New Blog Site

Yesterday was my first anniversary blogging. It has been an entire year. I thought I would begin some new space for this year. The new site is called "Living Between The Lines" based on a philosophy I have that the real story of our lives plays out in our everyday living. You can find it at http://dannadavis.blogspot.com/ . Please change your information regarding my posts. Thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! And It's My One Year Blogging Anniversary!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

We will be home today, just staying around the house. Kari and the boys will be over for dinner in the afternoon. Then we will watch a movie. I decided on ham and enchilladas. OK, not normally a combo but I was undecided, remember?

It is my first anniversary blogging.

I decided a year ago that if I did it everyday, then I would learn a lot, and I have. There is more to learn. I also have gained very valuable friends. I was able to meet Susan last May when Riley and I went to So California to visit my family.

More Confusion

I need a hug or a kiss.

OK, so beside the state budget bring in a cloud of doubt and gloom, our dean now has proposed the idea that those of us that have the same position title can choose to "try on" a new job and if both people agree they can switch jobs. My head is filled with ideas as to what steps I would take if I were laid off; now I have to decide if there is a better position for me that could buy be better safety than I have now. He said that the two isn't connected, however, the day before he said that "they" could do away with positions that aren't needed in this emergency situation. Bottom line: more prayer Please pray for me as I am going through this process and journey. Thanks

Short Week

I am thankful, like everyone I know, that it is a short week. We aren't going any where tomorrow for Thanksgiving. I will just have something here... but not turkey. We are invited to Sarah and Jason's on Saturday for Thanksgiving dinner. So I don't want to have turkey that close together. Or so much of it. I like it for a dinner and for a sandwich; and then I am done with it for a while. I have been thinking of making enchiladas, or frying chicken, or any one of my family's favorite dishes. I just haven't thought of what it will be yet. Today we have a pot luck at work too. As I write this (the evening before when I got back from the library), I haven't a clue yet what I am bring to that either. Hmmmm.... finger foods? a casserole? I guess that will be a good posting when I finally figure this all out.

Have a great day and a great Thanksgiving Day!

Busy Day... Sorry I am Late

I had to get the boys to the daycare this morning and then drive to Graham to a high school for a visit. So there was no time this morning to post. When I got home this evening, I fed the boys and off we went to the library to storytime. They hadn't had it for two weeks so it has been three weeks since we were there. We need new books etc to read. We also get some DVDs to entertain them during the week, and we were in need of those too.

It was raining pretty hard this evening as we came out of the library. It is cold and dark too. It sort of matches my mood become of the gloom of budget cuts. The president of the college will try to avoid layoffs at all cost but I am not sure how he will be able to avoid it. We are not receiving good news and we don't know what it all means. It is draining. This is the time that I need to spend more time in reading the bible and prayer for direction and peace.

I also borrowed some audio books so that I can "escape" when I am in the car from everything. There is no need think all the time about what the possibilities are which may not even happen. Another way I survive times like these is to take Tylenol PM. It helps you get the sleep one needs which helps too. No use getting sick too. So off to bed I go.

What Did You Do This Weekend?

Twilight

One thing I did that I couldn't have predicted was go to the movies and see the new released movie "Twilight". It wasn't planned. Dave and I knew that this film was popular with the teen girls, that it was about vampires, and it was filmed in Forks, WA. It was the movie being filmed in Forks, WA that peeked our interest. Forks isn't that noticeable of a place. But after this movie, it may be as popular as Roslyn was with Northern Exposure. So off we went to the AMC in Kent.

Actually, the movie wasn't bad. If anyone was looking for blood, guts, and horror it isn't found in this movie. There was one battle scene that there was a little bloody. But believe me, I hate horror films and this was very tame for science fiction. It was mostly a love story about Edward (Interesting name... such as Edward Scissorhands?) and Bella (Beauty and the Beast?). OK, I'll admit that as a graduate of English Literature I couldn't stop analysing the elements of the story. It was just too easy but it was all and all not a bad movie... and I was surprised.

