Kim's Kreative Space

A Return

2009-12-30T13:51:00.000-08:00

My devotion for today was very powerful. I don't always realize how important it is to actually return to God. The dictionary defines the word return as follows:
1. To go or come back, as to an earlier condition or place.

2. To revert in speech, thought, or practice.

3. To revert to a former owner.

4. To answer or respond.

Returning to God is a practice we will have to engage in over and over in life. The point is not how many times we return to Him, but that we make the effort to do so. To bring our heart back to that first moment we believed and have the longing to be totally with Him.
Whatever your return looks like, don't put it off any longer. And don't doubt that He will return to you. Don't believe lies that you are the exception or that you are asking too much of Him. His Word tells us differently. In Hebrews 7:19 says, "…a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God" (NIV). God made the ultimate way for us to return—through His Son, whose death on the cross allowed us to approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). By Him we draw near to God. Not because we are worthy, but because He is.
Dear Lord, I need to return to You. Thank You for making it my choice because You love me and want to be in a real relationship with me. I thank You for waiting for me with open arms. Today I am choosing to fall into those open arms again. Thank You that You gave Your Son so that I can always return to You without shame. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Sugar

2009-07-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

I am addicted! White, brown, 100% natural raw....you name it...I'm using it! As I read my devotions I realized I am not the only one who struggles with this.

And saying, "It's not fair that I have this body that I have to watch everything I eat when that girl eats junk and stays a size 4... one piece of cheesecake wouldn't be so bad, right?"

My flesh buys right into Satan's lie that it's not fair for things to be withheld from me. So I bite into the forbidden fruit and allow Satan to write 'shame' across my heart. Once you taste the forbidden fruit, you will crave it worse than you craved it before, giving temptation more and more power. And given enough power, temptation will start to consume our thoughts, redirect our actions, and demand our worship. Temptation doesn't take kindly to be starved.

I am going to be starting a strict eating plan in September....part of this plan is no sugar! Which doesn't sound so bad until you realize sugar is in just about everything we enjoy eating. Breads, pasta, potatoes, rice and not to mention all things bakery-licious. Which I love and so do many in my home!

I know what you are all saying already, "I just undermined myself for declaring my intention." Well...no way!!! I am giving you all the opportunity to call me out and be my encouragers and prayer supporters.

I know that I am going to struggle here...but I am going to be totally relying on God's strength to carry me thru this one. If I try to do this on my own strength… a strength that has failed me before and will fail me again I might as well not even try. I am grabbing hold of God's strength and the only way to do that is to invite His power into my situation. I am mentally giving God control of the situation by reciting truths I've been banking up in my heart. "I'm more than a conqueror." "Lead us not into temptation but DELIVER us from the evil one." "The law of God is in his heart; his feet do not slip."

Compromise built upon compromise equals failure. Instead, resisting temptation will allow promise upon promise to be built up in my heart, which equals Holy Spirit empowerment!

As James 1 promises, "This testing of your faith develops perseverance and perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature, complete, not lacking anything."

Dear Lord, help me to see my sacrifice in light of Your truth. The truth is, this sacrifice is a necessary part of me seeking You - the only true fulfillment and satisfaction of my body, mind and soul. Give me strength, Lord. Remind me to rely on Your truth and Your Spirit to empower me moment by moment. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

While you were out!!! Especially for Emilee

2009-07-22T04:27:00.000-07:00

What a pleasure it was to work along side Aryssa & Shannon to make over Emilee's room while she was away for a few weeks. Aryssa & I spent the day painting with Shannon. You really get to know people when you can just work along side them!!! Shannon we love you!! Aryssa, you are a super hard worker. I love that you were willing to give up your time with friends to help out. From what I hear Emilee loved her new room.

Not only was I able to help with the painting but I was also able to sew a duvet cover for Emilee's bed. Now for some of you this would be a no brainer. I haven't sewn in a long while, but I love to sew. My friend Marg has graciously shared some of her time with me to just sit beside me and get me going with sewing again. Thank you Marg. I hope that the quilt's will warm someone in Russia....great opportunity to pray for missions while you sew!! Back to the duvet. I have always used a pattern. Shannon gave me Emilee's old duvet to use as an example. The "Lana" in me had to write down the steps so I would be able to have pattern to follow. How funny was it when i realized after cutting, that I had forgotten to fold it so i would only have one bottom seam to sew. Silly me!

