Blog

Hello my dear blog. I am sorry I have neglected you. Someone has pulled my attention away- I will admit. Yes- that horrible ole' facebook.
I do intend to update you soon- do not give up on me! I will be back!

XOXOXOXO

Confession

I must make a confession.......
I love the tanning bed.
I know the dangers.
I know the problems.
And yet- I love to tan.
I love to have the 10 to 20 minutes of laying under those blazing lights-
just a few minutes for me.
I feel better aboiut ME when I have a little tan on.
I don't tan well- and I prefer the tanning bed to laying out for hours in the heat. Tanning bed is quick- and only a little sweaty sometimes.

Hi.... my name is Delicia.... and I love the tanning bed.

Pets

Well- what I assumed would happen , did.
The kitties are gone.
If you are NOT a cat person....... you can't pretend to be one.
Well- at least I can't.
I really tried. For my Josie- I tried. But alas, they have gone back to the loving home from which we borrowed them. We had them for three months- and there we no joy in sweeping up the cat hair. There was no joy in my shredded shower curtain. There was no joy in the cat jumping up onto the curio case and breaking a figurine that was once my grandmothers. And that was the last straw for me. My children don't break our things- and I don't love those cats enough NOT to care.
So- bye bye.
And Josie was ok. Because really- she wants a dog. She settled for a cat. As soon as the cats were gone, she turned to me and said "I want a miniature schnauzer"


Sometimes you can't get 'generic' when only the real thing will do!!!
A dog was what they all wanted- and a cat just wouldn't do.

Vacation!

I am anxiously waiting for our vacation coming up in 8 days. I am so very ready for the cooler weather of the upper Michigan area. We love Mackinac Island and will be there for 4 days. Four glorious days of 50-60 degree weather- changing leaves- no cars (no motor vehicles allowed on the island- you get there by boat) and staying in a Victorian 1882 hotel. I can't wait. It is the vacation my husband and I take alone-it is our relax time. And we need it! It has been so busy the last few months.
So- if you are anywhere from Flint Michigan on up into the UP around pictured rocks- I'll be there between Oct. 4 and 8th.

facebook

Just in the last two weeks or so- there has been a huge facebook rush. Have you noticed? All of the sudden- EVERYBODY has one. Weird. And because now that I have found everyone I ever wanted to have as a friend on facebook (now including Mark Lee ) I have done nothing but browse said facebook pages! I have neglected my blog, and my other obsession twitter

So- I apologize for the neglect. I guess you can find me here.

We are so busy!

I don't know about you- but it seems like we are busier than ever right now! I guess its a good thing for our children to be so involved in activities- but I sure miss my house!!
And my blog.
So I will be back soon.

It was a tragedy

Driving in to school and work this morning- my daughters and I talked about what today is. We talked about what happened seven years ago today. I will never forget that day. I will never forget how I felt- the things I thought- and the things that we went through for the next three months..... the next year. It was a moment in time when we were unified by fear- by anger that we had been attacked right here on our soil. It was a horrible time- and yet it was an amazing time of unity. For a brief millasecond- it didn't matter if you were democrat or republican. We hugged each other at the supermarkets, we stood in line and talked to people we didn't know because we all had something in common. We stopped at fire stations and thanked firefighters for their service. We had ribbons tied on our car antenes- and had ribbons on our shirts. We had stickers on our cars and flags flying outside our houses. We sang the songs and prayed the prayers..... and said we would never forget. I didn't think we would ever be normal again. I think some attitudes are worse now. No- I know some are worse now. Just look at our country now. I am amazed.
Have you seen the images of what happened on tv today? Have you heard about it at all? Well- I remember. And I am proud to be an American. I am PROUD of my military. I am PROUD of my president. We have much to be thankful for.

The best compliment ever.

Ok- the second best. The first would be someone told me that I was an amazing mother. that was the best. I love that. That is what I want to be.

Anyway......

The SECOND best......... three- THREE people have said I look like Sarah Palin with my glasses on today!!!! YES! I love it!

