Christmas day is over...the Spirit of Christmas need never leave.

The DAY of Christmas is over...the feelings for me are not.   I guess when you have no children...and not a lot of money...the whole commercializing of Christmas day isn't the same.    It was a great day.   Jeff and I are truly blessed.   We have been together Saturday, Sunday, Monday and today, Tuesday.   I feel the Spirit so much this year.   I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  

Jeff got a job and started working on the 28th of November.  It is the first full-time benefited job he has had since January 2010.   We are blessed we are still here...I am not sure I would have ever believed we could make it through a few months without a job before this experience.   We have learned a great deal about ourselves and others through it all.  

We miss our family in Virginia every day.   We love them SO much.    Our nieces and nephews are so very precious to us.   It was wonderful being near so many of them.    We miss them so much.   We love ALL of our family.   It has been a lot of years since I have put pictures of our family on here...I believe on the first post I had all of them listed and pics.   So this is going to be my project again this year.   You will NOT believe how grown up they have gotten in the last 3 years...we also have a new one!  WOOT!   We sure LOVE LOVE LOVE them so much!

The Lambert Girls Christmas 2011

The Heavener/Ours kids...minus Cary

Cary Ours

JD Mullins

 Kailey Mullins

Eden and Gage Sugg

Nothing is Impossible

This post is about one of my favorite artists.   She always has a story to tell which explains what she was thinking when painting each particular piece of art.   I would like to share a new painting I just found.   (Remember all artwork may have a copyright law)

For All Mankind by Liz Lemon Swindle

One of the first children I met in Zambia was a little boy named Kennedy. At three years old, Kennedy had lost both of his parents to AIDS and was found living alone with his six year old brother and ten year old sister. When I thought of those three children struggling to survive and the millions of others across Africa in similar circumstances, I felt an overwhelming hopelessness and said to myself, “No amount of money can fix this.”

I was curious to see how Kennedy and the others would react to Phillip, the man playing Christ. We decided to drop Phillip off several hundred yards from the “farm” and then drive in and set up our cameras. We told the children we had a wonderful surprise for them. When Phillip came into view the children instinctively ran to him and threw their arms around him. Everyone except Kennedy.

When Phillip saw this little boy standing apart from the others, he walked over and knelt down. As he opened his arms this little soul ran to him and threw his arms around his neck. He began speaking as fast as he could. Phillip looked for help to understand. One of the others translated.

“My mom and dad died. They are in heaven. Have you seen them? Are they ok?”

At that moment I knew it wasn’t hopeless. I realized that the Savior could fix not only the problems of Africa, but of the whole world…and we can be His hands to do it. For the first time in my life I felt what Isaiah meant when he said, “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces.” To Kennedy and all who struggle to understand why, I promise that God has not forgotten you. That the time is coming when He will come in power and glory and when He will keep his promise and wipe away all of our  tears.

I know with all of my heart we are known by our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  I know one day the struggles, no matter what they are, will be over and we shall see the face of Christ.   He will hug us and the pain of the earlier days will be over.   We will be victorious!   I hope and pray we will all be able to make it to that day.

Christmas: JOY TO THE WORLD

Each year when we were kids we would read a little paperback book.   The name of the book is The Adventures of Nicholas or The Wonderful Life and Complete Account of That Famous Toymaker and Children's Friend, Nicholas   Better known as Santa Claus   

The author is Helen Siiteri and the book is illustrated by Wayne Blickenstaff

This book always filled my heart with love and gratitude for the Christmas season.   I love my Savior, Jesus Christ.   I may sound very childish saying this, however, I have room for Santa Claus in Christmas.   He is a disciple of Jesus Christ and brings happiness, peace and excitement to all people who believe.  (We are the ones who have commercialized Christmas, not Santa.)   I love this picture of Santa.   He is my friend.   (The artwork above is by Dean Morrissey and titled The Portrait of Father Christmas.)   The book I have is old.   I got it when I was in grade school.   We had times we could buy scholastic books and it is one of those books.   The copyright is 1966.   That is probably the year my parents bought it for me.   The pages are discolored and the back cover is missing.   The front cover is there...ripped and off the rest of the book.   I have it in a zip lock bag to keep it from getting torn any more.   I love it.   When I was young my parents read to us.   When I was old enough I read... and read...and read.    I LOVED it when the time for the Scholastic book sales came.   We weren't rich, however, there were very few times Cindy and I (and later Denise) didn't get at least one book each.   If I could thank my parents for one thing I believe it would be their giving me the love of books (reading).   It has made a huge difference in my life.   

What goes around comes around.   Here is what has come around.   Because of my ability to read I have been able to read the scriptures.   I have learned about the Savior's love for me.   I am so grateful for ALL He has done for me.   I love this time of year.  It is a time I remember ALL those things and also imagine the precious baby He was.   I love children...anytime I have an opportunity to learn of them, I am happy.   I have imagined many times what it must have been like then.   It must have been some night for all who were privileged to have been there.   

