the newest of babies (what, you're surprised?)

this is riley, the newest addition to the keith/vanzant household. he's an eight month old hyperactive sweetie pie that has captured our hearts. he attacks everyone, including murphie! finally, pierre has someone to play with. although with riley around, we have started to notice that pierre's not the young kitten he used to be.

we've had riley less than two weeks and it already seems we've always had him. he fits in perfectly with all the others. the kitty is still a grumpy old man who doesn't really get along with anyone but fred, but we won't fault him for being old and set in his ways. its very odd sometimes to see a light colored cat sauntering past us...or in most cases, pouncing!

my mom had been wanting another cat since her baby charlie had died a little over a year ago. we were a little concerned with getting another one since we already had so many. but one day justin's mom came over and asked if we knew anyone that wanted another cat. we looked at each other and sighed. of course we did. the only problem we now face is the possible problem of parting with him when the time comes.

these are cruddy pictures from my cell phone in dimly lit quarters. i promise better ones to come! (oddly enough, these show a side of riley seldom seen...)

i was browsing my brother john's facebook profile tonight and came across some pictures he'd posted on his travels.. he's been on my mind a lot lately since he's a naval firefighter in san deigo. i honestly don't know if he's even there right now, but whether he is or he isn't, he needs prayer. keep him in mind as he's only just now 22 and out on his own in the midst of the unforgiving world that offers much but holds nothing.

christina sent me these a while back...i hadn't seen them before...thought some of you would like to see them as well. so much happens in such a relatively short amount of time like two years. can you believe that there are a few weddings and babies that have happened since then? man we're gettin old!
left to right: amy, christina, calista, melissa, crystal, jill, moi

okay so....

they'll never be able to run for office or cook dinner...but who said i didn't have kids...


(notice the glowing eyes in the doorway in the distance...that's fraidy cat fred!)






in case anyone is wondering, female dogs, if not spayed, will have what seems like a period. i have no idea how long it lasts, only that the diapers for it cost me $15!!
she doesn't like them, but she knows that if she wriggles out of it, she'll go right back outside.
as soon as possible, she's goin to the vet!! man am i a sucker. seriously, i told justin a long time ago that i never wanted to have to put diapers on any animal that i had. hah! i'm eating those words as we speak!
(it is pretty hilarious to watch her waddle around in a diaper though, thus the pictures)

because of michelle's nudge...

i thought i'd post about blessings in my life... but you have to get down in the dumps sometimes to notice the good, right? so yesterday, i was on the far north side of okc and i drove by my and justin's old apartment. i started to feel so disappointed and annoyed that things in my life were absolutely not going as i had planned. i did not plan to be married as early as i was. i did not plan to stink at finances. i did not plan to STILL be living in okc. i did not plan to be living in the same home as my mom at 26 WHILE MARRIED. THIS IS NOT MY PLAN!!!!

i was so frustrated that i kept choking back tears as i drove back to the place i called home with my mother and my sickly whiny husband.. (i love him but jeez guys are whiny when they're sick!!) :)

i kept thinking that it wasn't fair, that i couldn't handle all the disappointment that i was conjuring. i just kept thinking about all the bad things that were going on and that had happened. i got worse and worse and worse and finally i couldn't hold the tears back any longer. which is pretty unsafe when you're driving...

and i hate to cry. crying is stupid and it makes your eyes puffy and was ruining my perfect eye makeup job!! so i had to stop. i couldn't. i HAD to. then the Lord brought these verses to my mind: "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Fear ye not therefor, ye are of more value than many sparrows." (matt 10:29,31)



then i was ashamed. i had SO MANY good things in my life. so what if they weren't what i had planned on having...the Lord knows way better than i do what i need. seriously, he knows what i want too....way before i know what i want.

here are a few reasons i should be happy and trust the Lord so much more:

1. i have a husband that loves me even if i cry about really stupid things....or if i cry for no reason at all
2. i have a job that pays me the monies i use to settle my debts. there are a lot, but i get them covered.
3. i have clothes that fit, and the ones that don't, well, see number 4.
4. i have food to eat. i am not going hungry. you CANNOT see my ribs. even if i tell you you can.
5. i have a wonderful mother who, even when she drives me crazy, is happy to have me at home helping around the house. this is a mutually beneficial relationship.
6. i have friends. WONDERFUL FRIENDS! i have so many Godly friends who don't give up on me and are always there for me in word or in deed.
7. i have a Savior who is full of endless love and forgiveness. it doesn't matter how many times i "forget" about all He's done for me. He still brings all those things back to my mind as if to say "I love you beth, you are dearer to me than you can imagine. I will take care of you, feed you and clothe you. I will be your JOY."

boy, sometimes you really need to write out things like that...He's so good to me even though i'm worthless and constantly throw His blessings back in His face. thank goodness i have Salvation that is independent of me!

Amazing Love (Charles Wesley)

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.

He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Still the small inward voice I hear,
That whispers all my sins forgiven;
Still the atoning blood is near,
That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.