tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67759857821381359902024-03-12T18:07:34.210-05:00Mom to the 3rd PowerHow many times have I seen or heard something precious from one of my kids, and I stop and tell myself to remember it forever? Like the time Selah said "Mommy, I love God more than I love you... know why? Because he made you my Mommy!" Or the one night I was tucking Bryson (barely 2 yrs. old) in bed... he grabbed me around the neck and said "Mommy, I want to keep you!" I hope to journal the fun memories I want to cherish forever, and allow family living away from us a peek into our lives.Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.comBlogger297125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-19814426041939850202013-01-24T22:06:00.003-06:002013-01-24T22:06:42.384-06:00An ALMOST Sleep-over for 5!Tonight we all somehow ended up piled in our bed... and we had about the best 30 minutes of fun and laughter that I can remember! I told the kids about how Alan has been waking me up in the middle of the night, asking me to "roll over because I'm snoring so loud that it's waking him up." First of all, I can't believe I'm snoring that loud. And he demonstrated what I sound like... and... it's like... OLD MAN snoring! AAAAHHHH!! We all laughed at the thought of me, sweet little Momma, snoring like a bear. Then Bryce said "Yeah! The other morning I heard you and I looked at Daddy and said "Is that MOMMY??" and we all busted out laughing again! Charis was beside me and muttered under her breath "aw, this is the best night ever!" And it really was. Real laughter and humor and love and warmth. Togetherness. They begged and begged to actually have a sleep over and make it all night long. Well... not tonight. And probably not really ever... but we sure had a fun time ending the night this way. Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-10812406662693468822011-08-27T23:36:00.023-05:002011-08-27T23:54:55.361-05:00Family Fun on the Water<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-T77-x2L-Q/TlnJOJirtyI/AAAAAAAACRU/b6rDpPMa5Z4/s1600/IMG_5535.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-T77-x2L-Q/TlnJOJirtyI/AAAAAAAACRU/b6rDpPMa5Z4/s400/IMG_5535.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645764852802369314" /></a>
<br />The weekend was spent just being who we are. The Summers. Hanging out. There were fun times, good food, laughter, doting over the babies, laughing and "awww-ing" over the big kids, story-telling (for example "what was the maddest Dad has ever been at you?"), some sentimental moments, communion and prayer time, and other than that... hours and hours on the lake! Here are a few of my favorite pics on the water this weekend.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nf4UC8jPBEs/TlnI4KMYZjI/AAAAAAAACRM/vktu5qHDAvQ/s1600/IMG_5259.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nf4UC8jPBEs/TlnI4KMYZjI/AAAAAAAACRM/vktu5qHDAvQ/s400/IMG_5259.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645764475020142130" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNrp11KLsnY/TlnHG7R9UFI/AAAAAAAACP8/sb6R-BTF0cw/s1600/IMG_5258.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNrp11KLsnY/TlnHG7R9UFI/AAAAAAAACP8/sb6R-BTF0cw/s400/IMG_5258.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645762529691783250" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbxAs3zORlY/TlnJfbURaaI/AAAAAAAACRk/KqPdESTFFvw/s1600/IMG_5121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbxAs3zORlY/TlnJfbURaaI/AAAAAAAACRk/KqPdESTFFvw/s400/IMG_5121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645765149631539618" /></a>
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<br />Tasha~~ she's a natural
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQp54SOCC40/TlnIE8kiTxI/AAAAAAAACQ8/H6tmD1FRnMM/s1600/DSC_0414.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQp54SOCC40/TlnIE8kiTxI/AAAAAAAACQ8/H6tmD1FRnMM/s400/DSC_0414.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645763595190030098" /></a>
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<br />James~~ he rocked it!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FGzbGSgvHTU/TlnIWVyWchI/AAAAAAAACRE/fOHah0UT8fs/s1600/IMG_5685.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FGzbGSgvHTU/TlnIWVyWchI/AAAAAAAACRE/fOHah0UT8fs/s400/IMG_5685.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645763894016635410" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxZ5CAWri7s/TlnIAZrAHSI/AAAAAAAACQ0/poaYTddottI/s1600/IMG_5665.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxZ5CAWri7s/TlnIAZrAHSI/AAAAAAAACQ0/poaYTddottI/s400/IMG_5665.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645763517102431522" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyLKRMW9yPQ/TlnH7CedvVI/AAAAAAAACQs/wUuFTwZQGwE/s1600/IMG_5720.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyLKRMW9yPQ/TlnH7CedvVI/AAAAAAAACQs/wUuFTwZQGwE/s400/IMG_5720.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645763424976485714" /></a>
<br />Matt~~ He rocked it too. Okay, no he didn't. haha
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<br />Daniel... smooth
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATQnFfOlcvQ/TlnHVsrnszI/AAAAAAAACQU/dIXb_-cBIj0/s1600/IMG_5764.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATQnFfOlcvQ/TlnHVsrnszI/AAAAAAAACQU/dIXb_-cBIj0/s400/IMG_5764.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645762783470924594" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwoU2Yw6fg0/TlnHP1Yw55I/AAAAAAAACQM/AjDUTWaSavo/s1600/IMG_5745.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwoU2Yw6fg0/TlnHP1Yw55I/AAAAAAAACQM/AjDUTWaSavo/s400/IMG_5745.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645762682728540050" /></a>
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<br />Me~~ still got it goin' on!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Antwk7JkbAc/TlnHBN3ImaI/AAAAAAAACP0/zbALW2v5lHw/s1600/IMG_5253.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Antwk7JkbAc/TlnHBN3ImaI/AAAAAAAACP0/zbALW2v5lHw/s400/IMG_5253.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645762431600335266" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PchpAqXJpso/TlnG2ls3I_I/AAAAAAAACPk/LiD7hKXNiCE/s1600/IMG_5237.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PchpAqXJpso/TlnG2ls3I_I/AAAAAAAACPk/LiD7hKXNiCE/s400/IMG_5237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645762249021137906" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xffH2bydyk/TlnGwL_LfLI/AAAAAAAACPc/AnqekPAbwKU/s1600/IMG_5232.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xffH2bydyk/TlnGwL_LfLI/AAAAAAAACPc/AnqekPAbwKU/s400/IMG_5232.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645762139039431858" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xosQfRTS904/TlnGX2G_xKI/AAAAAAAACPU/iRPhepC0hq0/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xosQfRTS904/TlnGX2G_xKI/AAAAAAAACPU/iRPhepC0hq0/s400/DSC_0549.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645761720849777826" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LScnAhptWe0/TlnJV3MhBVI/AAAAAAAACRc/iw-v0CJFZDk/s1600/IMG_5797.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LScnAhptWe0/TlnJV3MhBVI/AAAAAAAACRc/iw-v0CJFZDk/s400/IMG_5797.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645764985316509010" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-33402579424490991472011-08-27T00:59:00.001-05:002011-08-27T23:59:39.384-05:00Tubing on Grand Lake
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NrSpf8hRnMQ/TlnCsKVCtXI/AAAAAAAACOs/c73B2gm3new/s1600/IMG_5612%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NrSpf8hRnMQ/TlnCsKVCtXI/AAAAAAAACOs/c73B2gm3new/s400/IMG_5612%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645757671828272498" /></a>
<br />The sweet, gracious family that let use their lake house for our family retreat also gave us access to their boats, tubes, wake boards, and wave runners. Here are a few pics of the TUBING. And let me just say " I ROCKED IT! Aw yeah... Aw yeah... I still got it goin' on!"
