Alyssa & Haley wants to wish us all a "Merry Christmas"!!!

Alyssa (my daughter) and Haley (her best friend) did this video. I laughed so hard!!!

Believe it or not my daughter is the silly one with the blond hair! BTW: It's her natural color!!! lol

My twin sister has blond hair too. These two goof balls got bored last night and decided to make a video for their spanish class. I have to admit it looks a lot more fun than writing a paper eh?!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

God bless!

Diana Joy

Alyssa & Haley

and the gang!

FELIZ-NAVIDAD-56 - Get Video Code

Moms sayings...

Yes! I am still surfing the net and I found myself laughing at some of the video's people do!!!Janey sent this to me and I just had to share it with you all! lol YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT HER SITE OUT!!! http://www.anitarenfroe.com/

Thanks Janey for sending it my way! :)
DJ

Heather Martin - When Are You Coming Home

I found this video about 6 months ago. As Christmas approaches I think this video is very appropriate. Please pray for all the men and women sacrificing their lives so that we can be safe!
God Bless!!!!
Diana Joy

Psalms 23!!!

Hi Everyone!!!!
I was visiting one of my favorite sites God Tube and look what I found. I'm tellin' you.. I could watch these video's forever!!! Also, I am ordering some of the dvds and so you will all have to check back in every once in awhile to hear my reviews :) I saw this video and this little girl melted my heart! She said Psalms 23 with such determination!!! It was just what I needed to hear...



So, everyone please check out this new site www.godtube.com!!!

God bless!
Diana Joy
BTW...
Denise has been working very hard on my site. We should have a new site up and going in the next day or two!!!!
Have a good week!
*hugs*

I can't wait to see this movie!!!!

I was reading my friend Janey's blog - http://janey-demeo.blogspot.com/ . I noticed that she recommended this movie. This looks like a "must see movie"!!!! Also, I love this GODTUBE blog. It is so cool. It's about time we finally have a safe place to go to look for wholesome movies! Check it out!!!

Then They Do...That's How It Is!!!

Here are the Albertsens for 2007!!

Ashley (17)
Josiah (22)

soon to be wife

Abby

Victoria Joy (7)

Nicole (16)

Grandson Gabe

and Susie.


My daughter Savannah.

Gena (24)

Ginger (21)

Here is Alyssa (15)

Micah & Dano (26)

Baby James (3) Grandson

The twins Josiah (right) & Elijah (left) - 4 yrs

Hi Everyone!!I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving :)

I sure did! Even though the entire gang wasn't able to be with us this year, we had the opportunity to have Josiah and Abby, Dano and her family and my niece Ariel... And of course the youngest of the bunch Alyssa and Savannah! I am soooo thankful for my family!!!!

This is the first year I actually feel like I am getting up there, out there, or just plain old! lol It all started when Dano called and hesitantly told me that she would be going to Chicago...Then she slipped in that Josiah would be going to California....Gena and Ginger would be in Japan...I felt like I was going to cry until she said, "Mom, we have decided that you, dad, and the girls should go and see the rest of the family in New York. My heart started to pound as I realized that Dave and I are almost there....you know...the age in which we don't have to rent a 15 passenger van to load everyone up to take a vacation. The thought of flying somewhere could now be a possibility!!!

It felt so strange...you know how you call each child's name outlowd (to remind yourself where they are and what they are up to)...this time the check list in my head went like this: Josiah and Abby are going to California (with her family). Dano and her family are going to Chicago (see her grandmother). Ashley will be at Job Corps in Montana. Nicole will be with her Grandparents. Ginger will be with her sister (Gena) in Japan. And Dave, Alyssa, Savannah, and I will be here for Christmas!!! I don't know what we will do for Christmas...my niece will be with us and so most likely we will be here. The four of us talked about different ideas for Christmas today and thought it would be nice to leave the day after Christmas with the girls (Alyssa & Savannah)....I do want the chance to have Christmas with my neice :)

Once again I thought of a song...Yeah! It's from Susie Luchsinger....(I can't help it! Her songs touch me like none other!)

Then They Do...

In the early rush of morning,

Trying to get the kids to school: One's hanging on my shirt-tail,

Another's locked up in her room.

And I'm yelling up the stairs: "Stop worrying 'bout your hair, you look fine.

"Then they're fightin' in the backseat, And I'm playing referee.

Now someone's gotta go, The moment that we leave.

And everybody's late,

I swear that I can't wait till they grow up.