 "Every Knee Shall Bow" by Gaye Frances Willard

 Unknown Title by Gaye Frances Willard

The above two portraits are the way I see Santa Claus.   He IS part of Christmas because of the Christ Child...he represents the child in all of us.   It is so impressive to me when someone can paint, draw, sketch, watercolor or any number of ways to express in such detail what I am thinking and am not able to express.   I find myself often looking through artwork to catch the feeling I have.   (The pieces I share in my blog may have copyright laws attached to them.)   I put them in my blog to show my inner feelings which I find unexpressable in other ways.    When I see some artwork it is like "THAT IS IT!   THAT SHOWS WHAT I HAVE BEEN FEELING AND THINKING!"     

The saying goes "Jesus is the reason for the season".   I feel that and know that with ALL my heart and soul.   I also know   "There is room for Santa in Christmas".   This year I will be reading The Adventures of Nicholas once again and as in every year for many many years I will be grateful for a man who was kind, generous, loving and obedient...sound like anyone you know?   I love Jesus Christ so much.   He has been an example to sooo many...even Santa Claus!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!  I hope Santa brings you all you need and I pray Jesus Christ will bless your lives forever.   Happy New Year, too.   2012 is coming soon...God bless us one and all.     

HAPPY

I want to write something because of all the blessings Jeff and I have gotten this week.   (We have received GREAT blessings before this, right now we are receiving many more).   I am not sure what to say...so...I am saying:   Thank you, Heavenly Father for showing Jeff he is loved and You still care about him.   I love him so much and he needs these blessings.   I know You know it better than anyone.   Thank you so much.

                                   A Savior Is Born  by Joseph Brickey
I love my Heavenly Father.   He is there and He loves me and you!    Jesus is The CHRIST.   I am so very excited!   Of all the billions of people ever born on this earth, I am one who knows of the birth of Jesus and so much more.   Who am I to be chosen?   I am unworthy...however, I am so grateful.
We hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas Season!  God bless us all!

JOBS

WE HAVE ONE!!!!!!!!   Now all we need is to get the final paperwork done for Jeff's job.   Should be starting the end of the month.   We are excited.   Cherie is working 2 days a week.    Jeff will be working full-time and benefits!  WOOT.   Things are looking up.   Hopefully, by Christmas the last two years hard times will be a memory and we can work on better memories for the future.   Thanks to everyone for anything and everything that has been done to help us.  
Heavenly Father has been SO good to us.   We are grateful!

Let the good times roll!!!

The picture is not our house but what we looked like until saturday evening!!!!

We're not sleeping on the floor on our mattress anymore!!!  We are stepping up in the world.   We have a frame, mattress and all!!!  WOOT!!!!!!  Soooooo comfy...we don't have many sheets.   We have a bed in the other room for Timi or whomever, to sleep in as well.   Thank Heavenly Father for craigslist.   What would we do without it.   We had help from Nate Routsong and Dan Albert to get the mattress.   THANKS SO MUCH TO BOTH OF THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES!!!    We have found numerous sofas to check on...just waiting for a paycheck!  Life 
is gooder....haha.   

The first day of October 2011.

Such a great day!!!

Today is the first day of the rest of my life.   I am turning over 
a new leaf...optimism.   Pessimism has not been good for me.   
(Actually, I don't feel like I have been pessimistic...however, 
I have been down...I am changing my attitude...or working on it.)  
It has been a good day.   I am so excited.  I have found contact 
information for a friend I met in England.   I hope to hear from 
her soon.   I heard some of conference.  Hopefully, more tomorrow.
Life is good.   Jeff has been offered a part time job.   It isn't 
enough money for everything, however, there have been many
other possibilities come up this week.   All in all...
ALL IS WELL...or getting there.

LIFE SUCKS, THEN YA DIE!

Praying is easy and endearing.  I love the Lord and my Heavenly Father...understanding what They tell me isn't as easy as I thought, I guess.   I believe sometimes maybe my faith has been fake and I thought it was real.   Not what I believe, but what I feel...I have thought I have had MANY spiritual experiences and answers to prayers.   Many of my prayers in the recent past seem as though I have misunderstood the answers.   I believe I have received answers to deeply sought questions and to my chagrin (after following my heart, mind and the Spirit) my actions on those answers have seemed to have been wrong????   I am at a loss.   I do really really try to do my very best to follow the truths I know.   The problem isn't what I believe...I know there have been struggles in the last so many years in  my life...however, I do not feel as though I have walked backward so far I can't remember how to communicate with my Father in Heaven.   This is actually terribly frightening to me.  I feel alone and don't believe the Lord or Heavenly Father would leave me...however, I don't feel I have walked away from Them either?
I remember the scripture...I will prove them herewith to see if they will follow all the commandments which I the Lord giveth them...     I know before I write this next statement...it is  childish...I am so tired of being proved...I know no matter what...I can't be perfect...however, I am feeling overwhelmed and don't seem to be good enough for anyone...and I mean, anyone...earthly or heavenly.    And now, the one action I felt I could always depend on seems to be messed up...and I DO believe Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are perfect...so...the action must be the fault of me???
So as a friend of mine told me one time...  Life Sucks, Then Ya Die.
I just want to endure to the end.

