Now I can't sleep

I have to be up at 3:30am to go to work and I've slept so much the past 2 days that I can't sleep now. I'm sorry to hear that the babies are sick too. Not much fun at all! I guess I've been missing all kinds of phone calls, sorry about that! I can't wait until you and Addi, and Jenni come see me Bran!!! It will be so much fun! I'm counting down the days! What has everyone else been up to?

NO Wonder

No wonder I cant get a hold of you sick guys, We ar sick too!! I woke up with a cold yesterday, Ruben and I came home early from school today he was throwwing up with Diaherrea. Yuck!!!! Anyways needless to say we are goin to bed early tonite, and I cam going to work on school work I have to pass this Algebra class. I got Pizza from Papa Murphys for dineer tonite, Ruben wont be happy, but oh well. I am missing bible study, but the flu here is bad and I dont want to pass it on to anyone.
Well guys have a great evening I love you all Ilost 2 lbs Yeah!! My goal is 10 before I go see mom.

The Dr. said no work for 2 days

It's a good thing she said that, because I think that I have slept for 2 days, at least most of 2 days. I wish Uncle Phil would have kept this to himself! Oh well, just checked and I've lost 7 pounds in 2 days! Back to work tomorrow. My replacement had to have a baby last night, so no more time off for me. What the heck!

Uncle Phil does NOT have the flu

But I'm sicker than a dog. I went to bed, it was day light. I woke up, it was day light. I thought is was still Monday. Nope it was Tuesday.

The really good news. I lost 6 pounds it two days. (or is that really bad news???)

early morning prayers

I woke up at 4:15am today (my day off) I couldn't get back to sleep, I was wide awake. That happens sometimes, so I usually ask God who he wants me to pray for, and pray, and read. This morning it was J. I read Joshua 1, you should read it if you don't know what it says. Then I prayed for J. I was talking to Brandi just a few minutes ago, and she said she woke up early this morning too, wide awake, and she prayed for J. I wondered if anyone else had a similar experience? Anyone besides me think there is a huge spiritual battle going on?

We are praying J. Remeber Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Have a great week!

Wow! The blog looks great, I almost thought I was in the wrong place. Thanks to whoever made the change. It was really good to talk with all of you tonight. I'm not sure that it is the best way for us to discuss what we are reading, but it's better then doing nothing. It is fun to think that we are all reading the same thing, thinking on the same thing. I like that a lot, it was good to be able to pray together. Phil and I are moving on to chapter 2 now. Hope you all have a great week!

By the way, how are the sit-ups going? I think in another 3 weeks I might be able to join you all. I know Phil's been doing them, because he groans everytime he lies down and then tries to get up again. Who's doing the most right now? I want some pictures!

Slept in

Wow I have slept in with the kids two days in a row, yesterday till 8:30 and today until 10 I think that has not happened since Addi was born sheis up every Am between 6:45 and 7:00 witha stinky diaper. I feel rested. I am making cookies right now and a coffee cake, hot dogs are sounding pretty good too!
HAPPY Birthday Tim! Have fun at Dots house and enjoy the game.
J I heard church was not what you expected Good luck in Buffalo tommorrow I am praying for you.
James has been good I am only in Chapter 3 because I kee going back and re reading to see of someting new sticks out.
My favorite part so far:
"18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless"

Maybe because I am waiting to see how God and faith are working in J's live. When you see him working it gets exciting.

The kids are a l ittle wild we have spen alot of time inside. So hopefully I can get them to the park tomorrow after school. Today it is so hot and muggy I dont think it will be good for Rubens asthma. He has been hainvg to take breating treatments a few time this week which is not normal for him.
Well guys I love you all Hope to be able to talk to you all.
Brandi

Buffalo

Today Timmy, Cameroon, and I went to the Buffalo Dream Center....where the white Al Sharpton preaches....it was.......eye-opening.......
Tmw. I embark on my journey to Buffalo for the day....seriously considering sleeping in Buffalo but I don't know we will see how tmw. goes it is supposed to rain so maybe not.....
getting ready to watch the Bills play the Saints later......hoping for a good showing and really just kinda hoping we don't get embarrased......
Today is timmy's birthday 19.......

