COLORADO RICES

Adoption Update!

2009-02-15T15:08:00.004-07:00

Sorry, it's been a while since the last update. In the last few weeks we have taken our CPR/first aid class, filled out a ton of paperwork, and have been to 2 out of 4 weeks of classes. We go every Monday night from 4:30 till 10:00. It's not the most riviting 51/2 hours of our week but a necessary step to move forward with the process. There are a few things we have learned this past 2 weeks.

1. when angry, the kids can decide to poop in front of your bedroom door just to make a point. What is that point you ask???? I have no idea, but it has something to do with trying to get you to reject them. They think you are going to anyway, so why not get it over with. so sad.

2. no matter how mean, abusive, neglectful, and lame their parents were, the kids still want to be with them and you can't bash them infront of the kids. You must be nice when it comes to their bio-parents. That will be hard one.

3. It may take years....YEARS before our kids can say or even come close to showing that they love us. Ugh...that's tough.

There are many times when I sit back and think "What are we doing?" "Why are we purposefully doing this to our family?" "I am SO NOT qualified to handle this". And then, I look at Mike and he says something like, "Are we or are we not called to this"? Yes, we are and God promises to walk us through this. I have to admit, I have had times where I just wanted to not do it and keep our relatively easy life.....then, God whispers to me, that he loves His children and wants them to know Him and for us to take care of them. I am honored He thinks we can do this....I am honored He wants to entrust more of His precious little ones to me. I don't feel like I am a good enough mother, thank you Jesus, I don't have to do it alone. I have my family and I have you Lord.

A friend of mine always says "If He takes you to it, He'll take you through it". That means more to me right now than ever before.

Humbled.......

Our future with our fourth and maybe fifth child

2008-12-23T19:56:00.003-07:00

This is one of those blogs that I am not even sure how or where to start. My hope is to use this blog to fill people in as to how our adoption process is going and what to pray about. The other use is to give our new child(ren) something read to see how long we wanted them and what the process is like. My prayer is that they see and feel how much we have prayed for them and loved them even before they came to be in our family. So with that said..........

We are adopting! It super exciting for us and this is not something we just decided to do one day. This has been a process for almost the entire 17 and half years we have been married. We have always had a heart for adoption and thought someday we would find a young girl who didn't want a baby and stop her from having the adoption. Then help her, and adopt the baby. Now years later and Drew is 10. I don't want to go back to those baby days. Up all night, diapers, formula, cribs, and all that that entails, is not for this almost 40 year old. (I applaud all those who are having children at older ages-it's amazing and I just don't want to do it again) ;-)

The story goes like this. In September (I think it was Septmeber) we were sitting in church and our pastor begins to talk about a "family meeting" we are having in a few weeks and that he wants to talk about something important. He then mentions the word "adoption". I out of nowhere burst out crying. It's not like I haven't heard the word in last 17 years. But today it was different. As I am crying I look over at Mike and expect the "you are outside your mind" look. That's the look I usually get when he knows I want something like an expensive outfit or a puppy. Admit it, you know that look. You have either seen it given, or maybe even given to someone. Back to the story. So I look over at Mike and the look I get from him is "Yes, I know". Now if God had not kept me in the chair, I think I would have fallen out in shock. That was the first "God-moment" that I knew we were on our way to this adventure.

The next week, Pastor Brady talks about the adoption initative New Life is partnering with Focus on the Family on. So we know we have to go the family meeting that Sunday night. Mike and I don't really talk about the possiblity as I don't want to bring it up and say it out loud yet. It just seems to special to talk about yet. We just decide we are going to the meeting. As we park our car in our very large parking lot we notice a twenty-something girl pull up next to us. It's Tiffany, a girl we have prayed for a couple of times after church. We say hi and start to walk with her asking why she would be at this meeting. She begins to tell us that she was adopted and is one of the representatives for the "Wait No More" event. We start crying as she tells us a bit of her story. This is another God moment. Of all the times to arrive and all the parking spots, we park next to her. All I can do is smile and cry. We still had not said out loud "we are doing this". That night God tells me to fast and pray about this and I agree to fast until the "Wait No More" event at the end of November. I did not fast food for those 90-100 days. I am not that Holy. I gave up something dear to me instead. I just want to be clear, so you don't get to intimidated by my righteousness....lol

If I wrote down every time we ran into someone who was adopted, had adopted, or was involved with adoption, this would be the longest blog in history and you would stop reading it. Let's just say, God kept this thing in our mind and hearts every day. His fingerprints were everywhere and we began to believe this was really Him calling us to adopt.

