day 3. Hard work (from June 15th)

One of my favorite things...
I love the night after a hard days work! Phil trusted me today to finish off the boards for the extended deck. My naked helper came to the rescue! Riley also helped tremendously by setting the screw template and my Elli, as always, kept things going in the kitchen! Thanks for pulling together kids and working hard! Nigh Nigh!

day 2. freshness (from June 15th blog)

Seems so insignificant I know but to me it's NOT!!! I love these dryer sheets! It makes my "daily laundry experience" so much more enjoyable. I always hated taking the dry stiff dryer sheet from the box, gives me a "nails on the chalkboard feeling. These special sheets are wet, like pulling a moist wipe from the baby wipe box, and give your clothes the freshness and softness they should have after spending time in the dryer! Mommies will understand!!! Right girls!

day 1. go green! (from June 15th blog)

YUMMY! My morning pick me up! Blend these 5 ingredients (2 cups spinach fresh raw, 1 lime, 1 grapefruit, 1 avacado and1 cucumber plus ice in a vita mix and enjoy!!! I love everything about this drink except...when my glass is empty. Try it, you might like it too!

FYI...Carbs - 37 Calories- 411 (Elli & I drink most of it, Charli & Riley drink it mixed in a bit of grapefruit juice)

some of my FAVORITE things!

For the next 10 days I want to put up, one a day, some of my favorite things...Now it is a GIVEN that 5 of my most favorite things are my Lord, my sweetie Phil, My elegant (ok extraordinary!!!-changed for Elli :-)) "LELLI" as Charli calls her, my radical Riley and my charming Charli!

Other favorite things are my family, my friends, my church, my neighbors...you name it I love it...

This will be less substantial than listing the special relationships I cherish.

Hope you enjoy!!!... See you tomorrow!
...........and then I don't feel so bad!

tunnel vision

Have you ever experienced life as though you were living it through a tunnel? Like looking through an "all used up" paper towel roll. You can see that things are happening all around you, you are involved with several things all at once, you hear the voices and see the sights yet you can hardly stay focused, you can barely keep track of what you're doing...Life just zips by moment after moment after moment and you can't quite catch up... I remember as a child having this overwhelming sense that I was totally out of control; like things were so much bigger than me and I could do nothing to shrink them back down to normal size. Often, when I was feverish, I'd go into these half dreams where I was being swallowed up by large boxes all around me. I saw boxes in my dream but they clearly represented something much more significant than that. This feeling oozed out into all areas in my life! The closer I stay to the Lord the less often this happens to me. I couldn't make sense of it as a child but today it explains itself to me as fear. That was a word I knew very well. I guess you could say on some level that fear was my best friend. I was afraid of everything. I kept it very close. I didn't realize until later that the only thing I wasn't afraid of was fear and as you know "the only thing to fear, is fear itself!" Guess I was a bit confused. This I now know is SO very true! Fear consumed me, it controlled me! SOME of my fears as a child: *My parents would die (I'd cry myself to sleep often with that one) *I was too fat (well, looking back I can see that was OUTRAGEOUS - why couldn't I see that then?) *I would never quite measure up to...(well I realize now my standards weren't the greatest) *living my dream of singing on stage - too afraid, not good enough! (all I can say is God is so good!) *giving birth to a child someday (OUCH!) *having a child by C-section someday (double ouch) *having a child with a devastating disease (heart wrenching) is it odd that I was thinking of these things even as a child? *swimming at the ocean (sharks, surf boards as I was almost decapitated by one, crabs biting my toes off!...) *going over a bridge, I was sure it would fall while I was on it * strangers, STRANGErs, STRANGERS!!!!!!!! *not fitting in, anywhere *roaches crawling in my ears at night (used cotton for that one!) *darkness *heights *car crashes *plane crashes *fear of animals - for every reason imaginable *getting sick, some rare disease and I'd die, my parents would be so sad *fear of my parents being so sad *fear of infinity the list could go on and on...I'll stop there. One thing I know now...fear is crippling! It holds you back, keeps you from "going for it." I have so many regrets from this. Yet God's grace and mercy in my life has brought me peace and comfort in ways I never thought imaginable. I woke up one day many years ago so TIRED of being afraid! So drained from focusing on myself, so exhausted (mentally and physically) of holding back for fear I wasn't good enough. Well, I have learned since then that even that fear has come true! I'm NOT good enough! If I were what would I need a Savior for? That truth provided me with so much freedom! I need Him, He doesn't NEED me yet He has chosen me to be His! Wow, I am loved. He wants to use me to further His kingdom. Who am I to hold back from that! I trust that He will equipt me in every situation He provides and if I fail He is always there to catch me and get me going again! It's not about me anyways, right! I am a fool, a fool for Christ and fear no longer has a HOLD on me! God has moved me so far from who I used to be. He does that doesn't He! Fear really is not much a part of my life which absolutely astonishes me. Only He is capable of changing a person from one extreme to another. That tunnel feeling I was "trying" to explain has been lurking over my shoulder all week! I believe it is the fear trying to find its way back into my life! My week has been so busy and has just raced by that I've barely made time for my very best friend. My friend who is always there for me no matter what. My friend who understands all my ups and downs, my friend who cleans the slate of my life EVERY time I come to Him! My friend who protects me from the grip of fear. My God! I find it very interesting that almost all of the fears I dwelled on as a child, I have in one way or another experienced as an adult...each time sensing the Lord say to me..."even in this I am here. I will bring you through all your trials and be there to watch you grow and light up the world." (Isa 46:4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.) Life is scary. It seems to get scarier as I get older yet my faith in God grows stronger each time I open His word, each time I mention the name of Jesus and each time I speak God's truth into others lives. I know God has a hopeful future for me and I am so honored to be a part of His plan. (Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.) I pray that you are blessed by what God has done in my life, despite my imperfections, He is Lord and He will succeed in His mission to make us more like Him as we surrender our hearts to Him. I love you Lord!!! Thank you for loving me in all my weakness! When I am weak (which is all the time!) HE IS STRONG!!!