Then they do, and that's how it is.

It's just quiet in the mornin', Can't believe how much you miss,

All they do and all they did.

You want all the dreams they dreamed of to come true: Then they do.

Now the youngest is starting college, She'll be leavin' in the Fall.

And Brianna's latest boyfriend, Called to ask if we could talk.

And I got the impression, That he's about to pop the question any day.

I look over at their pictures, Sittin' in their frames.

I see them as babies: I guess that'll never change.

You pray all their lives, That someday they will find happiness.

Then they do, and that's how it is.

It's just quiet in the mornin', Can't believe how much you miss,

All they do and all they did.

You want all the dreams they dreamed of to come true: Then they do.

No more Monday PTA's, No carpools, or soccer games.

Your work is done. Now you've got time that's all your own.

You've been waitin' for so long, For those days to come.

Then they do, and that's how it is. It's just quiet in the mornin',

Can't believe how much you miss, All they do and all they did.

You want all the dreams they dreamed of to come true:

Then they do. Ah, then they do.

If you don't have this CD you absolutely have to go get it!

So for Thanksgiving I am thankful for all my children! I am thankful for the ones that have grown....

And I am also thankful that I have Alyssa and Savannah!

I guess God knew that giving them all up so fast would be too hard for me...and so He left me 2 girls to cherish for a few more years!!!!

AND CHERISH I WILL!!!

My husband and I pray all their dreams they dreamed of to come true!!

And then they will. Ah, then they will.....

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

God bless!

Diana Joy

BTW

To my good buddy Lyss (another blogger)...

I PROMISE TO WRITE ABOUT MY LIFE IN THE DUMBSTER SOON!!

PLEASE FORGIVE ME??!! LOL

Love ya Lyss!

Also, It is 12:00 am on Sunday....so if this post looks funny...it's 'cause I'm exhausted :p

WHAT'S UP DOC????

Hi everyone!!! Thanks soooooo much for all your thoughts and prayers!

I am doing much better. It took one more hospital stay for them to get everything working great again :) One day after the last post I started having trouble breathing and needed to go back to the hospital. The doctor went in and checked my heart...and after the surgery I was soooooo sick! My body doesn't like all the meds! blah!! :P!

I feel much better now and it is amazing how much I took breathing for granted! I am now not only breathing again..lol ..I am back at work and loving it! Also, I now have a new set of Doctors. I have interviewed several doctors over the last week as I was attempting to find the one doc. that is willing to be proactive in helping me.

BTW....I can't believe some of those docs are actually called MD's!!! I met with this one doctor and she had a cell phone on her the entire time she was meeting with me...she asked me a few questions...and then would answer her phone!!! I couldn't believe it! HOW RUDE!!!)

I could tell you some nightmare stories about all the doctors I have come across in the last month...

but, I really just want to give you all some information as to what the plan is now. I was able to find this AWESOME Doctor!!! She actually listened to me and asked about my family's history of blood problems...etc.

What a concept? Listen to the patient? lol So many docs just don't listen to what the patient is saying....(okay, I will step down from my soap box ) lol I will save that topic for another book...can't you see it? Looking through the eyes of the unseen patient! lol hahahahaha

Anyway, please continue to pray for me and for the wonderful Docs that are now working closely to help me heal :) Especially pray for Dr. Christiansen as she will be my primary doc to oversee everything :)

I am soooo thankful for all of you!

God bless you all!

Diana Joy

BTW

I will try and stop by and see everyone this week:)

(((hugs)))

A Day In The Life Of Diana Joy!!!!