Going on a diet...

Well, Jeff and I are going on a diet whether we want to or not.  HAHAHAHA.   I thought this cartoon was hilarious.   Seems like no matter how down and out we get we don't lose much weight.   We always seem to have pasta and bread.   So...the rest of the story...
Jeff and I are back.   WE LOVE OUR APARTMENT.   It is really nice.  We look out on a road and onto the beautiful landscape up to the Clubhouse.  It is beautiful.  
We have sold so many things in our moves we can not believe we even have anything to unpack.  :)   However, we have a lot.   We are still not totally  unpacked.  It is getting closer tho.   We need a few purchases to finish up, but...it will get done.   We need a job...Jeff is interviewing in Virginia and Fort Wayne.  PLEASE, whomever reads this, PRAY he finds something in Fort Wayne.   I don't want to be here by myself without a vehicle and without Jeff...and we love it here.
All is going well.   We are excited for change and also waiting with fear and trepidation for the job of our dreams...or a job.   :)
All is well...all is well.

We're Back!!!!!!!!!!

This title reminds me of Poltergeist!!!   Hopefully, we won't be as scary.   We have packed our belongings and with the help of our family and friends in Staunton, Virgina and our family and friends in Indiana we are back.  The vehicle made it and we are in.   The apartment is nice...love it!!  The view is terrific...so glad we changed the location!   We can count the boxes we have to unpack...finally!!!  It will take awhile to find places for ALL THE GLASSWARE!!!!  (Dishes etc).   There are two people and a little cat...how many dishes do we need?   But...I must say...we have had to get rid of so many things...I know...I know...things are not important...however, it is like opening up the wrapping of old friends when I see what we have been able to keep.   UGH.  So glad for our belongings...I wouldn't cry much about anything IF we had to get rid of a lot of things tomorrow...however, glad for what we have.  Thanks so much Heavenly Father and His angels who have helped us along the way.   YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!   I start tomorrow filling cupboards in the kitchen.  FINALLY!  I am soooo tired of seeing everything everywhere.   I am so grateful my husband is tall.   I am so short I can't believe I am not a public nuisance for it!!!   He is very kind and thoughtful to do all the high lifting and sometimes low picking up!!!  Such a great man I have in my life.    Well, we are here...we are staying and we are looking for work.   Hopefully, this will be the week for a full-time job for us!!! Please pray!  Hugs to everyone.   Special prayers are offered up for ALL those who have helped us.  You know who you are and so does the Lord.   We will NEVER forget!  Thanks.

Nearly ready for the BIG MOVE!!!!!!!!!!

Boy has it been a LONG couple of weeks for us.   We have packed...packed some more and then packed some more...the moving truck comes on Wednesday and I have never...well, in a while, been happier thinking of seeing our belongings leave...I am sorry to all who will wear themselves out carrying and lifting...we love and appreciate ALL the help we have received and will receive with this move.   The STAUNTON BRANCH rocks...and that is a great thing.   This has been the best Branch we could have moved into!   Thanks so much for EVERYTHING!!!!    Of course, we know where we are moving to and that is a fabulous ward!!!!!!   We pray the Fort Wayne 1st ward members will be there to help as well.   We so much appreciate our friends!!!    
We have to say a very very special thanks to Shawna, our sister...and Mom Dunbrack for all their help.    I mean, they don't want us to leave, however, they are running around for us like they always do!   Shawna is like a tornado going through the house packing and cleaning...she has things in boxes and taped up before I can get in the room...   She is ONE AMAZING WOMAN!!!! I can learn a lot about so many things from her and I have.  It has been more than a blessing being able to live close to her and her family for the last 10 months.   We love them ALL so much.    Jeff's mom, my mother in law is the greatest mom, besides my very own.    She is the most wonderful and kind person!   She is there for all of her kids through all things.   I love her so much.    Thanks so much Patsy and Shawna for saving our lives during this move and the whole ten months we were here...YOU have made it so wonderful and successful.   We love you!

Where is a truck when you need one?

Jeff and I have to leave all our furniture behind...well, the big pieces...I have a mattress I can buy but can't transport it once I get it...it is in Churubusco.    Of course, all of my muscles have slipped and don't do me much good when I have to have them for lifting!!   Jeff has bad knees...maybe we will just not sleep (oh, I am already not sleeping)  Nice to have a bed tho!   I am going crazy...sometimes I wonder why we didn't buy a truck...we seem to haul a lot of stuff around.   UGH.   Just an old one like this would be good...or would it?   haha.

How much stuff can two people and a cat acquire?

