It's a Bubble Bath Day...

Peppy shoots...and scores!

2012-01-23T21:53:00.001-06:00

We had fun tonight watching Erin do her thing at the junior high ball game. The funniest thing was when she went out to the shoot-around during half time of the girls game. She's friends with EVERYBODY so the boys kept feeding her balls at the freethrow line. So funny...she made some! I wish I had as much confidence as she has in just her pinky! She has fun doing anything!

painting project

2012-01-15T21:38:00.000-06:00

The first purchase of Toms I ever made were for Sheridan. They were a treat for working so hard during one of my events and we choose the shiny silver fabric. I was hugely dissappointed as the fabric tore at the toes not long after she had them. I trimmed them a few times, but they really didn't look good and since I had tried to clip and fix them, I didn't pursue returning them. She received some new Toms for Christmas so we decided to do something fun with the Toms that we weren't wearing. She chose the splatter look, not sure if she'll wear them, but we had a good time on a particularly mild winter day!

Loving our Lexi

2012-01-14T21:32:00.001-06:00

Lexi is a special friend to our family. She hangs out at our house a lot, eats meals with us, spends time with Lauren, and laughs with us! She's a beautiful girl inside and out and we were happy to cheer for her at Homecoming.

SPIRIT WEEK

2012-01-13T16:36:00.000-06:00

Our family isn't one for dressing up much...I don't mean fancy, I mean costumes. BUT, it seems every homecoming/spirit week my kids get the urge to dress up. Sometimes they decide about 10:00pm the night before. Last week, Ryan and Lauren worked together for Twin Day and Dream Job Day.

When they told me about twin day, I thought that was so "cute" they would dress up in our family summer t-shirts, or in red shirts, or whatever. What I didn't know was...they decided to dress like thugs. I think they said "rappers" but really...they looked like thugs to me.

Now, I was more impressed on Dream Job Day that instead of dressing like Professional Football Players they choose FBI agents. They accessorized with a briefcase, walkie talkies and shades. And some day, if Ryan realizes this dream job, I'll probably have to take this picture off the world wide web.

COTTON BOWL 1/7/12

2012-01-10T17:33:00.001-06:00

January 7th! Ryan's birthday present from Richard and I...a wonderful weekend with his dad at the biggest Razorback game of the year in Dallas! Friday morning....Richard and Ryan make it to the Big D via a stop in Stillwater, where Richard had a church job on Thursday night.

Not many people have tickets for sale in the early hours of the morning. Game time is 7pm, but they know that Arkansas fans will be coming in droves to get to the game and tickets will surely be available. Around noon they buy tickets and for some reason Richard has them checked out at the will call window and they confirm his idea that they are counterfeit! For the next two hours they give a complete description to security, give their phone number to the police, and look all over for the guys who sold the tickets. They appeared to have disappeared, even though one of the policemen recognized their description and had seen them before. Richard headed over to the WM across the street to get cash (they were running short, after losing $200) and on his way over, spotted the ticket sellers, who had changed clothes. Richard calls the security agents, Ryan goes over to get the closest policeman, and they surround the guys. The chance that they were going to get their money back was slim. Even if they caught the guys, they could always deny selling them tickets.

Well, evidently, with 5 security guys and one policeman present, Richard got in the seller's face, and asked for his money. After a few minutes of denial, the guy opened his wallet and gave him his money back! Ryan had described a cross necklace guy #2 had on, and he had it on under a t-shirt. Richard and Ryan left the bad guys with the security detail and headed to the car to settle down until closer to game time.

This is about the time I got their call and Ryan was feeling kind of like SUPERMAN! He was so excited after "taking down the bad guys" he told his dad..."We should buy some more and go after some more scammers!" This pretty much nailed down his desire to go for a FBI job.

Short story: One of his high school friends was working at an AT&T booth and offered Richard a FREE ticket and then they bought another single. Richard traded the single for something closer to the good ticket and Ryan and Richard sat one section from each other in a SOLD OUT ball game!
NOT ONLY THAT, but Richard was sitting beside a KState fan who was by himself and offered to change seats with Ryan so they could sit together. OH YEAH...on the 45 yard line in the club seats on the third level.

That wasn't even the BEST PART: The Hogs won 29-16!

A fabulous weekend for my two fabulous guys!

Quote of the day

2012-01-05T17:03:00.001-06:00

It's unseasonably warm here and Sheridan and I have been playing outside a little bit each day after school. Today she said she wished I had a bike. I haven't had a bike for 30 years, however I jumped on Ryan's and began to pedal down the driveway. Sheridan says,

" MOM! I didn't know you knew how to ride a bike!"

I spent the rest of the time "racing" (I use this term loosely) her to the neighbors and I was "cool" (I use this term loosely) for about 10 minutes.

Books I read in 2012

2012-01-01T18:48:00.002-06:00

A Case for Love*****, Kaye Dacus
Cool Beans******, Erynn Mangum (re-read)

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T15:46:00.000-06:00

Books I've Read in 2011

2011-12-31T23:55:00.000-06:00

Love Remains*****

Yuletide Hearts*****

The Doctor's Perfect Match****

Seaside Reunion*****

Longing******

distant heart****

The Inheritance******

From This Day Forward*****

Tides of Hope****

Apprentice Father****

English Ivy*****

Rainbow's End ****

The Unexpected Gift ***

The Best Gift ***

How Do I Love Thee? ***

Love on a Dime*****

Fools Rush In*****

The Affectionate Adversary ****

In Harm's Way ******

An Eye for an Eye *****

Against All Odds *****

Megan's Promise***

Leaving****

Dining with Joy****

Sommerfeld Trilogy****

Sweet Caroline****

The Duet***

Courting Miss Ames****

The Glory of Green****

Goodness Gracious Green****

Gone to Green***

Leaving*****

When All My Dreams Come True****

Softly and Tenderly*****

The Celebrity****

The Middle Mom******

Minnesota Mysteries***

Invisible***

In Search of Eden*****

Unlocked*****

Bittersweet****

Don't Waste Your Life*****

A Place to Belong***

An Undivided Heart***

Round the Corner***

The Sister Circle***

Someone to Belong To***

Looking For You All My Life***

Everything I Long For***

A Place to Come Home to***

Love Returns to the Valley****

Invisible***

Year at a Glance

2011-12-31T22:17:00.000-06:00

2011 TOP TEN LISTS:

(in no particular order)

RICHARD:
Sheridan's baptism!!!
Changing jobs (twice)
Anniversary trip with the family to Dallas to watch HOGS vs Aggies
Sugar Bowl trip with Gramps and Ryan
Becky's wedding
Senior Night
Mom's RL events
Thanksgiving with the Boogaarts
Christmas with the Rogers
Kids Activities (coaching Sheridan's soccer, Erin's volleyball and Peppy, Lauren's trumpet solo and soccer, Ryan's All-State tri-fecta)

JENNIFER:
Believing God Bible study
Watching Ryan and Lauren at Senior high football games
Going to Hawaii for a second time
Lauren passing her drivers test
Erin being Peppy all year!
Sheridan's heart change
HOGS game in Dallas vs Texas A & M
Making the family quilt
Richard's new job
Becky's Wedding (singing and cake serving)

RYAN:
Sugar Bowl
Football/Baseball season
Mission Arlington
Summer Baseball
Falls Creek Summer Camp
College Trips to Princeton/Baylor
Watching the HOGS at Cowboys Stadium
Madrigal Feast
Trip to Wisconsin
LAUREN:
All Region Band: 2nd band/7th chair
Kansas City: Band Trip
Mission Arlington/Falls Creek
Band Camp
Lock-in: Church of Christ
Razorback Game/Cowboys Stadium
Solo in Halftime Show
President's Cup w/Hurricanes/Panther soccer (All-Conference)
Wisconsin!
16th Birthday/getting my license
ERIN:
Falls Creek summer camp
Mission Arlington
All-Region Choir (3rd chair)
Swimming - Sea Dragons and CHS
Winter Jam
D-Now - Mission Impossible
Making the cheer squad
New friends : JJ, RG, SB, BV
Silver Dollar City
VBS: Pandamanaia! :)

SHERIDAN:
When I accepted Christ
Silver Dollar City
Skiing in Wisconsin
Going to the Alma Water Park with LM, Lauren, and Dad this summer
Pandamania
Making things with Mom in the kitchen
My really nice teacher and friends
Quoting 'Taco Bano'
Dad baptizing me
Watching all my brother's and sister's ballgames and swim meets

Christmas in Wisconsin

2011-12-30T13:47:00.000-06:00

Home of the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers, and cheese. Gramps and Mimi treated the WHOLE Rogers clan to a WEEK in the fun-filled Wisconsin Dells (Water Park Capitol of the World). We thought we were just going to ski, but the Dells are FULL of fun things for everyone in the family. Eleven grandchildren ranging in age from 22-2 found skiing, swimming, and amusements to pack into a full 5 days. My kids loved being with their cousins, in fact, Sheridan's highlight was dinner time each night: "When we got to see everyone in the same place and visit." How about that?