Well....I thought I would share once again "A Day In The Life Of Diana Joy" (I thought it would be more dramatic if I put it in quotations and capitalized the first letter of each word) lol
Thanks sooooo much for all your prayers!!!!
It has been a difficult month.... but, I have survived and ready to tackle the next challenge.....
In the last 2 weeks I have been struggling with pain throughout my back, shoulder blades, left arm, left hand, and my jaw. I went to 3 hospitals and guess what I got in the third hospital???
(I feel like at this point I should yell"A baby girl") lol
But, noooo, It was only 4 stints in my heart :p
Yippee!!!
Now I have my pipes cleaned and I'm ready to take on the world!!! hehehehhe
I make light of the situation now...but, I do realize that it was "touch and go" for about a week. During this time I felt myself slipping. I'm not sure if it was all of the medication that caused my depression...all I do know is that through it all God was there for me..(even when I didn't feel Him) He was there. He was with me driving to the hospital and holding me as I was hanging onto the sides of the surgery table (yes, I insisted on staying awake, ...I have a little bit of a control issue) lol...anyway, I was on the table for 5 hours and during that time I prayed and prayed and prayed!!! I have no doubt that He was listening and had the right Doctors, at the right hospital, at the right time!!!!....and oh yeah...the right pain medication! lol A friend of mine told me once, "When you find yourself down or depressed, start to say "Thank you God". So that is exactly what I have done over the last few days.....all the way up to today :) First I absolutely have to say "Mega Thanks" to my boss from Edward Jones. His name is Ryan Russell. As you all know, if I'm not doing something...I feel very frustrated! He continues to remind me to stop and take care of myself. And guess what? He loves the Lord!!! (another thing to be thankful for)
I thank each one of you for always being there to listen to my somewhat boring grandma stories...my dramatic video's from youtube and my drama from work..hehehehe the ups and downs of writing a book :p
You are always there for me when I need you...being supportive, loving, and honest!
Everyone who knows me, knows I love country music and I love the Lord :) Before each hospitalization I will take my healing selection of cds. And of course Susie Luchsingers CD's are always on the top!!! I can close my eyes and hear the old hymnals...
If you don't have any of Susie's cds, go to her link, http://www.susieluchsinger.com/. or you can go to http://www.unseenchild.com/ and go to "Go shopping". You can find all of Susie's stuff there :)
I was soooooo down one day and e-mailed a few of my friends and asked for prayer....
It was sooooo awesome when I got their e-mails...
I chuckled to myself when I opened Susie's. She has a gentle way of tellin' ya to focus on the good that God has given ya'...Thanks for the gentle reminder Susie!!!!
Here's Susie's e-mail :) She's a kind woman with a big heart!

Dear Diana,
I will pray for you - it is so difficult to deal with life when you're feeling drained and it effects you emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
You have got to rest and give yourself time to recover and get strong. I pray you will do this and make the best of your "down time"! Just turn it around and think of it as "rejuvenating time".
Love, Susie

Thanks Susie! I was able to give myself permission to rest...and to turn the bad into good :p

Here is a copy of Susie's latest cd!!! btw:I'm really trying not to act like a fan of hers!! lol hahahaha

And here is an e-mail from my dear friend Janey!!! When I opened it up I had to laugh!!! You have to check the video out!!!!

Diana Joy,

For those moms & grandmoms (or dads) who just need a good laugh. You'll love this. And, oh, how true it is.This is worth seeing. Go to www.youtube.com and type in William Tell Overture for moms. Hilarious! The life of a mom!

Thanks Janey!!! I needed the laugh!!!! hahahahahahaha!!!!
Here is Janey's contact info:
Janey L. DeMeoFounder/director of Orphans First - www.orphansfirst.org freelance writer, author of Heaven Help Me Raise These Children!Biblical Direction for Practical Parenting Issues.
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
http://janey-demeo.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.comorphansfirst.com
http://www.myspace.com/janeydemeo.com

I can't help it! I'm Janey's biggest fan too :) lol

As most of you know Susie has a sister. It is Reba McEntire. It just so happens that a week or two before my surgery I put a video on my blog by Susie's sister.
For days after the surgery I felt such reassurance from these words too. I am putting it on my blog in words (and not video).....I just find the words so powerful!!!

I'm tellin' ya'....
I love country music and I love the Lord! What a wonderful combination!!!

"I'll be"

When darkness falls upon your heart and soul
I'll be the light that shines for you
When you forget how beautiful you are
I'll be there to remind you.
When you can't find your way, I'll find my way to you.
When troubles come around, I will come to you.
I'll be your shoulder...When you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter...When you need someone to see you through.
I'll be there to carry you. I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around. I'll be.
And when you're there with no one there to hold.
I'll be the arms that reach for you.
And when you feel your faith is running low.
I'll be there to believe in you.
When all you find are lies..I'll be the truth you need
When you need someone to run to, You can run to me
I'll be your shoulder When you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter When you need someone to see you through
I'll be there to carry you.
I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around. I'll be.
I'll be the sun, When your heart's filled with rain.
I'll be the one to chase the rain away.
I'll be your shoulder, When you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter, When you need someone to see you through
I'll be there to carry you.
I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you. The one that will hold on to you. When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around. I'll be. I'll be.

God was there..and He is here!!!
AMEN!!!
Love you all!!!!

