Hello,

I'm feeling better here... just thought I'd let you know.  I've been working so hard.
Putting stuff away, trying to make sure the kids have what they need, that we are on time, I've hung pictures and planted bulbs, hung up window coverings, put the kids room together, put our room together, found chairs that will finish the living room, organized 65% of the storage things, put away our summer clothes, gone to MOPS, organized the car port, and had Sierra's IEP.  She started speech last week.  The speech pathologist is really good.  I'm thankful that's in place for her.

Peter just handed me a homemade mocha- our expresso machine still works great.  What a garage sale blessing. 

Second hand shopping has become a hobby.  It's like a treasure hunt.  I've found lots of nice things for our home.   It's fun to have a list of things I'd like to finish off a room and then wait to find them, all for $5 or less! :) 

Things on my list:
A small round wooden table for between my two new old fashioned chairs.
A small secratary for my desk in the living room. 
Small paintings
A cool old trunk for storing blankets
A quilt hanger for one totally beautitful red white and blue quilt! ;) Thanks Megan (the gym/game/guest room will be red white and blue)
A small dresser for holding towels in the master bath.


Peter just handed me an omlette--- this man is so wonderful! 

So anyhow, I'm feeling more at home and able to settle in.

How are you?  I miss you!
PS- Halloween marks an anniversary for me... that is when I started dieting.  I've lost and kept off 56 pounds since then and I'm still working on it.

Settlers

Have you ever played the Settlers of Catan? It's a strategy game about choosing your postion on the board, getting resourses based on decisions and probablities of the dice, and gaining property. It is a game that starts with great hope. I find myself thinking of my great choice about where to position my settlements and roads, but all too soon my plans are dashed on the rocks; sometimes they are dashed my other players and sometimes by poor luck.

Not so much different than real life, huh? We start life with such great hopes and then they are changed by reality and sometimes we are dashed on the rocks. Life sucks and then you die....

Yes, this is very discouraging, however true.

This also is just a look from the outside. This season has been one of those dashed on the rocks sort of times. However, I'm enjoying life and have become stronger because of it.

You know what is also stronger? My marriage and friendship with Peter. We are "Settlers of Earth" together and recently it has been no picnic. However, we communicate better and are closer than when we started this dashed on the rock existance.

Settlers of Catan is also a good use of communication. Peter and I are deciding so many things about how to be "Settlers of Earth" together. Sometimes these discussions are just a muddled, angry or emotional mess. Today I tried a new technique.

Real life is so similar to Settlers of Catan, a bunch of decisions, thoughts, strategies and luck. So today when our wonderful discussion about the "what ifs" of our future began, I said, "Let's look at this like Settlers of Catan." This brought on all kinds of successful non-stressful conversations about the strategy that is our life.

It sounded like this:
"If we were playing Settlers, what would be the best use of our resources?" If we were playing Settlers, would this be worth saving resources to buy?" "If we were playing Settlers, how would this current decision effect our next?"

It made our daily battle of "what ifs" much more enjoyable. :)

Next I'll be writing a book, "Your Marriage According to Settlers of Catan." I'm going to make millions... :)

Speaking of writing, I'm working on a children's book. Thanks for all your encouragement here to write something. Because since I'm a Settler Of Earth, I better find a resourceful and possibly lucritive way to spend my time!

Grace

A gift that we don't deserve but that God gives us. While we were YET STILL SINNERS, Christ died for us. WOW... That really makes me think. I always want to earn my way and do it myself.

After watching my kids grow and grandparents struggle, this tendency starts at around 14 months and never stops until we take our last breath. We want to earn it- to do it...

That is just the thing, God's economy is different. The wonder of His grace towards me, and the whole world, is so overwhelming. It's been hitting me like a ton of bricks, but yet with the weight of a feather and the comfort of a down jacket or a cozy fire on a cold day. He just gives it. Thank you Jesus!

Our life has been a picture of that recently... things that we want or need freely given.
GRACE:

Living here- in grandpa's house. It has four bedrooms and has been given to us rent free.

My Den...

My kids, their beds, clothes, dresser, toys...

Weston's birthday present- Tae Kwon Do lessons- he's a yellow belt now


I've always wanted one of these- garage sale $3! :)

King sized bed and inexpensive comforter set from Anna's Linens.

My kids time with family- notice their carseats were too small. I want them in a carseat until they're big- but that means $$$

But then I found the best carseats for them on Craig's list! $50 for Britax- good until 85 pounds!! We call them the thrones! They are huge. My bottom can fit in the seat- that's really saying something!

My garden- see the flowers? Tomatoes are on the way! LOVING CALIFORNIA!


Corn will definitely be knee high by fourth of July!

Did you know gardenia is one of my favorite smells? This is the first one of the year!!!

and look at all those buds.... soon this will be covered with sweet smelling flowers!


Grace all grace.

Some pictures...

Wes caught that fish!

After a meeting in Long Beach we headed down to the beach for a bit of family time

D land with friends. Sierra didn't get the memo- navy only! :)

Splash Mt.

Peter paying for his classes... 3, 2,1 checking account depleted! ha ha