I'll be honest: I married into a glamorous family full of beautiful ladies and smart people and I often feel very frumpy and dull around them. It was also hard for me to share my kiddos with cousins all day and sometimes into the night, right in the middle of the holidays! I have so much to be thankful for, and I really had to work during the week to keep my eyes on the reason for the celebration. I didn't always succeed and I'm thankful my kids never seemed to be affected by my pity party. We even came home unscathed by the 12 hour car ride! Happy Anniversary Gramps and Mimi and Happy Birthday Jesus.

Grandma and Grandpa Christmas

2011-12-26T14:22:00.001-06:00

We celebrated Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's on Wednesday and Thursday (Dec 22 & 23) of Christmas week. It was strange to open presents at night and eat hamburgers for dinner, and I realized I'm such a creature of habit that I had trouble with the change. My mom and dad were great and hosted our family to fun games at night and great presents. I'm so happy my dad getting my mom her first electronic...a Kindle Fire. I think she'll love it and will enjoy having it on her trips to market during the year. My kids opened clothes, curling irons, books, a cake pop maker, Razorback gear and assorted boots and shoes. We are blessed to have a wonderful family legacy of love and family.

December ?

2011-12-22T14:06:00.001-06:00

I'm totally messed up about what date it is today....we're celebrating Christmas early at home...and traveling on the 23rd...and skiing the 24-28...

I'm discovering Christmas has nothing to do with the date and everything to do with being with people we love, celebrating a Jesus we serve. We opened presents early and nothing earth shattering took place..it seems I've been a little uptight with traditions.

I made the kids a little crazy by not labeling the gifts under the tree. It's not easy to pull anything on them so I was pretty proud of myself. I actually had indicated the recipient by the color ribbon on the gift. And yeah, I messed up ~~once~~ twice! There were little snowmen labels hung on the back of the tree with their names and hung by the color ribbon their presents were wrapped in. A little thing, but it was fun for me!

Ryan shopped for gifts this year...surprising the girls with a SUPERSIZE box of chocolates. It was a hit.

The Week Before Christmas

2011-12-19T17:11:00.001-06:00

This whole week (of Christmas) has kind of snuck up on us. Ryan got out of school last Monday, Lauren was done on Tuesday...and we've been running ever since. On Wednesday Ryan and I went to Fayetteville for a college interview, I had a LCBS party on Thursday night, and went to MH to help mom on Friday and Saturday. Richard worked out of town three days last week and Ryan went to Sheridan's Christmas party at school. I'm glad I don't save shopping until the last minute as a nasty cold/sinus infection has got me down today and I've done almost nothing but cough today.

I should be getting things packed for our trip, but making lists for everyone to check off is as far as I've gotten on that. We leave Wednesday for MH and will have Christmas with my family in the evening on Wed, and dinner with my brother's family and our parents on Thursday. Friday morning we will head north to Wisconsin (a 13 hour trip). We will meet all of Richard's family and celebrate Dick and Leah's 50th anniversary by spending Christmas together at a lodge on Cascade Mountain.

This unusual schedule will mean we will open family gifts here tomorrow! Richard is out of town with work again today, but he'll be off for a week and a half beginning tomorrow. His new job is requiring a lot of days out of town. The family is looking forward to going on our trip...but I wish we had at least a few more days to hang out at home together.

SENIOR FOOTBALL

2011-12-19T11:26:00.001-06:00

Senior Stats: Senior Ryan Rogers (Clarksville), WR/CB/K — All-conference, all-state; 72 catches, 822 yards, 7 TD, 11.4 YPC; 27 rushes, 162 yards, 3 TD; 70 tackles, 4 INT, 4 PB; 29 PAT, 11 TB (played all but 4 minutes)

Read more: The Courier — Your Messenger for the River Valley - The Courier announces tri county football team

Last Monday we went to Ft Smith to attend the Ft Smith Radio Club Football Awards for Western Arkansas and Eastern OK. Ryan was the Clarksville Offensive Player of the year and Skylr was the Defensive Player of the year from Clarksville. Incidentally, Ryan met Skylr on his first day of First Grade when he enrolled in January after being homeschooled. They hit it off then and are still friends today!

Ryan was also awarded the first ever Steve Rinke Hustle Award. Steve was a sportscaster from Clarksville who had worked in Ft Smith the last few years before passing away earlier in 2011. It was especially nice to bring the award to Clarksville and Ryan definitely hustled this year!

Tony Cherico, former Razorback, All American, All SWC player was the keynote speaker and presented Ryan with the award. Good stuff, now if the college coaches would just call with an offer!

Senior year: Madrigal Feast

2011-12-14T11:29:00.000-06:00

Can't say enough about a program that keeps the bar high in excellence, student involvement and hard work. Ryan loves singing as much as his football games and it's because the choir teacher is great at getting the most out of students and encouraging them to do their best. Earlier in the year he qualified for All State choir and earned 2nd chair in the regional choir.

31 BLESSINGS

2011-12-12T12:15:00.000-06:00

Sheridan and her best buddies: Anna Grace, Parker and Lydia

This was a quite a surprise for the girls to have the same outfit on...small town living = one boutique.

This is definitely my favorite picture. I gave them .5 seconds to make a funny face and they were all ready! In case you're counting...two boys are missing from the front row.

Shout! Choir

2011-12-09T11:37:00.001-06:00

This Sunday night our children's choir will sing 5 Christmas songs and will say the entire Christmas story. They each memorized one or two verses from the biblical account of Jesus' birth. It's the first year since I've been leading the choir that we haven't done a full-scale musical. It'salso the first year Becky hasn't been here as our Children's Minister. I had to make some adjustments as Becky used to handle so many details like the extra drama practices, costumes and crowd control on Wednesday nights. I just couldn't take it all on my plate this semester. I'm real pleased with the 29 kids who have worked hard to learn songs and Scripture. Each child in our choir is a special creation made to praise Him and I can't wait to see how God blesses our Christmas Offering.

Christmas Parade

2011-12-07T11:00:00.001-06:00

Love to watch the high school band having fun and the Christmas parade is one of the places they get to cut loose a little bit! They were dressed in Christmas sweaters and letter jackets and that would've been great had it not been almost 75 degrees. Add to that the rain that grew in strength throughout the 2-3 mile parade route and it made for a "memorable" night for our trumpet player.

Early Christmas Present

2011-12-04T10:56:00.001-06:00

Richard puts up Christmas lights on the house because I like them. We all like to drive home at night and have them on, but sometimes it's just a lot of trouble. This year Ryan took on the job himself to surprise Richard while he was out of town. Richard was psyched to not be climbing up there and the kids have something to be proud of too!

Inspired

2011-12-01T09:06:00.000-06:00

I just finished Longing, by Karen Kingsbury. It's third in a series about a young girl named Bailey who is finding her way after college through relationships, family, her past, and her future. I can't decide if I'm more inspired to raise my children to be LONGING for the Lord or more guilt-ridden because I don't LONG for Him enough myself. I'm positive KK's purpose would be for me to be to improve in both areas. I am aware that these stories are fiction, however a true, abiding relationship with the Lord is not. Today I purpose to be intentional about stretching my faith, filling myself with Him before I seek other things, and praying for my children to LONG for the love of the Lord more than anything else in their lives.

*There is a part of me that has always wanted to be a writer. To put on paper what circles around in my head. Not my own thoughts, but those the Lord gives me in times when it could only be Him. KK is one of the best real-life authors out there and I'm so thankful for these books to be out there in the mainstream bookstores to inspire many to want the love of the Lord.

Parenting: The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat

2011-11-30T07:56:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was tough. I had to discipline on the way out the door to school and I got pretty uptight with one of my kids in the car on the way! I was in tears when I got home, just angry and frustrated and feeling like I certainly failed if I haven't taught them to take responsibility for themselves! I wrestled with the question, "Is is OK to have good kids, or should I continue to train them to be GREAT kids?" "What does God want me to do?"

During my quiet time I was still pondering the questions and then I realized God had already given me an answer. He has told me to teach them the Word and teach them to love HIM. Period. Respect, honor, responsibility, leadership skills, kindness, and even love will follow. I ended my time committed to being very intentional about re-enforcing our adoration of the Lord in the everyday happenings here on the lane.

On my list of TO DOs yesterday was to get our Christmas cards taken care of. A good friend sent me this picture last week and it touches a place in my heart. Before Richard and I ever married (I knew he wanted a lot of kids. I did not want to be pregnant.) I told him if we were going to have kids, they were going to be friends. This picture says it all:

How good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) live together in unity. Psalm 133:1

Quote of the day

2011-11-29T12:32:00.001-06:00

A day after former Broncos QB Jake Plummer said in a radio interview that he wished the man currently taking the snaps in Denver, Tim Tebow, would curb his references to Jesus Christ and his faith, Tebow responded.

Asked about Plummer's remarks in an interview on ESPN's First Take, Tebow said:

"If you're married, and you have a wife, and you really love your wife, is it good enough to only say to your wife 'I love her' the day you get married? Or should you tell her every single day when you wake up and every opportunity?