I guess having a pattern for sewing is alot like having a guide for living, God's word! When I follow what is in his word the result is a nicely finished project. Maybe I spoke words of encouragement rather then harsh words of discouragement. You get the point!!

Enjoy the pictures of Emilee's room!!

A little pain in the ........

2009-06-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Achilles Tendon!

Ha...bet you expected to hear something else...but that's right it's pain in the Achilles Tendon! Yep...Don tore his Achilles Tendon playing baseball last Wednesday evening. He had just hit the ball and took off for first base, bringing in the other three runners, when he felt a pain in the back of his right leg. He said he felt like someone had thrown the bat right at his calf muscle. Being the competitive sort that he is...he brushed off the "diamond dust" and went back to pitch the last inning. And they won...finally.

Don casually called me to let me know his leg didn't feel right and I would need to check it when I got home from Vanessa's Bridal shower. It took one look to realize he had damaged his Achilles. Once we got him upstairs Aryssa and I performed the "Thompson test" on his left leg....good movement, and then his right.....no movement. And might I add...alot of pain. We decided to ice it and head over to Pan Am Sports Clinic first thing in the morning.

The nurse who assessed Don confirmed our assessment and made Don a priority patient to be seen by the Surgeon a.s.a.p. So rather then a 4 -5 hour wait, it was only 2 hours. Dr. Glacken suggested that Don's injury be treated non surgically. Though we have heard varied opinions...Don is glad to not have had to have surgery. From all the research I have done it will be a longer recovery time. But will provide Don with adequate strength again.

So far he has been a good patient. Though I sense he is starting to go a little stir crazy. I am thankful for friends who have provided a wheelchair when crutches just won't do it!!! I am also thankful for the opportunity to pamper him a bit!

So here are some pictures of the patient. Take note of the bruising on his good leg. We were wondering why it was so tired and sore....until we noticed the bruising coming out!!!

Bible vs Cell Phone

2009-05-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
Have a blessed and wonderful day!

Please read this blog!

2009-04-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

Please take a few moments and go this blog:

http://georgialucaswpg.blogspot.com/

Georgia's mom Kristen babysat our boys for us when she was younger. I have been following their journey and praying for them.

Aryssa is really touched by this and wants to help in a tangible way. She has spoken to a teacher from school and they will be holding a bake sale to raise funds for the Children's Hospital. She would really like to be able to buy some Mobiles for babies cribs as there was not one for every crib.

If you want to help her out please let us know.

Hugs,

Kim

Complaining

2009-04-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

“Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged;

behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.”

James 5:9

Do you know God is in control of everything in your life?

When we complain about a situation in our life, we are

telling God that He did not deal with that situation the way we thought He should!

We need to be thankful for everything, even though it may be VERY hard to do so.

Dance Like No One's Watching

2009-04-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

i wish i could be like you and dance like no one is watching! last night you amazed us yet again. you don't take this gift for granted....

yet....when i stand in front of that mirror and dance, i am terrified! is it that i am scared about how i will be perceived. should i really care? well, for now i am just going to enjoy watching you and i am going to grab on to the opportunity and dance with your daddy because it will be fun. after all isn't it about "stayin' alive"?

Flash

2009-04-02T05:17:00.000-07:00

It was all just about done that quickly.....yep...in a flash! Going thru an amber light and a car zipped thru a red! I am talking just a foot of distance between the vehicles. We would have hit whomever was so stupid to blow a red light. Thank you Jesus for keeping us safe.

God's Grace gives us Healing.....

2009-04-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

"How badly do we want to be healed? For so many years my reluctance to forgive was like a darkness inside, a barrier that barred joy and love and so many good things from my life.
Forgiveness smashed that barrier and has enabled me to experience giving and receiving love again.
I've seen mankind's idea of justice. I have more faith in God's. And even God seems to put a higher priority on forgiveness than justice. We don't sing "Amazing Justice"; we sing Amazing Grace." Justice didn't do a thing to heal me. Forgiveness did."

