As I was teaching Jesse this morning, we were reading about Marco Polo and his travels to Cipango which is now Japan. It stated he took off in 1290. When Jesse read that he stopped and said, "Wow, mom that was a long time ago, we were all still in heaven."

I just looked at him with a smile. You're right Jesse. See I've told him that everyone is waiting in heaven to be born. So in his mind he realized how long ago 1290 is to 2006.

I thought it was funny and cute at the same time.

Hope it put a smile on your face as it did mine. Pat ;o)

The day before yesterday, my aunt Lala asked me to pick up some
medication for her. I wanted to go but didn't want to get off so I
asked Jesse to be the messenger boy. So he climbed aboard without
hesitating. He was playing ball with his buddies, too.

So we arrive at her house and he hops off and collects the money from
my aunt. We get to the Walgreens drive thru window get the medicines
and drive back to her home. When he went to the porch, she hands him
something. He comes back to the Explorer with a grin on his face. His
aunt gave him $5!!!

Wow, that was an awesome tip. He said, "Mom, I didn't forget to say
Thank You." He was so proud of the job he had done.

He got home an put it in his wallet. I told him that the following
day we would go out shopping. So he was excited he had money.

We arrive at a store to do some shopping. As we get to the counter
with some items, I stopped because I saw him get his wallet out.
Actually four of us witnessed what he was about to do. See on the
counter was a jar with a slot on the top for a donation. I couldn't
see what it said on the the jar. All I saw was this child on a
mission. He takes a dollar out of his wallet and crumbles it up to
put it in the jar. He was determined to get that dollar in. We were
all amazed. He never noticed us at all.

My dh has always been a giver but to see it in my son was such a
sight.

This was such a mom moment for me.

"The gift of giving keeps on giving."

Pat ;o)

I decided to journal my cruise experience because I have such poor
memory. Really, I forget from one day to the next. Which comes in
handy when your upset, I've forgotton by the next day.

Enjoy\

11/10/06

Well we are finally out of San Antonio. Having woke up at 4 a.m., we
still did not get an early start out. Raul was having major digestive
problems. This has been his way of dealing with anxiety since I've
married him.

Everyone was waiting to wave goodbye but he returned into the house
TWICE!!!

I knew why. He was afraid. He's always been afraid of change. I even
thought last night that he was doing all he could to make himself
sick. I think the whole family was feeling our going away in their
own way. Almost everyone was sick this past week.

Christopher almost fainted when we prayed before leaving. Really.

My problem was I couldn't stop eating. That's the way I deal with
stress. I know when we board the ship all will be fine.

Pitstopped in Seguin, already?

We continued on our way to Houston with many other stops along the
way for personal reasons.

After verbally admitting how nervous he was, Raul began to do much
better. See driving all day is what he's used to. I knew if I could
just get him out of the house he'd be alright.

Five hours later we arrived to our hotel room. Everything we needed
was close by Bank of America and Luby's. The neat thing about this
hotel was you could leave your vehicle parked FREE for staying one
night at their hotel; all week long.

I'm not sure what to expect tomorrow but together we'll both find
out.

11/11/2006

Today, I woke up at 3 a.m.; coughing up my cookies as some people
would say. Remember the boys were sick with the one day stomach
virus. Today was my day of all days!

Hours away to board, I feel tired and my whole body aches. I'm in the
hotel room watching a movie about astronauts. I get to thinking I'm
going on an adventure!

I've got to pull through the aches and pains.

Raul went out to get pancakes. Just the smell of them makes me want
to puke again.

Thank God, he's doing much better. Praise God, we didn't get sick on
the same day.

I'll be honest that I was puking and shedding a tear because I really
didn't think I could do this. If Raul ever said, let's go home. I
wouldn't have hesitated once. But he never did.

I just pray, I can stand the admissions onto the ship. I feel very
weak.

Well, not realizing they hadn't changed the hotel clocks we are out
of the hotel an hour early. We are off to Walmart to grab a few
forgotten items. I'm sitting new outside of an Academy store where
Raul is tryng to find some swimming trunks. He's really looking
forward to the jacuzzi on the ship.

Occasionally, he still grimices but thank God not as often as when we
left San Antonio. I went and bought applesauce, and bananas. Our
first day on the ship and I'm not going to be able to eat their food.
I've eaten some applesauce now and am feeling a tad better; but my
body aches all over.

