Goodbye 2010 !

This year was a year of Goodbye's. My children both said goodbye to the schools that they went to, I had a lot of goodbye's as I lost my job and moved on. My Husband said goodbye to a job he was employed at for 14 years. I said goodbye to a job I had for two years and really loved. My Kids said goodbye to young childhood, and are now moving into the teen and tween worlds. We said goodbye to the little girl that we babysat for two years. We didn't get to camp at our usual Vermont campsite. We said goodbye to friends as they moved, or passed on. I said goodbye to full time mom life. We said goodbye to one of our cars and will hopefully sell another.

I said goodbye to lots of time off, as I work a lot more and get paid a lot less. The same goes for my husband.

But we also had some good moments too. We said hello to working at the 4-H Fair, and hello to being members of the 4-H Cat club. I've made many new friends as I have started a new job. My husband has too. The kids also have had made many new friends at their new schools. We have helped others and others have helped us. I'm hoping that the pace of life for us smooths out and we don't feel as though we are constantly running a marathon. I'm hoping for a few less

hours at work now that the holidays are over so I can focus and do more things at home. I hope to read some new books, work on stuff for the cat club, plan out my garden, clean out my attic, and not use Credit cards.

I'm looking forward to the new year, the new learning and hopefully more Hello's than Goodbye's this year. I hope the same for you.

Tomorrow I will Say goodbye to "Losing my Job in New Jersey." and say Hello to "G.G.'s Life Without Credit Cards."

What have you said Goodbye to? What did you say Hello to? What do you hope for the new year?

My Kids dressed for Halloween. It was the first year I didn't go trick or treating because I was working. I'm not sure how many more years they will even dress up.

All the lovely Children's books. It was so calming to work among the books. Perhaps in a few years I'll be able to work at a public library. Who knows.

My Funny Fake Glasses. Don't you think people in libraries should wear glasses.

Goodbye to the Germ Thing on my old desk. I may have to go visit and just stick my fingers in for old time's.

Goodbye to counting down.

Are You Returning?

Christmas is over and now people are bringing back all the items they didn't like, that did not fit, or that were broken. I got to learn some new stuff at work as I learned how to process returns. It really is not that hard, and I have had fun learning something new. The worst thing is that not only are the registers set up to return but you can also do sales and so you are constantly asking "Are you Returning?" "Are you purchasing?" Most of the customers have been really good, only a few who think somehow we are out to rob them of what they paid. I guess in an economy that is not real great every penny you can get counts. Isn't my Kitty so cute.

She was taking a nap this afternoon and I thought she just looked so cute.

Here is a photo of my favorite holiday snack. Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Chocolates. Yumm!

The rest of the photo's are of my Snow Globe collection. I think I watched the Santa Clause movies too much. I liked the hall of snow globes in the third movie and have been getting a snow Globe every year since.

So I've been thinking alot about New Years resolutions. I have quiet a few that I hope to work on this year. Number one is no buying with credit cards. I'm starting to research Credit cards so that I can give you some interesting credit card facts and figures over the year. I also need to look into being frugal, and I'd like to learn to be a better cook.

I keep thinking of the "Where Are You Christmas" Song. One line is "My World is Changing, I'm Rearranging." I feel that was me last year. Ton's of change and I feel that I've been changing and learning so much as I try to keep up with it all. One thing I need to do better is make easy, healthy meals for my family. If I find any good ones I'll be sure to pass them along.

Here is quote from my garden book: " Every mile is two in winter." George Herbert (1593-1633)

I think people in this recent blizzard most likely felt that way. It made me feel blessed that we did not get hit too hard by it.

Well there is one more day of this year. I will be glad to see it go, though I'm not sure what 2011 will bring me and my family, I hope it is a little bit of peace and calm. Though I'm not sure anymore if that is what you should want in this world. Maybe just more strength to deal with what comes my way.

Garden in a Blizzard

If Winter Comes, Can Spring be far Behind? (Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) ) I sure hope it comes soon.