I think I'm done bloggin' today! I hope you all weren't toooooo bored and just skimmed to the bottom of this page to check out the comments:) hehehehe
Love,
Diana Joy

Diana Joy

My dear friend Diana has had heart surgery, it was successful after 5 hours. She has 4 stents and will be going in for further study to try and find reasons for what is happening, she will be in physical therapy 3 times a week. Please keep her in your prayers!! I spoke with her tonight and she is tired but her joyful self. I will keep you posted with any more news. I will also let her know of the comments left.
Continue to pray the book comes out by Christmas, with Diana's determination and Gods WILL I'm sure it will happen by then. She has many people who love her and are praying for a quick recovery!
Diane Maes
staff advisor of the Unseen Child Foundation

And what color of hair are we going to have today Alyssa?

Here is Alyssa and her friends just over the last 2 months! lol It seems like lately it is NOT "What am I going to wear today?" But instead it's "What hair color am I going to wear today?" And check out these glasses?!! Boy will we have a good laugh in about 20 years! lol They look like what we used to wear in the 80's.....

Notice the myspace pictures....She takes them pretty good don't ya think! Oh yes...my daughter the myspace queen :) lol

And last but not least the blue hair! She came home with this color the other day! The night before pictures!! lol So her father and I ordered an 8-11 pic!!!! lol
Okay...I need to go to bed. I have to get up and go to Sara's. My weekend is over....it's time to get back to work on the book :]]]
I know I blogged a ton tonight...but, I just HAD to take time and catch up on all my blogger friends. I truly miss you all!!! Keep praying for me and the book!!! I really want to be done by the end of this month.....YES! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! TODAY IS SEPTEMBER 1!!! KEEP PRAYING!!! September 30th is not that far away!!!
God bless you all!
*hugs*
Diana Joy

Reba McEntire - I'll Be (Live)

I love the words to this song! I told you....
I LOVE YOUTUBE!!! lol

I can only imagine

I accidentally found this video. I never really listen to her music. But, after this video, I can't wait to go to the music store and find her latest cd!!! I love it when Wynonna Judd says,” My mom used to say,” Honey let them see the brokenness...let them see the crack in your armor...that's how the light gets out...."
OMGoodness!!!
GULP! CHOKE!! HOLD BACK THE TEARS!!!
WOW! THAT IS SO POWERFUL!!!!
I don’t even know the woman and yet I love her!!! I went searching for some of her old video’s and I can tell why she said she didn’t like who she was…I'm not saying she was a bad person...she just seemed angry and confused.....BTW in this video she is holding back her tears and so yes, her voice is cracking and she is a little off pitch...if you want to hear Wynonna (when she is not so emotional) listen to the music from her latest cd. It sounds great!

When I went to google Wynonna this is the first thing I found!

Judd Says She Was Shocked by Husband's Arrest

Country star Wynonna Judd was left in a state of shock when she found out her husband D.R. Roach was arrested for aggravated sexual battery against a minor earlier this year.

The singer filed for divorce from Roach just days after he was arrested and charged with three counts of battery against a 13-year-old in March.

Judd describes her reaction as one of "disbelief and shock," telling Ladies' Home Journal, "These are things that you read about and see on the news about people, and you think to yourself, 'Never in my family.'"

The couple, who wed in 2003, had been estranged since December, and Roach entered rehab to battle alcoholism in February.

All I can say is PRAY FOR THIS POOR WOMAN?! She did this video AFTER her husband was arrested.
It is moments like this that I am reminded why I am writing this book!!!! It makes me soooooo angry that the first thing I read about Wynonna was the horrible state she was in and not how God was using her!!!!
SO, TO WYNONNA!!! HANG IN THERE! GOD'S USING YOU!!!

PRAY MY BOOK IS OUT BY CHRISTMAS!!!???

Hi everyone!!!

I am sorry I haven't been blogging....

I have been working sooooo hard on the book :p

Sara and I have been working days, nights, and weekends to get this book done by the end of September!

Then I hope and pray to have it out by Christmas!!!!

Please pray that I will be able to stay focused and be obedient to God....

It is almost midnight...but, I wanted to stop in and let you all know that I am still alive! lol

I will try and keep you updated on the progress of the book and .....

I almost forgot to tell you all....

I GOT A NEW JOB!!!!

I WORK FOR EDWARD JONES!!!

YES! IT TOOK ME THREE MONTHS TO GET IT! BUT, I AM NOW WORKING FOR THE COMPANY!!!

