Worth the Wait

This is a real orchid. Richard gave it to me on Valentine's day and it was pretty much done with the beautiful blooms by March 1. I saved the little "sticks" and kept watering it as it sat hidden by the back glass doors. A little shoot has just produced these beautiful flowers! What a reward as I just waited for it's time!

I'm thinking that God can see what He has for us, and so often I just don't want to do the work to maintain myself so I'll be ready. I give up when I don't see immediate results. This flower hasn't bloomed for 5 months! I'm so thankful God doesn't give up on me.

Press

Ryan is featured on the front and inside of this free magazine in the River Valley. It picks him as the 5th best player in our area. His picture inside makes him look like a thug.

You can see a download of the magazine here:
http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=76669 (page 6, Page 22-23)

Back to School

I drove in town last night at exactly 8:20pm, right on time to put Sheridan in bed. I surpirsed her because I love hearing her squeal. Six days is a long time without your mom when you're 8. Long time for me too.

We were all up early this morning and I fixed French Toast. I only cook breakfast about once a week, so it was a good start to the year by those standards. It took no less than 35 minutes to get Sheridan to school today, usually a 12 minute trip. I didn't even walk her in! Ryan, Lauren and Erin go to the High School together because Erin's 1st hour drama class is there. Today Lauren rode with Lexi, but what a treat for me that I only take one to school!

I love my kids. Sometimes I just want to pull them all out of school and study the Bible with them, and take trips, and protect them from the world. However, it's not my calling now and although I am working to insulate them from the world, it's not wise at all for me to isolate them. I pray everyday for them to make wise decisions, to respect those around them and to not miss opportunities to do God's work. I know they'll make lots of mistakes and I hope they know they can come to us with every one of them.

Broken Arrow: take 3

Move in Friday (BA). Wedding Saturday (home). Check In Sunday and Monday (back to BA). PreSale Tuesday. Open Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday night Half Price PreSale. Friday and Saturday Half Price Days. Saturday afternoon sort. Sunday afternoon Pick Up and Move Out. I stayed in a nicer motel than the last three times (Richard negotiated my 7 night stay) and I found a place that makes GREAT smoothies. I also enjoyed my one dinner out at Steak N Shake(drive through of course)...they make the best burgers!!


This sale: 3000 more items than last season. Lots of shoppers, but never enough. I hosted two new franchise owners from Minnesota for the entire week, and my dear friend Ashlea. For the first time in BA I never worried about having enough help! I made new friends, had lots of happy shoppers, and made progress in a town where there is a consignment store on every corner.

I love my job. I love Broken Arrow. However, I missed my husband, my kids and my bed.

Next event: Rhea Lana's of Russellville in 4 weeks.

The Foxes

Becky is one of my dearest friends. She's one of the most loving people I've ever met. She gives more to others than could ever be returned. Life turned upside down for her several years ago as she became single, not by choice. I've never seen anyone so determined to climb out of a pit of sadness, betrayal and hurt as she was. I could hardly ever offer a word of encouragment. It has been an incredibly inspiring blessing for me to be a friend to her as she used God's strength to overcome.

On Saturday, Becky married Ted. I have never been so happy for a friend to receive God's blessing! It's sad for us as we lose our friend and children's minister here, and yet so sweet that she will be loved and taken care of for a lifetime.

Second only to the excitement of Becky and Ted's joining of their lives, was THE CAKE. Made by a dear friend of the bride, it just didn't want to stand. This picture is before the ceremony. When we arrived at the reception a portion (the entire backside) had fallen on the table. Richard and I had the privilege of serving the cake and I'm so thankful that we work well under pressure. Best save ever.

Yep, still hot here

I leave tomorrow for Broken Arrow. 9 days away. So thankful for the ladies who are helping, even some new friends, new owners of Rhea Lana's of Minnetonka, Minnesota. They will be training at my event. I'm excited about our numbers growing these last 24 hours...it's a hot summer, and in Broken Arrow there is a consignment store on every corner! It's a tough market. My goal is to grow every time and keep bringing new folks in. I love working my job, but it's hard to leave. This week is the last week of summer for my kids. Richard has most of the week off, he'll be in charge of last minute swimming and trips. It will be interesting to see if the girls talk him into back to school clothes shopping. I think not.

In other developing news, we showed the house again on Friday and it sounds like they may make an offer. It's exciting to think we could be somewhere new in a few months and waiting on our new FAMILY MEMBERS! I can't imagine the joy to see faces of kids who we get to tell they're going to be with us forever. I bet God loves those moments too.

Sheridan and I memorized this verse last week:

Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart

be pleasing in Your sight,

O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 16:14.

Melt your face off temps

Sheridan and I have been staying inside as much as possible. Erin had cheer practice outside this morning. Ryan had football, and Lauren starts marching tomorrow. Our poor air conditioning unit is trying to keep up. I have it set at 73 right now and it's been blowing most of the afternoon yet it still says it's 78 inside! All our blinds are closed, and the ceiling fans are on. I'm thankful for our home, and more thankful this is the first summer in awhile we haven't had A/C problems.