Go Bills

Waiting

Well, timmy posted on facebook at 3am that he just got electrocuted and his hand was numb and hes going to bed... so,now I get to sit around and wait all day till he writes again to see if he is ok. Nothing else I can do. Well,anyways it was fun talking to everyone last night. We read James 1:9-18 last night but it was kindof hurried because wed.nights are really crazy. Interesting things from our commentary are:" Whether a man is poor or rich he can derive lasting spiritual benefits from the calamities, and crisis of life. We need to accept from God the circumstances over which we have no control and rejoice in his spiritual blessings. The Christian attitude is to accept from God things which we cannot change .They are Gods destiny for us,and we should make the most of them for his glory and for the blessing of others. As Paul said"by the grace of God I am what I am." And any trial that weans us away from the love of passing things and sets our affections on things above is a blessing in disguse."Have a good day . love you
Sandi

Early

We started reading James last night we read james 1:1-8. I know were not supposed to blog about it till october,but I must say,it was a very timely passage. We also used a commentary along with the passage , heres what I found interesting in that:"sometimes when problems come we become desperate and use frantic means to cut short our trial. Without consulting the Lord as to His purpose in the matter, by doing this we actually may be twarting Gods program in our lives. And it is possible we may have to undergo a longer trial in the future before His particular purpose is realized in us. We adopt a short range view ,occupying ourselves with the immediate discomfort . We forget that Gods UNHURRIED purpose is to enlarge us through pressure. If in time we lack spiritual insight, we should go to God and tell him all about our perplexity and ignorance. He is pleased when we are teachable and tractable." One of the kids bibles also suggested to start a wisdom journal writting our trials, questions, prayers and results. have a good day . love ya
Sandi

Hi

I went back to work today. It was harder than I thought it would be. Not so much in the fact that my body hurt, more so in the fact that I couldn't do so many things, and felt like I was in the way, doing nothing when everyone around me was doing their job, my job. It seems to people that we just make coffee and talk to people all day, and that is a big part of what we do, and that I can still do, but someone has to take out the trash, clean the bathrooms, mop the floors, carry the ice bucket, put up the umbrella's, bend over 500 times a day to get something out of the refrigerator, do dishes, (I can't even do that because the sink hits right where my incision is), so today, I watched everyone else work, while I made coffee and talked to people. It was a good day.

Phil and I started James tonight. I'll post my thoughts later, as far as sit ups go, it will be a few more weeks before I can start that! Glad to hear from everyone. Hey we need to have our format changed, can you do that J? If you can't I know Amy can, and I know you're out there Amy, help us out!

back again

hi , J fixed my computer so I have limited use,which is all I need. Its supposed to rained yesterday and it supposed to today. Yesterday was the first rain we had in 22 days , the 7th dryestseptember in 139 years, after record breaking rain in aug? Everyone is sick of school already and were looking forward to some time off in nov. Too bad it couldnt come sooner. Brandi wed love to join you in reading,blogging about it. Were all doing sit ups our goal is at least 60 each a day for the next four weeks , there are 8 of us doing it so our total goal for a month is 13,000 sit ups, we did 500 yesterday. I raked leaves yesterday and j and ian helped move them to the garbage pile,our maple tree out front is about the only one changing so far but the leaves cover the whole front yard every dayave. have a good day
love sandi

New Goal

Well guys we had a pretty relaxing weekend we stayed home all the kids have runny noses and coughs. Today was a crazy Monday and to add to it it raines like cats and dogs here. We were soaked everytime we left the house and got out of the car. We changed clothes a million times. Tonite we have just been relaxing and catching up on house work.
Well the walking is over and I know everyone is wondering what is coming up next so this is my idea. I want to start reading the bible more, so I thought we could start all readind the same scripture and blgging every week what we liked about the book and our favorite verse. I am going to start tommorrow reading the book of James, my goal is to finish it in two week. So By October 5th we can blog from here to then what we have been getting out of it.
If you want to join me let me know. I also heard the boys wanted to start a situp contest, I can only do about 8 really well so by then I want to be able to do fifteen.
Just an idea. I had a short visit with Jon he look really good and can;t wait to see everyone for the wedding. Love you guys have a great evening.

hello everyone

we just finished watching jeopardy......and i'm pretty sure i could've won.....there was a rock star category and i got all the answers right.......me and cam are just sitting here relaxing while everyone else went to kwikfill

tmw. i start work at the McD.....i think this is like my 6th one....pretty crazy i guess i should be pretty thankful for them..

the other day i sent an email to a church to see if anyone in gowanda went to church there and that i was interested in attending there church.......the reply i recieved

"no" .....that's it just "no"......i don't know if that meant, no one attends the church from gowanda, or "no" don't come to our church.....rather confusing i guess

The Bills 1-1 and the Sabres 1-1....but they are only in preseason.....and the Yankees are one game away from locking up a playoff spot...yeah!

Final Number

Well I've got the final number . . . 2,418!!!! That 's amazing. I think that we have to come up with something new. It's been really fun doing this together. Any idea's?

I'm wanting some fall and or winter pictures of the beach/lake. Anyone have some?

bills and freefootballradio.com

So far, zero to zero.

MNF

well the Bills season starts tonight.....i'm not getting popcorn ready or anything, but i am excited

in fact even though new england is favored (+11) with everything that is going on in my life.....i wouldn't be surprised if the Bills won tonight

so let's go Buffalo!