"And that's how I feel about my relationship with Jesus Christ is that it is the most important thing in my life. So any time I get an opportunity to tell him that I love him or given an opportunity to shout him out on national TV, I'm gonna take that opportunity. And so I look at it as a relationship that I have with him that I want to give him the honor and glory anytime I have the opportunity. And then right after I give him the honor and glory, I always try to give my teammates the honor and glory.

"And that's how it works because Christ comes first in my life, and then my family, and then my teammates. I respect Jake's opinion, and I really appreciate his compliment of calling me a winner. But I feel like anytime I get the opportunity to give the Lord some praise, he is due for it."

Black Friday at Grandpas

2011-11-29T10:48:00.001-06:00

My dad gets into his Christmas lights and has a big display on the house and his corner lot. Usually my brother helps him get them up on Friday when his wife is shopping and Mom is working, but this year Ryan and Richard got in on the job! Sheridan and Meredith enjoyed some rare time together playing Wii and board games.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T20:46:00.000-06:00

We spent Thanksgiving in Mtn Home with my family and had a great time laughing, eating and hanging out with my parents. We hadn't all been to MH since last Christmas.

The girls and I spent some time at the store with Mom. We shopped a little bit on Friday and played games in the evening. Richard and Ryan helped Dad and Jeff hang some of my dad's extensive outside Christmas light display. We all watched the BIG Razorback game on Saturday. The high point of the holiday was having Sheridan in the kitchen helping my mom and I with Thanksgiving dinner. The low point was the Hogs loss to LSU.

We are so blessed to be loved by our familes. My parents have loved Richard from the moment he became part of the family...maybe from the moment he offered to take me off their hands! We have a lot to be thankful for, every day of the year.

Final game

2011-11-15T21:15:00.001-06:00

For the last two years Lauren has played on a competitve soccer team from Russellville. The Hurricanes have been together for about 7 years and they welcomed her like she was one of them. She played with them in tournaments from Fayetteville to Little Rock, and made some good friends.

They played their last tournament together at Burns Park in Little Rock last week. They won second place and played the best soccer I had ever seen them play.

SENIOR FOOTBALL: Game 7 at home, vs. Waldron

2011-11-08T16:36:00.001-06:00

HIGHLIGHT #1: Family! Dave and Rhea Lana from Conway. Ashley and cousins Titus, Audra, Justus, and Annaliese from NWA. Mimi and Gramps from Heber. Grandma and Grandpa from Mtn Home. ALL here to celebrate Ryan's Senior Night.

HIGHLIGHT #2: Walking with the family across the field celebrating Ryan's year.

HIGHLIGHT #3: Ryan's group of senior boys are so special to us. Several of them have grown up with us playing baseball, going to church, and playing in our yard! They wore orange tape to honor Tyler D who passed away over a year ago but would've been a senior this year.

HIGHLIGHT #4: Winning the game and securing a home playoff game next week.

All Region Choir

2011-11-08T16:18:00.001-06:00

Couldn't be more proud of my kiddos and their accomplishments in choir. SO thankful for a teacher who encourages them to do their best and has trained them well. Erin placed 3rd chair in Junior High Mixed Choir, Alto 2. Ryan placed 2nd chair, High School Mixed Choir, Bass 1. I must add that he tried out on the Saturday morning after a particularly hard football game that we lost. He had been beat up pretty bad, had a swollen ankle and was limping around! SO, under the influence of lots of ibuprophen, he made 2nd chair out of about 160 guys! It was my first trip to EVER chaperone to hang out with kids all day waiting for them to try out. (On a side note, I was able to take the "early" bus home and took someone I didn't record on the offical list, and subsequently failed at my chaperoning job.)

The ALL REGION clinic was Saturday and the concerts were that evening. I don't mind saying we questioned the Arkansas Patriotism (or something) because the concerts were scheduled RIGHTINTHEMIDDLEOF the Razorback game in Fayetteville. And we weren't playing a directional school, we were playing another TOP TEN team! With our iphones in hand and ESPN scoring updates muted...our entire family was in attendance at the Alma Performing Arts building and loved the concerts.
They were very impressive...Ryan, Erin and the HOGS.

Quote of the Day

2011-11-03T09:14:00.001-05:00

From Believing God Bible study by Beth Moore. Week 9, Day 1, page 200.

     "The God to whom you commit yourself and everything that concerns you is huge. He is the omnipotent Maker of heaven and earth. He is the One who sees. He is the One who knows. He is the One who acts on behalf of His children. He is the Mighty Warrior. He is the compassionate Father. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the coming King. He is love. He is light. He is good. He is right. He is your soul's delight. He is...whatever you need. He alone is wise. In Him alone life makes sense and apart from Him all is chaos.
      Each morning when you turn your face toward heaven, before you make your first petition, start confessing who He is. Call Him by as many names and titles as He brings to mind and praise Him for His immutable attributes. Say to your soul, "Behold and believe!"
     The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samson, David, John the Baptist, Mary of Magdala, Mary of Bethany, Peter, James, John, and Paul is your God. The same yesterday, today, and forever. A God so holy, powerful, and present that when He revealed Himself to Ezekiel in the Old Testament and John in the New, both dropped like dead men. He is the magnificent One, full of splendor, beautiful beyond comprehension. The I Am That I Am throughout every generation. Whoever He was, He is. Who He was to them, He is to you. Start taking Him up on His Godness. When you have no idea what to believe Him for a given situation, just believe Him to be huge.
     Come, holy God, and be Thyself."

Sno-Cone Syrup and Rubber Chickens

2011-10-27T10:18:00.004-05:00

I love my church and I volunteered to head up one of our big events at the end of the month. When Becky married and moved, she left a big hole in our ministry staff. She worked un-told hours all year long and took care of ALL the little things that make big events BIG.

I like organizing, and it hasn't been a huge challenge for me but the unsaid pressure to pull it off as well as she always did is nagging at me. As I look outside at the rain today I realize I have no rain plan. I also can't find the slingshot to shoot the rubber chickens. The replacement ducks for the duck pond were shipped today and I'm hoping they make it. AND, I must remember to pick up the sno-cone juice today because they're closed tomorrow!

Our church family typically shines at these community events, and so I'll assume that just because very few of the adults signed up to work at the event, they will all be there and make the event a success. Our goal: for all our visitors feel welcome so they can love THE CHURCH too.

Lauren

2011-10-27T09:49:00.000-05:00

We have no idea if Lauren will pursue playing her trumpet past high school. She's very gifted with her horn and makes some pretty incredible sounds! This year she has a solo in the marching show and has really carried her part! It's not an easy solo, and she just belts it out!

On Tuesday the band went to their regional marching contest and one of the judges said, ""NICE trumpet solo!! I would stick that sound on Wikipedia to show what a real trumpet solo sounds like!" It's a great compliment and we're so proud of her accomplishments!

OFF-SEASON project

2011-10-27T09:31:00.000-05:00

When I'm in the middle of my event season, travelling, working on my computer, answering the phone and wishing for a little down time I imagine myself with nothing to do but work on little projects. Few of these ideas will ever come to fruition, but this last month I've been using my afternoons to put together an awesome idea for my family. My original idea was for a Christmas surprise, but it's just too big to keep a secret.

Over the last few years all the outgrown t-shirts and clothing have ended up in my room. What isn't re-sellable at our events, passed down to friends, or any t-shirt that is connected to a big memory I've kept. When the pile got big, I would cut the designs out. The pile of pieces totals around 100 and I've recently made a quilt from it!

A dear friend loaned me her 50-year-old Singer sewing machine! It works like a charm and it weighs about 50 pounds too!

I will have to hire someone to actually quilt/back it, and also someone else to bind it...but I'm pretty tickled with the treasure we'll have when it's all done!

Each piece has a specific memory from DBack baseball, swim team, VBS, our honeymoon (!), and student coucil shirts...to name a few! We have been blessed beyond measure to have so many WONDERFUL experiences in our first 19 years!

CHANGING JOBS

2011-10-13T15:51:00.000-05:00

In 1999 Richard knew he was to give up his corporate job, corporate insurance and job security with a company he decided he wanted to work for since college and go into the ministry. Our young family had also invested our retirement building a C-store/TCBY. Our church was transitioning from downtown First Baptist to re-located large family church. There were those who didn't like this change and the transition was both a physical and spiritual battle. It was a time of trying but also a time of knowing that God was in control and He had blessed our pastor with vision and strength to endure. The first time Richard's new position of Administrator/Minister of Education was voted on it failed. People we've never seen before came to a business meeting, insisted we didn't need a new church, much less a new position, and also argued his salary and the fact he had a large family. I'll never forget that night when several men from the church came to our house to say they knew this was the right thing and we just needed to hang in there. Richard had already quit his job at Tyson, our new store wasn't producing any income, just demanding funding. Church friends and the sale of a piece of property we had purchased carried us through several lean months. Richard joined the FBC staff full-time in October 2000.

Richard oversaw the building of our present church building and we moved in it November 4, 2001. He spearheaded 3 stewardship campaigns, small groups, was the interim youth minister and helped lead music while we were short a music minister. He was on the search committee for two of our present staff members, the board that began our Pre-School, handled all of our finances, benevolence and support staff for the better part of 12 years. On the side he has been an ordained deacon and elder, taught numerous Sunday School classes and small groups of all ages.

