Surpise!

Last Friday, Nessa went to an Anatomy lab and when she arrived back to get her car she encountered a surprise! While parked at a friends house (because they carpooled to school) she discovered that someone had hit the back of her car. Apparently a lady took her eyes off the road and ran into Vanessa's car...effectionately called "Special Ed". This car has been in the family since he was brand new...Great Grandma Sible....then Aunt Connie and then Miss Nessa! It's had it's fair share of "boo-boo's" but has definitely been a well running machine that has gotten Nessa to and fro work, school and social activities!

Thankfully, no one was hurt! (except Ed of course!) So now we wait....for insurance adjusters to determine the fate of Mr. Ed....

To Be continued.......

A Thankful Heart!

For those who don't know, I will fill you in on the last few weeks around here.

Almost a month ago I had a hysterectomy along with some reconstructive surgery of inner "parts". This came after a long, drawn out battle for me and definitely was an answered prayer!

God planned everything so perfectly and to HIM I am so thankful for:

* my adoring family and friends who stood in the gap and prayed for me, came to visit me or sent me cards/emails of get well wishes....

* the perfect, competent doctor and staff

* an outstanding hospital

* an incredibly loving church family who not only prayed for me but also provided meals to for my family to which I am still just amazed at the love!

* An awesome job and co-workers who allowed me to take the time off and supported my every decision!

It's been almost 4 weeks now, and although I've had a few small set backs, I have learned to take life a little slower. I still tire easy and have gotten used to asking for help. Not being able to lift, push or pull anything has made me rely on hubby and the kids a ton. They have so graciously stepped in to help out!
I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband, awesome kids and the most outstanding group of family and friends!! Thank you!

Bye Bye Basketball

After some pretty close games.....and some NOT so close games, we bid the 2009 Coastal Christian School Jr. High Boys Basketball season goodbye. (almost) We were blessed to have Coach Sean with us again, and a great group of boys that no matter what, they gave it their all! The boys qualified for league playoffs, and will play one last time next Saturday.
Way to Go Conqueror Boys!!

Hello Babe Ruth Baseball!

My darling teenager has hit the "big leagues" . Time to step up to the plate and play some ball!! We got the call officially that he made the team! Very exciting..especially since he's got the same coach as last year...and get this..team name is Giants! HA!!! 3rd year in a row! Now it's time to put those shiny new metal cleats into action!!

Go Brandon!

Time to warm up those voices and sing...

Take me out to the ballgame....(bring a blanket around here!)

Take me out to the crowd...(ugh...not crowds!)

Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks....(is that all you have??)

I don't care if I ever get back...(depend on how long the game!)

So let's root, root root for the home team...

(that would be the Giants again this year...sorry Karen!)

If they don't win it's a shame....

For it's one...

two...

Three strikes you're out...

At the ol' Ball game!!

Paid In Full

Ever have one of those "Ah Ha" moments that God gives you? Isn't it amazing how it can be in the oddest places too?

I got mine today... just thought I would share it with you.

So there I am...standing in line in a crowded, hot, little portable converted classroom that is kindly known as the "San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Office in Grover Beach"...and I am there to begrudgingly pay my 1st ever speeding ticket. (click on the link for the full story). I was honestly still very..hmm..how shall we say it...bitter about the whole ticket and not thrilled to be there in the first place! (trust me..I had thought of fighting it, but gave into it and just decided to let it go)

One gentleman in the group made time pass as he would strike up conversations with others, comparing notes...you know...awful police officer stories...fines...etc, etc, etc...all the while I continued to wallow and feed my self pitty party. As I neared the front of the line, I overheard the young girl, who couldn't have been more than 20, at the counter explaining her situation to the clerk and asking if she could get her fine reduced...it currently stood at $700.00. Hmm..ok..first thought..Wow! what did she do?...then came lesson number 1...my $157.00 was looking pretty good right about now, I should quit complaining (whining was more like it) and be thankful that we have jobs and were able to pay it (as begrudgingly as I wanted to).

Finally a clerk opened another window and it was at last my time to pay my dues. As I waited for my receipt, I again grumbled at the fact that I was EVEN there.....hoping that MR. "It's my job to enforce the speedlimit" cop was happy! hmph!( Ya..I admit..I had a bad attitude)

In the midst of my party..the kind clerk brings me back my receipt and says " Here ya go Julie, you are PAID IN FULL"
It hit me. PAID IN FULL. Not that my ticket was paid (at that point I could care less!)..but it hit me....
My sins...ME..little ol me..MY sins had been PAID IN FULL! Jesus Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice for ME! It was the "AhHa!" moment.

As I stumbled to the car, I giggled at the way God can use my bad attitude and teach me a little lesson. Apparently He wasn't done, because as I drove off, the most beautiful song came over my CD player. Phillips Craig and Dean were singing this version of it, and at that point..I do believe I lost it.

The following are the words to that beautiful song, and if you have speakers...turn up your volume and listen as Lincoln Brewster sings of How much God Loves us! If you've ever doubted His love...just remember.. YOU ARE PAID IN FULL!!

Amazed
You dance over me,While I am unaware.
You sing all around,But I never hear the sound.
Lord, I'm amazed by you
Lord, I'm amazed by you
Lord, I'm amazed by you
How you love me.

You paint the morning sky, With miracles in mind
My hope will always stand,For you hold me in your hand
Lord I'm amazed by you
Lord I'm amazed by you
Lord I'm amazed by you
How you love me.

How wide, how deep,
how great, is your love for me.
How wide, how deep,
how great, is your love for me.
Lord I'm amazed by you
Lord I'm amazed by you
Lord I'm amazed by you
How you love me.
Lord you love me.

Bah Hum Blog!

Maybe it was the busyness of the season...or just so many things going on that I felt "Blog Overwhelmed"...whatever it is, apparently I go through it once a year...because I remember it happening last year... I think about blogging...really I do.. I even changed my background anticipating on posting all kinds of stuff....it just never made it! Go Figure...

On the bright side..I do have some free time coming up and my goal will be to update the blog. (of course the events maybe months old by then...but hey..its a start right??)

For those of you who have expressed your concern...wondering if I am still alive......WE ARE...and we are well! :-) Thanks for caring for us!

Look for updates posted soon...just think...you can sit and read them ALL in one setting!! (its planned!)

Happy New Year

As is tradition that we ring in the New Year with the Pius Family. For several years it was spent in the snow, and the last few years have been spent gazing at the ocean from their "beach cottage"
Laughter, games and fun was had by all! We even spent the night at their place ...you know..15 mins is just too far to drive home!...but it made for a fun morning with everyone and then some time spent at the beach! (even though it wasn't particularly perfect beach weather...just something about the beach!)
Here's to 2009!!!