Remember 2005

The following are memories that I WANT to remember about 2005
DS learned to swim at the YMCA; 100ft both front and back. Before he was even 4.
Bible Studies: Believing God, Getting a Grip on the Basics, Living Beyond Yourself, Genesis- Leviticus
Beyer's Farewell- Seeing everyone from our old church. I was reminded how much people impact each others lives. As I looked around the church that day I could think of how all that were there had touched my life.
DS learning to ride his bike...determination
Camping trips- Bruin Lake- turtle hike, raft to the sand bar, DS and DD with hand radio...copy
Sleepy Hollow-Setting up the screen room by myself, the boys fishing, Cam riding his bike, DS going off the curb, hawthorn in tire, picnic on the bridge.
Family Camp- Singing, the Clampets, bike trip to the store (DS and Lindsey made it on a big, public road) kick the can ice cream, Risk, Bingo, the teens trek to the bridge by canoe and row boat (slow start but they made it)
Taqhemenon Falls- Beautiful sunsets, boat trip to the falls, Oswalds (bear swimming), Antlers, largest ship on the great lakes in the Soo Locks, rain that brought the screen room down, blueberries, Stephen, DS jumping off swing, DS climbing EVERYTHING!
I discovered bike riding. Saturday morning breakfast rides, tag-a-long, WOW 18 miles with Dustin and DS.
The kids on the Mellenberger farm. Daddy bet DS a dollar he couldn't catch a chicken. He did. Collected eggs. Never run with eggs. DD loved the horses.
Dave's 10 year "marathon" reunion. I did not have one...oh well. The realization that it had been 10 years.
God doing a new thing. See Nov post for details.
Dave Ramsey conference...going gazelle.
DS no more thumb sucking. Chuck E Cheese. Update: After a month of no sucking he relapsed for 2 weeks. Then as quickly as he started he stopped. He now likes to chew his shirts and blankets.
Ladies Nights: Anne of Green Gables (puffy shoulders, bosom buddies, and chocolate)
Spa night (steaming faces, Aloe, poop story, what's under your nails)
Potter's Park- trip with Brandon throwing sticks at the sign, mud, DD fascination with thte animals. DS drawing the animals.
DD talking, singing and dancing. Big girl bed. Helping mommy. Feeding cats. Pig tails. JoJo Circus. Playing with 'bell. Get ya...giggling. "'eavenly fadder". Early bird (except the morning Daddy got you to sleep in by telling you to not to get up yet), baby Grace and sweet kisses.
Preschool with DS. Learning letters, numbers, sounds, time...ever learning.
Neighborhood kids- D, A, M, J, U. Obstacle courses, baseball, sleep overs, the Y, bike rides, dress up...NEVER.
Sudoku!
Blogging
I am blessed beyond measure! I have had an incredible year, this is only scratching the surface.
Have a blessed 2006.

Dancin' Doughboy

This is for Mindy but many will enjoy it. Dancin' Doughboy. Make him do the robot, hustle, runningman and more. Heehee...it's great.

Crazy Game

Here's a game to drive you crazy. Click link here.
They say your doing brilliantly if you make it 18 seconds. My guess...none of you will make it a second on your FIRST try. Have fun.

Hey You Guys.....

My favorite movie is Goonies. I love it for it's adventure, great one liners and the truffle shuffle. Mikey, Brandon, Data, Chunk, Mouth, Andy, Steph and Sloth.
Favorite lines:
"If God made us that way we'd all be pissin' in our faces."
"Andy....you Goonie!"
"Hey...you guys."
"Bullet Holes"
"Booby traps...thats what I said Booby traps."
"Save that one for Willie."
"Aren't you the one they call Mouth?"
"Brand, where's you braces?"
Ahhh and so many more.

Before, During and After

Christmas Eve is rich with tradition. Our family attends service at our church. After service with donuts and drinks in hand we go driving around looking at Christmas decorations. Looking for stars, Baby Jesus, Rudolph, candy canes, angels and snowmen...til we have had our fill. Then it is back home we go. Every Christmas Eve the whole family sleeps in the living room under the Christmas tree. We pull out our mattress, blankets and pillows...pop the popcorn and snuggle up.

With baking still to be done I awoke before the others to make cinnamon rolls and pumpkin pie. DD woke up to watch me bake but the boys were snoozing. At 8am I tried to wake them with the glow of the Christmas lights. DS asked me to turn them off; he wanted more sleep. Can you believe it...a kid on Christmas asking to sleep a little longer. With my parents soon on their way I let them sleep for a few minutes longer. Then it was up and at 'em. I love the excitement of kids with presents. How they smile with their eyes and sheepishly giggle. It was a delight watching them open their gifts.

The day continued with a visit from my parents and a trip to DH's parents. The testing out of new treasures. Playing games with family. It was a wonderful day!

Looking back over the day there are a few observations I made. Kids are not necessarily greedy. Mine were thankful. It doesn't matter if you spend hundreds they are content with simple pleasures. This year we followed the rhyme "something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read." You never know how it will be received until it happens but they were very pleased with their gifts. And we didn't go into debt providing it. We stuck to our budget and paid cash. It's a good feeling. Maybe my kids are easy to please....DD's favorite present was a bag of animal crackers from Grandma, DS a small remote control car. Whatever it may be I am thankful.

Quote of the Day

"I am reading a book and mommy is watching football." DH
Who would have thunk it?

