I was sharing with my pastor today that I think God might warrant a 15 yard penalty for "piling on". Now before you get all up in my face I did warn him to stand back because I did not want to put him in jeopardy of getting hit by the same lightning bolt as I was. I kept him out of harms way.

Life is just really tough.... I know it's the same for all of my friends and yes some have it worse. (thank you God for health and family.)

yes, yes I know God didn't promise us a life without hurt I know all of that. Sometimes its just overwhelming.....

I'm pretty much the optimist and the encourager and the cheerleader. I like that and I believe it. I'm all about doing the right thing and keep doing the right thing. I guess I want a break... I'm willing to work for it (is that really a break though) I feel like I have been working for it.

but.... sometimes life is overwhelming.

Here's what I know: God works all things out for Good! Awesome!!! God will never leave me or forsake me! Even better. I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Hard to top that! He loves me and calls me his own. Aha! Truth is, God is awesome and He loves us with an everlasting love.

Still.....Sometimes life is....

I'm not one for excuses. Washington looked good today and they outplayed us! I'd say they made Coach Carol look good in his decision to start the freshman qb over Corp in the first 2 games. He sure didn't show me anything today.... except he's not an SC caliber qb.Interceptions, dropped balls, fumbles. Too many turn overs.
Ok boys, bring it on home and practice 1) holding on to the ball. 2) Catching the ball, 3) Throwing the ball. To be more concise, back to basics. I'd better send Barkely a get well soon card. Ouch! That one hurt.

Game on Huskies! I think I'll take that line from Frank Zappa, "Watch out where the Huskies go, don't you eat that yellow snow." (It's even more gross when you see it in print I think.) I use that line every year when we play them. Ren can attest to that! Trying to get everything done before game time. So I'll make this short.... ESPN says SC's starting the other qb today, Pete says it's a gametime decision, I choose to believe Pete (I know many of you think that ESPN is the gospel). We'll just see in about an hour and a half.

Sean is off to Magic Mountain, Nick is off to work, Tara's at work, Sam is with a friend, I'm telling you this house is getting emptier and emptier all the time.

Well, it's good to have the day off! I love my job don't get me wrong and very grateful to have it. Just loving that I can have some down time. Time to do some housework, do a little cooking, get some laundry done (did I say I have the day off?) spend time with the family.......oh Sean and Sam are at School, Tara is at work.... Nick is still sleeping....Ren is off to OC...... Ok, well at least I'm available even if they are not.

Sam has his first home game today at Buena. I'm excited I love to watch hime play, unfortunately, he's not getting much playing time.....yet! But we go we happily support the team but we hurt for our guy. At least he's not getting hurt! Trying to put a positive spin on it!

Ahhh, it will happen. Just keep working hard....

I'm off to do all the things that I try to fit in on my "day off".

While I'm at it, My friend has a new friend! Awesome, great.....my delima, What do I call him.I've given this a lot of thought..... "Boy-friend", "Gentleman-friend", "significant other" (too soon for that I think), how about the "someone special in your life guy", Come on now, help me out. This might be important! I'm not sure! This is new for me and her and I don't want to blow it. Maybe the "I'm just having fun for now guy" naw too non committal. I guess I could call him "Sailor Boy" or "weekend guy". I'm just not feeling it. It might help if I met him. Is it still too soon to meet the friends? We're talking good friend here...... Bff's (that's a whole other blog)..... Ah well, I guess I just have to call him by his name for now...... What kind of friend am I? Not very creative at the moment..... I'll keep thinking.

I guess that it's that time of year to start posting again. It's been well over a year since my last post. Life continues on whether I post or not. Some of my friends are very busy bloggers. I think that most that I know are very faithful about blogging. me? not so much. I've joined the face book age, been thinking about twitter but don't have a lot of time to follow people I don't really know. I've been thinking about it more for work. To be more visible for those that do use that site. We'll see. Between email, websites, fb...... how much time do I really have?

My favorite time of year is here! Yes... you know.... football season. Some think that the season has started out shaky. even though we have two wins. Our freshman qb is doing well. I'm like a proud/protective Mama. After all, I do have a boy his age. He got hurt last week, bruised shoulder, and still finished the game! Awesome. I guess someone else will start this week, but he'll be back soon. We're up in the Great North Wet this week and next, playing against our old offensive coordinator. "It's a building year for them", I can hear it already. Not that the game is in the bag or anything. As coach Lombardi always said, "On any given day...."
Wish I could make it to a game this year but it doesn't look good for that. I'll probably be too busy with the other fb (face book) or learning to twitter....