So I have been praying for my friend and her son....let's just say...alot! So these words by Debbie Morris struck a spot in my heart. Not that we don't deserve the punishment the justice system gives to us.....we do...and we are to respect that authority. Our actions have re-actions. When there has been an outright admission of sin, and remorse for sins and asking for forgiveness..it is given.

So this is what I will pray,"Now I commit you, D, to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you, D, an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." Acts 20:32

The Rocking Chair on the Front Porch

2009-03-04T08:13:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to see is a rocking chair on a front porch. Looking at it makes me feel peace-full. I don't have a rocking chair, or a front porch, but I sure would like to!

Worry (which I seem to do alot of)is the opposite of peace-full. It leaves me peace-less!

Most of the time I don't even realize I'm worried. I am wired to think a lot so I get used to the constant hurricane of thoughts in my head. Before I know it worry will start to slowly creep in, and then before I know it, there's a quickening of my heart beat, my mind won't shift gears and little concerns have kicked into full-blown worry. My sweet husband...he is so good to remind me to "take it to Jesus."

I read in my devotions today that, "Worry is like a rocking chair, it will give you something to do but it won't get you anywhere!" HA HA.....so much for my image of peace-full! That statement is so bang on.....and when I stop worrying, I realize I've wasted valuable time and mental energy thinking about something I can't change when I should've been talking to God - since He's the only one who can change things.

Philippians 4:7 "…the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I love the promise that God's peace could transcend my need to understand! Sometimes that's my biggest problem; I wouldn't be so worried about what God is doing if He'd just explain why so I could understand better.

But God doesn't say He'll give us understanding in this verse, He says He'll give us peace in the midst of not understanding. And that's what I want. I want God's nearness to be my good and trusting His sovereignty to be my goal. According to the Word, all I have to do is:

1. Stop worrying – press the pause button on my consuming concerns.
2. Start praying – open my mouth and tell God what I need.
3. Start thanking God – remind my heart of God's faithfulness by thanking Him for what He's done. Count my blessings......

I should be able to do that.....but why is it so hard to follow through? I seem to naturally do the opposite. Is the enemy whispering: Do not be calm about anything; instead worry about everything. Tell God what He should do and take control if He doesn' t listen. Haha.....this sounds ridiculous.....but, before I know it, my concerns are consuming me and my worries are robbing me of God's promised peace.

My goal is to not live that way. God promises to provide just what I need – to keep me in perfect peace, as I put my trust in Him and not in my worries. So, today when my worries & concerns seem to be consuming, I will choose to stop and empty my heart of my worries & concerns, talk to God about what I need and thank Him for His faithfulness and provision. It's amazing how "peace-full" comes when I stop worrying, start praying and begin thanking God for what He has done and will do.

Like the sign says,"Sometimes God calms the storm......and sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child."

And The Greatest of These Is Love

2009-02-18T05:24:00.000-08:00

I love God's word. I am learning so much about me and God's place for me as I dive into His word.
Our care group has been doing this amazing study on Growth, training vs. trying. I am not good at training. I can try...but training seems like alot of work! But this study has really shown me the importance of training...being persistant, especially in studying God's word. If I want to grow..I have to train. To have spiritual growth is to have a life of wonder, joy, worship, gratitude, servanthood, humility, courage, truth....and always LOVE.
So one of the training exercises was to look at my week and take note of the concrete ways God's signature, of love, is evident in my life. Acts of grace, kindness, daily provision, protection, refreshment......
I've been keeping a running list:

feeling of peace after confession
ability to block out distractions while I study
food on our table
safe travel on the highways
good sleep..even if Don is snoring
awareness of how my words will impact the person I am speaking to

My study verse this week is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. In the study they asked that we insert Jesus' name in the place of "love". It makes perfect sense. Now try putting your own name there.

Kim is patient & kind. Kim is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Kim does not demand her own way. Kim is not irritable, and keeps no record of when she has been wronged. Kim is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever truth wins. Kim never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.

Most of this makes me cringe....so I will continue to train....I do not want to fruitlessly pursue activities or accomplishments that are not born from love and do not result in love.