There were a few things that they changed as far as vampires go... Edward and his family are good vamps, not wanting to kill anyone. They try to control their urges. Edward seems to be the best at it, if you know what I mean. So that makes him good because he puts the welfare of others before his own. He glows in sunlight, rather than sleeping in a coffin. He never sleeps in fact. He doesn't seem to have bat wings but is super hero fast. He is the beautiful side of evil which makes him attractive. Forks seems to be the right place because of the cloud cover and space.

So, this movie isn't one about what goes bump in the night. Like I said, it wasn't too bad for a flick that is getting the attention of the girl teens mostly.

While we were at this movie, there was a shooting at the South Center mall which we go to the new movie theater a lot, the last time was a few weeks ago. There was a fight... then a gun came out and two people were shot. One of the two died and the other 15 year old boy was critical but will now live. Once I heard that, I let Kari know that I wasn't at that mall but in Kent. She too had gone to the movies and they were at Kent too. Thank goodness.

Sunday

It is Sunday and we are doing the family things we like to do. Church... and tonight I am baking a roast for us to eat together. It isn't even Thanksgiving yet!

It's a "Broccoli Day" Hooray!

It's a Broccoli Day and Not a Carrot Day!

OK, let me explain... with the kids... they have a hard time with the concept of a "weekend". They do know however that there are days that we go to work and there are days we go to school. So at their old preschool the teacher taught them that the days they don't go to school are called a "Broccoli Day" and those you do go to school are called a "Carrot Day". Riley will ask me each morning he is here if the day is a broccoli day or if it is a carrot day. He is always hoping for a day to be a broccoli day (just like the rest of us). Often I have to disappoint him and inform him it is a carrot day.

This year "carrot days" are days that there are both daycare and school. So we had to come up with a name for the day that there isn't school but there is daycare. Riley named it "Pumpkin day" which is fitting for the season. Will have to come up with a name for a day that there is school but there isn't daycare... which only has happened once so far this year.

So, Riley is interested in what the week holds up ahead... and it goes like this: today is a broccoli day and so is tomorrow (2 broccoli days), then there is one carrot day, then there are two pumpkin days, AND then there are FOUR broccoli days! That is impressive to him. I then explain that one of the broccoli days are a holiday called Thanksgiving where we thank God, and then Christmas begins. That impresses him even more. It is surreal to me. I have no other name for it. :-)

Have great "Broccoli Day"!

Catch Up

Today is one of those days that I feel like I am playing "catch up" all day long. I have to catch up with some things at home and I have to catch up with somethings at work. I don't think that I will actually catch up in either areas today. But hopefully I will this weekend. However, I am not sure that even that is true. I will at least try. :-)

I will catch up on some conclusions here in this post on some of the things that I have posted about recently. First of all, my friend Cynthia who had surgery this past week for breast cancer, came through two surgeries (both one the same day) and is now at home recovering. She is waiting for the reports back from the surgery. Plus, she will not be returning to the high school to work until January 4th. Thank you for praying for her and keeping her in your thoughts and prayers as she recovers and proceeds through this journey.

On a lighter note, Riley did fantastic at his parent teacher conference. It was interesting to see him in the school environment and how he would perform for his teacher (or not). I am amazed by all that is required for Kindergarteners to do these days. But Riley seems to be doing fine.

Kari is seeking a new place to live. She is going to be moving the 15th of December. That deadline isn't far away. She has put in an application to a place about a mile from our house, which I hope she is approved. Please also think of her in your thoughts and prayers. It is unsettling to not have things in place even though I am sure that things will soon be in place.

At This Time

Money, Money, Money

Unfortunately, Washington state isn't doing well financially. Probably like most states. There are budget cuts. Our college was expected to give back to the state budget and after this week the news has come down to all of us that now our college is to return to the state budget twice the amount. Yes, it doubled in the course of one month! Our enrollment is up but the money coming from the state is down. I am a member of a union and have been with the college for nine years, so I have a little seniority. But I don't know what will happen... maybe some restructuring if there are layoffs. The uncertainty is thick. I don't get into worrisome conversations but rather try to find ways of cutting back etc. It is a time of faith, not fear.