What I haven't mentioned is that these are not young, healthy, emotionally stable kids. These are foster care kids. Their birth parents have either died, have given up their rights as parents, or worse, have behaved in such a way to have the state permanently revoke all rights. These are kids who have been through more pain (both emotionally and often times physically) than any human should have to go through in a lifetime. They often act out in ways to reject those around them in order to protect themselves from more rejection. You can imagine. Any we want to love them, share our world with them, and hopefully show them the way to Jesus'. Even as I sit here, I can't put into words how I feel about our future child(ren). I want them now. We even have a Christmas stocking hanging on the fireplace along with ours to remember to pray for them. For now (as we don't know the age or sex of our little one), we call him/her/them "Chris", "Pat", "Alex", "Jesse" as those could be either boy or girl. We got tired of referring to him/her/them as he/she/they.

Back to the story....So finally Nov. 22nd arrives and Mike and I head to adoption event. The first part was worship and guest speakers (Tiffany was one of them). For the entire 2 hours of the first session Mike and I cried like babies. The Lord was so all over us, we couldn't get a grip. it was like our hearts already belonged to our new child and we couldn't take Chris home. We didn't even have a picture of one we think we wanted. It was an amazing time for us to worship God and hear with the state and others had to say about the process. Earlier in the day, we had received a bag with a book to read, forms and such. The green form asked if you were interested in adopting from the foster care system, your info., if you wanted a boy or girl, age, etc. and if you had an agency you wanted to work with. Filling out that form was painful. We didn't want to eliminate anyone or anything. We wanted whatever God wanted for us. So I filled out the paperwork fast. I just put we wanted anyone over 5 and siblings were ok too. Then about the agency....we had no clue...we were going to have to trust God to tell us who to work with...and he did...read on.

Once that form was filled out, I wanted it out of my hands and wanted to start the process...every second was a second I didn't have my child. That was the first small lesson of many, many, many other large ones in waiting I would have to learn. And still are.

So the first sesson is over and it's time to go talk to the agency. Mike stays in the hallway to finish up his Chick fil-A sandwhich and I walk in, too eager to eat. At this point I am overwhelmed with the amount of booths and people. "Where do I start?" My heart sinks as I have no idea what to do. I walk around for a few minutes blankly staring at something when a nice man asks, "Can I help you?" We start a nice conversation as he begins to explain the long list of "to do's" we need to complete as soon as possible. Mike walks in and joins me in the conversation. As they begin to talk, I see a friend there. This friend and I have crossed paths in a few different circles. I had forgotten where I had known him before until that moment and I needed to tell him. I leave Mike and the nice man talking, much to the displeasure of my husband. I say "I'll be right back, I just remembered where I know Jedd from." I walk over to Jedd and say, "Do you know where you know me from?" he says "Of course, from the movie". "Nope", I say from......... the long and the short is, we have crossed paths working with kids that are in the state system and we both forgot. The point is, he then tells me he adopted twins a few years ago and he used Maple Star adoption agency. The lady was standing right next to us and Jeff introduces us. She knows my aunt and we have mutual friends. God led me straight to who he wanted us to use for our adoption. It's crazy, all we have to do is follow His steps and He'll lead you where He wants. It really was incredible. We never even talked to another person in that room. We left knowing we had found the right agency and that we were doing this.

So...here are the answers to the most asked questions.

Are you getting a girl? We don't know. We are leaving that up to God

What age? Anyone over 5

How many? 1-3 We are not against siblings

How long will this take? Longer than I want, but could take as short as summer and long as 2 years. It just depends on how fast we get done the piles of paperwork and CPR classes and physicals, and immunizations for our dogs, and home visits, and training, and the list goes on....our prayer is by the start of school in the fall.