Discovery

Driving around town the other day DS was playing around with words. Sounding them out slowly. SSSSAAAAMMMM. This is the conversation that followed:
"how do you spell sam?"
"spqup"
"sound it out again"
"sssssaaaammm"
"what letter is sssss?"
"s"
"what letter is aaaa?"
"a"
"what letter is mmmm?"
"m"
"how do you spell sam?
"s..a..m"
"You did it...you spelled sam! And it wasn't spqup...each letter has a sound."
"I spelled sam!"
When we got home he wanted to write it down so he got a piece of paper and wrote sam, mom, dad, sisters name and his name. He was so proud of himself that he could spell them all by HIMSELF. Such an awesome discovery. I think we are on the road to reading...and looking forward to the adventure.

I ponder....

Today I had a very odd thought that I pondered. What if Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and other founding fathers came back today? I imagined them in the Supreme Court defending the constitution. Clarifing what they meant by certain amendments especially the seperation of church and state. It boggles my mind how their ideas have been so twisted and manipulated. I seriously wish they could come back and SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. There are many personal writings and dairy journals of our founding fathers that prove there intentions but I wish America could hear it straight from them. I also wonder how they would feel about commercialism, airplanes, computers and such. Would they be agast at how America has turned out? I am sure they would appreciate that we are progressing and growing as a great nation. But what would they have to say?

Merry Christmas

May you remember the birth of the Savior this Christmas. May your homes be filled with warmth and laughter, family and fun. Much love to you all. Merry Christmas!

Play Along 6

Answer me this....What is your favorite movie and why?

Congrats Hubby!

Congrats to my hubby and his dart buddies. They won first place on both their Monday and Wednesday Night Dart Leagues in playoffs. Way to go guys. Here's to a sucessful season.

Molding a Child

Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his actions, by wether his conduct is pure and right.

This verse struck a cord this morning. I so want my kids to be known for being respectful and kind. I want their hearts to be pure and right. Sometimes it is a challenge molding my kids. This week I had to change the game plan for DD. I had become ineffective in disciple and guiding her. She is a persistent child. She asks for something and then repeats over and over raising her voice gradually to unwanted decibals. The old response. "DD stop!" "DD I can hear you.." Until I was frustrated and raising my voice as well. This method was not working. The new way. "I want crackers." Mom stops and gets down close to DD and answers. "DD would you like crackers?" To which she answers. "A huh" Then I respond yes or no depending on the circumstance. It is amazing how effective this has been. She feels understood. I feel peace.
While it is not easy training up children I know it is my responsibility. They have been entrusted to my care. I will not give up, I will perserve. I will teach, guide and discpline. I will seek the Holy Spirit to show me what to do. I know the effort is worth it.

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Weekend flurry

Thursday the temp finally was perfect for packing snow. DS went out and made this snowman...all by himself. Complete with sucker eyes, twizlers mouth and a tootsie roll belly button.

Saturday evening we had a family gathering with all my dad's siblings and the cousins. Some of this side of the family I only see once or twice a year so I enjoyed getting caught up with everyone. There was 44 of us.

DH got home late Saturday night from another business trip to Florida. We love it when he comes home. YIPPEE!
Sunday after church we went to my father-in-laws for lunch and exchanging gifts. The kids love going to Grandpa Eagles house...

He gives them lots of sweets.

Then we went to Carraba's for dinner with DH's co-workers.
Nice to have dinner out with no kids. Thanks Sherry.
It was a great weekend!
Have a great week.

Heart's Desires

My brother-in-law shared a teaching he had received a few years ago in regards to the desires of your heart. Every year (anytime) he sits down and spends some time in prayer and reflection. During that time he writes down the desires of his heart. Some things are spiritual, some are material, whatever it is he writes it down. I think he said he has been doing this for 3 years and in that time he has seen God's amazing faithfulness.
So sometime in the next couple days I want to sit down and write out the desires of my heart. I trust it will serve as a memorial of God's goodness. I look forward to seeing his provision.
The desires of my heart:
To be led by the Spirit
To daily spend time in the Word
Develop more consistant prayer time
Orderly house
Obedient children
Guidance in raising the kids
Healthy communication
Healthy happy marriage
For DH to travel less on business
1000 square foot garage
Debt Free
6 months living expenses in savings
To be relevant
Producing good fruit
DS to learn to read
Children to grow in knowledge
Excellent health for my family
DD to understand Christ and know him more
DD to potty train
Hot air balloon ride
Travel more as family
....
....
This is the start of my list, it is sure to grow.
I encourage you to make your own list of the desires of your heart. Whether it be 20 things or 150; write them down.
Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

Posting a Comment

For those of you who have experienced difficulty posting comments; here is how you do it.
1. Click Comments under original post.
2. Type your message in the Leave your comment box.
3. If you are not a blogger member you can do one of two things.
a. Click Other putting your name or code name in the box, if you chose you can link a web address to this, but your name is sufficient.
b. Click Anonymous. You can leave yourself anonymous or sign your name to the end of the comment.
4. Word verification. Type letters as seen. This stops spam as it has to be a real live human reading the letters rather than mass mailings to whomever. MUST COMPLETE word verification or comment will NOT go through.
5. Publish your comment.

I thank you for your comments. They really do make my life richer. I enjoy friendly competition on the games and insight on whatever you may be thinking about a particular post. And of course don't forget to play along.
Happy posting.

