Week and Weekend Refreshment

This season of Lent is finding me still.  In my desire to refresh and restore, I'm not having too much to say. The in and out rhythms of our days are not as full as before, but work still beckons to be done, meals to be made, dances to dance, and stories to tell.  All of which have taken place among our four walls lately. . .and at our marriage ministry and my MOMS group at church.  God is slowly, painstakingly slow. . .working out the details in the lives we love.We're just trying to obey and keep our circle close and draw near in prayer. Lord knows, we all could use more of that.

 I've found a lot of little ways to sneak in one on one time with the kiddos lately.  Yard work and an estate sale with this guy, followed by reading outside on the couch.  I love that we had this Saturday afternoon together!

 Adventuring around a local city on a minimum day meant the discovery of a local memorial and a train museum!  The docent was so knowledgeable and it was so interesting!  I am glad we stopped!

Sam's club runs with a churro and soda from time to time, never hurt anyone.  I love how Bubba asked if we could take an "us-sie" as opposed to a selfie (I assume).

During bible study, they needed some extra help in child care, so I showed up.  I loved watching my girl sing her little heart out, "I've got that JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart! Where?  Down in my heart!"  I loved being a part of her study and she was happy I was there too!

 Volleyball season is over so we celebrated at Shakey's.  I love that Lene has found a sport she enjoys.  I love that it's not super competitive and that she is learning more each year.  I also love that it's one hour of practice each week, and one 45 minute game.  That leaves more time for the family stuff that fills me so!

This weekend found us among friends who get us.  Friends who it's completely okay to be ourselves with, no apologies for our beliefs or our desire to shield our kids from the really hard stuff that there will be plenty of time for later on. . .friends who are just a JOY to be around.  And we get them.  The beauty of the mountains surrounded us and deep breaths of gratitude, solitude, and harmony were mine for the gulping Having all the kids together for the day meant a lot to us.  It's that reminder that we need to keep presenting opportunities for our kids to be together to build within them the desire to like their siblings as friends.  That is so much easier said than done, but certain moments like last night, around the ice skating rink when Little and Kendra stood with Janessa to watch the big kids, they all flocked together and I just had to capture the moment.  It was genuine happiness in their being together and it shows on all their faces. . .except Anthony, because it looks like he blinked BUT I know that kid worked his tail off to be able to go this weekend. There were some assignment issues he needed to get verification from three teachers about.  And he did.  He wanted to be where we were. . .and it was a great weekend together!

Even Coco joined in on the fun!

Restore & Refresh

In addition to putting down my iphone and staying away from Instagram, I also signed myself up for an online workshop during the Lenten season.  "Restore Workshop is a six week online course geared towards adult women who have struggled or are struggling with or want to avoid burnout. It is for any woman who wants to nurture joy within her life and the lives of those around her."  For some odd reason, after a year of book club, and four years of leading a Good Morning Girls group, teaching part time, and mothering around the clock on top of being a God-loving wife. . .I found myself on the brink of burn out.  I was doing, but without the passion and drive that had once fueled me.  My tank was empty and I felt ready to crash and burn.  Unfortunately, those who would suffer most would be my family.

Thank God, I recognized the road I was headed down.  I knew I was distracted.  I knew I was tired of leading.  I knew I was comparing and I also knew that comparison was the thief of joy.  I completed my last session of Good Morning Girls and am on an official hiatus.  Letting go of that responsibility alone made me look forward to my morning quiet  time where I could now FOCUS on the workshop and its daily reflections that were beginning to restore my enthusiasm for my role as wife, mom, and daughter of the King. All the things I was doing in His name,  meant nothing if my heart wasn't in it and I wasn't seeking Him first in my own daily relationship.  Doing something out of habit without the heart, wasn't filling up my tank. Lesson learned. But I will probably need a reminder down the road. Just keeping it real!

Spring break came along at just the right moment and Sunday we spent some family time outside bike riding. I am realizing that I need to keep stepping out of my comfort zones when it comes to fully doing life with my kids.  Dad is the active one, the adventurer, the explorer. . .and some of their best memories I'm not a part of because I've stayed behind or opted to grocery shop or clean.  Really?!!!! These kids are growing up right before my eyes and I better ride bikes with them while they still want me to! So what if the hills around the lake make me nervous!  Get over it, J!