Here we go again!!!    I can't believe how much the two of us and a cat have to box up!!!!!   I mean, we got rid of so many things before we moved here and I am boxing up stuff right and left.   We will come back to Indiana with not much furniture again.   I still have boxed well over 30 boxes and haven't even gotten most things packed.   It is weird.   Oh well...we will get rid of our living furniture again.   Craigslist has been so good to us.   We can get VERY NICE furniture on craigslist for not a lot of money.   It is cheaper than moving it.   Strange but true.   That is what we did when we came out here.  Hopefully, this will be amongst our last moves ever...and hopefully it will be a while before we move again...  Maybe the next move will be our own home?   Who knows.   I don't mind renting IF it is a good place to live.   We really loved Windsor Oaks in Fort Wayne.  Nice place.  
So for now...I am here packing...if anyone wants me...haha.   Can't wait to see everyone...and see Fort Wayne again.    We will REALLY REALLY miss our family here...It has been a huge blessing to be here!

In the meantime, I hope I don't pack Penelope accidently...she will be riding with us!  I would miss her if she wasn't there to take when we left...but the truck is leaving before we are...guess I had better double check before they leave.  haha.

Who wears the pants in this family???

When Jeff and I had been married just a short time (he was working in Management at Taco Bell) one of the men there pulled him aside and said:  You know Jeff I am worried about your relationship...I am wondering who wears the pants in your family.    Jeff smiled and said the guys name and said    Don't worry about it, Cherie does.  
Hahaha.  Oh my goodness this guy was taught old school and was so concerned Jeff wasn't the heavy in the relationship.   Jeff and I seem to do pretty well together...when he needs to give an opinion he isn't shy and neither am I... we have worked for nearly 16 years that way...actually before that, as well.  
I was thinking about this incident this morning early when no sleep took over and I came up with the line I posted on facebook.   I know I put all these things on this blog...not many comment on it...but I crack myself up!!!  My mom used to say it only takes one person to think something is funny and if it happens to be yourself...so be it!  haha.  
So I posted a nice quote I have come up with...

I wouldn't say I wear the pants in the family but I do wear pretty long shorts sometimes!

So that is my quote to share for the day...and my husband doesn't have a problem with it!  WOOT

Older than Methuselah...

Well, I have been pondering over scriptures.   UGH.   Have you ever been reading along...or after reading, pondering about what you have read and your mind wanders...instead of ponders?   Here is an example.   I haven't been able to sleep lately...I seem to hate night time for some reason and when I go to bed I lay there...praying, thinking, fretting, working in my mind, and doing everything but relaxing.   I will stay up late...or early in the morning doing things and get pretty tired and go to bed and still can't sleep...so last evening...I went to bed...actually this morning at 2:38am...I had been looking at some books and got so tired I had to put them down...went to bed and lay there for 2 hours thinking of everything and couldn't shut my mind off...so I got up.    I have been thinking...how long can I not sleep?   How many hours can I go before I have a heart attack or something from lack of sleep?  
Now back to Methuselah...Did you know or remember Methuselah was the son of Enoch?   Enoch, the one who he and his righteous city, which was so righteous, was taken up to heaven.   Well, Methuselah was not taken!!!!!  Can you imagine being righteous and everyone goes except you...or maybe others but they took your dad...your whole city and not you!   Well, he is the  granddad of Noah.   If he hadn't been on this earth the whole Noah and the Ark wouldn't have been...So, I thought a bit about that...hmmmm.
Anywho...so I was thinking about Methuselah and wondering how much he didn't sleep?   Going back to my lack of sleep.   Do you know he lived to be 969 years old.   Now we think someone who lives to be 100 is old!!!!!!   Can you imagine Willard Scott on the morning show announcing..."And today near Canaan is Methuselah who is 969 years old today!!!!!!!!"  WOW!!!
Now that would get you on Good Morning America...if you could move to get there...
So I digress:  there is a point to this and it is this...    If Methuselah averaged just 6 hours of sleep a day for his 969 years...he slept 242.25 years!    I am telling you!
So this is the way I ponder my scripture reading!  I guess I need to try something new!
Hope all of you have a great day...and even if we oversleep a bit we will NEVER beat Methuselah's sleep record...or for that matter his age at death!

Sheep shearing time!

I am getting my hairs cut!!!   WOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!   If I thought I wouldn't look like a total dork I would just shave it all off and start over...the only problem is...then I would know just how much white and gray I have in it!  UGH!     Hahaha.      Can't wait!!!!
Ok, so I have lost my PICTURE IT software...I did the best I could...haha.  

Well, another Independence Day has come and gone.   We are still here and safe because of all of our soldiers and bright minds keeping us that way.   I am so thankful to live in a country such as ours.   I LOVE AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday we were going to go and celebrate the 4th with Shawna and her family and Jeff's mom and Wayne.    The plans were cancelled, however, not before Jeff had made his #1, awesome, totally wonderful mexican dip!   It was once again superb.  We had it for lunch and then for dinner...haha.   I LOVE IT!   It is quite good for a person with all the veggies and fiber in it.   We eat it with tortilla chips.   YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Thanks so much Jeff for a wonderful Independence Day!!!  Jeff's mom came over later in the day and we watched some of the tributes on tv...we also watched some of our favorite OLD sit coms on tv.  HAHA.   We laughed.  We had a good time.  