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9kMJKEWAeI/TlnDzC9xkDI/AAAAAAAACPM/rGv1JFnKIvc/s1600/IMG_5554.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9kMJKEWAeI/TlnDzC9xkDI/AAAAAAAACPM/rGv1JFnKIvc/s400/IMG_5554.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645758889622343730" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-04Wmlqnb1KE/TlnDtx9XiWI/AAAAAAAACPE/KHzfkxq2A1s/s1600/IMG_5556.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-04Wmlqnb1KE/TlnDtx9XiWI/AAAAAAAACPE/KHzfkxq2A1s/s400/IMG_5556.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645758799157889378" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pIiv4cjrTU/TlnDpo4DetI/AAAAAAAACO8/BRU6dneLQ10/s1600/IMG_5560.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pIiv4cjrTU/TlnDpo4DetI/AAAAAAAACO8/BRU6dneLQ10/s400/IMG_5560.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645758728000207570" /></a>
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<br />Yep... that's me up there ^^^
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<br />And here are a few of everyone else! The kids had a blast! Especially the boys, trying to see who could stay on the longest. Nathan held the record for awile... Drew always complaining Nate was kicking him off. We were like "Yeah... whatever Drew!!" Then Bryce dualed with him, and we noticed Nathan WAS in fact putting his legs all the way to the other guys side... and nudging him off the edge!! At one point Nathans legs were on TOP of Bryson's legs! It was hilarious to watch. That particular ride Nate fell off and Bryce was the champ. And of course we gave Nathan a VERY hard time, and told him that we now know his trick! The kids loved it!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXoTQ7OIMBA/TlnCihXMD5I/AAAAAAAACOk/8hVgNje6eTk/s1600/IMG_5324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXoTQ7OIMBA/TlnCihXMD5I/AAAAAAAACOk/8hVgNje6eTk/s400/IMG_5324.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645757506212597650" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMpqNUcG79k/TlnCbXzXREI/AAAAAAAACOc/0qdbfMYGkyY/s1600/IMG_5358.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMpqNUcG79k/TlnCbXzXREI/AAAAAAAACOc/0qdbfMYGkyY/s400/IMG_5358.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645757383387333698" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2QKZ0jz9jzI/TlnCSgaqYrI/AAAAAAAACOU/lYWfoxcXbaY/s1600/IMG_5629.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2QKZ0jz9jzI/TlnCSgaqYrI/AAAAAAAACOU/lYWfoxcXbaY/s400/IMG_5629.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645757231080825522" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDgCFaS2YZM/TlnB_USlEHI/AAAAAAAACN8/ExD01u8r3fw/s1600/IMG_5271.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDgCFaS2YZM/TlnB_USlEHI/AAAAAAAACN8/ExD01u8r3fw/s400/IMG_5271.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645756901408182386" /></a>
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<br />And... a few more of me because I feel like bragging a lil' more. Aw yeah... Aw yeah...
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5YYmOgyOok/TlnKfN7TeFI/AAAAAAAACR8/2DFA0hZnhZ4/s1600/IMG_5621.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5YYmOgyOok/TlnKfN7TeFI/AAAAAAAACR8/2DFA0hZnhZ4/s400/IMG_5621.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645766245548783698" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycJTlql2TOo/TlnKaC4ghgI/AAAAAAAACR0/EoYzyt1N77Y/s1600/IMG_5623.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycJTlql2TOo/TlnKaC4ghgI/AAAAAAAACR0/EoYzyt1N77Y/s400/IMG_5623.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645766156684920322" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAxvRDTW2hQ/TlnKV_5kAoI/AAAAAAAACRs/VZE2ZFxjvpc/s1600/IMG_5617.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAxvRDTW2hQ/TlnKV_5kAoI/AAAAAAAACRs/VZE2ZFxjvpc/s400/IMG_5617.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645766087164560002" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-56325218087031330582011-08-22T16:02:00.012-05:002011-08-22T16:23:55.643-05:00Classroom, Pupils, and MeHere's a few pics of our new school room. And here are a few pics of my kids being goofy. We learn alot in here... and we laugh alot.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-foUglvz82HE/TlLIYO6OumI/AAAAAAAACNk/6rFBeYpXizg/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-foUglvz82HE/TlLIYO6OumI/AAAAAAAACNk/6rFBeYpXizg/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643793601693399650" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi6d_FYUUDI/TlLIExmGnpI/AAAAAAAACNc/8z9kh-zjv9Q/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi6d_FYUUDI/TlLIExmGnpI/AAAAAAAACNc/8z9kh-zjv9Q/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643793267406839442" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBy_JrbPkbs/TlLHxhPmg1I/AAAAAAAACNU/UNK9UwPse1U/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBy_JrbPkbs/TlLHxhPmg1I/AAAAAAAACNU/UNK9UwPse1U/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643792936599978834" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DdX_RkMReD8/TlLHG2lbh1I/AAAAAAAACNM/521CwuI1GeY/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DdX_RkMReD8/TlLHG2lbh1I/AAAAAAAACNM/521CwuI1GeY/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643792203594303314" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HfF1h7J1pBw/TlLGvrRhFoI/AAAAAAAACNE/iiCTYUNwK1I/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HfF1h7J1pBw/TlLGvrRhFoI/AAAAAAAACNE/iiCTYUNwK1I/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643791805421000322" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zW1jkTVqSQ/TlLGhYqG7-I/AAAAAAAACM8/7dOrhZpbNhs/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zW1jkTVqSQ/TlLGhYqG7-I/AAAAAAAACM8/7dOrhZpbNhs/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643791559905701858" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNgYGnUDwNg/TlLGYFYACCI/AAAAAAAACM0/Q-ttwcbsbnM/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNgYGnUDwNg/TlLGYFYACCI/AAAAAAAACM0/Q-ttwcbsbnM/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643791400110655522" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16wrNs1a68U/TlLGEGA7L7I/AAAAAAAACMs/LC0m1FaR_EY/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16wrNs1a68U/TlLGEGA7L7I/AAAAAAAACMs/LC0m1FaR_EY/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643791056684920754" /></a>
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<br />Me and my cushy teacher job. This is job satisfaction. For today, anyway. Er... for the moment, anyway.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmlSjtsAToM/TlLEomiz1II/AAAAAAAACMk/CYuDZ5fpsoc/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmlSjtsAToM/TlLEomiz1II/AAAAAAAACMk/CYuDZ5fpsoc/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643789484869014658" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0a31ole5E4/TlLEisOSSrI/AAAAAAAACMc/ENOWQE2krWY/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0a31ole5E4/TlLEisOSSrI/AAAAAAAACMc/ENOWQE2krWY/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643789383314328242" /></a>
<br />Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-80107708540568292982011-08-22T15:42:00.009-05:002011-08-23T12:56:07.409-05:00School of Fish<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nxXy6FmnAEg/TlLCO4DGN7I/AAAAAAAACMU/I44tA2srVZE/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nxXy6FmnAEg/TlLCO4DGN7I/AAAAAAAACMU/I44tA2srVZE/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643786843867985842" /></a>
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<br />What a lucky day... we happened to be learning about FISH in our science book. The kids were just a little bit excited. You know... along down the way on the chain we are studying.... from Vertibrates to Cold-blooded to FISH.
<br />We read our pages and talked extensively about the characteristics of fish. They knew most of it just from the hours and hours and hours they have fished in our pond over the summer so far, but connecting the dots and getting more details from the book was great info.
<br />Charis had the grand idea that once we finished studying and learning about it, they could all go out and fish together. They hoped to catch some fish and check the fish for scales, for the clear slimy substance on the fish, (to see that catfish don't have scales, but the bass and perch maybe do), and maybe even to see if there were any parasites on the fish. So they went out to the pond, and just a few minutes later Bryce had caught a catfish. How fun... THIS is one of the many reasons why I LOVE learning at home!!
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<br />ps. Well... they didn't catch a fish with scales. Hmmmm... maybe I will send them back outside to fish a little longer. You know... for research purposes
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<br />pss. the catfish was not out of the water long... we made sure he swam away.