Hopefully by the time we board I'll be much better. I know everyone
is now at church back home. I've been praying to the Lord all
morning to get us on the ship. We've come this far to turn back would
be ashame. Don't think I didn't think of it several times.

I know God has great things for us both, we just have to do it
afraid!!!

"Oh, my God!" were my words as the taxi approaches the ship. I mean
huge ship!These ships are enormously high. It was amazing to see so
many people from all countries waiting to get checked in. You heard
Spanish, German, Chezch; not to mention English with various
accents. It was as though you entered the United Nations. The entry
to the ship was just like an airport terminal only without all the
shops and frills.

At this point, I'm running fever and perspiring like crazy. I'm not
feeling well and creeping along like an old lady. Not even like an
old lady. Some of those ladies were passing me up.

All I know when I saw the ship something triggerred inside of me to
keep going. I am in pain the whole time. I am walking slow but I was
able to check in. Before boarding there were two men flashing their
cameras. Oh, my, I look horrid. I felt so bad. The escalators took
us upstairs where we enter a tunnel that attaches to the ship. My
heart is excited and now relieved that we passed the admissions
station. I was so worried I didn't do something correct. I must
have been running fever at the time of admission and now I was
feeling much better.

As we entereed the ship they told us lunch was being served on deck
9. Food? Actually, I was getting hungry. We went straight to drop
off our carry on luggage.

Food was awesome. So many choices to pick from. The dining area was
beautiful. Glass windows all over. YOu could eat and see the bay.
Raul so enjoyed looking out. I was afraid to look down. We were
pretty high off the water. After we ate we went to see the pool and
spa area. The spa area was warmer. They had two jacuzzis and an open
area to swim.

There were Pharohs all around and heiroglyphics that decorated the
walls. We laid their on the lawn chairs and I called the boys for the
last time before we lost connection over seas.

We both were feeling sleepy so off to slumber in our cabin. We slept
all through the night. We had planned to go see a show that night but
instead we slept and slept and slept all the way through dinner and
the night.

TO BE CONTINUED....

It is 4:00 a.m. I'm up because my dh was moaning on the bed with stomach pain.

Having been married to him for 25 years, I've come to figure out that it is the adventure coming up that has him tied up in knots. He has never been accustomed to change. This is a big one for him. We are going away on our first cruise, because I know there will be others to come.

So I got out of bed and made his coffee and made the traditional stomach remedy; oatmeal.

Funny how people have to have certain foods to be mentally healed. I know it's just nerves and he will calm down once on the road.

My little one was cuddling up in bed with us and making all sorts of comments last night..

He even went as far as, "Mom, if I get sick will you still go?" You could tell he was anxious and the thought of his mom being away seven days is way too long.

The boys "madrina" (Godmother) called last night to wish us a great time. As a matter of fact several family members called to wish us a great trip. I just found a message on my cell phone from my pastor, too.

I told my cousin who is the boys madrina to come over during the week to give Jesse a hug. He was going to need it. I also gave Jesse my loggerhead turtle that I sleep with. Although I have a wonderful man to cuddle with, I enjoy my turtle. No not a teddy bear, because our bedroom is decorated like we are under the sea. Yes, the turtle is part of the decor. But I offered it to Jesse to cuddle while I'm away at sea.

I'm excited and nervous but I know God's protection is upon us. So many prayers cover us. Well, I've got to go. The adventure begins......

Plus, we have to finish packing.

Bye!!!

There are so many days lately that I feel so blessed. Having homeschooled four sons, two of which are now in college, I feel that I am now reaping my rewards.

In the first place being the only female amoung five guys, you tend to feel special.

Today, my nine year old and I went to a department store where he found a very nice shirt for $10.00. I mentioned how I'd buy him another at another store so that he would wait till we went shopping at the other location.

He reminds me that his friend's birthday passed and he wanted to get him a ball. Well, I told him go find something around $5.00. Frankly, I knew there may be no such luck because everything is so expensive. He looked and looked but couldn't find a ball for that price. He sighed saying, " Mom, there isn't anything for that price." Realizing he couldn't get that higher priced ball for his friend he says, "Mom, can I just not get another shirt at the other store we are going to?" My heart was just touched by the love he had for his friend.