Jeff had to go back to work today.  I miss him.   Time just keeps going on.   It is like the ball is in motion and can't be slowed down.    

God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!      LAND THAT I LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A friend of mine in England posted on facebook a happy 4th of July to all her friends in the states...haha.   I wanted to post back and tell her thank you for giving it to us!!  ha.   I didn't but couldn't resist adding it on here.    Sure love my friends in England.

Guess we will stay, since we're lovers not fighters...haha.    Once again, new news...we are staying in Virginia.   We are excited to be able to be with our family here.  Hopefully, all will work out.   Many fragile feelings still.   We will maybe write more later.   I feel like when I was a kid and changed my mind every two days or so...this is right for us now.   We hope for the best.  Thanks so much for the wishes and prayers.

New Digs for Jeff, Cherie and Penelope Ann...

We have put our deposit on our new home!   WOOT.  We are just renting...of course.    We are excited!   We will be able to move in on the 15th of July.   I will be in the same ward as I left from 8 months ago.  Hopefully, I have many friends left and they will be nice and not think I am a burden.   UGH.    We hope to have Jeff working in Fort Wayne by then...if not, we may not leave here until the week later.   Jeff has a few prospects, one he has been asked to send more information.   We are hoping that is a good sign.   Pray for us, please.   IF this job would work out, it would be the first time Jeff has actually been excited about what he will be doing.   He would have opportunity for growth in the future and be able to use his degree!  WOOT!!!  We are so hoping they give him a chance.   We have gone through a bunch of hard times...this will hopefully be the last of the finances being so tight.  
We are looking forward to being closer to family and friends.   We are SOOOO looking forward to being home again...where we laid roots and left them.    We will miss our family here.   UGH.   It has been so wonderful being near Shawna, Pat and their wonderful girls.   We LOVE them sooooooo much.    It has been a blessing to be near Jeff's mom, as well...perfection isn't far from her.   She has just a few flaws keeping her here...we are soooo glad for them, whatever they are.   We love her sooo much.  Hopefully, if all works out we will be able to afford to visit more often.     Happy and sad days ahead. Thank heaven for the telephone and internet.  

Breaking up is hard to do...

What is going on????   Everywhere I look...people are breaking up?   I mean, in the last 3 months I have heard of more breakups within friends and family than I care to even count!  It is too rainy, stormy, hot, expensive, stressful etc etc...    I hate hearing about a relationship fading away.   I am not naive in this area.   I know sometimes it is for the best.   I am old school...divorce hasn't come into the picture for me...the only reason I am even saying that is because of all the people I see who are splitting up.    I am so blessed...everything hasn't been ideal in Jeff and I's marriage...I mean, for one...who dreams of a life lived with the one you love and adore without having children?   Not us...however, we fight to the end to make it work...it isn't easy all the time...    I have a friend who years ago was having issues with her husband.   Each time they would argue they would talk about divorce...UGH!!!   Horrible things are said in arguments that can't be taken back...causing huge crevices to form that eventually can cause impossible relationships...    I went to BYU and received a degree in Family Science...I wanted to be a Marriage and Family Counselor...I studied toward that end for years.   I  never got my Masters...but have never stopped studying...I would just like to say three things I believe can help maintain a happy marriage...
1.    COMMUNICATE...really LISTEN and talk to each other...

2.    Say your sorry...even if it isn't your fault...even if you don't mean it...because one day you will realize you
        really do mean it...blame doesn't have to be placed...you can just be sorry the other person is sad, can't
        you?

3.    Don't get so bogged down in life you forget who is most important...there was a reason you got together
        with the person you married...love them in spite of the hard times...   Remember we are ALL human...
        even that perfect man...or woman you married!


I haven't been the perfect wife...I have a long way to go...however, I keep plugging along...and I hope and pray all of those I care about can be happy in their lives...struggling in a marriage isn't fun...God bless you all out there who are sticking it out and loving and doing what needs to be done.  YOU are worth a great and wonderful experience in your marriages...and life.     I hope everyone reading this doesn't have struggles...hopefully their 7 years itches are over and done with...or never happen.
Haha...I am so weird.   I just had to get this off my chest...One day the world will be perfect, until then...I am relying on the Savior to get me through the struggles!
Hugs to you all...

Happy 83rd Birthday Dad.

Happy day dad.  You may be gone but not forgotten...still choke up thinking about you.   Never thought I would want to hear your stories again...the ones you said over and over...I would love to now...can't wait to hear em again...someday.   Sure love you...Think of you every day.   Hugs alot!! Tell Cindy, grandma and grandpa, and Marmie hi!
Miss you.

