I'm Too Sexy for this Hair

Afternoon Tea

My friend Michelle and I threw an afternoon tea party for some of the ladies at our church. Neither of us had ever thrown an Afternoon Tea before and we worked so hard to make everything pretty and yummy. I'm thinking ahead already for the afternoon tea I will throw for my mom who is having a decade birthday next March and am contemplating the menu. I've been looking at the pictures from our party this past March but it's so difficult to decide since everything Michelle and I served here was so much fun to make.

Where is my HOPE?

  During a time of economic uncertainty, we are faced with the question, "Where do I place my trust?"  As news clips roll in one after another with negative reports of our economy, the American people are left to wonder about their future, their retirement, and their possessions.  The nation is wondering and deliberating which leader will lead us out of this mess.  

I met a lady last week in a coin shop in Pasadena who told me she was buying gold coins to ensure that her possessions would hold it's value.  She informed me that paper money was worthless in the depression we are finding ourselves in.  Apparently gold would never drop in value like money would.  So, she advised that I hurry up and put in as much money as I can go without for gold until this horrible economic situation subsides.  The man who owned the store showed me bars of gold for thousands of dollars and enthusiastically informed  that many people have been paying him a visit during this national crisis.  

I thought about how easy it is for us to be frantic when our worldly treasures are at stake.  I immediately found myself a bit excited to run to the bank and come back to buy as many gold bars as I could afford.    And yet when we die, we can never take it with us.  God promises an inheritance that will never perish.  In 1 Peter 1:4 "... to an inheritance that is imperishable,"  This does not mean that we shouldn't seek counsel for our finances; Derek and I realize we have a lot of learning to do in this area and we certainly struggle to adhere to our budget.  So, we couldn't be more thrilled about the Finance Class that will be offered at our church soon. But the question is, "Where is your hope?"

I have confessed to some of you that God has recently been working in me to steward his financial blessings wisely.  I realize that it is a matter of self control and ultimately a desire to Glorify God with my spending.  God has been kind and gracious as I learn how to budget, adhere to the budget  all the while training up Josh to honor God in this area too.  He gives us all that we need.  We are so blessed.  And during all of this craziness in our nation's economy, I place my hope in Jesus.  

We'll be voting soon to choose a leader for our nation.   Who will  you choose to be the leader of your heart?

Ronald Reagan Library

Today Josh and I headed out to Simi Valley for a day trip with our dear friends Bethany and her kids Seth, Jude and Adelee.  We rushed over there to catch the last day the Emancipation Proclamation papers would be on display.  I found out they only allow for these historic papers to leave the Lincoln Memorial once a year and for only 4 - 5 days each time.  We were so blessed to see a bit of history in person.  The boys were great! They were boys don't get me wrong.   But they were so well behaved.  We were there for nearly five hours! 

 We got to see Air Force One and other aircrafts that were used during the Reagan Administration.  Bethany and I tried not to spend any money.  So, Jelly Bellies and a sticker book was our only treat to the boys.  ;-P    This kept the boys entertained on the way back.  Everyone was happy.  Even Adelee was happy to take a little nap.  We were so tired when we got home, but we had so much fun.  Here are my favorite pics from out trip.  

summer days

We've had a busy summer hanging out with family and friends. Josh learned to swim in just 9 days so he's a little fish now. We went to Santa Barbara twice and were a part of VBS at a church here in town. We're settling nicely into the La Canada community and are grateful for the home God has so graciously provided. Joshua will start school tomorrow; it will be his third year in preschool... He is quite comfortable in the most wonderful school EVER. Derek continues to work on television shows for the home and garden network. He's currently working on a pilot show which has been keeping him busy. We're excited for the upcoming change of season and are looking forward to seeing the leaves change color as we have a beautiful liquid amber outside that will be gorgeous in October... something to look out for on my blog. I have no time to upload new pictures but watch out for it as maybe I will get some up tonight. : )