Summer Camp 2012

Every year Steve heads out with our youth for Summer Camp. Steve took a lot of pictures, but these two pictures in particular represent Steve's love for things:

Steve loves a challenge.

Steve loves fire. Do you see the marshmallows?

WA State Convention

Last Friday and Saturday, Steve had the privilege to go to Tacoma and participate in the Washington State Convention.

Steve, along with Jim, Levi and Tim were all elected as delegates to represent our district. The men walked away with even more understanding of the political process and really enjoyed the overall experience. I really appreciate their willingness to be involved in the process and their ability to comprehend what is at stake. Thank you so much for representing our district, and the constitution!

Maybe one of these men might be the President of the United States one of these days...you never know. :)

March 2012 Overview

Wow! Where did the month of March go? It seems like just a few days ago when I turned the calendar over from February. Well, I am glad to report another month full of blessings.

Blessing #1: I was given a few days off of work and I must say it definitely helped me physically. Over the last several weeks I was experience numbness from my forehead to the middle of my head. I guess there is a lot to say about a little R&R!

Blessing #2: I got sick, but now I am well. Thank you Lord!

Blessing #3: My secret prayer sister was a blessing to me and my family. Thank you for the treats Katie!

Blessing #4: A lady donated her baby grand piano to our church! It is a beautiful piano and one the church body is thankful for. An answer to pray indeed!

Blessing #5: We got to experience the Island County Convention. It was organized very well, even though it was a long, drawn out day. Steve was voted in as a delegate to go to the Washington State Convention on June 1st.

Blessing #6: I got to sing a special with Tess, who graciously agreed to partner with me since Steve came down ill. Thank you Tess!

Blessing #7: Steve and I were invited over to the McDowell's, with the Schenck's, for a BBQ dinner and fellowship. Believe it or not, I tried Elk for the first time and I liked it (way better than any deer meat I have ever had)! Kami also served chocolate pie and Matt Jr's out of this world cheesecake - both were so very yummy. The evening concluded in a couple rounds of "Shoot". I am glad to report that the girls took a round and the boys took a round - so all was good in the end.

Blessing #8: Pastor is doing a series in the book of the Revelation and the messages so far have been enlightening and very exciting. Heaven sounds like a wonderful place and our pea brain can't even begin to fully imagine its beauty and God's glory!

Blessing #9: I have a LOVING husband who puts up with all of my quirks, and an AWESOME God who loves me, despite me.

Blessing #10: I have the greatest dog EVER!

Thank you Lord for all of the blessings you have bestowed upon my family and me this month. More than we deserve.

Island County Convention

A couple of weeks ago we had the Island County Caucus. Folks who were interested in becoming a delegate or an alternate delegate for the Island County Convention were voted on by the members of their precinct. Steve and I were elected delegates by our precinct to represent them at the Island County Convention.

The Island County Convention took place this past Saturday, March 24th. The convention ran from 9am - 9pm as 23 delegates and 23 alternate delegates were elected to go to the Washington State Convention. Not only did we have to elect delegates, but the participants also had to vote on the platform they wanted sent and heard at state.

Although the day was somewhat laborious, Steve was one of the 23 delegates chosen to represent Island County at the state level. Not only was Steve elected, but three of our other friends were also elected to go: Jim, Tim and Levi (San Juan County).

I am really excited for them as they get to experience the next level in the political process of choosing our next Republican Presidential Candidate. I can't wait to hear all about. Congratulations you guys!

All Went Well with the Dogsitting

I can report that Chip and Luke were safely returned (and in one piece) to their owners last week. The house had been full of doggie activity for a little over two weeks and it was sad to see them go; as they really were very active and desired much attention from us human folk. It made for lively evenings.

Steve loved to play tug of war with the dogs and Levi became quiet the cheerleader; of course, on the sideline, as he never wanted to get to close to the action.

Chipper loved to lay in Levi's favorite spots, which at some point I think began to stress Levi out a bit, but Levi was a real trooper through the whole thing. He is quiet an extraordinary dog, who for the most part, was very laid back.

Overall, Levi let Chip sleep in his favorite spots, let his mama hold him, let Luke play with his mama, eat his food, and swipe his toys. BUT, the line was definitely drawn when it came to sharing his treat. ABSOLUTELY, NO SHARING was ALLOWED! They had to get their own treat.

I would have to say that Chip and Luke's extended stay caused Levi to become more social with his kind. Levi has had such limited interaction with other canine that sometimes he has no idea how to really interact with them. I think overall, it was a good learning experience for him and his new canine friends. Good job Levi, you made your mama proud.