Snow Day-reply

Although we didn't have a blizzard with my husband stuck at home, we did have a snow day. See pictures below. Our day included playing outside, walking to the sledding hill. DS got adventuroues and went down standing up on his sled. Thankfully he made it down safe. When we came home we ate quesadillas and drank hot chocolate. We took long naps. Skipped school. It was a great day!

People Not Like Me

Through reading other's blogs and living life in general, I am keenly aware of others that are not like me. In saying so I mean not everyone shares my beliefs or practices. DUH and Thank God! God created diversity and it is to be celebrated. Sometimes I am so caught up in MY way of thinking and doing things that I can overlook much from others. In reading other people's blogs it has helped me to understand other's more deeply. I have been some interesting places over the last couple week's. In the mind's of other's that is. I have read of a bisexual/queer man's inner struggle, he attended many ex-gay's meeting's with evangelical males. He shared his thoughts quite candidly and I respected his honesty. I have journeyed with a lady who is wrestling with God as she sorts through the peices of her broken life, scarred by abuse, longing to be whole in Christ. I have met a Pharisee. So caught up in law of the Bible she attacks other believers with differing views. I could not help thinking all day yesterday what benefit there would be if she spent time with those she bashed. For instances she is highly against Willow Creek and Saddleback Churches for there seeker sensitivity. Over and over I thought of Christ and how he came to seek and save the lost. He did unconventional things. He spoke to prositutes and ate with tax collector's. The Pharisee's scoffed. I wondered if this lady sat down with Rick Warren or Bill Hybles if she would she their heart. Or if her agenda would blind her from seeing two men who whole heartedly love their Lord and do what they feel the Spirit is leading them to do...as unconventional as it may be. There are many other lives I have peeked into over the last couple week's too many to name but with each life I am refined. I enjoy learning from other's and I prefer the non confrontational approach. While reading their blogs I am able to learn without judging or being judged...it has been good for me. And many times it has led me to prayer. So in closing I will continue to read, continue to pray and continue to grow. Someboby say Hallelulia.

Holiday Golf

The game of the week is a friendly game of putt putt golf. To play holiday golf click link here. Please post scores. Have fun!

Handy Hubby

The cost of a used dryer- $100
Replacing a fried part- $8
Having a handy hubby- priceless

Josiah

Josiah Kenneth born December 2nd to proud parents Heather and Dan

Congrats!

Our Snow Day

Bundled up...

DD falling in the snow

DS making a snow angel...

On the way to the sledding hill

DD and mommy going down the hill

...and coming back up

DS sledding.

What fun!

Snow Cream

Today in Michigan is a perfect day for Snow Cream. My dear friend Melissa shared this family favorite with me. Take a big bowl of FRESH snow and add sweetened condensed milk and a bit of vanilla extract. Mix to your families liking. Yummy!
Note: Do not use yellow snow or dirty snow as it could be hazardous to your health.
Enjoy!

Lessons from a Dead Dryer

Our dryer is dead; FRIED, no longer working. It stopped working a few weeks back when the lint trap fell out and a sock got sucked into the motor, burning it out. (At least this what I think happened.) It was the night before DH's last Florida trip when I was washing all his clothes to be packed, I went to get the last load and smelled a funky electrical smell. YUCK. Further investigation showed it was the dryer and it was indeed dead. So hear are the lessons learned from our dead dryer.
1. Make sure the lint trap is in place before starting the dryer.
2. Laundry mats cost a lot of money. 25 cents for about 7 minutes of dry time equals approxiatemly $1.25 per load.
3. Friends are more than willing to help by offering their own dryers for our use. THANK YOU!!
4. It's good to be friendly with your neighbors. Ours saved me when I locked us out of the house
going to dry the last load.She let us in and kept us warm til DH got back. THANK YOU!!
5. Sometimes the cost of repair is greater than the cost of replacement. Try and figure this out. The cost of a new motor- $105 plus tax. Used dryer-$100 plus tax. Do the math, we are getting the "new" used dryer. DH gets out of installing parts but has the fun job of manuevering heavy machinery.
6. It doesn't hurt to wear things twice...ok maybe even more than that.
7. We have lots of clothes.
8. Time to send some away to Valueland. If I didn't wear it in the last month it's because I won't wear it.
9. Dave Ramsey was right. You really need to have an emergency fund established...things happen.
10. I am thankful I don't live back in the day were you washed clothes with a washboard. What did these people do during the winter when clothes freeze before drying?

Dead dryers are good for something...lessons learned.

Pampered

On the heels on girl's pampering night, the kids wanted to be pampered too.

Daddy paintingDD's nails.

DS steaming his face.

Play Along 4

Snow Day! A blizzzard has hit. Your whole family is STUCK at home. No work, no school and no one on the roads. What do you do?
Please play along.

Dream Home

In many ways I am living in my dream home. I am very content here. I had my babies here; literally! Not too big nor too too small. We have a big back yard with plenty of room to play. The neighborhood kids are a little older than my own but they flock here anyways. That's what I have always prayed for; that our home would be a safe place for neighborhood kids to come. Some summer nights we have 10 kids in the backyard playing tag, obstacle course or "baseball." But part of me longs for the country. Fresh air. Farm animals, maybe some chickens and a goat. I like ranches maybe a four bedroom, two bath. I would LOVE a large kitchen. Front porch complete with swing. This sounds nice. Really though I am content living right here in this home we have...ALL MY LIFE.

