I'm not going to jail!!! hehehe

YES!! My husband was wrong about Jury Duty and I was right! I had the day correct!! But, I didn't get called to come in because of a case I was on a year ago. So either way I wouldn't have gone. The bummer part is that I missed a day and so I didn't get the hours I needed this week. I thought this was appropriate for my hubby today:) LOL He didn't really make me mad...but, I thought it would be fun to post this anyway! hehehe Got to go! I hope your day is a good one:)

Psychotherapy Hotline

Sara found this and sent it to me:) It is from my friend (Neurotic Mom) and since she used my joke, I thought I should use hers! Welcome to the Psychotherapy Hotline. If you have an obsessive-compulsive disorder, please press 1, as many times as you like. If you are co-dependent, please ask someone to press 2 for you. If you have multiple personality disorder, please press 3, 4, 5, and 6. If you are paranoid or delusional, we know who you are and what you want. Just stay on the line so we can trace the call.If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a little voice will tell you which number to press.If you are depressed, it doesn't really matter which number you press. Probably no one will answer anyway. Sincerely, Neurotic Mom

I see dumb people....

So true! I cannot believe I forgot Jury duty!!! Actually I didn't forget... I just had a "dumb moment!!" I took off Thursday (for what I thought was jury duty). Well, of course it wasn't!!! Yesterday (August 29) was and I missed it!! I need to ask you all, "WHAT HAPPEN'S WHEN YOU FORGET JURY DUTY????" I am one of those people who has to be on time for everything and I don't drink or smoke. I don't have high expectations on anyone else...just myself. Yea...Basically, I'm a pretty boring weird person! So, this is REALLY BAD FOR ME!!! I am totally freaked out!!! Please comment if you know the answer to this question???
BTW....WHAT HAPPENED??? I get home and run down to my computer and find no one!! Where are you guys??? What? Nobody get's on the computer on Wednesday??? I have missed blogging all day and no one even stopped by! Bummer!! Okay...well...I'm going to go have a drink!! I'll be back later....BTW...the drink is Diet Pepsi!! hehe LOL

Share a smile!

I just recieved this:) Isn't this funny? LOL

Laughter keeps me from crying....

I have been dealing with the frustrations of the school system. I have found the best way to cope with a situation I can't control is to laugh! So, that is exactly what I have been doing all day:D Before I tell you a joke I have to tell you why I am...(okay was) so angry at the schools. Well, the Highschool has demanded we give them $500 for the 3 girls in order to recieve any of their school books (spanish, history, math, etc.). We had to spend money on their notebooks, pens, etc. Which we already paid for before the first day of school. But, yesterday my girls came home in tears. They stated that a teacher told them they would fail if I didn't pay the school bill a.s.a.p! I am soooo angry at the fact that I planned on making payments and yet they refuse to work with me! The school staff said that we can pay the bill when we get the money. That they understand the situation I'm in. But, then right after that they said "But the girls will not recieve their daytimers (school schedule book tells them all the classes they need to be at, the school activities, and the set up of the school itself). And they cannot have their study books. So basically, my kids will be punished because we don't have the money right away!!!! So much for paying my tax's every year!! They tell people the public school system is better....I say, "Yea! Right!!! Whatever!!" Okay...I'm getting mad again...I need to go to this joke. I hope this helps all the mothers who are going through the same thing!!
Little Johnny Stands Up

A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses. She started her class by saying, "Everyone who thinks you're stupid, stand up!"
After a few seconds, Little Johnny stood up. The teacher said, "Do you think you're stupid, Little Johnny?"

"No, ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!"

A lady and her baby....

A lady and her baby...


A lady and her baby get on a bus. The bus driver looks at the lady, and then her baby, and then screams, "AHHHH! That's the ugliest child I've ever seen in my life!"
The lady then, totally disgusted, marches up to the back of the bus to sit down.
As she was sitting there absolutely furious, a man asks, "Are you ok, dear?"
The lady replies, "I'm so angry, that bus driver just insulted me."
The man says, "You go back up there and give that bus driver a piece of your mind, and I'll watch your monkey."

WHERE IS GOD???