February 2012 Overview

The month of February was completely opposite of January. This month was not as hectic and lacked all the busyness of January (thankfully). Although the month was not as busy there are some highlights and blessings that need to be recalled

Blessing #1
Steve and I were able to attend the annual Sweetheart Banquet. We had such a wonderful time and count it a blessing to be a part of such a great church family. I am so thankful that God has placed these couples in our church. Each and every one of them have such a great love for the Lord.

Blessing #2
Pastor Sargent gave me a book titled, "The One Thing You Can't Do When You Get To Heaven" by Mark Cahill. This book really fires up the Christian who either needs to get busy soul-winning and/or encourages the soul-winner to keep keeping on. I'm not a big reader, so usually any book that has large print and pictures is a book for me. This particular book had neither, but the way the author writes made the book and easy read and I am all for that!

Blessing #3
A wise man recently said to me, "Problems are made to be solved". I am so thankful for knowing someone who is willing to walk through a problem with me, all the while exhibiting compassion, graciousness and patience. THANK YOU.

Blessing #4
God gave me another book to read, "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy DeMoss. This book is really showing me how important gratitude is and how it must be a part of me, DAILY!

Blessing #5
Steve and I celebrated our 29th Wedding Anniversary. This man is such a blessing to me and I thank the Lord for bringing him into my life, even when I really had no idea what I was getting into when I married him so many years ago. I LOVE YOU STEVER!

Blessing #6
I made it through a 90 day fitness routine called, Power90 by Tony Horton. Just recently Tony Horton said, "What does health and fitness mean? Health is eating right and Fitness is exercise". It takes more than motivation to make a lifestyle change it takes COMMITMENT. I thank the LORD for giving me a desire to live a healthier lifestyle and by leading me to Shakeology (http://myshakeology.com/sherrivaughn) and fitness routines that help reshape my body (http://beachbodycoach.com/sherrivaughn).

Blessing #7
I am thankful for friends who love me despite me. I am thankful for those who offer to listen in times of need, and I am thankful for those who forgive me when I don't show up for dinner [so, so sorry Raquel :( ].

Blessing #8
I thank the Lord for the opportunity he gives me to worship him. This past Sunday evening, Steve and I were able to sing a special, and even though our voices were raw, we thank God for giving the folks in the congregation, "spiritual ears" to hear with.

Well I guess that will do it for now. March is coming, March is coming, woot woot!

29 Years Ago Today...

29 Years ago today, I said "I Will" to my high school sweetheart. It is amazing how the LORD can take two separate hearts and knit them together perfectly. Our marriage and our love would not be what it is today if it wasn't for Jesus.

A strong marriage is liken to a 3-corded rope. Each strand is strong, but when all three are knotted together the rope is even stronger. Thank you Lord for my husband, and the life you have given us together. I love this man more today than when I married him, and I know that my love for him is going to continue to grow stronger the longer we are together, LORD willing, of course.

Playmates

Since our Joey passed away a few years back, every once in awhile Steve and I toy with the idea of getting Levi a buddy to pal around with. We have looked at Shepherd's, Doodle dogs and now the latest and greatest "the Boxer".

This is Luke Agape, no he is not our dog, he belongs to the Majors. Whenever the Majors come over the mountains both Luke and his sidekick, Chipper, get to come along too. They love to play together, but Luke has another playmate when he visits and I bet you can guess who it is or who it is not ....



The Majors have even got us a book on "Dummies for Boxers". I don't know folks. I am not sure if I am ready to train another dog and if you ask Levi, he says, 'no-way', things are good the way they are. Steve wants a playmate and I want to be able to travel without worrying who will take care of the dogs. Oh well, this quandary too shall pass.

Frozen Mocha Torte

This past Sunday, our church held a Men's Dessert Contest after the evening service. There were nineteen fantastic looking entries.

My husband signed up and after looking through every cookbook we owned, he decided on the Frozen Mocha Torte. There was one main rule to the contest and simply stated: The "man" could not get any assistance from a/the "woman"; therefore, this creation was all up to Steve and his ability to follow the recipe.

Steve was in the kitchen for two hours working his magic and occasionally, to my delight, he would seek me out and let me taste his concoction.

Lets pause here for a moment and picture with me a mama who is proud of her child for accomplishing a special project? Oh how she would beam! Well, I must say that was me, the wife beaming over her husband's triumph. When Steve removed the spring-form pan from around his torte, I couldn't have been prouder. It all stayed in place!

Later that evening, after the competition, we got to partake. Not only did Steve's torte look great, but it also tasted a-m-a-z-i-n-g-l-y yummy! I am sad to say that his dessert did not take 1st, 2nd or 3rd place; but in my book, he gets the trophy!

