Unfortunately, I don't have a picture. Well, I think I have one *somewhere* probably on a disk. When I get a free moment or so, I'll look through my library of disks and find one. I guarantee it'll be about a year old...but, adults don't change that much, so it's not that big of deal.

Actually, I'm 28, so I'm right in between all of your kids I don't mind talking to people older than myself, just like I don't mind talking to people younger. The 'Net is wonderful for getting to know people of all ages (and from all over the world!).

Yup, I've only been married for 7 years, so my husband and I are just starting on our marriage journey. I look forward to growing old with him, though. Sounds sappy, but since both his mom and my mom have been married multiple times (and we both have half/steps siblings) we both took divorce out of the equation when we got married. I think too often people think 'Well, if this doesn't work out, there's always divorce.' Danny and I don't feel that way. Sure, with the BIG stuff, like abuse and infidelity, we support divorce...BUT we both respect each other to where we won't let that happen.

My husband and I are finding ourselves on our own island. Not because we WANT to be there, but because friends and family are non-believers and don't understand our way of life. Blessfully, I work with Christians where I work and my husband works with Christians, as well. Granted, they are what I call casual Christians...but at least my husband and I can talk about God and not get fussed at.

We just got done with Jeanne. God has been gracious. We lost power last night for about 15 minutes, but our house is still in tact. Many people, as I'm sure you saw on the news, aren't that lucky. My prayers continue to be with them.

This should give you a bit to chew on. Look forward to talking to you soon.

Good Heavens, Charlotte! You have been through a lot, haven't you? Did you and your DH have it delievered or did you hook it up yourself? My husband delivers and sets up furniture for a rent to own place and I told him aboutcha. He said he couldn't understand why that would happen, unless the wrong cord was attached...say a dryer cord to a stove. Just an idea. Was it still under warranty? (not that it really matters, I guess. Warranty or not, your kitchen is still ruined )

Do you know how God lets bad things happen and turns them into good? Well, I've been affirmed that recently. We've recently been downgraded from a 3 bedroom house to a 2 bedroom single-wide (that's right, we're fighting these hurricanes in a trailer ) But it's turned out to be a blessing, even though my kids share a room. Sure, the place is MUCH smaller, but bills are easier to manage and that makes stress a lot less. (Incidently, it wasn't until my husband became a Christian that he and I started handling stress well. Before, it was yell, yell, yell So rest assured, through your troubles, you will be blessed

I actually am off work today. So is DH. This is the second day we've been together sans children. The first time was before I was working and we just looked at each other because it was so different to be around each other without the kids demanding our attention. So, needless to say, I am very much looking forward to today.

Don't sweat not getting around to replying to my posts right away. I understand that you do have a life outside your computer--just like me Yesterday was pretty hectic for me! I got off work, went to go get an application from my church (they are hiring a part time secretary--Mon thru Fri from 9 am to 1 pm--and at $8 an hour--AND I can talk about God all I want!) After that, I came home, waited for my son to get off the bus, went and got my daughter, then we had to go to the store and the library. By the time we got home, I didn't have time to go to the Christian book store to pick up the devotionals for the kids. And then it was time to get my husband from work--and I hadn't even made dinner yet!

I wonder if sometimes we're just busy being busy and not really being productive?

Can't chat too long this am. I have to take DH and DD to work/school, respectively. I'll be back before I go to work and give ya more info.

OK, so I didn't get back here after I dropped them off, but I'm here now!

Oh, what a day it's been! But first, to answer your question, I have a boy who is 6 and a girl who is 3. The place we're living now won't suit us for much longer, but right now the kids get along just fine (well, as fine as siblings usually get along! )

Work was unbelievably--weird--today. I could use your prayers. I found out today that my manager was fired for stealing money. As if that weren't bad enough, she was buying drugs with that money! The woman who usually opens will be putting in her two week notice which only leaves me to work the day shift. *sigh*

It's just pretty wild right now. Stressful even. I'm not sure if God is telling me that I need to get out of there now--hence the job at the church opening up--or what. I will pray more on it and ask Him to guide me.

And *just* to put icing on MY cake, I get a call at work from my son's school. Seems he asked a classmate for her ice cream money to show her a trick. Well, the money 'disappeared' but never REAppeared. That is until he bought ice cream for HIMSELF!

Needless to say I had to go down to the school and replace this poor girl's money. As far as what punishment I'm going to give my son, I have no idea. My husband and I will talk and pray about it tonight.

So, that was my day! How was yours?

Hello friend,

Sorry it's been so long, but I've had major pc problems. It's working good now, though.

You poor dear. I know you didn't want to go to school with your son. Got to admit, it was just a little cute, though. Did the little girl really think it disappeared?

You're going through a lot a work. I'm so sorry. I'm still praying for you. Maybe, by now, you know something about that other job, & will have good news for me.

