A JOYFUL NOISE

Yesterday was a busy day for Dad, Mom, and myself. First off, I slept-in until about 9am while my Dad and Mom went to look at an entertainment center for our new TV. They really wanted me to go, but I decided that I wasn't going to go to a stranger's house to look at a piece of furniture. (note: Dad and Mom saw an add in the Waynesboro Bulletin for a "slightly" used entertainment center). Anyhow, as they were out, I just enjoyed relaxing around the house, sipping coffee, watching some I Love Lucy on TV Land, etc. It was a good morning. Anyhow, after lunch we all went out doors to do yard work. Dad mowed the grass while Mom and I weeded and weeded and WEEDED! Man, how fast do weeds grow? I work a strapless shirt so I won't get too hot while weeded (side note: I never wear strapless shirts in public). So, I figured with the nice day, with not so much humidity, I should be ok with a strapless shirt. Well, we weeded for about an hour and a half ...

Today's kick-boxing class was really fun! I know I burned a lot of energy and calories. It's really a great way to "relax" and re-energized. After work, I went to the gym and kickboxed. Usually after kickboxing, I'm re-energized physically, but I'm still tired mentally from work. Anyhow, kick-boxing is fun, especially boxing to the rhythm of common pop music (I know "common" since we listen to it at work). However for the cool-down session I heard something different: I heard the sounds of familiar worship and praise songs! Including "As the Deer". During the cool down, I was closing my eyes, stretching my legs, arms, etc.....just basking the the glory of my Savior and God who provides each of us with daily breath to live, strength to endure the day, and means of taking care of our bodies (EXERCISE)! It was so cool to hear the sounds of wonderful sweet songs focusing on God. I thought afterwards, how many people exactl...

So, I've been somewhat busy this past week. Work continues to be very busy and so has my life! I continue to work out at the gym about twice to three times a week. I'd like to do it more, but exercising after a long work day takes much discipline and hard work. I really enjoy kickboxing A LOT! It's fun and so easy to follow; usually after a good work out, esp kickboxing, I'm re-energized and less hungry. My goal isn't necessarily to loose weight but to maintain it and to relive stress. If I do loose weight, it'd be GREAT! Last week I had a visit with my Plastic/Re constructive Surgeon, Dr. Gampper. I've had some tightness on my face and ear (rt side). I have more drooling and speaking has been hard on me as well as opening my mouth "wide" enough to put food in. Dr. G decided that it was again time for surgery, so pending insurance authorization they will probably schedule me for surgery anytime between now and August. If they...

This past Saturday, we celebrated Miranda's 3rd birthday. Her real birthday is on Tuesday and she will be officially 3 yrs old! I can hardly believe it how much time has past by and she is growing up so fast! Needless to say, her birthday was fun and it was "Dora" themed. Here's her cake: "Happy Birthday" song I have way too many pictures of her gifts but here are a couple: Here's the gifts I gave her: --Dora Slip and Slide Water Fun --Dora Art Set Here she is playing with her slip and slide and cornered me to get wet with her (I purposely brought my swim wear, knowing she was going to get me to go in the water with her) Getting ready to play in the water What do you think she's thinking? She really was a bit nervous to slide down the slide, but she enjoyed walking through the water and sitting on the end of the slip and slide (like she is here) After the party, Miranda was a bit tuckered out................... .............and of course, we c...

Today, after work, I went to Target to go Birthday shopping for my soon to be 3-yr old niece. I had in mind a list of things that was suggested by my sister to get her. Mainly a Dora hide-a-way tent. I encircled the WHOLE Target countless times, going up and down the toy aisle and camping aisle to find this "tent"; no luck! I asked the sales clerk and he said those dreaded words to me "if you don't see it we probably sold out." I know Target carries it since I've seen it there before. I was thinking to myself then "man, I should have brought it when I saw it a couple of months ago and just saved it." But of course, most of us think what "we should have" done when it was too late. I called my sister as I was encircling Target and asked her for some ideas. We talked about 5 min when we couldn't decide what to do so told her that I'll keep looking for something Dora related or Princess related and call her back. So the...

I think I mentioned it before, but about a month ago I signed up at the AMC Lifetime Fitness Center. It has so many exercise equipment and other fitness exercises like kickboxing. I started kickboxing when I was at JMU. I remember feeling frustrated my first semester at JMU; and feeling scared that one of my RA's recommended to go to the JMU rec center; so I did. I started kickboxing there and LOVED it! Since then, every chance I get I kickbox. Now, I've been out of practice for sometime but for the past 4 weeks, I've had fun kickboxing. It's a great stress reliever and SO MUCH FUN! We don't use boxing class or a boxing bag; a lot of it is cardio and arm strengthen along with gluts and ab work! Whew. I'm energized when I'm done. Exercise is certainly a great way to relieve stress and to help one sleep at night. I'm not necessarily trying to loose weight (although that'd be nice), but more for myself to help me feel better abo...

...................I will Trust YOU LORD! What a wonderful reminder! My mom was telling me a story of what my niece told her the other day. As you all may know, here in VA we've had really HOT and humid days which make good conditions for thunderstorms and other scary storms. Mom said that Miranda told her that she got really scared from storm we had the other day. The thunder and lightening scared her and she cried. Mom asked my niece "what did you do". Mom said Miranda quickly answered and said "I cry to God for help and He helped me!" Mom then asked "did you feel better?" Miranda said "yes". I can only imagine what a conversation this was! Here is a little girl who will be 3 yrs old in two weeks....and the concept of looking to God for help has been impressed upon her by her parents! I'm not sure how much she understands, but I do know when I act scared (just to be silly) she will tell me "don't worry...

Life had been busy busy busy for me. Work continues to keep me busy and I still enjoy aspects of my job. I had a lot of time to reflect this past weekend and couple of days and just remember God's goodness and graciousness in providing this job for me. This week has been rough at work, and it's only Wednesday night. But nevertheless, the stress definitely out-weighs the joy that my job brings. There's a lot of paperwork and logistics required in my job and yes, it's stressful, but knowing that I'm helping out someone, means so much more to me. Anyhow, I was talking about my year anniversary with my mom and we both couldn't hardly believe a year has gone by already. In fact, my coworkers couldn't believe it either! Mom and I were talking about how time flies and how gracious God is in providing things in His own time for us. I was joking with my mom about "celebrating" and she just said "ok". Well, I happened to mention t...