Spanglish

Last night DH and I watched the Adam Sandler movie Spanglish. DH skipped out early and went to bed but I am not one to leave a movie unless offended. DD woke up hysterical in the middle of the movie so I went and got her and we cuddled. She fell back asleep immediately but I kept her with me. One of the last lines in the movie is "I am my mother's daughter." It was cool to be holding her thinking about this. She is my daughter and so much of what I teach her will be a part of who she is. What will she be, accomplish or do? How much will she reflect me? How much will she say that's for you? (I'd rather do it my way) Will she have my lack of style? Will she have vibrant faith? I wonder.
My own mother... I am her daughter. While we are different there is much that's the same. Confidence, independence, value of family, love of camping and nature and an appreciation for Wal-Mart. I have learned much from her life. Her joys and hardships have shaped me. I was reminded last week of a time when I wasn't sure she would be around for my graduation. I feared she wouldn't see me marry or meet my children. Praise God she has seen all of these things accomplished. She is still here and I am thankful.
While I may not have her eyes or her hair, her nose or smile....I am her daughter. Always will be!

Santa Sling

Just as addictive as Penguin Smash...I introduce Santa Sling. Send Santa flying through the air and see how far he goes. Click to send the slingshot moving HOLD and release and watch him soar. Beware of the revene. DISCLAIMER: I will not be held responsible for time wasted or productivity compromised. Have fun! Click link here.

Short White Hair

There were many elderly ladies at an event I went to today. I could not help but notice there was one similarity. SHORT WHITE HAIR! Which made me think... what will I look like with short white hair? I imagined myself old. Pretty funny. Maybe I will need to check out some photo shops and cut and paste to get the "do" of my future.

TV Update

After discussion on Tuesday evening we decided to not banish the TV to the basement. The kids and I are currently watching no TV during the day and it is going fabulously. We play more; Forts, Tag, Paint, Play Doh, Ring Around the Rosie (revised...when we fall down we attack and tickle each other.) We are reading more. They are getting more undivided attention because I have commited to spend little to no time on the computer while they are awake. Ideally at night the TV doesn't go on until after they go to bed. Last night we did watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy but we played a card game first. I feel better about family life. The tube is losing it's power...

One of my girlfriends...blessed me.

One of my girlfriends...blessed me. I had prayed Tuesday about an upcoming Ladies Night...what did I have to offer. I felt like I was suppose to be doing a spa or pampering theme but again what did I have to offer. So I was praying and asking if I should change it to a game night....??? That same night after bible study my friend said she had something for me. I went out to the car where she gave me..get this..a full Spa Therapy Gift Pack! Complete with foot bath, face steamer, facial massager, manicure, pedicure...PRAISE GOD! I know God provided and I know my friend was obedient. So thanks be to God and my obedient friend.

Play Along 3

Whats your dream home? Style, location and what specifically draws you.
Please play along.

$10 and a Tank

Now I am one to use spare money to go out to eat. So this would probably be no different. I would drive around a bit first to look at Christmas lights and then pick up a friend. Hopefully she still has her $10. Then we would go to Applebee's to eat. We would enjoy great conversation away from our kids. I would probably eat theItalian Panini...had it the other day and it delish. I would tip the remainder and take my friend home.
That is what I would do with $10 and a tank of gas.

Correction

Sorry the link for Chicken and Eggs had an error. This link should work. Have fun.

TV Dilema

Long Weekend

I know, I know, I didn't post for 5 days. So bear with me; much to recall.

I am thankful! I have much to be thankful for. I will list the shortened version as not to lose you. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from whom all blessings flow. My family and their good health. My husband's job and the provision God has given us. Being a stay at home mom, raising my kids, freedom to homeschool. My church, Godly men and women that surround us and give us Godly wisdom and encouragement. Service men and women who protect our country. For the new thing that God continues to do in me. Glory to God.

Thanksgiving we went to my father-in -laws, grandpa eagle. The kids call him this due to his large and impressive collection of eagle memoriablia. We had lots of very tasty food and ate to our full. We enjoyed good food, good conversation, Euchre, football and ad searching for bargain deals.


Black Friday I awoke EARLY!!! 4am my parents picked me up to go to Wal-Mart. Thankfully it was a Superstore and we did not have to wait outside in the 12 degree weather. My parents did wait in line to get the laptop deal which my mom got the last one! lol Don't worry I didn't spoil anyone's gifts. So if your reading this getting excited. NO it's not for you! My dad is already enjoying it. I got a few deals but their a surprise. After Wallyworld we went to breakfast at Bob Evans we were done shopping but I didn't want to go home yet. No kids...breakfast. YES! While at breakfast I got wind of a great deal on computers. Two hours later we had the new computer. Faster! WooHoo! Your welcome DH!
Saturday, we spent, I spent mostly on the computer. Some of it getting the new system how we needed it. Some of it playing sudoku alright most of it. I made it to the top 1% for the easy level with a time of 3 minutes 4 seconds. Proud accomplishment. This was with no errors or help. We set up the Christmas tree. I had forgotten all of the ornanments we have. How some tell stories. Such as the peice of wood that reminds me of a Christmas Eve we spent sanding blocks for a friends son. Or DSs first pair of walking shoes that remind me how much he has grown. Some of Chrysalis. DHs buckwheat that the neighbor gave him; always makes us smile. The kids enjoyed helping and in the end it looks pretty good. In the evening I put the kids to bed and went out with a girlfriend to a late dinner. I so enjoyed spending time with her.
Sunday, we went to church. Sermon was on Thankfulness quiotent. Our pastor recently went to Cambodia and Thailand. Most of the service was video and pictures from this trip. Incredible testimonies of missionaries, lives turned around for God and amazing pictures of their world.
Truly makes me thankful for what we have.
This weeks game of the week was found by Mindy Chicken and Eggs. DH has 204, ME 101 and DS has 28. Have fun!

