Merry CHRISTmas!

Merry Christmas! I pray you all have a safe and enjoyable Christmas! May God Bless you all immensely!

Blessings,

DH's Resume - Please Pass On

OBJECTIVE

Obtain employment for a company desiring a results oriented team player.

EXPERIENCE SUMMARY

A hands-on construction professional with 18 years experience in industrial and commercial applications.  Early years spent immersed in blue-collar activity, changing to involve numerous business/managerial applications.  Verifiable track record on the successful management of numerous government projects involving coordinating trades, developing partnerships, and building positive rapport with architects, engineers, and government officials.  Versed in contract negotiations, project estimating, impending design problems, document preparation, and QC management.  Experience as the Project Manager on a multi-million dollar, IDIQ/Task-Order government contract, with many different individual projects completed under my management.  Capable of estimating cost and profit by either “hard bid” or by using detailed estimating programs such as Pulsar, Timberline or other software.  Very familiar with R.S. Means unit price books and database.  Knowledge interpreting blueprints, building specifications and codes including OSHA, EM 385-1-1, NEC, IBC, ASTMs, etc.  Capable of constructing progress schedules and “schedules of value” using Prima-Vera Suretrak, MS Project or MS Excel.  Can produce basic shop drawings freehand or using a CAD program.  Formal training in Corps of Engineer Quality Control and numerous different types of environmental abatement and associated dangers.  Additional experience includes inventory management and general business operations.

EDUCATION

2010 Associates Degree, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, La

2002-2005: Industrial Engineering Technology, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA

2000-2002:  Computer Information Systems, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA 

1980-1984: Pickering High School, Pickering, LA

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

2009 OSHA Construction Safety and Health 30hr, MCC Construction Company

2008 Construction Quality Management, U.S. Corp of Engineers, Vicksburg District

2006 Industrial Safety, FLUOR, Baton Rouge, LA

2006 Construction Quality Assurance Course, FLUOR, Baton Rouge, LA

2005 LA Manufactured Housing Installation Course, Baton Rouge, LA

2004 Environmental Compliance Officer, U.S. Army Environmental Dept. Fort Polk, LA

2004 OSHA Construction Safety and Health Course, MIC/CCS JV

2003 Environmental Compliance Officer, U.S. Army Environmental Dept. Fort Polk, LA

2002 Construction Quality Management, U.S. Corp of Engineers, Vicksburg District

2002 Environmental Compliance Officer, U.S. Army Environmental Dept. Fort Polk, LA. 

WORK HISTORY

2009-2010          PRIDE Industries, Fort Polk, La.

QA/QC , followed by a position change/promotion to Facilities Manager for PRIDE Industries FOB-I and Range Maintenance division. Managed day to day operation in support of the training mission for JRTC at Fort Polk. 30 direct employees in various trades from general maintenance workers to electricians. Kept daily contact with the Operations Group of JRTC in support of the war fighters at the FOB’s during training. Performed maintenance and construction of barracks, showers, latrines and dining facilities while training is ongoing. Managed the support of rotational unit needs while training on Fort Polk before deployment. Support of Range also included all maintenance and construction of the villages and buildings for the Live Fire Division of JRTC at Peason Ridge during training exercises.

2008-2009                MCC Construction Company, Fort Polk, La.

Superintendent and Quality control inspector for an IDIQ contract with the Corp. of Engineers at Fort Polk. Oversaw completion of multiple work orders ranging from new construction to complete demo and remodel of existing structures. Managed up to 80 journeymen from various subcontractors to complete the jobs on time and within budget.

2006-2008                        RF Fabcon, Leesville, La

Labor Foreman & Quality assurance for steel fabrication work and individual projects on Fort Polk and surrounding community to include planning and estimating various new projects, overseeing work crews, scheduling/time keeping, setting goals, advising, creating a scope & sequence for project completion for time and cost effectiveness

2005-2006                        Universal Project Management, Houston Tx

Work as a Manufactured Housing Inspector/Construction Manager for F.E.M.A. procuring the installation of emergency housing due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Duties included the documentation of crew schedules and keeping of employee time for assigned team, assessment of potential sites, tenant interviews and utility locations.  Performed QA/QC on M/H installation on numerous grass-root sites (according to applicable codes).