Give A Day, Get A Day

Rachel & Sarah (with Mama Karen) worked hard at a shelter. Misty, Aliya, Ansley, Elli, Riley, Charli, Papa & Mama worked hard at a horse ranch that helps to rehabilitate children. They earned a day at Disney and what fun we had (Charli stayed with Gma and Gpa for the day and had her own fun!!!) What special, lovely children!!! Loved being with them...

One,Two...

"one, two, one, two, one, two" Charli loves to count to 2 over and over and how appropriate it being her 2nd birthday! What a day! It started in the doctors office - inner ear infection for her and Riley (how odd - same ear even). Then home to decorate cupcakes, nap, play time at Gymboree home for dinner and a party...Many other details I won't bother going into! All in all it was a wonderful day of celebrating my Charli!!!

2 of her favorite things:
1. Elmo
2. Miss Patty Cake

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GEEL!
I love you Charli Girl! XOXOXOXOXO

VIDEO - diabetes type 1 (click)

There are many challenges for a family dealing with diabetes. As I watch this video again I am reminded first that we are not alone and second...we need a cure!!! I love my Elli!!! She's very strong!!!

Ryann Watters And The King's Sword

Praying for Eric Reinhold and the movie producers of his book "Ryann Watters and the King's Sword." They will be in Palm Bay, Fl. auditioning people for this production. I am praying that God will get the glory every step of the way! Don't you love all these movies coming out...Fireproof, Letters to God and so many more where God is the focal point!

Lord we love you and are looking forward to seeing how you work in all of this! I also am praying for our girls who will be auditioning for the movie. They each are very talented, very beautiful, very funny and amazingly centered in our Lord Jesus Christ! I love you girls!!!

SoMe DaYs!!!

YIKES!

EVER FEEL LIKE THIS?

JDRF we walked!!! (click for pics)

Thanks to all who participated in the JDRF fundraiser this year!
Your prayers, donations, time...what a blessing you all are to us!
We love you and thanks so much for giving of yourself!
With your help we were able to raise over $4,000 toward

finding a cure for diabetes. What a goal!

Raising money for Diabetes

MY ELLI:

Click the title for our donation page...

plan to walk, raise and support in any way you can!!!

LOVE to you all!

Grace

What can wash away my sins, NOTHING but the
blood of Jesus.

White carpet, hot pink nail polish, a daily reminder of the
Love Jesus showed to each one of us on the cross!
Thank you Father!!!