I LOVE IT!!! THE PEOPLE ARE WONDERFUL!

LESS STRESS AND CLOSER TO HOME...

WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING BETTER?!

God bless you all!

*hugs*

Diana Joy

OMGoodness!!! lol

Okay guys!
My new freind Buffy just posted this on her blog!!!!
I'm at work now (working on the book) :)
Sara and I have been laughing at this!!!
So, sorry buffy,
but, I had to steal it!!! lol
Got to get back to work!

Once again I am out of work :p

Okay guys...
I'm sorry I haven't posted much lately.
I am out of work until July 30th. They are messing around with my meds (for epilepsy) so they don't want me driving.....SO HERE I AM CLEANING THE HOUSE, PAINTING, AND ....OH YEAH...ON THE COMPUTER! LOL
I have decided to get all detailed cleaning done....fix all the plumbing, and walls (one of my daughters still has a bad temper and will occasionally put her fist through one of the walls ).
Then I hope to relax on Friday =)...
So by Monday I will be focused on work and not what needs to be done at home :D
I came across this video while I was updating my myspace and I just had to put it on my blog :) My daughter Gena was on leave (from the Marines) and left for Japan a couple of days ago. I thought this was
sooooo powerful!! I just had to share it with you all!!!!

He's Coming Home - Military Video

Add to My Profile More Videos

God bless you all!
Got to get back to cleaning :p
Diana Joy

Are you left or right brained?? Check it out?

Okay...
I have to admit I was surfing my friends blogs and I came across this.
I thought it was really cool....
So, I tried it out....
Test your self and see which side of the brain you are...

You Are 45% Left Brained, 55% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

http://www.blogthings.com/areyourightorleftbrainedquiz/">Are You Right or Left Brained?

Cute Kids

I love this video! Check out the George Bush face! lol
I think I am now getting addicted to youtube!!! lol
Alyssa and I have been watching youtube over an hour =) Enjoy!!!

Britains Got Talent - A Star Is Born

OMGoodness!!!
My hubby showed me this yesterday and I thought it would make a perfect post....what a brave man :)

Britain's Got Talent- Connie

What a little Princess!!!

Another day....Another dollar?.....

Hey Everyone!
First off, I want to introduce a new fellow blogger
Please stop by and say, "Hi"
If you were here earlier....she just changed it!
http://runwithdogs.blogspot.com/
Tell her Diana Joy sent you :) lol

My week has been crazy!I am struggling with my job. I feel like I shouldn't be whining because when I interviewed for the job my boss told me that he didn't want to hire me because I would be bored out of my mind and want to quit within six months....So, I tried to convince him that he was wrong....But, guess what?...I'M BORED OUT OF MY MIND!!!!!!! There is a problem....I can't quit! I just love the people I work with. My co-workers and I spend so much time laughing, goofing off....crying together....and even praying. And...oh yeah...we also work! lol Who would of thought that a job would be more than just an income.....Most of you know me through e-mail, speaking engagements, networking, church,....or through my book and the unseen child foundation. Over the last year I have found that when you work full time it has been impossible to hide behind a cause, a mission, a book or a computer.....I have come to realize that when you spend 8-10 hours a day with someone....they become your family. And all the good, bad and ugly is exposed for the world to see :p Before this job it took a great deal of energy to be professional just attending church, or meetings for my special needs children, ...but, to go to work and maintain that togetherness for weeks on end!!! MAN!!! At times I think I'm going to lose my mind!!! I have recovered physically from the heart-attack... and I can feel myself healing from the emotional scars. The rage my children have deep inside them is slowly dissipating with each day that I am able to get up and go to work. Even though the fear of losing me still lingers in their eyes...I now see hope overwhelmingly present in their eyes as they chatter of all the details of their day....My daughter has this tradition of reading the bible, talking with us, and then praying before bed.
When my husband and I bow our heads to pray, Savannah will usually go through each member of our family....which can be very long depending on the day...lol But, lately I will hear our youngest say, "Mommy, what's that man's name? The one from your work that has cancer?"Or, "Mommy we need to pray for your friend (from work) who was crying on the phone on fathers day"
Also, she would whisper,"Daddy, can we ask Jesus to help mommy's friend get better?...She's been sick and mommy hasn't seen her at work for two whole days....." You can tell my daughter is like her mother when she prayed, "Thank you God for the new baby girl that was born last week....(my co-workers wife had a beautiful baby girl:)....
As I sat down to do a post tonight I was determined to write about all the frustrations of work...(without names of course) lol hahahahahaha
But, now I am just thankful that God has given me the opportunity to have such wonderful people in my life....
I also thank my co-workers for their support with this book, my children, and the day-to-day moans and groans! lol
And...thanks to my friend from work who is always willing to turn on her instant message so as to rescue me from pure boredom :) Thanks Lyss! hehehehehe!
I need to go to sleep....
I'm sure I will regret this post by morning...
I started off this post with "Another day...Another dollar?...."
So, I will finish with, "Please pray that God gives me a little more of those dollars and alot less of those days...K? I'm looking a little too old lately!" hahahahahaha!