2003-2005                        MIC/CCS JV, Fort Polk, LA

Individual Project Manager on numerous projects within a 15 million-dollar JOC contract.  Also acted as company Environmental Compliance Officer as well as Labor Foreman over various working crews.

Job Duties/Description: Estimate projects using Pulsar software, in conjunction with RS Means unit price book, on specific projects for the U.S. Government at Fort Polk, La.; initiate/oversee projects where necessary, assist QC manager in inspecting jobs, obtain dig permits, oversee/process utility checks, inspect jobsites & grounds for safety and compliance with environmental policy; participate in negotiations and work closely with Government Project Managers during negotiations of proposals and contract awards

2002-2003                        Sun Belt Builders, Fort Polk, LA

Labor Foreman, Procurement Specialist, Environmental Compliance Officer

Job Duties/Description: obtained necessary materials and equipment to keep jobs running effectively and efficiently, operated heavy equipment as needed, inspected jobsites & grounds for safety and compliance with environmental policy, assisted in construction/completion of jobs as needed.  Also worked as a free-lance estimator in conjunction with numerous different companies within the Ft Polk circle.

1986-2002                        Savannah Ridge of Vernon, Leesville, LA

Inventory Manager

Job Duties/Description: oversaw day-to-day operations of the business and maintained the shipping and receiving department and inventory, participated and overseen construction of additions, cabinetry/storage, and of the new building after fire damage

1982-1986                        Norm Electric

General Laborer/Electrician Assistant

Job Duties/Description: performed basic electrical work, ran conduit, pulled wire, wired circuits

OTHER EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

Microsoft Word, Excel, & Access

AutoCad & various other drafting software

Bentley Micro-Station

PULSAR

RS Means

JOC Project Estimator

Computer & Network Troubleshooting

Metalwork/Welding

Woodworking/Construction

Concrete construction

Tile & stonework

Plumbing

Metal roof installation

Sunday School Teacher

Church Outreach Leader

REFERENCES

Available Upon Request

Blessings,

Scrooge or the Grinch that Stole Christmas?

I am trying so hard to bite my tongue! I really need gather up and utilize those "Fruits of the Spirit" right now something fierce!!! I will control myself, but I seriously want to write a letter to the editor of our local newspapers (both on & off post) to share a true "Scrooge" story of a company contracted to work for Fort Polk! Fort Polk-- a post known to go the extra mile putting families first as best as the United States Military can possibly do! I know this because I used to work as a Family Readiness Support Assistant (FRSA) on post and was most impressed by what Fort Polk had to offer for families and the lengths they went in order to reach out, support, and aide families in all facets of military life.

I just can't seem to comprehend how a company, affiliated with Fort Polk, could be so heartless as to let an employee go 10 days before Christmas over coding he overlooked because he wasn't trained to recognize such errors! I could see if it was malicious or benefited him somehow, but it did not! It was an honest mistake!  People who know my husband know he wouldn't dare purposefully do something to jeopardize his job, his reputation, or his family!

I am speaking of a hardworking father of 3, a Sunday school teacher to Pre-K & K students, an outreach leader who spends two weekends each month trying to reach lost souls by knocking doors, handing out tracts, & placing flyers on cars!! .... a church going, God fearing family man who has worked on and off post for several years, grew up living on Fort Polk as an army brat, and continued his life here in the Vernon Parish community even after his father retired both as a SGM & a civil service employee! Since that time, he laid his father to rest as an honored solider serving his country! With that being said, my husband only has the utmost respect for our nations military,  Fort Polk, and all those affiliated with ensuring the post's mission.

I just feel like he has truly been cheated! There were many a time he had to meet with human resources for this employee & that employee accused of misconduct on large and small scales (to include individuals not even showing up for work)!!! and only for what? a slap on the wrist or a transfer to another section/shop!! Verbal warnings, written warnings, and the like were given out, but oh... firing is a last resort!

