Archives for February 2006

When it rains it Pours….

I think I may have told some of you that someone got into my Paypal account and paid themselves about $1000….
WELL….
Dell called to day and asked if I charged about $6000 in computer stuff.

“Ah, NO”

So off we go again. I called the credit bureau guys and put a restriction on my credit and then I called all the people I have had credit with to let them know (per the credit guys suggestion).

UGH!

Of course we got no school work done today but we did go to Bible Study this morning. I guess I can check off “Bible” for the day and it's been pretty enough to play outside so check by PE.

Then we went to the grocery store for store bought pizza and cupcakes since today is middle son's REAL birthday day. Now they are outside running off the sugar. All except baby girl who is climbing on my head as I type.

So guess I better go.
Pray the guys who have my credit info. would be caught.
IN HIM
Julie

6 Comments

Posted: February 15, 2006 by Julie |Category: Other Happenings | Tags:

Just a really cool photo

I've been playing around with Photoshop and this is what I've gotten. Cool, huh?

and here's my cool word thingie

6 Comments

Posted: February 14, 2006 by Julie |Category: Happenings | Tags:

The American Flag

Meaning of the Folding the American Flag

The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded.
The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted only when draped as a pall on the casket of a veteran who has served our country honorably in uniform.
In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat, the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nations honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks and who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we
turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidan
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing
with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America, and to the republic for which it stand, one nation under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we
might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mothers Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion
that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of
our country since he or she was first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.

flag folding gif comliments of CRW Flags Inc. • Glen Burnie, Maryland

5 Comments

Posted: February 12, 2006 by Julie |Category: Happenings | Tags:

Happy Birthday

Today we had my middle son's birthday party. Last year it was beautiful outside and we had a campfire. This year we had rain and it was cold…..brrr cold.
Here are a few shots.

Have a good Sunday
Julie

6 Comments

Posted: February 11, 2006 by Julie |Category: Happenings | Tags:

More Palm Springs Photos

As we are expecting rain and maybe snow this weekend I thought I'd remind myself and anyone else suffering from “I'm ready for spring to be her” of warmer temperatures. BRrrrrrr it's cold here.

But not here….

Doesn't the tree look like it's wearing a skirt?

Look closely to the left of the tree in the cloud and you can see a bird I caught in flight without realizing it. (above photo)

Many sweet little cotton tailed bunnies scampered around the grounds about dusk. Oh how I wish I could have petted. They were irresistable.

Wishing us all warm sunshine….
and peaceful hearts.
Julie

3 Comments

Posted: February 10, 2006 by Julie |Category: Happenings | Tags:

Trying out trackbacks….

I'm glad there are people much smarter than me in the blogosphere…….like Steve and Amy Beth.

Okay let's see if I can get this right!!!
I'm trackbacking to Steve's blog and Amy Beth's on trackbacks.
Have I confused you yet??

I'm still trying to figure this thing out….
Need help???
(Yea, me too!!)
Try Steve's blog or Amy Beth's

5 Comments

Posted: February 9, 2006 by Julie |Category: Happenings | Tags:

The Simple Life…

I'm beginning to redefine what “The Simple Life” means to me, especially after a few days away from my real life. My vacation with my husband wasn't simple in some ways. We did stay in a fancy nice hotel in Palm Springs, CA (not a cabin in the woods) and we definitely had to spend some money to get there (CA's not cheap) and we rode on a plane to get there (not a horse and buggie). So in those ways the past few days weren't simple.

But in many other ways they were simple. I got to walk around under the beautiful sky holding hands with my husband. We enjoyed long bike rides together. We watched a little TV. We sat by the pool. I laid in a sauna. I prayed. I felt the tension of life fall from my body. I got to “be” instead of all that “doing”.

The pleasures were simple.

Sometimes I get caught up in wanting my life to be simpler but is it in the wrong way? Is this just another way of not being content with the life the Father has given me? You know, kind of like wanting more, but in reverse?? This is the life The Father has given me. Yes, I have choices within that life but the last few days have redefined what simple means to me. The pleasures I enjoyed were simple.