My husband is the best!!!!

Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.  ~Malcolm S. Forbes


Ok, this one is for Jeff.   He undervalues himself to a complete fault.   He is the most important person in his life and mine!   I wish he could see who he really is!!

Going home!

Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak.  Sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let go.  ~Author Unknown


So Jeff and I are coming home...or going home...to Indiana...we are setting our sights on the end of July or first part of August.   Hopefully, we will be able to do it!   We are ready...I love the quote above.  It is how we feel.   We are strong...we came, we conquered and now we can go home.   




It is better to stir up a question without deciding it, than to decide it without stirring it up.  ~Joseph Joubert


Boy have we stirred up the boat...and we know what we are doing...:)       We may seem like we don't but in this case...we do.   :)

STORY OF MY LIFE

Ok, I was looking at quotes online today.    Laugh my head off at some of them...nearly cried at others.   I have one to put on here.   It is the story of my life.

There is a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.

Funny, yes...true...even more so.   This is my life.   Each day I feel like I am standing on the shore like an idiot.  I want to go fishing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We need a dog...

We need a dog!   The gas prices are getting so bad it would definitely be cheaper to feed a large dog or two and have them tow us around like the dogs in Alaska.!!!      When will it ever end.   I don't know how we will keep on going if the economy doesn't give soon.    I guess we may end up walking...or riding bikes...or maybe the bus??   Don't even know if Jeff can get to work that way. 
UGH

Gaining momentum in stupidity each year...

At this rate I will have no hair in a few short years...

Do you ever feel as though no matter what you say to some people it is taken as stupidity.  I am pulling my hair out.   I am always trying to be kind, loving and thoughtful.  Actually, I feel as tho I am that way... not just trying.     I never say the right thing in the right way or compliment, congratulate, or feel concerned appropriately for some.  I get a comment in some way demeaning what I have said.   OR...  The comment back says something in the way of how stupid I am...or the feel of it seems that way.   When did I get so ignorant?   When they were younger I wasn't so stupid.

UGH.    

Need to feel the love...haha.

More Family Photos

The following pictures were gathered from Donny Smith and/or Hank Frey. I am so grateful for pictures. I am able to put a face with a name...it makes the people so much closer to me. Being able to see those I know at different times in their lives is wonderful. I have worked with the names so long I am used to them...to finally be able to see those I haven't meet in a picture is a great blessing. I am overwhelmed with gratitude!

1. Myrtle Maude Moore Hose, my Great Grandmother.

2. Charles Albert (Bert) Moore: my great grandmothers brother and Larry Money-my Aunt Mildred's son.

3. The Marshall Franklin Frey Family: taken October 1951: Hank Frey, Bill Frey, Pauline Frey Shumaker, Grandma Margaret H. Frey, Bob Frey in front of her, Grandpa Frank Frey, Waneta Frey Sebert Riner, MaryAnn Frey Smith, Pat Frey in back and Jim Frey in front of her.

4. Marvin Moore, brother of Myrtle Moore Hose...Myrtle Moore Hose is my Grandma Frey's mom.

5. The two children are Margaret on the left and Philip in the middle. They are children of Frank Frances...The woman is Catherine Edwards Moore. (She is babysits for the little children in the picture. ) Next to Catherine Moore on the right is her son Charles Albert (Bert) Moore. The man on the far right is John B. Moore. Too bad they cut the top of his head off taking the picture. Standing next to Bert Moore is Paul Hose. He is the son of Catherine and John B. Moore's daughter Myrtle M. Moore Hose. ( I believe he looks like my Uncle Hank when he was in high school)

I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!!

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!! I am doing a major project...I guess I have been for many, many years. However, I feel like I am getting closer and closer...not to being done but having something to print out which will be presentable to others. I am working on family history...I know many believe that is something someone does when they are a member of the church. I don't just put names and dates on the page. I feel like I have a personal relationship with so many of these people. I have met a whole new line of the family in the last couple months and it is so overwhelming and wonderful. I am so excited!! I have been emailing a first cousin of my dad's who has done sooo much work on a line I thought was lost...he has sent SOOOO many pictures!!! I have known who my Great Granddad Moore was for so many years...never could put a face to him...DONNY HAD A PICTURE...of him and my Great Grandmother...also, on the Hose line...I have a picture of my Great Granddad Hose!!! It is just amazing. I thought my dad looked like his dad, my Grandpa Frey...however, I see him in the Moore and Hose line too! I have a picture now of my Grandma Frey's brother Paul Hose. My dad's brother looks so much like him!!!! MAN, this is sooo wonderful. I want to get as many pictures as I can before I print out the book...I am hoping for at least 5 generations of pictures. Am I being to unrealistic? I don't think so...AHHHHHHHHH!!!! This is sooooo frustrating and great!

Well, enough of that...

I can't sleep very well anymore so I stay up and do family history. It has paid off. It is addictive and rewarding. Definitely has saved my life in the last year. Jeff is a family history widower sometimes.