There was no three strikes and your out for my dh! There was no written reprimand/warning, nor was there even a verbal reprimand/warning! Just bam... 10 days b4 Christmas... we're letting you go! Today! Not tomorrow! Not a week from now! Today! 10 days b4 Christmas! Turn in your cell phone & give us your CAC! & btw they were more than happy to walk out to my dh's vehicle and scrape off his post decal!

Come to think of it, how do we know what they did with his CAC ?! Could it have fallen into the wrong hands? Could someone use it to get unauthorized access to the computer that was assigned to him? What other things can be done with a CAC while out of ones possession? I believe he should have had the right to personally return his CAC to in/out processing on post w/out it being passed among hands! Anyway... I'm just thinking... 

I'm also thinking...How heartless!!! -- a company that doesn't care if this job is the sole source of support for a family of 5 where the wife home-schools the kids and doesn't work outside the home b/c that would be next to impossible to do while homeschooling 3 kids in 3 different grades!

Umm... I also can't figure out whether this should be a Scrooge or the Grinch that Stole Christmas story?  He was let go 10 days before Christmas!!! Does that sound like Merry Christmas?

And... would you call it fair to let an employee go with no warning or even counseling for a mistake when, like explained above, ... time and time again, my husband witnessed employees shuffled from one section/shop to another b/c firing was a last resort?!

Seems odd...Only one (1) person is let go after signing off on something the worker initially mis-coded and his two (2) supervisors signed off on! --- that's four (4) people who all made the same mistake!!!  & again... worth mentioning... no training for anyone in the coding/recognizing coding errors, but yet my dh should have caught it!?

'n I probably should mention he's been with this company for a while! they've been doing this the same way all along! If there was a mistake, don't you think the company should have caught it a bit sooner and made sure employees were properly trained?

Um... I think they are getting trained now but idk! rumor is there are signs on how to properly code being posted around the office but again I still don't know that for sure! Doesn't really help my dh though-- does it?

Well... just me ranting! Sometimes I feel completely at peace with things, and other times I get like I am right now and think... injustice!!! ugh!

I do have the satisfaction of knowing what goes around comes around! lol! jk! but really now... what keeps me from falling apart is the Lord! I've the faith in knowing that God will take care of our family and the surety that He has some divine plans in store! I am thankful for how He has always taken care of us! oh the blessings!! I know He will never leave us nor forsake us! We've got so much to thank Him for even in the hard times!! We can never forget that!!

Even still... I would greatly appreciate it if you wouldn't mind... keep us in your prayers! Thanks tremendously! Hoping you all have a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Blessings,

Hard times!

So I was really excited to share our cruise pics with you, but now I just don't really feel like posting! Here we are just 10 days before Christmas, yesterday I basically take us to broke finishing up all my Christmas shopping, and my hubby's company lets him go! Well... at least we had a good vacation before hand! viva Mexico! but now... I am just so frustrated! um... they could have let him go yesterday or filled him in of a possibility of letting him go before I practically emptied the bank account with all the presents for family and friends! I even stayed up super late and got everything wrapped up!

I pinched pennies like crazy to be ahead for Christmas 'n now this! I did spend a little in Mexico, but it was a very little bit! I just had to get maracas for my Sunday school kids! that cost me all of $17 including the miniature wooden ship I bought for my 6 yr old! I was thrilled I kept my spending down...saving for the last of the Christmas presents! dh and the teen bought sunglasses, and my daughter bought a few little things, but I wasn't the shopper this time! :)

So here we go again! my husband needs a job! I thought it was hard homeschooling on one income 'n well... now... no income! We're just putting it all in God's hands! I am so grateful we at least have our health, each other, and a church family to pray with and for us!

Hope you all enjoy your Christmas! When I get over my case of mully grubs, I'll get the cruise pics up!

God is good... all the time! all the time! :)

Blessings,

Been Cruising!!