We spent the night at home warm and comfy as a Blizzard raged about us. I was supposed to work, but by 4pm I knew there was the possibility that I could get into work, but there was the greater possibility that I might not get there and if I got there I would definitely not get back home. So I called in and let them know that the roads were to bad for me to drive in. They were very OK with this so that made me feel good. I hate not doing what I'm expected. I've been wanting to take photo's of my garden in winter and so here are a few. The plants are all dead, and now


Covered with snow. I miss being out among the living plants, and digging in the soil. Spring will not come fast enough. Here are two Photo's of my children playing in the snow. I'm not sure my son looks too comfortable. I think he was getting snow down his boots. I am happy that they have fit in the same boots and ski pants for the past three years. My daughter I think is tougher. She was rolling in the snow, sticking her head in it, and not complaining a bit. She is made with some kind of strength. One thing I hope to add to each of my posts this coming year are some gardening tips or quotes. Here is another I found and feel very much like I connect with.


"Perhaps I am a bear, or some Hibernating animal underneath, for the instinct to be half asleep all winter is so strong in me." Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906 - 2001)

I have to say I've done a lot of sleeping today. But perhaps I'm catching up due to all the lack of sleep I've had the past two weeks working the midnight shift.

I also sat and read some children's books about snow. Here is a list of my Favorites:

"Snow Dance" By Lezlie Evans

"Kipper's Snowy Day" By Mick Inkpen (we also have the movie for this. Love the Christmas short. Which do you like better anticipating the presents or opening them.)



"The Biggest, Best Snowman" By Margery Cuyler

" Snowball Fight" By Jimmy Fallon

"Snow" By Uri Shulevitz ( I like how in this all the adults say there will be no snow and yet it comes. I felt this way on Saturday. And yet the snow came.)

And one good Christmas book " Great Joy" By Kate DiCamillo

Here is my poor rose bush covered with snow.

My thoughts have been very much on not using credit cards in 2011. My big thought is that I will have to be very thoughtful about each item I buy. I must have all shopping trips planned and lists made and know the exact amount of money I will need to buy what I need. My goal also is to stay away from stores as much as possible. January is going to be the month to buy nothing. Expect of course food and necessities. We will see how well this works.

Yes Bowlby Family Santa and His Elves do exsist!

This year is almost over and I'm glad for that. But it has taught my family many good lessons. At the beginning of the Christmas season, I told my children Christmas was going to be small this year. They said, "Mom, you said that last year and it was still big." Well this year was different, and to keep to my budget the amounts of gifts given were kept to the most wanted. My husband also had to tell my daughter that there is no "Santa". Well I think we learned that there is a Santa. Perhaps more than one. These Santa's and their elves dropped by our house yesterday bringing gifts. I caught two and know who they are but the Elves were sneaky and I have no clue. And so for our family this year we felt very blessed and were allowed to believe once again in Santa. But even more in the love of those around us who played the part. Thank you to all who gave of your time and resources to make our families Christmas so magical.

Moments of Joy: Spending a whole day at home with my children. My daughter getting well before Christmas. Sitting and watching YouTube videos of our favorite holiday songs. Making some new Christmas traditions. Receiving Dunkin' Donuts from my neighbor this morning. How she knew all our favorites I'll never know.

Once the new year starts I am going to hopefully figure out how to change my Blog name. I will be changing it to G.G's. Life without credit cards. G.G. stands for Garden Girl.

Have a Merry Christmas!

If you go shopping the night before the night before Christmas....

If you go shopping the night before the night before Christmas.... Don't expect to find what you are looking for unless you are buying extra large men's underwear. Don't expect the store to have boxes, and don't be cranky if you can't get wrapping paper. Remember that you have decided to shop at the last minute and there have been hundreds if not thousands of people in the store before you. They have loaded their carts up with all the good stuff and left you what no one really wants. The Christmas stuff that is left is what no one else picked, the wrapping paper if any is really pretty lame, and most of the items in the store are the new spring items that are to come out the day after Christmas. So please don't shout and scream at the store employees, they have been working long shifts, and have no control over what is left. Just remember if you choose to shop last you get what is left!

I am not getting what I want for Christmas. What I want can not be bought at a store, it can not be found at the mall. What I want for Christmas is a healthy family. And guess what today my daughter woke up sick. Yes we have a case of the barfs in the house. I'm disinfecting all over the place. We were supposed to go visit a friend. My Son has been hoping to see his friend who is in town from California, but that is now not going to happen. My poor daughter is hoping to feel better by tonight so she can have some of our special Christmas eve dinner. I'm not sure that is going to happen. I just hope tomorrow morning she feels better.