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<br />psss. we are having salmon for dinner tonight.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BI1Aeh-6VK0/TlLB-ewYmxI/AAAAAAAACMM/Vs_dAF7rC1I/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BI1Aeh-6VK0/TlLB-ewYmxI/AAAAAAAACMM/Vs_dAF7rC1I/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643786562200705810" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_qTqU77-IY/TlLB2YZxj1I/AAAAAAAACME/Loim4w-5v08/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_qTqU77-IY/TlLB2YZxj1I/AAAAAAAACME/Loim4w-5v08/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643786423056306002" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I97iBPA6d9w/TlLBv8ed_AI/AAAAAAAACL8/FJNGRCnxwEE/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I97iBPA6d9w/TlLBv8ed_AI/AAAAAAAACL8/FJNGRCnxwEE/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643786312480586754" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NzA7j7R9cU4/TlLBp-jrNcI/AAAAAAAACL0/nPKYiD9iYK8/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NzA7j7R9cU4/TlLBp-jrNcI/AAAAAAAACL0/nPKYiD9iYK8/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643786209960080834" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsA5d16X9lI/TlLBhyzazgI/AAAAAAAACLs/m9VT963VHFU/s1600/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsA5d16X9lI/TlLBhyzazgI/AAAAAAAACLs/m9VT963VHFU/s400/school%2Bof%2Bfish%2B022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643786069365935618" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-47328063675260546902011-08-22T00:19:00.006-05:002011-08-22T02:32:11.072-05:00E-mail from Dad and Janice... 1st weekend at MD Anderson(Janice typing)
<br />For years, I have looked for an old friend that I met in Bible School. Could not find her. She was a Haitian Missionary and nurse. Last week, I got a lead as to her new last name. I Googled her and found her in South Dakota. She was connected to a Hospice Center, which I now know, she owns. I called the hospice at 5:30 yesterday and her answering service put me through to her. It was wonderful to renew our friendship!!!! I told her what Tom is going through and then I started taking notes. She told me exactly how to help him. He has suffered for 2.5 weeks with a terrible headache that was increasing which causes nausea and he does not want to get off the sofa. She said narcotics will not help this pain, he needs Dex (anti-inflammatory). She told me the dosage. I called the ER and got the doc to call it in... he was willing to help. He had his first dose at 8pm last night. He has not had any narcotics since. Praise God! Now that was around the elbow to get to the thumb, BUT GOD!!! Yahoo!
<br />Now that was me, now Tom wants to talk...
<br />(Dad typing)
<br />Janice had told me a year or two ago (one of few times we were talking about motorcycles) about this motorcycle club that came to Florida every year to their church and stayed at their house each time. She described them a very big, burly, tattooed, biker dudes..... one always, upon arrival, walked to the back yard and got a drink out of the swimming pool !! Keeps down the parasites you know. I have many times noticed their members around wherever I go--- it’s an international motorcycle club called the "Tribe of Judea"--- they are reformed bad boy and girl bikers. I've even thought that I might someday want to join one of their chapters.
<br />Yesterday, Janice told me that she knew the overall head of the club and his wife from their visits to Florida and she thought their headquarters and church was here around Houston. I asked her to find out, as I thought I would like to attend their church today.
<br />We attended with Daniel and Tasha this morning..... the attached photos are from the service.
<br />The pastor (and head of the international club), during his sermon, stopped, walked down straight to me, asked my name and said he knew I suffering from a major health problem and needed prayer, which he did right then..... later at the end of the service, he and his wife and two other men (one with a cancer diagnosis from February and now is cancer free) prayed for me again.
<br />Told them I intend to come back "on MY ride" sometime but they might not appreciate as I suspected they are all Harley guy/gals)..... they said that me and my Beamer would be quite welcome anytime.
<br />Been walking and sitting with my head up all day without any narcotics..... new meds from Janice’s old friend and complements of her ER doc friend.
<br />Hopefully, tomorrow, we will get appointment with pain management people and schedule for chemo.
<br />Good to let you know positive things.
<br />Love you guys, Dad
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-du62OBwrMw8/TlHnVo6YThI/AAAAAAAACLM/WoF3wkQteNk/s1600/Pastors%2BBen%2B%2526%2BTammy%2BPriest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-du62OBwrMw8/TlHnVo6YThI/AAAAAAAACLM/WoF3wkQteNk/s400/Pastors%2BBen%2B%2526%2BTammy%2BPriest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643546167017491986" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPG6f857XLA/TlHnKQf8PkI/AAAAAAAACK8/Ec5qd0KZwDc/s1600/Pastor%2BBen%2BPriest%2Bpraying%2Bover%2BTom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPG6f857XLA/TlHnKQf8PkI/AAAAAAAACK8/Ec5qd0KZwDc/s400/Pastor%2BBen%2BPriest%2Bpraying%2Bover%2BTom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643545971485589058" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-78469527363062902912011-08-18T23:23:00.009-05:002011-08-22T00:30:37.841-05:00First Day Of School, 2011-2012<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9yul_bQ0jM/TlHpXnfro6I/AAAAAAAACLk/YGJRx-ajUAM/s1600/042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9yul_bQ0jM/TlHpXnfro6I/AAAAAAAACLk/YGJRx-ajUAM/s400/042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643548400020071330" /></a>
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<br />I was still dreaming, I think, when Charis crawled into bed and whispered excitedly "Mommy!! This is our first day of school!!" I rolled over and hugged her and said "I know! Are you ready?" She was, and so was I. She wanted to help me make breakfast so we made oatmeal and set out frozen fruit cups. Selah and Bryce woke up shortly after... no wait... Bryce was already out fishing at the pond... but Selah woke up and Bryce happened to come in just in time for breakfast. For a split second I thought he might complain when I said "Hey Buddy! Time to come on in and start school." But he said "Okay!" So while I dished up breakfast, the kids got their bibles and our Devotional book (that we will read from each morning to start our day). We had a wonderful breakfast together reading and talking about God answering our prayers.
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<br />Afterwards we moved to the couch and did some science, learning about invertebrates, vertebrates, cold-blood animals, and what it means to "classify" something scientifically. We had fun classifying a handful of pens and pencils. Then they did math for a bit. Both kids are doing 3rd grade math this year. Together we started memorizing/learning vo-cab words (Wordly Wise) and they had some chapter book reading time.
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<br />After a morning of good learning time, I took them to Panera for a sweet treat to celebrate our first day. Over some bagels and cinnamon rolls, we all filled out a little questionaire I made up quick before we left. Questions like:
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<br />"Every day my favorite thing to do is_______"
<br />Bryce and Charis said "FISH"
<br />Selah said "homescool and spend time with friends and family and soccer."
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<br />"God is awesome when______"
<br />Charis said "he gives me food!"
<br />Selah said "When he answers prayrs."
<br />Bryce said "He helps us get through things"
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<br />"If I could have 1 wish it would be______"
<br />Bryce said "That we could go back to the day were Grandma Vicki wase alive."
<br />Charis said "That my brother and sister are nice!"
<br />Selah said "that nothing would go on bad with cancer."
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<br />"What I love about my family______"
<br />Bryce said "when we fish together"
<br />Selah said "is when they are so fun and my family rocks and a lot of more stuf"
<br />Charis said "our hom and tha bi me toyz"
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<br />"When I grow up I want to______"
<br />Selah said "be a cook or a soccer player"
<br />Bryce said "be a snake handler"
<br />Charis said "be a sientist"
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<br />And maybe my favorite question of all...
<br />"Today is our 1st day of school. I like to home school because______"
<br />Charis said "my Mommy techez me"
<br />Bryce said "my Mom teaches me. Sometims I get a little bored."
<br />Selah said "of my teacher because she is so nice. And my brother and sister. We have so much fun all year."
