got a grip on my attitude and realized I act no different than the people that I let irritate me. Keeping it inside didn't hide it from God. Sickened, I confessed my lack of love for others.

All that said, it might be a while before I go back.

Top Ten Favorite Smells

I am so thankful for the sense of smell. Without thinking, we go throughout our days breathing in aromas. They warn us of danger, make our stomachs growl, and even bring back memories. These are just a few of the smells I love.

1.  My Hubs' deodorant. It means comfort, love, protection and home. There is no where I would rather be than in my husband's embrace.

2.  Wood burning. Whether a fireplace or a bonfire, the smell of wood burning just brings a sense of calm and warmth. I usually take deep breaths to inhale that woodsy goodness.

3.  The ocean. That salty air smell of course takes me back to O'ahu and our time there. It makes me relax and enjoy the peaceful breeze.

4.  Grey Flannel Cologne. Reminds me of my parents, mainly my dad, but really I can't think of one parent without the other because each is so connected to the other. It reminds me of them and how much I love them.

5.  Coffee. Coffee takes me to so many places - including Pop-pop's truck, days of homework and studying, and friends. Especially the smell of coffee and cardboard mixed together. The smell of coffee compels me to drink a cup and discuss the issues of my life with someone I love.

6.  Books. You know the smell of Barnes and Noble or the smell of a public library? Either of those smells reminds me of my love of words and the amazing talent of those who express themselves by writing. Whether opinions, or thoughts, or history, or fiction that takes you to another world - I love it all.

7.  Tobacco. The smell of hugging my grandpa-in-law in a giant bear hug where I completely disappear in his embrace. It reminds of this man currently residing in Heaven, whom I anticipate seeing someday soon.

8.  Pumpkin Pie. Another smell of fall, which I love. Pumpkin pie is a staple of the holiday season and makes me think of family, laughter, and fun.

9.  Frazier Fir. Ah, the smell of pine needles and sap. Makes me dream of the forest and the complete encasement of one's self by trees.

10.  Warm Vanilla Sugar by Bath & Body Works. The lotion I took to Italy in 2001 and anytime I smell that scent, I immediately think and pray of those missionaries and the people they minister to in Venice.

False Advertising

I'm not much of a vitamin-taker. It's not that I don't think I should take them, it is just that I never remember to take them. And when I do remember, I still don't do it because I hate the taste of the pill.

But then I found adult gummy vitamins; and now, I rarely miss taking my vitamin. It's really very fun to squish them in my mouth, and they don't taste bad at all. Hubs even started taking them. And then he asked me if I had read the directions.

Of course not. They are one-a-day multivitamins!

But after reading the instructions, I realized that the label wasn't actually correct...

Even though they are "one daily" vitamins, you are actually supposed to take 2. Does that make any sense? No, it just makes the vitamins cost 2x more. I even checked the name brand gummies and they also direct you to take 2 gummies.

I should be more upset, but this just means I get to eat and extra gummy each morning!

What he said about my boots...

I love showing Hubs all that I got from my shopping trip. So, as I went through my birthday items, I was excitedly showing him all the fun buys. He was mildly enthusiastic about them. And then, I got to these boots:

I was very excited about them; and I asked what Hubs thought.

"Now those, I don't like at all," he said.

I was just a little put out, but it didn't really damper my mood.

Then he said, "You need to circumcise those things."

And then, we all were speechless. I didn't explain that they were cuffs. I didn't try to reason with him about their cuteness. There was nothing to say after that comment.

And now, I will forever think of these as my "uncircumcised boots."

Low Key

I hung out with my parents and extended family this weekend for my birthday. A first in the past six years. It was very low key. I went to church, read, did some shopping, drank some coffee, and just vegged. And I'm not complaining since the past month has been such a whirlwind. It was nice to take it easy.

I did get to have a couple of birthday meals, though. Hubs loves to ask our waiter or waitress how old they think I am. At our first meal, our waiter thought I was 18. Not surprising.

Our second waitress thought about it for a while. She guessed 20, which I think she thought was older than I was. Then she brings out all the employees. I can handle being sung to, but that was not the case. She also brought out a wooden contraption with a saddle on it. Then invited me to sit on it, wave a napkin over my head and yell, "Yee-haw!"

The options were to be a poor sport/kill joy and decline the offer to sit on the pretend horse, thus embarrassing myself and the waitress further than what was needed. Or, do just have some fun and get out on the fake horse.

Here's what I did (fuzzy because taken on cell phones)...

What's a birthday without a little excitement?