Sam's playing high school football this year, well he's practicing a lot anyway. It's hard for him and for us. He's back up qb. So kind of just waiting to go in. Last year he was in on every down. He finally had to ask to sit out Special teams so he could have a little break, this year he doesn't have that problem. "Hang in there", we keep telling him, "just practice hard", we say. "You'll get in there", we encourage. Of course we think that he's good, and better than the other guy, but he is! Besides being his parents, he is......

Tara is working really hard at school, she's taking 19 units trying to finish up her minor so that she can concentrate on her major her last 2 semesters at College. Bless her heart. She's doing a great job by the way. Loves her profs. And she's still working at the bank. Sometimes I feel bad that I can't help her more. Tuition went up again, and again this year while cutting back teachers with furlough days. I'm thinking furlough is the new term that evokes the same fear that pink slip did in years gone buy. Keep plugging away Tara, basically the same things we say to Sam.

Nick finally got a job. Yeah! three cheers! It sure is different. The house isn't as full anymore. between School, work and girlfriend I hardly see my Nickster any more. Oh let's face it when they get a girlfriend we don't see them. He's doing a good job with his time management, I just miss him.

I'd better talk about Sean as well. He's doing really good this semester. He's keeping busy with school and stuff. And that "stuff" isn't video games and computer. Yahoo... He's at El Camino high school, independent studies, taking 2 classes at Ventura College, and a drama class at Buena. Whew! Things are clicking a bit for him and he's working hard. He's really involved in youth group at church and just started an "evangelism study" with the other high schoolers.

They're funny kids, they all face book about everything.... I just have to log on to catch up with them. Sometimes I make them take it off and say something else/ What a mean mom I am. And I'm very careful and try not to comment on their friends fb, I guess that's not cool. But I often have a comment....Really? Anyway, hope it's not another year before I find something else to write about. Gotta check my fb now......

Some great adventure! I don't even have time to write about it! Too busy! I don't even think about taking pictures and posting them. I did at one time (think about it) but then I couldn't quite figure it out. Like my friend Julie, It's been months since I've even thought about blogging. Now it's June... a pretty sentimental month for me. Birthday's, Graduations, ending of yet another school year, a lot of "I wish I had done that" feelings. Regardless, here we are. First week out of school and I feel like the summer is ready to go blazing by. Tara's readying herself to transfer to Channel Island, Nick is ready for his Senior year to begin (tell me it's not true!), Sean is going to summer school and starting to get it (I see glimpses of hope, Thank you God for that), Sam is leaving for Navajo on Saturday with our youth group, gulp. And playing all stars for baseball. Ren is traveling a lot for work, with 2 major trips planned for the summer. Oh yea, I'm holding it all together with help from the duct tape roll! Deep breath. Mind you, I'm not trying to complain, just getting it all on "paper" will help me remember. In my efforts not to loose touch, I have....lost touch. Julie B, Julie O, Liz, Amy......are you out there?
I'm sure that you are just as busy as I, probably handling it much better. Agghh.
It is so good and encourageing and lovely to know that God is Never too busy or tired to forget us (me)! What an awesome God we have. Joy, joy, joy abounding and He is sufficient for me.

You'd think with the amount of time that has past, that I just didn't have anything to write about or that nothing has been going on. Neither of which are true. Since I last "blogged", Sammy finished up his first season of football, is in the middle of Basketball season and just had try-outs for Pony Baseball. Not to mention a whole semester of school. Nick finished up yet another time demanding season of Marching Band (with 3 Band director changes and numerouse practice schedule changes) with the highlight of their season taking Sweepstakes for Drumline in thier last competition, and he is now gearing up for his competition season in Drum line. Tara has another semester of College under her belt and is finishing her paperwork to transfer to Cal State Channel Islands next semester. She made the Dean's list again......working at Play It Again Sports, volunteering at Awana (with her "girls") and savoring the Red Sox as World Champions. Sean is getting aclimated to High School and interested in Cartooning. He is scheduled to visit Disney's Animation Center in the Spring. (Deep breath). God remains so faithfull. (No surprise there). Ren is busy, busy, busy.....but still loving and attentive to our family. He was able to coach Sammy in football, they both really loved it, and basketball....and baseball. He knows it will be coming to an end after next year as Sammy enters High School so he's grabbing his moments while he can. He travels quite a bit with his job and I don't know how he juggles it all but he does, and he does it well. He's teaching an adult Sunday School class at Church and he enjoys it all so much. And me????? Well, I've been busy as well. Head Cheerleader is hard work! You know what I'm talking about. And I don't even have a cute little uniform! (Ahhhh shouts of relief go out!). I'm still on the board for baseball and that has been fun....mostly :-)It's a great way to get involved in the Community and I have met a lot of good people. I'm still involved in a Women's Bible Study and growing deeper roots as I study God's word. We said Good bye to our former teaching Pastor at CBC. He stepped down in August to persue a new work (after 5 years with us) and thus began a Pastor Search. Once again, God was faithful. (I know, no surprise again). God brought us a wonderful man and family, who loves the Lord and preaches His Word with confidence and enthusiasm. Some changes for me work-wise, after being on my own for 7 years, there's someone here everyday. I think that we're both getting used to each other and building a mutual respect for one another.
I'll try and get in here more, if only for my own sake.
Blessings to you!