He said, "Mom, they only took my friend out to eat and bought him a small cake. He didn't get any presents."

I was touched by my son's generosity and turned and said, "Yes, you can get him the ball instead of the shirt.. Wow, son you love your friend that much."

I smiled.

I always wonder if Jesse ever attended regular school would he be as kind and generous as he is? Hmmmm....

unfinished version

Sky blue and white pillowy clouds hung overhead, gray sage scattered all over the range, dusty white clouds of dirt blurring our vision, the caravan rides along an unpaved potholed trail to the land of our forefathers goes the new generation down the road..

After bounching along the trail and dodging every crack in the road,

On the way to the reunion Jesse said, Hey, mom are there grizzly bears in Mexico?

I said, No, Jesse. There may be bobcats. That's about all.

He said, Mom, I just saw a grizzly bear. He was positve about this.

Huh? I'm thinking what could he have seen that looked like a grizzly bear?

Well dad and I joked the whole way. Everytime we saw a black cow, we'd say Hey Jesse, there's another grizzly bear!

Everytime we go anywhere we try to find all sorts of animals. We saw goats, sheep, antelope, chickens, roadrunners, pigs, hogs, horses, mules, and scissor tails.

Jesse was hoping to see an iguana in the wild.

It was funny watching the pig cross the road.

Today was a full day. I really had a hard time realizing the reality of all that we as a nation have been so blessed with.

I recently have a 12 year old boy whose name is Emmanual. His family escaped the hytrocities of Africa and has been taken in by some missionaries.

I was given a call about two months ago from a teacher who informed me that I'd be getting Emmanual in my Science classes. They asked me to give him a chance to enjoy learning in my classes because they were so hands-on.

She said he was really struggling in public school so they decided to homeschool Emmanual. The infomant teacher stated that Emmanual has been through alot. That his life in Africa was just surviving. He was eating anything he could find like rats and snakes. He also has two other siblings.

Well today I began thinking because we decided to go eat at the all you can eat chinese buffet. I had this gnawing feeling of how must of Emmanual's reaction been when he was taken to an all you can eat buffet for the first time. To see how Americans eat almost everyday must have been a shock. I could imagine the look on his face.

After the buffet, we headed to the PetSmart and then I sat there thinking. (Sometimes I find myself thinking too much.) But as I sat there, I saw the sacks of dog food piled up on pallets in the back of the store. I saw people with their dogs and buying all this stuff for their pets.

The sacks triggered the images I saw on the news the other day of Cooney advocating for the people in Rawanda and how they are living there. He was saying how a little girl looked up at him and asked, "When are you coming back?" He said, "Soon." She said, "That's what they all say."

These people are barely surviving. When anyone from America visit, they bring supplies and that's why they so desire us to come back.

As I saw the sacks in the back of Pet Smart, I thought to myself. I bet these people are so hungry that they'd probably eat even dog or cat food. What was I thinking? But it's true.

So I take a *sigh* as I am writing this all down, how blessed we are in America. I've always thank God I was born here. We are a blessed nation.

I ask your prayers for my student Emmanual because he happens to have cancer. Yep, on top of everything else.

Emmanual is doing so well in my class. He tries so hard. You honestly see a desire to learn in his face. Unlike many of our children here who take learning for granted.

So I share these thoughts because it's something I know I should share. I pray that we all be moved in some way to help others less fortunate than ourselves.

God with us.

Today I woke up. It was rather cloudy and the sun hadn't peeked out
in full strength. DH woke up and decided he wanted to go bike
riding. Bike riding? I hadn't riden my bike since the spring. Once
summer came in full strength, I put the bike away.

Nevertheless, I said, "Sure, hon. Let's go bike riding." So off we
went J, DH and I. Now you need to understand that DH hasn't
been on a bike for years. Well he did pretty good but said that the
seat was way too small. LOL

He was on a BMX bike and it took him more leg work to get as far as
Jesse and I went. However, he was a trouper.

With all that blood flowing through our veins, J and I decide to
pick grapes! Yep, my grapevine was full of grapes. We started out
thinking we were going to pick a salad bowl full. It turned out that
we picked three large salad bowls full.