Where are you in the process? We are at our second round of paperwork (it's a ton of paperwork). We have CPR classes in Jan., 20 hours of training in Feb., and home studies in March. Not sure from then on. We'll keep posting.

How can I be praying? First, pray for "Chris". Pray that God is showing him/her/them even now how much they are loved and wanted. That He is softening their hearts and bonding us even now. That the social worker would hear God's voice and give us the kid(s) He wants us to have. Pray for the quickness of the paperwork. It is a daunting task. That we don't lose hope and that we stay strong through all of this. Pray for Josh, Tyler, and Drew. This radically affects them too. They want this too. They they would be the siblings God created them to be to "Chris". That they would hear His voice in all of this as well.

Well, that is it for now. I am tired and if you are still reading this, you are probably tired too. Not every blog will be this long, I just wanted to put down the details this first time. Thank you for your interest in our lives and what God is doing through us. May you be blessed.

OK, so I have been a little busy....

2008-07-27T21:15:00.002-06:00

I was talking to a friend the other day and she said "Hey, you need to update your blog!" I was shocked...I didn't think anyone ever even read it. I am kinda stoked that people read my thoughts. I started this because I wanted a place to vent my mind...now I will keep it up to keep people updated on our lives. if you are reading this....thank you.

So for the last few months I have running around like a crazy person. It would a really long post if I told you all that has happened...so like The Princess Brides says...Let me explain...no, not enough time...let me sum up.

Josh and Tyler were selected to be on the same 13-14 yr. olds Academy Little League All-Star team. This was very special to have brothers on the same team. It was their goal from the beginning of the season and one of the reasons Josh came back to Academy and left his competitive team. It was a very fun experience and the boys did well. Unfortunately it ended sooner than we had hoped when we were second in districts and did not move on to State. Oh well, were given cool stuff like new bags, hats, jackets, and fun items. The whole team was a blast and it will be a time they will never forget. As you can imagine, I was the co-team mom and that made me quite busy. I know I can say no and not sign up for all this, but being the slightly controlling type, I want it done right. So.....I volunteer for more than I should at times. shocker, I know. AT THE SAME TIME......

I was planning my grandpa's 90th birthday/family reunion at my house for 45 people!!! yes, that's right invitations, catering, shopping, cleaning, organizing, planning, and keeping track of it all during all-stars. It is a good thing I didn't have a job at the time as it took a ton of work. In the end, it was such a blast. I really enjoyed having all my cousins, aunts, uncles, my brother and his family, parents, etc. all here to celebrate my Grandpa. We went to the Flying W Ranch one night and had a blast. That is why I am in a cowboy hat in the picture above. If you live in the spings, you need to go there and experience the food, festivities, and fun.

Now that all the excitement is over, it is time to start thinking seriously about a job and the fall. I need a job. I know that sounds simple enough, but it's not. I have not had a real job in 14 years. It's kinda hard to convince people you are going to be a good employee when you have no proof. We'll see what God has up His sleeve on this one.

Well, that's the update for now...going to bed. I will work on keeping this updated more often. Feel free to leave comments (nice ones).

Fire of God in Florida...and other thoughts

2008-05-03T18:15:00.002-06:00

Wow...what do I say...I have been watching the Healing Revival in Lakeland Florida for the past days and am amazed. God is amazing....really. I am so hungry for this kind of presence. People are getting healed like crazy. I was watching a little girl who was deaf from birth get healed. She could hear for the first time...last night a little girl started screaming at the meeting because it was so loud...she had been 50% deaf since birth and it scared her it was so loud. She was so excited. Praise God. A girl blind in her eye could see. Over and over and over people are being healed, released from bondage, and set free. Jesus is doing a might work and I so wish I could be there but I am praying for this kind of anointing here in Colorado Springs. God can do this at New Life and that is what I am praying for. For the city of Colorado Springs to really meat Jesus like this would be so cool. I love my church and I would love to see more healings, more freedom, more of His presence. Come Jesus to Colorado Springs.