Wow, it has been a year....looking back over this site has brought back the same emotions and some just as intense. Also the same is our Great God! A lot has happened this past year and I'm as certain there is going to be a lot happening this next year. Already on the books, is my friend, who has breast cancer. I have all of these emotions, and I don't know what to do with them. I feel inadequate as her friend, and selfish for even thinking of that right now. I know that the Lord will help me every single step of the way as I know that He is helping her. I still feel inadequate..... She is starting Chemo. this week, someone else is going with her....another friend..... I wish that I could do something....besides ramble. I actually thought that something would come to me while I was rambling.....not yet.....

Tara is starting school next week here at home. She's not quite as excited as she was last year. Not quite as nervous either. She is more sure of herself these days, and that's nice to be a part of. So I will cherish her time at home. (She's already looking into moving to Boston for her Graduate school. Yikes)Didn't I just go through that? Oh and then there is the fact that Nick is a junior this year and receiving all kinds of information from Colleges....... far away. The nerve of these kids! It just keeps coming.....Sean is starting High School. Now there's another adventure. Sam is playing football....first year...Do they have to put them in pads that make them look so big? He's only 12. He's my baby!.....

Still rambling.......still no answers.....still inadequate.......

We are moving Tara back home this week. I started this blog back in August when we were taking our "Little Girl" off to College. What a roller coaster -- emotionally, physically and spiritually. I have to say, that I am more than a little happy that she is coming home! In a way, it feels like a second chance. Even though the first chance was great. Can the second time be even better? She comes to us as an adult with a year of living away from our home it's bound to be different....right?

I'm also grateful that she had a positive experience living with her Aunt and Uncle and with her first year of College. What kind of expectations does she have now? What kind of expectations do we have now? Hmmmmmmm we'll have to take the time to explore all of that.

Thank you Lord for the "second chance".

Your Superhero Profile

Your Superhero Name is The Copper Justice Your Superpower is Technology Your Weakness is Sailors Your Weapon is Your Vibro Armor Your Mode of Transportation is Raft

What's" your Superhero Name?

Okay I stole this from Liz's blog. I didn't know this about myself. Very revealing.

Your Dominant Intelligence is Interpersonal Intelligence

You shine in your ability to realate to and understand others.Good at seeing others' points of view, you get how people think and feel.You have an uncanny ability to sense true feelings, intentions, and motivations.A natural born leader, you are great at teaching and mediating conflict. You would make a good counselor, salesperson, politician, or business person.

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofintelligencedoyouhavequiz/">What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Okay so I'm good at stealing things from my friends blogs! Thanks Julie, fun even if not accurate.

Okay, Okay.... So it's been a while. I haven't had (taken) the time to write things down. And I've been having trouble even getting on my blog. So here I am..... I'm sitting in a hotel room in Palm Springs with 3 boys snorring behind me! What inspiration. Ren is out working this morning while I catch up on my emails and such. He was gracious enough to bring all of us (minus Tara) on a little getaway. It is very nice here, nice and warm. I must admit I feel a bit out of sorts being here and my friends in Ve ntura. With one of my dear "sisters" going through the pain of watching her mother-in-law pass into eternal glory. I know how painful that is for her and how much she will miss her. It doesn't seem right that I'm not there doing something. I am here praying for her and her family and we do rejoice in the knowledge that she knows the Lord and we'll see her again one day.

This is why I haven't blogged lately girls. I just ramble!

Hey did you know that my girl is coming home soon? She will be finishing up her semester at CSF in about 5 weeks and then she is coming home and going to start at VC next semester and then transfer to CSUCI for her junior and senior year. She is doing well in her classes, except for her Geology class, she's not too sure about that one. It will be good to have her home, It sure has been different around our house without her. Even the boys all said that they missed her on this trip.

Sammy (and Ren) have started another season at Baseball. It's kind of strange having just one boy playing this year. Our season has started a bit off kilter and our team has yet to experience the joys of victory. And know all to well the "agony of defeat" (they are 0 and 6). But they are coming along and it won't be much longer before we get one in the "win" column. Sammy has pitched 2 games now and he is doing well at it. He threw this one pitch the other day that looked like it was suspended in air and frustrated the guy so much when he swung and missed it. It was one of those cartoon type pitches where the batter looked like he could of swung 3 04 4 times before it crossed the plate. too funny.

