Ready Or Not.................

I was sure when I turned the calendar today it was August 1st. I was sure of it! I got up today, watered my garden and flowers, noticed it was already getting hot by 8:30 am, and knew we were in for another hot day. While I was watering the garden, my dog ran into her kiddie pool and wanted hosed off because she was already hot. Plus, the smoke from fires had settled in quite a bit this morning, and it was hard to breathe. I noticed the grass out front needs mowed and the yellow jackets are still quite plentiful, even after spraying six nests two nights ago. The peas are done, and need pulled out of the garden, and the beans need to be picked. I picked two tomatoes before coming in the house to get ready to head to work. All of the signs seemed to point to an August day. At lunch, I met my hubby and it was quite hot outside, we even had to turn on the air conditioning. Hmm, still seems like August. Somewhere between lunch and leaving work at 4:15, something must have changed. It was still hot out, very hot. The temp in my car read 94 degrees. I decided to make a quick stop at the Dollar Tree on the way home, and that is when I got confused, or entered the twilight zone. I thought Al Gore and his global warming theory must be correct. I walked in the store, and made a left turn to be greeted by an entire wall of Christmas stuff! I just stood there and looked, along with several other people. I believe we all had the same look of disbelief and disgust on our face. Many were making very loud comments about how they couldn't believe they had Christmas stuff out. The man hanging the Christmas decorations on the wall was trying very hard to pretend he didn't see anyone or hear anyone. It seems like it's a race to see who can get their Christmas stuff out first. It's really quite crazy. I love Christmas, but not in August! It seems that everyone is just out to get as much of money out of Christmas as they can, forgetting that the real meaning of Christmas is Christ's birth, not retail hysteria. So prepare yourselves as it seems Tis the Season is upon us. By the way, there's only 144 shopping days until Christmas!

Thought for the Day

"Welcome every morning
with a smile.
Look on the new day as another
special gift from your Creator,
another golden opportunity
to complete what you were
unable to finish yesterday.
Be a self starter.
Let your first hour set the theme
of success and positive
action that is certain to echo
through your entire day.
Today will never happen again.
Don't waste it with a false start
or no start at all.
You were not born to fail."
~Og Mandino

Enjoying Paradise While We Can

It was another hot Sunday, filled with too many yellow jackets and bald faced hornets to go find huckleberries, so mid-afternoon we decided to go for a drive. Earlier in the day, I had mentioned a drive around the small area lakes and along the Coeur d'Alene River and Lake, because we've only done that drive once and we didn't take the time to enjoy it. By the time we got out of here it was almost 4:00 and I told Thane that we didn't have enough time to do the whole drive. He assured me that four and a half hours of daylight would be plenty. We started our lake tour at Rose Lake, well actually we started our lake tour at Radiant Lake in Rathdrum, the new man made lake, equipped with fountains at each end. Somehow, it's just not as impressive to me as a real lake. Back to the drive-it was a beautiful afternoon and the lakes glimmered as the sunshine danced across the water. We drove back a few miles to the lakes that weren't right along the road and enjoyed the peace and quiet in those less populated areas.

We saw so many neat old farms and expansive meadows of gold, and wonder how long they will survive before paradise is paved and housing developments ruin the beautiful area. Next to the one old farm, a new road is punched in and we are sure there will be new homes popped up all over the beautiful rolling meadow next time we take this drive.

Thane found an old mercantile that is for sale and thought it would be a neat investment if we could afford it, but we can't. It is a neat old place and I'm sure it has quite the history since it was built in 1912. Not far from the old mercantile, we saw an osprey on a pole with a fish that was bigger than he was! He looked very full, but was not leaving his prize catch, so he just sat down on top of it to guard it from the gulls below who seemed very interested in his dinner.

We arrived in Harrison at 7:30, and I told Thane I didn't think we were going to get to enjoy the second half of our drive like we did the first, because darkness was quickly approaching. Being ever the optimist, or not wanting to be wrong, he was sure we would get around the lake before dark. We stopped at Bell's Bay, but that was the last stop we made because the sun had set by the time we left and we had quite a drive to go yet, on a very narrow, windy road.