Forgivenall

Play Along #2

You have a tank full of gas and $10 in your pocket where do you go, what do you do?

Royalty

The following is my response to Play Along.
If I were royalty here on this earth I would dress with style therefore having a personal assistant to help me with clothes, hair and make-up. I would eat healthy, organic would be divine. I would continue to homeschool my children and be their constant companion, teacher and role model. We would have opportunity to travel frequently to places we could never imagine. The children would come...so much to be learned. Except the occasional couples excursion. I would be involved in the community and our church, serving as gifted. I would surround myself with wise Christian counselors, who would guide me in making Godly choices for my kingdom or country. I would trust God to guide us and govern us. I hope I would act in accordance with Galatians and the fruit of the Spirit. I would sleep on a firm mattress with semi soft pillow with MY HUSBAND! My favorite part of this life would be seeing the fruit of my labor.

My dear friends while some of our royalty wishes are simply that; wishes. I would like you to see that you are indeed royalty. If you are a follower of Christ Jesus, you are a son or daughter of The King of Kings. Our Father really does sit on a throne and we have inherited his kingdom. While we may not have monetary wealth you have wealth far greater. You have the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to guide you. You have promises to numerous to list. He meets your needs. He blesses you beyond the heavenly realms. You bear good fruit. Your life has meaning and purpose.

When asked this question some of our elders answered "I am royalty." Either they were conceited or they know something. That they really ARE royalty through there faith in Christ. AND SO ARE YOU!

Joy

Psalm 51:10-12 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfst spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

If you are feeling depressed, discouraged or alone take a few moments to ponder this verse. Let the joy of your salvation overtake you. If you believe in Christ and proclaim Him as Lord you have every reason to be filled with JOY! Your name is written in the Lambs Book of Life in heaven. And that my friend is a reason to rejoice! Be filled with joy today.

Weekend Wrap-up

Shopped twice in Meijer craziness
DS made up a new card game with a die. Pretty good game.
DD in bed talking to herself "I am so funny"...she is and apparently she knows it.
Addicted to Sudoku stayed up til 1am Saturday playing...way past my bedtime
Awesome message at church- Living Debt Free...more on that later
DS gave his first tithe...from his own money
Taco's Selleck style-yum yum...did not have self control...ate 3 or 4
DS mooned Mike and Mindy
Dr Mario...out of practice..got schooled...still fun
DH enjoyed 80 degree Florida while we were ...uh COLD
DH home today but experienced some delays so he will be late.
YIPPEE DH's coming home.

Game of the Week

It seems to me that many of you are secret gamers that enjoy a friendly challenge so I have decided to do a game of the week. This weeks game is Turkey Drop. Feed a hungry man some turkey but not the live ones. Directions are on the left of the screen.
My best 12 DSs-2 Enjoy!
Make sure to post your high score.

Silverbells

Tonight we went to our traditional Silverbells in the city. We gather at the same place each year to watch the parade with friends. Little ones near the front so they can see everything go by. Each float and band is decked out in lights. It is a beautiful sight. Following the parade we walk over a block to get our view of the lighting of the christmas tree. At the end of the countdown the lights go on and fireworks go off. The view of the fireworks surrounding the dome of the capital is spectacular. After the finale we walk back to our cars, glad we made the trip out in the freezing weather. This year we planned well. The kids wore snow suits, mittons and hats. I wore multiple layers. We were warm. Or so I thought. When we got back to the car we realized DDs hands were like ice. She had wore her mittens the whole time but apparently there is not enough insulation in them. Poor sweety.
Our annual trip is never complete without a trip to Jon's Country Burger. Where you order your meal on the phone and the waitress brings it out. Good food to share with good friends. This year I was pleasently suprised to find old friends of the family there. We chatted a bit and got caught up on life. That was nice.

Silverbells, Silverbells..it's christmas time in the city.

Snow Cometh

The weather has turned cold. Not the I think you should put a coat on kinda cold but the I can't fell my fingers...it's COLD! Last night we had our first snow fall of the season. The wind was blowing hard; sheets of ice covered the road. When we woke up this morning we had a thin layer of white stuff covering the backyard. The kids were so excited. We dragged out snowsuits, mittens and hats. I came to terms with myself that yes...it's time. The craziness in all of this is that LAST WEEK it was 70 degrees. Don't get me wrong I love snow. I love how it covers everything making it white and pure. I love that you can see your breath and am reminded that I have breath. I love making footprints and snow angels. Snowman and snowball fights. It's hard for me when I dont have time to adjust. You know the countdown. 70 degrees then 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35...32 and snow. Maybe thats my personality. I can accept change, I often enjoy change. But please give me warning. Please!

Today the kids and I went to my good friends house for the day. We spent some time gaming. I am rather competetive (understatement...yes I know!) I have missed playing games with her it's been to long. Today we played Quiddler and Phase Ten. I could give you blow by blow action but I won't. I won Quiddler she won Phase Ten. They were good games..great fun. The kids played in the snow and got along quite well. It was a good day.

If your looking for some nonsense fun...try this game. Slightly addictive but remember I AM competetive. My families high scores are DH-316 Me-315.2 DS 311.3
Left click to get the penguin to slide and left click again to hit.
Have fun!

