Faith

Over the past several months I have been learning a lesson about faith. There has been an issue in my life that I have wanted to change for about 2 years. I haven't done anything about it for a long time. Then in May of this year I just felt it was time to move on it. So I prayed. and I talked to some people whose wisdom I value, and then I prayed some more. Then I saw things begin to happen. Things just worked out too conveniently.. So why did I not have more faith that what I was doing was from God? Why did I not trust him to handle the problem? Do I not know that he has a plan for me. Over and over this summer things happened and worked out and I would say "that is an answer to prayer!" and I was surprised by it. Why should I be surprised when God answers prayer? Still, as I sit here tonight and type this I am on the verge of making an important decision, I hold back. Hesitant still that I will fall and fail, and maybe that's part of the plan, but still holding close to me that last shred of trust and faith that God will provide and answer this prayer. Has the lesson been learned?

Random photos

This is my cousing Zack's little boy... Draden, I think

Ben did not want to leave the park

Caitlyn ate a lot of food

Ashlee was being so funny, as usual

the "tweens" Natalie and Amanda

happy girl

Mark, Jennifer(my sister) and Ashlee

some refreshing fun

I had a busy weekend. I had surgery(yes again) on Friday. I had my gall bladder removed. I felt good enough to go sit in the heat at a family get together on Saturday.

New sunglasses

Yo, whassup?

Can you say Diva?

The best part of Ben's day

The backyard project

look at those muddy feet!

Have you ever seen a happier boy?

a few weeks ago, we had some young men from the local highschool football team come out and help us dig up some thorny bushes we had in the back yard. they also dug up a path for us to extend the patio. Yesterday, we finally decided to set some bricks and create a little flower/vegetable bed where the kids and I could try some planting for fun. Of course, it rained. We hauled brick and dug dirt anyway. Ben had the BEST time being a boy, sitting in the dirt, throwing the dirt, dancing with his mommy and riding his bike... all in the rain. a perfect day all in all for an almost 4 year old boy.

The vacation ends...

The rest of the vacation went so quickly! On Tuesday, my sister Pat, mom, Amanda and I drove up to Frankenmuth, MI to go to Bronners. It is Christmas on steroids! Wow! It was a lot of fun and I did get a few Christmas ornaments and gifts but by the end of the day we were pooped. Wednesday, Pat, Mom and I went to the outlet malls right by Pat's house in Howell. OH MY! they have outlets for my favorite children's stores: Gymboree, The Children's Place, Baby Gap, Oshkosh and Carters! Everything was on sale or clearanced and I made off with some bargains! I loved it! Amanda got to go fishing with Uncle Jeff again on Wednesday and actually touched the worms. Ben and Caitlyn stayed home with Jeff and Jordan while I was out and I think they will miss being waited on hand and foot :0) Thursday was the long drive home but the kids did great and we stopped every few hours for potty breaks and food. Friday we spent in Decatur at the pool with Jennifer, Natalie and Ashlee. The kids had fun, but by 3:30 Ben had had enough and wanted to go home. He was so tired. All in all we had a great week, but we are ready to get back into our routine.

Vacation - days 3 and 4

Amanda finally got to go fishing. Uncle Jeff took her and Jordan to Lake Howell. Amanda caught 4 fish her first time out and she cut up the worms. Very impressive! While they were out, Pat, mom and I took Ben and Caitlyn to a playground and out to lunch, then let them swim. The mosquito's here are awful so I can't stand to be out for long. Monday, we went to the Toledo Zoo. Ben was miserable most of the day, but everyone else had a pretty good day. Two more days to go.....