Hats

2009-01-23T06:59:00.000-08:00

My devotion today was about hats! Yep, you've got it! Hats! I love hats....don't look very good in a hat..but I've come to realize they keep my head & ears warm. Especially in this chilly weather.
But that's not the kind of hat my devotional was about. It was about all the different hats we wear as a wives, mothers, teachers, nurses, counselors, chauffeurs, coaches, chefs and housekeepers. We sometimes lose the focus of who we are because of all our hats. I know I often have to stop and re-evaluate which hats I should be wearing.
God's word is pretty clear, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might BECOME the righteousness of God."
I get to BECOME. Becoming is a process that takes time and determination and a willingness to put the past behind us and look forward to becoming a new being. This takes time.....hmmmmm! When I make my relationship with JC my #1 priority I will be all I need to be while becoming the righteousness of God. One day....I will look good in the hats God has designed specifically for me. Today my prayer is that God will show me which hats I need to focus on for today or maybe even take off altogether.

Praying for my Kids

2009-01-21T05:14:00.000-08:00

So I have been praying the 7 X 7 for my kids.....something I had seen on my very special SIL's Blog. (once I figure out how to add that link I will) It has been a neat way to pray for each child.
I have been doing alot of praying lately...I don't like conflict and feel like there has been "some" between J and myself lately. So I have been spending some extra time examining my heart and how God would use me in this.
I have seen that it might be better to just let this be! Let J see his actions have re-actions. I will continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will show him how to exercise his spiritual gifts, and enable him to bear all the fruits of the Spirit-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
I am also going to continue to pray for J & V as a couple. That God will guide them. That they will enjoy a wonderful relationship. That they would pass along a rich heritage to future generations.
This is going to all be hard...I want to be in control....okay...Jesus...YOU are in control...I give up!

Protect my mouth and my thoughts Jesus!

I just want to help.........

2009-01-19T07:08:00.000-08:00

I totally understand and respect that the young couple want to plan and carry out their wedding plans.....but the wedding will not happen in a vacuum, void of others. We, the in-laws and his siblings will play an integral part on this wedding day. Wouldn't it be very considerate and respectful of them to consider our thoughts in the planning process.

Empathy and tact can go a long way in diffusing any possible areas for disagreement between them and us. Share your wedding plans with us. Let us know which details are a must for your wedding.

Ask for our suggestions in areas that are less of a priority for you (e.g. seating arrangement on the groom's side of the family, the guest list for the groom's side, let us be a part of choosing bride's maid dresses)

Keep us informed with updates on how the wedding planning process is progressing and accept our offers to help, where appropriate (e.g. to make wedding favours, perhaps, or to make snacks for the wedding party on the day of wedding to keep everyone energized and well fed?).

I guess it just makes us sad that our son is getting married and we don't feel like we are a part of it other then financially. I guess we will just continue to pray about this.....

Sleeping

2009-01-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

I feel like that is what I have been doing! But really I have just filled my days with "busy"ness. Trying to take away some of the feelings of failure I have and just craving that wanted feeling. I mean all we really want is to be wanted...right! Well...I want some business to want me to work for them so I can take the financial burden off of my wonderful dh shoulders. But I just gave that burden to someone who has filled my day and life with love and hope.....and peace.

Ususally when I head to bed I listen to my dh snore....hehe...and then thoughts of my day flood my head, concerns for things of tomorrow and hopes for the future just race thru my head. So I switch on the prayer switch and just lay it all out for Jesus.

King David should have had a much harder time then me falling asleep...after all his own son Absalom had rebelled against him and had gathered a crew of soldiers to kill him. Yet in Psalm 3:5 he said,"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me." David slept like a baby because he trusted every part of his life to be in the hands of the Lord. So even though I know today I will be pursued by stress and strife trying to sap away my quality of life....I will look to the the Lord as my source of life, peace and rest.

No sleeping pill is a better prescription for rest than spending some pillow talk prayer time with Jesus....so I will have sweet dreams! I will give my worries for today to him!

Christmas in Heaven

2008-12-26T18:06:00.000-08:00

On December 23rd my cousin Jimmy went to be Jesus. He was 61 years old. He played along side my dad on an oldtimers hockey team. They played every Tuesday and Thursday morning. My dad is so sad that you are gone. He is worried for your family. You should have had so many more years. You died playing the game you loved so much...and with your skates on! My dad is going to miss you so much!