If you are reading this and are thinking...what the heck is she talking about???? well, go to freshfire.ca and see what I am talking about. If you are suffering from any disease, pain, illness, brokeness, anything....pray now to be healed. You can be healed. Trust Jesus. He is doing a mighty thing right now...go to God.tv and watch the daily miracles. Thousands are being healed....yes that's right thousands!!!! You just have to believe.

It's Almost Here!!!

2008-03-28T11:03:00.002-06:00

Yes, my favorite time of year is only a few days away.....yes, that's right....baseball season. Not only do my boys start their games, but also my beloved ANGELS as well. I can't wait. I love baseball and there is nothing better than watching my boys play. This is one of the years that Josh and Ty get to be on the same team. What a treat. Mike and I are coaching Drew's team and are having a blast. Now I just need the weather to warm up a bit so I can stop shaking the entire practice.

I'll write again once the season starts, but for now.....GO CARDINALS (Drew's team), GO ROYALS (Josh and Ty's team), and GO ANGELS (can you say WORLD SERIES?).

Finally a break! and New Life's New CD

2008-02-27T11:05:00.003-07:00

we are finally healthy and boy am I happy about that. I went back and read my last entry and thought, "sheesh, that wasn't the half of it". Since my last post, Josh and Tyler got the flu and then I put my back out and was flat on it for 6 days. It took 2 full weeks to feel "normal". I as so grateful for my friend Mary who is a message therapist and my friend Russ who is a chiropractor. They had me back sooner than I would have without them. I was off the pain meds in a couple of days and boy am I happy about that.

Well last friday night we recorded (at New Life) the new CD called "Counting on God". We recorded it live and videoed it as well. Many of you might know about New Life's last recording called "My Savior Lives". I loved it. This one really tells of how God has gotten us as a church through the worst season of our lives. How He was faithful through the Ted scandal and through the shooting. The cd/dvd will be available sometime in Sept and I can't wait. These next few weeks are dedicated to going to a studio and getting the looping tracks done. You can't really hear the choir live so we go in and lay those tracks down after to blend it all together.

it is an honor to be a part of something that (hopefully) will have an impact on the body of Christ. We want to show the world that even though you go through hard things, God is ALWAYS by your side. ALWAYS. He is after all, as the song says, the UNFAILING GOD.

Colds, colds, and more colds

2008-01-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

ARHG......we can't get healthy! I got a nasty cold dec. 9th that lasted 3 weeks. Monday, Josh got super sick and is still trying to beat it. Well last night Drew started coughing and woke up feeling lousy so he stayed home. So, guess who is sick AGAIN? yep, that would be me. I can't believe it. It's a good thing I am starting on JuicePlus. I must really need the nutrients. I am really bummed to be feeling crappy again. I don't think Mike is thrilled either. Would you'd be? I get cranky when I am sick and want to stay in bed, NOT homeschool the boys. I think tonight will be a night of prayer for healing so we don't fulfill the old saying "when Mama's not happy, no one is happy". How are kids still in decent moods when they are sick? I have such a hard time. Drew is still in a good mood. He just wants to rest. I get cranky and don't want to talk to anyone. Who is the adult here? I guess not me. oh well....off to bed to rest....pray for me and pray for those who have to live with me.

Is it EVER going to warm up????

2008-01-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

it is freezing arounnd here. I think it has not gotten above 40 degrees in over a month at least. I have lived in Colorado Springs for 3 years now and I have lived through nasty blizzards. What has made it all fun, and good is that in between the snow and cold has been warmth. NOT THIS YEAR. It got cold and has stayed there. We even had our pipes freeze. Luckily we figured it out before a pipe burst. The snow has not even melted in over a month. strange. so much for global warming...sheesh...

I must say, though, it IS allowing for some awesome skiing. We are going every weekend and having a blast. The boys are really skiing well. They all go on blues now and it makes for a funner day for Mike and I for sure! Breckenridge seems to the mountain we like the best so far, but still have Keystone to check out. It has just been so windy and I heard Keytone is the one that has the most wind. I could have wrong info, but we are waiting for a less windy day.

just some pics of Christmas and New Years

2008-01-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

Drew opening a fun dart board

My new boots and Nala

This was us on our way to a 50's murder mystery party

our first day skiing at A-basin! was a blast!