My last post was after I got back from Mexico after my cousin's surgery! I know it has been forever, but we have had so much going on! Thanksgiving, Christmas Shopping, and preparing & packing for our cruise! Good news is we are back! but first... to update you on my cousin's VSG surgery... she has been doing wonderfully! She had already lost over 30 lbs when I talked to her before the cruise! It has probably been more, b/c when I called her after getting off the boat in Mexico she was hitting the gym! Hopefully I will get more of an update today!
The cruise went fairly well. The last day shook us up a bit, but I will try to put a day by day post of what I would have put up here had I had internet! I can't afford the fun ship's internet fees and I don't dare use my cell phone for the horrid at sea charges! It amazes me how many people are chatting away, texting, twitter, and what have ya on their cells while on a cruise ship! Either they are rich or completely oblivious to the fact they will come home with a $300 phone bill because everything from talk to data is quadrupled when your at sea! even the viva Mexico plan doesn't save you much! I think it is still $1.00 a min even though you pay $5 extra to get discounts! 'n without that it's around $2 a min for talk! Sooooo.... I don't dare blog, talk, chat, or even turn that cell on once the cruise ship starts moving!!!
Well... time 4 school! look for cruise pics! I promise to try to have them up soon... we do have our big family Christmas Saturday, so I have so much to do... but I will try!
I hope you all have a blessed day! :)

Blessings,

Vertical Gastric Sleeve Surgery (for Weight Loss)

Just curious if any of you have ever had a VSG for weight loss. I just got back from accompanying my cousin for her surgery. All went wonderfully. She and I hit the mall last night when we were making our way back to Louisiana from Mexico. We did quite a bit of walking.  Afterwards we picked her up some broth, jello, & juice for the night and the trip home. By the next morning she looked and felt great! I am thankful all went well! Just curious about others' experiences! So far so good here... and if you are curious on the doc... I'm giving a shout out to Dr. Alvarez @ Endobariatric.com who has an awesome team and staff! 

Blessings,

Been a while, i know!!! but I'm in Mexico!

I've been so busy. I can't believe it has been nearly two weeks since I logged in and posted last! I am currently visiting Mexico with my cousin! She is recovering from a endobariatric surgery. Have any of you ever heard of the vertical sleeve surgery? It's pretty interesting! They go in and remove a part of your stomach to reduce the amount you can eat at one time. It has proven to be very successful. My cousin had been thinking of having it for well over a year, and finally opted to do it. I came along with her! It is a fairly simple procedure and she is recovering quite nicely! She was pretty nervous at first, but I am glad she went through with it! I can't wait to see what a difference this will make in her life and for her health! We'll be heading home tomorrow morning, and have plans to stop off to get some Christmas shopping done. Hopefully I will get a chance to blog more before Thanksgiving! Got a big meal planned and family to entertain! Wishing you all a wonderful thanksgiving! May God hands be upon all of you and angels surround you who are traveling to be with family for Thanksgiving!
Blessings,

Louisiana Saturday Night

"Fall back" b4 u hit the pillow tonight! Some states opt out of this of this practice, but not ours!! I sure wish I could, though; I always seem to need a week or more to adjust my internal clock! lol! 'n then I keep telling myself...it would have been this time, but instead it's this time! if that makes any sense! lol! maybe thats my ocd! ikd!
Blessings,

Thank God!! It's Friday!

It's been a crazy week, but I thank God for all He's done in our lives! Our family has been so blessed! I could never begin to repay God for the all the good things in my life! That's not to say we haven't struggled at times, but you really have to struggle every now and again or you won't appreciate the blessings God sends your way!
Looking for some way to give back to Him, I began praying for God to use me! With a new pastor, new changes in our church, and new people, I was almost feeling like I was losing myself in it all!  We all want to feel like we belong somewhere, right?! I just wasn't sure where yet, even though this is the church I was married in over 16 years ago!
So, I found myself helping out cooking breakfast for the bus kids at my cousin Wendy's church (her hubby is a pastor), then I would leave there and go to our church just in time for Sunday School. I met lots of new people, enjoyed the fellowship with my beautiful, kind-hearted cousin, and really felt like I was doing something to please the Lord, but at the same time...I wanted to do something at our church!
My cousin's church elected some new youth leaders, and they moved in to the parsonage. For them this meant they had plenty of hands to help out for Sunday breakfasts, so I took this as a perfect opportunity to open myself up to do something at "home" so to speak.
My husband and I spoke to the Sunday School director and his wife and let them know that we would take a Sunday School class if one came available. We were willing and able provided the children were all potty trained. We taught for a year in the 2 year old class and well... we're so not ready to go back to diapers and pull ups!
Weeks went by! and then more weeks! I missed cooking at my cousin's church! I missed the kids! and of course... I miss my cousin!!! :)  I began praying a little harder every day "God use me for your service!" Of course, I was getting a bit discouraged! I think the devil was helping out with that, b/c I kept trying to search myself and see where I was messing up since God wasn't using me/us! I begin to pray that if things weren't right in my heart, then I needed God to help me change so that I may be worthy of doing service for His kingdom.