This year he has taken on a new challenge. He is a church consultant with Horizons Stewardship Company. It's a great opportunity to work with pastors as their encourager and their confidant as they are growing in their ministries. He's had over 12 years experience being a #2 and supporting a pastor. His administration, financial and management experience combined with his love for the local church give him a good balance to help these churches.

He also works two days a week with Rhea Lana's Inc. talking to prospective franchisees and doing some administrative work for RL.

He now works at home and he travels, and it's never the same each week! We're at home, but he's on the phone, he's at his new office setup in our bedroom, or he's answering emails from church leaders all over! He's loving the challenge and the variety and I'm thankful for his renewed energy and excitement.

Most people in our church don't know what Richard did on staff. They knew he was on staff but unless they needed something he was in charge of, they didn't even know he wasn't on staff since August! In October several precious friends who did know his work hosted a lunch in honor of him after church. Richard didn't much feel like this was a good idea, but went along with their plans. His time at FBC was honoring to the Lord, I know some of the things he had to handle that were not encouraging, were full of conflict and were just plain hard. I know he has been faithful, a hard-worker and a servant for the Lord first. I'm thankful for the time he was able to work there and I pray his legacy will be one of faithful service.

Volleyball 2011

2011-10-12T16:24:00.002-05:00

10-10-92

2011-10-11T07:23:00.001-05:00

Richard and I have been married for 19 years! I have loved him for half of my life. (This fact blows my mind!)

I have so many friends who aren't in love with thier spouse and I truly hate that for them. I want my children to find the perfect mate for them when it's time. Here are my keys to finding THE ONE:

1. The person you want to marry makes you want to be better in every area of your life. They don't do this by the words they say, but by the kind of person they are. DO NOT marry someone to change them, this is a TERRIBLE IDEA.

2. The person you want to marry is a person you can laugh with. OFTEN. Laughing, smiling and having a good time in the most mundane times of the day is essential. You don't have to watch crude commedians, go to concerts or big events to laugh. Laughing should be part of driving, talking, and everyday conversations.

3. The person you want to marry is a person you can trust. You don't test this on the first date, this is a track record of times of keeping a secret, not embarrassing you, keeping their word, doing what they say they will do. It cannot be measured in a short amount of time. If you can't trust someone, you don't give them your heart.

4. A person you want to marry honors their family. It's true what they say about how a guy treats his mother, but it's also true that if they can't get along with their family, they won't get along with yours. There is no way to not bring this conflict into the rest of your life. It's not a matter of what kind of people their parents and siblings "are" or what their family "has done", it's a matter of how they treat/honor/respect their parents or siblings.

5. The person you want to marry should not be selfish. Yes, this eliminates 90% of all humans. A person you want to marry should not be characterized by selfishness. Time, possessions, emotions, trust, and love are all to be shared freely without conditions. BEWARE of those who are on their absolute best behavior during dating. They should be, but it may not be their real nature. You can only test this one over time.

6. Become the person you are trying to attract. If you want someone trustworthy, be someone who is faithful and trustworthy. If you want someone who honors their family, honor yours. If you want someone who is not selfish, evaluate those things in your life that you hold onto a little tight.

7. You MUST know what things are NON-NEGOTIABLE in your life and in your future mate's. Having a mate that loved God was a non-negotiable for me. I couldn't tell this overnight by attendance at church, having a Bible or wearing a tie on Sunday. It takes time to make sure the NON-NEGOTIABLES are true in another person's life. This list of NON-NEGOTIABLES will help keep those who aren't going to be "the one" from getting into your heart before you spend a lot of emotions on them.

Is there more? Of course! I pray often that my children will seek God more than their mate so that He can lead them to THE BEST He has for them. It's not an area they want to make a mistake in! I'm so very thankful for God's DIVINE INTERVENTION to bring Richard into my life. Richard had lots of other choices, and I'm sure I would've made huge mistakes if He hadn't kept me busy in college. THANK YOU GOD for the gift of my husband. Happy Anniversary Richard!

SOUTHWEST CLASSIC

2011-10-06T20:25:00.001-05:00

For the last three years Richard and I have gone with friends to the Southwest Classic in Arlington as our Anniversary trip. This year, our friends bought tickets for their kids, and at the last minute, we decided to take ours too!

We left late after Ryan's ballgame, and Richard was the champ and drove us ALL THE WAY while we slept in the car! It was 4:30am when we arrived and must've found the only motel in Arlington with an available room for us. We slept for about 4 hours and because the game was at 11am, we had to hop up and head to the game! In true Richard-fashion, we got a parking spot RIGHT BY THE FIELD, and then bought tickets outside in less than 15 minutes. We bought our tickets for half price and in the section right beside where we sat last year. Ryan sat with friends, Lauren and Sheridan sat with our friends and their families, and Richard and I sat with a bunch of folks we don't know! It was a terrible first half, but the Razorbacks hung in there and pulled out a 42-38 win! We met up with our cousins at half time and had a mini reunion.

Loving the HOGS, big wins, and FAMILY TIME!

SENIOR FOOTBALL: GAME 5 vs Mena

2011-10-05T08:08:00.001-05:00

from our local paper

Clarksville Dominates Bearcats,

Improves To 2-0 In Conference

by Janice Penix

The Clarksville Panthers earned their second conference win in as many weeks with a 40-14 decision over Mena Friday, Sept. 30, to move to the top of the 4A-4 rankings.

“It was an all-around great effort,” Coach Michael Banning said. “There was a lot of energy on the football field. We’re 2-0 in conference and we’re right where we want to be, winning conference games. But we’re not satisfied. We know we need to continue to improve because we want to win conference.”

CHS scored twice in the opening quarter to take a 12-0 lead, then outscored the Bearcats 14-7 in the second to lead 26-7 at halftime.

The Panthers scored seven points in both the third and fourth periods while allowing just seven second-half points by Mena for the 40-14 win.

Clarksville finished the night with 224 yards rushing and 214 through the air.

Jeremy Larkin led the rushing effort with 175 yards on 30 carries and had one touchdown. Trenton Lax carried seven times for 21 yards, Andre Redman had 15 yards on four carries and two touchdowns, and Ryan Rogers carried one time for eight yards. Brandon Lovell had five yards rushing on four carries.

Redman completed 14 of 20 passes for 214 yards and three of the Panthers’ touchdowns. Receivers included Colton Smith with four catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns, Skylr Grace with 59 yards on two receptions and Rogers with eight catches for 55 yards, a touchdown and a two-point conversion.

“Any time you have backs run over 200 yards and you pass for more than 200 yards, you know you’re doing something right,” Banning said. “I’m very proud of how our offensive line played. I’m very proud of the way we continue to get better rushing and protecting the passer.”

Defensively the Panthers had a balanced effort. Smith led with seven tackles, including four solo, while Rogers and Grace finished with six apiece. Rogers had three solo tackles, while Grace had two.

Ronnie Green, Yoni Garcia and D’aundra Cain each recorded five tackles, and Lax and Nick Mitchell finished with four apiece. Green, Grace and Cain each recorded sacks.

Rogers picked off two interceptions and Mitchell and Smith had one pick each. Grace recovered a fumble for CHS.

Lax punted three times for 125 yards and Rogers recorded 286 yards on seven kickoffs.

Clarksville will be on the road this week at Subiaco.

“We have Subiaco on the road this week and it’s their homecoming,” Banning said. “It’s very important that we stay focused and come back ready to play after an excellent effort Friday night.”

R & R

2011-10-04T18:04:00.000-05:00

Today was my day "off:"

7:30 stopped by KMS to arrange S's childcare after school
7:45 clean kitchen, Bible Study
8:45 work on Fun Fest at FBC (inventory, ordering, phone calls, postcards)
10:00 home, turn laundry
10:20 bank, drop off payment, recycle
10:45 Subway - order Ryan lunch
11:15 check Ryan out of school
11:30 drive to Fayetteville for Ryan's dr appt
1:00 wait for one hour in doctor office, watch stimulating healthy channel TV
2:00 head back to Clarksville, swing through Sonic in Greenland
3:40 stop by CHS for football clothes in car, drop off Ryan at football
3:45 pick up S at KMS
4:00 home for snack/S get soccer clothes ready
4:10 to E's volleyball games at the Marvin
5:30 get S home and ready for soccer, pick up Ryan at fieldhouse
5:45 sitting on couch, eating Doritos...

Soccer on Saturdays

2011-10-03T16:20:00.000-05:00

Fall sports...I love soccer! It's cool on Saturday mornings and the girls love to play! Richard is helping coach Sheridan's team. We probably won't have the best record but it won't stop the girls from trying. Erin is playing with lots of her friends in the oldest age division.

SENIOR FOOTBALL: GAME 4 at Dardanelle

2011-09-29T20:42:00.001-05:00

If you didn't know us, you'd think we had just won the state title. BUT, when we won last Friday night, it was our first win of the last three we thought we ought to have won. The boys played hard the ENTIRE game and they were down from the very beginning. It was a fun night to be a Panther and even more fun to celebrate. We've talked a lot about winning and losing for their entire life and they know that "you don't always win." I'd much rather my kids win at LIFE more often than at sports, but it's a special night when their hard work pays off and they get to do both.