Monday, we had a friend over and the girls got away for some girl time.  Usually Lene Bean is treated to a mani/pedi at her birthday only--it's a ritual my aunt started with her when she was about five.  But Little's girlfriend had offered to take her. . .and she really wanted to go, so I jumped right in and said we would all meet her there.  Even Nessa had her nails painted and adorned with polka-dots. Sometimes it's a nice surprise to do the thing you don't usually splurge on!

Lunch concluded our girl time out together.  The rest of the afternoon was spent with the kids singing, dancing, collecting worms, playing house, playing tennis, and just a jovial time of kids being kids!

Today I knew I wanted to cease another free day, but what to do, what to do?  Val's sister-in-law recommended the arboretum.  I can't even remember the last time I was there, so off we went.

Ten kids and SO much to see. . .it felt refreshing and rejuvenating to be outside enjoying God's beautiful earth.  I loved watching the kids explore. I loved exploring beside them: turtles, waterfalls, peacocks, the scent of orange blossoms. . .add someone else's kid sinking in the mud into the mix and you have the complete trip!  It's not an adventure unless something unexpected takes place!

Sometimes some cousin time is just what the doctor ordered!  Add to that the realization that true friends really do become family: love and friendship are blessings we should not take for granted.  I love that this bench shot serves as that reminder.

I'm always taking the pictures, but today I wanted to reflect and remember this day trip that refreshed my soul.  I felt so happy to be with my kiddos today. 

After, we went out to eat and then headed home to tell daddy all about our adventures. While Lene worked on some research for a school project, Nessa requested some homework so we did a little shared writing activity.  I think we make a great team!

And as if the day could have been any better. . .my biggest littles began writing stories about a concept that they had discussed with their grandpa over a month ago: Mrs. Pimplebottom.  It was awesome to see them working side by side, totally engaged in the adventures they were creating.  Neither wanted to go to bed--they were THAT into their stories.

I have come to expect this creativity from Anjalene. . .but Bubba?  Tonight was new for him. He may have lifted a few ideas from listening to his sister's read aloud to me, but all in all, he was really into it and excited about his creation. I love their imaginations! 

Tonight's takeaway:  We all have stories to tell.  Just as we all have a life to live.  It can only  be our best life if we avoid comparisons with others and try to stay true to who God is calling us to be.  I love that when I stop listening to outside influences and the goings on of others, I feel most able to hear God's voice in my own life.  Let's just say, I've been hearing a lot lately. . .but I'll save that for another post. Two days into Spring Break and my soul is definitely being restored!

Lent, Loss, and Littles

Did I mention that I was giving up Instagram this Lenten season?  I have. I miss it terribly, but probably not for all the right reasons.  Apparently, I'm not really good at self control.  I found myself scrolling through feeds every chance I got.  And all for what really?  A small glimpse into someone else's seemingly perfect life?  On social media, people share the best parts.  They share what they want you to see.  And sometimes I'm the one that is left feeling not good enough based simply on what I see.  The person whose kids are so darn together all the time?  Mine will walk out, hair looking like Diana Ross if I let her.  My ragamuffin takes great pride in dressing herself even if I cringe in her color combinations or shoes on the wrong feet.  And what about feeling left out of certain circles because pictures are posted from an event you weren't invited to?  While I know, you can't always be invited it still might sting for just a second.  I try to be respectful and responsible with what I post, but really I have no control over what the people around me do. Sigh

I am finding the desire to be on my phone has diminished some simply by taking Instagram away.  Why did it take a giving up of something to see the error of my ways?  In the car when E drives, I'm engaging in conversation now, not staring down at my device.  When we're watching a movie together, I'm not tempted to sneak a peek of the life someone else is living and enjoying mine.  It is obvious to me that my personality is such that social media is addictive.  One Lent left me saying good-bye to Facebook and this one is figuring to be the same with Instagram.  Relief.

It's not pretty to recognize a behavior that needs to be changed.  It's especially hard to accept when the letting go of this said behavior feels like a loss.  It's real and personal.  Yuck! "No man is able to be a servant to two masters: for he will have hate for the one and love for the other, or he will keep to one and have no respect for the other. You may not be servants of God and of wealth".--Matthew 6:24  

Had I become a slave to my phone? No bueno.  