My cousin Jimmy was the kind of man who made you smile. He always had a comeback for any comment. While some will say the Kullman's are an ornery bunch...I only see a group of people who love their families so very much. They are the people who showed me what family is. They come across as gruff...but under that exterior is a soft teddy bear. Jimmy was my godfather. Might not mean much to some but just a name. But I knew Jim prayed for me. I knew Jim cared about what was up in my life. I loved how he cared for his family. He knew how to have fun. I loved watching him with his Linda. He looked at her with much love. They were indeed a team. I remember my dad telling me that Linda and Jim were going snowboarding...or back packing...and saying they were too old for those kinds of activities. But I admired that they still had so much fun together. You were definitely fulfilling your "bucket list." He loved his kids and always spoke so highly of their work ethic. He loved his grandkids...loved being on the rink with them, or on the lake, or just hanging out.
I am so thankful to know that Jimmy got to spend Christmas in heaven. My heart is sad that you were not here with your family...but God's timing is perfect and I am sure your first Christmas in heaven was amazing!
I will miss you....I love you Jimmy!

Christmas is coming....when?????

2008-12-20T06:09:00.000-08:00

I just don't understand where the time goes? One minute I looked at the calendar and it was December 1st...next minute it is December 20th?

Daniel is home from Bible college. We have had some great visits. I cannot believe my baby boy drinks his coffee black.....while mom has to have her cream and sugar in it.
Today we painted the main floor bathroom. It was a learning experience for both of us. Daniel learned you do not roll paint on in a "W"....and you also don't trim "like that." I am thankful for all the times Don showed me how to do it right so I could teach Daniel. The color is beautiful....it must be since we have chosen to paint most of our house in the same color. It is neat to be able to accent with other colors.

And Aryssa....she had her friend Steven over this evening. They watched a movie with Daniel and Cassie. Tonight they are all going skating. I am thankful she is chosing to date in a group setting. He is a very nice young man and we like him!!

Well....another busy day begins....Family gathering tomorrow evening....gotta have my house clean so it passes inspection! LOL.

hmmmm....

2008-11-28T05:32:00.000-08:00

I was questioning why I hadn't yet received a phone call from GWL....then I received a call from a friend who needed help. I never would have been able to help if I would have been working. I am thankful for the time and for the many ways God is directing me. As I spend time reflecting on His words and letting them guide me I am blessed at every turn.

I have been spending quite a bit of time praying for the kids (love, love, love 7 x 7)! Have adapted it to meet the needs of my older kids and the activities of their day. He is guiding them thru some challenges and it is neat to see how they are responding to His leading. Thank you Jesus for loving us!

Also...BIL is on a missions trip...it was neat to read from SIL some of his adventures and also her reflections. SIL might not be there in person...but this is still having an intense meaning in her life. There is no doubt God has great things in store for them...........

Silence

2008-11-26T07:27:00.000-08:00

It's not too often that I sit in absolute silence. But today God graciously gave me the ability to sit quietly and close out all the back ground noises to have a few moments with Him. When the noise did start to break in I realized how wonderful those few moments with just Jesus were.

Now it is back to all the business of my day!

Second Interview

2008-11-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

I had my second interview today. It went extremely well. The jobs sounds like it is very busy. Task & deadline driven. I work well with these guidelines. It's working with numbers...I love numbers! Pray that God's will is done.....

I baked again today Linzer Kranzel. Linette's recipe....just need to roll and bake the dough. Would have completed it all at her place but my stomach was so upset so I came home instead. It is so much fun to bake with someone else!!

Exactly what I didn't expect!

2008-11-17T13:22:00.000-08:00

I guess you are leading me in a totally different direction then I thought Lord. I mean I totally thought I blew the interview last week...and today I get the call saying I have a second interview. Thursday morning 10:00.

I am trusting He has a plan for me with regards to working and I am so interested to know what it is. I felt so peaceful even though I thought I had not answered the questions right, hadn't typed quickly enough. The only part I felt I had done well on was matching the numbers. Now I pray for the same kind of peace I had last Wednesday...."The Lord Your God is with you; He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 Guess these verses will apply to my prayers thru this too!

An Experience

2008-11-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

I am slowly but surely getting used to taking Daniel out to the drop off point to head back to Bible College. It was a bit hard today knowing that the roads are slippery and the wind is blowing...and of course....I'm not in control!