Moment of Joy: Sleeping in. Helping customers feel what they are buying is a good choice. Having a moment to visit with my husband.

Thankful for: All the many friends who have supported us this year as the trials of new jobs, and less income have been upon us. We have such a great group of friends they have been so kind and generous to us. God has blessed us in so many good ways. I'm thankful I don't work today.

Where's The Line to See Jesus another great song to get you in the true spirit of Christmas!

Lines, Lines and more lines. There are many lines out there right now. On Sunday when I worked the lines were constant, and most of the people were buy loads of stuff. I wore the wrong shoes (They had a large heel, and did not eat enough for all the energy that I burnt bagging peoples stuff.) There are lines of traffic, lines of shoppers, lines at the bank. Ugh. As I sat in my car in a line of traffic I heard another great song. Thought I'd look and see if I could find it on U-Tube and share it with you. It's called "Where's the Line to See Jesus." And wouldn't it be great if there were more lines of people looking to see the

Savior than lines of cranky people buying stuff they can't afford just to please others. Although I'm glad for the fact that work is busy, I'd like to have more time to sit and think of the Savior, and to be able to give more of my time to serving others for him.

I'm very tired tonight. I have worked every day since last Tuesday. Tomorrow is my last night shift to Midnight. I've been getting home around 1am most nights. Of course I always get one morning shift and that was today. I was so tired today. I was glad that I could smile and be kind to most of the customers. I can see the strain and tiredness of all the employees. We are all ready for the crazy holiday rush to end. I will actually be glad for less hours and less lines. Although I still have not seen the day after Christmas and the lines of returns. So there is more for me to learn. Hope you click on the link and enjoy the song.

Moment of Joy: Snuggling with my cat this afternoon. Being home with my family. Talking with a friend on the phone.

Thankful for: All the many blessings I have. Too tired to type it out.

Let's go for a sleigh ride.

I've never been on a sleigh ride, but I love the Christmas song about going for a sleigh ride. I think it would be great fun. I have ridden in the snow before, but not that much as it's a lot of work to clean up after and I really don't like to be out in the cold that much. I've told my kids I'm not doing any Snow Dances this year, as I do not want snow. But who knows we may get it. Hope it's on my day off. Hope you enjoy the link to Amy Grant's Sleigh Ride song. I love her music and the photos that go with it.
I learned never to wear shoes with heels while working retail. And to bring lots of food to eat on breaks last night. Thought at some points I was going to pass out. The lines kept going until 12:30. Got home around 1 am and once I got the kids on the bus this morning I slept until about noon. Now trying to get a few things done before it's off to work again. This is the last week of late nights. (Thank goodness!) I hope I find the energy to wrap presents, and finish Christmas Cards.

I Need A Silent Night! (Great song by Amy Grant)

I heard a great song in the car this morning as I was trying to find a store that sold batteries for my house phone. I refuse to buy a new phone, and fear the rechargeable battery is on it's last legs. I've gone to Staples, and Wal-mart. I guess next week I will try target, and maybe Amazon.com. I just refuse to buy another phone! Any way the song "I Need A Silent Night." by Amy Grant. You have to click on the link and listen and look at the U tube photo's it's great and it shows what we are all doing wrong.
Lines and shopping at crazy hours. I got home around 1am last night. Yes people actually shop until 12:00pm at night and if we didn't announce


That the store was closing they would be there even longer. Most people who came to my line after 9:00pm were just tired. I find that they are all very cranky. Many were also concerned for me and wanted to know if I was tired. I said "No". But then I spend most of my day napping. Which I will doing again as soon as I'm done this entry. So please if you decide to shop late and you are tired and get stuck waiting in a line and then the item you are purchasing rings up the wrong price, "Take a deep breath" and be calm. Don't get all hot and bothered and crabby at the poor cashier who has no control over

pricing of products and can't possibly know the price of every product in the store. All will be solved with out the need of being rude, cranky and miserable. Here is a link to a good article "The 7 deadly sins of Holiday shopping"

Being on the cashier side I see it all. But what amazes me the most is how many credit cards people have. I'm just even more determined not to use them next year. It seems that some people will have 10 to 20 credit cards. WOW! How do you pay all those bills. Ugh. Just my 3 cause me enough grief.