Special handshakes for special girls...

We're currently 1-3; 1-0 in conference.

http://www.couriernews.com/view/full_story/15659199/article-Panthers-edge-Sand-Lizards-on-road?

Spread the Word:

2011-09-27T09:56:00.000-05:00

Believing God

2011-09-23T10:41:00.000-05:00

I'm seriously being challenged by Beth Moore's Bible Study: Believing God. What would God do if I truly believed? It's a sad way to live to ONLY say or think I believe and not "active present participle" believe. That means, living in FAITH, especially of what I cannot see. I have hurdles in my life right now I've been trying to jump over for a few years that suddenly are up close. I'm praying for a modern-day miracle to overcome them with God's help, for "Nothing is impossible with God."

Rhea Lana's of Russellville

2011-09-20T08:58:00.000-05:00

Just finished our 7th sale in Russellville (although I thought it was our 8th the whole time). We've grown to a point where there's not a large enough building for us in Russellville and we had to CLOSE our data base 5 days before normal. We had over 34,000 items and 409 consignors! My leaders and volunteers are wonderful and all went smoothly. The PreSale event was crowded and there were long lines to check out, this didn't bode well with my coping skills, but we made it through with lots of happy shoppers. The guys in the parking lot (2 fields and a gravel lot) parked about 300 cars for about 4 hours.

I heard some great stories over the week, moms making money for something their family needed, finding a tuxedo for a little one for a wedding for only $22, and a special mom enjoying her time out of the house with 3 special needs kids.One of my favorite things of this sale was offering the foster parents in our area a time to "shop" our donations after the sale. About 6 families were represented and they shopped about 200 items for little ones who come through their home. It was nice to have great-quality clothing that will cover those little ones so in need when they get to their homes.

I'm so tired, and a little over-stimulated from the amount of work it takes to pull it all together. I'm super excited to be back in my Bible Study and have a few months off before we start the sale season here again.

Of course, I'm headed to KC next week to help at a new sale...

Rascal Ranger Rogers

2011-09-20T08:44:00.002-05:00

Erin got Rascal for her 6th birthday and actually said, "He smells like chocolate." (It's on video) Richard and I had brainstormed names so we could subtly suggest some before she named the dog "spot" or something. However, she looked at that dog and named him Rascal before we ever said a word.

Rascal has his own stocking. Erin is usually the only one who writes him a love note, although Richard wrote him one a few years back. As a pup he was especially fond of plastic lawn furniture and any flower pot not made of terra cotta. This earned him his own pen down in the back of the yard.

About 5 years ago we got a friend for Rascal. It was our concession because the kids had lost interest in playing with the 80 pound lab in the back yard. Rolle was a great friend, especially for as much as Rascal bothered her (until he was cured of his agression by a quick trip to Dr Parker).

Over the years the dogs have tired of their fenced in area during the days and have chewed through the fence, wood, or whatever we put down there to keep them in. Last week Rascal was trying to fit his big head through some pretty sturdy chicken wire and must've gotten stuck or something. When Lauren went down to feed him he wasn't moving and was wedged under the fence. He was dead. I was out of town with Ryan that morning, thankfully Richard was at home and took care of arrangements before we returned.

Rolle was beside herself for a few days but doesn't look for him now like she did. She refuses to stay in the pen right now and even though she saw the whole scene, still tries to bury herself under the same piece of fence anytime we put her up.

Rascal was a great dog and didn't get nearly enough playing time. He once almost drowned in our pool. His favorite non-food item was a grill brush. He did not like lightning. He was scared of the mower, weed eater and Richard if he was playing rough. He loved to play in the sprinkler.

SENIOR FOOTBALL: GAME 1 at Charleston

2011-09-03T13:11:00.002-05:00

PREGAME WARM UP:

50 yarder....good!

Sheridan and Parker

RUN THROUGH - PHOTO BY SHERIDAN

SHOW TIME:

GAME ONE: CHARLESTON 28, CLARKSVILLE 7

PEPPY the Panther's DEBUT

2011-09-02T13:12:00.001-05:00

It was at least 100 degrees during the Jr High Pep Rally on Thursday. The sound system wasn't working in the gym so we headed to the track. Erin was not open to skipping her first pep rally as PEPPY. So we pinned the hot suit on and headed out to SWEAT and CHEER. She did so good and LOVED every minute of it! After school during volleyball practice, she got a little dizzy and we were unsure if she should go out to the game in the evening. Again, there was no doubt in her mind she was going to do it. After a cool shower, dinner and a fresh hair do, she was ready. The weather was wonderful as a cloud cover dropped the temps by at least 20 degrees and she was able to cheer for 3 quarters and the half time show! We wiped her down and filled her with Gatorade during the third quarter! I love the picture of the kids surrounding her in the stands. With the exception of those kids who were pulling her tail and grabbing her teeth (which is actually where her eyes are) she hugged and high-fived anytime someone wanted to! It was great and she LOVED IT!

Peppy and the Principal

Peppy and Ty!

Worth the Wait

2011-08-17T08:20:00.000-05:00

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

2011-08-16T11:00:00.003-05:00

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

2011-08-15T19:53:00.007-05:00

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

2011-08-15T18:00:00.002-05:00

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

2011-08-07T21:36:00.008-05:00

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

2011-08-06T21:12:00.002-05:00

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

2011-08-02T16:44:00.003-05:00

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.

Ryan is a senior - part 1

2011-07-26T19:55:00.004-05:00

Today: senior pictures. Ryan loved every minute of it. Jolie, one of our first friends in Clarksville, a former neighbor, and owner of a new wonderful studio in Russellville, took pictures of Ryan for three hours. HOW WILL WE EVER CHOOSE? Even with the few shots she showed us through the viewfinder...they were wonderful.

I love my kid. The first time Jolie took my kids pictures Ryan was 3. Today, 17. Ahhh.

Play World

2011-07-26T19:47:00.004-05:00

It's OK with me that Sheridan has been saying all day that she went to Worlds of Fun yesterday. In fact, she went to Conway with me, and played at Play World. What a wonderful place with a HUGE maze for kids to climb, jump, and navigate through, a rock wall to attack, and games to burn tokens in for hours. It was a fun way to get out of the house, and yet stay in the A/C. We needed the day away from the Lane.

Ryan was at football. Erin had volleyball and cheer. Lauren was at summer band. We were at Worlds of Fun.

My bad. Forgot my camera. These were taken with my iphone.

Summer heat has me down

2011-07-23T09:09:00.004-05:00

This is quite possibly the only blooming thing on the block. It's the ugliest pile of sticks during the winter, but came out full and strong this summer. Go figure. I'm thankful for the color as we showed the house this week. They decided to buy in another neighborhood. The last folks to show interest with our realtor didn't show up for their appointment and decided to buy in Russellville. Sheridan is especially frustrated that we "did all that cleaning for nothing!"

I'm having a hard time enjoying the long days of summer. My teens are out and about with friends, swimming, youth trips and camps. Sheridan and I are at home, and I'm struggling with new ways to tell her that cleaning and getting ready for Rhea Lana's is fun! Don't get me wrong, we've worked our way through the game closet, watched a Disney movie every night, and she's been cooking (her favorite thing) almost every day. I'm having a bit of a pity party and I'm admitting it here first. I can't decide if I feel more sorry for her or myself. Either way, it's no good.

We may go buy our school supplies today...I love those rows of new notebooks and crayons. Perhaps it will be theraputic too.

Rhea Lana's

2011-07-11T11:44:00.002-05:00

Love my work, but it's rolled around pretty quickly this season! I'm gearing up for my Broken Arrow event...in just 3 weeks. I've already been there twice, planning to do some face time in BA on Friday and hope to distribute all our great info to moms!

I already have two large VIP batches in my living room, including a glider and ottoman...and we just got word we're going to show our house this Thursday. I can't think of ANY WAY we could sell the house, move and host two events in the next 8 weeks. I'm glad I'm not in control.

HAPPY 4TH

2011-07-04T15:45:00.003-05:00

I heart VBS

2011-07-02T19:52:00.003-05:00

I feel pretty strongly about Vacation Bible School. I think it's one of the best things that can happen in a summer in a kids' life and it has the potential to affect their entire life. I was blessed to grow up in a church with a vibrant wonderful VBS program, and to be in a church with a great program as an adult. There's this job I can do at VBS that most people could do but don't think they could. The truth is that God always gives me the words I need to lead opening and closing, introduce Bible points, teach songs and put a spark of energy in the week. It's not my everyday role, not even close to where I would normally be comfortable, but God has provided this outlet for the gifts He has given me. I feel the joy of the Spirit when the kids listen to me and I am able to teach a TRUTH.