We lost track of how many deer we saw, but enjoyed watching each one. We got to see a hen turkey with seven babies scurry across a field, and later when we came back from Bells Bay, they were walking the old fence while several deer stood in front of them in the old coral. I loved seeing the old farms and buildings and enjoying the beauty all around us. I hope and pray it stays that way, but deep in my heart I know it's only a matter of time until this special section of Idaho is ruined, too, filled up with cookie cutter houses that unlike the homes that proceeded them, have no character or charm. It was a good drive, and I look forward to finishing the second half sometime soon!

Troubles

I haven't been in much of a mood to write anything this week. On top of grieving a friend's death, my husband has kidney stones. One is very large, 9 mm, and is sitting in a not so great location where if it moves just a little, he is in for a fairly major procedure. Of course, there is the chance of kidney damage because the stone is so large. He has two other smaller stones as well. We are waiting for the machine that blows kidney stones up to come back to this area. It seems there is only one machine for the whole Northwest! They told him it's a $6 million dollar machine. I'm thinking at $10,000-$12,000 every time someone gets their kidney stones zapped, they should be able to afford another machine for this side of the Cascades. The machine was here for a very brief stay on Wednesday and they thought they could get him in, but the operating room was too full, so they got his hopes up only to tell him he has to wait until next Friday. He went in to see his doctor last Friday and the machine was here, but they didn't try to get him in to get them zapped, so my poor hubby has been living with these kidney stones for some time now. Needless to say, as his wife, I'm a bit concerned for him. We've been through the kidney stone saga before, but this one is just larger than the previous ones. I also have an aunt who went in for knee surgery and due to complications, is now in ICU. My mind has been pretty consumed with worry, grief, anxiety, and fear this week. I know this isn't what God wants me to be thinking on. If I trust in Him, I should be TRUSTING in Him to do what is right. It may not be to my understanding right now but it will be someday. I'm holding on to hope right now, and trying to turn my worries into prayers. It's not always easy, but I sure feel much more at peace when I'm praying, than when I'm stressing out!

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. ~Psalm 34:17-19


We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

~2 Corinthians 4:8-10


Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. We suffer in the hope that you will be comforted and saved. ~2 Corinthians 1:3-6

How Do We Live?

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination. It is our light more than our darkness which scares us. We ask ourselves - who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous. But honestly, who are you to not be so? You are a child of God, small games do not work in this world. For those around us to feel peace, it is not example to make ourselves small. We were born to express the glory of God that lives in us. It is not in some of us, it is in all of us. While we allow our light to shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same. When we liberate ourselves from our own fears, simply our presence may liberate others.

-- Author:Marianne Williamson in Return to Love: Reflections...

Summer Fun

Adults may teach a child to work hard and fast, but it takes a child to teach an adult how to breathe. --Katalina

Summer is quickly disappearing! We've had lots of fun with our nieces this summer, considering the distance between us. We are putting a paver patio in our backyard and we had just gotten the sand to put down right before their last visit, and they thought we got them a new sandbox and thanked us over and over, as they were so excited to play in the sand. Did I mention the sand was still in the back of the truck?

Our dog is always very happy to have them visit, as well. She has so much fun playing with them, and sleeps for a couple days after they leave.

Three Happy Girls

The delight of a child is contagious.

Race Ya!!

"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."

North Idaho Redneck Sandbox

Take time everyday to do something silly. -- Philipa Walker

Blowing Bubbles

Teach us to delight in the simple things. -- Rudyard Kipling

There is nothing like a child's.......twinkle in his eyes, smile on his face, caress from his hand, hug around your neck, kiss on your cheek.

Sunset Stages

One thing about smoke in the air from all the fires is that it creates beautiful sunsets! These are the stages of the sunset we enjoyed tonight.