Merry Christmas!!!

2007-12-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

ok so it's been a little while since my last post. After the shootings, I just took some time to enjoy life and not write. Since the last post, a few things have happened. First, the memorial service for the girls who were killed. It was a very nice service. the best friends of each girl spoke along with their father. That was amazing. He had such grace. I have been around parents who have lost their children and every time, God has given them a grace that is beyond words. I know God promises that, but when you see it in action, it brings it home. I think, I would be in a hump of tears and sorrow, but then when I see what these parents can do, I know my God would be by my side with a strength and peace that would get me through. It is nothing less than miraculous. I was honored to be a part of the choir that sang in the service. I was sick, but felt I needed to be there, to support, to worship, to morn with the family. I wouldn't have missed it for anything. It was a testimony to who God is, and who we are as a family in Christ.

Second, Christmas Eve.....what a blast. Mike, myself, and the boys all were in the service. I was in the choir and then joined them for the nativity scene. How much fun it was to be dressed up in shepherds clothes and walk out on stage together, worshiping our Lord.
After the two services we decided we wanted to eat and then go to the movies. We drove down towards the theatre looking for a place that was open. Each place was given a rating based on whether or not it was depressing to go there for Christmas Eve dinner. The winner??? Del Taco. We decided it was fun to eat there and NOT depressing. Through the drive-up window we went and took our bags into the theatre to see National Treasure 2 and eat Del Taco. It was really a fun night. With no family in town, we just spent it together the way we wanted. It will definately go down in the books as one of the best. (The movie is good too!)

Christmas Day was a fun day as well. The boys woke us up at 7:00am and we just opened our presents in our jammies. A couple of friends came over a little later and we just hung out playing games and eating. Tom and Joyce (Mike's parents) are here now. We just are playing games and going to the movies......so glad they are here.

He killed himself

2007-12-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

Like I said in my last blog....we don't know what happened. I was right. Ms. Assam did not kill Matthew Murry. He killed himself after he knew it was over. He decided death was better than facing up to his sin. How sad. We need to pray for his family. What grief they must be going through. I can only imagine their broken hearts so not only lose their son, but in such a horrific way. They have to live with why their son would murder like this. As a parent, I can only imagine their grief. God be with you Murry family.

People are strange

2007-12-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

I made the mistake of reading some of the comments people have left on some web sties about the shooting. Most of the negative comments were about New Life having security guards and Pastor Brady have a body guard. I find this interesting. How is it that Christians are not supposed to be able to defend themselves? Why not? Just because we are Christians doesn't mean we let people murder us. Give me a break. We have had security officers in place for a number of years. we need it. There have been numerous threats on our pastors and to our body as a whole. Sunday proves why we need them. Without Jeanne Assam hundreds could have been killed. The killer did not come because we had officers, he came because he hated. We did not cause this by having officers, we were saved because we had officers. Anyone is the public eye is a target. Pastor Boyd (and pastor Ted before him) is a target because of his influence.

There has also been comments about killing and the ten commandments. Someone asked why she couldn't have just wounded him and not kill him. Well, first there is talk they he might have shot himself once he knew he was going down. She is not sure if she killed him with her shots. Do I need to remind you he had body armor on and a tactical helmet on? He was not going down easy. We were not there, we do not know what happened.

Matthew Murry 24

2007-12-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

So now we know the name of the shooter...Matthew Murry-24. He had enough rounds to kill a ton of people. his plan we think was to set off smoke bombs at other entrances to get people to come down the hallway towards him. He had 1000 rounds. 2 handguns and a rifle. He really planned on killing a lot of people. We are so grateful to Jeanne Assam for her quick thinking and courage to take him down before more were killed. Be praying for her as she has to remember those moments. The church is pretty shot up and doors and such will have to be replaced.