This year is a little bitter-sweet for me as my dearest friend and our children's minister is leaving in a month. I could not be happier for her as she is marrying a man who loves her and therefore is moving toward her new life. Personally, she's the only person other than Richard who knows a lot about me, listens to my struggles and tears, and loves me unconditionally. She's known me for over 12 years. It's taken at least 5 for me to let her in. I will miss her.

v>
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Above the Clouds

2011-07-02T19:48:00.000-05:00

Rhea Lana's of Honolulu

2011-07-02T19:30:00.007-05:00

Good morning from Hawaii! This was my second time to do a live TV interview on the morning show in Hawaii! Pictured is Deanne and her daughter Erin. Also pictured, 4 super kids that belong to a friend and leader, Ceanne. I don't get TV coverage for my own sale, I have to travel 4000 miles! Interesting fact, Deanne and I both have daughters named Lauren and Erin.

I love to go to events in other locations! The Hawaii sale is in a beautiful mall with LOTS AND LOTS of traffic. We could've used about 3000 more square feet, but we fit it in! Moms everywhere love to come and shop a store full of clean, like-new clothing and toys for their kids at reduced prices. The consignors are thrilled to sell their items and pick up a check. I'm truly thankful for my job and for doing something that helps others. Last season I got to go to 4 other sales (plus my two!). I meet the nicest people along the way.

HOOTENS

2011-07-02T09:39:00.002-05:00

While I was in a 7 1/2 hour delay in the Denver airport Richard text-ed me that Ryan's picture was featured in the Arkansas Hooten's Football magazine. Now if you're a high school football player...this is equivalent to an ESPN HIGHLIGHT! I made him take a picture to send to me. It was by far the best news of my VERY LONG afternoon in Denver. I might have even showed it to the couple waiting with me for the plane.

A couple more

2011-07-02T08:58:00.003-05:00

PUPU BAR AND GRILL?

I don't know what AKU is, and I don't want to. When the sign says "no blood. no skin" that's enough for me.

Hawaii

2011-06-29T17:34:00.009-05:00

Last May I was in Hawaii for the very first time. I really thought it would be my first and only trip, and I was surprised when Rhea Lana asked me if I wanted to go again! Our Rhea Lana's of Honolulu franchise sold to a new owner and we decided to send some franchise support: me!

This time Richard couldn't go so I was instructed by him to not have a lot of fun, but just to mostly work. It was so strange to be in a place so far away where I recognized so much! I drove myself across the big island every morning and every night. My motel room was in between Diamond Head volcano and the ocean. I don't want to live there, but it sure is surreal to me!

My pictures this time around are a little funky! I saw funny signs and things you wouldn't see other places and kept snapping pictures. I also worked every day in a beautiful, busy mall. I'll post the pictures of our great Honolulu event and our TV appearance in another post.

My FAVORITE Bath and Body scent is Velvet Tuberose. This lei had tuberoses on it. They grow in a stalk and this lei was so potent, people were sniffing the air around me. Now I have a wonderful association for my favorite scented lotion!

This is a shopper's foot at our event. She has the Hawaiian islands tatooed on her foot. I posted this pic on my Facebook page and a couple people gasped when they thought it was mine! I'm anti-tatoos, so this would've been funny! Anyway, I asked if I could take a pic and she said "yes!" She told me I wasn't the first person to take a picture of her tatoo!

Go Panthers

2011-06-20T16:59:00.000-05:00

Erin is the CJH mascot next year! It's our compromise about cheerleading. She really loves to jump, yell and tumble, so we're hoping this is a good fit for her. She attended three days of cheer camp in town and had a great time! The girl loves life!

Softball

2011-06-14T07:37:00.004-05:00

There's not much to say about Sheridan's softball season. In fact, it was over 2 weeks ago and I don't think I made a post the entire season. Before the season there were 5 practices and two of them were cancelled. It was a pretty much a wierd schedule with 4 games two weeks in a row and then two weeks off and then another game. Highlights would include playing with her best friends Parker and Anna Grace. And, having a red jersey and team name "Razorbacks."

So Worth The Wait

2011-06-11T20:51:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted on the ADOPTION in a few weeks. Not much has changed. Our house is still for sale. It's been shown twice, with one offer and one "like." We are scheduled to show again on Monday. Keeping the house perfectly ready to show isn't easy, and we don't really, but we have to be ready for "the call" to show.

I had an unlikely conversation with two new RL franchise owners at our conference last weekend. Both ladies joined a table late at night in the eating area of the hotel where we were staying. The conversation turned to our families and I mentioned the pending adoption. In the next 30 minutes they BOTH shared their own stories of strange happenings and miracles that took place for them to be adoptive parents. I had chills with each telling.

I've come to the conclusion that when God's hand moves it's always a bit strange, because we never see it coming! Again, I commit to wait patiently and not miss the workings of the Lord in our lives.

Getting some Press

2011-06-06T20:49:00.000-05:00

River Valley All-Stars: Ryan Rogers
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 4:04pm Category: Sports
ByMark Freeman
mark@rivervalleyleader.com
Clarksville junior Ryan Rogers has about a year to make the biggest decision of his young life.

Rogers has been named All-State in baseball after batting .534 with three home runs and 11 doubles, while reaching base at a .671 clip.

After a football season that saw the all-everything Rogers play offense, defense and special teams, Rogers was also contacted by both participants in the 2011 National Championship Game. Auburn and Oregon both emailed the strong-legged Panther, as news of his 50-yard field goal spread around the country.

“This summer will go a long way in determining what I’ll do at the next level,” Rogers said. “Right now I plan to play college baseball.”

Rogers plans to attend baseball camps this summer--- including the Extra Innings All-Star events for underclassmen July 6-7 in Jonesboro--- before switching gears back to football. Rogers received the most votes in the 4A-4 district to nab the Extra Innings honor.

The Panthers’ baseball season was, as Rogers called it, a successful one. Clarksville needed to beat Subiaco and Dover in a doubleheader to win conference, something Rogers said the team took a great deal of pride in doing.

In the regional tournament, Rogers and the Panthers fell to the eventual state runners up Prairie Grove, as the Tigers pitched their ace, whose fastball topped out in the upper eighties.

Coming into the season, Rogers worked on his catching skills, as Coach Jake Hudson found that saving his best fielder by playing him in the middle of the infield would not work with his young pitching staff. Rogers practiced blocking pitches and strengthening his arm, and throughout the season he cut down several runners trying to steal.

The best baseball game Rogers had from this season was against Subiaco, where he hit two home runs, a single and a double, just missing the cycle by a triple.

But as for the best memory from the 2011 year---in true Panther fashion--- Rogers chose a walk-off homer to beat Ozark.

“It was a really good year,” Rogers said. “It was fun; we were winning, so that made it even more fun.”

EIGHT is GREAT...Part 3

2011-05-31T10:38:00.000-05:00

Spend your Dollar City! Woo hoo! We hadn't been in so long! It was just five of us and we had a blast! Sheridan screamed and screamed on the biggest roller coasters...and then turned and said "That was AWESOME!" She loved the water rides and we rode everything and tasted everything in the park! HUGE SUCCESS!

EIGHT is GREAT... Part 2

2011-05-30T10:21:00.000-05:00

The main event on Sheridan's actual Bday was that I invited two of her closest friends over for the day. She didn't know they were coming after church...and that made it even more fun! These are two sweet and fun girls and they exclaimed over their FRIENDSHIP SHIRTS. (so funny, they came up with that name!)

Activities included swimming, hamburgers for lunch on the patio, a quick gift opening from Ryan (before he headed off to Boy's State), chocolate dipping dessert (BIG HIT), trampoline time, and lots of laughter. It was a BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY and a wonderful way to celebrate Sheridan's birthday!

Sheridan had thought about having a chocolate themed party for a few months. I don't have a fondue pot (nor do they sell those in my small town), I didn't want to splurge on a chocolate fountain, and so we simply melted almond bark in small bowls and let them dip to their hearts' content! Strawberries, pretzel rods, graham crackers, wafer cookies and grapes were dipped, as well as a few fingers for good measure. It was fun!

EIGHT is GREAT

2011-05-29T10:06:00.001-05:00

We had a little fun this morning with her first two gifts before church. The first was a great outfit she could wear to church from Grandma and Grandpa. The second was a clue that led to 3 more clues, that led to a note that told her we were going to Silver Dollar City for her birthday tomorrow!

We haven't been to SDC in about 6 years. The only time Sheridan has gone, she was in a stroller. We aimed to correct this obvious oversight and get her to an amusement park! We used to take the kiddos when they were little...but competitve baseball, band camps, and other things have kept us away...tomorrow it is Sheridan's turn! Richard will take Ryan to Boy's State today in Conway. He won't be with us, bummer.

Last weeks of school

2011-05-28T09:54:00.002-05:00

Erin and Sydney at the LAST band concert for Erin. She has decided not to be in band anymore. We have talked about it at length and the truth is, she doesn't enjoy it at all. She has so many other things that she likes ("LOOOVVEEESS") and so it's a wise choice for her to pursue the things she excels and enjoys. We have no doubt music will be a huge part of her life, so we're not worried about her giving that up!

Junior High Talent Show: She sang Francesca Battistelli's "This is the Stuff" and did an excellent job! Ryan and Lauren were both able to come over to the fine arts center and I checked Sheridan out of school to watch. (Small town living at it's best) WOW! we were all highly impressed and proud.