The sunrise is God's greeting - the sunset, his signature.

Peace...is seeing a sunset, and knowing who to thank.

For Andy

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times

And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again To see you again
And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now~by Mercy Me

Good bye our dear friend, Andy. We already miss you more than you can imagine. You would have been blown away at all the people who came to say good bye to you today. The church was packed, standing room only! I would guess there were 500-600 people there. You are loved, and you touched so many loves. Everyone talked about how you were so giving, so caring, and always went out of your way to be there for your friends. Many tears were shed, many!

I told Thane tonight that when I grow up, I want to be like Andy. I want to be someone who cares for everyone they meet, who doesn't judge people, who always has a smile, and takes pride in working hard not to win any praise, but just because it's the right thing to do. I want to be a friend to everyone I meet, like Andy. I want to take the adversity in my life and not let it bring me down, but to have it make me stronger. Andy, you are an inspiration to all who have crossed your path and you will be missed so much. We ache with grief, but we know you are with Jesus and we will be together again.

Amazing grace How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now I'm found Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed

My chains are gone

I've been set free

My God, My Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy reigns

Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, My Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow The sun forbear to shine But God, Who called me here below Will be forever mine Will be forever mine You are forever mine

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace


“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. John 3:16-18

Not What I Thought

I thought I would be sharing happy memories about having my nieces, mom, and sister here for two days. I thought I would be talking about how my 4 year old niece spent the night here for the first time by herself and the great time we had. I thought I would be talking about how she slept through one of the worst storms we've had in a long time, that lasted from 11 pm to 4 am, with wicked lightening, winds, thunder, hail, and torential rains. Yes, she slept through it, but I didn't, and neither did our dog. My hubby slept through parts of it, but he's also battling kidney stones, again, so he was up and down throughout the night, plus he's on his pain pills so he was kind of not completely here to begin with. I thought those would be the subjects on my mind today, and they were until part way through the day when I was sitting at my parents home and the phone rang. Mom answered the phone and a very strange look came over her face, as she was looking right at me. I knew someone had died by the expression. After nearly forty years, I know my mom's face well. She kept talking, listening, and looking at me, and then told the person at the other end that I was actually up for the day and sitting there, because I had brought my niece home, and she would pass the news along to me. I had names flashing through my head as to who it might be. I never thought it would be the name of our friend who was in his mid-20's. First shock, then extreme sadness and unstoppable tears hit me. What? Why? How? Wait...I'm asleep and I will wake up soon, right??? .............. right????...........I'm still waiting to wake up.

Last night when we got home from playing at the park, I was going to check our home phone voice mail, but kept getting sidetracked by a sweet, energetic 4 year old, which was much more important to me anyway. I thought that no one ever calls our home number but sales people anyway, and if someone needed something they would call our cell numbers. I found out today that there were two messages on there about the death of our dear friend. He died at KMC, and his family wanted us to know. We could have gone and sat with them at least, but evidently God wanted us to have a good evening with our niece, because I know that there were three times I actually had my hand on the phone to check the messages and every time, a distraction of some kind kept popping up. I even thought of it during the night as I couldn't sleep but couldn't reach the phone without waking up Lizzie. I am glad that our evening with her was not spoiled. I do feel a bit guilty for not being there, though. I am still sitting here in disbelief, hoping to wake up from this nightmare.

Andy was one of those people who left footprints on your heart. He was kind, caring, helpful, honest, a hard worker, respectful, a person of his word, someone who made a difference in his corner of the world, who stood up against the odds and kept trying instead of giving up through the challenges that were put before him. We were just talking about him a week ago, and saying we needed to get in touch with him because we hadn't seen him much since we moved, and we needed to catch up. Tonight, we wish we would have made the call. Once again, when God puts someone on your mind, don't ignore it, call them, go see them, contact them someway because now our chance to do that is gone. Life is very unpredictable, and very short.