A few more weeks of praying and then...

One Sunday morning I'm pulled out of church by an usher! I was like...whaaaat is going on? He told me "You are needed in the Kindergarten class." I thought he was mistaken b/c my youngest is in first grade, but then it dawned on me that was my cousin's class. My cousin has two lil ones (10months and 2 yrs), so I figured it must have been one of her own she needed me for...nope...the next thing I know she is handing me a book 'n talking about my husband and I taking over the class! I was so excited!

As if I wasn't already excited enough...Monday, I was sent a text asking if I wanted to help out with Kid S.U.R.F. on Wednesday nights (children's church)! I was assured we'd be taking turns throughout the night, each having small parts of the lesson, so it wouldn't take a lot of prep or home time! And most all the helpers have a Sunday School class, so doing both is typically not a problem.

Now... call this a coincidence or not but come Friday, I receive a phone call...It was one of the elders in the church asking my husband and I to meet with him Saturday prior to outreach. We had a short conversation about what was in store, and Sunday morning... my husband and I were sitting in the pastor's office being prepped on our new role as outreach leaders!

I'm not sure how I feel right now... I am so excited but a tad bit overwhelmed! lol! I know God answers prayers, but...lol! He really did it this time! :)

Sunday was our 3rd week teaching our new kindergarten class! Wednesday was my 3rd night in Kid S.U.R.F.! Prior to church that night, my hubby and I attended our first director's meeting! And... this Saturday we will be doing our first church-wide outreach event! We're mostly looking toward the youth group showing up for this one this time, but we're going to push for more church involvement come next month! We love the youth for outreach! They are friendly, outgoing, and energetic! They "like to move it!, move it!" and face it... the older we get, the less get up and go we tend to have!

The downside to all of this...when you try to work for the Lord the devil tries to do everything he can to ruffle your feathers! Me and my crazy teen have knocked heads a few times this week...as have me and the hubby (over the teen)! So... I made an effort to pray a few extra times during the day...Not gonna let that devil get me down!! Just speaking His name-- JESUS!!! and... well... all the devil can do is flee! Love that wonderful name of Jesus!

Please say a quick prayer for us tomorrow as we will be kicking off at 10am tomorrow as we venture through the city putting door hangers on door knobs, leaving flyers on cars, and handing out tracts!

Blessings,

What ya think? Wednesday

Hey, all! I just got my latest issue of Premier from Scrapper's Guide and thought I'd update my blog for the season using the Christmas Past kit by Susan Bartolini (Scrap Kitchen).  Please tell me what you think!!! I'm very excited! I used two tutorials to get me started and give me ideas. You may find the tutorials prove helpful for you, too. The tutorials are for photoshop elements, but they may still give you ideas even if you don't have/use photoshop elements!

Create Your Own Blog Blackground

Create Your Own Custom Header for Blogger

Check out both tutorials as well as the SG website, but ...before you go... please leave a quick message and tell me what you think about my updated blog. I could use the feedback as this is only my 2nd time to redesign my blog! I would greatly appreciate it!

If you're reading this post (as a repost) on homeschoolblogger.com or BloggyMoms, and you'd like to see my updates, you'll have to come visit me at my main blog site BY CLICKING HERE!