LOVE these two college girls, Melody on the ukulele and Naima on the acoustic guitar. These girls accompanied her and it was really good! She didn't "win" but she was great!

Last year we were in Hawaii when Erin was in her first CJH talent show. Our teacher friend kept us up to date. It was a good memory, and yet I was so glad to be there in person to clap this year!

I was the class leader during Sheridan's WATER DAY! It's a really fun day where the kids are encouraged to wear clothes to get wet in, and there are lots of parent volunteers to oversee the 11 stations of games. What makes water day so fun is that it is typically SO HOT during the last days of May. Unfortunately, it was about 48 on our water day and chilly! The kids shivered their way through the games and it was still fun!

Other events the last two weeks of school:
High School Choir Concert - Ryan
Junior High Choir Concert - Erin
State Soccer Tournament - Lauren
Try Outs for American Legion Baseball - Ryan
Softball games - Sheridan
CHS graduation - Ryan & Lauren
Band trip to Magic Springs - Erin
Choir trip to Branson - Ryan
Boy's State - Ryan
AND...a tornado came through our town.

Time

2011-05-22T20:12:00.006-05:00

Friday night Ryan was an usher for the high school graduation. Next year he'll be graduating. I'm not sure if we're ready for the next 12 months.

Thinking a lot

2011-05-19T16:30:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I had my first mammogram. The dr has encouraged me to do this since I became 40, however, if I didn't think about it, I didn't feel too bad about not following her directive.

Two weeks ago my cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her mother, my only aunt, is a breast cancer survivor and as close as we are by blood, I just always assumed cancer was on "their" side of the family.

Kayren's diagnosis made me call for my appointment. Yesterday, while I was at the hospital, Kayren was having the lymph nodes removed. The tests will tell us more. Kayren will have to do radiation. She is the mother of 4, a homeschooler and very involved in her church. Her husband is retired military and they have settled in Michigan.

I've been melancholy for the last 48 hours. I don't know if it's because I was nervous about my appointment, or if I'm just having a melancholy day. I don't much like growing up sometimes. My teens are making some huge decisions about their summer and their senior and junior years in school and it seems like time is moving pretty quickly.

Help me Lord to number my days and not miss Your opportunities.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T15:36:00.002-05:00

Pine Sol

2011-05-10T09:02:00.006-05:00

I am so not enjoying the packing and cleaning part of selling our house. I'm trying to expose baseboards and carpet space and we've manipulated every room for 15 years making the most of those two things with crates, baskets and cute plastic tubs!

The realtors are touring this morning. My prayer evolved this week into "Please let us sell as fast as possible so I won't have to clean like this every time someone comes to look at the house!" Call me selfish, but 6 of us live here, spit toothpaste in the sinks and have dirty clothes. There are always some crumbs under the table and grass is tracked in at the least twice a day when the dogs are fed.

I am venting. So sorry for those of you who actually read this and aren't my mother (who might have stopped after the first whiny paragraph).

I have a home, Pine Sol, Comet for the tubs, a mop and a pretty power-washed deck to enjoy. I need to keep the children who don't have any of that in the front of my mind.

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T17:49:00.000-05:00

Last year I was in a plane on Mother's Day...headed to Hawaii. This year, after several color-full Mother's Day cards from Sheridan, a mushy note from Richard and a jewelry gift...I took a gloriously long Sunday nap at home.

For dinner we drove to Conway to meet up with Richard's sisters and their families to treat Mimi. The long wait at Marketplace Grill was worth it. Oh, how I enjoy good food!

Mimi treated me to some beautiful striped petunias. She used to give me flowers every mother's day because she knew I loved them, and wouldn't buy them for myself. I planted them today in my front-door pots.

Easter Dresses

2011-04-26T12:54:00.006-05:00

I've never been one to go overboard dressing for Easter. I can get distracted by the smallest things, so making a big effort on clothes, shoes and accessories on this day is a "no" for me. My girls shopped a little and borrowed a little and dressed sweet for their Easter celebration. They looked beautiful, and I can't believe how much they are growing up!

Sheridan woke up in the middle of the night and then again in the morning with a high fever and a sore throat. We stayed home during Bible Study, got her fever down, then met everyone for the worship service. After a wonderful lunch with friends, we headed home in tornado-like weather for Sunday afternoon naps. Incidentally, it rained for the next 36 hours.

The most powerful part of my Easter weekend was the time I spent with Him on Friday afternoon, quiet and alone. I'm copying I John right now, and the words were fresh and powerful to me. I also was introduced to a song earlier in the week that was moving. :

(click to see on YouTube)O the Blood

O the blood

Crimson love
Price of life's demand
Shameful sin
Placed on Him
The Hope of every man

CHORUS
O the blood of Jesus washes me
O the blood of Jesus shed for me
What a sacrifice that saved my life
Yes, the blood, it is my victory

Savior Son
Holy One
Slain so I can live
See the Lamb
The great I Am
Who takes away my sin

O the blood of the Lamb
O the blood of the Lamb
O the blood of the Lamb
The precious blood of the Lamb
What a sacrifice
That saved my life
Yes, the blood, it is my victory

O what love
No greater love
Grace, how can it be
That in my sin
Yes, even then
He shed His blood for me

Bunny Ears

2011-04-25T09:09:00.000-05:00

Hope you didn't miss these. Sheridan has a thing for Kit Kats so they caught my eye. Cute Easter food, what can I say?

Transitions

2011-04-22T09:22:00.005-05:00

1) Sale season is over. And my days are no longer lists of sale things to do.

2) However, it's time to clean house, seriously. (see 3)

3) Decided to list our house and try to sell. (We've lived here 13 years)

4) Richard is transitioning to part time at church (Sun,Mon,Wed, Thurs), part time with Rhea Lana's (Tues in Conway, Fri). Now "home on Friday", means working on Friday, not quality time with me. Not sure about this yet.

5) Started substituting again this week. More like babysitting at the end of the year.

6) AFTER selling house, we will look for a 5 bedroom in which to live and hopefully adopt two little boys.

7) In not so many months, Ryan will be a senior.

8) In not so many months, Lauren will be a junior.

Sign of the Times

2011-04-20T12:18:00.001-05:00

Today in the mail I got two thin bank statements, our trash bill and Ryan got 7 letters from colleges. He doesn't know what he wants to study, if he can play ball while he's at school, or where he wants to go. He's talking to coaches from lots of different schools now. If the envelopes had checks in them, it would be a lot easier.

The neighbor girls

2011-04-18T09:12:00.004-05:00

Love these sweet friends. All playing soccer this year, in the same grade as Lauren, live within walking distance and are fun to have around. Arie, Lexi and Lauren...counting our blessings.

Quote of the Day

2011-04-18T08:21:00.004-05:00

"Jesus is Lord"

~Sheridan, before her baptism.

2011-04-13T20:06:00.002-05:00

My boy is 17. He is a junior. He is in his second to last season of high school baseball. He has grown up right before my eyes. He still hugs me. He likes to text me. He sometimes thinks I'm worked up about nothing, but mostly he just wants to be close to the family. My college vote is for an SEC school...we'll see.

Cutie Petutie!

2011-04-13T19:59:00.004-05:00

She doesn't trust me on clothing, but somehow we agreed this newest purchase from my last sale was a keeper! I can't believe she wore the scarf to school...and risked all kinds of 2nd grade embarrassment... but she did!

Say cheese!

2011-04-11T20:16:00.007-05:00

We were all excited that Emily was coming to Clarksville for PROM! Emily was a great date for this very special event! Heidi brought her down for the evening, we picked them up at their motel, took the first set of pictures, and then headed off to two more photo venues.

I am so thankful for Ryan's group of good friends. They're all pictured here, the girls are seniors, and they "adopted" Ryan and Trey into their group of friends throughout the year and on this special night. Ryan and Emily, Connor and Hannah, Aaron and Katie, Zack and Lindsey, Trey and Hailey, Tyler and Madison.

Ryan couldn't resist holding the other Ryan on this momentous occasion.

The entire community seems to roll out to the beautiful college campus in town to take pictures. With all those folks, there's someone in the back of all the pictures. We waited our turn to have pics in front of the chapel. It is fun for the parents to see all the kids dressed up before they go to the dance too.

Suede's been around forever, and I never noticed how much bigger he is than Ryan.

I love this preview of the Banning's back yard. Heidi and I went over and helped set up a little bit before the kids got there. Someone else did the cooking and we just did simple decorating to make it look special. The kids came over after prom (around 9:30) ate a great dinner (served by the dads), complete with personalized cakes, and then went on a scavenger hunt until the early morning hours. I was in bed, not able to stay up for the duration as I was headed to Broken Arrow in the morning for my 9 day week there. The night was a success.

It's a good thing when you can go to bed, knowing your child is out all night in your car, with their friends.