Play Along

Alright humor me everyone and play along. Keep your anonymity if you like but please answer the following.
You are royalty...how do you act, dress, eat, sleep...what is your day like? What is your favorite thing about this life?

Couple More

This morning I was finishing up my Bible study when DD woke up. She came and sat next to me. She wanted to sit where my bible was so I moved it and told her she could sit there. She wanted to hold the bible so I let her. When I finished the study she started turning pages and pointing to scripture. "This one." So I read them to her...she continue flipping and pointing. I continued to read them. After about 15 or so I asked if she was all done. "couple more." It was very sweet. When we went to do the kids devotion it was on...the Bible. So cool.

When I Grow Up

DS told me this morning...
"When I grow up I want to be a police officer. So I can give tickets to people who say bad words. Or if you don't wear your seat belt...I can give a ticket."

DS is on patrol...beware...or get a ticket.

Random Blogging

The art of random blogging can be addictive. Last night I clicked the next blog button again and again. Entering in and out of the world of others. Some were profound others profain. But all a glimpse at someone elses world. Some people use their blog to heal from wounds or process life. Its intriging. Some I clicked out as soon as I clicked in. Others I stayed and looked around, even commented on a few. People from literally around the world, some in langauges unknown. Yet there is a common theme...this is who I am. A place where we can let our thoughts and experiences out, wether or not the reader agrees, its out there. A subtitle of one said "where everyone is entitled to my opinion." That makes me laugh. Yes your opinion matters. Yes diversity is good. So if you have some extra time...go random blogging...you never know what you may find.

Kids Devotions

Today we started A Young Child's Garden of Christian Virtues by Susan Lawerence. It is a simple devotion for children 1-3 years. I decided we are going to do this daily at the beginning of our day. I have been trying to disciple myself and not get on the computer until I have had my quiet time. So for the kids I think it will be no TV until we have done devotions. The cool thing is we got up from breakfast and there has been no mention of TV. We shall see...!

Camara

So have I mentioned I have great friends and I am blessed. My friend "Polly" sent me her spare digital camara to use. They upgraded 8 months ago and had this one collecting dust. So she sent it to me. After getting a card reader we are good to go. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Style?

Girlfriends

It's after midnight and the last of my girlfriends have gone home. What a blessing they are! We had a blast! We ate tacos and watched Anne of Green Gables which were awesome in and of themselves but what I really enjoyed was being with women. I need my girlfriends. Each of you contribute something special and unique to my life. Wether it be laughter, conversation or wisdom; I value each of you! Thanks for blessing me!
To those of you who couldn't make it...I LOVE YOU TOO! And we will do it again.

A New Thing

Shortly after my husband's 10 year reunion I began thinking about how I haven't changed much in 10 years. I am a pretty basic, natural person. I had the same hairstyle throughout that whole time. Sure it changed length but it was always a straight cut, all one length. So on my way to bible study one night I was thinking about feeling frumpy. Needed new hair, new clothes...needed updating. When I got there it was the ladies only...none of our husbands could make it. So after some discussion on this we decided to go shopping. We got to Wal-Mart and I had everyone pick out an outfit for me. Not what they think I would like but what they thought would look nice on me. We had a blast. I tried on things I had never thought of putting together. The truth is I am style challenged. I don't want to be out of date. I just don't see things that go together like some of my girlfriends do. It was a good experience for me. I ended up buying one of the outfits and later that week my husband dropped me off at the door and told me I had 30 minutes to pick out a new outfit for myself. I truly tried to put something together on my own but in the end went with an outfit I had tried on with the girls. So I got some new clothes...and this felt good.
Next came the hair. I knew who I needed call and what I needed to do. A friend came over to cut my hair and I gave her complete freedon to do whatever she wanted. My only request was at least shoulder length. She began cutting and in the end we had shoulder length, with layers, thinned and long slanted bangs. I loved it! That evening I went to a friends house and we pampered ourselves with face masks, foot bathes and make overs. A couple weeks later I actually highlighted my hair (I had never dyed my hair before.) So now I had new clothes, new hair and make-up ideas.
During a Beth Moore study she talked about God doing a new thing. The next day after a Beth Jones study I was praying on the way home and one thing God spoke to me was "Sarah I am doing a new thing here." He had done a new thing on the outside..some much needed updating and now he was telling me it was time for a new thing on the inside. You can read more about that in my post titled Spiritual Growth- Novemeber Archive. But it was cool. I could feel this new thing and it was empowering.
I don't think it ends there. I think he is continuing to do new things in my life. Take this blog for instances. It's new to me but it so blesses me. I dare say a new ministry.
At first I wondered if it was right to want a change. But, I think now it wasn't only right but God-ordained. I know not the plans he has for me but I know that this new thing....it is a part of his plan.
Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

Gas Prices

Here is a cool site that shows local gas prices. Just type in your zip code and it brings up a listing from cheapest to most expensive complete with address.

Reflecting

Today I went to Ronnie's funeral and have been reflecting life and death. The service was beautifully done with appropriate scripture to ponder. And hymns; I love hymns. I love seeing the notes to sing and the words full of meaning as they come together. One thing that really touched me was her bible. The pastor held it up, worn and used, highlighted and marked, pages falling out. It was a beautiful testimony of her love for God and time spent in His Word.

