The Rock River Adventure

There has been a list of things for me to do before I move to Oklahoma from my home of 21 years, Rockford, Illnois. One thing I've been wanting to do (because my roommate has connections) is to go water sking. I have gone before but all were "sorry" situations and I never had a chance to really prove myself. The family Melody (the roommate) works for owns a boat have a pair of double water skis and offered to take me out on the river. I've posted several photos of this event. I mangaged to get up twice but only to fall quickly there after but both standing up adventures were triumphs in my book!! Mel only managed to get a picture of me falling from one of those times.

Even though I had a great time, I have to say that I'm sore from head to toe... But I'm glad I went. Also to end a great day on the river, I went tubing with one of the family's kid. Which was relaxing and fun.

**Of course MANY funny things happened from this glorious day, if you are interested go to my roommates blog and check it out.

The Squirrel, The Mop, and The Broom

I was sitting in my room talking to Paul on the phone. As we were in deep discussion I heard a knock on my door. I looked and Mel with quite an expression on her face said, "There is a squirrel on the basement stairs!"

At first I had to repeat what she said a couple of times, just to make sure. I hung up with Paul and ran down the stairs. As I arrived downstairs Mel was putting garden gloves on and was going to lure it into a bag. I looked down the stairs and saw a bushy tail and then a head. Two eyes looking at me. I decided to call dad. The advice he offered was not to do what Mel had in mind. After hanging up with dad, Mel and I created a plan. A plan that had to work.

We have a white dresser that sits in the dining room. We moved it in front of the kitchen door so it couldn't go into the dining room. I got a chair from the dining room so I could stand on it. The fear of the squirrel eating my ankles overwhelmed me. Mel sat on the counter with the broom. I had the mop. I opened the basement door and the squirrel wasn't moving. So we stood outside on the back porch... waiting... nothing. I decided to wait in the recycle bin.. overwhelmed once again of the thought of having my ankles nawed on. After some time went by of waiting, I went back inside and stared at him on the stairs.

Finally it came into the kitchen. I quickly shut the basement door and it crawled under a small bookshelf. I moved outside again while Mel with the broom (while standing on the chair) trying to push it out. Eventually it came out and didn't really know what to do with itself. He ran under the oven which was set at 400 degrees. ROASTED SQUIRREL!! Mel came up with the brilliant plan of feeding it dog treats. The squirrel was really into Buddy's pink ball and followed it around. Mel stuck the treats on the floor and it chomped away. During all of this the squirrel kind of squandered and Mel screamed and scurried to the left and right.

My final move was to the backstairs (by the back door) and the squirrel went out the door. People the squirrel has left the building!

God is so Good

As of right now the wedding plans are going great. God has been gracious in many ways, providing a lot of things. More recently God provided in a way that was unsuspected. There was something that I wanted to do (special) for someone at the wedding but certain things prevented me from doing this. Although this person was so kind and so good (not to mention patient) about the situation, I still felt like it wasn't enough. I wanted to do something in return. After complaining inwardly about it and not being satisfied, I started asking God to help me accept the things I couldn't change. Even though I was still feeling disappointed and not fully gracious towards God for the things he has been providing (basically drowning in my sin), God gave me the resources to be able to do this thing. Last night I was with a family friend (Boekes) that made it possible. Simply as a gift. Tears came down our faces. Especially when I realized that God was giving something that I did not deserve considering my behavior. God was gracious to me. Isn't our God so kind?

Thank you Jenna and Jeremy : )

A Karyn Moment

I have a brief story about Karyn that I would like to share with my readers. Karyn was busy making cookies this late afternoon in the kitchen when I heard her kind of grunt and sigh and talking to herself. I looked over and after she had used the mixer, she took off the beaters to wash them but for some reason, threw them in the garbage instead. Huh. Well.. then.. she had to reach in the garbage and take them out.