Great job honey! Looks like you will be making more desserts in your future :)

Ouchie!

During my entire childhood and all of my adult life, up to now of course, I have never been stung by a wasp/hornet. At this point I am not sure whether it was a wasp or hornet, and there is really no way I will ever know, since I rendered that nasty creature helpless and then tossed him to the wind.

I was at the fellowship building at the church preparing the tables for the Ladies Bible Fellowship, when I reached into my basket to pull out a few items. I had no idea the little guy was there and when he stung me, I just thought I was being poked by a wire (or something) from one of the apples I was using to display on the table.

You can imagine my surprise when the wasp/hornet landed on the table. I grabbed my finger and mustered up enough strength not to yell out a loud cry, I walked around the room telling myself it doesn't hurt, it doesn't hurt. The truth of the matter is...it does hurt!

Minutes later, I found my finger swelling up. I tried to call Steve to get his advice, but he was still out taking a jog. I finally hurried home and my poppie was there to takecare of me. Steve made sure there was no stinger and then he had me ice my finger for ten minutes. My finger is still reeling in pain, I think more from the swelling though, than where the stinger went in.

Oh well, this just tops everything else that has been going on today.

GOTCHA! Happy Birthday Steve!

The morning started out just fine. Steve left for a tutoring appointment and I got busy putting together his gift, cards and cake.

Yesterday, while I was out, I looked for a small round cake at Safeway. I could not find one, so I opted for a one-serving size round cheesecake. It wasn't your average cheesecake, it was better (yummy, I got a bite or two)! The candles were as big as the cake and the longer it took Steve to get home the more the "4" wanted to slide off.

Once Steve got home, I lit the candles, and then sang Happy Birthday to him. After Steve sampled his birthday cake, he opened up his cards and gift. The cards were cute; especially, the trick card sent from my sister.

This year, I wanted to do something special for Steve on his 45th birthday. For years he has told me he wanted to fly. In the past I have just brushed it off, but after our last conversation, I was surprised to find out that during his time in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) he had actual flown a 1932 Piper under the direct supervision of Hermann Skok. Wow, I thought to myself.....he does know what he is talking about. His passion was real because he had lived it!

So, I did a google search which led me to PilotJourney.com. This website is awesome and it was there that I was able to purchase a 40 minute orientation flight at Boeing Field. I think he is really pumped up.

The day ended with a trip over to the Jumbo Buffet where a few couples (plus dad) were waiting to surprise him. Everything was going well until we got out of the truck. Steve can be most observant when you don't want him to be. He stops, looks at me and says, "I'm not going in. This is a set up". He had noticed to many automobiles in the parking lot.

It didn't take him long to decide he wasn't going to miss dinner, so inside he went. The gang that was present broke into song, singing "Happy Birthday". I think Steve was slightly embarrassed. So he disguised himself appropriately (a Groucho Marx's he is not).

All in all, I think he had a great time. He was definitely unaware of the plot and really appreciated all that was done to celebrate his 45 years of life. (The only other thing he has to see is his picture in the paper and that will happen tomorrow.) Yes, I'd do it all again, just because he is worth it! I love you honey, Happy Birthday!

Slide show is up if you want to see a few more pictures.

Steve...is turning 45!

Yes, it is true...Steve is turning 45 years old tomorrow. The day will mostly be quiet as we come to terms with the fact that he is 45 years young. A small birthday gift will be given, cards from family will be opened and then we plan on ending the day eating at the Jumbo Buffet.

Jr/Sr Camp 2009 Successful, PTL!

This is the second year our church sent our young people to a chalet on Mt. Baker for Summer Camp. The Junior/Senior Campers received a blessing from God's Word, which was preached by Bro. Jonathan Purks. There were skits, games and competitions and the campers even spent time sledding and hiking through out the area.

I thank the Lord for allowing Steve to attend the camp again this year. Ministering to the young people is such a blessing to him. He really looks forward to this time of year with eager anticipaton. As usual, Steve had a blast and as par for the course, he came back exhausted.

Bible Baptist Church focuses on their "Next Generation" because these very campers are our next leaders. We need to grow them up in the admonition of the Lord and teach them daily from the scriptures. As our country pulls away from its Godly Heritage it will be our young people, in the coming years, that will stand in the gap and take a stand for what is right. Thank you parents, Pastor's, teachers and workers for investing in the lives of these young people.

(I will put together a slide presentation and post it soon, after I decided which pictures I want to download. Steve took almost 200 pictures. Wow.)