Another thing I have been thinking about is personal wishes. Does your spouse, parents or close friends know your wishes? You know the answers to tough questions. Life support? Heroic life-saving measures? Creamation...what to do with your ashes? Burial...where? What verses to be shared? What songs to sing? I don't mean to bring anyone down...but have you ever thought about it. I had a good conversation with my parents the other night about some of this stuff. One I am glad we had, still some things that I need to know. But knowing will bring me peace in that time of making difficult choices. I won't have to wonder are we making the right choices, is this what they would have wanted? For the record I do not want to be left going on life support, if it will help me through something...then yes..help me through it. Burial not sure where. Not sure on most of it but I am thinking it through. I know one thing; I want to be remembered as one who loved the Word...like Ronnie. Which means I need to LIVE in the Word each and everyday!

Seeking Good or Evil

Proverbs 12:27 He who seeks good finds good will, but evil comes to him who searches for it.

What are your thoughts on this?

Somebody Say...

We were walking through Aldi's today when DS said "somebody say Hallelulia!" So I did. I know you want to join me...somebody say Hallelulia!

Ronnie

God saw you getting tired,
And a cure was not to be.
So He put His arms around you
And whispered,
“Come to Me”.

With tearful eyes, we watched you
And saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts
To prove to us-
He only takes the best!

May God’s Love surround and comfort you.

My mom shared this poem to honor her dear friend, Reneta. She passed away yesterday. Ronnie was a very generous person with a heart of gold. We will miss her.

Please pray for her husband Bob as he carries on without her.

Excellent Phonics Site

A girlfriend sent me a link to an incredible phonics site. www.starfall.com
Appropriate for Pre-K -3rd. Includes letter recognition, sounds, combination sounds, early reader books and so much more. AND IT"S FREE! I went to check it out and DS took over in no time. Very easy for children to follow and explore. Don't wait...go check it out.

DS's Joke

DS: Knock Knock
Mom: Who's There?
DS: Boo
Mom: Boo Who?
DS: Water
Mom: Water Where?
To which he produced a water gun and continously blasted me. Which brought about my favorite sound hysterical laughter) and a smile to my face.

Power of Words

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those that love it will eat its fruit.
This morning I am reminded of the power of our words. They are so powerful they can bring life or they can bring death. Our words produce fruit; both good and bad. Often it produces both in the same day, perhaps the same hour.
James 3:9-10 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness...My brother's, this should not be.
Indeed this should not be!
James 4 asks What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but you don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.
So what do we do...what do we not do?
Check you motives-John:4. Listen before answering-Proverbs 18-13. Give a gentle answer-Proverbs 15:1. Speak truth- Proverbs 12:19. Drop a matter before a dispute breaks out-Proverbs 17:14 Guard your lips- Proverbs 13:3. Do things without complaining-Phillipians 2:14.
Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, slander, curses, lies, harsh words, gossip, coarse joking, obcenities...instead build each other up, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4 29-5:4, Proverbs 12:22
I want my words to encourage, bless, give life, build-up and bear good fruit! How about you?

With Me?

This morning I did not wake up at the "appointed" time. Instead I woke up to "mommy..I awake." We got up and started about our day. Granger day..take out the trash..change diaper...get dressed...stop. Things didn't seem right, there was a check in my spirit. "Are you going to do life with me or without me today?" DOH. I still need to spend time with God. So I plopped DD in the highchair with a bowl of cereal...sat down and opened up the Word. There were distractions for sure...but we pressed on. Lord, I want to do life with you. With priorities straight life continues...there are dishes to be washed, laundry to be done and kids to care for.

Pictures

DS on the Farm 10/05

Sweetie Girl 10/05

Taquamenon River 9/05

Absolutely gorgeous sunset!

DD 2 years old!

Provision

Reflecting on God's provision and I am thankful! If I really think about it...he provides ALL that I need. A girlfriend dropped off dress clothes to me this week; what a blessing. I haven't worked outside of the home in years and my wardrobe needed a pick me up in the dress clothes department. So I am truly thankful...added bonus...they fit.

To Make You Smile

Check this out. Baby Got Book... a playoff of Baby Got Back.
Enjoy!

Judas

This morning's study brought me to John 17. The chapter is Jesus praying to the Father in the garden just before his betrayal and death. There were many verses that stuck out to me but vs12b hit a nerve. Jesus poured out his life to the twelve disciples. He LIVED his life with these men. He fully loved them KNOWING he would be betrayed by "the one doomed for destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled." How did he do that? There are people in my life that reject Christ and I wonder if they will ever accept him. Sometimes I write them off as those who will NEVER accept him...so I give up. But here I am reminded that Jesus loved, taught and lived life with a man he knew would betray him. My study continued on to teach me some valuable things.
John 13:34-35- Love one another as I (Christ) have loved you.
1 John 3:20 For God is greater than my heart.
1 John 3:24 And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
Romans 5:5 God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 22:36-40 (Greatest commands) Love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
1 Corithians 13:8 Love never fails.
Summary: Love all people as Chirst loved me. Even if I don't feel like it. He gave me His Spirit and I am able to love through the Spirit. A supernatural love I alone am incapable of yet he commands. If I love...agape love...it will not fail. Even if they reject it...he got it.
Kudos to Beth Moore for writing an excellent study. Praises to the Most High that I received it!