I'm sure we all have had moments like these, where we stuck something in the fridge or threw a shoe when we meant to through a ball...... hmm

A Car Ride

This past Saturday on the 28th, Annie (roomate) and I had to drive to Dixon to pick up a friend to come and stay with us for the night. I got to drive on the way there when all of the sudden a horrible sound came from the car. I turned off the music and told Annie that the car was making an awful sound like something had dropped and was being dragged along the pavement. Annie instructed to pull over and she would jump out and inspect the car. As I sat in the car waiting for answers, I could see Annie laughing and shaking her hands and head in the rearview mirror. I knew something was up. I jumped out of the car and looked down... yes... we had a flat. I got to change a tire for the first time in my life! It was so exciting. As Annie jacked the car up and switched tires I got to put the bolts on and tighten them. Once the tire had been changed we got back in the car and I noticed a drop a blood on my knee and grease on my leg. I thought it was the coolest thing ever! At the same time I noticed a kid (mid 20s) in a van who had turned around and told us to roll down our windows. Annie rolled it down and the next few words that came out of the kid's mouth was not expected.

"Do you girls know you put that tire on backwards!?"

We both got out of the car and again and stared at the tire. I didn't notice anything wrong but Annie did. I even asked the guy, "How do you know?" He looked at me like I was questioning him and said, "I've done this many times."

Annie was increasingly irritated with this guy and instructed him to make himself useful by loosening the bolts. Which he did and then we told him to go and we had it under control. Alas the tire was changed and on correctly. I know how to change a tire and our mistake of putting it on backwards will only teach me the next time.

One Time Isn't Enough

Ok.. I'm sure a while back some of you can remember when I posted something about getting into a car accident (s). Of course one accident wasn't enough and 30 minutes later I was in another one.

Well...

Today was the third time of locking my keys in the car. The first time I was in a hurry and didn't think much of it and left them sitting on the floor of the car. I'm not sure why I threw them on the floor, locked the door, and shut it. Doesn't make sense but I honestly don't remember doing any of that. So.. Joab the officer came (from public safety) and unlocked my car and jokingly told me to never do that again.

The second time I remember thinking to myself... put your keys in the purse, Barbara. I did. But I guess I didn't tell myself... pick up your purse, Barbara. I left my purse sitting on the floor. Sighs... so Jeff the officer came. Actually I flagged him down while he was driving around on campus and told him to follow me to my van.

The third time was today. I had several bags to take to class today and I thought I grabbed them all. No. I left my purse sitting on the floor again. I went to class and decided to worry about it later. I called public safety after class and Jeff (again) the officer came and helped. He chuckled and said, "I remember this van with the stickers!".

So... when you see me do or say something once that was a mistake.. just wait.. it'll happen again because for Barb Garard.. one time isn't enough.

*Did I mention that all three times happened in one month??

A Few of My Non-favorite Things

Lots to do this week and lots to do next week. But according to my roomates, everyone has to do it. School. I have 2 papers to work on this weekend that are due next week. I have an extra credit paper due today and an appointment at 9 am. I have a Dr. appt. on Friday which is causing me to miss my Geology class (no complaints). I have two exams next week. I have a quiz (which is really a test) this Friday. I have lots of reading and research to do. People want answers, I don't have them. Just yesterday my throat started to hurt and nose started to run. I wake up this morning and its worse. I need to do laundry. I need to clean my room. I'm leaving in a couple of weeks. My breath stinks. I need to love God and stop complaining. These days are God given days. Just pray for me as I make it through my last couple of weeks of school. Then mom, Grace, and I start the wedding planning which is what I'm really looking forward to.

Talkin Deaf

Tonight I enjoyed a brief visit with my lovable Deb Myers. We were laughin and kickin and just having a grand ole time. Amanda, Deb, and I had much to talk about. We ended up talking about sign language and how I learned it. Deb asked a wonderful question and seriously wanted an answer.

"So... when you were learnin sign language and all... did your mom talk deaf to you??"