Riley has his first teacher parent conference today. Kari and I will be going over to see the teacher in a few minutes. I got his report card and it looks normal. I will will be interested seeing what his teacher thinks. For those of you that don't know, Kari has ADHD. It is generic so it could be that Riley and/or Brady may have it too. Brady is hyper so he is in a special education preschool program. He goes to another school than Riley. The school bus picks him up at the daycare and takes a few miles to his elementary school. Riley's daycare buses him to school to the daycare nearest to where we live. It takes a lot to manage kids.

It has begun raining. It was windy last night and kept the rain from falling. But the rain now has started up. Thank goodness that the rivers aren't as full as their were... many were flooding from our last storms.

It is almost the weekend. Have a good day!

Santa AKA "ME"

Last night when I stopped at Costco, I bought Riley a Christmas present. Do you remember when he saw something at Costco... was tired... and then had a tantrum because I wouldn't buy it for him? I told him then that Santa may get it for him if he was good. Yes, that was what I bought last night. When I was there I could see that they were quickly selling... so being the Santa that I am, I bought it.

OK, so it is hidden in my car, right? But this morning, when Riley got into the car, he spies it. In my hurry this morning, I had forgotten to get it out of the car. I had to think quickly, something at 7:30 am I don't do well. After all, Santa was buying this present, not me. OK, what would you say if that happened to you? All I could come up with is that Santa is really busy and asked me to pick one up for him. Riley seemed to accept it and said nothing as I put it away in the house. He didn't even ask questions about it.

I know I am not off the hook. I know he will wait until an other moment to bring this subject up. But for now... it is hidden. Yeah!

Kari's 28th Birthday!

It is hard to believe, but I had my little girl 28th years ago. In some ways, it seems as if it was yesterday. In other ways, it feels like 28 years, if you know what I mean. I love Kari very much and she has added so much joy to my life all of these past 28 years. I pray for her and the boys daily and ask the good Lord to guide them and watch over them. I thank Him for her especially today.
Last Sunday we went to Alki Beach to celebrate her birthday. It is one of her favorite places to go and her favorite place to eat is Pegasus. Then we walk Alki's path for fun. Below is what it looks like in the summer time.
However, in November it looks more like the picture below:

You may remember scenes from the movie "Sleepless In Seattle" that were taken on Alki Beach:

Anyway... we will also have a cake for Kari tonight as a family. I ordered it the other day... guess what? It is mostly all chocolate! That's my girl! Happy Birthday and A Happy Year!

For Now

I am posting this from my phone this morning due to time. There's been a lot of concern for my family in CA this weekend. My niece Brittany was in Santa Barbara and my brother David lives in Anaheim Hills. At one point the fire was 5 miles from his home. My mom says it is "like living in hell". She said ashes were falling and people with breathing issues were fleeing the area. I will find out more this morning. Please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers.

Sunday

Today is Sunday and a family day. We will be going to Alki Beach after church. More to come about that. Have a great day!

WA Women's Employment Education

Last week I went to visit one of our community resource agencies for women named WWEE. I will be presenting to the classes they have for women in regards to continuing their college education at the college I work for... GRCC. The mission of Washington Women’s Employment& Education (WWEE) is to assist low-income individuals to gain the skills, the knowledge, and the courage to be self-supporting. However, they know that the women will need more skills and education in order to have better paying jobs.

They have a clothing boutique there for women to choose donated professional clothing that they don't have or have the money to buy. They take donations. So, today I am cleaning out my closet. I have to change out my cooler clothes for my warmer clothes now that it is getting much cooler around here. I am also weeding out the clothes that are "just hanging" in my closet. You know, those clothes that a person buys but for one reason or another you (global "you") just don't wear them. I also found other items like purses, scarfs, and jewelery. It is amazing that when I have a certain goal in mind, how much that helps in getting things done. I want to help these women succeed and if I have extra clothes that I don't use, and they can, then all the better. Plus, I clear out my closet and make it more organized.

The boys are here today. I haven't seen them since Thursday morning. They are playing while I go thru the closet. We will be going on a drive a little later on. My car had to be worked on again this morning, so we want to check it out.