Omar drove up in his car and I shouted, "O, the harvest is plenty
but the laboreres are few!" He stood there for a moment and then
said, "Keep on picking mom!" and sneakily walked away.

J and I had a blast picking the grapes. So you can say we did
labor on Labor Day.

Afterwards, I went to visit my cousin where we chatted for hours. I
decided to come home to see if the annual cook out was going to
happen.

Yep, there was the dedicated outdoor cook by his grill.

 DH had already started the steaks for dinner. As he continued cooking, I
decided I better distribute the fruits of my labor before the rot.

I went to all the neighbors and gave them our home grown grapes.
Everyone was in awe that we actually produced them in our backyard.
They were picture perfet. Dark purple plumpy grapes that tasted
really sweet. They only thing was that you don't eat the peel. I had
to explain to everyone that you squish it in your mouth and the peel
slides off. Spit out the peel, squish the sweet flesh and then spit
out the four seeds inside.

With each visit to each neighbor, I visited for a few minutes.

While walking to one neighbors house, I crossed through the ten
children who were playing baseball in the street. All the children
wanted to taste the grapes. They couldn't believe we grew them.

 J was amoung the kids playing ball.

We are fortunate to live in a block where all the children get along
and everyone has good old fashion fun; baseball. The only thing is
they use a tennis ball instead of a real baseball. Since there are
windows and cars to consider. It doesn't matter to the kids.

Well nightfall finally came and it was time to chat online.
Afterwards it was my CSI time.

My Labor Day was very fruitful. LOL

Well, this past month a good friend of mine's husband passed away from a heart attack. Because he was self employed, I don't think they had any insurance. As a matter of fact she had him cremated because of their finances.

With this in mind, I have been really concerned about the cost of our own funeral arrangements. One never really knows when God will call us home.

Since the funeral, I've been coming across that commercial that has those two women driving in a car. One ladies husband passed away and the other is driving comforting the other lady. She says, "Don't worry, once the insurance kicks in everything will be alright." The other lady stated, " Well, we always meant to get insurance."

This really got me thinking. Finally, we went to get this taken care of. It was an interesting time with my insurance agent. He had alot of funeral saving tips.

I know this isn't a topic all of us would like to discuss but I found out that you don't have to buy your casket from the mortuary. You can buy your own.

I told my agent. You know I don't think I could do that. Buy one and stick in my garage. He laughed and said, "You don't do that." You pick it out and then they transport the casket to the mortuary. "OH!" I said.

He was telling me how expensive they are and that if you buy it on the outside it is much cheaper. He also stated not to buy the floral arrangements for the casket there. To shop around and find the best deal. Geee, I thought how I might not want to do all of this but frankly he's right about the mortuarys taking advantage of people.

He stated, don't rush into the services. Take your time and shop around. Unfortunaely, my agent has made arrangements for both his mom, mother-in-law and brother. I told him he needed to do a seminar on all of this. So many people are unaware of all of this.

Well if anything, we now have peace of mind that our boys will not be working for years to pay off our funerals. Have you taken  care of your arrangements?

Finally our TX heat is dropping 10 degrees. After reaching three digits for so long and not a drop of rain(please send us some), the drop in degrees  has really helped my disposition.

I can't wait till fall. TX does'nt have a long fall but boy I do enjoy it. At least we can get out of our homes. Like people get snowed in up north. We get cooked in down south. Really!!!

You actually can cook eggs on our sidewalks. Even bake hotdogs, too!

I'm really looking forward to going out and riding my bike again. That is my joy to feel mobile instead of stuck inside the house.

We live like lizards here. Everyone comes outside after 8 p.m. at night. It's the only time we can survive without our air conditioners. But then we battle the mosquitos. YIKES!!!

You can feel it coming. This morning I went out to hang my usual load of a dozen towels. Being a family of six, we use towels alot due to the heat. Everyone bathes and there go the towels again. I must say that God provided the best dryer in the universe. I must say it has saved us money in order to pay our electric bill.

Yes, the air is changing and I just can't wait.....

Thanks for your prayers. I am feeling alot better these days.

God Bless,

Pat

Lately, I've been feeling rather glum and I'm not sure what it really is.

