Jeep Racing

So what did you do this Memorial Day? I normally stay home and either work or do nothing!! This weekend I went with some friends to Richland, WA (Tri-Cities area) to watch Jeep Racing! OMG....what a blast I had. We went over to watch Ben, Heather, Skyler and Cody Brown race the neon Grasshopper Jeep....what a nice looking jeep it is!



The racing started off with Cody, who is 9, racing the barrels...just imagine girls barrel racing in rodeos but in jeeps going lots faster!!! Cody does all his own driving, the only requirement is that an adult is in the passenger seat. Cody then raced in the obstacle course. Cody won first place for the boys division that he is in for both events...WAY TO GO CODY!!



Next up was Skyler, who is 16 and just moved up to the adult division. Which means no more adult needed as a passenger. In fact, passengers are not allowed when doing the barrels; however, you can have someone ride with you on the obstacle course. Guess who got to ride with her on an obstacle course?
Me! What an experience. We were cinched in tight, had helmets on, and I was told to not let go of my harness straps until we were through the finish gates. If we stopped mid course, if we rolled, nothing...nada...zip...don't let go until the finish. Oh my, what a ride. I ate more dirt than I thought possible, we took on some air as we flew a couple of times, and we hit a stump. Hitting the stump ended up busting the driveline...which wasn't the first breaking of the jeep this weekend! It was great!


Heather raced the barrels after Skyler, She did fantastic...it was exciting to see how the adults run the barrels, as they go faster than I imagined.



The final barrel racer was Ben...the guys definitely go faster and harder. Ben managed to roll the jeep...scary, but awesome at the same time! My understanding is this isn't Ben's first time rolling the jeep. Unfortunately, when he rolled it, the jeep busted....he wasn't going to fix it; however, with some great welding skills he managed to fix it up for racing on Sunday!



Sunday's races ended with the prince and princess & queen and king of the hill races. Basically, it is elimination rounds of the obstacle course. It was great fun to watch!

Then the men and women did sprints...which is anywhere from 4-7 jeeps on the same course at once. One woman rolled during the women's sprints, but she was ok. Then Ben managed to bust the Jeep again...a knuckle on the wheel broke. But he is amazing and had it fixed by the end of the day!

If you ever get the chance to go watch Jeep races, do it...it is so much fun!!!

Not a great picture, but this is me this weekend at the races!

Pt. Defiance Zoo

On Sunday, I went to Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium with friends. We went to celebrate Carter's 2nd birthday. Carter is the son of my friend Holly's fiancee Rodney. Holly and Rodney were recently engaged on Easter Sunday....congratulations to such wonderful friends. Both Holly and Rodney's parents came to the zoo as well.

We had a terrific time, it was nice out and the animals were actually out so we could see them. We saw the elephants, the tiger (he was sleeping), some gibbons (monkeys), a huge walrus, beluga whales (we actually caught part of the presentation where they were having them do tricks and such), and more. We also played at the kids play area...but nobody would let Carter get wet with the shooting water!!!

We ended the trip to the zoo by visiting the shark
lagoon...it was way cool to see the sharks
swimming around. I would hate to be in the water when they are cirling a person who fell overboard!












I also got to play in the water and touch starfish, sea cucumbers and more. Even though the water was freezing cold...it is always fun to play with things found in the ocean. Carter wasn't too sure about putting his hands in the water, so Holly had to help a little, while Dad Rodney looks on from the sidelines!


All in all it was a fun day. We ended the birthday celebration by going out to Josh and Mandi's house (Holly's brother), in Gig Harbor by Mirachel Ranch. Josh cooked up great barbeque chicken and beans for dinner and we had a great time visiting. We celebrated Carter, and Holly's brithday with Rootbeer Floats....Yum!!!!!

"Under Construction"--Leaving a Legacy

Our pastor is preaching a series right now titled, "The Making of Living Memoirs." The first thing you need to remember is that inheritance is what you receive and legacy is what you leave behind. The word of the year for our church is, "Legacy". What am I, and you, going to leave behind to the next generation? Great question to think on. Am I going to leave a legacy of helping others reach their dreams, doing the will of God, sharing love and mercy or am I going to leave behind a legacy of bitterness, negativity and complaining?