This month my car has had it's oil changed, brakes done, alternator replaced, and this morning a belt was replaced. It should be in excellent shape now. It is important to keep up on since I do so much driving.

My niece is not in Santa Barbara this weekend. She drove home to Downey yesterday morning. The fires are still raging in Santa Barbara. Many stars homes are there. Some were spared and others are gone. I understand that 200 homes have been destroyed. It is a close community there and everyone knows everyone. It is very hard for them to see their neighbors lose their homes and possessions but they are happy they were able to escape. I know now there has been some injuries and there may have been a death. They don't know how this fire began yet. My thoughts and prayers are with those all involved.

Santa Barbara Fires

Brittany (my niece) is going to college in Santa Barbara so this news concerned me when I heard it. One of the colleges down there was been evacuated. So quickly I texted her to see if she was ok. To my surprise she texted back right away. "Yeah, fine why?" she asked. I texted back telling her what I had heard on the news. I told her that if I was down there, I would go to help out. She wanted to know how a person does that. I told her that her campus would probably be helping somehow. The next thing she texted was that there were 1000 students from the Westmont College staying in their gym because of their evacuation. I hope she goes and helps out those students.

At this point, there are about 80 homes that have been burnt and the winds are up. So, I am keeping tabs on this, knowing that Brit is down there. Please keep these people in mind and in prayers.

The Love Dare... I Dare YOU

Today I am going to make a recommendation. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that we went to see the movie Fireproof. It is about a couple that is having marital problems. The couple is about to give up on their marriage when the man's father intervenes and asks him to do the Love Dare which only takes 40 days to do. He told his son that he should give his marriage this last try and the man agrees to do it. The Love Dare is based on a book and there is a devotional and a dare to complete each day. After 40 days, if he still feels the same way then he will get a divorce. As you may guess, it never reaches that point. Even half way through it, even though he has half way attempted the dares, he begins to change. Well, the book is a real book that the movie was written (like most movies) around.

The Love Dare personally leads you through daily devotionals, records your thoughts and experiences, and ends each day daring you to perform a simple act of love for your spouse. This 40-Day journey equips you to melt hardened, separated hearts into an enduring love that can withstand the flames of fear, pride and temptation. The Love Dare book will help you reinforce and enrich your marriage, earn back a love you thought was lost, and hear more about the One who not only designed unconditional, sacrificial love—He illustrated it.

I personally think that it takes more than 40 days to complete. Day One's dare is not to say one negative thing to your spouse (or anyone). It talks about patience in the devotional. It is good for marriages whether they are having problems or not. It is good to learn from on becoming a good Christian. God tells us that we are to love Him first and then love others. This book gives a person practical ways on how to do what God has commanded us to do. And by doing what He has asked we demonstrate our love to Him.

You can see the official website HERE and also a video of the movie etc. You can buy the paperbook at Barnes and Noble or Borders if you would like a devotional that is very down to earth and practical. One could work on each Dare for a week and then start all over again. Check it out... I dare you.

A Storm Heading Our Way

This is the five day forecast for Seattle. Notice today it is expected to be very wet and windy. Last November we had roofing tiles come off the roof, the fence blew over, and there is always a fear of trees coming down. Not to mention landslides. Even in an area like Seattle which has a lot of rain, there can be landslides when there is too much water coming down. And today we could have 3 or 5 inches. I woke up last night hearing the wind and rain outside the window. I know in the morning that I will be traveling to Spanaway to a high school and I wished that I hadn't planned to go. I would much rather stay in today. But like with everything I do, I will pace myself and allow more time to get there. I will have to check to see if there are any rivers in the area... most of them are rising and flooding.

Yesterday I met Renee in Black Diamond so she could get her favorite donuts. It is the only place that has them around here that remind her of her bakery where she grew up in Manson WA. We met Dave later at the new Costco to finish looking around. I feel like it is going to be the most visited Costco by me. It is very convenient to where I go and what I do. I bought Riley a book to work in for learning his numbers and ABCs. We will be going to have a conference with his teacher soon. I hope that Riley is adjusting well to kindergarten.