Happiness... with a side of change

Change. Change is hard but good. But us believers have to be careful. Although change can be good or is happening for good, it can cause our sins to rise to the surface. Pastor Bob spoke about change on Sunday night. Although I was in the nursery that night, I heard about it from several people after church.

I'm going to be going through a lot of change in the next month and in the next few months. I'm leaving my home. But I'm leaving my home for a new home. This house I'm in now has been my home since I was a weeee little baby. Seems like it was just yesterday when I was running around the table and dad was chasing me. I get a good laugh when I think about all the memories this house holds. Its sad to leave this home but my home isn't here... nor will it be in Enid, or Lawton. My home is with my Father in heaven. Home is such a comforting word in many ways.

I'm also going through the change of churches. Even though I've only been a member at Morning Star Baptist for 4 years.... Those 4 years seem like 10 years. I've grown so close to everyone in that church. I've had a wonderful pastor who wasn't afraid to not only step on my toes (through his preaching) but stomp. I look up to the ladies at MorningStar on so many levels. As wives, mothers, sisters, and friends. I have developed many friendships at this church that I know will be here waiting when I come and visit. 4 years ago when ouor church started I was hurting with the rest of the church, but now I'm rejoicing and would through it again and again. Because of Pastor Bob's preaching I have been convicted time and time again and not to mention that I look at my sin and my life on earth completely different than I have ever had before. Thank you MorningStar. Thank you Pastor Bob.

* But watch out Dad (Pasta Mark) I'm coming to be apart of your church.

Finally I'm going through the change of families. Of course I will always have my family but I'm starting my own. Its exciting but its change. I want this change but more than anything I've been praying that I take Christ with me in this change. I hope you will pray as well. At the same time, I hope you can rejoice with Paul and I. Hope??? Some of you might be glad I'm off of your hands.. Ha.

All in all change is good but pray that I react to the change in a holy manner and not to let my sin rise to the surface. Which I'm sure it will so just pray for God's Grace.

All "Tangled" Up

Ok.. so this morning something happened that was painful but (slightly) funny. But for my readers I know you will get either a good laugh or smile. I had gotten up at 5:30am to start my homework for the day. After doing some notes I ran and jumped in the shower. While I was blow drying my hair (while using a round brush) my brush got stuck in my hair. At first, I wasn't alarmed. Until I started tugging at it. "OUCH! Its actually stuck!" After a few minutes of sheer panic, I got myself to settle down. I pulled and yanked and tried everything. I was becoming very frustrated. I stood and looked in my mirror, I looked pathetic. My brush was stuck in my hair!! My eyes started to tear up and I decided I needed help. I made my way down to mother Karyn's room. I had to wake her up and I'm sure being woke up by your roomate claiming that their brush is stuck in their hair was almost unrealistic for a moment. After ten minutes, Karyn finally went and got a bobby pin and had to weave my hair out of the brush. Too much drama at 6 am in the morning. Now its about 5:00 pm and my head is actually sore. I think that brush is going in the garbage.

Thirsty Hands

Tonight at Morning Star Baptist it was a little warm in the church. To top it off, I was dressed for a snow storm so I was pretty warm. Plus I was signing for Annie in the church. So... as you can imagine, I kept getting warmer. During the service I stood up to get a drink of water thinking it might help. It did, to some degree.

After church we had a fellowship for several reasons. As I was leaving Mr. Ascher (for those of you who don't know, he is the gentleman smiling in the picture in the post below or before this one) called out my name from afar. I walked over to him and bend in to hear him better among all the happy chattering downstairs. With a smile on his face he said, "I just had to share with you that tonight when you stood up to get a drink of water, I thought to myself... her hands must be thirsty.. HAHAHAHAHA".... Of course I laughed along... too funny!!! That comment, Mr. Ascher, totally made my day. Thank you!

A Night at the Aschers

I could explain all the things that happened tonight at the Aschers but I think the pictures will explain it better than I ever could. I will say that we enjoyed a nice dinner and then a card game. Although things could have gotten more wild than it did tonight but everyone was tired from a long week. Enjoy.