I hope you like these night time photo's to go with the theme. Every year in the summer we try to catch the fire works on the beach. It is great. Not silent like my title, but still wonderful. When my children were young they would just ooh, and Ah. I love the beach.

Moment of Joy: Sleeping most of the morning away. Having a customer compliment me on how calm I am, and a co-worker tell me how sweet I am.

Thankful for: Sleep,Food,receiving Christmas Cards, my husband having a training day that pays 8 hours. May he get many more in the weeks to come.

Hope you all get a Silent Night this Christmas to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, which is the Gift of God's Son.

What Caused the Grinch to Hate Christmas?

My question today why did the Grinch hate Christmas? And Why did Scrooge say BA HUMBUG? I want to get the book a Christmas Carol and read it. Isn't that bad that I never have read this classic tale. In watching the video of "Where Are You Christmas" it made me wonder, what did cause the Grinch to be so sour about Christmas. I've never seen the movie. I've always watched the cartoon one though. I think something about all the noise made the Grinch cringe. I have to say that out in retail land most people are in a good mood. Do they like waiting in line? No, but for the most part they are happy when they get to the register. Those who have

no line feel like they won the lottery. If they feel they are saving money they are over joyed. I have to say the best Christmas present I could receive would be knowing I have a job after Christmas. I received a letter asking if I was interested in staying on, and so I'm hopeful that means they will keep me. If not, I will get up and go out and look for another job. It's hard to believe that next month will mark a year since learning I was losing the job I loved. And in February I'll have blogged for a whole year. I don't think I've hit on anything spectacular, as I don't have many comments. But it has been a

good way to just let out my frustrations.

Starting in January I hope to give you tips and let you know about how I'm doing with living without credit cards. My husband has joined me on this idea. He may have to use his card for awhile to pay for gas, but I hope to find a way to completely stop our usage. We have both promised to discuss all purchases that are to go on the cards. I hope you like these silly photo's of my children with Christmas ornaments in front of their eyes. It made me giggle looking at them. I had totally forgot I took these last year. We had such a great laugh.

Moments of Joy: Napping with my husband. We don't see much of each other lately and last night we were both home for the evening as I had a morning shift. So we both crashed on the couch while listening to the children play their instruments. Customers who remember me from when I worked at the bank. One customer saw me and shouted "Kimmy! It's so good to see you." That they remembered me from 13 years ago is amazing.

Thankful for: Good health.

So do you know why the Grinch is so set against Christmas? Or why Scrooge was so cranky? Let me know I'd like the answer. If you have the book "A Christmas Carol" I'd love to barrow it. I refuse to buy books any more. Part of my no using credit cards is not buying what you can barrow. Got to get my life down to just the basic needs. Perhaps in all this I'll become a slow millionaire. although I've never had the desire to be rich. I don't really want more than the little I have.

Savior, Please....

A song I keep hearing on the radio lately is "Savior, Please." By Josh Wilson. It is a really beautiful song. I like the line " I try to be so tough, But I'm just not strong enough, I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me."

I think there are many people who feel this way. They are trying to be so strong, and yet they know they need more strength than they have.

So the Year 2011 is right around the corner. My big goal is to not use any credit cards. My first job is to look into blogs and web sites that talk about not using credit cards. I'm going to need all the help I can get. I also found out that the first day of the new year will be 01/01/11. Look at all the ones.

Do you know of any good websites for not using credit cards? Let me know. I'm now getting prepared to work everyday until Christmas eve. Whew I am going to be one busy girl.

Moments of Joy: Rocking on the couch with my kitty. Having a few minutes to talk with my Husband last night.

Perhaps I will rename my blog: Moments of Joy in New Jersey. What do you think?

Where Are You Christmas?

A really cool song I've heard quite a lot this Christmas Season is "Where Are You Christmas?" By Faith Hill. Here are the Lyrics
" Where are you Christmas? Why can't I find You?
Why have you gone away?
Where is the laughter you used to bring me, Why can't I hear music play? My world is changing, I'm rearranging Does that mean Christmas changes too? Where are you Christmas? Do you remember the one you used to know? I'm not the same one, See what the time's done, Is that why you have let me go? Christmas is here, Everywhere, oh, Christmas is here, If you care, oh. If there is love in your heart and your mind


You will feel like Christmas all the time.
I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away!
The Joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love
Where are you Christmas
Fill your heart with love.