We did have a good week long visit with him. He got to spend time with his sweet Cassie, his baby sister and his brothers. Dad and I squeezed sometime in here and there.

We had stompot for dinner last night....he was excited to have this on his visit home. Vanessa also tried it for the first time....not sure whether she enjoyed it the same way the rest of us do.

I will be very thankful Aryssa is returning this baby tomorrow morning! Funny how her and I heard it all weekend and Don and Daniel didn't hear a thing! hehe!! :)

Today is my Birthday!

2008-11-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

So today was my birthday. A busy day....worked at the church office in the morning. I am so thankful for a peaceful working enviroment. This afternoon I was off to a job interview. It went okay....but it was ackward. Picked Aryssa up from school and then came home!
We did go out for dinner with Mom, Dad & Grandma. All the kids were there except for Donovan....no surprise as we have once again caught him in a lie....I am so tired of this! I am so thankful Grandma was able to come out. She walked ten feet and was frozen to the bone. I think it will be the last time she goes out until spring.

We had a good time out at the cottage from Sunday to Tuesday. A little chilly....but ever so peaceful. I even got to feed the WhiskeyJacks out of my hand.

Pew Bows!

2008-10-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

I am making Pew Bows for my friends wedding. I'm actually decorating for them at both the church and the reception. I'm a little nervous about overwhelming myself with too much to do! How did I ever work full time and take care of my family? I am thankful they were forgiving with meals, laundry and other important stuff!

So here they are...let me know what you think!

Oh ya, my devotion today talked about how our joy is not defined by our circumstances. It’s based on our relationship with God who, in due time, will bring us out of our present situation. Whack (right in the middle of my forehead which is now framed by some silver stuff)! Thinking this needs to be tattoed on my hand so I can be looking at this all the time. Good reminder!! Need to remember this when I am dealing with my lack of confidence in lots of things. "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4: 6-7

I also had a really neat visit with a new friend today...his name in Bineu. He is a Black Lab/Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Nine months old and looking for a new home. I am smitten...so is Aryssa. Really need to pray about this!!

Home ...at last? Well....maybe!

2008-10-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

Well...we are back from our very special trip to "Vegas Baby"! It was an adventure for sure! Our flight from here to Denver was uneventful. Denver to Vegas was amazing. I was so surprised at how much we could see from the plane. I mean you are up so high! By the time we landed in Vegas it was dark...well, not really cause Vegas is never dark and never quiet!

We found checked into our room and went for the first of many long walks. We figure we walked from one end of the strip to the other at least 5 times during our stay = sore feet, but no guilt for that extra dessert!

The most annoying thing about Vegas are these people who click these business cards of naked women in front of your face. They promise to have a "girl" to you in less then 20 minutes. I thought Don was going to punch them in the face...they didn't just click these cards in front of you...it was right in your face. Men were collecting these cards like baseball trading cards. We were disgusted.

Thursday we bought another monorail pass ( we weren't right on the strip) and headed back to the strip in daylight. Those irritating "clickers" were still there. As we passed this one lady clicker she looked at us and said God bless you! I wasn't sure what to do....so I figured I'd better just pray for her! What a sad existence.

There are lots of little kiosks with "stuff" for sale. I did buy a purse as the one I had just wasn't practical....especially for walking thru crowds of potential pick pockets. I was rather surprised I could barter with the girl. Got her down from $54 to $35. Nice small purse.

We were getting tired of walking in crowds of people and since we had some coupons for Madame Toussaud's we decided to head into their. What a blast! Matthew Mcconnaughy, George Clooney and Tim McGraw...what more could a girl ask for! And Julia Roberts, Madonna and Jessica Simpson for Don.

More tomorrow......

ok, I'm scared...really scared!

2008-10-14T20:14:00.000-07:00

So i know if you read my little blog you are also someone who prays for me! So here it is...I'm scared! I'm scared if I'm not here, he won't get out of bed and go to work. I'm scared if I'm not here, he won't take the time to make a lunch to take to work. I'm scared he can't do it without me! So who the heck do I think I am! I'm certainly not God.....why do I feel like I have to be everything to this child.
So I am writing this and leaving it here! I need to go away and be Kim...even if it is in Vegas! More importantly I need to let him carry on with his life without me trying to guide it. I need to let him run to God instead of me! I've been able to easily do this with the other children......