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<br />Well... no pressure <span style="font-style:italic;">at all</span>... but sounds like they love that I'm their teacher. And if we can enjoy being together, and keep it exciting, and have fun all year... then I think we will have succeeded. Here we go...
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBur5O8xoJQ/Tk5e2uHhjoI/AAAAAAAACJM/iF6DgG-WLmw/s1600/2011-08-18%2B12.07.50%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBur5O8xoJQ/Tk5e2uHhjoI/AAAAAAAACJM/iF6DgG-WLmw/s400/2011-08-18%2B12.07.50%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642551677327347330" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4J57gFrcBs/Tk5ex0YPtDI/AAAAAAAACJE/tsNmcsrVPIs/s1600/2011-08-18%2B12.08.38%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4J57gFrcBs/Tk5ex0YPtDI/AAAAAAAACJE/tsNmcsrVPIs/s400/2011-08-18%2B12.08.38%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642551593108747314" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-47267984110366529772011-08-09T01:05:00.011-05:002011-08-19T17:35:41.932-05:00Grandma Rada's Garden and Summer Stand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGYUfH213NY/Tk7kZsQLHoI/AAAAAAAACKs/oyc2cNM3sGk/s1600/2011-08-08%2B13.07.26.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGYUfH213NY/Tk7kZsQLHoI/AAAAAAAACKs/oyc2cNM3sGk/s400/2011-08-08%2B13.07.26.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642698513168670338" /></a>
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<br />The kids and I visited my Grandma Rada today. She is my Grandma ~ my Mom's Mom. I love being around her... it's so much like being around my Mom and it brings back floods of memories while we are visiting her.
<br />After giving her the update on everyone in the family, and after she popped Charis' toes, and after she played Chinese Checkers on the floor with the kids, we went on a tour of her gardens. This 100+ heat for days and days now has been hard on her and the gardens, but the kids did get to harvest some tomatoes, cucs, and an okra. She grows veggies to sell to lake neighbors and guests. Mostly though she cans jellies, jams, veggies and fruits (and some in ways I've never even heard of). She bakes pies and desserts and breads and has them frozen, ready for people to buy. Every summer she sets up a stand in her front yard. People just stop in and buy them from her right off of her little stand. She said she canned and sold over 48 jars of pickled okra alone so far this summer, $4 a pint.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EmmcrM8Gh0/Tk7jtOjt06I/AAAAAAAACKE/ydoNmQtcYGk/s1600/2011-08-08%2B13.08.45.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EmmcrM8Gh0/Tk7jtOjt06I/AAAAAAAACKE/ydoNmQtcYGk/s400/2011-08-08%2B13.08.45.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642697749283328930" /></a>
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<br />Grandma Rada's gardens
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uDUcbkVGLA/Tk7kBCAUWfI/AAAAAAAACKk/p5_DzNgYjqU/s1600/2011-08-08%2B13.04.44.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uDUcbkVGLA/Tk7kBCAUWfI/AAAAAAAACKk/p5_DzNgYjqU/s400/2011-08-08%2B13.04.44.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642698089511016946" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xQvBpA7RE_I/Tk7j23kPooI/AAAAAAAACKU/pLD63T4s0yA/s1600/2011-08-08%2B13.15.03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xQvBpA7RE_I/Tk7j23kPooI/AAAAAAAACKU/pLD63T4s0yA/s400/2011-08-08%2B13.15.03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642697914910220930" /></a>
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<br />And this is a picture of her creepy looking scare-crow. Or Scare-deer. I don't know what it is... but it's freaky looking. She says it scares the birds and deer away. I don't even want to know what the neighbors have to say about this as they drive by, ha ha! Oh well... God love her! And I don't think I should ever tell Tasha that she said "I named her TASHA after Daniel's wife!"
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CNrPgVeny6E/Tk7jlMdmvfI/AAAAAAAACJ8/ib2niCATWw4/s1600/2011-08-08%2B13.09.32.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CNrPgVeny6E/Tk7jlMdmvfI/AAAAAAAACJ8/ib2niCATWw4/s400/2011-08-08%2B13.09.32.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642697611281874418" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-11161628565156780472011-08-08T23:58:00.011-05:002011-08-19T16:46:58.143-05:00Finishing His Life Out with a Passion for God
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<br />I don't even know how to begin this post. I have sat here and typed several attempts at an introduction for this blog post. I stare at it, and then hold down the delete key. I'm not sure if it's because it hurts too bad to put it out there... I'm not sure if I'm worried that it appears I may not have enough faith... I'm not sure if I feel like I've had my share of telling and explaining and venting and rationalizing and grieving about my Mom and her cancer, and now here I go all over again, but about my Dad this time... In any case, I find me and my brothers here in this same spot again. Deja vu. And only 3.5 years later. This time preparing ourselves to say Goodbye to our Dad.
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<br />A few months ago Dad was diagnosed with tonsil/throat cancer. Due to the rarity and nature of that particular cancer, the treatment options are limited, and the chances of getting rid of it are slim. After some chemo and cyber-knife radiation, sadly the cancer has spread all over his body. It has moved in aggressively and the Doctors told Dad there is really nothing they can do for him at this point, at least no options here in Tulsa. They are giving him a "few months" to live. He does have an appointment scheduled at MD Anderson in Houston in a couple weeks, and Lord willing, hopefully they will have a treatment fitting for Dad that will give him more time with us.
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<br />This weekend my brothers and their families all came to town to see Dad and to have the opportunity to be together as a family (deja vu). A sweet family in our church blessed us with their hospitality and offered us their lake home for the weekend. Together we had an amazing, sad, wonderful, fun, surreal, story-telling, prayerful, emotional, sentimental, painful, beautiful, memorable time together.
<br />Dad wanted us to have communion together as a family. We listened to some of his favorite hymns from the group Selah, then we all dipped our crackers in the juice, partaking of the Lord's supper together as a family. Dad prayed the communion prayer. Hearing him pray like that immediately brought back memories of him praying the communion prayers at church long ago when he was an elder and leader in the church. He thanked God for his grace. For loving us and desiring us, even when we don't deserve it. He thanked the Lord for the sacrifice that he made on the cross so that we get to have life in heaven when life on earth is done.
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<br />Dad told us that what he is living for now is to have a Passion for God like he's never had before. He wants to finish his life out with that passion. We laid hands on him, and my brothers and I prayed for him. Janice prayed for him. We prayed for his healing and the treatments and medicines to give him more time. We prayed for his strength. But mostly, my brothers and I thanked God for giving us the kind of Dad that we got. We thanked God for the love our Dad has for each of us. We thanked Him for the times he was hard on us. We thanked God for our Dad's wisdom and understanding and example of what a Father's unconditional love feels like, and how that it has made it easy to understand God's love for us.
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<br />In the midst of the storms, we find the ability to be thankful at our core. I can't explain it logically. Maybe because it's ingrained in us... the <span style="font-style:italic;">understanding</span> of it runs through us... its called FAITH. Faith that no matter what happens, God is taking care of us. No matter how painful, or how concrete, or how out-of-our-hands the situation is, God is here. I can find <span style="fontstyle:italic;">rest</span> beyond belief just in knowing that. And while for the time being, "passion" isn't one of the feelings I can find with-in myself, I will watch in wonder and awe as my Dad is finishing his life with it. And as always... his example to us will no doubt leave a lasting impression.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8i_pkqL5fSc/Tk7ZHMzPm0I/AAAAAAAACJc/_G9DYd4xYc4/s1600/DSC_0470.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8i_pkqL5fSc/Tk7ZHMzPm0I/AAAAAAAACJc/_G9DYd4xYc4/s400/DSC_0470.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642686100860279618" /></a>
<br />Daniel and I talking and laughing with Dad
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<br />Dad, Janice, and the grandkids...