I think for many their lives have been changed these last years. Since the recession the world has changed, people have changed, and yet if we look deep within the true Christmas spirit is Love and not things. Said so well by my son to his father the other day, and written on his Christmas wish list, Most of all give me love because that is what keeps families together.
Today I treated myself to a McDonald's meal. That midnight craving finally got me, and I needed french fries. While waiting in line, two men behind me thought I'd been called up when I hadn't. When they realized their mistake one said to the other "Patient, you need patience." I turned and said " Patience is bearing your trials with out complaining." They were taken back by my definition, and then asked where I got it from, and I said from the dictionary. I told them I had needed to learn a lot of Patience this past year as my husband and I both lost our jobs, and life had changed drastically for us. As I sat at my table in McDonald's a thought came to me. Christ is the the perfect example of patience. Of course he is the perfect example, but I had never come to this thought before. He went to the cross and was crucified and he never once complained, and within his trial he asked God to "Forgive them, for they know not what they do." And my thought was do you mean Lord that not only do I need to bear this trial without complaining, but I also need to pray and forgive those who have been causing the stress in our life? Do I now need to take this next step and pray for the manager who hired my husband? I have to forgive him for his lies? I think it is exactly what the Lord wants me to do, and so I have learned more today about Patience. I don't know how much more I must be tried, how much more our family must struggle through, but I do know it has been quite the learning process. Do you have a trial that you must bear without complaining? And do you see yourself praying for those who have inflicted you with this trial? Asking for them to be forgiven and praying for them? I have a lot of pondering to do. The two men wished me good luck in my struggles. But perhaps I touched their lives more than I will know. I have given them something new to think about.
Moments of Joy: Sleeping until 11:00am. Going to Church yesterday. I learned alot. Helping others. Spending time with my family.
Thankful for: McDonald's french fries, My home, My Family, My Faith.
Note on my husband, he continues to work hard. He unfortunately will find out that he did not pass is ASE Engine test. Ugh. By get this one point. Oh Poor him. He can take it again this spring, perhaps he will take time to study for it this time around. Both him and my son need to learn to study more.

Let It Be Christmas

Just a short blog to day. Let It Be Christmas by Alan Jackson is one of my favorite country Christmas songs. My husband is very artistic. He would never agree to this statement but he is. One Christmas he spent a lot of time away at night making the "CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR" for us. Part of it was this carousel horse. He took one of those horses children ride on with springs. He painted it and put it on a pole, with a very beautifully painted bottom, and a cool glass globe on top. It was one of the kids favorite toys when they were little that their cousins gave them. It was such a surprise.

Some days I wish my husband could see just how smart and special he is. He is a perfectionist and so he never believes he is good enough. And yet he is so smart, and so talented. I only hope we are able to show our children who have inherited the smart gene's that they are smart and talented. Sometimes people are just too hard on themselves. I pray often that my husband will see just how special he is.

Joy Moment: Sleeping under my Comfy Sonoma Sherpa blanket (from Kohl's) There was such a good sale on them and they are worth every penny. They get you toasty warm. Playing with my kitty. Writing out Christmas cards. Receiving Christmas Cards.

Thankful for: Food, Clothing, house, a job that is fun and the co-workers are just really great people. Left over Chinese food to heat up at 1am.

I'm thinking of changing my blog title any ideas? Here are some I'm playing around with : The poor mechanics wife, Living on almost nothing in New Jersey, My Year with out credit cards in New Jersey. Let me know what you think.

Are you ready to share your Joy's yet?

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas....

Lately as I listen to Christmas Music I realize that many of the songs are not so happy. And you realize that Christmas is not always a happy time in people's lives. I think the reason for this is that instead of focusing on the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of our Savior. We focus on parties, presents and giving way more than we should or need to. One song that I have listened to and felt was a little bit on the sad side is "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
As I looked up the lyrics I found that what we hear today is not the original lyrics.
So here are the original lyrics:
"Have yourself a merry little Christmas, it may
be your last,
Next year we may all be living in the past
Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Pop that Champagne cork,
Next year we will all be living in New York.
No good times like the olden days, happy golden days of yore,
Faithful friends who were dear to us, will be near to us no more.
But at least we all will be together, if the fates allow,
From now on we'll have to muddle through somehow.
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now."