Well, I'll try and be a little more faithful and share with you some more. (Although I can't imagine anyone being interested).

It seems I need some lesson(s) on posting. I wanted to put this picture in my profile, apparently, I didn't do it correctly and don't know how to erase it! So, for the few of you who actually look at my blog, you will see my mistake. This picture is from Dec. when Ren and I went to AZ. to see the Cardinals vs. Broncos game. Was a great time although the team that I was rooting for did not win, Ren's team did soooooo..... It was a win win situation.

Okay, so I actually cried!!!! I didn't get to see the game, I was on a plane, planning to watch it when I got home and up pops this man with his cell phone, as we are trying to get off of the plane, and shouts (at least it seemed like he was shouting), "you're kidding, they lost?" Well, immediately, I knew what he was talking about. I got off of the plane, as fast as I could just in time to see the tv in the airport, and I thought 10seconds left, they are close to the end zone....they could still pull this out typical finish for an SC game.... wait, they're going the wrong way and... the wrong team has the ball....ahhhhh! So, I pull it together and my friend Jodi asks me..."You are a fan, do you actually get teary eyed and everything." I think to myself. "No, Never, I don't cry over a football game" all of a sudden, there are these tears spilling over my eyes and down my face.Can you believe it? I was shocked and certain that I was having some kind of out of body experience. I'm so embarrassed! Tom Hanks' character in League of Their Own, says that there's no crying in baseball.... That has to be at least doubly true for football. So for this year, no National Championship game, no bragging rights for the city (or me for that matter), broke yet another amazing streak of wins against UCLA...but as Dan reminds me, UCLA still holds the title for most wins against us (all of the 80"s). Ahhh, what's a girl to do..... Still loving "My Boys" and will be happy to watch them in the Rose Bowl against Michigan. Will someone tell them to Bring their game with them on January 1st. Please??? Always an SC fan I will be.

Okay, so some of my friends are waiting for my feelings on the game last week. I'm not a poor loser, (I don't think), But WE LOST! We didn't play well and my boys need their Ovaltine. Yes, it was bound to happen, yes there's always next year. So where do we go from here? Personally, I hope my boys step up to the huddle, get pumped up and kick some tail for the rest of the season.To the Guys on the softball team you were great, you didn't rub my noes in it too bad, they must not have wanted to see me cry (lol). Actually, I don't think that they knew how I would react since we haven't had this experience in a very long time. Of course it doesn't help that I have to see Dr. Dan today (our dentist that is a UCLA alumni). Maybe he'll take pity since the Bruins lost as well.....AGAIN.... okay one cheap shot. I just couldn't help myself... hopefully he won't hear about this until after my appointment. I have this underlying fear that he is going to tattoo UCLA on my lower lip or something like that.Well, "Fight On"!!!!

You Have A Type A Personality
You are hyper, energetic, and always on the moodYou tend to succeed at everything you attemptAnd if you don't succeed at first, you quickly climb your way to the top!You could be called a workaholic, but you also make time for funAs long as it's high energy and competitive, you're interestedYou have the perfect personality for business and atheltic success http://www.blogthings.com/doyouhaveatypeapersonalityquiz/

Well, September is almost over, the whether is becoming a bit cooler. The house has some fall color. Football season is definitely underway. (Leinart is going to start on Sunday….. maybe….YES!) We are into the school year….parent teacher conferences are not my favorite. It used to be we would go and hear how good our little angel was progressing. It’s not that simple anymore, nothing is simple any more I suppose, why should this be any different?
I always seem to think that Summer is my favorite time of year until Fall get’s here. Hmmm. I wonder why. Am I afraid to admit that I love Fall? I don’t think so. I think I like each season when it’s here. I like the freshness that the season bring, the promise of what’s going to be, the breeze of a new day, the hope of a new tomorrow. Wow, God is good.
It’s good Tea whether. I was reminded of this on my way to work this morning. I thought of my friend Traci. We’re buddies in everything. We’re “Tea Time” enthusiasts. I miss my friend. Life gets so busy. But in the fall we seem to come back together. Yet another promise of the season. Let’s get together …. Soon…. We’ll have tea and talk of everything….including the promise of what’s going to be.

Wow! What a weekend, filled to the brim. football games, soccer, band-stuff, Women's Ministry functions, surprise party for my friend, clean-up, set-up, take down....up, down, up, down. whew. Good thing I loved it all. Great game on Saturday both soccer and USC football. Glad to see that Michigan beat Notre Dame :-). It was nice to spend time with friends and celebrate Susie's birthday. It just seems like a lot going on right now and I'm trying not to feel overwhelmed, lots of list making. which makes one more thing to add to the list..... Ah well seasons of life I suppose. I think that I am heading home for the day. Actually, I have to bring the boys to the dentist... but that's not on my list. argh!!!