Ringing in 2010 (click for PICS)

The only bad part about being in North Carolina is that we missed out on being with our VERY dear friends! How is it possible that we were in NC and we didn't see the Johnson's? Boo HOO!!! Circumstances... We had an awesome time in the mountains! The house we stayed in belongs to Dolly & Jim Rice. Very sweet people whom I've known for a very long time! Thanks so much for allowing us to crash your place! It was amazing! I am set now on buying a place in North Carolina even if it isn't our perminent residence!!! It puts us near the Johnson's atleast for part of the year! So, keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities! K!

Enjoy the pics!

BRING IT!!!! :-)

Disney Mania 2...It's Elli's turn!

I am so thankful for a husband who encourages my time away with each little person in my life! It's off to Disney again! This time we will sleep in a hotel, no freezing camping for my Elli! I am so excited about spending this one on one time with my sweet gir! She is growing into such a beautiful God's girl! Lord, I ask You to be the center of our time, help us to bond during this time as you continue to use each moment to mold us and change us! Let's go baby!!!

NOVEMBER 21st Happy Birthday Elli Rue

MY sweet sweet Elli! Happy Birthday honey! You are such a blessing to me in so many ways! Here are 11 things I love about you!
1. Relationship with your Lord is #1 to you!
2. You are fun and very funny! You quack me up :-)
3. Organization is on your top 10 priority list. Yeah. I love that
4. You are so much like your Papa! I chose him for life!
5. Walking into your room seeing you sitting on your bed reading a book...seeing that book is the bible! What an encouragement you are to me!
6. You desire DEEP / meaningful relationships
7. You are creative and always thinking of new ideas...businesses, projects, gifts...
8. You are extremely B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!!!! Inside and out!
9. You are a cuddly bug! Let's cuddle!!! :-)
10. You are an AMAZING sister! Learning and growing in your relationships with your brother and sister. Making them important to you! Thanks for honoring them!
11. Your brown eyes! You're my brown eyed girl!!! Sha La La La La la.....

So many more........................................................ I love you half pint! :-) Mama

Recovering

Umbilical hernia is nothing I thought I'd ever have to deal with but indeed I did! It was painful, it was extracted, it's still painful...I am sure things will get better! I guess I won't be racking up the points for my team this year for Turkey Bowl...BOO HOO!!! Oh well, I'll have to settle for cheerleader this year! Thanks for all your help and prayers! LOVE!

Fun Family Night (click for pics)

Many things are changing in the Olsen/Fijol/Hayes families but one thing remains. We still know how to party! What a fun night we had all cozied up in the Hayes house last night. It's good to know that when it comes down to it, it isn't about the size of the home but about the unity of it! Last night was a night of unity for our household! The kids are wonderful and had a great time. Fun games, picture time, food, movie (Pooh's Halloween), treats and silliness. Love you al! Thank you for making this time important to you!

RECYCLING

TRYING ON LAST YEARS FLOWER...
lovin' it!!

Taking the Final Plunge! (click for pics)

Well, I spent much time in prayer and study (years). My heart has been in a state of conflict for too long. I finally decided that this was holding me back and no longer would I allow it! I was water baptized on Saturday Oct 3rd. I really did feel a huge weight being lifted as I shared my thoughts, agreed with my friends as they spoke God's truth to me, then a refreshing dunk in the waters of the Palm Bay Aquatic Center pool! Just before my baptism I was filled with joy as I watched Elli experiencing the amazing effects of letting go and letting God! She too was baptized. What an amazing experience it was! The fellowship in itself was so free. This truly was a chain that had been weighing me down..."My chains are gone, I've been set free..." Of course, I was set free on the day I accepted the Lord as my personal Savior. This was just another branch that needed to be pruned and I allowed God to take hold of my heart as I gave it to Him FULLY! I have been praying for God to fill me with HIS confidence...Long story short, this was the first step and the changes are already becoming evident to me! Thank you Lord for being so patient with me! Thank you for making it so simple for me to come to You. Forgive me for making it so difficult! Help me to let go as You work miracles in my daily life! I will trust you and love you with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength!

Monster Mash (click for video)

MONSTER
MASH

simple celebrations

Thanks for sharing your candles with me this year! I love you honey!!!

