Thursday Prayer- Tami

Last night was date night, I planned to have a craft night, Phil had another plan. I loved it! Riding horse is one of my favorite things, when I'm doing it, I can think of nothing else. Since I haven't ridden for a long time it took even more concentration. It was great to put everything else behind me and concentrate on this one thing, this one thing that I love to do! Phil took pics, hundreds of them actually, he did a great job! My blood pressure was through the roof when I woke up yesterday, anxiety I'm sure. After being on Limestone, I was calm, slept great last night.

My prayer today is that I would be anxiety free, that I would have peace. I also pray that my family would have peace. I pray that Christ would be in the operating room tomorrow morning, and in the waiting room with my family. I pray that the surgery go smoothly. I also pray that I would have peace tonight during my mri.

I also pray for J and Amy as they get ready to move, and try to get through these difficult weeks of J's crazy schedule. I pray for an answer to J's need for medical insurance, good insurance. I pray that J would be able to sleep when he can.

"He who dwells in the shadow of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the All Mighty." Ps 91:1

Wednesday Smile-NY!

Everything fall makes me smile! Pumpkins and apples, leaves and flowers, and today especially pies!

Love ya
Sandi

wednesday smile from the other kentucky family

I read this blog everyday sometimes several times, and i'm always amazed at how much our family trusts God and how he works through out our lives. God is always there saying what needs to be said right when it needs to be, and he knows that their is a lot of life that is hard for us and that we can't handle, but He can. I mean.....no one else can make the sun stand still....that makes me smile

Wednesday Smile - Kentucky

Going riding tonight! That's a big smile!!!!!!!!

Tuesday God Sighting

So how do you get a $3400 car, sold by the seller for $2000, bought by the buyer for $150? Its called a blessing from God. The seller got her $2000, I received a 2003 Ford Taurus, with $150 coming out of my pocket. God is good! It was all worked out in a matter of 24 hours. I got a call from a friend saying he had good news and needed to see me. I got another call from another friend who said he and his wife both felt God telling them to help us. The first person handed me a wad of cash collected from a group of guys, some of whom I don't even know. That amounted to $700. I was looking for a car for under $1000. The man and his wife told me I wasn't praying high enough and needed to pray higher, like $1800 and up. So.... I did. The chaplain at Vista Grande Villa said, "That's funny, I was thinking of you guys this week because I knew you only had one vehicle and I'm getting ready to sell my daughter's car." Anyway, it is quite a story because she gave us a great deal, which I still could not have paid for had God not put it on other people's hearts to help us. God is sooooo good. Sorry this got out so late, but I started this on Tuesday and have not been able to get back to it until just now. I was also going to take a picture of the car to put on the blog and now my camera's broke. That's great, though, as God always has plans that completely blow away our own imaginations of what He can do! Love you guys! We are praying for you Tami!!!!
Mike, Debra, and Daaron

Fall is here too!

It's hard to believe that last week I was sitting on the beach watching these dolphins, these are the actual ones, I didn't get the pics but Jenny did. It was amazing! Now I am filling the house with yummy smells and everything Fall. Yesterday I made chicken tortilla soup and blueberry muffins. Today I'm doing chicken stew, hoe cake, and chocolate chip cookies to send to Jon. The house smells wonderful! Except for me that is, I haven't showered since leaving the gym, but I'll do that after I get everything else done.

And by the way Hershey's Pumpkins Spice Kisses do exist and they are amazing!!!!! Finally found them at Target.

Fall is Here

Its so nice and dewey outside and inthe fifties, the high today is only 68. So nice. Last night after the kids went to bed I got out boxes of clothes the find long sleave shirts and jackets, I guess I know what ruben will be getting for his birthday because he had none that fit. Last year I bought things for Gwen on cleareance, and Jensena and Addi get the wonderful hand me downs. I love looking through their old clothes it brings back li ttle memories.
This week was off to a rough start i dont think anybody was ready for Monday to come, our weekend was so relaxing.
Ruben has school today and the girls are going to stay with their Aunt Yesterday Ruben was there with four other kids he calls them his brothers.
Addi has a little bit of a cold with a yucky runny nose I hope she gets better soon.
Well I hope you all have a great Tuesday. Love you.

