16th Anniversary & Julianne's 13th Birthday Celebration!

I love my man! Brian and I have been married 16 years today! I am more in love with him now than ever! What a joy to grow in the Lord's love together. May we be a tangible representation of Christ and the Church, one that reflects this relationship with purity and grace so as to draw men to Jesus Christ.

Our baby is now 13 (well, almost...on the 29th). We just returned from our trip to San Francisco with Julianne and had a wonderful weekend. Our trip in brief--Julianne picked out the first ring she laid eyes on (her purity ring), rode a cable car, got make up, stayed at the Westin, read all the amazing letters to Ju from beloved family and friends, ate a lot, shopped a bit, saw the Bush man, laughed together, relaxed, watched some TV, stayed on the 4th floor because Brian is a conscientious firefighter now (ladders can only go up to the 8th floor in case of a fire), and witnessed a riot with our friend, Beth, at the Westfield Mall.

Our Covenant God

I haven't checked in for awhile, and this will be a quick post, because Brian is taking part of his 12 month fire test right now and when he is done, we are going to meet up and celebrate at Chick-fil-A...because it is always, "a wonderful day at Chick-fil-A". (That is what we say at the drive through.) Another reason to eat there today--Brian is in his uniform and any "service person" gets their meal for half price.

I am in awe of the Covenant Keeping God to whom I belong. All morning long, actually for years now, I can't stop thinking about the Lord's faithfulness. He is completely trustworthy! What a gift He has given us in the New Covenant, the promise of Jesus, our Redeemer, Messiah, Savior, and the Holy Spirit's sanctifying work in our lives! I just have to shout Hallelujah! Hallelujah! No one can set aside or add to this covenant that the Lord chose to bind Himself to. He has done all the work. I am a recipient of His grace and am oh so thankful. May He enable us to believe Him each moment today because He has given us a clean heart and we are pure and holy because of Jesus' finished work on the cross. O, I am getting way to excited to be sitting in my seat. Let us, as followers of Christ, glory in Him.

October in an Acorn Hull (ie: a nutshell)

October came and went and it is now the eve of the Elections. Here is a glimpse of the last month.

Melody arrived in our home toward the end of September and cleaned the pantry and reorganized it! [What I'm pointing at in the picture is a U.P.P.- an Unidentifiable Pickle Product, Date of Orgin: unknown. -Melody] Praise the Lord for those gifted with organization and love doing it. I think this was taken in September, but I don't remember, so it is now in the October bunch. This was such a gift of love to me.

Ashlyn, Melody, and Julianne decided to wash the car and soak each other in an all out water war. I have no idea who won, but they were all happy and wet by the end.[And there was a clean car! -Melody]

Julianne and Will, my nephew, dipped Nutter Butter cookies in white chocolate and made ghosts, thanks to Grandma for supplying the ingredients. We assured Will they were the Holy Ghosts...so I know there isn't more than One, but we didn't want to scare him. :)
This is Clint Walbeck, and I had to include this picture because it is priceless, or should I say, the priciest bucket of ice cream ever. Clint and Erin are so sweet to bring dessert to Taco Tuesdays and Clint stopped by Ben and Jerry's on the way home from Men's Fraternity, so we could enjoy some sweets. There is a huge story behind it, but to sum it up, the bucket you are looking at cost Clint $30. It was memorable. Kylen is running in his first championship cross country race ever and got a personal record. This picture was shot around a mile into the run. We are so proud of Kylen's diligence and perseverance. [We are such a good looking family! -Melody]
Ashlyn and Melody are Greek Goddesses, of course. They got ready in about 10 minutes and their costumes turned out great. They all dressed up for a youth group activity last Wednesday and played a game throughout a neighborhood called, "Bigger or Better". The teams began with a business card from church and the goal is to go to houses and get people to give you something bigger or better than what you have. Melody and Julianne's group came back with a fully fuctioning air hockey table that they carried back to the church from two blocks away, all in their costumes.
Kylen, the mechanic

Julianne and Hannah...Hershey Kisses...picture them carrying the hockey table in those.
Fun pumpkins...Brian was working this year and he has always been the one to carve with the kids, so we missed him but had some help from Josh and Melody and it's hard to believe, but the kids are big enough to carve all by themselves.