In the meantime, I am thankful that I knew what I needed to give up and was obedient to His request. Everything looks so much better when I'm not looking at the screen of my iphone and am instead, enjoying the life going on around me!  We celebrated three birthdays last week.  The boys took a desert trip for some off road fun.  I got to spend some one on one time with my oldest little lady.  We enjoyed tea together and listened to a message about God keeping his eye upon the sparrow.  I'm noticing all of these little signs of her growing up and I'm enjoying those moments she lets me pour into her and is absolutely lovely and agreeable.  Truth is, I realize it won't always be this way but I'm thankful for it now and appreciate this calm before the inevitable teenage storm.  

And since I'm not living with my hand on the phone. . .I don't have a lot of pictures to post.  But that's okay. I'm engraving them on my heart.  Even better: )

Seeing Things

I saw a most interesting sight this morning.   The first time I saw "it"  but" it" didn't register.  Honestly, I think I may have wondered quickly, "what in the world?" but that thought was quickly replaced by walking my preschooler to her classroom and saying good-bye.  As I waited at the stop sign, right turn signal blinking, I saw "it" again. Then I paused before proceeding into my turn where I could really see "it."
The man wasn't so much who I was interested in.  "It" was the cross he carried as he walked down Bonita Ave. in broad daylight that had my attention.  The real, wooden cross that took my mind off everything else. . .because he looked like I imagine Jesus did as he carried his cross on his way to his crucifixion and and the crowds stood by and watched.

This man's cross was large and wooden but it had a wheel or something that was helping him to drag it as he walked.  And I'm not sure what fascinated me more.  His walking with it down the busy avenue or  the concept behind it--and that I would happen to see him, dragging this during the Lenten season.  I couldn't shake the image--still can't because of what that cross represents.

I wish I had stopped and not just assumed it was his preferred method of exercise for the day.  I bet there is an interesting meaning or reason for why he does this. Yet I find it odd that I travel this road three times a week at the exact same time and I have never seen him before--then I wonder if I will see him again.  Finally my brain goes into this weird world of what if that was Jesus and I just drove by.  I didn't give him the time of day because I was too busy returning library books and going grocery shopping.  I mean, really Janene! How many times, Janene?

I had a similar experience a year ago. Bubba was in the car with me.  It was a beautiful Summer like day and we were driving to Sam's Club when I could make out a strange image ahead to my right.  I say strange because from a distance it looked like a pale, naked woman with long, flowing hair walking North while I was traveling South.  As we waited at a light, sure enough, it was a naked woman without even a pair of shoes.  My eyes bugged out of my head and when the light turned green I went--I looked back at my son who was looking out the window. . .of course he was! His surprised expression answered the question I spoke aloud, "Was that what I thought it was?" He responded, "Yep, she was naked."

I continued driving, totally in disbelief with what we had both just seen.  Then I panicked, what if she wasn't okay.  People weren't stopping. And I had that thought, what if. . .and I just drove on?  So, I turned around as soon as I could legally do u turn. . .and she had just vanished!  I didn't see any police officers or any sign of anything.  She was just gone.  If my son hadn't seen her too, I would have thought I was a little crazy.

Today's sighting made me think of that day--and I pretty much just drove by--AGAIN! I guess the good is that both incidents made me take pause and reflect.  I think I may just have to take a walk tomorrow morning and see if our paths cross so I could actually ask if there's a story behind the carrying of the cross.  Maybe it only comes out at Lent.  Maybe it is his way to remind the rest of us of the sacrifice He made for our sins.  Maybe, maybe, maybe. . .and maybe not. But I like the way it made me think. 

Hamster, Happiness and Everything in Between

Last week was one of a kind, really.  We had to lay Lene's hamster, Skittles, also known by Nessa as Scoots, to rest.  The kids just happened to have minimum day for most of the week so she had a few girls over to celebrate his life.  It was a beautiful service with bible verses read, two eulogies and a most quaint rendition of "Star Spangled Banner."  His final resting place is in grandma and grandpa's backyard alongside some of our other furry friends who have gone before.

The celebration was a simple gathering of friends, lifting each other up on an otherwise dark day.  I love the simplicity of being a kid and the things that make you feel better and more able to move on.  Note to self:  follow their leads.

The weekend was one of rest and family time.  Saturday ended up at the park with one of Jonathan's close friends from school.  It just happened we both arrived at the same time and got to let our kids enjoy each other's company while we visited and shared how faithful God has been in our lives.  I love when that happens:  what a gift!

