What Happens when you give the Kids $12

When Nathan and I were the PIGs (Promise, Isaac, Grace, - get it?) ages, we absolutely loved it whenever we earned a few dollars. After getting paid, we'd carefully hoard our money until the next trip to the dollar store. Then, we'd spend it all on dollar toys and be extremely happy.

When the 3 little PIGs earn any money, they start thinking of what junk food they can buy with their money. So when they got home from Walmart, lo and behold they had bought 50 packs of Top Ramen noodles (yes, you read that correct - 50 packs!) and a bag of potato chips. Brilliant, kids, brilliant.

I couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor cashier who had to check that circus out!

Embarrassed to Own him...

This morning, I had to take Troy to the vet for his annual physical. There were several problems about this situation...

1) I had to drive the van since Troy would poke holes in the leather of the Honda. That meant we had to take the 12 passenger gas guzzler for a girl and her dog.

2) Troy absolutely HATES riding in any vehicle! He won't jump in - requiring the driver to be quite strong - and will stand there, staring at the open door, ears back. Then, once I finally get him inside, he starts whining dreadfully the moment the engine starts. It's quite the musical drive.

3) Troy's a whiner... We got to the vet at the same time as a few other dogs and Troy was happy to "meet" them. Then, he was taken back to be examined with the other dogs while I stayed in the waiting room with the other owners. There was a moment's peace and quiet and then *whimper* *whimper* *whine* *forlorn howl*. It was highly embarrassing to be the only owner in the room with a whining dog.

Then when Troy was brought back to me he was *so* happy to see me and tried to jump over the swinging door. Not quite successful. But he checked out healthy - that's all that matters!

Picture Update

I haven't posted any pictures lately, so here's several pictures I've taken in the last week.

Enjoy!

UFOs! (aka reflection of the lights behind me)

There was an incredible storm last Friday

Queen of Sheba

Dad choked up over this picture - jk, he was really choking on his water

the girls are a little wedding-crazy, so they dressed Joshua and Joy Anna for the occasion...

graduation's in 2 months!!!!!!!!!

Anticipation

Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this. - Anonymous

We have a theory that cats are planning to take over the world, just try to look them straight in the eye...yup, they're hiding something! - Dog Fancy

First peeps of spring

There's a blue bird inside. Can you see it? Haha, you can't see it! Did you even try?

I like reflections 

My New Motto

For this past week, I've had this wonderful song playing through my head constantly.

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord (repeat)

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

(Everlasting God by Chris Tomlin)

picture credit goes to the photographer

Anyway, just wanted to share that with y'all.

Sad News

So this morning, I found out that I did not get accepted to Newlife for the fall 2012 school year. I am VERY disappointed but realize this is God's plan.

Please be praying for me as I find out what God would have me do next.

Thanks!
Danielle

Important Announcement!

Hi Everyone!

I have an important announcement which I posted here . Go check it out! :-D I'm about to become a certified doula (yippee!)

I also found out that I should hear from Newlife this weekend or next week. I'm so nervous/excited! I've been praying, "Lord, whatever Your will is, but please let it be my will in this instance!" This waiting process has definitely been a good growing process for my faith. But hey, no pain, no gain.

Ok, now I have to get back to my normal life...

It is Finished!!!!!

It is Finished!

Ok, I'm sure you're wondering "what is that crazy girl talking about?"

Well, for school, we have to do a 40 hour project - something that involves what we have learned that takes at least 40 hours to complete. It can be whatever we want. Last year, I turned the book Midnight Rider by Joan Hiatt Harlow into a movie script and Nathan made a Lego animation movie of the Monitor vs. the Merrimack (a sea battle).

This year, I had the brilliant idea to write a novel. (If you don't know this already, I never think small. If I'm given a 40 hour project assignment, it results in a 600 hour project. Maybe I'm exaggerating just a tiny bit.) I got the inspiration for my story while reading the Hunger Games: a post-apocalyptic world with a totalitarian dictator government and the "good guys" trying to overthrow the dictator. My story's about a seventeen-year-old slave who turns into a spy. I personally thought it was really good.

By the time the story was completed and turned in for Mom to read/grade (Saturday afternoon), it was 202 pages long. Yippee! I wrote a novel! Mom started it Sunday afternoon, figuring she'd only read a couple pages, but got "sucked into it" since it was exciting and unpredictable (in a good way). She finished it late last night when she was supposed to be in bed.

Anyway, I'm very proud of my accomplishment and happy to have written a book that Mom enjoyed. I admit, I was scared e-mailing to her in case she didn't like it. She tends to like what I write, but I've never written something that included this sort of "heavy" subject matter. Also, I put my whole heart into it and the book, Hope and a Future, is my baby. I didn't want her to destroy my baby since that would hurt.

But she didn't! Except for pointing out one improbable plot twist (yah, it was a little far-fetched) and saying my favorite character was obnoxious (I highly protest that! I absolutely loved this character!), she said she loved it! Yay!

So I'm happy. My story's done. Mom liked it. Life's good.

Now I just need to hear back from Newlife as to if I got accepted or not. Hopefully their response is in the affirmative.

Adios, amigos!