Finally Friday

2011-03-25T18:09:00.009-05:00

SPRING BREAK:
I wouldn't have changed a thing about this last week. (OK, I would've loved to have dropped 20 pounds) My big kids were doing what was best for them, Richard was working (three jobs, at last count) and Sheridan and I kept busy accomplishing much, laughing a lot and traveling a little. We watched a movie, played with friends, finished our puzzle, read books, played kickball at the church (with Trey) on Wednesday, made a day trip to BA on Thursday. It's been good one on one time and although it wasn't our first choice (we both would've loved Disney) it was a week that was good for both of us.

The kids are on their way home now, Ryan's first text to me was "Moooooommmm!" They haven't had their phones all week, and it made me smile! Coming up this week he has 4 baseball games, he is head of the Prom (being the Jr Class president and all) and of course, school. It's like BACK TO REALITY when his feet hit the ground.

I've got a calendar full for next week too, including one (maybe two) days out of town, final prep for BA, loading equipment for BA, and moving in to BA on Friday. After PROM pictures and a good night sleep on Saturday I'm off to BA for 9 days. I will not wish this next week away.

March Madness?

2011-03-25T09:33:00.003-05:00

Even Betty Crocker is getting in on March Madness!

Get in the game with Betty Crocker! As the nation’s top college basketball teams battle it out on the court, party foods inspired by their hometowns will go head-to-head in the Betty Bracket. Which recipe has the flavor to go all the way? You decide!

Finished

2011-03-24T20:53:00.000-05:00

We clapped and hugged when the last piece went in.

Strange Spring Break

2011-03-22T13:49:00.006-05:00

For the last 4 years we've gone as a family with our youth group to work at Mission Arlington. Although it's a rough week of work, and less than great accomodations, it's always a highlight of our year. Because of work obligations and my BA sale coming up in two weeks, Richard and I had to stay home this year. My big kids are there, I'm sure having a great time serving and will come back with wonderful stories, but Sheridan had to stay home. She was frustrated about that, because she loves to go!

I've been keeping her busy for the last 36 hours without her brother and sisters....

Yesterday she had her first cavity filled, went to Sonic for ice cream after that, had lunch at Subway, took our recycling to the drop off, and started a pot holder project. In the afternoon, Sheridan cleaned off her desk and found treasures, including a chapter book she stopped to read, and we started a 1000 piece puzzle last night.

Today we had breakfast with our dear friends in Russellville and they treated her to a candy stick, and before my hair appointment we bought her a cute pair of sandals and a new swimsuit! While I had my hair cut she watched part of a movie at the hair salon. Right now, a neighbor friend is over here giggling with her on the trampoline. Ahhh.

March Madness

2011-03-20T19:35:00.005-05:00

I almost always have a post with this title, and it usually refers to the 2 birthdays in our immediate family, a seasonal business that happens around this time, Spring Break trips and general spring sports overload. This time, I'm sticking with the original intent and I want to go public to say I love picking the bracket in the NCAA tournament! I don't study it, I just go with my first thoughts and limited and trivial sports tidbits I know. I typically pull for SEC teams, hardly ever for Texas, and I love the underdogs.

My bracket is looking pretty good right now, even though there was a huge upset just now in the West. Of course, it's more fun to cheer for the HOGS, but we're in a slump during this decade so I had to pick someone else to follow. For the last few years I've been pulling for GONZAGA. (It's fun to say, OK?) They lost in round 3, but I did pick them for their first win, even though it was an upset. I'll keep my eye on the other Cinderella teams...there's a few wanting to win it bad, and who doesn't love a Cinderella story!

Sign of the Times

2011-03-15T22:14:00.001-05:00

courtesy of Just Another Day in Paradise

Today is the day of Salvation

2011-03-14T21:05:00.006-05:00

3.14.11

Sheridan prayed tonight to become a Christian. Richard was out of town, but we called him on the phone and I invited the kids to come and witness her prayer. Lauren says during their hug, "You know what, when we die, we're going to live together forever in Heaven."

Sheridan's heart was tender tonight and she kept asking me how she would know when it was the right time. She told me she had been asking Him but she didn't know. Then she told me she couldn't get Him out of her mind. I asked her if she wanted to pray right then, and she said "Yes." She wants God to forgive her and forget all her sins, and to live in Heaven.

Every night since she was about 2 I say to her, "God made you, Jesus died for you, and the Holy Spirit wants to live in your heart."

Tonight, for the first time, I said, "God made you. Jesus died for you, and the Holy Spirit lives in your heart."

We were both crying a little and she says, "I'm going to read my Bible from now on." I lose it and remember the passion I had for the Word when I accepted Him into my heart. I will pray that I make sure there is always time to get in the Word for her in our routine. This month Becky has challenged them with praying every day and reading their Bible every day. This has been important to her and she hasn't forgotten except for just a few nights.

He drew her in through His life-changing Word.

Thank you God for saving my children.

BIG weekend

2011-03-13T20:49:00.000-05:00

Thursday Ryan and Lauren both played ball. Friday, Lauren played soccer again, in Berryville. When I got home from the game I went to the AWANA girls sleepover and hosted for about an hour during the missions portion of the night. Saturday morning the family got up, dressed in black, and headed to Hot Springs to watch our High School, and our buddy Trey, play for a state championship in Basketball. WHAT A DAY! The pictures say it all:

Quote of the Day

2011-03-11T20:47:00.000-06:00

Last Wednesday night Richard arrived home just as I was leaving Sheridan's room for her to go to sleep. Of course, he went in to kiss and hug her and on my way around the corner I heard her say...

"Hey, aren't you supposed to be at an elderly meeting?"

Yeah, that's an elder meeting. Every Wednesday night.

Baseball/Soccer/Track = Thursday

2011-03-11T09:06:00.005-06:00

Rich and I went to Tulsa/BA for a quick trip on Thursday. He had a meeting and I was handing out marketing materials to moms who want to know more about my event. We were on a bit of a tight schedule as we were both headed opposite directions to watch our kids play ball. Erin was out of town at a track meet, she has injured her knee, so was not running, just cheering.

I had soccer duty in Clarksville, and I needed to pick Sheridan up from a friend before the game. Game time was 5:00. Richard was on baseball duty and they were scheduled to play in Subiaco (30 min away), and the game was to start at 4:30. Unfortunately, or fortunately for us, Subi's baseball field was under water so we got to watch both games...from the visitor's stands at our football field! This only happened once last season.

We can sit on the top row and see both the baseball field and the football/soccer field. Woo hoo! Small town living at it's best!

Both teams won! Lauren scored 2 goals and assisted with another! Final was 5-0. Ryan pitched the last three innings and got us a win in a tight game, 9-8.

Sale #6

2011-03-11T08:32:00.007-06:00

Blessed. It's the only way to describe all my crazy feelings during and after this 6th event in Russellville. You'd think I'd be nervous because we had less items, but no, the item quality was better. The location was new, but FABULOUS, and the shoppers never stopped coming!

Lauren and Ryan both put in a 10+ hour day on Saturday, driving all over town trying to buy me 6 foot tables (of which there are none in Rsvl), printing labels, checking in folks, checking out folks, and moving inventory at my command. They are learning some important skills of working with people, especially the grouchy ones (of which we have a few). I'm thankful they came, I would've loved to have them there all week.

Mom and Dad drove down on Monday afternoon just to hug my neck and see my new space. Of course, after about 10 minutes I had my mom running next door for ink pens and my dad stuffing a late entry in my 500 goody bags. I love my parents, they have been huge supporters during the development of my sale. I think I called my mom almost every morning on my way to the sale to give her updates. The time was right when she was getting ready to go to work, but she listened to me and took my prayer requests everytime! Blessed indeed.

The light was SUPER in our new location, the one big room looked so much bigger too. We had a lot of walk-by traffic from the grocery store next door. One day when I went to buy ice for our cooler, one of the managers at the grocery store told me because the parking lot was so full, they were having shoppers who though we were in a "snow scare!" I was glad we had several ladies in the store who knew what was going on (and would explain) and are now our fans.

Three weeks until Broken Arrow! God is good, all the time.

Read this

2011-03-08T20:40:00.003-06:00

This last week I didn't get home until very late and only wanted to slip into a hot bath. My mind was spinning with sale stuff, and I needed to "unwind" before I tried to go to sleep. I had a Karen Kingsbury book a friend had given me and as tired as I was, I read at least 3 chapters each night.

This is a great story with a great theme. It deals with autism and it is encouraging and uplifting. It is a story of hope and faith and choices.

Sale Time

2011-02-25T22:26:00.003-06:00

6th season in Russellville! I love my job! In the last two weeks I've been at two different events, one in Little Rock and one in Mansfield, TX. I was training new franchise owners from Northern Indiana, Cincinnati, Overland Park, Mountain Home and Pine Bluff. I am so thankful to work with great ladies around the country and especially at my own sale. We moved in today to a new location with wonderful light and space. I am thankful for my leaders and the many consignors who are entering items into our sale right now! It's been a crazy and busy few weeks...check in starts tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited!

Sunshine!!

2011-02-12T18:21:00.003-06:00

I'm so thankful for the SUNSHINE TODAY! Ryan took the ACT, Lauren swam in a swim meet, Erin is at DNow, Richard and I hung up banners outside in Russellville. The snow is melting... Woohoo!