Some lovely lemons were given to us from a friend's tree so what a perfect opportunity to make fresh squeezed lemonade together!  The top left picture was taken Saturday morning.  I happened to catch Jonathan with one of the neighbor boys, eating sunflower seeds atop our light posts in the front yard.  They were so cute to listen to and watch from afar.  I didn't want to ruin their third and fourth grade cuteness by opening the door to ask for a picture (even though it would have turned out much cuter ).  I was able to kick my feed up and listen to my girl as she belted out practice solo parts for choir.  Her voice, music to my ears regardless of if she gets a part.  Mother/Son night out with my Bubba-love-a  was a gift.  hearing his heart and all the happenings at school, sitting side by side and totally engaged in conversation for a whole meal with NO interruptions. . .priceless!!!

Sunday dinner at my uncle's with some home made Peruvian food was different from our average day but a gift nonetheless.  Being with my siblings and cousins is my idea of fun.  So much so, that we went out with another set of cousins for wine tasting the night before.  That was fun too!  What a great weekend we had!

Lent started and we gave up dessert as a family.  This sacrifice is a lot easier than television as we have done in the past.  I gave up my favorite social media outlet: Instagram.  It was too easy to browse aimlessly throughout my day.  It has only been a week and I feel like this fast will be a good one for me.  I feel it and it makes me realize how I waste time that could be spent truly connecting with my kids, husband, or friends.  I am still slowly sipping on Hands Free Mama.  I'm going through the house and donating forty bags in forty days and am being cautiously optimistic that my distracted, busy life is able to be reigned in.  I will use this Lenten season to focus on the ones who are here in my everyday world that need all of me--my eyes meeting theirs, my ears hearing their hearts, my hands holding theirs, my feet walking beside them to play or do, and all the while relishing this gift that is their childhood and the role I have to play in it.

In the meantime, I'm still stepping out on faith and seeing where God lands me.  Keeping my eyes on Him.  All the time.

Just What You Need. . .When You Need It

Yesterday was like a breath of fresh air.  A relief. Restful.  Since the day after Christmas Lene has been preparing five days a week for the show, "Little Mermaid."  Saturday night, after nine shows, they concluded.  It was an emotional end for her, as we told her as much as we love the director and think what these kids do on that stage is incredible, we need more time with our girl.  We want her back.  Two shows this year has just about worn us out. . .and unless we can reach some sort of deal where she can only work three days a week, it just can't happen again.  It drains us, so I imagine it must drain her.  She's tired and it shows: her attitude, her whipping through her homework, sleeping in until the last possible moment. She needs a break and since she's not old enough to realize it, then it is our job to.

As usual, everything about the performance was phenomenal.  The dedication and hours these kids put in is amazing!  So far this year they have raised over twenty thousand dollars to put towards their New York trip!  There has not been a single show that we have been to that has disappointed.

Bubba cried at the end.  I love his sensitive heart.  He also told Mr. Lewis he would like to be in Hook--a little problematic for all the reasons I mentioned above.  However, these kids Kristin and Sean are role models for my kids and so good to them and encouraging.  Our final Saturday matinee was a real treat, and how much all the actors and dancers had grown since opening night!!

So, Sunday the boys were going to go riding and the girls were going to have an all day girls date.  I can't believe they took pictures and I didn't! Father and son discussing where to head next, I think.

Our day included a visit from a friend in which we learned a little bit about a famous artist and practiced our hand at painting. . .

We watched a movie and just enjoyed the day.  When it came time to go to church and the boy's weren't back yet I knew we were on our own.  The First Sunday of Lent, I wanted to be there, but the thought of doing church alone with the three-year-old felt daunting.  The girls showered and Lene combed, blew dry, and put Nessa's hair up and chose her clothes.  They both dressed up a little bit and we were off.

At church we sat two rows from the front. . .not my choice, believe me--that's a long walk if I needed to escape quickly.  But we sat and met our neighbors and kept near the end of the pew just in case. . . Around the homily, I realized we might actually make it because Nessa was just plain good.  By the sign of peace, the man in the front row turned around and said, "I am so enjoying your little one's precious responses!  I bet she is so well behaved because she learned from her big sister."  I may have forgotten to mention, Nessa is like a parrot these days, echoing responses and singing loudly the songs.