The 2 killed were sisters

2007-12-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

As I had heard, the 2 girls killed were sisters. 18 year old Stephanie Works was killed at the scene and her younger sister, 16 year old Rachel Works died last night shortly after 10:00pm. What a tragedy for the family. Their father was also shot but appears to be in fair condition. I have not heard anything about their mother and if she was around, is around, or what. Please be praying for that family.

We still haven't heard anything about Wonderland and if it will still happen. I think that decision will be made later this week. I have mixed feelings about it at this moment. I will wait to see what the staff decides.

I will update if I hear any more......

now 2 victims dead, 2 more still hospitalized

2007-12-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

The information is still difficult to get, but it is now confirmed a second victim died shortly after 10:00pm last night. There is a rumor that the victims were sisters. I have heard a name of the 1st victim but want to wait to hear that confirmed from the police. There is a press conference this morning at 9:00 MST. I will update after that.

On a side note and a much happier note, I want to wish my niece Sydney a wonderful happy 15th birthday. i love you

6:08pm shooter dead, 1 victim dead, 4 others wounded

2007-12-09T18:08:00.000-07:00

This is beyond words....the shooter is dead. How do we rejoice in that death? I have such mixed feelings. I am glad he can't hurt anyone else, but now he suffers and suffers, and suffers. I know that the families of the wounded and dead will suffer and suffer too, but they know Jesus. Did the shooter? It's all so horrible. A friend of mine saw everything...the shooter, the victims, everything. He watched a friend get shot. pray for all those who have to live with the visions of what they saw today. Pray and pray hard. I myself am a bit nervous about getting back in stage for Wonderland. I know I will feel better soon, but still.

Thank you to everyone who has called and made sure we were ok. Your love and support means a lot to us.

I will update more when I get the info. but for now...shooter dead, 1 victim dead, and 4 other wounded. I pray the death toll doesn't go up.

update from New Life Worship 4:33pm

2007-12-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Dear NewLifeWorship Ministry,
As the events at the church continue to unfold and we all stand in prayer for those injured and involved in the shooting, we wanted to let you know that the Worship Ministry staff, their families, the Interns, and the New Life School of Worship Students have all been accounted for and are safe.

Thank you for your constant prayers and loving support.
Blessings to all of you and your families!

4:22 pm

2007-12-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

Channel 5 just said one of the victims is in critical condition. Suddenly there is no news out there to find stuff out. People are just calling around to make sure they are ok. The rumor I heard which I did not post was not true and I am so glad I didn't post it. I want to make sure I am not spreading false rumors.

There is still conflicts as to where the shootings happened. All the news is still staying all shots were outside in the parking lot, although they are saying that is started indoors. He must have come inside and then went outside.

Fox is updating right now....They are saying it is over athough the lockdown is still in effect. Mainly the family members of the victims

3:40 pm update

2007-12-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

Now all the churches are in lock down...

Also, they are not saying much so it hard to find out what is rumor and what is not.
They think the shooter had a bullet proof vest on....wow

Police were pursuing a second person and now are saying that there was only 1 shooter. They found explosives in a car and that the shooter had a hand gun and a rifle.

New LIfe Shooting Update

2007-12-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

The reports are coming in.....still don't know who is alive and who is not. The news is saying it was only in the parking lot, but Kelly heard them in the hallway...so it seems there is something else going on. I heard something, but I can't say yet. Only pray for those that were in the tent when the service let out....

This is just not happening

2007-12-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what to say right now...There has been a shooting at New Life Church here in town. This is my church and I am desperately awaiting to hear what happened. We were there for the first service and had already left the building before the shooter got there. My good friend Kelly was there when it happened. She called me right after she ran out to the parking lot. She was in TAG chapel in the hallway between the Theatre and the main sanctuary. A group of people were waiting to talk to Pastor Jack Hayford after the service when shots rang out. She says she heard it in the Hallway by the Theatre. The news is reporting that the shootings were in the parking lot...it's all crazy. I have heard that the shooter is dead and that he is on the loose....there are also reports that there may be more than 1 shooter as there were shots heard just a while ago less than a mile away from church. Who knows...I will keep updating as soon as I know anything.