Dave and I were going to go to the movies but we ended up not going due to my mistake. We were going to see "Eagle Eye" but when we got to the movie theater it wasn't showing there. I must have mixed it up with another theater. Then it was too late to see it because we had to pick up Riley from daycare around 5 pm. We did make it to the mall. We hardly never go there because of the crowds. He helped me pick out a sweater and I bought him a shirt. It is much easier for me to pick out his clothes than my own. He has good taste though. Kari approved of the choices which is high praise.

Kari is at our church practicing in the choir tonight for Christmas. She does that every Tuesday. I usually take the boys to the library for storytime but it was closed tonight because of the holiday. (Next week there will be storytelling by a native american storyteller.) I am hoping that she has fun and it will be good for her to get to know people too.

Brady has been sick the last couple of days. He got a cough and a cold. He has been home with Kari. Riley has gone to daycare even though there was no school the last two days. Today will be the first full day of his week... and Brady too. Brady not only goes to daycare but he attends a
special education program in the school district. He is thought too of having ADHD (heavy on the H) which runs on my mother's side of the family and gets special behavioral training. After Riley's tantrum last Saturday, I am wondering if Riley might need it too.

Old Friends and Veterans Day

I don't know if I mentioned this yesterday, but at the luncheon that I was at on Sunday at the church, I was thinking of my old church in California. I was remembering when Kari was as little as Riley is now and the friends that helped me raise her that was in my church. I saw a slideshow about how they built the church and it wasn't too different than when we assisted building Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Ontario CA. I was reminded of so many memories and I felt the Spirit talk to me about "returning". Not moving back to California but making contact with those that I had known before. Maybe because I haven't kept my relationships up as I should have or maybe because it is something that is necessary.

So, when I sat down to write my post last night I also was doing a "search" on all the people that I could remember from my old church. I even tried to find the church's website. Talk about searching back in the archieves of my mind. I was trying to remember last names and how they were spelled. So, I started with the easiest ones first. I decided that I would try my friends that are missionaries first... hoping that they might use the internet to connect with those at home in the states. The last thing I knew was that Andrea and Derek were missionaries in Tours, France. They were hoping to minister to those in Africa one day and were learning french to prepare for that day.

I also tried to find one of the "kids" that was in the youth group. One of the kids in the youth group we lead had moved to Federal Way. One day at church I couldn't believe my eyes when Josh and his mom Janice was sitting a few pews in front of us in our new church 1300 miles away from our old church. They didn't know we were there. And we didn't know they were there. It just so happened that in all of WA we were together again. Janice didn't stay but was helping Josh move up here.

Next I tried finding my old friend Sherry. I had her last email address but I didn't know if she still answered that email address or if she did often.

Well, in no time I found Andrea. It just so happened to be her first day on Facebook. Do you think that is a coincidence? I thought it was my idea but it became clear that it was more than just a "wonder if" thought in my head. Of course, I found Derek too when I found Andrea. He had put his middle name on Facebook and that was one reason I couldn't find him right away. They had just returned to the states in July. They returned back to CA.

I also found Josh. He was just 23 and now he is 36... married eight years with a two year old daughter. He had moved back to Ontario CA because he couldn't take the Seattle weather. My brother couldn't either when he moved here in 1998. He moved right back in a few months... so Josh is not alone. Kari and I are the only ones we know of that stayed.

Sherry hadn't been on Facebook, so she too joined Sunday after reading my email. I could tell her then that I found the others.

Not bad for one nights work. I have connected with 4 friends that I didn't know I would ever see again. I could hardly sleep knowing that those that I have wondered about and prayed for is near again, thanks to facebook.

I have today off because of Veterans Day. My father was a veteran of the Korean War and many of my friends are vets. I would like to express my gratitude to them for their service.

Happy Veterans Day!

New Friends

Yesterday after church, the church leadership had a lunch for those that are rather new to the church. We have been attending Riverview Community Church for six months now but I guess that is still rather new. I didn't remember that they were going to have this lunch today but as it happened Kari took the boys and Dave was doing something else, so I stayed. The next thing I was sitting at the table with the pastor and his wife. That sort of thing happens to me.