Life is good frankly. My husband has been so sweet these days saying how beautiful I look. This is something I've always wanted to hear. My older sons are doing well. They have registered at their prospective colleges and ready to start soon. My fourteen year old is back to homeschooling and doing very well. Although, the loud music is getting to me. It's the teen years you know how that is.

 Praise God is't contemporary Christian but boy can that get loud and noisy. My nine year old still gives me a challenge everyday but God is giving me creative ways of teaching him.

I was asked to be a guest speaker at a forum locally for homeschooling moms. That went well. I felt honored I was asked to speak.

 I'm about to embark teaching homeschoolers at a co-op that will financially bless our family. Enrollment is good.

So what is it? I just cannot figure it out.

I feel a solomn sadness in my inner being which is really being to bother me.

I pray that God will reveal it to me soon because I'm rather tired of it.

I went to church tonight and it was on LOVE. How LOVE is powerful.

Could it be lack of love? Well, my husband always hugs me at night. Frankly, at times I wish he wouldn't because it is so hot these days. The heat has been unbearable and the air condition unit we have is not up to it's peak. But nevertheless, he loves me. I know.

My nine year old is always squishing me with hugs. My sons always kiss my forehead whenever they head out of the house. So what is it?

I just don't know....

This summer has been extremely fast and HOT!!!

Texas heat is something else to bear but we all manage by shutting down lights, turning on air units and watering our lawns (if we have one) in the evenings.

I was looking out my backyard through my kitchen window realizing how much I love being home. Although, when I work (teach), I feel alive!!!

I so look forward to summers unlike many people because I do what I love. But I also realize it's only for a season. Being a homeschool mom, I've given up many things in life except what is most important; my sons.

Although there are days, I want to scream, "I need a Calgon take me away day!!!", I do love being with my boys.

Just a minute ago, my son said, "Mom, did you sleep when you took your nap?"

Already after waking from a nap, I snapped at one son. I told my other son that I did get some sleep but at times the youngest can just push my buttons so.

Nevertheless, I still look out to my backyard with the hanging baskets swinging from the shed. I stare and feel so happy that I'm home.

I've been pretty busy these days and when I get busy I seem to not be able to hear the words that flow in my brain. At times I just get discouraged to add an entry because I can't get the thoughts together.

I'm working full time in the month of June to catch up on bills and save for a cruise. My dh and I are going to celebrate our 25th anniversary this Nov. and we are going on a cruise. Frankly, I'm rather nervous about the whole adventure but the key word is adventure.

I think we have spent our lives so safe and secure that this is a big step for us. Our cruise consultant suggested we only go for a five day cruise being it's the first. *SIGH*

Well, I have no creative thoughts to share today. I just ask for your prayers.

God Bless,

 Pat ;o)

As I arose this morning, I felt a special tingling inside of me. Today there was going to be a wedding! Not just any wedding but a wedding between two that dearly love the Lord and have waited for this day.

Places everyone. The soft music fills the air to complete the full picture of romance. She's here!!!

I never quite forget the feeling I had when I too said, "I do" with tears rolling down our eyes twenty-five years ago. Do they know that their love will grow greater than the day they are wed? They'll know just like me and you.

Everyday is a new day for our family. However, we tend to have a daily routine. I didn't really schedule it this way. It just kind of came about. I usually wake up at 5:30 a.m. each day. DH gets up very early. But I have found if I get up early, I have more computer time.

Being the boys have their routines set each day, I only worry about Jesse the youngest. Jesse and I have really had fun this year. He gets up no later than 8:30 a.m. without an alarm or call from mom. Now that I'm able to move more; due to my bad knee. We are now bike riding each day. This really gets Jess out of bed. He loves to go bike riding. He heads to to get the shed key which hangs on a smiley

face neck key holder in our dining room. As he reaches it, he alarms our "Homeland Security" dog whom we call "Punky". If he sees you touch that key, he will get out of his comfy chair no matter what. Even if he was in a deep sleep. It's his job you know to protect us. He is such a good dog.He's a chichuahua.

Jess heads out to the shed, unlocks the padlock and gets out the bikes without one complaint. He is such a gentleman and sets my kickstand up for me. I watch in amazement. He reaches for is midnight blue helmet and gets on his old rickity bike that he lovely appreciated because his cousin-in-law Frank (who is now in Iraq) fixed it up for him. Although all the neighborhood children have brand new bikes, Jesse treasures his bike.

