What a week, we have been on vacation

We stayed in town ( kinda) for vacation and had alot of family fun!!! First we started to clean the garage!!!! Yes, we are trying to rid ourselves of the access STUFF we have accumulated over the years. Anyway, while cleaning the garage our friends called and invited us to the Springfield Cardinals game last Sunday. This was our first semi-pro game so we were so excited to go but none of us more the Garrett. He loves baseball!!!! It was great, we had an air conditioned suite and a food buffett, and the seats had a great view. We felt totally blessed to be there and in the company of such wonderful people.

Then on Monday we went floating, it was good, perfect weather but we drug more with this trip then the last. When we returned home Daddy was called out for a major water break in then next town and worked from 4:30 pm to 3:30 am....Kind of messed up our tuesday but we went out to eat and enjoyed one another.

Wednesday we worked on clearing out more of the garage and then went to the Landing in Branson and ate at Garfields. Garrett and I thought it was good food, Daddy disagreed. We sat outside on the balcony and had live entertainment. He sang old songs and Garrett was not thrilled.

Thursday we went to Springfield and shopped for school clothes, found awesome bargains at Penny's. I want to go back and look for me some new clothes. Garrett loved picking out his new clothes this year, it's usually a big fight, so glad it went smooth. Then we drove to Fudruckers in Branson to eat then home to rent movies.

Friday, we went swimming at Mertle and the guys jumped off the rope swing and had a blast!!!

That's all G can talk about and he can't wait to go back. Then went to visit Adam and Carla, our brother and sister in law and had a great visit catching up on the weeks events with them. Our little friend Johnathon also come to spend the night with us. He usually doesn't spend the night anywhere and was so excited. Johnathon is a special needs child raised by his mother and some people don't understand his needs. I am so proud that Garrett asked him to spend the night and is understanding with him. We took the boys to the pond to fish this morning and Johnathon caught a couple of fish and was thrilled. We have been to the World Seris ball games today, our home team did not do well playing together and the weather was about 100 degrees, we are still proud of our boys. It was great to be back at the fields...we miss playing ball!!!!! So now you all are almost caught up, I still have so much more to post....and lots of pics. Hopefully I can get caught up.

God Bless,

Tracy

What a week,

I have been given an award!!!

Chrissy from Creating with Chrissy @ http://www.chrissyd723.blogspot.com/ Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. She is a very talented stampper/card maker, please check her out.

I also have to pass this on to 7 other Brillante Blogs.....maybe more....smiles.....

http://stampinwhenican.blogspot.com/

http://kwernerdesign.com/blog/

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

http://orgjunkie.com/

http://www.jmpurves.blogspot.com/

http://thepinkstamper.blogspot.com/

http://scrapbookaddiction.typepad.com/

I have lots to share later, please check back....Please read the word for the day, it is so true and useful....I am off to capture the sun rising.....

Have a blessed day, (and check back I have more to share.)

Tracy

Word for the day,

The Power of Peace

Today's Scripture
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
No matter what may be going on all around you today, you can still live in peace. The scripture encourages us to not let our hearts be troubled. In other words, don’t meditate on all the negative things in this world to the point that it steals your peace. If you have fear, worry or anxiety about anything, recognize that those feelings aren’t from God because He has promised to give you a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. There is tremendous power in peace. When you are at peace internally, you can think more clearly. You can hear the voice of God more easily. You’ll make better decisions. Even your physical body responds to peace. The enemy knows this, and his goal is to steal your peace. He tries to set you up to get upset. But when you choose to receive God’s peace, then no weapon formed against you shall prosper. You can live in peace, you can live in joy, and you can live the abundant life God has for you.
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gift of peace in my life. I choose to receive Your peace in my heart and hold it close to me always. I receive Your Word as truth and life to my soul. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

A photo a day....

Hi, I have been wanting to add a photo a day to my blog and I just was not sure how to do it.
But I have set up another blog for one special photo a day that is not family related!!!! Please come and visit and leave a comment about the photo.

Have a blessed day,
Tracy
http://amomentintimewithtracy.blogspot.com/

New Inspiration?????!!!!!

The Inspire page is not completed, I still need to add the stickles, and ink the edges of the main page.

Well you will have to take a peek for yourself, Yes!! after 18 plus years and umpteen uses we have added a new addition to our home......(drum roll please.....) Introducing our new Washer and Dryer. It's the new front load type with wistles and bells and chimes to go with it. Really it does have cute little chimes when you turn it on and chage the settings. Since last week before the 4th I have toiled with the idea of investing in a new set. This was not my idea but my sweet husbands. His last words were.....well don't get all upset when your old set dies and you can't get the sale and the (READY....INTEREST FREE TOO!!!!) That still did not make my decision but I knew he would be very irritated if the old set died and I whined!!!! I dislike the thought of interest or payments and wanted to save for it. After speaking to Brenda, our family friend we bought our other set from and I saw all of the benefits I went ahead and did it. But it is much larger than my other set which is forceing me to have to alter my scrap studio space. But I am always up for a challenge and love re-organizing....Last night I had 5-6 loads of laundry to do and this moring I have ZERO!!!! My favorite setting so far is the Whitest whites setting, WOW, now I know what I have been missing, this maching is has amazing features to get clothes whiter and even removed dried pen marks!!! I still am missing my old set...I know that sounds crazy but it was the first set we bought as a married couple and it was the beginning. It washed many of loads of loving dirt and my sweet baby boys first blanket I brought him home in. I found the set a good home for as long as it will last....I gave it to my baby sister. Hope it loves you back Sis!!!