I am adding a few pictures on here.

1. Children of Margaret and Frank Frey on their parents 50 wedding anniversary in 1970: Front Row l-r: Pauline May Frey Shumaker, MaryAnn Frey Thompson, Waneta June Frey Riner, Patricia Lou Frey Coney. Back Row l-r: James Marshal (Jim) Frey, Robert Owen (Bob) Frey, Franklin Junior (Hank) Frey and my dad, William Franklin (Bill) Frey.

2. Elva Hose Smith, my Grandmother Frey's sister.

3. Don and Jo Smith, Elva Smith Hose son and daughter in law.

4. Elva Hose Smith and Margaret Hose Frey(my grandmother) about 1953...received from Don Smith.

5. Bill and Hank Frey not long before Hank went to Korea.

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Ok, sometimes just putting it in writing and believing someone might read it helps. Ha.

I don't know another way to relieve all this junk in my life... (I have considered running naked down the street, but why kill everyone off because I feel so gross) so I write, read and pray...haha

Oh, don't think I have stopped talking either...that is a given.

Reflections of mind (with no sleep) at 5:15am

I was recently reading on my sisters facebook information page. It asked her to list her favorite quotes. I believe I have found the quote...that I hadn't been able to come up with on my own...that represents how I feel about treating people...it is kind of like the 'do unto others' we have all heard and read about in so many stories with morals...like the Holy Bible... She heard it said in a restaurant...and here it is

Make sure the toes you step on today aren't attached to the butt you have to kiss tomorrow.

In life we all get upset...we all try to get ahead...we all say think things we shouldn't...we do things we wish we hadn't done...if we would always have this saying in the back of our minds...right along with the good things we are trying to do each day...we will be so much happier down that road when that bag lady or homeless man or whomever they may be...(we may not at the time of meeting or seeing them see their potential) ends up winning a million and we need a job or as I have experienced, a handout. I love Denise for writing this quote down...and I hope and pray I have lived my life, and will live my life, if I do step on anyones toes it will be an accident and it won't be to try to push anyone out of the way...

I think we can all walk side by side and make it in this world just fine.

With all the recent upheaval in so many places in our world lately, and my inability to financially or physically do anything about it...I have contemplated what can I do?...Jeff and I are struggling ourselves to keep afloat. There are so many things any one individual can do to help. I will just give a few I have thought about recently.

1. Smile, a smile goes along way...you never know what the person seeing it has gone through that day

2. Be nice...I love the bumper sticker...MEAN PEOPLE SUCK. Life is hard enough when we are around a bunch of people who like us...it is totally unbearable when people are mean...just be nice.

3. Keep up on your community opportunities...if you see something you don't like...don't complain and not vote etc...write your councilman, get involved in whatever way you can.

4. Hug a teacher...man do they have a hard job

5. Have a problem with the government...local, state, federal??? WRITE YOUR SENATORS and other leaders!! You do have a voice...be nice...honey is much sweeter to accept than vinegar...

6. Be respectful of people...is this taught by example at all anymore?

Well, soap box over for awhile.

Just for a side note...we have been asked numerous times how we are doing. We appreciate everyone who cares about us. We miss the ones we can't visit and we love and appreciate the ones who are near. Jeff and I are still struggling...it gets really hard to be upbeat after 14 months, nearly, with no income. Heavenly Father has helped us in so many ways. So many family members and friends have come to the rescue...you know who you are...we love you...we survive because you let us, we appreciate everything...honestly. What more can be said...life can get much worse for us...however, we are hoping and praying for it to get better.

I love love love music...I really like the lyrics to Do it Anyway by Martina McBride

[for you who don't like country music...be nice please...(:]

Here is just a sample:

The worlds gone crazy

And it is hard to believe

That tomorrow will be better than today

Believe it anyway.

God is great but sometimes life aint good

And when I pray

It doesn't always turn out like I think it should

But I do it anyway

I do it anyway!!

We have to do things even when it is so hard you think you can't go on anymore. God is great.

Jeff and I can survive this time in our life... Heavenly Father has sent us so many great miracles in those of you who listen and do.

Thank you.

WE MADE IT THROUGH FEBRUARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, another month down the tubes. I am sad to see two months of the new year over all ready, however, it is wonderful knowing we have a place to live for another month. Rent is paid and all is well, except no jobs. Jeff got a call today from a temp agency...someone needs an office manager or something like that for somewhere...it is permanent...not fabulous pay, it would be full-time and permanent...maybe I should say that again...it is a permanent full-time position...his resume is being sent to them...hopefully, hopefully...we shall see. They didn't even tell him where it was located or the name of the business??? We are getting really tired and frustrated with all the waiting and then the negative...One day it has to be his turn. Jeff worked for 8 days for a company last month and they were trying to figure out how to create a job for him!!!!! So he may have a call from them any day...however, it would only be part time...this company does report their results of the temp guy who they had...re Jeff...and they would give him a rising and rallying GREAT!!!! So hopefully this will get him in somewhere.

