Looking Groovy...Still!

We just returned home last night from a great weekend full of celebrating birthdays in Great Falls, MT. For the last 6 months we have been planning a surprise 60th birthday party for my mom. We, being me, her best friend Dian, and my dad, collectively named KDW Inc. We sent out invitations at the beginning of the month and told everyone to keep it a secret. For the most part she didn't have a clue as to what was going on. We did eventually have to break down and tell her that there was going to be a party, but she had no idea of any of the details. I am pretty impressed that word did not get out to her! A huge shout out to the guests for keeping it a surprise. Anyways, the theme of the party was "Lookin Groovy...Still!" and we decorated the whole room in 60's items, complete with tie dyed shirts and peace earrings for all the event coordinators. I have to admit that I have never worn peace earrings or a tie dyed shirt before this weekend.

In the end, it was a huge success and my mom was moved to tears of joy as she spoke to her guests. We followed that up by a slide show of old pictures and some of her favorite songs. She sure is still "looking groovy" for 60!

The next day we were able to celebrate my nieces 1st birthday. It sure was fun to have family together. The cousins are especially excited to spend time together and always leave asking "When do we get to spend time with them again?".

So, after a whirlwind trip to MT, complete with 2 big birthday parties, 18 hours in the van, one flat tire, one sleepless night with the stomach flu (ugh!), and endless hours spent playing the ninetendo DS we are ready to slow down.

Prayer Needed

When my husband and I were in college we had the incredible privilege of serving the Lord with an organization called Campus Crusade for Christ. During our years with them we got to know the McLeod family very well. Tammy McLeod spend many afternoons mentoring me and became a good friend and trusted sister in Christ. We recently got some hard news from them and thought it would be good to pass it along as I know they would greatly appreciate your prayers.
Their oldest son, Zack, was playing in a football game 2 weeks ago and sustained an injury to his brain. He was air lifted to the hospital and was already in a coma when he arrived. He has undergone 2 surgeries since then. The first of which was to remove the blood clot and the second to relieve the pressure on his brain. Please join with us in praying for this dear family. They are an incredible family and very strong in their walk with God, but they still need to be covered with prayer.
Here is the link to a site where they try to give updates when they can.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/zackmcleod
Thank you so much for your prayers!!!

For Sale By Owner

Well, we finally did it! Today marks a big day in our new adventure of life. The whole day started off like any other day, until I got home this afternoon and sat down to read my emails. I got an email from the local newspaper about the 5:00pm deadline for listing an open house for this weekend. So, I immediately began to work on what I needed the ad to say and found a good picture of the house and sent it off. Then, one thing led to another and I started working on the actual package for selling the house by owner. Before I knew it, I pushed the "confirm purchase" button, and just like that....our house was officially for sale! I have to admit that I was a little bit unprepared for the flood of emotions that quickly swept over me. I have known that this was going to take place now for at least 3 months, but for some reason when I hit that button and all was confirmed it kinda took me back. I am not sure what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn't a joyous feeling. For me, the whole fact that we are moving has been bittersweet. I really do enjoy living in Moses Lake. We have a great church family and church, we have made some life long friends, our kids both attend wonderful Christian schools and we are only a days drive away from family. However, both my husband and I are glad to be moving closer to family. It has been an interesting experience not having them near by. We have had a number of tragedies occur on both sides of our families since we moved here, and each time it brings us back to the fact that nothing can replace a families love.

So, this weekend we are having an open house. It's going to be on Saturday from 1-4 and I am a bit anxious about what to expect. We still need to finish a couple of things on the outside of the house, but the inside just needs a good cleaning. I'll let you know when all's said and done.