The question asked today was, "What is the sign on the front yard of your life?" For Sale by Owner? Hope not! He said the sign that should be there is "Under Construction", that way when people say something that alludes to you not making the mark you can reply, "Yep, I'm under construction and still learning from my Maker!" He is constantly working on our lives, molding as the master potter. We are not perfect, nor will we ever be perfect, but isn't great to know that we are Under Construction. And that God is constantly molding us and perfecting us to be His image here on Earth to a lost and seeking generation.

The other main point that he has been making throughout this series is: "At the heart level, concede the non-essentials for the sake of the imperative." Don't sweat the small stuff. Are there things in life that we get upset over, that if we were to step back and evaluate we would find that it is just a small blip on the big radar? I am so guilty of this. I constantly make small trivial matters into major upsets, and in turn it stresses me out and leads me away from what God is either trying to teach me or what He is trying to lead me into. Then I get discouraged because I feel like I failed, and once discouragement comes loss of hope isn't far behind and then I start leaving my dreams and desires along the wayside of life. That isn't how God wants me to live! He wants me to live victorious...get ahold of the big picture again. Hold onto the hope, visions, dreams and live like God wants me to. The small stuff doesn't matter in the long run!

I have to constantly remind myself what my dreams and visions are. Do you know what the dreams are for your life? Do you dream big? Do you see the impossible coming true for your life? For your spouse? For your children?

I dream of seeing young people ministering the Word of God, after I have helped led them into their dreams and visions. I dream of raising children to know who God is, even if these children aren't of my own flesh. I still am a Mother even without experiencing childbirth. I dream of standing in other countries spreading the love of God and letting people know the truth, and seeing chains of despair fall off. I dream of simply loving God and loving people. Do you know that I have started to see these dreams come true? I have stood in other countries and told people about the love of God!! I have helped in the background of discipleship programs that charge young people to go out into the world. I have children all over the world--I have influenced kids since I was 10 years old...that is 22 years of sharing a part of me into children that then go and influence others. What a legacy I am leaving behind.

I'll leave you with this thought: There are two dates on your tombstone that you cannot influence, the day you are born and the day you die. The one thing on your tombstone that you can influence is the dash between the dates. What did you do during that time period that left a legacy? That influenced others? That shared the love of Christ? That spoke truth even when it hurt? That lent a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on and a compassionate spirit. I can make a difference during that period of the dash---Can you????

Madalyne

I talk to my sister Shannon in California alot, at least once a week if not more (on top of text messages and text pictures). The one person I love talking to is my niece Madalyne. Before they moved away, we were inseparable best buddies. I lived with them for awhile, and I nannied for them for awhile...so Maddy was always with me. I would take her to church, the store, out to dinner...she is simply fun to be with.

The last few months, Maddy has been begging me to come down and get her so she could live with me. Everytime, I tell her that her mom and dad wouldn't be happy with me and also that I couldn't come down right now.

So then she started telling me to "just tell my mom and dad you are coming for a visit, and then steal me away. They won't know!" So now my 7 year old niece is an advocate for kidnapping :). I like the fact that she doesn't think that her parents won't realize she is gone.

Then yesterday, she comes out with the same old stuff about sneaking down and taking her, but then adds that she wants me to be her stepmom...."even though you're still my aunt!" If I didn't know my sister better I would think something terrible is going on down there. However, since I do know my overdramatic Drama Queen niece, I realize that she just simply misses me as much as I miss her!

I wish I could visit soon; however, with my finances being kinda crappy right now a visit is out of the picture. Doesn't she break your heartstrings?

If Women Controlled the World

These were sent to me by my friend Christina! Thanks for the laughs!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to each and every Mom out there! This is me with my Mom and sister Camille and niece Dajia.