New addition!!!! I love the steam setting, yes I paid extra for steam so now I don't have to pull out the ironing board as much, ya hooooooo!!!! More time to create pages.....

While in the laundry room I made a page to go with a page I had made last week....Since my new set is quieter and doesn't make the room so hot I will be in creating much more.... I can't wait.

Do you smell the homemade bread baking?

Do you smell the home made bread? Ahhhhh, I love the smell of baking, yes baking in the middle of summer. I pulled out my bread machine, what for ? Because we (all 3 of us) were in a conversation about food prices (I think) and I had read one of my many articles about the raising costs. In the article it gave percentages of how much food has risen in price due to the extream gas increases we are all feeling. Any how, my sweet little boy said, "Well Mommy why don't you make the bread?" I said,.....well I could, I used to make bread all of the time Garrett. So I was prompted to pull out my bread maching and make a loaf. I can't eat it buy I know my guys will love it. The loaf of bread I purchase every week just for the guys is $2.45 and sometimes $2.75. One bag of bread flour is $2.45, not sure how many loaves that will make. I used to get a huge bag of bread flour for like $6.00 from Sam's club. I am dependent on someone buying it for me since I do not have a membership. I am going to put in my order for bread flour to a friend and start making more bread!!!! Home made is always better and I love to bless others with a fresh home baked loaf!!! I can't wait to give some to my neighbor Ray. (They are long time church family and neighbors) His wife of 40 years is in a fight for her life with brain cancer. It came fast and furious, they removed the tumor last week and she may be coming home this week. Our prayers our in constant thought for this family. Ruby is an awesome woman of faith, she runs a small breakfast and lunch resturant her in town and is loved by many. Ruby lost her mother to brain cancer a few years back, this is so scary for Ruby's family as they were told the disease is hereditary. But we have a mighty God that has his hand upon this family. Please lift this family up in your prayers.

A few weeks ago we picked Blueberrys at Cline Berry Farms down the road. It was such a fun family time. We took a big bucket of berries to Ruby as this is something she loves to do with her family every year. We picked 3 large buckets, I think we need more for the freezer though, I eat them frozen for dessert!!! I am going to make the guys a pie this weekend, wish me luck!! it will be my first blueberry pie.

Scripture and Prayer for Today

He Meets Your NeedsToday's Scripture

"God will supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Aren't you glad we serve a God who promises to supply all our needs! When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and follow His commands, you have access to God and everything He is; peace, provision, protection and more. That means no matter what is happening in the world today, as you obey God's Word, your needs will be met. No matter what is going on with the economy, gas prices, or housing market, God is still your Source; and if your Source is okay, then you are okay, too. Rest assured there is no lack in heaven.Not only is God able to meet your needs, He wants to meet your needs. It gives Him great pleasure to bless and prosper you. Begin to expect that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Look for His hand of provision in your life and praise Him for His faithfulness. As you do your part, God will do His part. He will open the windows of heaven and pour out His abundant blessing on every area of your lifeA Prayer for TodayFather in heaven, thank You for Your provision in my life. Thank You for loving me and guiding me. I trust that You are meeting every one of my needs today. Help me to follow Your commands that I may honor You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We are the CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!

Goodmorning.....I think I have a blog still....I have been running so much I can't catch myself. We won second seat in the Cal Ripken minor league playoffs and the green team, (I call them the Valley Team because they have alot of Valley Springs School kids on that team and the school color is GREEN!!!) Anyway they won first seat. From the beginning this is how we thought it would go. It was a nail bitting game we stay tied up for an inning or two even. We had to send two of our runners back from home plate due to some crazy throw rule they made just for the tournament. One of our guys was out because he took his foot off first base while the basemen had the ball!!! That's just a little of the excitement we experienced. We ended the game in a tie breaker out, score was 8-7 and Wabash Won!!!! I felt bad for the other team, some of the big heavy hitters broke to tears ........then there were our fellas jumping and screaming in excitement. Of coarse there were some parents that said bad calls.....that's the case in every game and we just have to win, lose and deal with it. It makes for a good lesson in sportsman ship. One of our players was hit in the face with a fast pitch, he was also our pitcher, he had a huge knot on his cheek bone. I think all of our little guys with one exception hit this season!!! I was so excited. Any way enjoy the pictures and have a blessed fourth of July, thank you Lord I live in the land of the Free.

In God's Love,

Tracy