By the way, Melody is the witty one...she came up with the whole Acorn Hull idea in the title...I thought it was cute.

...And now this is Melody signing out for Yvonne. She had to run (well, more drive) to pick up Julianne and Kylen from 4-H stuff (I'm not really sure what exactally they're doing, but I'm sure they had a good time!). Ashlyn is already asleep [I've heard that daylight savings can make your body tired, but really? 7.30 bedtime for a 15 year old? Come on Ash! --just kidding, I love you!]

Anyway, October has been a great month for me loving my new fam and getting set in some holiday traditions already with them- home-brewed spiced carmel apple cider with whip, anyone? I feel that I can say October was overall a pretty good month for all of us, busy though we were, and that we're all looking forward to the holidays to come [yeah, maybe we did already listen to some christmas music on our family outting to the library]! So there you have it:

Goodbye, October;

Welcome November!

Thankful for clean trays & first week reflection!

After finishing my first week as an employee of Chick-fil-A, I am overwhelmingly grateful for the trays that food comes on when I go to fast food places. I never knew that someone stood in the back sanitizing trays for hours on end. I have two bruises on my left arm that I got as a result of rotating the trays, spraying, scrubbing, wiping...and so on. The Lord has much to teach me and I love that He takes time to instruct me experientially.

I walked away with a greater appreciation and love for people. By golly, I thought that I loved people a lot, but the Lord sure did some increasing of it in me this week. The people I have the privilege of working with are truly treasures.

I am working during the busy busy time of the lunch hours and can't talk deep with anyone, so I pray for them and I wipe...I pray for myself as I learn how to push buttons on a computer register and..boy do I feel nervous. I know this wouldn't be efficient to do, but if only I could write every one's order on paper, I would feel ecstatic.

Those of you who know anything about me know how I long to know the hearts of people and to love them with the love of Jesus and for them to know and believe the love of Jesus as well...I long for this with everything in me.

Can I just tell you how impressed I am with the philosophy of this company? The chicken they sell is just the vessel to go deeper in relationship with people! Wow!

I have had quite the variety of responses from people when I tell them I am working at Chick-fil-A. Some have said, "I can totally see you doing that...serving people and such." Others have been quite surprised because they feel as though I have been alive awhile and would be better fitted doing something a little more "prestigious". Whatever the responses, I am confident the Lord has directed me to this place at this time to love others with His love by serving them and know the the LORD with greater intimacy.

Glorify Yourself, Lord, as I serve chicken sandwiches, wash tables, smile at guests and team members, pray for those who come in and out between 11-2 o'clock on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Newest Chick-fil-A Employee

I am so excited, I just had to tell you all that I get to work at Chick-fil-A, 3 hours a day, 3 days a week. The Lord has given me such a desire to be there...it seems strange, even to me, but I am ecstatic to be able to love on the guests as well as my fellow team members.

Kylen's 14th Birthday and other September Tidbits

Look at that smile! This is who Kylen is! He brightens my day with that smile. 14 years old and growing into his manhood. Ky has a zest for life and loves to play. If he has his choice, everything he does would have "fun" in it. He has a sensitivity for others and comes up to me at times and says, "Mom, do you need a hug, are you sad?" Can you believe the Lord gives us such precious gifts?! We had Taco Tuesday yesterday and our friend, Erin, baked him a Funfetti cake (see...everything is fun with Kylen). We will have his birthday party on Friday and go disc golfing at Woodward Park. Kylen, you are a treasure and a it is an honor to be your mom.
Kylen's first ever cross country race...a little less than two miles. He placed 11th in the district. We cheered him to the finish line. He did an amazing job.
This was at the wedding of my best friend, Eugenie's daughter, Emily. It had a western flair and was an absolute blast. Emily is not pictured here, because I didn't have the camera most of the time (the kids did), so I only have a picture of Emily and Cody's backs.

We are pleased to announce...the newest addition of our family--Melody Sleezer. We have the privilege of sharing in life together for the next nine months to a year. We met Melody at Hume a couple of years ago, and as I write this she is taking the kids to youth group and is bowling with them. How special that is for me as a mom to have others invest in our kids lives!