At one point, only Brett (the pastor) and I were sitting there. I joked with him when he mentioned that no one else was coming to sit with us smiling and saying "It must be you because it isn't me." I was "playing" the "new" card... no one knows me. Finally, Jennifer the Associate Pastor over Women of Victory sat with us and Jaime who is starting a ministry to feed the poor. I have worked in both areas in a church. Brett also talked about church planting and missions. They have planted a church in Brazil in their short years of being a church. They have plans and visions that the Lord has shown them. Hey, I could be in Brazil or Italy soon. Who know?

I was glad that I stayed, I learned more about the purpose and vision of the church, and it's history. It all aligns with our beliefs... especially mine. If you are interested, you can check out the website HERE. My season of resting is over, I am thinking. This will be a great place to be and grow. I am looking forward to it.

Today is church and a family day.

Have a good Sunday!

Blessings!

A New Costco... Oh Boy!

It has taken four years, but a few weeks ago a new Costco in Covington opened closer to our home. So today I schedule a "field trip" to check out the new building. There is a Costco in Federal Way and South Center. Both of those are at least 10-15 miles away and always packed with people. Dave goes there more than I do. I have only gone on the weekends. Now, this Costco can be on my way home. It is only about 3 miles from the college.


On the weekends we will stop there for a salad and a drink, then buy a few things. I was just getting to know the store today. And while we were there, Riley had a "melt down". He wanted me to buy him something and when I didn't do it he threw a tantrum. I had to leave the store with him repeating his words and crying. He then in the car got worse; telling me he didn't like me etc. I was one of those kids that would throw a tantrum too when I was his age. Dave, the boys, and I went for a soothing drive. He fell asleep and things were better after he got up. I don't think he got his sleep last night at his mom's. Anyway, I have to go back when he isn't with me to check out the new Costco. I only got to see about 1/2 of it today.

Steve and Ruth will be coming over tonight to watch a movie with us. Guess where they went today? They went to Covington to check out the new Costco. Yep, you guessed it.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Pineapple Express

Have you heard of it? It is where the warm moisture from the south (Hawaii) meets cooler air... and there is LOTS of rain. At least it is warmer and not cold rain. And it means that we don't have to scrape ice off the windows of the car in the morning. And, yes, I have had to do that this week too. It is difficult in the fall to have so much rain because it causes flooding. We have tons of leaves that have fallen and have blocked the drains. That creates lakes of water.

Kari called me on her way to the east hill, where we live, to say that she was driving slowly to our house because of all the standing water in the valley. And as I walked out into the dark at the college to get into my car, sheets of rain was falling. There wasn't anyway that I was going to brave getting to my car. I was going to wait it out but instead I walked upstairs in the student services building and got my umbrella out of my desk drawer. I was glad I did because nothing had changed when I got back outside at the doorway of the building.

So, needless to say... we are staying in tonight. As I write this for Friday, I hope that the rain will let up for tomorrow. I am happy though that it will be Friday, so that makes up for any rain that may fall. I am so ready for the weekend. I am sure you are too... Happy weekend!

Fireproof

Fireproof

This is going to be a fast post again. I have to be out to a high school at 8 am and I have to go. However today I will bring up a movie we saw a few weeks ago on marriage. If you get the chance, please go and see it. There is a book called The Love Dare which is for couples to go through. It is based on the bible's teachings. Got to go... Have a good day!

New President; New Day

This morning I am coordinating the Fall Service Provider Breakfast. We have over 60 RSVPs. This time we are having it at the Kent Campus, which gives me all kinds of challenges especially catering. So I have to make this post short because I have to be there early.

I was so please to see history take place last night. I am glad that I was a part of choosing a new president that will bring a new way to us. I think of Roosevelt's "New Deal"... this is a "Big Deal". One that I didn't know if I would see happen in my life time. Let us now come together and pray for this new president as he takes on the challenges that face him and us.

Election Day

http://homespunblessings.net

Today is Election Day.

It will most likely be the most historic Election Day in recent history. This is the one day that we, the people, get to have a voice as to how we want this country to be ran. We can show the world what we think of how it has been run the last 8 years. I am very excited about the involvement of the people in this election.