So off we ride!!! On bikes of course.

We have such a good time. Although we are not riding in a very scenic area. We live by the train tracks. It isn't much to see but we still see it as an adventure.

We finally finish our route and then head for home. "Punky" is waiting by the gate.

Jesse puts the bikes away and now it's time to sit either on the porch swing or the backyard swing. We take turns reading. Presently, we are now on the fourth Chronicles of Narnia book "Prince Caspian". Everyday we try to read a chapter. We first must count how many pages in the chapter and divide by two. He reads the first few pages and I read the other half. Our backyard is under serveral tall pecan trees. Although, we are the only humans in the backyard, it's as though all the pets have to come lie around on the grass to listen. It's rather strange. We have two female cats. A calico and a yellow tabby. One will perch on the patio table and the other in the grass. "Punky" will find a cool spot to just rest and listen. He never misses a chapter. Not to mention all the birds flying overhead that perch above the trees. We spotted a bluejay the other day!

Each day the story grows more interesting and reaching the end of the book is our goal. However, we have other subjects to consider. It's time for Math and Spelling. Jesse always does Math first and Spelling next. Why? I don't know. That's just the way he does things.

Grandma helps teach Jesse Spanish. We all live in the same house but in separate areas. She has her own bedroom, kitchen, bath and we share the living room. She peeks in and asks "And Espanol?" Jesse heads to her side and then starts his Spanish lesson with Grandma. She has him reading and writing it now. He is doing very well.

By now Jess is happy he's accomplished so much. It's noon, it's time for lunch!

Every year my family goes down to the parade; being we live five blocks away from Broadway street. In former years we used to walk down. But now we are chauffeured down to Austin street and Jones Ave because my mother and others can no longer walk that far. There is a park there. Most people buy tickets and sit on bleachers or reserved seating. But as the years went by we no longer wanted to do that. Being crowded in long rows and unable to access the exits easily required us to think of a different way to enjoy the parade. Now it's our tradition to picnic at the park. We take our folding chairs. Find a nice shady tree and plot ourselves down. Then begins the decision as to what do we all want to eat. The monstrous turkey legs, the yummy chalupas, the powdery funnel cakes, so many choices to choose from. We listen to the band music as it goes by. We see the brightly colored floats going by. If we want a closer look, we go walk up closer to the crowd. It's convenient there because the row of port-a-potties are all at the park. Jesse and I are always having to go so this works out perfectly. We sit till it's almost time to end. We know that we have to call the designated chauffeur to come pick us up. With our stomachs full and our hearts content we leave another year behind. We've enjoyed fiesta our way!!! At the park.

Day 1 (March 31, 2006)

The sunrise was perfect.  At first the sky was filled with brilliant magenta streaks as the sun broke thru.  The cool breezes never seized. Along the beach were thick patches of sargasum moss along the shoreline.

On a picnic table was all the booty treasure hunters had discovered the day before and left behind for others to take.  Sitting along the beach on camping stools the sun in our faces, we watch our boys skim surfing.  The waves continuously roaring. 

We take an intimate walk as husband and wife, hand in hand with 23 pelicans flying overhead in syncrinous patterns, sneaking in a private kiss.  Now it's time for castles in the sand but with four sons, it's not castles, it's war!

Sandpipers scurrying behind the scenes. Everything washes ashore.  It's unbelievable what you find; bamboo, and coconuts from islands far away.  But with the natural refuge comes bottle caps, plastic bags and all that man has made that pollutes the beauty of the beach.

Soaking up sun, Ah!

Drawing in the sand with bamboo in hand. What can it be?

The dunes rising up like forts protecting the royals. The war has begun!!!

Sand flying in the air everywhere. 

I sneak away for a moments peace.

Day 2 (April 1, 2006)

Paw prints sinking into soft sifted sand, tire tracks along the seashore. Prints of name brand shoes all around.

Airborne skimmer boards with riders trailing behind. Ride the wave!

Cloudy skies. Hues of dark blues, gray, and white. A ray of sunlight peeking thru upon my minature notepad.  So many thoughts continue pouring into my mind.  The flicker of light glistening onto my pen.

Thoughts rushing as the waves keep rolling in. Time for a walk.