A couple had two little boys, ages eight and ten, who were excessively mischievous.
The two were always getting into trouble and their parents could be confident that if any mischief occurred in their town, their two young sons were involved in some capacity. The parents were at their wit's end as to what to do about their sons' behavior.
The parents had heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in disciplining children in the past, so they contacted him, and he agreed to give it his best shot. He asked to see the boys individually, so the eight-year-old was sent to meet with him first. The clergyman sat the boy down and asked him sternly, "Where is God?"
The boy made no response, so the clergyman repeated the question in an even sterner tone, "Where is God?"
Again the boy made no attempt to answer, so the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face, "WHERE IS GOD?"
At that, the boy bolted from the room, ran directly home, and slammed himself in his closet. His older brother followed him into the closet and said, "What happened?"
The younger brother replied, "We are in BIG trouble this time. God is missing and they think we did it!"

It's all about saving Grace....

YEAH! I finally have a minute to blog again!! How Fun! It's been sooo long since I have actually had time to just relax and chat with all my blogger friends. Since I do alot of driving with my job, I have the opportunity to listen to a ton of cds. Yesterday, I was finally sick of the same old cds and decided to listen to the radio. One of my favorite songs came on. It is called Grace. I absolutely need to share with you the memory behind it:) I hope this touches you (just as much as it has me:) Before I tell you this memory, I have to remind you that for about 20 years I have worked to help teens get off the streets. About 4 years ago I recieved a phone call in the middle of the night. The voice was familiar. It was one of my teen girls (from the streets) begging for me to pick her up. My heart pounded as she gave me the address. All I could think was, "Oh no, one of my girl's need me and my husband's at work! This meant me going to pick her up alone!!! She told me to meet her at the corner of a street that most people avoid at midnight. I pulled into the parking lot shaking as I searched for a small blond haired child. She was no where to be found! My heart pounded and I began to pray. "Dear Lord, Please protect this child! She is so young and has no idea the danger she has put herself in" ....Then I realized if she was in danger, I was too!!! Suddenly, I began to pray for us both!! As I sat low in my van, I noticed so many young girls walking the streets. There was adult men exchanging money (and most likely drugs) from slow moving cars. I turned the radio up as high as I could. Okay...when I'm nervous I sing! So guess what I did in this situation? I sang as loud as I could and was going to sing until I found my child! BTW My voice is what probably kept so many from coming to my van! LOL Anyway....the radio announcer said, "Here is a song called Grace". I thought, "Oh great! Here I am about to be killed and I am going to sing about giving grace!!!" As I listened to the words I realized what the writer was really trying to communicate. Grace is a child! As you read these words, please put yourself in an old minivan, waiting for an abandoned child, on a dark cold night.....
She had her father's blue eyes. He left home before she arrived. Mama named her Grace. Just getting by on their own. When Grace was 15 she ran from home. One December day Grace is lost and alone in a world as cold as stone. God is counting on us to reach her with His love(Chorus) It's all about saving grace All about living love Being Jesus to those he came to save. Sharing life and giving our own away. It's all about serving God. All about saving Grace. She'd never darken the door of any church. She would say, "What for... No one there would care for me". We have to go where she lives. Simply show her who Jesus is. Watch Him set her free. For grace flows down from above and faith requires a selfless love. For a world that's dying to see the hope in you in me. (Repeat Chorus) There are countless millions just like Grace. Who need a merciful embrace. They won't believe our God is real. Until they feel his touch (Repeat Chorus) It's all about saving grace. All about living love. Being Jesus to those he came to save. Sharing life and giving our own away... It's all about serving God... All about saving Grace!!! I finally found this young girl. But, this memory will stand out forever. This was the night when I realized that in order to save a street child, we need to meet them where they're at. We need to come to all the "Graces" in the world and not expect them to come to us!!! Up to this point my mission has always been to go to the streets and bring abandoned kids to our house. But, on that night I realized that to rescue them was impossible! Mainly, because it wouldn't be long before they ran back to the streets. Their safe place was their neighborhood. So, there ya go! This is how the Unseen Child Foundation came to be! This oraganization is raising money to build a safe houses for teens in downtown Denver:) I need to go deal with all of my kids...but, over the next few weeks I hope to explain more about what I do and how people can get involved:) Have a wonderful week!!! God Bless!

What do you believe?