I want to send a special Mother's Day hello to my Mom...Connie. I am very fortunate to have a mom who cares so much about me, even though I don't always show my appreciation. God gave me to my Mom and Dad almost 32 years ago, and it has been a wonderful fit ever since. Some of you may not know that I am adopted, so God literally gave me to my parents. I have no bitterness to my biological parents, just overwhelming gratitude that they made the right decision in giving me up. And that my parents made the right decision in saying yes to my adoption. After my adoption, my Mom had two more girls....so a house full of girls (sorry Dad!). I know they were excited to bring me home and become a part of their family, and for that I am thank God! I couldn't have asked for a better family then the one I was placed in. I have great parents, wonderful sisters and grandparents, and an army of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Happy Mother's Day!

Shock and Dismay

Did you watch American Idol tonight? Did you see the upset?

OMG....I can't believe what happened, I have totally lost faith in the American Population! Unbelievably Chris Daughtry was kicked off American Idol tonight...over Katharine McPhee. Seriously people, she forgot the words last night, and didn't even sound good. Chris did an awesome rendition of "Suspicious Minds"...WOW!!!!! The look on his face tonight was absolute shock...I would go as far as saying that he was royally pissed. Couldn't Ryan have given the news a little more graciously?

I'm sad that Chris has left, and I will never watch again if Katharine ends up winning. I'm hoping it comes down to Taylor and Elliott, then I'll be voting for Taylor. On other note, what is it that the judges see in Elliott that I don't see? I don't think he is the greatest vocalist, yet every week the judges fawn over him like he is the newest ice cream flavor at Baskin and Robbins! Good thing I'm not a judge.

Life Continues

Just thought I'd pop in and give an update on life. Well, not much has changed! Done, finished, complete....

....I won't make this entry that short!

Really, I have been substitute teaching pretty much full time for the last five weeks in the Sumner School District. Mostly in the highschools. I love it! I have been wavering for the last few years about going back to school and getting my teaching degree or not...now I really feel like I should and that I want to. The reason I am able to sub right now, is that I hold a WA State Emergency Certificate, meaning that I hold a Bachelor's Degree, but not a teaching degree. So I just need to go back for one (maybe two) year and get my teaching certificate, which also gets me a Masters Degree. That way I can have a real teaching job. The hard part of going back to school is the cost; however, I am a woman who operates on faith and the fact that I know my God provides for me when I am doing His well.

I have crossed one hurdle with going back, and that is my basic skills test. Every state makes prospective teachers take them. They test you on the basics on reading, writing and arithmetic. I took the California Basic Skills Test in April, and just received my unofficial scores yesterday....and.....I PASSED! Which is great news, so that when I move to Cali, I can substitute teach for a while. It was a little nerve wracking to be up at 6am to take a test, be falling asleep while taking the test and still pass! Thank you Jesus that it is over. And if I chose to stay in WA, I can use those test scores for schools here.

The hardest thing I am dealing with right now is what to do this summer. As you know, school is almost over for the year, which means so is my teaching. I need to get through the summer financially, and I'm not quite sure what I am going to do. Anyone know of any part time, temporary work out there? Anyone hiring? :)

I have also decided to stay in WA at least one more year, as was my original plan. I have been talking with some great Christian mentors and they said if God originally said to stay in WA two years, then I better finish up my two years here. And I totally agree. It just comes to that point in life sometimes, where you thought you heard God speak and then circumstances make me think that I was wrong. However, throughout all of what I thought were the wrong circumstances God was still providing and showing me direction. It just gets frustrating at times when you don't think you are doing the right thing, or things don't seem to ever work out the right way! Then on top of that I get the guilty feelings. Ever have those? Guilty because I feel I should be further along in life at 31; guilty because I don't have a full time job with health benefits and all those options; guilty because I can't afford my own place; guilty because I think I seem like a failure in some peoples eyes.

However, I am not guilty! God has given me freedom to do the things He wants me to do an be where He wants me to be! With God in control everything works out wonderfully.