Oh, another new thing to share with you all, we are beside ourselves that my Grandpa has moved to Fresno. He is living at an assisted living facility and I get to visit him a couple, few times a week. This has been a treat, because we haven't had too much time together in the last ten years.

The Lord continues to bless our socks off. Thank you, Lord for today, and for September of 2008! We worship You, for you are the One who is in control of everything every second of the day.

3rd Day's the Charm

This was Day 3 of school. We have amazing kids that would even allow me to take their picture in Jr. High and High School. Gone are the days of pony tails and cute dresses and polo shirts, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love being a mom of adolescent kids. I treasure my time with them. Ashlyn didn't have to leave at 6:15am on Wednesday, which was perfect to snap this shot.
Would ya believe it...I even jotted them a quick note and made Ky and Ju whole wheat turkey wraps and Ash a pb & j.

The first week of school is drawing to a close. Tomorrow we head up to Hume to enjoy the Country Fair and see our beloved friends.

2nd Day of School

It is tradition to take pictures of the kids on the first day of school, but this year it didn't happen. I was gone for the weekend with my friend Christina and we got home on Sunday evening and school began on Monday, so I definitely wasn't on top of the ball...the ball was pretty much on top of me, bouncing on my head.

I didn't even get a note in their lunches to let them know I love them and I would be praying for them...hmmm. My mom was so consistent with this and it blessed me, maybe it blesses me more now than it did when I was in high school. How thankful I am for the Lord's grace...because I surely didn't live up to my expectations for myself. :) I chuckle as I write this because you are reading my stream of conscience and my mind jumps from place to place rather quickly.

So, the title of this post is "2nd Day of School"...and no pictures or notes today either. I did get up early enough to make lunches, spend time with Jesus, and give the kids breakfast...all with a joyful heart, too.

If all goes as planned...then day 3 of school, I will get notes in their lunches, take a picture of them before they go to school...Ashlyn leaves at 6:15 because she has 0 period Spanish II...on second thought...maybe an afterschool picture will have to do this year, when Kylen gets home from cross country track practice and is all hot and sweaty. This would be a picture that is more the reality of our lives. You might want to sit at the edge of your seats...

"Bubble" bath in a kiddy pool

Thanks to my mom, all of us (but her) got wet when she was watering flowers. She may seem inoccent but before you know it she's got you and when you're about to react she's gone, and life is back to normal. That is exactly what happened last night, but it didn't end for some of us. Being a mom and knowing that we were all wet she, out of love, locked Julianne and I outside. We decided to go for a night swim in the kiddy pool we have. It was all dirty, but with my wonderful creativeness I got dishwasher soap :) The majority was all over Julianne, but our pool was soapy, that was our goal :). It never acually got scrubbed clean. Haha. So there we were sitting in a kiddy pool with two hoses, a sprinkler, and two quarters. I'm not sure how long we were out there for but we occuppied ourselves just fine.
Due to working at Sugar Pine this summer I haven't gotten a chance to feel summer 2008. Well this was a great way to start off. True, I only get one week of summer before school starts, but there is plenty to do with a little water and plenty of energy.

It really looks like her!

Julianne drew this portrait of herself from a picture the teacher took of her in class. I can barely draw stick figures and she can draw people that actually look like themselves! I am amazed at the ability the Lord has given her and my prayer is that she would use this talent so Christ may be seen. This 6th grade art project consisted of using a technique called "lines and values". Great job, Julianne!

My Man...

Brian and I spent the fourth of July in different places...He in Fresno and I, with Kylen and Julianne, at Hume. We rode on a firetruck in the "small town" Hume parade and Brian was out "keeping the people safe this year".

I couldn't help myself...I had to include this link to show you my stud of a husband who made it on the local news station's top story.

Here it is: http://www.cbs47.tv/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=78113@video.cbs47.tv&navCatId=2

The video will appear in the middle of the screen. Watch through the comercial and then the clip will come up.