I am trusting that if you are reading this you will pray for my child...that God will take care of all these things......and give me rest!

Thanks...

Anniversary Dinner

2008-10-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

The children surprised us with a celebration dinner with 75 of our family and friends! What a wonderful evening. They planned a potluck meal and the food was delicious.

They gave a beautiful speech that made us cry and a hilarious slide show that made us laugh! I can't thank them enough for all the hard work that went into planning our evening. You blessed us!

Cousin Sharon Vanderhooft also joined us for the celebration weekend for the anniversary and thanksgiving. We have had a great visit.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on all of our blessings! We have so many.....thank you Jesus for all you have given us!

Family Dinner

2008-10-11T15:07:00.001-07:00

Today we are going out with the kids for a celebration dinner. Though I think they have something else up their sleeves. I'm hoping not though as walking into a room full of people is very intimidating...especially when their focus is you.
Cousin Sharon Vanderhooft from Ontario surprised us with a visit this weekend. It has been great to catch up with her after 10 years of not seeing her in person. Today her and I went to the BakeOven to pick up a few things for Thanksgiving dinner. I also bought some yummy cinnamon bread for breakfast tomorrow along with some yummy gouda! Don was excited to open up the bag and see our stash of goodies. I also bought some hagenslag, not sure if that's the correct spelling but it's those chocolate sprinkles our kids love on toast. Especially Daniel...so he was excited to see that he could munch on that for brekky tomorrow. Add one dozen almond tarts and a bag of Wilhemina peppermints...we're set!
Okay...now I'm nervous...Aryssa just called to say I should send her a text when we get to the church.....hmmmmmm!

The Day After.....

2008-10-09T07:22:00.001-07:00

The excitement we think we are going to have....and it was quiet! I am so very thankful for the twenty five years Don and I have shared. Can't wait to see what the Lord will do for the next twenty five. Looking back at our wedding pictures is cool. Everyone is so "grown-up" now! Or should I say old? Some people are still very much apart of our daily life and others...not so much. However I am thankful for each and every one of our bridal party.
I guess I was a little sad not to hear from everyone. But I know I have not acknowledged each and every birthday and anniversary....I do try to remember the milestone birthdays and anniversaries. I guess I should write them down in a perpetual calendar. Better still would be those neat little reminders that pop up to say, "Don't forget!"
Don and I did go out for dinner to Moxie's. We enjoyed a delicious dinner. Don had his favorite, pepper steak with garlic mashed potatoes. I enjoyed their special. Chicken Marsala, with roasted potatoes and delicious harvest veggies! I even tried a peach bellini! Yummy!
We walked around St.Vital SM for a while and then headed over to Moore's so Don could use his GC. Love their reward system. It's always nice when you can get something for free!!
So now we are going to be counting down our days to Vegas! I'm looking forward to seeing the lights.

Only 2 more sleeps....

2008-10-06T17:57:00.001-07:00

In only two more sleeps Don and I will have been married for 25 years. Wow! I think back to all the people who said it wouldn't last.....I am glad we proved them wrong. Not that we had anything to prove. I'm thankful God placed Don in my life. I can't even imagine where I would be without him. Thru thick and thin baby, and we've seen it all!

It's about time.....

2008-09-28T16:38:00.001-07:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted on my blog until my fabulous SIL told me about her Blog. So here I am. What's new.....my baby girl is growing up! I was right that she would grow so much while being away with her auntie. God really allowed them a chance to bond and bloom! I hope this is only the beginning of a great friendship for them.

My First Post

2008-07-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought since I finally had time I should actually post something on my Blog. Time is something I don't usually have much of...but with my darling daughter away....I have time on my hands!

I am missing her much. But I know this will be a time of growing up for her....I guess for me also.

So what have I done. Well I have slept lots! I went to sleep at 7 o'clock 3 nights in a row. We have spent time at the cottage. We have talked lots and made plans for our future. We've prayed for our kids alot too! So far so good.....

Do I dare count down the days till my daughter, my friend is home...not just yet! I want her to enjoy her time with her Auntie Darlene.....

Till then....

Me!