God bless!
Diana Joy

I love this video! One Voice!

One Voice

Add to My Profile More Videos

Sorry I haven't blogged much lately....But, with Savannah going to bible camp this week and Alyssa leaving for Colorado Springs with a friend for a week...I have had no time left to write. I want to share with you all this video. This young boy is just one voice.....Boy what a voice he has!!!! Please continue to pray for me.....I'm still hurting......God is using this time to teach me soooo much...I just need to remind myself that the deepest pain can bring the deepest joy. Thanks so much for all your prayers and support....Please know that even though you don't see my post....doesn't mean I haven't seen yours :)

God bless you all!

Diana Joy

I now have a myspace!

I know ....
It is soooo silly...
The very thing that I was told not to do....
I DID! LOL
I am working on a myspace and it has been a blast :O
I'm sorry I haven't posted lately. It has been rough. I have a personal situation that continues to overwhelm me.
The good news is that I am working on my book a couple of times a week.
Sara (my editor) is so kind and patient.
I really believe this book couldn't be possible without all of my special friends...
Thanks everyone!
Well, I have got to get to work :p
God bless you all!
Diana Joy
BTW
I can't wait to hear the good news 4??!!!



http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=76161918

tell me if you have stopped by :)

Savannah's Field day at school!!!!

I thought you all might want to see Savannah's pictures from friday :)
I had so much fun watching my girl finish her fourth grade year with her best buddies....
I hope you enjoy this as much as we did :)

Happy Mothers Day Dano!!!!

Happy Mothers Day Josiah & Abby!!!

Dave and I decided that today we would attack some of the tasks around the house. He was given the bad end of the stick. He got stuck mowing the lawn and I was given the opportunity to look through old boxes and start eliminating all the unwanted junk.

Of course I decided to attack the picture boxes first :) hehehehe!
I found this picture of Dave and Josiah standing outside of our hotel room. Isn't it cute how Josiah thought he was just as big as his old man?!....lol Don't ya think they kinda even look alike?

Then there were the years of the Ninja Turtles! Here he was when he began to gain some incredible strength. His Ninja Turtle outfit used to somehow make him jump off couches, coffee tables, or once caused him to jump off the kitchen table! My baby boy was growing up......
It wasn't soon after he had been an official Ninja Turtle that his baby sister came along......
So, I ask you, "Doesn't he look proud to be a big brother?"

Looks can be deceiving...

Alyssa Gayle screamed 24-7!!! But, he stayed patient with her......

And it was a good thing he is so forgiving....

It wasn't long after Alyssa was three and we were adopting girls.....

He would soon be the only brother to seven sisters! It's a good thing he had all that Ninja training young huh?! lol
Here he is giving his sister Alyssa a tender kiss. She was almost 2 and he was 9 at the time. That was when she was too young to talk back......

By the fourth grade Josiah was not so compassionate....

He gave me this Mothers Day card that year and well...

His words tell it like it was......

I wonder what he scribbled out?? I love the fact that he didn't want to babysit her when he was old enough to! hahahahahaha! Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers out there! My last post was to my daughters.....this one is for my only son Josiah and his soon-to-be wife Abby :) Abby, this is proof that your new hubby will be a patient husband and a wonderful father!!!!

Love,

Mom!

Happy Mothers Day everyone!!!!

Happy Mothers Day everyone!
I hope you all enjoy your special day with you children. I will take time to look through the pictures over the many years. I hope to have them up tomorrow. But, until then.....
I found this video to represent daughters:) I hope you all will enjoy this song as much as I have.....
"In my Daughters Eyes" by Martina McBride....





God bless!

Diana Joy

I have one more request...