Summer Fun

We are in the midst of summer! Ashlyn is working at Sugar Pine with her Uncle Royce. Kylen went to Meadow Ranch last week at Hume, while Julianne hung out at the Simpson's house. Brian is getting ready for his five month test as a firefighter. I have been coordinating a Life Group Bible Study at church and helping with Romance. Ashlyn is a camper this week at Hume San Diego. I love that the Lord is in the midst of this as well. His presence is with all of us. What a joy to serve the Risen Savior and have fun at the same time!

First post

It's the Last Week of School!

Wow! We have lived here a whole school year. Ashlyn is finishing up finals. Being in high school is a lot different than elementary school where Julianne has gone on two fieldtrips this week already and gets to go on another one tomorrow. I feel for Ashlyn, she is taking her Biology exam today. I can't even pronounce many of the words I was quizzing her on. Kylen only had two finals in 7th grade and spends his lunches playing chess.

Another chapter is closing and we will have three kids all on the same campus next year. Yippie!

We've been Fresno residents for 9 months...

Time flies. The kids are almost done with their first year of school in Fresno, CA. I was on a walk last night around 8 o'clock and enjoyed thanking the Lord for His goodness to us. What a sweet time to reflect on His work in our lives in these last nine months. It made it easy to thank and praise Him because the air was cool and breezy. :)

Thank you Jesus:
-Brian loves His job!
-The kids have learned or are still learning what it means to say goodbye to something they love deeply (Hume and all who are there) and to rest in God's sovereignty.
-The people I have met and grown to love
-For our church home
- Being closer to family...they are only about an hour or so away now.
-Fire Women's Bible Study--the Lord has taught me a ton through these ladies.
-Life and breath, even in the Fresno air.
-The birds...singing, I love to hear them
-Getting to see and/or talk with people daily who have never heard of Jesus or placed their faith in Him
-Grace, faith, and Your love...we couldn't live without it!
-Meghan...if we weren't in Fresno, we wouldn't have been able to have Meghan live with us.
-For Your blood that has brought me peace.

Ashlyn--15 years old today!!!!

Ashlyn Blake Downs was born May 19, 1993 at 5:14pm. It's hard to believe it has been 15 years she has been on this earth. To be her momma is an honor and a joy. God has graced Ashlyn with the heart of a servant and she often considers others before herself. She gives the best foot massages and back rubs and I tell her I will pay her a dollar and she never takes the money. How great is that!

I took Ashlyn out of school at lunch and we went to Jamba Juice for an Orange Dream Machine with an energy boost, then off to get her hair cut and colored. Doesn't she look great! She is beautiful! The way her hair is now reminds me of a picture of her when she was little, her hair was bobbed and blond and she was holding a big bullfrog at Ponderosa Pool. Time flies and I am doing my best to cherish each day the Lord gives me with her.

She is so much farther along in wisdom and her relationship with Jesus than I was at 15. Her theology and reality line up a lot more than mine did. Praise You Jesus for your grace!

Many friends and family have called or Facebooked her today and have made her feel so loved. We are blessed by those the Lord has placed in our lives.

Brian and I are blessed to have such an amazing daughter!

A Tribute to My Mom

Mom is the woman in my life who has shown me love when I don't deserve it, taught me to love, cared for me, disciplined me even when I resisted it, prays for me and my family and those who are special to me.

My mom loves Jesus! I don't know of any other gift that is better than that. She has shown me what it means to be a follower of Christ when life is good and when life is hard.

Mom didn't give up on me even though I was a difficult child and caused her many tears. Maybe I am a blessing somehow, because of me I kept her on her knees seeking the Lord on what to do with me. :)

My mom is the woman I want to be. As she follows Christ, I will follow her, by God's grace.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Saying Goodbye to the Rooster...

In my last entry I stated that a number of things had come to an end last week. At the time of writing it, I did not know our neighborhood rooster came to an end...well, at least I think he did. He hasn't been around at 6 in the morning for the past few days. Hmm. A couple weeks ago I was determined to get up early to take a picture of him to show you that I am not making it up. Now I think my chance is gone. Believe me, I am not too sad about it. He gave us much fun, during the daytime, trying to figure out where he came from and whose he was standing so proud on our fence or strolling across the front lawns. He sure thought he ruled the roost...I wonder if he became someone's roast. We may never know. The rooster is kind of symbolic in a silly sort of way. I came to expect it, enjoyed him some of the time, had fun searching for which fence he was on...you get the idea. More profound than the rooster are the other "endings".