That man's encouragement/compliment filled my heart with such joy.  It was in that instant that I flashbacked on all our struggle with the Catholic Church and the idea of there not being enough for the kids. . . and I realized God met me right there in that moment.  All the squirminess, exhaustion, and attention diversions, made this moment so much sweeter.  Me and my girls experienced church together last night.  The baths and getting ready leading up to it, the dinner we went out to celebrate after it. . .all brought me back to what church is all about.

Dinner request? Shu-shi as Nessa calls it. We sat at a table and our pastor happened to be there. He had seen us at the start of mass and now he came and sat down at our table to talk to the girls. When this man speaks, it's as if he is speaking directly to you, and he knows exactly what you need to hear.  Our parish is blessed to have him. It filled my heart with peace.  We are right where we belong, it said to me.  Right where we belong. A day of rest and refueling. . .a night of affirmation and appreciation.

April 13, 2012

I had this goal during Lent to make my own Child Training Bible.  A good friend and I got together one night and worked on our own for a couple hours.  I finished the rest at home.  It is by no means perfect. But I'm okay with that. I used what I had on hand and did my best. 

It is so neat because now I have verses on hand when my children act in ways that are not appropriate.  Maybe they are bickering.  Or maybe one is having jealousy issues or there have been times that my kids have been caught in a lie. . .and I would always say something along the lines, "Jesus. . ."but I don't know scripture.  I am getting better at reading it and am more familiar with verses, but I don't know it, know it.  You know?

Anyways, I have this pretty little book sitting on my kitchen counter now.  It was the same one that traveled in the RV with us to read aloud while we were away on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.  It is now being incorporated into our little lessons as we happen upon them.  It's a fine line trying to teach and do so lovingly, because the truth is sometimes when they:  are not listening, fighting, complaining, tattling, being disobedient, and acting selfishly (to name a few)--I am a bit beside myself and show it.  So this bible is as much for me as for them--we are all works in progress and I'm just excited that in addition to our devotionals, we have God's real word right there at our finger tips.  they can see me in it, and they have access to it during teaching times and just to thumb through to see what it is really about.

April 10, 2012

Our 40+ days of Lent might be over, but I think my card sending ways will continue.  It felt so nice to send cards to people we were specifically praying for during this Lenten season.  Several years ago, on my mom's birthday, she lost two of her cousins (brothers) in a tragic boating accident.  They were my Aunt Katie's only children. . .and although I did not know them, it was very sad.  

To be honest, when my Aunt was on my heart and in my mind--I didn't recall about the day her sons died--as time has passed, I simply. . .forgot.  However, I just so happened to send her a card around that significant date and she was so grateful.  That is God working through me to lift someone else up. 

For St. Patrick's day we sent a card to a teacher we used to work with.  She has been living with pancreatic cancer for two years.  It was a funny card--it had Obama on the front.  She and my husband had a very good, always joking relationship.  I am sure she had a good laugh.  Her funeral is tomorrow.  

So I want to be more attuned to His voice.  I want to buy cards that encourage and use His words to bless others as His words have blessed me. . .so Lent may be over, but my card sending days are not.

March 19, 2012

We are halfway into our Lenten sacrifice of giving up the television.  It has been difficult on some days because the television drowns out the noise of life sometimes.  At the end of a day, weary, the t.v. beckons you to sit mindlessly and escape whatever the reality of your day was.  When the television is on, it's okay not to converse deeply with your spouse because it's this unspoken understanding that you are done. Feet up, chair reclined, comfortable from head to toe...done.

Without the noise, I have found my husband on the computer, or HP pad, searching, in my opinion mindlessly.  For what? A Porsche.  He has this dream of owning a Porsche.  Now keep in mind, it would not be to commute--he drives over an hour and a half one way to work each day. . .it would also not fit the number of children we have. . .nor do we have a parking place for it (remember our house is on the smaller side--think one and a half car garage) nor do I see the value in it if he just wants to park it.

So, last night I asked him why he wastes his time looking at something that isn't a possibility for now. His reply was simple, "Everyone needs a dream." 
He's right.
My cosmic postcard waiting for me this morning was the image above.
God's little whisper not to shatter his dream. . .
Chase rainbows, friends. 
Chase rainbows.

February 28, 2011

I just finished this book:  Radical by David Platt.  Wow!  In the final chapter, one quote that stood out to me, perhaps because of my blog's name is, "In our quest for the extraordinary, we often overlook the importance of the ordinary, and I'm proposing that a radical lifestyle actually begins with an extraordinary commitment to ordinary practices that have marked Christians who have affected the world throughout history.  How will it transform your life, radicalize you, to let your mind and spirit be saturated by the word of God day after day?. . .read the entire bible in a year."