As far as family goes, it has been a busy couple of weeks. I left off the last post by venting...and I hope that didn't scare everyone away. I promise that I have it together, at least for the moment! My daughter had her first soccer game, and her first slumber party. She had a blast at both and can't wait for the next ones. It just so happens that she has one more slumber party and soccer game this weekend. She is a busy little girl, but she wouldn't have it any other way. My son, on the other hand, has been enjoying preschool, but it perfectly content with staying at home in the afternoons. He kind of a home body, but I like that. One thing that has been so enjoyable lately, has been the fact that for the first time I have been home in the afternoons when my kiddos get home from school. It's so good to be able to be with them, and talk with them about their day and to help them with homework and piano lessons, and just enjoy being a mom.

I am about to vent...

I am about to vent, so if you don't want to read this I will understand.
I officially had a moment today, in front of who knows who, and I am still sitting here thinking about how mad it made me.

I do understand why we have horns in our cars. There are many good uses for them. They can
1. Warn animals to get out of the road
2. Alert someone who is not paying attention to the stop light that has turned green
3. Warn someone that they may be backing up into your car or something else
4. To say hello to someone passing by

There are may more ways to use your cars horn politely. A simple and short little beep-beep is all that is needed. There are a very few situations where a long loud horn honk is in order, but those are all reserved for emergency purposes only. Why then, do people feel like it is alright to unleash their frustrations by honking at every little thing that makes then upset? It makes me so mad when someone feels like blaring their horn at me or someone else.

Today is a point in case....As I was coming out of a parking lot I was turning onto a street with a stop light at the corner. I made the turn and entered into the line of cars waiting to turn. The lady behind me decided that I didn't have the right to be there so she lays on her horn for about 5 seconds to let me know she is upset. As I am watching her in my rear view mirror she is freaking out yelling at me. Now, seriously, is this a case where it is necessary for this to happen? No! After coming from an incredibly frustrating parent pick up line at my daughters school I was in no mood to be scolded. So, I put the car in park, and calmly got out of my car and walked back to her car to ask her what her problem was. She was yelling at me still until I started walking toward her car and then all of the sudden she got very quiet. The yelling stopped and she ducked her head. Not so brave anymore?? I got back in my car and then all the millions of "I should have said this, or I should have done that's" started going through my mind. Finally, I have come to the conclusion that what I wish I would have done is took her license plate number down (right then and there with her watching me write it down) and then reported her for harassment to the police. It probably wouldn't have come to anything, but at least she would think twice before she freaks with her horn again. UGH! I really do wish that cars did not have horns because 9 times out of 10 they are used in anger and sometimes even rage. It only makes the situation worse. I know...I know.... I should just have probably driven away, but I guess I have this new boldness after I read a speech that Charlton Heston gave. I read it the other day while checking on an erumor that had been sent to me. He was speaking about how we need to start standing up for what is right, and stop being so politically correct. If someone is wrong don't skirt around the issue, stand up for what's right, not for what's politically correct. Here's the link to that page. http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/h/heston-harvard.htm

Well, with that all said, today has been an exceptionally bad day. I am not sure why, but it seems like it has been an all out assault on my emotions and heart. I have had a couple of people upset with me, a couple of people let their anger out on me, and I am having a bummer day. There has to be a light at the end of this days tunnel, right? So, here it is. I resolve to make sure that my emotions are in check before I get behind the wheel of my car, and I resolve to make every effort to not be offended because that is when I sin the most.
There you have it. Now, I am going to end this late afternoon post by saying that I am going to go and read some comfort words from my Lord. I need to curl up in the arms of the one person who will not blare their horn at me, get upset with me for things that were out of my control, and who loves me because I am me....Jesus!

A very "Happy Heart"

Wednesday was my sons first day of preschool. He was so excited to be back with his friends. I don't think he really realized that it was his first day of school until he started getting ready for the day. What a cutie. I absolutely love his teachers and I am so thankful that he is able to learn in a God centered environment. What a blessing! Here are a few pictures of him and his great teachers, Mrs. Swedberg, Mrs. Hake and Mrs. Grogan.

Mrs. Swedberg

Mrs. Hake

Mrs. Grogan