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftBTRhSGL0A/Tk7ZUkNIcaI/AAAAAAAACJs/LbglCwhiIxE/s1600/DSC_0478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftBTRhSGL0A/Tk7ZUkNIcaI/AAAAAAAACJs/LbglCwhiIxE/s400/DSC_0478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642686330481176994" /></a>
<br />Dad and Ella
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<br />Dad and BrynleeMom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-30879678700997826982011-03-23T22:34:00.004-05:002011-03-23T22:44:53.205-05:00Turkey Mountain Tatur Run<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3B89pIITQM/TYq8V5OS91I/AAAAAAAACI4/f-A07mVjeSw/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3B89pIITQM/TYq8V5OS91I/AAAAAAAACI4/f-A07mVjeSw/s400/FebMarch2011%2B431.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587485372030580562" /></a><br />Alan and Selah did a run last Saturday. Through wilderness trails. On Turkey Mountain in Tulsa. They ran the 4.1 mile loop on the terrain. And they loved it! It was a fun time for just the two of them. I think they ran another 1 mile loop before I came to get Selah to take her to her indoor soccer game. Alan stayed behind and waited to get her medal for her, and he ran another 4 miles while waiting, so 9 for him altogether. Wow.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUh_i0S3yhw/TYq8O7Md9QI/AAAAAAAACIw/om6gpzKgHRc/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B430.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUh_i0S3yhw/TYq8O7Md9QI/AAAAAAAACIw/om6gpzKgHRc/s400/FebMarch2011%2B430.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587485252300698882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjVeK_zL0wc/TYq8F-QcJ_I/AAAAAAAACIo/y84NM_meCyU/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B432.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjVeK_zL0wc/TYq8F-QcJ_I/AAAAAAAACIo/y84NM_meCyU/s400/FebMarch2011%2B432.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587485098503841778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEnF8ZlotDE/TYq79ZgFoXI/AAAAAAAACIg/cYs9WhhrTvU/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B437.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEnF8ZlotDE/TYq79ZgFoXI/AAAAAAAACIg/cYs9WhhrTvU/s400/FebMarch2011%2B437.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587484951198409074" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-91401240131026964522011-03-23T22:27:00.000-05:002011-03-23T22:28:19.083-05:00My Kids Rock ~ Just Sayin'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kSq17DHEH0/TYq6PRonbOI/AAAAAAAACIY/D_PQezC7KBk/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B281.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 390px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kSq17DHEH0/TYq6PRonbOI/AAAAAAAACIY/D_PQezC7KBk/s400/FebMarch2011%2B281.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587483059301084386" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-86911086563763890382011-03-23T22:23:00.003-05:002011-03-23T22:26:22.514-05:00Isn't She A Beauty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfPx5ehhASo/TYq5lsl_jsI/AAAAAAAACIQ/Ejsa3tTdwZ0/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B417.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfPx5ehhASo/TYq5lsl_jsI/AAAAAAAACIQ/Ejsa3tTdwZ0/s400/FebMarch2011%2B417.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587482344983334594" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ER6ypPxp1c/TYq5beuHGAI/AAAAAAAACII/azsgWd96bcQ/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B414.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ER6ypPxp1c/TYq5beuHGAI/AAAAAAAACII/azsgWd96bcQ/s400/FebMarch2011%2B414.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587482169460594690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZLO4lAQGjs/TYq5R31aSBI/AAAAAAAACIA/VOVI0mPOQzo/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B415.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZLO4lAQGjs/TYq5R31aSBI/AAAAAAAACIA/VOVI0mPOQzo/s400/FebMarch2011%2B415.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587482004403406866" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-28856724002994476752011-03-23T22:16:00.005-05:002011-03-23T22:22:58.343-05:00My Handywork... My Walls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_aed5yG0ZFo/TYq38xIGBiI/AAAAAAAACH4/t1masNqSwvI/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B389.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_aed5yG0ZFo/TYq38xIGBiI/AAAAAAAACH4/t1masNqSwvI/s400/FebMarch2011%2B389.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587480542313842210" /></a><br />And my ceiling, I should say. Here's me up on the scaffolding, hand troweling the kitchen ceiling. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUQfLAc_IbY/TYq30kpVLmI/AAAAAAAACHw/9XiBuD6fMCc/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B395.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUQfLAc_IbY/TYq30kpVLmI/AAAAAAAACHw/9XiBuD6fMCc/s400/FebMarch2011%2B395.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587480401524633186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8JfmlNH2pY/TYq3sD10w2I/AAAAAAAACHo/9YmIZThipX8/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B399.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8JfmlNH2pY/TYq3sD10w2I/AAAAAAAACHo/9YmIZThipX8/s400/FebMarch2011%2B399.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587480255279711074" /></a><br />I did the walls in the living room, entry way, the master bedroom, and the master entry room. In the kitchen I did the walls and the vaulted ceiling. Phew! It's now all troweled, sanded, and painted with primer. Once the painters come in and paint and stain the entire house, I will go back and glaze everything I textured. However, I think I will wait until the last few days before we close on the house. Touch up on glazed walls in VERY difficult. And I've already seen quite a few dents and dings on what I've done. So, that will be the very last thing before we move in. <br />And, I must say, it does look AMAZING!! Woot! Woot!Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-35074994259150378682011-03-23T22:07:00.009-05:002011-03-23T22:15:01.272-05:00Brick And Stone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jspfazcc-4/TYq2-abQDtI/AAAAAAAACHg/gli_fKMMctM/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jspfazcc-4/TYq2-abQDtI/AAAAAAAACHg/gli_fKMMctM/s400/FebMarch2011%2B388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587479471068286674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_4pO1P3zhA/TYq2y17bafI/AAAAAAAACHY/iW0lxW17kdE/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B381.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_4pO1P3zhA/TYq2y17bafI/AAAAAAAACHY/iW0lxW17kdE/s400/FebMarch2011%2B381.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587479272292575730" /></a><br />Watching from a nearby dirt pile<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKlBtm2OCtE/TYq2mxcWULI/AAAAAAAACHQ/teeaTyEqAwg/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKlBtm2OCtE/TYq2mxcWULI/AAAAAAAACHQ/teeaTyEqAwg/s400/FebMarch2011%2B384.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587479064930046130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2xCtTLZVH4/TYq2eciDTyI/AAAAAAAACHI/4Wzy7bsY140/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B380.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2xCtTLZVH4/TYq2eciDTyI/AAAAAAAACHI/4Wzy7bsY140/s400/FebMarch2011%2B380.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587478921877868322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAfgc_hR-wY/TYq2VjxkX5I/AAAAAAAACHA/1l89J8NdmTY/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B378.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAfgc_hR-wY/TYq2VjxkX5I/AAAAAAAACHA/1l89J8NdmTY/s400/FebMarch2011%2B378.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587478769203175314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ha3d5eOQArM/TYq2Gcs5StI/AAAAAAAACG4/mk4iBnWQ9tY/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B402.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ha3d5eOQArM/TYq2Gcs5StI/AAAAAAAACG4/mk4iBnWQ9tY/s400/FebMarch2011%2B402.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587478509606488786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bb3z9rhXSU/TYq1zmuPcdI/AAAAAAAACGo/iOv218saAmg/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B404.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bb3z9rhXSU/TYq1zmuPcdI/AAAAAAAACGo/iOv218saAmg/s400/FebMarch2011%2B404.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587478185878974930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFa0lYA4ps8/TYq18TbB1QI/AAAAAAAACGw/N1-ZdwFejHs/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B401.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFa0lYA4ps8/TYq18TbB1QI/AAAAAAAACGw/N1-ZdwFejHs/s400/FebMarch2011%2B401.