(I'll post a pick with my glasses on)

Wow

Last night was historic. It was brilliant. I am so proud to be an American- a Republican- and a woman. Sarah Palin gives such a spark to the Republican ticket. She is real. She is genuine. She is confident- and I am so proud of her.
I was not.... thrilled with McCain before this pick. I felt unsure- couldn't get a hold of what he said or stood for. With this choice for Vice President- I have renewed excitement for my party affiliation. I am Republican to the core- I love my country and am Patriotic to a ridiculous degree. I believe in a strong work ethic- which this country lacks greatly. I have much- because I have WORKED HARD to get it. And that is what our country stands for to me. That is what this country stands for to people all across the world who so desperately want to come here- the opportunity to work hard- and be something.
Sarah Palin has given us something to be proud of. Is not her family a symbol of what America is? A hard working family- a military son, her baby that will have some struggles in life, her teen daughter who is pregnant- but is keeping the baby and marrying the father- that is what America is. Some have tried to make a huge deal about the issue with her daughter- and it is so hypocritical. We embrace the celebs who go through this- we watch the movies that glorify it (Juno) but when its a Republican candidates daughter- 'oh the horror'- 'oh how could she'?? Please. It has happened- and I am so proud of the way they are handling it. What a statement they made in having the soon to be son-in-law up there with the family- because he is part of the family. I loved it.
Hearing John McCains story last night truly affected me. To think of what he went through- for our country- he really is an American hero. Yes- he is monotone when he speaks- he looks weird- but do we not understand why now? I don't care about that now. I understand why he is monotone- I now understand why he looks weird..... and I thank you- John McCain- for fighting for my country. Thank you for fighting for me; for MY freedoms and my rights. Yes- you are the one I want in the office of the President- you have my vote- and I am truly excited to cast that ballot!!

So- I had a very interesting oppurtunity last night. Gary Tuckman from CNN set up a panel of 7 here at my office to watch the speech and dialouge it before and after. (I work at and attend an AG church here in Northwest Florida) Of the seven- we all were Republican- 6 of us wanted Huckabee as our Presidential candidate at the start- 1 had always been for McCain (and he was a veteran) It was very interesting to hear diffrent views between Republicans- but we all ended up excited about the choice we have now. You can see our interview this Friday night from 9 to 10pm central on CNN.

God Bless America.

Fall.........

My favorite season is fall. Here in Northwest Florida- we don't get much fall- which is probably why I love it. I love fall decorations, I love sweaters and pumpkins and crisp air outside. I love crunchy leaves and hot chocolate. I love fall.
My husband and I vacation in Michigan every year- so that we can have 'fall'. We love Mackinac Island- and the UP of Michigan. Just he and I (we leave the kids with grandma) and it is a glorious time.
We leave in 32 days........ and I can't wait!!!

(I took this picture last year in Rogers City, Michigan. We don't get colors like this in Florida!!)

Comedian

My Josie is a comedian.
This happened last night........

Josie: Can I make ya'll some coffee? (yes, ya'll- we live in the south)

Dad: sure- that would be great (yes- my 11 year old knows how to make our coffee- we train them girls up right!!)

in a few minutes- she comes with a mug of coffee for dad......

Josie: here you go dad!

Dad: Thanks

Josie: know the diffrence between Bagelheads, Starbucks or The Drowsy Poet and me??

Dad: what?

Josie: MY coffee is $20!!! Pay up mister!!




I love her.

Happy Birthday Jordan

14 years ago today- my precious Jordan was born.

When I was growing up- I wanted to be a nurse on a Navy ship (I grew up in a Navy town) - then I wanted to be the first woman Blue Angel pilot (you know from other posts that I still love the Blues) - but more than anything- I wanted to be a great mom. I have a great mom- and I wanted to be that too. So when we had our sweet Jordan- I was the happiest mommy in the world. And I prayed that God would help me be the absolute best mother that I could be.
Jordan and I have an amazing relationship. One that so many of my friends are amazed at. I thank God EVERYDAY for the relationship I have with her. I pray that God protects our relationship. Jordan is a great young lady. Thank you, Lord, for letting me be her mom.

Happy Birthday my Jordan!
We have an exciting weekend of partys ahead!
(Ya'll pray for me- my house is going to be NOISY for the next 48 hours!)

(We woke up this morning to 20 pink flamingos in the front yard and signs all over that said Happy Birthday Jordan- her cousins decorated the yard in the middle of the night! Thanks cousins- that was great)

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Family history - Free genealogy

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Ancestors - Geneology

So they say my celebrity look alike is Christian Slater. I don't know what to think of that. Does that mean I look like a man.......... or is it Christian is pretty enough to be a girl. Should I be upset?
I've always liked him- he's hot. Now it feels.... kinda gross.

Positive Post Tuesday

My post today is about our incredible Youth staff at Brownsville Assembly of God. We are in the midst of our 12th Annual Branded By Fire youth conference here in Pensacola Florida. We have 1500 youth and youth leaders here from all over the U.S. and from as far away as Korea. It is amazing to see it all come together- and I want to lift up our Youth department that works for over 9 months organizing, planning and working to get this thing ready. They work so hard- and make it seem so easy to 'throw this together'.... yeah right! They are an amazing group- and I am proud of them. We are going to see kids lives changed this week- we are going to see teenagers get saved- and it will all be worth it.
Thanks Amy, Aaron, Paul, Ryan, Mike, Bobby, Cat, Christian, Kenton, Adam, Tony, Lauren, Kyle, Jordan, Michelle, Becca and all the interns!
Check it out.

