I heard somebody say 'let's build a home'

Well, that's just what we did, 7 homes were built this weekend in a little area, not a town YET, in Colonial San Bernardo through Project Mexico. A small ministry, yeah right, started by our very own Jon Hall a long time ago, not sure on the exact date, sorry.

This was something I had been wanting to do ever since I heard about it but the first time I was able to go. I was very touched and blessed to have my three oldest girls join me, yes, all the teens in my house put aside their usual weekend activities to do this for their mom. For a family that is always going in 5 different directions this really meant alot to me. I had a ball, it was just like camp, I think, I've never been. What impressed me was the comfort level that 150 people had with each other and the joy that was shown even at 5am (I didn't even know there was a 5am). I had a ball doing a weekend with my favorite people and getting to know them more and meeting new friends all at once!

We were on the Kilburg/Sujishi team and even though Kevin kept saying the home building was not a contest, we finished first! Both Kevin and Tom gave Jessica the good driving award, she had to follow Tom out of TJ and even though he drives faster then me, she never lost him she even helped Tom change lanes by clearing the lanes for him so he could get over. It was a little hard for me to be the passenger; I closed my eyes alot.

What touched me the most was the obvious things most people get out of this; the key ceromony, the look of joy, gratitude and disbelief on the faces of the people receiving this amazing gift but what I didn't expect to find down there was this overwhelming feeling of pride and respect for my girls, Jess, Julia and Jackie. They shined down there, they rolled up there sleeves and did whatever was asked of them and more! And just when I thought I couldn't feel any more pride they went into their own wallets and pulled over $30 to put in the hat that was passed around as a gift to the family. This was after they went to the car and pulled whatever snacks we came with and handed them over before I could even utter a word. WOW, I hope they realize how much this touched their tough, old mom.

I can't wait to do it again and I hope my kids feel the same way, but if they don't that's OK, I will never forget what they did and how much love they showed to others and how much love I felt for them.

have to start somewhere

Hello Everyone....or No one
Well, I guess you have to start somewhere but I don't want to start at the beginning. I want to start at the here and now and my life is.

I have 4 girls, Jessica/18, Julia/14, Jacquelyn/13 and Olivia/5 (I just couldn't do another 'J' name). I know she'll be in therapy over it when she's older. We all attend Canyon Hills Church and have for the last 5 years. I was baptized last May and then had the wonderful job of turning around and baptizing Jackie a minute later. How awesome! Julia was baptized a year earlier. Although I had been baptized through other religions it was an awesome way to display my love for Christ and my committment to Him in front of my 'church' family. Since then I have become very passionate and vocal about my faith. I guess you would call me a contagious Christian. I'll talk to anybody about God and love seeing the light turn on and hearing their hearts get turned just that much. The experiences I've had with speaking to who God puts in front of me is a whole other post.

I have a very busy household and after much scrambling finally have a good foothold on my job security, I think. This last year for me has been a tremendous walk in Financial Faith. My kids were basically on auto-pilot when at times I had 4 jobs. It was scaled down to two and finally just one very good job. Needless to say some of my girls will be doing summer school to make up for what happens when they are left on their own. They actually had to adjust to me being home in the evenings. Not that that happens too often with all the other commitments I have in my week. But I have learned that quality outweighs quantity every time. Every minute needs to count, because you never know if it will be your last. Now I hug a little longer, say 'I love you' with more feeling and always pray!


And now I need to say a special and heartfelt 'THANK YOU' to all of you who sent in your cards, prayers and thoughts in those very trying days just after losing my sister, Julie. You guys were amazing and I know that many of you had been praying for her and her family for the last 10 months and felt as if you knew her. I wish you had, she was a very remarkable person and I keep her with me always. We used to talk about how we would together worship one day and sing our Father's praises; well, I guess we will be able to do it with Him in person together in paradise!

Wow!

This is a first, never thought I'd have one of these, but hey, if Tony Cloyd can have one, why can't I?

Do I have anything to say that people might want to hear, well, I guess we'll see.