Blessings,

oh wow!

Man... know I've been busy, but didn't realize... been an entire week since I logged into my blog or posted! We've had so much going on. School, Wed night children's church, Fall Fest planning meetings, shopping to fill our Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas boxes, Fall Fest Saturday night, Sunday school...and of course the weekend's over and I'm already planning for next Sunday's class activities! My daughter and I went to Michaels last night and bought paint for the crafts I have planned for my kindergarten class Sunday. It seems like there is always something going on and something to do. We are working from one computer now, too. Five people on one computer. That's way fun! lol! and to be honest, I have so much to do, it's almost a relief! lol! I have been getting a lot more done by not being on the computer reading blogs... that can take up sooooo much time.... you read one and it links to something, then another links to someone else's, and another... to be honest... It's almost 6 in the morning, and I have a bunch of other things I COULD be doing besides typing on this blog right now! :) I really don't see how all the other bloggy momma's do it every single day and some 2 and 3 times a day!!! that's...WOW! Uber Bloggy! lol!
I tried...for like 2 weeks... and I've decided... we'll I can't do it! So... tis going to go now and do what I really need to be doing before my kids wake up --- start this day with Prayer! Blessings all you fellow bloggers and readers! Keep it up! I do enjoy the reading when I get a moment to do so! I hope you all have a wonderful day!

God Bless,

Lil Mr. Sneezy

Ok...well this one has me stumped. Anyone ever heard of a cat being allergic to the outdoors? One of our cats will soon be dubbed Lil Mr. Sneezy! When put him in the yard,  he of course freaks out b/c he's not used to being outside but the crazy thing is that he starts wheezing and sneezing! so idk what to think!

The tragic story is how we came to adopt the lil thing... I turned on the dryer and heard a horrid sound. After moving everything around, grabbing a cage, and setting up a way to trap what we thought was a squirrel, I finally reached in and pulled out this tiny kitten. How in the world it managed to make it's way on my porch I haven't the foggiest b/c we have a door... slipped on unnoticed while one of us were coming in is all I can figure.  My dryer vent cover broke not real long ago, and we've yet to get a new one. Thinking nothing could get on the porch and get in, we didn't much worry about it.

Well, this little feller made his way on the porch, went in through my vent, and was completely in my dryer...and was almost killed. Luckily as quick as I heard the horrid noise, I knew something was there and we found the feller... but not before fur blew out my vent! He had a patch of hair shaved off his scalp and off each ear,  half his little nose was gone [literally!], and his lower front leg was ripped open from the joint to the paw.

Now, I am no cat person...never was...but... I felt horrible!!! I doctored and coddled him constantly even letting him sleep on my chest at night!! and prayed with my kids that he would be ok. I knew it wasn't my fault the lil guy climbed in the dryer vent, but I knew I had turned it on and off twice trying to figure out what was going on...so my doings led to his near death experience.

Well, he's a spoiled rotten little kitty now! He's all healed up, thankfully, but he still doesn't have leather on his nose. I don't think that will return. Ever so often he'll bump it and it will bleed, but all his other wounds are healed.

He's now getting big enough to go out into the world and chase the chickens, birds, and field mice! Mostly he's male...fixed or not...they spray, so he's got to go outside, but each time I take him out he goes crazy! I don't know if the wheezing and sneezing is anxiety or allergies, but it's the strangest thing I've ever seen!

So call me crazy, but I'm going to pray this little kitten gets over whatever he has so he can live a fun, full life outdoors. You might think it's a little silly to pray for a cat, but Proverbs 12:10 says "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast." so why not... if a God tells us a righteous man regardeth the life of his beast, then God must also regard the life of all beasts...even lil sneezy ones and would be okay with us praying for it! and what would I tell my kids anyway if I said no to that.. we pray for them when they are sick! I couldn't just say... God doesn't care about that, now could I?

So...here is our little sneezy feller (including a depiction of him drawn by my 6 yr old as part of one his creative writing assignments... he's learning about pets, why we think God gave us pets, and how we are supposed to care for and love them. He'll be memorizing Proverbs 12:10, too).