The new kitties!!

Ok- so I shared how Josie wanted a dog so badly...... well for so many reasons that just wasn't something we can do right now. (mainly because we are gone all day) so we found out about these kitties and one thing lead to another ...... and we brought them home last night. Now- this is huge for me because, as you know, I am NOT an animal lover. But these are ok. I am holding them in the picture because they really are scared and don't want the girls to hold them yet. Josie cried because she wants them to love her RIGHT NOW!!! I told her to give them time- they will come around. I prayed really hard last night that God would help the kitties "come around" quickly- because Josie wants to hold them!!
The girl is Maddie (white and orange) and the boy is Rusty (all orange) I think they are going to do fine!

I love her.

My Jordan.

Beach Week!

We are having an amazing time at the beach this week! Just a couple of beach pictures to share.......

Warfare

This Sunday - June 22 at Brownsville Assembly of God- we are taping a LIVE Warfare CD during the morning service. So much has been going on in the church- we are in warfare right now- and our services have been POWERFUL the past 6 months. We are in warfare for our country right now- against sickness and disease- and for souls. If you are in the Pensacola area- come on out ready to worship on Sunday morning!

Check this out.

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

Funny......

That's just funny.

$5,400.00

We have entered the next phase of life with a budding teenager......... Braces!!



My beautiful blonde Jordan has started the process of spacers and expanders - and in about 3 months we will get the full set of braces that she will wear for 24 months.... all for the whopping cost of $5,400.00! She was so excited about it because her BFF Kelly just got them too..... well- she was excited until they put the spacers in.... that hurt.... and then she said (not kidding- she said this) "Mom- 5000.00 is too much for this. I tell you what- just get me a cell phone and forget the braces!!!" Ummm- I don't think so kid.
So- we are off for a new adventure as "brace face".

(Kelly- with her new braces-- and my Jordan at Pensacola Beach)

Positive Post Tuesday

Today I want to tell you about one of my dearest friends in the world- Susan. I have known Susan for about 20 years. Our weddings were a day apart - 18 years ago this month-. Susan became the Assistant Principal at her school this year- so we are very proud of her! Susan is one of the most positive people I know- and because of some health issues she has- she really could complain alot- but she dosen't. She has a disorder in that her kidneys produce stones continually. Some people know the pain you have when you are passing a kidney stone..... Susan passes stones everyday. EVERYDAY. The lining of her kidneys are incrusted with stones. She has had 12 surgeries to help get some of them out. The doctors can not explain why she continues to make stones. I joke with her that I wish these stones she is making were diamonds or rubys or emeralds - then she would be rich!! She has flown out to California for tests- and the doctors are studing her- because they can't understand what is going on. This past February we spent a weekend at the beach- and she had passed 48 stones the four weeks before- and she stopped counting after that. Susan is amazing- you would never know what she is going through- because she keeps a beautiful smile- and a great attitude. Thanks for being so amazing Susan. I love you! (used with her permission)

Home!

My girls come home from Mimi and grandaddy's tomorrow- and I am soo happy! I know they have had a great week- but I sure miss them when they are gone. That is part of my struggle - should I work my full time job.... or should I stay home- because I can.? At one time- we needed me to work to make it. I had been a stay home mom for 8 years- from the birth of my Jordan - then Josie- and home until Josie started kindergarten. By that time I was ready for adult interaction. I started working with our church- and it was a great blessing. I was able to have the girls at work with me if I needed and they were very flexable with my time. My job has increased at the office and I do have more time away from my girls than I want. With greater responsibility comes- sometimes- greater sacrifice. I am honored to be in the position I am in- I really am.... so I think that is part of why I feel bad sometimes that I do want to give it up. And during the school year- it's fine... but summertime is hard for me. I really would rather be with the girls. Instead- I have to find places for them to be all summer. They do some camps- but only those I know well- they aren't going anywhere I don't know well. They spend time at Mimi's- but that is 45 minutes away from me- so I don't get to have them home every night. By July I will be complaining alot- so please forgive me. And pray for me. I don't know what to do. I don't really feel released from my job... I feel that Pastor does need me and respects me greatly... and I appreciate that. But at the end of the day- all I really want to be is the best mom I can be for Jordan and Josie. They are the very breath I breathe. I want them to never wonder or question whether they are important to me and their dad. I want to do the right thing. It's great to have extra money- but I would rather have them.
That's on my mind right now.