After two years of being a student at the School of Women's Ministries, I have completed the program. Praise the Lord! I enjoyed every aspect of it. I attended six all day Saturday classes and had homework pertaining to the subject of the lectures for each unit, including an internship to apply the skills we were acquiring. I had a blast! I love to learn, especially when it comes to being better equipped to love others with the love of Jesus. I have much more to learn, but am thankful for focused time to study and glean from others. I tell the kids that we are life long learners. At the conclusion of my last class two Saturdays ago, I felt a sense gratitude for those who had invested in my life for two years.

Another thing that came to and end was our Fire Ladies Bible Study. We spent the last 12 weeks studying the attributes of God. Each of us has grown closer to the Lord and eachother in this process. I adore these ladies. They are a blessing to me as you know if you have read this blog. It was bittersweet to complete it. We are seeking the Lord and what He might have us do next.

Meghan, our adopted in our heart member of the family, moved out and went to her home in Camarillo last Wednesday. This was a hard goodbye, because we've spent the last seven months living under the same roof. We have laughed, cried, drank Cafe' di Vita, played Settlers, been stretched by the Lord, grown, and just plain lived life together....Lo and behold, she missed us sooo much that she came back the same day for another week. I guess it isn't a real ending yet, but I thought it was last week. What a sweet treat to have her another week, like a vanilla latte with whip, only better.

I want to savor and embrace what the Lord has done and continues to do, I don't want to rush into the next thing. I am going to reflect and chat and listen to the Lord about it.

Brian, Ashlyn, Kylen, and Julianne are more of a joy in my life than I can convey to you. I love them more and more.

Maybe the rooster will come back like Meghan did...nah.

My Day with Tristan...

There is a lot on my heart and mind because this was a big week for me in the way of "endings", coming to conclusions of things precious to me. I will blog about those when I have a chunk of time, but in the meantime I have had the pleasure of watching Tristan, my friend, Danyel's, almost two year old little boy. We have had a blast! He is taking a little nap at the moment, so I thought I would share my day with you. My adolescent kids wouldn't let me follow them around with a camera, but Tristan didn't mind at all.

We began our morning by playing with his toys and then he helped me finish getting ready. I put make up on, he brushed his cheeks with a eye brush. I don't have pictures of that because the batteries were dead. He loved rocking in the rocking chair that my mom rocked me in when I was a baby. We sat outside on our swing for awhile, too. It was sweet to sit side by side and listen to the birds.

Off to the store we went, to buy supplies for Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats and of course batteries. (Julie, my sister-in-law had posted this recipe on her blog and I thought we would try it out.) Tristan helped me by holding our grocery list. He was excited about the batteries.

We got home and here is the play by play of Rice Krispy making. Meghan helped us out by mixing the marshmallows and butter on the stove while I made sure Tristan stayed put on the counter. We measured the ingredients, buttered the pan, read the recipe, drizzled chocolate, and tasted a few of the marshmallows.

Pushing down the Rice Krispies

Drizzling them with chocolate (Can't ever go wrong with chocolate.)

We finished up the treats, played a bit more, ate some lunch, and then off to meet Julianne up for her walk to Starbucks. Julianne's sixth grade class had an award for their Jog-a-thon and so now at 1:36 there are 32 6th grade students on a sugar high. Julianne got a Vanilla Bean Frappucino, me a coffee frap, and Tristan, a chocolate milk. On the way home Tristan fell asleep. I think I tired him out. He is precious, made in God's image.

Meghan and I tried the Krispy Treats. We must have done something incorrectly, because they aren't chewy, they are definitely Krispy.

Ice Cream & Hot Dogs & Such

Yep...that's right. Vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce first and then hot dogs . It was a backwards unhealthy dinner tonight and I thoroughly enjoyed each bite.