Thanks for listening (or should I say reading)! PS. I leave 2 months from today for a cruise to the Bahamas! Yeah for sun!! Yeah for vacation and seeing old friends (Susana I can't wait to see you even for just a few days). Yeah!

Barbie

I read the following at http://kmps.com where I happen to work! It is an article that our mid-morning/afternoon DJ, Stubbs, read on air:

Barbie Dolls Inc. Announces The Release Today of Limited Edition Barbie Dolls for the Seattle Market:

Medina Barbie:This princess Barbie is only sold at Bellevue Square (at selected stores only). She comes with assortment of Kate Spade handbags, a Lexus, a lapdog and a 2 million dollar house. Options include tummy tuck, face lift, spa certificates for Tiba, and a workaholic cheating husband Dr. Ken.

Issaquah Barbie:This trendy homemaker Barbie is available with the Lexus SUV or Ford Windstar minivan, gets lost easily, and has no full time occupation or secondary education. Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately. Optional matching gym outfit.

Tacoma Barbie:This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, a Ray Lewis knife, a slammed Chevrolet with oversized wheels and tinted windows and a Methadone Clinic Ken. Also available in a jailbird version with orange coveralls.

Belltown Condo Barbie: This yuppie Barbie comes with choice of a BMW sports car or a souped up Hummer 2, Starbucks cup, credit card and shallow Ken.

Kent Barbie:This white-trash model comes in Wrangler jeans two sizes too small, a NASCAR shirt, big hair, a six pack of Coors Light and a Hank, Jr. CD set. She can spit over 5 feet and she can kick Ken's a$$ when she's drunk. A pickup is available with Confederate flag bumper stickers.

Auburn Barbie:The Murfreesboro version has a mouth that is firmly closed so as not to show her summer teeth, Daisy Dukes and a half T-shirt that guarantees you can see her navel piercing and at least 5 tattoos. Both versions swear incessantly and are not recommended for children. She is a GRCC drop-out, and has never made it out of what she calls "the rockin' boro"

Everett Barbie:This tobacco chewing, brassy-haired Barbie still has not learned that you can't wear high-heeled sandals from Payless with no pedicure and without breaking a heel and falling while you chase your beer gutted mullet wearing boyfriend. Her make-up is dark red lip liner with lips covered in a sparkly pink color or no fill-in at all. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans with assorted colored G-strings that stick out the back of her jeans, a white barely-there see-through shirt. Her long, layered hair is bleached/highlighted and BIG. Accessories include: CD-player equipped with Bon Jovi, and a 1996 Camaro Z-28.

Lynnwood Barbie:This Barbie is the same model of Barbie that was released in 1982. She comes with shoulderpads, dark polyester skirt, white pantyhose and a bad haircut. Options include a Rick James T-shirt, Walmart purse and outdated shoes.

Bonney Lake Barbie:This flannel wearing Barbie comes with her own 4-H ribbon collection, brown pick up truck and blue eye shadow! She's a country girl at heart with cow manure odored boots (scratch and sniff the soles for a realistic dose of country fun) Cowboy Ken is toothless and also clad in red and black flannel check shirt.

Happy May Day!

I know it is late, but Happy May Day to you all!

I have been substituting in the elementary schools the last week or so, and it brings back great memories of when I was a kid. I always remember making baskets of flowers for May Day. I would either leave them on our front porch for my Mom to find or I would leave them on the front porch of our neighbor Marie. Marie was this wonderfully kind older lady who was married to Wendell. When I met this couple at the age of four, they were already in their late 50's possibly into their 60's, and retired. They were both Norwegian, spoke the language, cooked the food and were just simply kind to this small child constantly in their home. It was one of those houses that I walked past the front window to get to the door, and if they were sitting in their chairs I would just walk in to visit with them. I ate dinner over there many many nights. I made untold number of cookies with Marie, and Wendell taught me how to swear in Norwegian when I was 6 or 7. I spent the night over there, I learned how to cross stitch there and I learned the value of appreciating an older generation of people. We eventually moved away, and they eventually moved back to the Midwest. They are both gone now, but they will always be remembered!



Happy May Day!