Fire Update

2007-10-30T12:44:00.000-06:00

Now that the ash as settled, people are trying to put their lives back together. I am happy to report that only 1 of the houses I lived in was lost, but that does not dimish the tragedy of how many homes were lost. The local newspaper there has updated the list of homes destroyed or at least damaged. go to http://www.nctimes.com/fire2007/maps/homesmap.php and see for yourself. It is a LONG list. So sad. My Mom has been in real estate in Escondido for most of my life and now is in the postition to help those in need. Because of her contacts, she trying to help people who lost their homes find a place to rent until thier house can be rebuilt. It is a shift in her job responsiblities, but one worth the effort. If you know someone who has a home in the area that is vacant, and willing to rent it out, please post a comment and I will hook up all the right parties. Also, I am still collecting donations to help. Even if it pays one month of rent, it will help. every dime is valuable.

There is also a wonderful site that still gives updates on all the fires. It is where I got most of my information during the crisis. go to and-still-I-persist.com. It is awesome.

Donation Instructions

2007-10-24T10:49:00.000-06:00

1. send a check to me. If you don't know my address, send me an email and I will email it to you.

2. email me the amount and I will send an invoice to you via paypal

3. go to www.paypal.com click the "send money" link at the top and follow the instructions. My email for that account is deniserice@msn.com.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

My Mom is going to start making a list of those in need and what some of those needs are. You might be able to help by sending specific items to them.

CALIFORNIA FIRE RELIEF

2007-10-24T08:41:00.000-06:00

North San Diego county is where I grew up. We moved there from Los Angeles when I was 3. I lived there (except when at college) until Mike and I got married. Esondido is my home town. I also lived and worked in Rancho Bernardo. The house I lived in in RB burned down. I have heard different reports about my other 2 houses. 1 of which my Dad built. It's horrible. I can't even begin to share all the stories. My mom lives there and the fire has been within a mile or so the entire time. My aunt, uncle, and cousins fled to her house only to be on watch in case they might have to leave there. They can't go outside as the air is unhealthy and eveything around them is burning. I was told that my high school has damage but was saved. I am so glad.

The point of telling you all of this, is that I want you to hear my heart and know that I want to do everything I can to help this area. When Katrina hit, I started a relief effort called Remember Mercy. God give it to me in a dream. I sold wrist bands inorder to raise money for the effort. This time I am not selling them. I am giving them away to anyone who makes a donation it this cause.

You can send a check to me by mail, email me an amount you want to donate and I'll send you a paypal invoice, or you can make a donation via the paypal site. Make all donations to Remember Mercy.

If you want the significance of the colors in the wristband, please email me and I will let you know. (it's a long story)

LET YOUR EARBUDS BLOOM

2007-10-22T09:21:00.000-06:00

Budclicks invented the best iPod earbud accessory

2007-10-22T09:09:00.000-06:00

just wanted to let you know that you need to go to www.budclicks.com and check out our earbud accessories. There is another company out there selling something similar, HOWEVER, they are not the same. Budclicks was the first company to come up with this concept. If you live in the Colorado Springs area, you can see, try, and purchase your own budclicks at Dustee's on Carefree Cirle, next to the movie theatre.

FIRE AND ICE

2007-10-22T08:24:00.000-06:00

This is a great country...so diversified in it's culture and landscape. Take yesterday and today for example. Southern California is burning up ( I unfortunately know too many people affected by these fires) and Colorado has 6 inches of snow on the ground. strange. My aunt and uncle had to evacuate to my mother's house and I was driving in snow all day. My prayers are with everyone dealing with the fires. After living in that area for 35 years, I know how scary and dangerous it can be. (My mom thinks that my house I grew up in is gone-burned) so sad. This pic was taken this morning off my deck. What a contrast to the scene in CA.

This weekend was fun for me as Joanne and Devon came out to visit. We shopped, went to a spa, ate, and did fun girl things. One of the places we went was to Dustee's who is selling the budclicks. We had the opportunity to explain this cool item to customers and getting people more knowlegable about the product. Some people didn't realized they are for your iPod. That is the market.... iPod earbud accessories and earbud accessory. Once people get to know what they are, they sell like crazy. I saw some prototypes for some of the new line. SO COOL. I can't wait to get them in my hands to sell. I think Dustee's is going to be thrilled and sell them.