We heard our neighbors next door in their backyard cooking up some good 'ol BBQ and they were making sausage, ribs, hot dogs, and hamburgers...sure smelled good. We dropped Ashlyn off at church this evening and grabbed us some of our own meat...cheap dogs, with Ketchup and mayo and onions for me.

Just wanted you loved ones to know the finer things of life in the Downs home. Funny thing is, I may have a hot dog twice a year, so wanted to capture it while it happened.

I was going to get up at 6am this morning and take a picture of our neighborhood rooster, but after waking up at 3am and dozing off at 5:30, I thought it best to sleep in a bit and take a picture of the rooster another day, to show you.

A verse that has been on my heart today, "Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6 I so desire more than anything to walk as my Savior did.

May you know the richness of God's blessing for you today.

March of Dimes Walk

Today Danyel, Erin, Robyn and I (from our Bible Study Group) went on an approximately 8 mile walk to raise money for research for premature babies. Our Fire Ladies team raised about $1200. Hundreds of people showed up for this good cause.The walk was originally suppose to be 6.25 miles, but at the turn around point we just continued on our way and explored a bit more of Fresno. We saw trees, hawks, a bunny, and walked by a variety of people on bikes, some happy, some not so happy.

Erin, me, Robyn, & Danyel (I love these ladies!)

At the start line...Robyn is there, Erin's arm couldn't quite reach far enough to get her in the picture.

After we broke off from the group beyond the turn around point.

Just to confirm, we do have wildlife in Fresno--a hawk

A bunny

What a great way to spend a Saturday...with friends and finished off our time together with Mexican food.

All I want 4 Christmas is my............VW Wagon! :)

Im 14, as most of everyone already knows, but im almost 15. For those of you that don't know 15 comes after 14 so 6 months after my big 15 party (not really) I will have a nifty drivers permit (hopefully, unless I crash b4 then, but thats impossible considering

i don't even know how to turn on the car) This made me wonder.....what car should I save for? A Porsche? A Ferrari? No, that may be a tad bit expensive... lets see. :) oh there is the one and only amazing VW Wagon out there! Oh yea give it up for the wonderous amazingly hideous car!

Don't you love it??? LOL. Wouldn't this be such a cool car to drive around the US of A? Sure the gas mileage is a mild problem and it may break down 24-7 in the middle of now where, but with God's help anything is possible :)

Precious New Friends

I had a draft of this post quite a while ago, but had to find the picture of our Fire Women Life Group so I could show them to you, and since our hard drive did something wierd, it took me awhile, but here we are.

The Lord continues to bless my socks off. I am so undeserving of His grace which makes it so sweet. He lavishes His grace on my life in countless ways. One way is through the ladies that I am privileged to do Bible Study with. The Lord has brought a potporri of us together from all different backgrounds and seasons of life and I absolutely love every second with each of them. Tonya Brownell and I are co-leading a journal study on the attributes of God, written by my friend Christie Lothamer (thanks to Kimi Akina Wright for introducing us 11 months ago). I love to minister with Tonya. She is such an encourager to me and invaluable as a partner in serving Jesus.

I love these ladies deeply!

Praise the Lord!

We got back last night from Hume Lake. I was blessed to go up and serve at the MADE conference which is for Jr. High girls. 125 girls were there and many made decisions for the Lord, to either go deeper with Him or to receive Him in their lives as Savior. Ashlyn & Julianne helped me with a craft to go along with the seminar I gave on having a "Great Time with God". The biggest blessing to me was when my girls came up to me and told me they had learned new things and enjoyed listening. How humbling to have my children who know me intimately encourage me, their Mom. Praise Him!

Thank you for praying for our family this last week, as two of our kids were experiencing a array of emotions after going up to Hume two weekends ago. We came down the hill last night and enjoyed some family time (Brian had been working on Friday and Saturday, so he didn't go to Hume with us), ate some ice cream, read John 2:1-12, when Jesus turned water into wine, had good discussion, then went to bed.

Praise the Lord for who He is! He is Sovereign & Righteous!

The week is getting better...