~

 ~

 ~

Um... the cat or the bed... one of the two is a bit out of proportion! If he grows to be this big...well...I'm moving out! lol!

(Oh well! Night all!)Guess i'm posting from my phone tonight & going to bed! I've been so busy all day! Finally get unbusy 'n I'm last inline for the computer! Dh is on it now! Blessing, jC

Relax & Surf Sunday Blog Hop

Just joined the Relax & Surf Sunday Bloghop and have already found three...or was it four? new blogs to follow! It's 12:43 in the morning... and I am teaching Sunday school in a few hours...so I better get to bed! More blog hopping tomorrow! Good night and er... uh... good morning!



Blessings,

Louisiana Saturday Night

Well, the night's almost over, but we had us a good 'ol time! We headed out to the back yard, built us a fire, roasted some weenies, and then followed that with some toasted marshamallows and smores! Yum! Check out the pics...

and no the pooches didn't pee on that rock, so don't flip out!!! It's ok, really!!! They aren't allowed in that part of the yard! 'n besides...that rock was so hot it could have fried an egg... don't think any germs could have lived on it! It was the perfect place to start my chocolate a melt'n which made for the gooiest smore I've ever tasted!

toasting my marshmallow!

nice 'n toasty... placed atop my chocolate & graham cracker 

turned on the flash

mashed it down flat

going for the bite

ok... i took a couple of bites before this pick...couldn't resist
cheezing it up

going for the serious look

I <3 these guyz! God has truly blessed us!
'n btw...I never eat more than one smore, but ... um... don't tell anyone... but I had 3!!!! I have no idea what got into me, but smores done on a campfire are way better than the ones you can do in the microwave! oh... heavenly! I best be bike riding a lot next week to make up for tonight!

Blessings,

Freebie Friday

My mom just called me. Walgreens.com has a coupon code on their page from now until tomorrow. 8X10TREAT to get a free photo collage sheet. I'm working to build mine right now! I just hope they have something besides witches b/c I am not a fan of halloween!

Blessings,

Negative Numbers in 1st Grade??? hmm...

Yep, yep... I knew something was up! My 6 year old had me a bit puzzled. He just asked me what 3-4 was? Of course I know negative numbers, I just wasn't sure where he was coming from. I knew I looked at that work, and there wasn't anything like that in it...or was there?


I said, "do you mean 4-3?... u can figure that out yourself!" 


He said, "no... 3-4! Maybe it's negative 1 but I'm not sure!" 


I said, "You're right, but read your paper again... I am sure it is a 4-3!" 


After all, when did we start doing negatives in 1st grade? lol! 


Actually it wasn't even 4-3. He's doing double digit subtraction so it was a 4-3 in the right column. The problem was 74 minus 53 or something....I don't recall! but... I have no idea where he picked up on the negative numbers other than overhearing me doing math & algebra with my older two. 


I thought he'd lost his mind... till I heard a correct answer out of him. He's killing me... that incessant talking while working! I don't see how he learns anything! I can't even concentrate on my own thoughts here lately! lol!


Blessings,

God Said No!!!

I asked God to take away my habit. 

God said, No.

It is not for me to take away, 
But for you to give it up. 









I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. 
God said, No. 

His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary. 


I asked God to grant me patience. 













God said, No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; 
It isn't granted, it is learned. 



I asked God to give me happiness.. 










God said, No. 
I give you blessings; 
Happiness is up to you. 

I asked God to spare me pain. 

God said, No. 
Suffering draws you apart from 
Worldly cares and brings you closer to me. 

I asked God to make my spirit grow. 

God said, No.  


You must grow on your own, 
But I will prune you to make you fruitful. 



I asked God for all things 
That I might enjoy life.. 

God said, No.  I will give you life, 
So that you may enjoy all things. 



I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.

God said... Ahhhh, 
Finally you have the idea. 



'May the Lord Bless you and keep you, 
May the Lord Make his face shine upon you, 
And give you Peace....... Forever!

~ Author Unknown










My cousin sent this to me via email. I hope you enjoy it!



Blessings,