Please pray for our country and it's leaders. Their wisdom can reach out and make the world a good place or a place to fear to live. By the end of this day, we will have a new president.

Riley in Kindergarten

Riley in Kindergarten

OK... is it just my imagination, or has Riley changed a lot in just a couple of months? He seems to be having so many more experiences and is learning so much that I think he has not only grown in height but in looks. He certainly is acting more mature. I look at this picture and I am reminded how fast time is going and fast they are growing. And they are my grandsons! Time is very precious that we spend with the people we love.

I know I sound... hmmmm, what would you call it? I don't mean to bum you out. I just seem to be realizing this lesson a lot these days through various ways.

Remember my friend Cynthia that has breast cancer? I thought she had surgery on October 22nd, right? I discovered that she didn't on October 23rd, the next day. Oh... they were going to have the surgery but they discovered that it had spread to her lymph nodes. She now has to go to a different hospital that can perform the surgery on her left breast and lymph nodes. I guess the other hospital didn't have that kind of cancer care. Her surgery will take place on November 19th. So if you will please keep her in your good thoughts and prayers, it will be appreciated. She is very upbeat and a believer too. It is amazing since she has gone through many rough things the past few years including a divorce.

Another thing I learned about Cynthia's diagnoses is that she had been having regular mammograms but the cancer was never detected. She had pain and they then took an ultra sound image. They found 5 tumors. The largest is an inch in diameter. They others are large too. They feel that she may have had the cancer for a couple of years.

I know this news isn't good. And like I said, I don't mean to sadden you today. If anything, having knowledge is a good weapon because it helps us in knowing what a person should do.

It isn't easy writing this knowing that it makes us all concerned. The better news is that God can heal. And I believe He will heal Cynthia with the help of medicine. Until He calls her home to Him, whether it is soon or when she is very old, I will always believe that.

"Fall" Back

If you didn't "fall" back an hour last night...

you better or you will be too early for work etc tomorrow.

We will be off to church and other things.

Also, trying to adjust to the time difference.

November; It's a Start

Welcome to November! Can you believe it? I can't. How was your...
Halloween?

Our Halloween went well. I meant to take the camera with me when we took the boys to the church... but I forgot. I couldn't have held on to them and their candy AND the camera too. So, the Halloween Train pictures will have to tell the story. Their were a TON of kids at the church. We only stayed for an hour or less. We then decided to take the kids back to our neighborhood to "trick or treat". A fog started to roll in too which made it exciting. After doing that, we went back to the house and they got into their pjs. They enjoyed helping Dave hand out the candy to the older kids coming up to the door.

This morning I went to a Women Of Victory breakfast at our church. I really don't know too many people at this church. I began going last Easter and because of my job, I haven't really had the opportunity to be in many activities. So, I signed up to attend this breakfast. You know what it is like when you are new... I just go ahead and put it out there "Hi, I am new and haven't been to one of these before." No one will know if I don't say something. You would be surprised how other people then will feel like they can admit that they too are new if I go ahead and admit it first. How did I like it? I liked it because it is a start. I met many women and feel that I will know more people when I walk in the door on Sunday mornings. :-)

Happy Halloween! Booooo

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Tonight the boys will dress up in their Transformer costumes and will go out to a few houses in our neighborhood. Then we are going over to a church near by; The River of Life. Our church isn't having anything for the kids... it is smaller than this church. They have advertised fun games and crafts, plus a juggling show. We should be done by 8 pm there or so.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

A Ride On The Halloween Train, Part Two

More scenes from the tracks.

We are heading to the top of the falls.

The falls can be seen from this side of the tracks.

Fall colors... and racing a car (the car won).

Passing the remains of trains from the past.

Getting closer to the falls.

Passing the old electric buildings before getting to the edge of the falls.


THAT is the top of the falls!

This is what the falls look like from the other side. The train tracks are at the top of the cliff.


Here is what it looks like from the train... looking down at the river.

Another photo of the valley and river.

More and More below...


Our trip ended with going to an activity car where the boys played with a train set for a while.

Tomorrow is Halloween... Hope it is Happy!