I think though that there are a lot of people in the have yourself a merry Christmas mode this year. So many people are struggling to make it through just the month. Many people may be moving just because there is a job somewhere else. The struggles of this year to some seem never ending, and the hope that things will turn around seem dim. I have hope that things will turn around. I have hope that things will get better. But I know there are many who do not.
An article from my churches magazine really helped me this week. It was titled "FEAR NOT".
It helped me to see that Christmas is more about Heavenly Father sending solutions to the problems of the world than about gifts and having things. Mary was a young woman who was asked to be the mother of God's son. She was afraid. And yet the angel said " Fear not...For with God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:30,37). What was nice to read in this article was that with God there is a solution to every problem we have. Much of the Christmas story has the reassuring words of "Fear Not" spoken. To Mary, To Joseph, To the Shepard's. I'd never thought of this before. But in a world where it seems so many have fear, it is good to read this story and see God saying Fear not. So I will continue to move forward and fear not. For I know that God will have a solution to the situation my husband and I find ourselves in. I continue to be faithful, to be patient, and have hope. I hope you also will find that too.

Moments of Joy: Helping a friend with their new kitten. I got to show them how to clip it's nails so that they and their children will not get scratched so much. Plus kept the kitten from being declawed. Visiting with a friend who I haven't seen in awhile. Chatting with people I don't know in the grocery line. People like to talk to me. I'm not sure why but people just come up to me and feel like they need to chat. I guess I look like someone who will listen and care. Going to my children's music concerts. They are both so talented. I often think that they will do something great someday.

Things I'm thankful for: A home, cars that run, healthy children and spouse, my kitty cat. The ability to grow. The trial I'm in as I'm learning so much.

Scarves For Sale!

One thing I like to do on my spare time is Crochet. I taught my self how to crochet a few years ago. Since then I have made scarves and hats, and I'm working on my first blanket. I gave a few of my scarves to some friends this year and one of them thought I should try to make a business selling them. I'm not quite sure that would be achievable, but my one friend did buy two of the scarves in this photo. Most people like the white multi colored scarf. My favorite is the burgundy and green one. My mom has ordered a blue one for her birthday. I'm also making a few for my nieces this year for Christmas. The book I used to learn how to crochet was " Crochet, Learn to crochet six great projects" by KLUTZ books. The author was Anne Akers Johnson. The other book I use often is " Getting Started : Crochet" by Judith L. Swartz. The pattern for the scarves is in this book.

I Crochet as a form of stress relief. I must be a little stressed as I've made quiet a few scarves lately.

Actually right now I'm working on another white multi colored scarf. I got into this because of a blanket I always snuggle under at my parents house. My great grandmother made it, and I always wanted to try to make one too. I've learned though that blankets take a lot of work compared to scarves.

My husband did not make very many hours last week, I think about 17. And this week does not look much better. Although I think he gets to sit and take tests at work for the next two days which is good. He really is staying at the job in hopes of getting all the training. Our church is going to help us with food. This takes a bit of stress off of me. As I sat and did the budget I realized with my husbands decreasing hours that we are beginning to fall short on the income side. With the help of food instead of falling short about $700.00 a month we are going to fall short about $200.00 a month. I plan on cashing in an old investment and pay off our small credit card bills and my sons orthodontist bill. This will then hopefully put us debt free for awhile. It will also give us a little cushion too. While you may seem to want to feel sorry for me and my family, realize that we are in no way as badly off as others. We are not behind on any bills, and we do have a small savings. Others I know are struggling so much more and do not have the support that we have. And so even though we are struggling along at this point we are still very blessed.

Here is the song I'm memorizing: "When Faith Endures."

"I will not doubt, I will not fear; God's love and strength are always near. His promised gift helps me to find An inner strength and peace of mind. I give the Father willingly my trust, my prayers, humility. His spirit guides; his love assures that fear departs when faith endures."

I taught the teens at my church this weekend about Daniel from the old testament. I never realized what a strong person Daniel was. No matter what Daniel did what the Lord wanted him to do first. As my husband and I go through our trials I'm constantly in the mind frame of staying faithful. My husband was quiet upset last night over his work situation. I said to him you need to remain faithful through this. Do all the Lord ask of you, be as strong as you can. I know in doing this I will be blessed. And sometimes as I sit alone I ask God " how much stronger do you need me to be.?"