Sunday Thanks - KY

Today is not the day I planned it to be. Our last day of vacation. A day to get things in order before going back to work. A day to get ready for the upcoming week. A day to rest. We planned to ride to church with the neighbor, when we knocked on his door 20 minutes before church, there were to little boys in pj's and a dad trying to iron his clothes. We raced around and helped dress the boys, dad got ready and we were off! Phil and dad took the boys to the nursery and I went to get 3 seats. It was 10:20, church started at 10:10. No seats available, so we sat on the floor against the wall in the back of the church. It was a great service. Before we stepped in the door, Phil's phone rang. There was a suicide issue involving a co-worker. Officially Phil is still on vacation. Officially he was not being asked to do anything, just advise. That is not Phil. He can not not be available when he is needed. I have to say that I am so thankful for a husband who is available, who loves God and loves people.

RFFL

Well so far Uncle Mike has stayed true to his team name, "Uncle Unbeatable." The "Dreamers" are apparently in a deep sleep just like the Buffalo Bills. It's been fun though at least for me. Hockey season is here, it's pretty exciting. I think the Sabres could make a good run this year because everyone is just gonna be in awe of their new jerseys. Probably the best uniforms in sports. Anyway I'm excited about the cousins coming down in a few weeks and i'm excited that I actually get to go to church tonight. Love you all

Sunday Thanks-NY

Thank you Lord for my family and for the great time we had visiting this weekend. Thank you for safe travels and for your hand on the hearts and minds of all of us. Thank you that Timmy is home from college this weekend and that we can celebrate his 20th birthday. Thank you for your grace and guidance in him even when I didn't have a clue about how to be a good mother, and thank you for his safety through all my mistakes. Thank you that Ashley and Dan will be with us and that they all like to spend time together on a regular basis.

Thank you for each new day

love Sandi

Ahhh!!

Thank goodness we cold finally turn the air off again. It is a beautiful day and we have more coming. The rain was refreshing but man was it muggy. Well we have not been up to much school and being busy around the house. The house is clean and I am ready for a nice nap. Im just waiting for the kids to get tired out. Ruben will be home early today so that will be nice. Im thinking about a trip to the park, and pizza for dinner.
Addi newest new phrase is "Go go go" She yells at the top of her lungs as her hair flies in the air because she is running as fast as her little legs can go.
Ruben got is radiator in the mail this week so he can put that in this weekend and he wont have to stop on his way home form work multiple times to let the car cool down, so that will be nice for him and a time saver.
Little Ruben learned about the letter Uu this week at school and he got to take U shaped sandwhiches to school to share snack. He was so excited.
Gwen is loving school although she gets so distracted by having fun that she is forgetting to use the potty and has had quite a few accidents.
Well we love you all Have a great Week-end.

Thursday Prayer from Michigan

My prayer is one of thanks. I am thankful that from so far away our family knows what to pray for. Monday night I felt this deep need to pray for peace. Peace in our home and for Mike and my son. Mike had told me early Monday that he had finished his first 100 hours of practicum. I got off the phone and felt that we needed to celebrate each little victory as I thought of a way that we could bring peace into our family. So I took the practicum sheet off the frig, ripped it up and put it in a frying pan. Then Daaron and I made a Brownie cake and put 66 candles on it. We didn't quite have a 100 candles but we thought that was ok since dad was short an hour or two, it was close enough for us. We had him set down and blow out the candles as they melted all over. Then Daaron served dad his "dinner " that was in the frying pan. Monday was a night of peace and celebration. I almost forgot about Monday night until I read, "Today's prayer is for peace. I pray for peace for Mike, Deb, and Daaron.." Cried when I read it. "I think the devil tries hard to get us down when we are working so hard at God's will." I think that is exactly what happened, the devil tried hard Tuesday to steal the peace that God put in our home Monday. There are days that I feel so defeated and so lonely. I miss my mom's voice so much in time's like these. She would say "hang in there, you're the toughest little bugger I know." Whether I was crying over a broken heart or a bad grade. I wonder what she would say about a broken car. I was missing those talks that I'll never have with her. That horrible lonely feeling was pushing away any peace that I had been feeling. That is why my pray is one thanks. I am thankful for peace and I am thankful for all of you.