The Sunday Church service was awesome today! A woman started out singing a song that fits for all:) There has been such conflict regarding the different beliefs of the bloggers. In fact some of the comments can get just down right mean! So, when I heard this song I thought, "How might this song and service help me? What is God trying to teach me?" Before I answer, I would like you all to read these words carefully. Song by Point of Grace:

All our mind's attention All our hearts affection Every heart-cry, every rhyme Everybody's worshipping something All our life's devotion Has been set in motion Religions dozen for dime Everybody's worshipping something 'Cause that's what we were made to do Chorus: And I choose You All my attention, affection, And all my devotion's for You If everybody's worshipping something I choose You You are beyond conception Defying definition And You knew me before time Centuries of pagans Idols fill the nations But You are Lord to me and mine Everybody's worshipping something 'Cause that's what we were made to do...oh oh Chorus: Before I chose You, You first chose me I worship You, You alone are worthy You alone deserve it-all of my worship Lord I choose You!! It is awesome that here in the United States we have freedom of religion! I love the line, "Everybody's worshipping something, 'Cause that's what we were made to do....Lord I choose You!!!!" The message I received from todays sermon was that no matter who we are, where we live, or what our belief, we are free to choose!!! And I choose my Lord! Please share your beliefs without judgement!

I will chat in the morning....after my coffee:) I know! He does look like me!!!

See my daughters drawings!

My daughter Ashley is 16 years old now! She is a child that was given to us through adoption. We adopted Ashley after she had already been in 32 homes (since she was 5). I wanted to post some photos of her...but, she had a fit. She really wanted her pictures posted. This morning she found one of the drawings while doing her weekend cleaning and said, "Mom, you promised to post these and you haven't! Why not? Don't you think they are good enough?" Okay...so now guilt has set in quickly! I have to go to work now, but felt that it was a "must do" to put these on for all to see:) Ashley reads at a first grade level. But you would never know she struggles in school by her drawings. Some children write words to tell a story. My daughter can tell a story and more through her art:) Don't you think she is truly gifted? As difficult has she can be sometimes (like most 16 year old girls)...I am very blessed to have her:) This post is just for you Ashley!!!! Thanks for all the pictures! I will always treasure them:)

I thought this was very appropriate for my day!!! LOL I have to go to work soon and I thought I would post this comment my friend sent me awhile ago. BTW This friend is Neurotic Mom. So, I have been up all night dealing with the same old frustration that a ton of woman my age deal with....MENOPAUSE! So I say, "YUCK! BLAH! AUUUGGGHHH!!! And SOMEONE TURN ON A FAN!!" LOL I will post as soon as I get home:) And cool off that is!

It was 3:00am, the morning of nine-eleven-two thousand three...

As a counselor I am taught to look for triggers from my past to find the answers to my present situation. Well, I finally found some of the answers. I need to tell you that I have been struggling since I received some bad e-mails a few weeks ago. After the e-mails I decided to post my statement of faith. Well, I assumed I would feel much better after the post....but I didn't. The more I tried to pretend that I was better...the worse I got! So, I finally faced the dark cloud that I have fought all month. The dark cloud is September 11. The day the US was attacked. As a blogger I try so hard to stay out of any political wars. But, I have realized this is not a war against other bloggers or those with different beliefs.......this is a war within myself. Here is an excerpt from my book. Perhaps this will help others understand me. And give you an idea of the confusion I experience at times. My daughter found this picture and I decided to add it to my words. This is a picture of all the many people who died on September 11. Note, this is how my book begins. Only by acknowledgment can one find healing. It was 3:00am, the morning of nine-eleven-two thousand three. The flashing lights from my clock lit the room. It was too early to be awake, a heavy sick feeling rested in my stomach. Was it the memory of my husband’s family, and the friends they lost this day, two years ago...? Or could it be that this day held something even more frightening…? My mind drifted back…

My husband was born and raised in New York before he began his trip out west to attend Bible College. It was there we met, in the early 1980’s, and were married shortly after. The mid-west would become our home, but New York City was where my new family lived. After twenty years I felt like I was part of this large family and New York was my favorite visiting place, with so much love and happy memories. Every visit meant that incredible view of the Twin Towers from my in-laws window. The view shared so many people on their way to work everyday, each with a different face, and a different story to tell. The morning of the attack seemed like any other morning. I was in my home switching the channels on the television when, in a flash, fear filled the air. A plane had hit one of the towers, and within minutes, another plane went soaring through its twin. Instantly, a blanket of confusion and grief covered the United States.