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587478335316940034" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-30335548462028685922011-03-23T21:35:00.007-05:002011-03-23T21:50:19.537-05:00Before~During~After~~~~~~BEFORE~~~~~~<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFjFx58jzjI/TYquA2fE0dI/AAAAAAAACEo/OtNSAjxrmWI/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFjFx58jzjI/TYquA2fE0dI/AAAAAAAACEo/OtNSAjxrmWI/s400/FebMarch2011%2B187.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587469617355608530" /></a><br /><br />~~~~~~DURING~~~~~~~<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DHXGYUAPTsc/TYquR0801wI/AAAAAAAACEw/rSbolzYxHJI/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DHXGYUAPTsc/TYquR0801wI/AAAAAAAACEw/rSbolzYxHJI/s400/FebMarch2011%2B189.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587469909001295618" /></a><br /><br />Selah was very nervous. So we wrote out one of the scriptures we love to hold on to during times like this, "Be stong and brave, for God is with you" Joshua 1:9. In honor of Valentines Day, she wrote it on a red heart she cut out, and she kept it tight in her hand while she got her braces put on. This girl is so steady in her faith and trust in God. It truly is inspiring.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0HaLwSGc6k0/TYquzxUWCHI/AAAAAAAACFA/-SAtN_XWL7s/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B188.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0HaLwSGc6k0/TYquzxUWCHI/AAAAAAAACFA/-SAtN_XWL7s/s400/FebMarch2011%2B188.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587470492141750386" /></a><br /><br />~~~~~~AFTER~~~~~~~<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3YhPaQEzS0/TYqvnPIh2WI/AAAAAAAACFI/Tu5X6QMtf0I/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3YhPaQEzS0/TYqvnPIh2WI/AAAAAAAACFI/Tu5X6QMtf0I/s400/FebMarch2011%2B191.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587471376318585186" /></a><br /><br />Our neighbor and friend, Dr. Karla Boyd. The kids know and trust her, so that was a big help and comfort for Selah too. Doesn't she look so cute! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PEjVrFQ0yg/TYqv2j4JRPI/AAAAAAAACFQ/V3E68WGClvk/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PEjVrFQ0yg/TYqv2j4JRPI/AAAAAAAACFQ/V3E68WGClvk/s400/FebMarch2011%2B192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587471639585047794" /></a><br /><br />In just a few days, her front teeth were already together, and the next 2 teeth were pulled up and lining up. She has had them tightened once already. So braces for up to a year, maybe. Then they will come off, and then back on in a few years or so. It's a blessing to be able to help the kids' dental structure in this way. And an even bigger blessing to have our friend doing the work for them. Dr. Karla Boyd is fantastic with the kids, and does a great job!Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-26119203301044289682011-03-11T07:38:00.006-06:002011-03-19T08:33:20.420-05:00Facebook Lone Ranger<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ijJdwv1HgQ/TXo5P_t-4HI/AAAAAAAACEA/VnlpXFhRpxM/s1600/500x_ban_facebook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 397px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ijJdwv1HgQ/TXo5P_t-4HI/AAAAAAAACEA/VnlpXFhRpxM/s400/500x_ban_facebook.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582837635044270194" /></a><br />I did it. Wow. I can't believe it. I actually did it. I DEACTIVATED my Facebook account. It still makes me a tiny bit panicky, even though its been 10 days now. I've been contemplating it now for a little over a year. I even took a little hiatus a time (or maybe even two) last year. But it had to be cold turkey for me. Of course I worry that I will be left out of the loop on things. Most of my invites to parties, get-togethers, and play dates are all done via Facebook now. And all the drama? Well, I won't miss that part. I also do business quite frequently through Facebook. People find out my name from a friend who has a platter, and they look me up and message me. Giving it up is risky, I tell ya. Am I gonna be the Lone Ranger? Facebook seems to be the way people connect and communicate in this day and age, and I've just cut myself off. <br /><br />There are several reasons for taking my face off that book. Here's a little bit about my "why"<br /><br />1. It sucked way too much time out of my day. I wasn't good at controlling or limiting my time on Facebook. And with having 519 of my closest friends staring at me all day long, with something to say, it took awhile to scroll through my home page and read all of their exciting (or not so much) news. <br />For the first time I realize I'm truly addicted to something. Actually it's the second time. I use to be addicted to The Young and the Restless. Ha! Now that just makes me laugh, but that's another blog for another day. I realized I was addicted when I thought maybe I was spending an hour or so a day (thinking <span style="font-style:italic;">that</span> was too much), but then when I stopped and really added up the time in the morning (while drinking my hot tea and waking up... every tired Momma needs wake-up time, right?!?!). And throughout the morning in between breakfast, dishes, and teaching school I might have jumped on for a little bit. Of course in the afternoon while the kids are playing outside or while waiting on them at dance, soccer, etc., I would find a quite minute to scroll. In the evening while cooking dinner, if I had even just a few minutes while waiting for water to boil or bread to finish baking, I might be found sitting on the floor next to the oven seeing what my friends had to say. Ugh... pathetic. In the evenings when Alan and I would sit down to relax and watch TV I would be sitting on one end of the couch, Facebooking, and Alan would be on the other end, laptop in hand, doing his thing (usually playing poker). Good relationship building time, huh? Not really. And, last but not least... before bed I would go plug my Ipad into the charger, and often have just a little more quick responding, posting, or scrolling to do while Alan is waiting for me to turn off the lights. Addicted? I think so.<br />Add it up, and I bet it totals between 2-3 hours. A day. Yet... I can't find time to get projects done, can't find time to spend praying or reading the Bible, can't find time to exercise or do the laundry. Hmmmm. <br />Many friends suggested I trim my list to a few favorite friends and/or family. Some suggested only having a business page, or only logging on at morning and night. But I know myself. That wouldn't really work. It's all or nothing, baby. At least for awhile.<br /><br />2. Another major reason I don't like Facebook... I don't like what it is doing for relationships. I don't like that people rarely TALK anymore, and rather just assume they know what is going on or how you might be doing. I believe Facebook causes people to "feel" connected, but in reality, the relationships that should be more substantial are probably much less "connected" or real. Now I will be the first to quickly admit I have a hard time with change. I've blogged about that before, more than once. So I will admit that it's possible that I am just having a hard time adjusting to this monumental change is society and in communication. That being said, no matter what is going on in the world, I believe in following my heart and listening to my gut. Facebook is one of those "gut feelings" I've been sorting through and trying to figure out, and this is my conclusion, I guess you could say. <br />In my own experience over the past year or so, I can definitely say that some of the important relationships in my life and in the life of my family have changed because of lack of talking. In my opinion it's all to easy to read posts or upload pictures, and get the feel of "Oh! Yay for her!" or maybe it might be "bummer... I need to be praying for them" or whatever the case might be. I do think facebook is great for keeping up with the casual relationships in town or across the miles. But for family relationships and close friends, I think those warrant real talking. And real listening. And with facebook, I bet there has been 90% less real talking on the phone or in person. And that.... I truly believe, cheapens those all too important relationships. <br />Perhaps If it weren't for my "addiction" issues I'm overcoming, maybe I would work harder to enjoy the best of both worlds? I could make an effort to make phone calls AND enjoy posts and pictures and updates. But I don't know... It's still all too easy to get the fix and fill by simply scrolling. <br />I kind-of fear for the future of society a little bit. What will happen after years of communicating this way? Is this what people said long ago when phones were invented? Or the internet? Hmmmm. I don't know. But for now... for me... It hasn't felt right in my heart and mind. So I've made the monumental leap to give it up. It's gonna require more time to call my brothers, sisters-in-law, cousins, and friends to stay connected. But for me, I think those relationships will be so much better and more real, like the days of the near past. And technically I should have a little more time in my day now, right?