I'm not a soap maker or a homesteader or a wheat grinder (although I want friends who are). I am a mom of 4 who homeschools two while keeping up with a toddler and sending one to Montessori school. I often struggle just to keep the kids alive, the household running and some type of budget in place. I have a husband God has gifted with a wonderful job that allows for trips like the one we just took (though not all the time). I am NOT superwoman, supermom OR superwife.

I'm just a soldier marching through the battlefield we call life.

Do I trust God to care for my children so I can take time away? Do I trust Him to provide for the time away? Am I grateful when I receive it? Do I take the time when presented OR do I too often act the martyr………?

“Oh, I can't leave my kids.”
“It's too much trouble.”
“How can we afford it?”
“What would others think?”
“How could I ask others to care for MY kids?”

Hmmmmm………..
Simple.
Maybe simple is just the acceptance of what God has gifted me with and using those gifts however he calls me to use them.

Jesus rested.
Julie needs rest.

Jesus took time away.
Julie needs time away.

Simple……..

THOUGHTFULLY IN HIM,
Julie

9 Comments

Posted: February 8, 2006 by Julie |Category: Happenings | Tags:

A Gift for all mothers

Today I've prayed for all mothers everywhere to get to experience the type of relaxation and contentment I've experienced over the last few days. My soul has been at peace. My heart stilled. My mind emptied.

Our trip to CA has been such a change in routine for me. There is absolutely no one here who needs me. The people around me are here to serve me, not to be served.

My senses have been assaulted daily as I bike ride with my husband under gorgeous azure skys. Lawns are meticulously manicured. Flowers bloom everywhere. Just breathing is so wonderful. My eyes search for the source of the scent tingling my nose. The sun is warm. The air is dry. The palm trees sway in the breeze. I can hear the trickle of a waterfall.

We don't gift ourselves with times such as these very often. I know it's hard as a mom to take time for ourselves. But we are not God. We are human. We need these times. They help us refuel, recharge. They lift our spirits.

I have to admit, I'm not ready to go home yet. I need one more day. Then I think I would be missing everyone at home. I know it's been too long since I've taken care of myself when I'm not missing my precious ones yet. I have thoroughly enjoyed this time by myself and with my husband. We've fallen back into that wonderful routine, that dance couples do. We hold hands. We tease one another. We laugh. We aren't frustrated or tired or exhausted from the day.

We're spoiled. We're rested. We're relaxed. We are one again.

So I pray, “Dear Lord, give all the moms out there a place to be, a haven, a refuge. Give them a peace of heaven on earth where skys are brilliant and blue, where gentle breezes blow and the sun warms their bodies. We get so tired in the midst of the battle Lord. May you bless each one with rest the way you have blessed me. You are God. The world, the universe, is at your fingertips. Give us a refuge Lord. Give us heaven here on earth just to recharge so we can go back into the battle with our heads held high, our armor in place and our hearts directed towards your perfect will”

IN JESUS' Mighty name
AMEN

Wishing each of my sisters a time just like this……
julie

8 Comments

Posted: February 7, 2006 by Julie |Category: Happenings | Tags:

Photos from California

Photos from California….

My hubbie on our bike ride today

A really cool picture of a palm tree

One of the local flowers….so pretty

My hubbie as we waited for someone to get bikes for us

One of the beautiful local orange trees. Don't tell anyone but we picked one and tasted it. It was a little sour but juicy.

Hopefully a few more tomorrow.
IN HIM
Julie

8 Comments

Posted: February 7, 2006 by Julie |Category: Other Happenings | Tags:

Our first day…

After surviving the trip here we had a wonderful first day in Palm Springs. We visited a Street Fair and I got SO MUCH Christmas shopping done. Can you even believe it? February, 84 degrees in sunny CA and I'm Chrismas shopping.

I love gifts that are special. And I found some today. I guess I can't tell you about them because someone I bought for may be reading this. I will say they are handmade, beautiful and from the “high desert” near Joshua Tree National Park or here or here. We went there last year when I came to CA with my hubbie.

My oldest has had a tough time with my trip and has already begun to ask if I was coming next year. I'm not sure how much a 7 year old understands the concept of time but I know he misses his momma. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort him.

I feel so spoiled here. My bed's made for me. I don't have to do laundry or cook. The mountains surround us because we are in the valley. It's a wonderful display of God's splendor and majesty.