Love,

Aunt Deb

Safety

I am still continuting my prayer, on safety for my children, and safety for us in our everyday routines, so I pray that for all of you today. Mom and Dad are traveling, Aunt Deb and Uncle Mike could also use some prayer that God would protect them. I think the Devil tries hard to get us down when we are working so hard for God will. And this car problem and Uncle Mike being tired sure seems like the Devil is interfering. I also pray for J that you would give him some extra energy as he puts in so many hours.

Love you Guys!

Thursdays Prayer-NY

Today's prayer is for peace. I pray for peace for Mike, Deb and Daaron. Peace to just sit back, wait on God, enjoy the ride , and have a Great story of praise to tell in the end. I know its not my car and not my job and not my situation, and Id probably react differently if it was mine , but when I read about Mikes situation on the blog yesterday, I just got a specific feeling of peace and assurance that someone had a mini van to give away.?I don't know?, that feeling isn't usually so specific and certain , and maybe it was just because Ive been sick and haven't gotten much sleep, but I really haven't second guessed it since I got the feeling. So that is my prayer, for peace and patience for Mike until this person shows up with a mini van?
Love ya
Sandi

Wednesday Smile-Kansas

I have many things to smile about today, The first is I got my first Avon Order, Yay!! I got to talk to my mom and despite my trobled morning and being late to work I had a great day, all my kids were at school for the first time. Wow!!! Also I made a great quiche for dinner and I got a special package in the mail. My secret.
Love you guys
Have fun at the Beach and Uncle Mike good luck to ya!!

Wednesday Smile-NY

Im meeting my sister on the beach tonight at sunset!

Mike things will work out differently and better than you can even imagine!

Love ya

Sandi

Wednesday Smile :(? Not so Much!

I guess I could have saved this until I could have put it on the Thursday Prayer requests. My car broke down, needs a new transmission. Even with a used one its going to cost me between $1600 and $2000. That's more than I paid for the car, and much more than what I have available right now. I just started my after school job so money will be coming in granted I can get to work every day. I just finished my first 100 hours of internship, leaving me 600 more to go. My internship is 30 miles away. Anyway, I'm not so much in the smiling mood right now. Please pray things work out quickly.
Mike

Prayer for Dad

Family Mom and Dad have been traveling for a few days now and have really gotten to relax and enjoy time with frineds, Now my Mom and Dad are on their way to see Grandpa Mario and Grandma, this may be a tough trip for them. I ask that you pray for them to have peace, and be able to make the best of their time that they spend with them. I also pray for my Granpa and grandma at this time that they too would see that your hand is in all of what is happenig right now.

I love you all have a great night
Brandi

Guess What!

I was cleaning , and rearranging this morning and I discovered that we live in an Art museum/natural history museum/ library. Isn't that awesome!
Have a great day
Love Sandi

Go Barefoot

Hey guys check out my new business endevor.
http://Brandi-Morales.barefootbooks.com/

Have a good night!!

Sunday Thanks- Brandi

Lord thank you for loving us and giving us clarity when we are foggy.

Ruben thanks before bed, "Jesus thank you for dinosaurs because they are so fun to play with."

Have a great Nighy Brandi

Sunday Thanks-NY

Thank you Lord for weekends and time to spend with family away from responsibilities, and for time to enjoy all the beautiful and exciting things that are on this earth to see, experience and learn about.

We went to Civil War weekend in Angelica today. Angelica is a really nice old town. Most of it was build in the 1800's and they've kept the buildings pretty much the same as when they were built. All through the town are little antique and craft shops. Art galleries and and pottery studios. Restaurants, and coffee shops,and bed and breakfasts. They had their army camps set up all through town and they had the whole main street closed down. They had a battle all the way down the main street. We had fun watching exploring and shopping it was a great day!

Love ya Sandi

Harvest Fest.