I have to take Remicade Intravenous treatments for my RA. Had one today. I'm sensitive to it, which is dangerous....so they give me a lot of Benadryl, Zertec, etc during the 2-3 hrs. So......I've got to go sleep the rest of the day away. I'll talk to you later. Hope you have a good week.

Oh dear. Allergic to the treatment. You poor thing. Thanks for the prayers

I'm sorry you've been having pc problems. That stinks!

I have an interview at the church this Wednesday at 9:30. I'll let you know how it goes.

I went to the interview. It lasted 20 minutes. It was more of a preliminary interview type of thing. I feel pretty good about it. We closed in prayer and the pastor asked God for guidance in choosing the right person for the job. So it's in God's hands...literally. And I pray that I get the job...but I also pray for God's will to be done. Because this isn't just a job--this is at MY church and I care about it's welfare.

You did the right thing, my friend. You have a good attitude about the job. If you don't get this job, then, God has other, & better plans, I'm sure.

Sorry, I've been off awhile. I've had trouble logging in. Then, when I could log in, & read, yesterday....I couldn't reply! Weird........

I was able to read the posts, though. So, I prayed for you.

The weather is rainy, & going to be that way for a few days, looks like. At least it's not like when Ivan came through! We ARE having very chilly nights & mornings now. I dread winter. I never have liked it, but now that I'm old it makes my bones hurt!

If I'm slow about posting for awhile, I'm either having trouble getting in here or I'm working on a project for my children for Christmas. They love looking at the picture albums of our years as a family when they were young. I'm making them all an album with lots, & lots of pictures. They will have pics of mom & dad before & after marriage. Our family life, & then...all their family lives. I thought it would be good, too, in case any of us had another fire. Some of us would have copies of pictures. I came very close to losing them. Was lucky they weren't in the storage building. See....I'm blessed.
So far, looks like this project will get the best of me! They better appreciate this.

Well, gotta go. Have a great weekend. Be sure to let me know how the job goes, as soon as you know.

I have my front door open because I can't open my windows! It's very mild outside today...Tropical Storm Matthew is heading this way though. I continue to keep FL in my prayers...they have sure been through a lot!

The Christmas projects sound awesome! I'm just trudging through--day after day. Perhaps if I put my focus on something other than tomorrow (and what bills have to be paid), I'd look forward to things?

Rest easy on the cold days ahead, friend.

I hope this Tuesday morning finds you well!

No, I haven't heard anything yet. I'm trying really hard to keep it in God's hands (ever notice how hard that is sometimes?) Work is settling some. I actually pulled 27 hrs this past paycheck--praise God! Of course, with that money and the money DH gets on Thursday, we have a mountain of bills to pay (as usual). *sigh* I just trudge through. Although, I get the funny feeling that I don't have all I want because I don't ask. But to be honest, sometimes I think the things I want (meaning those things after a roof over my head and food in my belly) seem frivolous. But yet we are to pray without ceasing for what we want. *sigh* Can you tell I'm new in my walk? I've never walked *this close* to the Father and it's new to me. Add that to the fact that I have taken over the role as Spiritual Leader of my family until my husband feels comfortable resuming the role (which he has assured me that he will when he's ready. I'm just praying that God will give him that gentle *kick*--even if it is stepping out of his comfort zone).

I have a praise to share with you!

My children and my husband are getting baptised this weekend! Not only that, but my step-dad (my mom's ex-husband, really) and my brother will be spending the weekend with us! I just saw my brother in August, but haven't seen my dad since June of LAST year. It'll be great to spend a little time with them--and such a wonderful way, too!

My children are doing very well.

DJ, my oldest (he'll be having a birthday--his 7th--on November 7th). This past week, I attended a ceremony. He received a Terrific Kid award. (An award to recognize children going above and beyond either personally--improving a grade--or communally--helping out a friend in need). Not only that, but he won a certificate for a Fire Saftey Poster Contest. I haven't seen it. I think it went state. It could win--but even if it doesn't, it's a great *high* for my DJ.

Lynne, she just turned 3 in August is doing very well, too. Her Sunday School Teacher subs in her preschool class during the week. She just loves her to death (the feeling is mutal!). It's amazing the changes that I've seen in my daughter since school started in August. I'm not sure if I told you or not, but my daughter is speech delayed. Before she started preschool, she was in a speech program but graduated when she turned 3. She was tested and qualified for speech sessions through the public school system. A teacher comes twice a week, for 30 minutes each session and works with Lynne (as well as four other children). Lynne is really close to her as well.

Working with preschool children certainly has it's challenges...but nowhere are you more loved. As you know with your children (and your 11 grandchildren), children give their all into a moment. Their tempers are fiery, but they love just a fiercely. I really enjoyed working with Lynne's Vacation Bible School class this past summer. (I helped because at that time, Lynne was very unsure about 'leaving mommy'). God taught me how wonderful (and challenging) children could be.

But like all things in God's world, the challenging stuff is often the most rewarding.

I pray that God blesses you this week, and always.

In Christ,
Iva