Thinking

Church this past weekend was really good. 175+ people have been Baptised in the last month! That's amazing to me. The church had it's first satellite campus open in Danville last week and over 800 people attended. Last year the church decided rather than expanding at our present site or adding more services it would open satellite churches. Buildings have been purchased and staff has been hired. Each building will have staff, but to keep costs down all administrative things will be done through Southland, all resource materials, things like that will be done at our church. Our pastor will speak each Sunday morning at each campus via video. We've had a video venue in our church for the past year, and it has worked really well. Our church presently has 10,000 attendees at 5 different services, so the video venue helps seat more people. I've been praying for our pastor, because I know that with all the people that are being reached, he's in a lot of danger from Satan. You can watch the services at this web site. http://www.southlandchristian.org/media/ You miss a little because they can't record the music or any video clips, but you get every thing else.

There is a gentleman who sits in the area we sit in each Sunday night, he reminds me of Grandpa Rogers. He wears a jacket similar to the one Grandpa used to wear and has emphysema, so he breaths like Grandpa did. Last week he sat right behind us. I listened to him sing How Great Thou Art, and wondered if Grandpa sings that song now. Then I thought about the fact that this man sits alone every week, it made me wonder if Grandpa will stand alone without Grandma in heaven. Now I wonder what I can do about it.

One Long Weekend

We just got back from the fall fest. The little kids spent all weekend,riding rides,and eating candy and curly fries. Wes played 5 games of lacrosse,and they came in 3rdplace,Dakota came in 1st for his age group and 3rd over all in the 5k today. Alyssa got a 2nd place in the art contest, and Lyle got an art incentive award in the art contest. Ian is very unhappy tonight because EVERYONE except him in this house has money.POOR E! but he did bake blueberry muffins last night and sold them all this morning when we got down to the fest. so he does have money he just really likes to spend it. Were all really tired and we wish we had one more day off to rest.
love you
Sandi

The first Days of school

This week we started school. Gwen and Ruben are enjoying getting to go and play, Gwen is adjusting to her first time she lasts about and hour and then starts crying, I think mainly she is wanting to take a nap when its not naptime, we are going to have to adjust her bed time so that she is ready to stay awake. OTher than that we have spent the week-end shopping looking for suspenders, and docorating the kids room. they got new sheets, curtains, and picture frames to hang pic of the family and Pictures of animals that Ruben like that we took at the zoo. It looks nice and bright. We got Ruben suite for the wedding now we just need Gwen dress and big Rubens tux. We are so ready I am excited excited, everyone here is so excited for ruben's 3rd b-day I am too but I am just wnating the time to pass by so we can see everyone. We did 16 miles on labor day and I did 22 miles this week, I have done alot of walking outside the weather has been so nice, I wish I had alittle more thime to do it, but my math class is really getting me. this semester. I have been able to get all A's and B's for three weeks now so just 6 more till graduation. Ruben and I have been still thinking aobut the hosue we want to by it is still for sale, so we are dreaming about our kitchen and the possiblities for outside. I hope its still for sale next year. Anyone heard from Aunt Mike and Uncle Deb or Gram. I was just wondewring how they have been I guess I should right them a snail mail. Jon is here this week so I hope to ge tto spend some time with him. The kids tried to play with a man at the park today who they thought was Granpa, he looked just like dad and was wearing army shorts. Gwen kept going up to him and giving her arms up, and Ruben kept hding behind him playing hide and seek. Well guys havew a great Week end love you all.

Chili

There is chili in my crockpot for dinner and the weather is sort of chili weather, kind of cool, and ,a few sprinkles. I went down to help set up for the fall festival art show today, it was fun , there were so many beautiful and creative things. Ashley, Alyssa, Ian and Lyle all etered things in it. Ashley is also selling her stuff at a booth and entering some bead and shell flowers into the homemaking contest.I have done nothing creative lately unless you can call cleaning and cooking creative, actually around here it can get quite creative. My garden is finally doing good , lot of tomatoes, beans , peas, carrots and potatoes coming IF the cold doesnt come first. Its been one of those lazy days , cloudy, cool, achy, climb under the covers and read , most of the afternoon. We were planning on doing one last long walk this evening with all the kids, but if everyone feels like I do and the weather doesnt clear up, we wont be doing it. We did walk 123 miles this week though .IF we do more Ill let you know. I think Ill take a little nap before dinner, because after, were going to the art show reception and Wuzzys lacrosse game. Have a good weekend. Well be stuffing our faces with indian tacos.
Love Sandi

Changes

Fall hasn't quite hit here in KY yet, but we are seeing a lot of changes! It is the time of year! J moved out today, off to NY. We never saw that coming! He left the house a few minutes late this morning, Amy's car didn't start right up, then he got down the road a little way and realized he forgot his insulin, so he had to come back. The bus leaves in just over an hour, so hopefully he makes it!