Anyway, had a great weekend (Other than the fact the Red Sox are coming to Colorado for the World Series..I can't stand them..) and I am so grateful for Joanne to coming out. You are awesome!

ROCKIES ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES

2007-10-16T15:42:00.000-06:00

can I just say "what a trip" I don't think anyone can believe it. The Rockies? in the World Series? Crazy. But it's true and the entire state of Colorado is going nuts. Finally a team this state can be proud of. Oh yes, we love our Broncos, but the Rockies are kept quiet. "This is a football town" so people say. You wouldn't know it now. We are into the football season and what are people talking about? THE ROCKIES. I don't know how many records are being set here, but 21 wins out of the last 22 games? This is history in the making. Now I just need the Red Sox to lose and I'm good. "wait a minute" some of you are saying.."I thought you were a die hard Angels fan". I still am, but they lost so I have to cheer on the hometown team and hope for better results next year from my boys from OC. (Not LA mind you, the OC) call them what you will, but they are the ANAHEIM Angels. Last I checked Anaheim was in Orange County. Oh well, that's a different subject.

It's Monday morning and God is still GOOD!

2007-10-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

My weekend was boring...I laid in bed all weekend because I was fighting the flu and had a migraine. It was a bummer. One of the only joys I had this weekend was the fact the Rockies won AGAIN and are 1 game away from going to the World Series. If my beloved Angels can't go, I would want the Rockies. It's amazing to live her and have this team doing so well. Everyone is talking about it non-stop. Having a winning team in your home town is really fun. You can't help but catch the fever. GO ROCKIES.....actually I can't believe I am saying that due to the fact I said I would NEVER cheer for a team that is purple. YUK. But oh well. I am cheering. All my friends at home would, are probably are, laughing at me in disbelief.

So today we woke up to SNOW on Pike's Peak. What a view. It is so beautiful, I can't describe. Our first snow up there. Now I just have to wait until we get our first snow here at our house. I'll put pics of the first snow when it happens.

Budclicks are taking off!!!

2007-10-12T18:23:00.000-06:00

So today was the first trade show for budclicks....I was told it went great. People are buying them as fast as we can make them. So exciting. I got my sample packet today and am going to one of my favorite stores tomorrow to show the owner. We'll see. Isn't it amazing how some people are just sooo creative? I wish I could come up with these kinds of ideas. Would be a gazillionare by now!! Oh well, I'll just have to ride on the backs of my creative friends!

For the last 2 days I have had such a bad headache so pray for me! Mike has been out of town and the boys have had to fend for themselves as I have been in bed with ice packs on my head. what a drag. Some girls from church prayed for me last night and that took some of the edge off, but I still need more prayer.

Oct. 9th

2007-10-09T19:24:00.000-06:00

I know I already posted today but I wanted to share about my friends' new company. It's called budclicks.com.....it's awesome. They are little fashion things for your ipod's ear buds. they are so fun. I am going to rep. for them here in Colorado. So excited. To see more info. go to www.budclicks.com and check them out.

Also, Tyler is now playing football again. He broke his finger in 2 places a while ago and was afraid he was out for the season, but he gets to play tomorrow in the last game. Go T!

First Time

2007-10-09T07:59:00.000-06:00

Ok so this is my first blog. There has been so much we have been through in the last few years that I thought blogging might help me never forget what The Lord has brought us through. First, let me say that we are Mike, Denise, Josh, Tyler, and Drew and we live in Colorado Springs...now. We didn't always live here. We moved from beautiful Southern California in the spring of 05. We hadn't planned on ever moving out of state, but God has a funny way of reminding us that He is in charge and not us. The short story is that we felt God calling us, so we moved. the long story is just too long, but know that we saw God's hand in so many things, that is was undeniable we should go. So we went. Sold our house, closed our construcation company, left our family and church and left.

Over the next few blogs I will fill in some details, but I don't want this to be about the past. This is for our future. the future God has for us. We are not sure what that is yet, but we are confident it won't be boring....God is NEVER boring.