The fires are getting under control in Virginia...one is 50% contained the other is all contained...YAHOO!!! It was scary for alot of people. I heard on the news today, Florida has a huge fire now!!! UGH. Hate fire!! Hate it.

Penelope is doing better I believe...her diabetes was out of whack after the move and after working with her, her meds and her meals...I do believe she is nearly back to normal. She lost a lot of weight. She was a bit overweight anyway...but it isn't the best way for her to lose it. The diabetes basically causes her to starve if it isn't controlled. I am so so so happy to see her eating again. And she has a trim little kitty body...seems alot happier and she holds her tail high in the air. I have read vets say that is a sign of a happy cat!!!

(So to sum it up!) March is a good month...hopefully, it will become the best of the last year and 3 months. We need it and hopefully are good enough people to receive it!

There's a fire in them thare hills!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The mountains here have had some bad fires in the last week or so...so many acres burned...we are safe but everyone isn't. We are so hoping the recent rains we have and are having will help destroy the fires and release the firemen from their hard and dangerous work.

Doesn't look like much has been happening for the Murphy's lately. I looked at this and no new posts. I thought I would write something just to get people to read it! :)

Jeff and I are still looking for jobs...the search is very disheartening. If anyone knows of a job in an office or something like it...please let us know. We are willing to be in Virginia or Indiana...another 6 months and we will move anywhere...this is getting ridiculous. I will be retirement age before we can find a job if the economy keeps this up...and we won't have the money to drive to and from work, or to an interview or pay for the upkeep of the car!!! UGH.

We are in so much better health than when we moved to Virginia...Jeff and I both got sick during the move and it was something!!!! We were sick for close to 3 months...Finally it seems we are getting over it...now we need to strengthen ourselves against anything else!!!

YAHOO...BYU is doing quite well in Basketball. Had to mention that because it is our Al ma mater...did I spell that right??

I have to make a shout out to our friend Robin. She is a GREAT friend. We sure love you Robin. You are a sweetie. We missed seeing you at the holidays. Wasn't quite the same without you!

It is 2am...guess I should go to bed and look up in the dark at the ceiling. Good night moon...:)

INDIANA WANTS ME...

Lord we would love to go back there....

Fort Wayne downtown...ooh...missin' it.

We want to come home. We need jobs...anyone anywhere anytime...if you know of any jobs in the Fort Wayne area...even part time...Jeff and I could make it on two part time jobs...we need to just come home...we miss everyone, everything and need to be back with the part of the world we know and love.

Thanks.

I know, we are brain dead...but we love our Indiana...it is home...fond memories...and it feels right.

Virginia is for lovers...we love it here...it is a wonderful place to visit...we will miss our family here sooo much...to much happened at once for us to be able to settle here, I guess...hopefully, by April...unless a miracle or two happens here and we become wealthy by then!!! :) Hey, Miracles happen! :)

JUST ONCE!!!!!

Just once I would like to have a post to put on here that wasn't depressing...I think it would be nice to have at least one a month that wasn't a downer...

We sent in resumes to so many...but they chose another and Pffffttt the jobs were gone...

Happy Days are here again...

Ok, we have made it through 2010!!! Yahoo! I think that is a great feat since Jeff lost his job and I couldn't work for a few reasons. Mom got worse and worse, Marmalade passed away and Jeff and I got sick numerous times. We went for almost 11 months without work...struggled in other ways, as well. Jeff and I never realized how strong and determined we were/are. If it hadn't been for the other one we would have never made it! So...GOODBYE 2010, thanks for the good and keep the awful. We are looking up for 2011! We have a completely new situation here. A cute cute house/apartment. A girl kitty who is doing so much better the last two months. She is doing well with growing her hair back. It was very stressful for her to lose her brother and move from her home all in a few short weeks. She is much better now. We LOVE her and spoil her even more, if that can be possible. Jeff is looking for his dream job, in the meantime, he is working for temp services here in Virginia. We are nearly settled in...still need some book shelves for our books. I have a bear room!!!!!!! I have never had all of my bears out since we left the house north of Corunna. I am soooo excited and so are they. I have some on the little bed in the bedroom. Penelope comes in this room and jumps on the bed and lays down with all of the bears. It is ADORABLE!! I have tried to take a picture but when I move so does she! haha.

We could use a little more storage space, but the place is looking good. We lived here for almost two months without any living room furniture. It was sad times! We found a love seat and sofa on craigslist and didn't have to spend much. We were sooooo excited. We now can sit in our living room on something comfortable. We had one lawn chair and 4 straight back chairs to sit on before...ugh. SOOOO wonderful being people again...

I am hoping to start working at home this month...since it is January 1 today! I need to have Excel...and I don't have it yet...ugh...any ideas?

Happy New Year to all who read this. We do hope your 2011 is the best year yet for all of you. We are gonna try hard to help it be ours.