<br /><br />I have to say that 10 days in, I have LOVED my break. Emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and even time-wise! It has been great. And while I still have little moments of "what am I missing out on???" I can honestly say that it feels like a brick has been lifted off my shoulders. Weird. Yeah, I sometimes I am weird. I admit. <br />Also, it feels good to have broken an addiction. <br /><br /><br /><br />((deep sigh of relief))Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-85612456044078472852011-02-28T10:56:00.002-06:002011-02-28T11:05:11.844-06:00I *LOVE* Our Lil Family<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WDRCYf9E9M/TWvUFmX7S2I/AAAAAAAACCo/_X1sWlCxYRo/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WDRCYf9E9M/TWvUFmX7S2I/AAAAAAAACCo/_X1sWlCxYRo/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578785756093827938" /></a><br />I love this picture of us! It was taken while waiting in line at Universal Studios, at the Toy Story Ride. We all voted that it was our favorite ride of the whole trip. Fun, bright colors, loud laughter, spinning and shooting guns, it was so fun it was almost dreamy!Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-69417619583119930852011-02-14T13:11:00.001-06:002011-03-23T21:34:35.448-05:00Waking up to LOVE from my Sweet Baby Girl.This morning I woke up to a little bit of sweet LOVE in the air... From my Baby Girl. <br />Last night she wasn't falling asleep. She kept yelling down the stairs, asking what time it was, or when we would be going to bed, etc. Finally, as we were about to go to bed she came down and told us what was up... HER!!! She confessed that she was waiting for us to go to bed, and she asked if we would shut our bedroom door because she had some " things she wanted to do for us for Valentines Day, and there wouldn't be time to get it done in the morning before we got up." So, we let her! She tucked us in bed, and we closed our door, and I laid there thinking "wahhhh, she is growing up! Will she turn the lights out before she goes to bed? What if she pours us cereal for breakfast and has it waiting all night long for us until we wake up? Have I ever explained about food and milk needing to keep cold? What if she gets scared? How late will she stay up? Hopefully she won't turn the TV on this late at night." After a few minutes of worrying and wondering, I felt at peace, knowing that she is quite the responsible 8 year old. Instead, I laid there for a few more minutes listening to a little bit of clanking and moving around, shutting of doors and shuffling feet across the floor. I think I had actually just barely fallen asleep when she came in to tell me she was going to bed. Really, that was so neat of her to do that. And it felt good to trust her and look forward to the morning surprise!<br />Happy Valetines Day! I woke up to my fuzzy house slippers laying beside me, and a note that said...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSl9bgKOl70/TYqszhmDUfI/AAAAAAAACEg/Cv00naayJUs/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSl9bgKOl70/TYqszhmDUfI/AAAAAAAACEg/Cv00naayJUs/s400/FebMarch2011%2B150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587468288897798642" /></a><br /><br />And in each room was another note. So sweet! I had to take pics of the notes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8z9pzGFk9XE/TYqsTfNUyeI/AAAAAAAACEY/foUPoMAC04A/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B152.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8z9pzGFk9XE/TYqsTfNUyeI/AAAAAAAACEY/foUPoMAC04A/s400/FebMarch2011%2B152.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587467738501401058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWfGRVzuv2M/TYqsI2GRvtI/AAAAAAAACEQ/BRtHw9_zCEo/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWfGRVzuv2M/TYqsI2GRvtI/AAAAAAAACEQ/BRtHw9_zCEo/s400/FebMarch2011%2B153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587467555667295954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KMKGcTAVISY/TYqr5-TKbZI/AAAAAAAACEI/R7DGQC7h_DE/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B157.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KMKGcTAVISY/TYqr5-TKbZI/AAAAAAAACEI/R7DGQC7h_DE/s400/FebMarch2011%2B157.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587467300170788242" /></a><br />So while we were sleeping, our little blonde-headed, blue-eyed cupid was spreading love notes around the house for us to wake up to. I loved it! So sweet!Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-451924870892144162011-02-04T21:50:00.000-06:002011-08-10T15:57:47.115-05:00Sackin' Up Some LunchWell being snowed in for over a week makes a bunch of antsy kids. And antsy Mommas. But at the same time, being snowed in makes us realize how lucky we are to be warm. And protected. And full. And happy. Then you start to think about the people out there in this cold and snow who aren't so lucky or blessed. Those who have fallen on hard times, and even those who have made their own bad choices that have landed them there: homeless. And hungry.
<br />So a few of us got together with our kids and made up sack lunches to give to John 3:16 Mission in Tulsa. We filled 200 brown paper sacks with a pbj, an orange, a swiss roll, a granola bar, and a bottle of water. Traci's kitchen table was full of kids making the sandwiches, and at the counter others of us were packing the sacks. Bryce was taking the sacks to the garage as we filled them.
<br />Traci's husband said the people at the shelter were forever grateful on that cold day that he delivered a truck full of lunches. It was a great day of service. And a great day of lessons in thankfulness, blessings, and serving others.
<br />ps. and I'll never tell whether or not I saw some of the kids licking their fingers. :)
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0poR4l4wbjI/TYqy9Q56bqI/AAAAAAAACGY/z4fY9IXBpFA/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0poR4l4wbjI/TYqy9Q56bqI/AAAAAAAACGY/z4fY9IXBpFA/s400/FebMarch2011%2B122.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587475053286157986" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6Pgopy-tzk/TYqx7McEdUI/AAAAAAAACFg/pG3t4ysTuOI/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B143.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6Pgopy-tzk/TYqx7McEdUI/AAAAAAAACFg/pG3t4ysTuOI/s400/FebMarch2011%2B143.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587473918215877954" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXBa0HJDRCU/TYqxxAuMigI/AAAAAAAACFY/i6Wb-1eaEf8/s1600/FebMarch2011%2B149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXBa0HJDRCU/TYqxxAuMigI/AAAAAAAACFY/i6Wb-1eaEf8/s400/FebMarch2011%2B149.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587473743271987714" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-30726124706714317252011-02-01T23:52:00.000-06:002011-02-28T10:47:44.323-06:00SNOWMAGEDDON - 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYM3Xtl4l_Q/TWu-Ra2zbaI/AAAAAAAACAI/qGV0_XfcCK4/s1600/S1350007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYM3Xtl4l_Q/TWu-Ra2zbaI/AAAAAAAACAI/qGV0_XfcCK4/s400/S1350007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578761769904729506" /></a><br />Owasso Oklahoma got 21 inches of snowfall today, with reports of snow drifts over 6 feet tall! A for-really-and-truly- all out- reminds me of South Dakota- BLIZZARD. Wow! <br />Oklahoma's state Governor, Mary Fallin, is calling our town, "Snowasso, the End of the [snow] trail". Isn't that funny!?!?!<br />Us Okies aren't use to this kind of snow. Most restaurants and stores are closed. The roads and parking lots are completely covered and packed full of snow. The Owasso 6th Grade Center was on National News, showing the there was snow nearly up to the top of the building. It's crazy. <br />The kids were out the door before I even got out of bed this morning. Well, they had just gone outside as I walked out of the bedroom. Alan stayed home today so he bundled everyone up tight. It amazes me how kids can tough it out and play in that cold stuff! The girls lasted about 10 minutes, but Bryson wanted to stay out longer. A few minutes later he poked his head in and said "Dad! There's a fire truck stuck in the ditch!" Sure enough, it had slid off the road and was stuck. Alan bundled up and went out to help. He was out there for 30 minutes or so, trying to help them. They had an SUV that was trying to pull, while the guys got behind and pushed. But to no avail. They had to go get a bigger truck, so Alan came in to warm up. Eventually they got it out.