We are addicted......

ok- this was taken out of the car window and that is dead bug matter there on the right!!


You already know it- but I will again admit that we are very addicted to Disney World. We no sooner get home from a trip then we are planning the next one. I always say- Ok THIS is our last trip for awhile...... and never fails- we are soon planning the next trip.
We were at Disney just one month ago for Josie's 11th birthday. We have already made our reservations for our next trip. We will be there in December- I can't wait!!
We are hopelessly in love with Mickey Mouse.

Poppy

for "Positive Post Tuesday" I want to tell you about one of my dad's........ yes I have two. Marty (he prefers Poppy- my girls call him that) is my step dad- he's been married to my mother for 20 years. We hated each other-I completely and totally hated- dispised- this man when he came into our lives. I was 17 years old- my parents had just divorced after 23 years of marraige- and I was on my path of distruction. He came in as a true knight in shinning armor for my mother.... and I set out to destroy it because it wasn't what I wanted. He pretty much ignored me and convinced my mother to marry him. I turned 18 one month after they got married- and 2 weeks later he kicked me out of the house. Because I was disresptful. It nearly crushed my mother. It could have destroyed our relationship- but the Lord is good- and it didn't. To make a long story short- he gave his life to the Lord, I met my soon to be husband and started living right, I moved back in one month before my wedding, Poppy and I had a heart to heart talk where we both asked for forgiveness- and we started a new relationship. 18 years later- he loves me and is so proud of my family. I love him and I am so proud of he and my mother. He is a great man- and I am glad my mom has him.
This picture is of me, my baby brother, my dad and Poppy. We make sure to always involve both of them in every part of our lives- because Poppy deserves it as much as my dad.
God is good- He is so good.

Random thing or two....

Well- I was thinking of some "I've never's" the other day- and I realized I have lived a sheltered life up until 4 years ago. I'm not complaining- I'm just saying.
I was thinking of some things I would like to do- but don't know that I will ever put the effort into doing them. Like:
- ride in a limo- no big deal, just never done it
- go on a cruise
- climb a mountain- I've skkied a mountain- love that!! but never climbed one.
- run a race- don't like running too much- but anyway
- learn to play tennis (this one- I really want to do)
- learn sign language (I do plan to do this)
- learn a foreign language (Spanish maybe)
- see New York
- have coffee in Seattle
- get a tattoo (ok really- I have always wanted one. I know I will never get one- just a little fantasy going on)

Random- I know.

Great weekend!

We are ready for a great weekend together- my husband the 'Grill Master' will fire it up- we have family get togethers and swimming.... it's going to be great. Take some time this Memorial Day weekend to just be together. Life is short- love your children and your families. Make memories.
Here's to you!

what he said.......

exactly.

Prayer

I know that by now most have heard about the tragic death of Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter. Please pray for this family. Pray for Steven's son who was involved in the accident- pray for him. It is going to be hard. I can't imagine what they are going through. I don't want to know what they are feeling. So pray for them- and go hug your children.

Last day of school.....

Tomorrow is the last day of school for my girls. It means no more getting up at 6am- well at least for them! I still have to go to work. So for the next week they will get to stay at Mimi and grandaddys and sleep late and swim in the pool all day! It's a bittersweet day for me- it means one year older my girls are and I realize time is slipping by. They will spend some days here at the office with me this summer- I am so very fortunate that my job is the way it is. We look forward to lots of friends over and lots for time outside. Happy Summer!

Prince Caspian

We went to see Narnia's Prince Caspian yesterday- and it was fantastic! I loved this movie. I assumed it would be good- we loved the first one- but it was great. GO SEE IT!! It is intense- my Josie was scared a few times- but it is amazing. I will see it again.

I am reading a beautiful book - 'Embrace Grace' by Liz Curtis Higgs. It's about accepting the forgiven life- the grace filled life that God has to offer. I ordered it in for a Women's conference we had and picked it up because the cover was pretty. The first thing I read was:

When the kindness and love
of God our Savior appeared,
He saved us,
not because of righteous things
we had done,
but because of His mercy.
Titus 3:4-5

That spoke to me on the spot. His mercy is greater than anything we have done. I know that God loves me- and I thank Him everyday for loving me. Sometimes when God does things in my life- I think-"God..... you have the wrong person- I am not great- I am a failure everyday! I don't deserve what you have done for me." But- it's not because I deserve the blessings He has bestowed upon me- it's because of His mercy- His grace. We are loved- we are forgiven.... simply by asking Him. I fight my flesh daily- but I know I can run to His word- and there I will find strength to make it through the day. How? Because...

God is our refuge
and strength,
an ever-present help
in trouble.
Psalm 46:1