Happy St. Patrick Day!!

The Kilt and Clover is one of the greatest stores in Rockford. This store is based on Irish and Scottish imports. I always love going in there just browsing. I got my bridesmaids earrings in there and many other things. Today they hosted a traditional Irish dance. Here are some pictures of the girls performing. Whether you are Irish, Swedish or German.... this store is meant for everyone who love Ireland.

Chop It Off!

"That lady on the dandruff commercial has awesome hair!!"

So.. off I went to the mall with Mel to chop my hair off. As I got there I looked at books and choose a hair style. My hair has never been this short. But hey.... I was feeling adventurous. Then Mel decided to chop her hair off. There we were side by side getting our hair done.

Here is the outcome:

Typical Day in the Kitchen

I just had to share this little story with you. When I'm in one of my "moods" I tend to get careless and goofy. Both Mel and I were in the kitchen doing our own things. Mel was getting ready to do the dishes and I was getting left over soup for lunch. Before starting the dishes Mel decided to eat a cookie. She pops a cookie in her mouth as she starts the dishes. I go to open the bowl with the soup and "blerrrrp" (the actual sound it made) onto the stove. There goes the soup. As I spill Mel is screaming of hair in her mouth. Of course this freaked her. Not caring about her soapy hands she sticks her fingers in her mouth and realizes she now has apple green dish soap taste. Which is worse... hair... soap?? I wonder. Finally she succeeds in getting the hair out but now Mel is rinsing her mouth out because of the soap taste. In the mean time my soup is warming up in the microwave and the timer goes off. I reach in and grab the bowl. AHHHH!! HOT!! So I ran to the stove, practically spiiling my soup again but I managed. In the mean time Mel and I realized what happened in a matter of five minutes and shared a good laugh. : )

PRAISE GOD!!!

I just recieved news that Paul got his orders. He is leaving in 6 days for Oklahoma!! God has answered prayers and he did it in His time which was the right time. Keep praying. Pray that everything happens and works out smoothily.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragment.

Praying for Paul

Paul finally got to talk with someone. They hadn't done anything with orders previous to this meet. From my understanding they are going to "get with it" and make sure he gets orders. He said something about possibly be heading the states near the end of March. Lets pray that the Army stick to their words this time.

Praying for Paul

Just a reminder for all of you who have been praying to keep on praying. Paul still has no orders. The answers to why he is still waiting is unclear. Only God knows why. Paul does plan on calling some people tomorrow to see if any answers can be found. Please pray for him tonight and tomorrow.

Poof!

After US History class this morning I made my way to Rock Valley College's atrium. I marched myself over to a table and set up camp. I moved a table across next to a wall (making all kinds of noise). I then proceeded to plug in my laptop and poor out my books on the table. For the next three hours I read material and started my History research paper. It was nearing 2pm and it was time for my next class. After class I went to a hall area and asked some people sitting there about double spacing on my laptop. The person next to me had the same laptop and tried to help me but no success. Someone else tried to find it and no success. Some of you who are reading this are thinking, "Duh Barb! Go to format and click on paragraph and then go to line spacing!" Nope. It doesn't exist. After playing around with it myself, I just happened to come across something that leads you to double spacing (or I should say providently). After all of that I went to open my paper and it was NO WHERE to be found. I looked and looked and the same group of people came back to my computer and tried to look for it. Sighs... nothing. I'm sitting on my bed about to start my paper over again. The Lord is teaching me something. Patience and not to become angry. Accepting it and just moving on. Give glory back to Christ. Even in losing a paper and having to start over agian.

Praying for Paul

Today is a start of a new week. Paul was told last week to call again this week to see if orders came in. He called everyday last week. Each day he was given the same answer. Nothing, call again tomorrow. Please pray for Paul this week as he starts yet another week of phone calls. Pray that he doesn't grow restless but remains in Faith and waits patiently. As well as the others who are waiting for an answer.