Dazed & Confused, but Hopeful & Excited!

In regards to my 'caught-off-guard' day @ bible study today:

Amazing, scary, amazing, nervous, amazing, embarrassing, amazing, freeing, amazing, unexpected, amazing, shocking, amazing, gently pushed (lol), amazing, mascara filled tears, amazing, faith, amazing, new fellowship, amazing steps towards God and heart healing today!

I know I don't speak well in front of a crowd (& that crowd might only be 1 for me to shy away), but I usually write pretty well in order to get across what needs to be said....feelings too. Today, I have writers block. Even my fingers want to cry with overwhelming feelings. I didn't know this was all out there waiting for me! Sure I might hear it but thought it was for everyone else but me. Honestly, still trying to grasp the concepts; the truths but I'm in the middle of it and opening up my heart.

I'm so incredibly grateful for the donations & scholarship (of which I admit the proud in me is embarrassed about) I was given today to be able to attend an upcoming womens retreat....that, frankly, I made a point to put out of my mind cause there were too many "obstacles" and I was scared (still am). The obstacles are being crossed out one by one and I will not disappoint those who made it all happen. I will not disappoint myself......I like the sound of that! :)

WOW! Thank you for today!

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
Isaiah 60:1

~Susan

P.S. Bible study course is Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul (by John & Stasi Eldredge)

Pumpkins, Animals & Rides, OH MY!!!!

We headed up to Temecula last weekend to test out a new pumpkin patch near my parents' house. Kids had a pretty good time, but we're definitely going back to Bates Nut Farm next year (heck, maybe even this year if we can squeeze in the time).

Working on His Autograph!!

Yesterday, we went to the Esco. Street Fair.....rain and all. I usually don't take the kids but I didn't have much of a choice this time; I'm glad they came! We stopped at a booth for a company that does yoga and hula-hoop workouts. Of course the kids stopped and played. Gavin & Carly were silly, but Shane, ya he was serious! He is really good & the hoop doesn't drop until he wants to stop. So, I already knew he was good at it but these aren't your cheepo hula-hoops, they were huge and heavy....professional. They shook their hips for at least 10min or more. I was trying to urge Shane to stop so we could keep strolling the fair, but he had one more trick up his sleeve! He took 3 of the biggest hoops and spun simultaneously!

Apparently this caught the eye of the newspaper photographer. He jumped the median and asked me if Shane was part of the yoga company or if he was just having fun. He was definitely having FUN! So the photographer jotted down a little of Shane's info and here he is in the local news paper (North County Times) this morning. Shane hasn't seen it yet, but I'm sure he'll be just as excited.

Shane Elkins, 7, twirls three hula hoops simutaneously at a booth that sells them, Dang Good Yoga, on Sunday during the Escondido Downtown Street Faire. (Photo by Bill Wechter - Staff Photographer)

I'm sure this will not be his first time in the spotlight....not necessarily for hula-hooping, but hey we all get our break somewhere :) This one is going in the "baby" book for sure!




(click on the title or "North County Times" to view article & pic)

2010 Hawkinson Family Reunion + Extra Stop in TX!

I am so excited about my side of the family's reunion. The exact dates are from July 7-11th, but Steve, the kids and I are hitting the road on July 2nd!! We are leaving early in hopes to miss all the holiday traffic and hey, when was the last time we went on a vacation? I really wish more people were able to make it but I am grateful for those who can and that my family and I can!!

We have set up a Shutterfly account @ http://hawkinsonfamilyreunion2010.shutterfly.com/ . Check out the pics, blogs, and other happenings from the trip.

We will leave Oklahoma on the 12th/13th and drive down to TX to see Brandi, Andy and new the the world: Colton!! I am equally excited for that visit. You know, Carly is only 2 years older than him.....just sayin' lol!

Have I said how excited I am?!?

A Bitter Sweet Farewell

click on title to read my farewell to Creative Kidz

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Ok, so I wasn't exactly prepared to make a post but I had to change background. Promise to post some updates soon!!!