Please pray for Alyssa. She is wanting to become a journalist and travel around the world to reach out to orphans. Pray that over the summer we can find a program that will help encourage her to follow her dreams:)
Also, pray for me as I am now looking for a new job.
Thanks so much for all your love and support :)

Much love!
DJ

I found Alyssa's blog! Here is her first post:)

I've tried writing and rewriting over and over again how to start this but I keep finding myself pressing the backspace button. I can't seem to find any words to express how I feel about this.Its caught somewhere between confusion, anger, and sadness.I've always wanted to make a difference and find a way to change the world. I read the book First They Killed My Father, seen the movies Invisible Children, Hotel Rwanda, and many others. I've also looked up pictures like the ones throughout this blog [all pictures credit to Maciej Dakowicz.] and one question continues to scream in my mind: "Why?"

Why must they be born into a world of poverty and pain?

Why should they be raised in an orphanage without parents and some without brothers or sisters?

Why should they fight everyday for peace?

Why must they suffer?

So, I decided that I was finally going to do something about it. I've finally figured out how. This summer I'm working on having a HUGE bake sale. My best friends from my school are helping me make food. My friends from other schools are also not only making food they are spreading the word. One of my friends, Nicole is even having her own bake sale to raise money. All the money that I earn for this bake sale will be going to an organization called Orphans First. I'm so excited for this. I've been looking forward to it for a long time now. I hope it all works out.

For those of you who have visited my mom's blog and seen my writing about a young boy named Ry Ra. Yes, I wrote that story all by myself. Yes, I based it on a real little boy. No, I never knew the little boy. I got the story from a few photographs. One of them is shown on the left, he's the little boy standing up catching rain water in the bottle to drink.

The only thing I knew about this little boy when I wrote that story was:
His name is Ry Ra.
He was five-years-old when the picture was taken. [I believe it was taken in '05 or '06.]
He had a problem with his hips and pelvis and due to this, he was unable to walk properly.
If he lived in a country like America, he'd be able to have the surgery and walk normally.He lives[lived?] in an orphanage in Cambodia.

The rest of the story was made up by me.I didn't choose Ry Ra for any special reason other then that he was just one of the millions of children who live in poverty around the world.

One of the many children that deserve more.

Here is Alyssa's blog! hehehehe!

http://alyssasbloggg.blogspot.com/

Alyssa Gayle and her little boy Ry Ra.......

Last night I found my daughter Alyssa Gayle staring at the computer screen. I was just about to yell at her to get to bed, when I realized that she was doing homework. My daughter was given and assignment to write a paper titled "How can one person make a difference in the lives of many?" Of course Alyssa always jumps at the chance to talk about her dream of running her own non-profit organization....only overseas! So, naturally I assumed this was a "How to do" paper. But, she wouldn't let me see what she was typing! She quickly snapped at me and said, "No mom! Go away!"
So, as I was leaving I noticed she was looking through a site of one of her favorite photographers. This site is filled with so many pictures...and most of them are pictures of orphans. As I watched her face pressed to the computer screen it reminded me of my adopted father Gale Fister. He is just a pastor of a small town....
But, he is the biggest man in the world to me. He has a passion to save as many children as he can before he faces Jesus. I am soooo happy that I named Alyssa Gayle after him :)
This morning I found this excerpt of the paper she was working on...
I found just this one sheet of paper sitting on my desk. It wasn't a "How to do" paper at all....
In just a few paragraphs my daughter had taken me to the world of a small orphaned boy...
Here is just a small portion of what the paper said....
It has not been edited by me or by her teacher....


I walk along the dirt road and stare at my black flip flops as I feel them lightly slap the back of my feet. My hands shake and my heart pounds in my throat. On the outside, I seem calm and collected, but on the inside I feel as through I'm going to collapse. I walk silently up the gray wooden steps, then turn into the large hallway that extends throughout the house. As I walk down the hallway I am cautious of every step I take, fearing of what may happen if one of the floorboards gives in. The house smells of dirt and decaying wood. Although, the faint noise of children laughing is present, it seems as though all is dead....
I scan the room quickly, looking for one little boy. My heart beats faster as I look at the faces of the many orphaned children, seeing many familiar faces, although none are of the one child I'm looking for. A small tug at the edge of my pant leg brings my attention towards the floor. A sigh of relief escapes my mouth as I am greeted by a pair of large brown eyes. I reach down to hold 5-year-old "Ry Ra". I wrap my arms tightly around his small fragile body. I run my fingers through his thinnning hair (which is gray from the dirt that he and his friends love to play in). My emotions overthrow me as he wraps his tiny, thin fingers around the neck of my shirt. Tears of happiness well in my eyes as I realize he is now safe and alive.....