He's really excited. Saying good-bye was hard, but seeing him so excited makes it a little easier. Amy's parents came to say good-bye yesterday, and last night we went with him and Amy to Applebee's, their friends met them there, so J was able to say good-bye. I can't wait to see what God has planned for him and Amy. He's just taken the hardest step. Not listening to all the people who are telling him all the reason's he shouldn't be doing this, and all the dangers that might lie ahead, and thinking he's crazy. I think in the "Dream Giver" they call them "Boarder Bullies" they usually come in the shape of our family and friends. He's following God when it doesn't make sense. Just like Abraham. Dot says that it is like we are sitting on the side-lines watching J follow God, and it's a really exciting "game"!

Love you all!

Times Flying!

I cant believe its wednesday night already. The sunsets have been really beautiful,but just as beautiful the harvest moon...here we go again ,fall in New York...Weve been hitting the walking hard this last week. Tonight we had to bribe the kids to go for an extra long walk with us. After ,we went to mcdonalds for mcflurrys. Cant wait to pick J up tomarrow night.love you guys
Sandi

Update

Ok, I still need to hear from some of you as to how far you walked last week. Right now our total is 2,068. So let me know what you've done and I will add it all up. 9/11 is in 5 days.

NIce Weather

It has been so cool here I ws really in the mood for one of those Pumkin spice lattes and today i got up early and went walking with Addi while RUben and the kids slept. My plan was to walk down to starbucks bundles up because we have been wearing jackets the last couple of days grab a latte and keep walking thinking the late would keep me warm, WRONG overnite the temperature raised and by the time I walked a half mile to Starbucks Addi and I were both sweating so I got and iced coffee and finishe my walk we did three miles. We got in 22 miles this week. Well I love you guys we are getting ready to go back to school and work on Tuesday we spent all day today making pianta for ruben birthday we are making a dinosaur a horse and a rat and his request. I got 100% on my first Algebra Exam for this semester I Was so excited I dont think I have ever gotten 100%. So I have been in a good mood just because of that. Addi is standing up by herself now and has grown her 2nd tooth. RUben is going to the bathroom without being told and Gwen is saying bye and thank you. Growing everyday. Big Ruben leanred how to do electrical wiring in a through a whole house. Exciting stuff. Well have a great Labor Day! LOve you guy!!!

Time to get up for school!

Wow! its amazing how fast a house can clear out. One day there are kids everywhere, toys everywhere,and books everywhere,the next day they are all gone. Even J and Amy are leaving today. Its the time of year for change around here. Good ,but different. Have a good day .
Love Sandi

J says

We were just talking about fall family projects, these are Js suggestions... Sept-New York
Oct-Michigan
Nov-Kentucky
Dec- Kansas

cool

Its been in the 40s here at night for the last few days. I was thinking today that fall really is here. I cleaned out the bottom cupboards, and the kitchen drawer, and the kids desk. Then Alyssa went to volleyball practice and Cam went to football practice, and the little boys and I went to the perrysburg park collected some more apples and Ian caught crayfish, salamanders and water spiders, and Lyle built sand forts. it was a beautiful day,but cool. After dinner of chili and fry bread we went down to the beach,it was a really beautiful sunset. We had a great weekend ,sat we stood in the drenching rain for 2 hours watching cam play football, then it stopped raining in time for us to go to alleghany for wes union picnic. Lyle said it was the best day ever, he ended up eating 9 cotton candies,2 snow cones,3 cups of pepsi, one hot fudge sundae,plus regular food. They had piles of shrimp,corn on the cob,meatball ,subs.chicken wings pizza ,and much more, the kids got to dig for money in saw dust, and wes got lots of great gifts. and the rain stopped and the sun came out.We dropped Timmy of at school on sunday and that was exactly what we did. He got out, took his stuff in and said goodbye, I bet the first thing he did was take a long hot shower and stuffed himself at dinner.The kids are going back to school thursday,so I be doing some major cleaning that day.Well have fun
love sandi

Oh yeh we walked 71miles last week

Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin Spice is a huge favorite at Starbucks. As soon as the kids go back to school and the mornings start to cool, people start asking "do you have Pumpkin Spice yet?" The anticipation builds, stores actually have a count down and people come in and check the sign "Yay, 2 more days until Pumpkin Spice". Some people get angry, I can see the syrup right over there, why can't you sell me one! What do you mean it's for partners only?! Today was the big day! Oh Happy Day! People who haven't been in the store since last Fall came in and will be regulars until the last bottle of pumpkin spice is sold. Someone will be making big money on e-bay, getting bottles from "somewhere" and selling them to the highest bidder. (Who says you can't make any money working at Starbucks?) So, in case you were wondering, it's official, fall is here. Go get a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks. If you go to the one at Commerce Center, on Nicholasville Rd. in Nicholasville KY, maybe the supervisor can get you a deal. HAPPY FALL!