Moments of Joy: Hear someone say my name. (sounds odd doesn't. But at work so many people are so nice to me, and they all know my name. And sometimes a customer will thank me as they are leaving and they will say my name as they thank me and it just brings me such a sense of joy.) Teaching the teens at Church. I love to hear what they have to say, and get an idea of where they are faith wise. They have so many hurdles. I'm thankful I volunteered to be a sub. Working. I love it. Next week I work 41 hours. It will be interesting to see how I survive. Going to 4H with my daughter.

What I'm thankful for: All the wonderful people I work with. My in laws. My friends. Help when we need it. My cat. I'm not sure I'm thankful for my trials yet, but I'm working on that.

So would you like to buy a scarf?

He Likes Old Cars With Big Motors.

Here are some photo's of the cars in our life. My Husband being a Master Auto Mechanic. Loves old cars that he can tinker with. First up is our now in the Junk yard B.M. W. (Big Mormon Wagon) We would take this camping each year. It was a huge gas guzzler. When gas prices went up we decided perhaps we should get a more fuel efficient car. The kids are still upset that this car went. They liked to ride in the back seat looking out the back window. When thunderstorms came during camp outs it was nice to crawl into. I think the neighbors were happy to see it go though. It was quite the eye sore. But hey I think we paid $600.00 for it and it lasted for at least 5 years.

This is the Volvo that I've always wanted. It was a free car this year. My husband thinks it gets great gas mileage. I can't wait to try driving it. I have always liked Volvo cars. My husband just needs to fix the breaks. When you get a free car expect to put a little money into it. It needed a new windshield and breaks and maybe a new water pump. But if it last a few years with no car payment well that would be great!

Here is a photo of an engine. I'm not sure what it is, but I think my husband rebuilt it. He loves to work with engines. In fact we have a neighbor who races cars. For the last two years my husband has provided him with help with his engines. The guy has come in 2nd quite a bit. He thinks my husband is the best. Of course a little more money for the help would be nice. But for my husband the challenge of fixing an engine, and hearing it roar, and watching a car beat the odds just is wonderful.

This is the car that spent years in our back yard. My husband owned it for 20 plus years. People knew him because of the car. I think in his young years he got into a lot of trouble with this car. It never ran while we were together. My husband had always hoped to finish it again and drive it. But we ended up needing a new chimney a few years back and he sold the car to pay for it. It was pretty sick the amount of money he got for a car that had pieces spread all over our house and my husbands old bosses warehouse. The person who bought it also could not keep it due to

financial reasons. It ended up with another person who sent this photo of it finished. I'm not sure if they kept the super motor or not. It is a very nice car all finished. My husband has one other car. A Chevy Biscayne 454 big block. I need to find a photo of it to show you. We got married in that car. It has a monster motor, and I get terrified riding with him. he is thinking of selling it. I hope things work out so he doesn't, but the expense of running the car is huge. Gas just isn't as cheap anymore.

Alan Jackson has a cool song about Cars. I think it is called "The car repair song." We like to hear that. Any way I always thought my husband would be happy being in the mechanic field again. And I think that right now he is moving towards that. He loves to fix cars, engines are his favorite. He is actually loving learning about the new car technology too. I wish he could have gone to school to be a mechanical engineer. He would have been wonderful at that. He is just an extremely bright and great person.

Joy's of the Day: Snuggling under the blankets with kitty. Having some quiet moments to reflect and think about all the good things I have. Making home made spaghetti sauce. It smells so good.

Thankful thoughts: I'm thankful for my Mother in law. She often is there to help support me when I'm feeling down. I'm thankful for a warm house, and for friends and family. I'm thankful for two days off to rest. I'm thankful for a husband who doesn't mind if the house isn't perfectly clean.

What are you thankful for? What Joy did you experience today?

My Eyes have been opened and the loss of innocence

Hope you like the sea gull photo's. I'm still in a want to be back in the summer and beach kind of mode.
Here's the story of the day. I work for a retail store now and yesterday my eyes were opened to the sad and probably constant problem of theft. I had a customer who went through my line bought some items. (and in hindsight was acting quite odd). Who actually had put a lot of items in another bag that they did not pay for. Of course being new, and being the innocent that I feel I am when it comes to people being less than honest, I did not catch on to what was happening. But the ever present watcher of the store saw it.