Knowing that my brother-in-law worked as a New York City police officer, the reality that his life could be in danger was causing my family to panic. He managed a brief phone call assuring us that he was alive, but as the phone went dead seconds later, I felt myself slipping. I was losing all my happy memories and the only past I had chosen to tell my children. As the day went by, it felt like weeks. Once again, death was only moments away from those I love. The day America lost so many lives reminded me of my loss also, the loss of my own childhood and the reality of the dark cavity resting within me. I was no longer able to forget my childhood and to tell only the stories of my life in New York City. Now, this incredible city would be another tragedy from which I must run.

As I lay in bed, I closed my eyes tightly and curled up, wanting to forget about the huge dark cloud and the belief that there was nowhere to hide from danger. It would become impossible to escape from the flashbacks of my past. I slowly pulled the covers up over my head and tried to return to sleep. Soon enough, the alarm clock went off and my day began like every other. My secrets keep pushing me into a world only I know, and cause me to feel like a shadow forced to wear a mask.

I drag myself out of bed, the darkness ever-present around me. Which mask should I wear today? Mother? Wife? Or one of the many other masks I have stored away? I turn on the light and step onto the stage we all call life..... I no longer wear a mask....but, the pain is still very real. The comments about this war has only given me a desire to hide. But, this time I will stand tall and acknowlege what is. The war is not only between countries, but, a battle within each of us. We need to face our past and quit fighting it. Due to the last post I feel the need to let you know that I write in first person (so I can find healing through the words I type). I am not a victim....I am a strong person who has the strength to tell what is...even if it makes others uncomfortable. Only by acknowledging your past can you give it to God and find healing!!! If you have an elephant in the closet, do you pretend it's not there? Or do you let it out and see it for what it is. BTW The longer the elephant is in the closet the bigger it gets!!!

STOP THE WORLD!! I NEED TO GET OFF!!!

As you can see, this has been an exhausting week! I have worked over 50 hours this week. I am determined to have enough money for the girls to go to High School. Yes! The summer is almost over!!! School is just a few days away. Actually 6 days, 12 hours and 15 minutes!! But, who's counting? LOL Are there any mothers out there who feel the same way? Feel free to comment!! My mothers guilt is already setting in. Atleast when my kids are in school I can catch up on my sleep! Also, I can get back to working on the book. It has been impossible to get anything done. See the picture below? This is how I have felt over the last few weeks! Can anyone relate??? Again...feel free to comment? I have been so overwhelmed that I had to stop everything! I couldn't even blog. So all of you out there who were wondering if I am still alive...YES!! I was just hiding! LOL Today, after working a few hours at Home Instead, I ran down to the computer in hopes to catch up on my blogging! This picture kept flashing before me! Has anybody ever felt this way?? Notice the look in my eyes and the panic in my face.....yes, and my hair!..Well, what can I say...It's been a long summer! The heat makes my hair frizz! LOL No seriously people...my hair looks much better when I'm not so tired! LOL I just want you all to know that I wasn't ignoring any of you..There are too many changes happening in my life. Please be patient with me? BTW Thanks for all the e-mails and phone calls! I can't believe even Karin called tonight! OH Man!! My daughter turned the ringer off!!! Karin, when you read this blog...please know I got your message and it was awesome to hear your voice! I love your German accent!!!! HOW FUN!! Please call back???

Lise...I know you're dying to comment...go ahead say it! LOL Sheila..sorry I missed you this week...let's touch base when your daughter is feeling better. Now to my little friend Sunshine!!! Let's keep in touch:D I am so excited to find out what God has planned for you! WOW Nicole! I go away for a week and you actually did a post on your blog!!! Way to go!! I will add you to my links!!! My dear friend Diane...I'm so sorry you have had such a difficult week...MEGA PRAYERS COMING YOUR WAY! To all the new blogger buddies...let's chat soon! If you read this blog Sara....sorry I have been soooo busy...I will call you tommorrow....Well people...stay tune for my next post. It will be a dedication to my daughter Ashley. She turned 16 on August 9. I know...I really need to get caught up on my blogging!!!!

Blogger isn't uploading today!!!

Blogger isn't uploading anything today. I came home from work distraught and ready to fight...OOPS...I mean write:) Anyway...of course the blogger will not download any of my work. If you would like to see my new post go to the flashing www.unseenchild.com and press "Diana's blog". I will try again after work tomorrow to upload:) Have a good night!