God knows why he took Andy so early on in his life. The rest of us are left to process it and continue to wonder why. Someday it will be revealed, but in the meantime, we grieve and miss a dear friend.

On my hour ride home today, I did a lot of remembering and crying. This song came on when I was close to home:

When I Get Where I'm Going by Geoff Moore

When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly
I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

Yeah, when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah, when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here

I'm gonna walk with my granddaddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I've missed him
Every minute since he left

So much pain and so much darkness
This world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do

But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of His amazing grace

Brandon

Today~ Well I have great news! Brandons right leg grew! The bone has doubled in length! This growth is what he needed. Now this will allow him to receive a leg like his left.The bone growth has confounded the doctors, but not me. I know the faith of the prayer warriors that surround Brandon! God Is Good! With a heart of gratitude Thank You for your prayers. Please don't stop.
In Christ Doug


From Monday-Brandon will be casted for his right leg in the next day! I was able to watch him walk today for the first time. He does well with it. We look forward to the next week to see him walk on two legs. Pray for his strength and endurance.

In Christ Doug

Laughing at Myself

Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can. ~Elsa Maxwell


Yesterday morning, I got up, watered the garden and flowers, and then I went to work for a little while. After I sent out the mass mailer from work, I decided to run to Coeur d'Alene to get a few things at Michael's and Pilgrim's. My nice carpi's all need washed so I threw on a pair from last year. I thought they looked really faded, but oh well, they were okay, I just need to replace them soon because they are pretty worn out. When I arrived at Pilgrim's, they had big, beautiful beefsteak tomatoes that are grown in Sandpoint. They were very ripe and looked delicious! I was picking out tomatoes and chatting with a gal, and I bumped an onion off the counter with my arm, so stooped down to pick it up and I heard a rip sound, but it wasn't a big rip sound, so I thought it was just a seam kind of pulling. I figured my pants could not have ripped much, because they are pretty baggy. I hurried along and got an onion or two, then headed down an aisle, trying to be inconspicuous but kind of trying to check my carpi's. I didn't feel a rip, so kept shopping. The store is packed with people. I shop at Pilgrim's a lot and this is the most I've ever seen in the store! I thought, wow, they are really getting popular. I went up another aisle, and down another, packing things into my cart, and then stopped in a corner to see if things were okay with my carpi's because things just felt weird back there. I felt a small hole, so went to the bathroom. OH MY GOSH! It ripped from where the all the inseams come together, all the way up to my waist. I had on blue carpi's and red underwear!! I had a shirt on that came just below the waist. I was mortified, to say the least. What was I going to do??? Stay in the bathroom, call Thane and have him bring me something else to wear, and refuse to allow anyone else in the bathroom for the next hour until he could get there? What if I just stayed in there until they closed?? Yes, that could work, but they probably had a key and would open the door and make me come out. What should I do? I have a basket full of groceries, the store is overflowing with people, and I have a serious problem!! I just wanted to crawl in a hole, or run out the door with my tail between my legs. Gee, if I would have had a tail, it would have covered part of the rip anyway! I decide to just make quick strides to the check out and leave. I became creative at walking sideways, walking against my cart, and trying to walk backwards without anyone really noticing that I was acting strange. The check stands never seemed so far away! ....SO MANY PEOPLE!! Of course, the only check stand open is the front one!! I kept trying to pull my shirt down as much as I could, wishing the gal checking out my groceries would really, really hurry! Then came the challenge of getting out the door and walking WAY across the parking lot to my car. Of course, I had parked out by the street, so when I had to climb in my Suburban, I was facing the giant plate glass windows! Lovely. I was so glad, yet so utterly embarrassed, to get in my car and drive home! When I got home I discovered the rip was even worse than I thought. The material was so thin, I think just moving in them made them rip! My family all found incredible humor in my pain. I find that I have to find a new place to shop now, because unless I dye my hair black and give myself a new hair do, I know I can't go back there for awhile!

You grow up on the day you have your first real laugh, at yourself. Ethel Barrymore