That's all that was on the paper!!!! I am so frustrated! Alyssa Gayle is babysitting for her sister tonight and I will not hear the rest of the story until sometime late tomorrow :(


Here is a few of the many pictures Alyssa has collected for "Diana Joy's myspace"...

Bring your daughter to work day!!!

Yesterday was "Bring your child to work day". So, naturally Savannah announced that it was her turn to go. I am so thankful that my boss said that it was fine :)
Here she is taking over her new job as Division Assistant....



Doesn't she look like a proffessional?! My baby girl is "all grown up".



I wanted to tell you all that I am so sorry I haven't posted this week. I was talking with my friend the other day and we were adding up stresses in my life....
All I have to say is, "It doesn't look good!" But, it amazes me that everything I experience through the week is another post that I could write about....
If I just had the time!
With each new experience, I find myself saying "Oh! I am going to post about this tonight." Unfortunately, I am so tired by the time I get home from work that unless I post at work....there won't be a post:(
But, since this was about work I felt that it was very appropriate to post this at work! hehehehehe! Savannah's day at work is one that I will treasure for life!!!
Much love until next time!

Be sure a press, "Stop" on the side bar video =)

The video on the side bar can be turned off while you watch other video's =)
Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!
Yeah!!! I'm going swimming with my kids today and a movie with my daughter Alyssa tonight!!! I HAVE BEEN BLESSED!
God bless!
Diana Joy

I Have Been Blessed!!!!!!

Last night I went to a dinner party for work. It was a wonderful party....
But, as I left I found myself missing something. I couldn't figure out what the "something" was until today. Well, this morning I have come to the conclusion that life (for me & my husband) is all about my family! That's it! My children bring so much joy that I could scream from the roof tops "THANK YOU LORD!!!! I know that is a little dramatic...but, if you knew me...it could happen! hahahahaha!
The Lord, my husband, children and grandchildren (young & old) make me complete! As I thought of something to blog about today, I found myself sorting out all the MANY pictures of my children....(and thinking of all the parties I have been to recently without a camera..hehehe!) Okay! Then I was reminded of how many people get bored with parents who show a ton of pictures of their children... However, I just want you all to note that I could sit for hours looking at anyones pictures :)
When I went to the party last night I found myself running to the wall of pictures on my friends wall. Throughout the night I kept coming back to them just to capture the joy in their eyes. My daughter Alyssa wants to be a photographer. I have always told her that a simple picture freezes a time in a persons life that no one can ever create again.
To make this short, I have to come to the conclusion that God has blessed me with a wonderful family and to not share that with others would be wrong. I was watching a interview with Martina McBride and she said just that! When God blesses you with something....your whole worlds revolves around that gift. She continued to talk about how she feels it is wrong to not share your joy with others....Martina said that it is important to share with others what God has blessed you with...and for me it's my family!
So, today here is a video of Martina McBride singing "I Have Been Blessed"......

I Have Been Blessed

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Yeah! It's party time at Grandma's!!!!

It's party time at Grandma's!!!
So I ask you, "Does he look scary?" Some of the kids thought so at first. It was James 2nd birthday and we decided to make it special by hiring a clown. I thought I would share with you our fun day! It was only a short time and the kids wanted to see who this new friend was....

Josiah was one of the first to jump up and get his face done =) My oh my! What a brave boy!

One would think he was getting his tooth pulled! lol

"Look at me Grandma! I'm a puppy! Just like Buddy! (our dog) hahahaha!

Alyanna (granddaughter) was too shy to get her face painted....Okay...who's next?

Gabryel couldn't wait! He hopped up and wanted to be a clown....He kinda looks like one...don't ya think? hehehehehe

Josh yells, "Look at me! I'm spider man!" All I could do was agree.....

Savannah wanted to look like our cat "Princess". She does look like a "Princess"...

Not James.....He wanted nothing to do with this entire game! Micah couldn't keep him in the chair! hahahahahaha! Party pooper!

Not Elyjah! "Guess what I am grandma?" Can anyone guess? hehehehe

So the day continued and the clown had everyones attention.....James was so excited he could hardly sit down =)

The girls got cleaned up and had to end the party looking pretty!

I hope you all enjoyed our party??!! We sure did! hehehehehe