It was a beautiful sunny cool day today , and Gowanda had its harvest festival. We went yard saling this morning, and walked around to see the scarecrows. Of coarse we had to have hot apple cider and maple cotton candy!

love ya

Sandi

Thursdays Prayer-NY

My prayer today is a prayer of Thanksgiving. Thank you Lord for days of rest. Cool , rainy days, with no extra appointments, expectations, or responsibilities. Days when I can make myself breakfast and coffee, light the candles, grab a blanket and a book and just rest. Thank you.
Sandi

Thursday Prayer from Kentucky

Father God, today I am praying for my son, who is learning everyday what it means to be like you. I ask that you would give him strength as he gives his heart to men who sometimes make the choice to reject the gift that they have been given. They are no different than those of us who reject the gifts you give us. I pray that you would give him opportunities to see the good and celebrate the victories as well as mourn the lose of those he cares about. I know that it is because of his soft and caring heart that he is the man you chose for this job, I pray that you would protect his heart, and not let him get discouraged, that you would let him see beyond the circumstances of the moment. I know that he is run down from all of the hours he is working, so I pray that you would strengthen his body, and that when he sleeps he would wake up completely rested. His schedule isn't easy for anyone, so I pray that you would protect his marriage. I thank you for giving him a wife who loves and supports him, and loves you. I pray that they would have time, make time for each other, and that their love for each other would grow stronger everyday. I know that his last shift was a difficult one so I ask that you would anoint him with the "oil of joy" and refresh him with your spirit today. Thank you for making him your man, in this place, at this time. Amen

I Love you Mommy

Those are the best words any Mom can hear, and today I heard it from my Gwen, that's what makes me smile this wonderfully rainy Wednesday.

Love you guys!!

Wednesday Smile

Fall is just about here!
Cool sunny days, falling leaves, apples, pumpkins, and grapes!
The best time of the year is almost here!!

Wednesdays are also baking days with Ashley. This week was cookies!

Love ya . Sandi

Wednesday Smile

I will be staying in this cabin, sitting on this beach this weekend, with my hubby and one of my favorite friends. That makes me smile! Can't wait till Friday!!!!!!!!

Busy

Its definately school time, everyone is busy. We have had a busy week also but at least this week is the same everyday no crazy schedules. Ruben is loving his preschool class today the read a stroy about a dragon in a dungen and if you know Ruben he is all about dragons and mighty knights. Gwen is still working on potty training and it has been a struggle at school and at the sitters, but we will press on and get it taken care of. Addi is a little sick with a cold, and ear ache, She pretty cranky. Jensen in continuing to grow and is staying awake for about an hour in the morning afternoon, and evening. She is also sleeping better too!! SHE has started cooing, and ,making baby noises, and moving her hands. Its so sweet.

I was thinking about our exchanges, and I was hoping to pass around a Apple Recipe for September. So if that sounds good to everyone we could say lets get them out before the 30th. I also have a few addresses that are old like Uncle Mikes so maybe we could all post our addresses again just to check.

Hope you all have a great evening and day tomorrow. Love you

Brandi

Just AnotherBusy Day

It was a beautiful day today, sunny and cool. I spent the day working outside ,mowing and raking. Taking the tent down and drying things out. Washing the outdoor furniture and putting it away. Alyssa had her first volleyball game today. They won, she made a few points herself, serving. I never watched high school volleyball before. Its really kind of exciting! I spent the evening prepping for another day of baking at Ashleys tomorrow. Now its time for bed.
Good Night
Love
Sandi

Sunday Thanks from NY

Wow I almost missed this one too! Weve been gone all weekend.

Thank you Lord

for safe travels

helping us get through 1 week of school

weekends to play, and enjoy each other

good food

and your provisions

We had a successful Fall Festival this yr

Wes lacrosse team got 3rd

wes got 2nd in the mud bog on his 4 wheeler

Dakota got 2nd in the 5k

Ian got 1st and 3rd in the art contest

Lyle got 3nd in the art contest,

but he didnt get to dance

we road rides , played games and ate lots of good food

love

Sandi