This is my second attempt at reading the bible in a year.  Growing up, although I attended Catholic School, we never read the bible cover to cover.  We weren't required to memorize verses either, which disappoints me today.  I find myself trying to memorize right alongside my children, which works, but I wish I had more extensive knowledge of the bible instead of googling verses about (fill in the blank).

I've spent too much time time looking for this or that from my church community--which ironically, the author points out--
". . .if  'God loves me" is the message of Christianity, then who is the object of Christianity? Me.  God loves me.  Christianity's object is me. Therefore when I look for a church, I look for the music that best fits me and the programs that best cater to me and my family. . .I will choose according to what is best for me."  This is not biblical Christianity.

"The message of biblical Christianity is 'God loves me so that I might make him--his ways, his salvation, his glory, and his greatness known among all nations.'" Yes!!!

There is a list of five steps we can take to live the Radical Experiment.
1.  Pray for the entire world.
2.  Read through the entire word.
3.  Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose.
4.  Spend your time in another context.
5.  Commit your life to a multiplying community.

Each step is explained in depth and there is also a website with  resources. I dug into this book and read parts aloud to Ernie. I like that I walk away with specific things to ponder.  I like that it encouraged me with the path I am currently on in terms of a bible reading plan and praying for others.  I appreciate Platt's view of what is going on in the world, those suffering in poverty, and those who do not have the opportunity to know our Lord.

There is something I can do. Right now. And so can you.  Pray.  This Lenten season, let us all offer up prayers for the world.

February 26, 2012

Weekend Recap

We had a fun filled weekend with beautiful weather to boost!  Friday night after our weekly park play, one of Lene's friends since kindergarten came to spend the night.  Sleepovers aren't common practice but I offered to babysit and knew the two would enjoy the time together--and they did!  My favorite part was watching them from my doorway as they sang aloud to some Kid Bopz tunes.  They were hilarious, loud, dancing and totally into it. . .it reminded me of many a sing along, lip syncs with my neighbors and cousins growing up.  Classic kid fun thing to do!

The early hours of the day were spent waiting to hear the results of Ernie's final step test.  Happy to report he passed with flying colors--which means he is only six months away from becoming a journey man.  This four year program has been intense, demanding, and dangerous.  I'm so proud of his determination and accomplishments.  Later, while eating he said it makes him feel proud to know that he can provide for the family and offer me the opportunity not to work.  He appreciates the effort and energy I put into our family and home life.  The fact that he feels this way makes me appreciate all his effort all the more.  It would be very easy to keep going, making what we are making and buy bigger, spend more, splurge on unnecessary stuff and live the "big life."  But he's content (as am I) with the life we've created, the home we've built, the simple life we lead.  We choose for this to be enough. . .

We've also made a choice this Lenten season to turn off the television which is affording us plenty of time for extra-curricular activities like a Saturday afternoon bike ride.  It was time to take my bike out on the road for the first time. The kids were so excited that I was coming with them, and I did fine once I figured out the whole gear thing (on the way home)!   As the kids raced ahead of me I kept thinking to myself, "Enjoy this."  And I really tried to appreciate the airplanes landing at the airport, the porsches racing at the Speedway, the lake view, and the old man feeding the ducks.  I also enjoyed a break!

I watched my children run and play together on the shore.  I listened to their screams of delight as they raced chasing the ducks into the water.  I sat back and took it all in--the beautiful surrounding, these gifts God has given me in my children's quirky personalities, and this man who takes such an active role in the raising of his children. What a beautiful way to spend an afternoon--together!

Another cool thing I did this weekend was attend a rather large Treasure Swap at a new friend's house.  Everyone brought whatever they were done with and she designated different room in her house to lay out all the goods.  There was SO much to choose from and it was FREE!!! Bubs kept saying this was the best sale he had ever been to since everything was free. It really was so cool to walk away with new pieces of clothing that didn't cost a cent.  The yellow jacket I wore on the bike ride was one of my new pieces. . .

As are all three shirts I'm wearing here:  New tank, underneath a new top, with a Roxy button down cordoroy jacket.  I came home with at least twelve pieces for myself alone!!  A great weekend with the family again--so blessed.