Beautiful Day

70degrees in November?? The kids and I took sandwiches to the park for a picnic. We ran round, chased each other, climbed and slide down the slides(they have one that is crazy bumpy...nearly threw me off.) We walked over to the river and watched a Black Lab retreiving her dummy. I was amazed at how well this dog followed her owners commands. She did not go until told, if she couldn't find the dummy her owner would call out front or back and the dog would obey. DS said he wants "a dog that obeys it's owner like that." The more I thought about it, I want a dog like that too. But not until we can train it properly...which could be awhile.
I am so glad we got to enjoy this warm day...outside.
By the way, DD is as much of a climber as older bro, she was up the ladders and all over the playground. She summed it.."My turn, Mommy." Yes little girl it is your turn, go ahead and climb.

My Favorite Sounds

Last night, DS and I went on a date to the movie theater to see Madagascar. It was the Dove feature film so my ticket cost $2.50 and DS was FREE! Totally in my budget. We arrived just in time to see the movie trailer for Ice Age 2. He laughed so hard he had the people around us cracking up. Which leads me to my favorite sounds. Laughter especially my kids laughter. Its addictive, the littlest giggle brings me joy. The all out belly buster and I can't help but laugh too. I asked DS what his favorite part of the movie was he said "laughing"....mine too.

Other favorite sounds: God's people singing His praise, A child's prayer, ocean waves, waterfalls, birds chirping (not a crow though), the ice cream truck (when I have money and it's NOT naptime), a cat's purr, a good rainstorm...
Why do I love these things? They remind me of my God. All except the ice cream truck. They speak of creation, of His power, of His love and of his joy!

Insurance Companies

Months ago our insurance company sent some paperwork for us to complete. Basically they wanted to know if we had any other insurance. Is any other company responsible to pay your claims? The answer is NO. I lost the paper work...chalk it up to disorganization and procrastionation working together. Meanwhile the insurance company is postponing paying any of our claims. A simple phone call corrected all of this. LESSON LEARNED: Be proactive! Don't wait around for them to mail another form or for them to call. My reputation is on the line. And it didn't hurt a bit for me to call them. I feel much better now.

Family Picture

Family picture taken on 9-11-05

No More Thumb

My dear son has sucked his thumb...forever. Probably started in the womb. His thumb has been his reassurance and comfort for the last 4 1/2 years. Just over 5 months ago we made a deal with him that if he did NOT suck his thumb for a WHOLE day we would take him to Chuck E. Cheese. I had my doubts that this day would ever come...at times I think I even dreaded the whole process. Thoughts of painting fingernails with bitter solutions...didn't sound fun. Good news is...it didn't play out that way. A couple of weeks ago he realized that his 6 month check-up for the dentist was coming soon. The dentist had talked to him about thumb sucking last time and had challenged him to stop. So he started thinking about it...even mentioned to his aunt that he was going to stop. Last Monday his thumb morphed! It was disgusting, peeling and red. Tuesday it was dry and lightly bleeding so we put a bandaid on it. Wednesday night he realized he went the whole day without sucking his thumb and said to me "you know what this means?...Chuck E. Cheese!" Friday night we went and made good on our promise...we had a blast. It was the NO MORE SUCKING MY THUMB CELEBRATION! I asked him how he was able to do it and his response blew me away..."God helped me" "did you ask God to help you?" "YES!" So this process that I had dreaded...he had handed over to God...trusting that He would help him and guide him. HOW COOL IS THAT! He still isn't sucking his thumb...and God is good..I believe his thumb morphing was God's way of weaning him. Afterall he did ask for his help.

Without Love

In my BethMoore study we are learning about Love right now. Most of us know the Love chapter 1 Corinthians 13. I have it engraved on my wedding band...I have heard it before. But this morning I was thinking about the first part of it. Without love I am nothing! How can this be? So I personalized it...if I wash the dishes and clean the floor but have not love, it is nothing. If I take the kids here and there and provide for them great experiences but have not love, it is nothing. If I......(fill in blank) it is nothing...I am nothing...I gain nothing. That is powerful and profound. It's also sad. How many times do I do things with the wrong motive? Thinking it makes me look good, feel good...that it is profitable. But scriputure says without love...it's nothing. Today I prayed that everything I do and say would be with love. Afterall, I am not one to do something ...for nothing!

What Children do while Mom blogs

So I am at the computer all excited about Blogging! My children are up and present. I see them...they seem content. They are! They have been stringing yarn ALL OVER MY HOUSE. It seriously looks like a mass spider web. Wish I had a camara to show off their work...ah..someday soon.

Spiritual Growth

It seems to me that God has been doing some cool new stuff in my life in the last month. I am currently in two small groups. My ladies group meets on Wednesday night at Trinity Church and we are studying Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself. Our couples group meets on Tuesday nights and is studying Beth Jone's Getting a Grip on the Basics. Both are incredibly awesome studies. A couple of weeks ago I was studying the Holy Spirit in both. And God taught me some pretty awesome things.
1. Holy Spirit is alive and active (I did already know this but I love that fact)
2. I do not fully yeild to the Spirit (I was being a control freak)
3. I know that I am filled with the Holy Spirit
4. The diffence between speaking in tongues as a gift and speaking in tongues as a prayer language. This was hugely liberating for me. Not all have the GIFT of speaking in tongues (public) which requires an interpretation but I DO believe we all have the oppurtunity to speak in tongues as a private prayer language.
It was amazing how he revealed these things to me. I was truly questioning the truth. In the course of 24 hours he taught me scripture and gave me revelation. God is good!

The birth of a blog

The whole idea of blogging is pretty new to me. It started Monday when a friend mentioned that they had been receiving updates about a friends mother on their blog. Interesting! So yesterday I checked out his blog and a few others...definately interesting! So it begins...the birth of a blog.