And this person who thought they were being so clever got caught at the door. It was not a happy ending, more like cops and handcuffs. But when you steal you take that chance. It made me jittery for the rest of the day. And I am now a bit more wise as to what to look for. I find it sad that people steal. And yet since working I find that it happens quite a bit. People take small items and put them in their pockets or purses, or try to hide them at the bottom of the cart. We all end up paying for this in higher priced items. I know it is hard out there in the world right now, but stealing should still not be considered an option.
My son also had his eye's opened and a loss of his


Innocence this week. His school did a assembly on making good choices which featured the Columbine High school tragedy. I wish the school had thought to tell parents they were doing this, as my son came home extremely upset, and was worried someone would do this at his school or just come to our house and kill us. So He and my husband have been having quite alot of conversations. I had to drop something off at the school and I talked to one of the secretaries to let them know about this. I think if one child was upset perhaps others were too. I think that showing clips of what happened to students is not the best way to help children make good choices. I am amazed that they are allowed to do this and not notify the parents. Perhaps they think all 7th graders have seen violent things. In our house we do not watch T.V. and the children are not allowed to play violent video games so I think it was a very surprising and terrorizing thing for my son to see. I guess I have to be thankful for the bubble that we have lived in. Though it seems the world is conspiring to pop it on every front.
My husbands job seems to be going well still. He has been busy and learning. Thank you Heavenly Father.
Project Joy: Cooking comfort meals. Having almost no room to put the new groceries away,which means the house is full of food. Cuddling under a new blanket that I got for 90% off the original price. (there are benefits to working in a retail store) being able to bring things to my children's school's that they forgot. Hot coco in the morning with my daughter.
OK none of you have left a comment on what brings you joy. Help me out!
Thankful moments: Thankful for the other cashier who assured me that I was not at fault because the person tried to steal from the store and I didn't notice it. Thankful for cell phones when my son who is a little scared of bad guys locked the screen door having me locked out in the middle of night. Thankful for the abundance that surrounds me even in tough times. Thankful for jobs despite the low pay. Thankful for a little cat who leaves play mice under my pillow.
What is something you are thankful for?

It's a Two to Three Job world out there!

As I become used to working my one part-time job I meet more and more people who are working two jobs. Some work two job's to equal a full time job, and some are working one full time job and one part time job. Some are even working three jobs. I have not figured out how you get everything to work correctly. It must be that with your full time job you work days, and your part time job you work nights and weekends. Still I think I'd be completely wiped out by the end of the week. In fact some of the people I work with look tired and worn out. I thought that with all the computers and such that people would be working less. Or I think in the

Past that was the hope. Yes people are working less, but only because they can't find 40 hour jobs. There are so many things that can keep the average person from the full time job. You could have lack of experience, or you could be over qualified. Some poor woman who wrote into the local paper had a poor credit rating. Why because she lost her job and then couldn't pay all the bills on time. Other people don't have the right college degree, or no college degree. The sad fact is many people want to work, are willing to work, but can't find one job that will help them meet their needs. I can't even say that what they want is extravagant. I think they just want to

have a house, a car that works, groceries, and be able to help their children with school, college or other activities. I can't say I'm ready to work two jobs yet. As I work what I feel are swing shifts, one night to midnight the next day a morning shift. When I have a morning off, I'm sleeping. I can't think that I'd get up and go to another job. Perhaps though I need to toughen up. And who knows in the future I just may have too.

My husbands job is going well this week. He is getting good hours, he is learning how to use more of the equipment and he is also doing the on-line training. The move to the different shop has helped ease his stress, and he seems to be doing well. Of course I can't say I see much of him as I'm walking out the door as he is walking in. He is not to happy about this, but we owe, we owe so it is off to work we both go. I know that we will eventually get on a better schedule. Right now though we are rowing as much as we can.

So the question: Are you a two to three job worker? If so how do you do it?

Project Joy: Sleeping until 11:00am, quiet time with my cat. Making scarves and hat's (hope to show you photo's soon.) Time with my children.

Thankful moment: Having a great mother - in- law who is there when I can not be. Having a husband who loves me and is working so hard to provide for our family. Making so many wonderful friends at my job.