Glasses fogging up with dew. The wind pushes me ahead. Sandpipers scurrying by.

Overhead a flock of white bellied, black tip winged gulls in line. Other birds playfully darting in and out.

The sun peeks thru. It's warmth comforts me. Now I rest.

Day 3 (April 2, 2006)

Today is our last day of our 3-day vacation. A vacation we all needed.

I suppose it isn't until we get away from the same old, same old, until we finally get to think out loud within ourselves.

We had company last night. One of the RV neighbors came by to our campsite.  His name was Harold but I'd say, he was more a "herald" from God. Last night he gave us his beautiful testimony on how he came to the Lord through the healing of arthiritis. It was strange how God sent, "Harold" to tell me that all God wants is for me to say "Thank You" for the healing of my knee. It was a great blessing to speak to Harold. He had so many testimonies to share. He shared the loss of his first wife from a weak heart and lung. As he spoke, I thought of Amanda.

I began sharing with him about Amanda. Tears began to well up in my eyes. I know that God knew this vacation would help heal the sadness I feel. Although, I have yet to know if Amanda has gone to the Lord. I'll know when I get home.(Amanda died Apr. 1, 2006, the day before I wrote this.)

As we share our joys and sorrows, a young mennonite couple drive up next to us.  They were so young.  They came over to our site to greet us.  We found out they were on their honeymoon. They both had matching outfits which I'm sure she made by hand.  They both went off unto the beach after setting up their tent.

My eldest son started the trip with "I'm frustrated." Worried it was due to my dh, his brothers or I being the cause of his frustration.  But on the second day he revealed how he was preturbed because he felt he hasn't reached the goals he had for himself at this point in his life. I assured him it was OK. Seek God's direction. He will direct your path. 

Each son so enjoyed the trip. Jesse loved going crab hunting each night.  Last night we found the "BIG ONES" no bigger than the palm of my hands. They were spider crabs.

Now Alex and Omar are packing the tent and the younger two are cleaning the inside of the van.  How our sons have grown.  Before, we were in our twenties with our children, setting up the tent and doing everything to make a home away from home.  Now our sons clean up our camping site as though they've been in scouting for years; as we sit on lawn chairs taking in the setting sun's warmth as I write and my dh reads "Gulf Coast Connections" as we sit on an ideal camping spot #30 at the TX National Seashore. It's time to leave.

There are days that I sit in front of this computer thinking that I will impact someone's life or someone will impact mine. I ponder the thought that there are other people around the world reading all that we write. Why do we do it, really?

Computer Truths:

Are we lonely?

Are we running away from someone? husband, kids, ????

Are we trying to forget somethings we don't want to face?

Are we saving our past events and feelings for others to find?

Why are we doing this?

I know that for myself I find getting on the computer like someone who relaxes in front of a TV. It takes me away!!!

I'll tell you that sitting in front of this computer has caused serious health risks. Because I've been in front of it for five years now, I know I've gained 15 lbs. I always blamed it on having babies but it's been nine years now since I had a child.

I was sharing with a friend today that it was last year that I realized that the computer was stealing time away from my children. I'd rather be here typing away than be with them in some activity. Actually it is rather an addiction. If you find yourself in this predicament, STOP!!!

Re-evaluate the cost. It was an eye opening experience when I couldn't walk like I used to. Why? because I'd sit hour after hour at the computer. Now I'm trying to loose weight to regain my ablility to get around like before.

I also had no friends. Was I not wanting to face reality? Were the hurts of my past relationships so deep that I no longer wanted to reach out? YES

But thank God that I was moved by the reality of Computer Truths as to why we sit and wait impatiently for an email to come through from people we don't know. Why can't we go outside and get to know real people in our neighborhoods?

That's exactly what I did. I started to push myself away from the computer and sit outside to watch the neighborhood children. By doing this, I began to meet my neighbors and talk. Talk to REAL people. Not that those we email are not real, but they are far away. We can't go shopping with them or go have fun at a park with them?

If you are like me finding yourself lonely for friendship, be encouraged. Sit outside and meet your neighbors. God has given me a good friend and I'm thankful we can spend time together. We go walking each day around the neighborhood and chat in person rather than online.

Thank God, He showed me what I really needed was not a computer but a good friend.