Disney Mania! (click for photos)

What an awesome time we had! Riley and I went for 2 days and 1 night to Fort Wilderness. Thursday we set up camp, went swimming, and headed to Animal Kingdom. We saw every animal known to man (:-)) and of course learned everything we could fit into a day, including this fact: did you know that gorillas eat their poop just to be sure they didn't miss anything the first time around! We had quite a show from one very egotistical male! You can imagine Riley! He was LOVING it! Laughed for a good hour.

It was fun to focus solely on Riley and follow his lead! So often he is hushed in life's process! It was a real pleasure to learn all about naked mole rats, rhinoceros iguanas, zebras and the list goes on! We ended the day with hot dogs and smores...Riley was in heaven! Although I will say he had to be the one to put a stop to the smores :-)! We had an amazing night sleep then woke up Saturday to breakfast, camp break down, more swimming , lunch at Trex cafe then off to Hollywood Studios to ride ROCKIN" ROLLERCOASTER! Our favorite ride! So much fun , Riley is so much fun! Loved it!

Dance Off

Last month, for Riley's bday, we spent part of the day at Downtown Disney. We went to Rainforest Cafe for dinner (becoming a tradition), made a "build a dino, had yummy ice cream and entered a dance contest! Well, Elli & Papa did. Riley, Charli and I just sat back and cheered them on. (Riley to Mama: "Mama, I know you love to dance, do you wish I would take you out there, I will." So sweet, I opted out for his sake. Phil is the dance king (at least that is how he sees himself - right honey!) he's so fun when it comes to the dance floor! So, he and Elli, with all the confidence they could muster, began to groove! They were chosen out of many to be of the 4 couple contestants. They ended up tying with another couple! I was so proud. Here are two of the very entertaining videos I shot! Enjoy!

Learning to say no even when it's REALLY hard and goes against my nature! Starting to see the benefits of laying low.

CALIFORNIA (click for pics)

We had an awesome time in Cali this year. Visiting and playing: San Fran, Yosemite, River rafting, mountain climbing, bike riding, hotel hopping, Old Sacramento, Capitol touring, swimming, eating, playing with family and friends, sleepovers, canoeing, FUN, FUN, FUN...Had a great time! Miss you all!

One more thing...God moved in an awesome way in each of our hearts as we walked down k street putting a message of love (attached to cash) to the many homeless who aimlessly walk the street. When we were staying downtown Sac we were shocked at the amount of people with out homes. More to come on this as God has been working a homeless ministry in my heart. For now, thanks kiddos and Phil for your love to those in need! It is great serving with you!

Retreat!!!

Costa D'Estes...I highly recommend you stay there! It is beautiful and very reasonably priced. You're on the beach and it's gorgeous! Phil & I had so much fun hanging out at the beach, on our rafts, taking walks, going to dinner at 8pm, listening to Michael Jackson music by the pool...So many special moments...It's a memory I will hold onto for a long while! Thank you honey for a beautiful weekend. Let's do it again soon!!! I love you!

o

Present with the Lord! (click for pics)

Seems unreal that my last post was all about dads. Today I lost one. Joe Jones. When I think of Joe many things come to mind...
boxer shorts
crazy print shirts
laughing
singing hymns "Joe version!"
unique walk
words like "oh yeah" in a way only Joe could say them
green thumb
belly rubbin' after great sweets
swing sets
floor play with kids
garbage disposals
water filters
dry wall
...get the picture...you name it he could do it and he did! He used his gifts over and over again to serve his family, friends, neighbors, anyone who needed a helping hand!.....


"Absent with the body present with the Lord" are the words that filled my mind and heart as I watched Joe lay peacefully in bed. Thank you God for not allowing him to suffer anymore. I hope Joe knew how much we loved him! He was an exceptional man...so strong in his faith, forgiving, calming, caring...

Sue is a strong woman! I am blessed to say that she draws her strength completely from the Lord. As she struggles to live life with out Joe by her side I pray Lord that you would give her an abundance of peace, an overflow of your healing and love and able her in every way to continue to serve You as she shines BRIGHT for you!

We miss you terribly Grandpa Joe.............

Papa, Dad, Gpa, Gpapa, Uncle, Brother, Friend

Charli & Papa

Papa & Riley

Papa & Elli

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

Happy Father's Day to all you who have chosen over and over again to be DAD!!! We love you guys!

Thank you God for your mighty hand in my life! You are my Abba Papa!