Thank you precious ones who have lifted us up to Jesus this week. Wednesday the kids spirits were definitely cheerier than the previous two days. Will you continue to pray for us, because we are heading to Hume again today? We love you.

Hard Week So Far...but Thankful

After being at Hume. in the majestic mountains, this last weekend (we all had a fantastic time), we are now in the valley in more ways than geographically. The kids love Hume, miss Hume, are grieving the loss of "normal" life, so if you think of us, will you pray that the peace of the Lord would reign in the Downs home as some of the kids are sad or angry? Would you ask the Lord to deepen our love for Him through this hard week and increase our faith and as parents that the Lord would give us His supernatural wisdom? I am thankful for each of you who I know loves us and lifts us up to Jesus.

Thankful

I'm thankful for lots and just wanted to share...the cross (Jesus bore the wrath of God...the wrath I deserve. As a result, I have a relationship of abundance with Him. Praise You, Jesus!), my precious family (Brian, Ashlyn, Kylen, Julianne, & Meghan), a walk with Christina this morning (including the time & conversation), my Bible Study group (HUGE blessing to me), the opportunity to serve at Firefighters Conference this weekend at Hume and love the guests and see dear friends, the ladies praying for me, life, breath, flowers, our church, our extended family...just to name a few.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." Colossians 3:15

What are you thankful for? I would love to hear some and thank the LORD with you.

Another day....and I'm Grumpy

Today was a "wonderful" day, it was as non-normal as any day can get here in Fresno.
I woke up late.
Was loaded with questions from a happy, already up, and cheery mother (i answered all questions in short kind (snippy) answers)
And went out the door with most of my homework finished.
The walk is 15-20min and of all days it was very, very, dreadfully cold. :( (about -29 degrees) May I tell you my hands, nose, and ears will never be the same again. It pained me to see my acquaintances/peers driving by in a nice warm car, all fine and dandy.
I managed to get to school but was not at all in the mood to talk, smile, or be a "Jesus Shiner". The day went on as usual. Surprisingly in this semi-mental emotional day I did have a high, because of a Doctors note I am unable to run for 3 days....meaning no Track today. :)
So after school I waited for my mom to pick me up. My hopes were crushed when after waiting 1min (with all the patience I had at the time) and no sign of my mommy dear I had to embark on a sad, sad quest for home all by my lonesome. Yes I had to walk again. But this time in the hot sun. (somehow the weather can turn from pure Antarctica to Death Valley. how God does it idk)
Arriving to my destination(home) I came in with a semi-happy expression which was quickly interrupted by an arrow plunging through my heart. There walking to his bedroom was my loving and generous brother. He was so kind to give me a ride home on his bike...oh wait.....I walked...hmmm....why would Kylen Jabez Downs not give his sister a ride? Oh of course! He had to get home as fast as he could to finish all his homework! (cuz that's what boys his age do) So here I am writing...still grumpy. This whole time/day I have been grumpy. My mom said it was a good idea to write it all out. Yea just so you can laugh at me....Oh how smart she is. I told her it would be a depressing story to tell all you guys....but she made it clear that there was people who are sensitive reading this and they may pity me...so what you have read is a G rated version. (OK i made half of what i just said up...yea. but that's what i was thinking)

Spring Break Recap--Part 2

Thursday morning we drove to Palm Springs and by the afternoon we were at a Date Farm learning about "the Romance and Sex Life of a Date" via a video. So...Ashlyn, Kylen, & Julianne know all about dates...the fruit. Brian's mom loves to make the most of every trip we venture on and so no matter what state or city we go to, we will always do the museums and theme parks. Palm Springs is rather limited in their museums, hence the reason we landed at the Date Farm.

It was fun and educational. Notice the sign behind us...

...with Grandpa & Grandma

Friday--Riley Farms--2 hours of Fun learning about the Civil War

We were from Louisiana--hard core Confederates!
The goats were the highlight...the kids now want goats...

Julianne brushing one as they ran around wild.

Ashlyn loving the goats

Brian & Ashlyn learning etiquette during the 1860's
I think we'll keep them in these until they decide the goats stay.

Great Memories! Dates, goats, the Civil War, the Downs Fam, and Spring Break! What more could we ask for.