<br /><br />An hour or so later, the kids were all back outside again. This time Alan went with them. They ran around, played tackle, and then played a game of broom ball using a soccer ball and a few kid-sized brooms. It was hilarious. Needless to say, they were about FROZEN when they came in. Seriously. I had them strip down and get in a warm shower. They had a blast though!<br /><br />I spent the morning in the kitchen. Cleaning, cooking, you know, doing what I love to do. I made soft chicken tacos and queso for lunch. We spent the afternoon playing games, doing some school work, and watching some "shows" the girls performed for us. <br /><br />Now, off to make pot-stickers and Chinese food for dinner. Thank goodness we are staying warm and full. however, I can't hardly wait to be in our house, and to get a fireplace back! Soon.. very soon...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWh2j0JfkKE/TWu_-kQVOTI/AAAAAAAACAQ/hcNjqV7_pdY/s1600/S1350028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWh2j0JfkKE/TWu_-kQVOTI/AAAAAAAACAQ/hcNjqV7_pdY/s400/S1350028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578763645033462066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtTijhedQoo/TWvAX4Gc_rI/AAAAAAAACAY/IcAnHp2Beg4/s1600/S1350036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtTijhedQoo/TWvAX4Gc_rI/AAAAAAAACAY/IcAnHp2Beg4/s400/S1350036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578764079857467058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BdS41ZKbH2U/TWvH0CLajQI/AAAAAAAACAg/aNEZ5pYpS80/s1600/S1350018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BdS41ZKbH2U/TWvH0CLajQI/AAAAAAAACAg/aNEZ5pYpS80/s400/S1350018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578772260180364546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig3Y6mUgNq8/TWvIrEiKHII/AAAAAAAACAo/kLNMC1dc3ys/s1600/S1350023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig3Y6mUgNq8/TWvIrEiKHII/AAAAAAAACAo/kLNMC1dc3ys/s400/S1350023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578773205705432194" /></a><br /><br />Wow Baby! It's COLD outside!!!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3Sk9pnSE6k/TWvJP-RPfyI/AAAAAAAACA4/PlNEB5qlrhs/s1600/S1350044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3Sk9pnSE6k/TWvJP-RPfyI/AAAAAAAACA4/PlNEB5qlrhs/s400/S1350044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578773839679029026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3PldTJwQ8M/TWvJnDWnoyI/AAAAAAAACBA/tzGLY0PQwFA/s1600/S1350040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3PldTJwQ8M/TWvJnDWnoyI/AAAAAAAACBA/tzGLY0PQwFA/s400/S1350040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578774236180751138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eT1JLvJ1z14/TWvJ8ilferI/AAAAAAAACBI/-eJWNNA_Zh4/s1600/s1350041.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eT1JLvJ1z14/TWvJ8ilferI/AAAAAAAACBI/-eJWNNA_Zh4/s400/s1350041.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578774605341883058" /></a><br />Charis didn't stay out too long... she came right back in a got her cute self dressed back up. Of course! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tDIazPms-OA/TWvKSX84PFI/AAAAAAAACBQ/QI3c9ovqo3c/s1600/S1350043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tDIazPms-OA/TWvKSX84PFI/AAAAAAAACBQ/QI3c9ovqo3c/s400/S1350043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578774980444306514" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-19545389975957009782011-02-01T22:35:00.001-06:002011-02-28T10:48:57.760-06:00Jimmy-Time with, Jimmayyyyyyy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQCUs2AFBMM/TWvPWlO5n-I/AAAAAAAACCQ/1-mSTOWNKbk/s1600/S1350054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQCUs2AFBMM/TWvPWlO5n-I/AAAAAAAACCQ/1-mSTOWNKbk/s400/S1350054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578780550287171554" /></a><br /><br />Well, 4 days locked in the house during "Snowmageddon" will force a kid to get creative with playtime. Selah came up with her own show, called "Jimmy-Time With, Jimmayyyyyyy!" It was hilarious. Her and Charis, I mean, Johnny, would work on their show skits, and then perform for Mommy and Daddy. They made us laugh, and the choreography to their skits was purty darn good! They kept us entertained, fo sho!<br /><br /><br />Meet Johnny too...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9VEchu5ssQ/TWvQZ-MMb-I/AAAAAAAACCY/g8ZystbxtJE/s1600/S1350048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9VEchu5ssQ/TWvQZ-MMb-I/AAAAAAAACCY/g8ZystbxtJE/s400/S1350048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578781708037943266" /></a><br /><br />And a one-time special guest star, Jilly...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gCX6uvr8Fao/TWvRB4oBq4I/AAAAAAAACCg/2U-Kx66PItE/s1600/s1350050.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gCX6uvr8Fao/TWvRB4oBq4I/AAAAAAAACCg/2U-Kx66PItE/s400/s1350050.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578782393738832770" /></a><br /><br />And the remaining cast members, the stufties...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I5c1OlJWKvI/TWvPDzrXZGI/AAAAAAAACCI/tBnrXF2sS20/s1600/S1350014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I5c1OlJWKvI/TWvPDzrXZGI/AAAAAAAACCI/tBnrXF2sS20/s400/S1350014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578780227747144802" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-9917182152154550082011-01-28T10:19:00.001-06:002011-02-28T10:35:26.390-06:00Miss Cheerful!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FadDF8oWzw4/TWvMeA4vlJI/AAAAAAAACBY/6tdvFWMj1uo/s1600/S1320027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FadDF8oWzw4/TWvMeA4vlJI/AAAAAAAACBY/6tdvFWMj1uo/s400/S1320027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578777379434632338" /></a><br />Charis wants to cheer! Her and her friend Jalyn did their first cheer clinic together a few days ago, and they both LOVED it! I think cheerleading would be so right up Charis' alley, and fitting for her personality. This summer she is going to try out some cheer and tumbling classes and see what she thinks, but for now, her and Jalyn had fun and looked adorable out there on the court!<br /><br />Even though this photo is blurry, I love it because it shows how excited and bouncy they were!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6yt546cMG0/TWvM93RLBDI/AAAAAAAACBo/voJEf5wC9jM/s1600/S1320020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6yt546cMG0/TWvM93RLBDI/AAAAAAAACBo/voJEf5wC9jM/s400/S1320020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578777926608553010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNeax5ZklYA/TWvNawR2feI/AAAAAAAACBw/Mpokbh32GNk/s1600/S1320011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNeax5ZklYA/TWvNawR2feI/AAAAAAAACBw/Mpokbh32GNk/s400/S1320011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578778422948560354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHBcRo7bOIU/TWvNtSBhXdI/AAAAAAAACB4/Lkz1-oeswrc/s1600/S1320033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHBcRo7bOIU/TWvNtSBhXdI/AAAAAAAACB4/Lkz1-oeswrc/s400/S1320033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578778741244517842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eeePZgwI-RA/TWvOEKDpEHI/AAAAAAAACCA/XveE6GZpBGI/s1600/S1320025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eeePZgwI-RA/TWvOEKDpEHI/AAAAAAAACCA/XveE6GZpBGI/s400/S1320025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578779134242918514" /></a>Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-51913607035928259382011-01-15T19:09:00.012-06:002011-02-09T16:49:23.715-06:00House Blessing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TVMZpB3PEvI/AAAAAAAACAA/qGNkHrtjX4E/s1600/S1270117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TVMZpB3PEvI/AAAAAAAACAA/qGNkHrtjX4E/s400/S1270117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571825356652876530" /></a><br />"By wisdom a house is built. By understanding it is established. Through knowledge, it's rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." Proverbs 24:3-4<br />This is the verse that Jim and Gwen Schnorrenberg (the Family Ministers from our church) wrote on the header piece of wood above our fireplace. It is a blessing for our family.<br />One of my good friends, Jen, had this really neat idea to " bless" our new home. Before the walls go on, before the flooring gets laid, when it's just the foundation and the bones of the house, the idea is to go in with sharpies and write all over the place, "blessing" the house and our family with scriptures, prayers, and personal blessings. I loved the idea. So we invited a few faithful friends and family, and we all got together this morning to bless our new home.<br /><br />Alan, the kids, and I, arrived a little earlier than everyone else. We wanted just a little bit of time to let the kids do some " blessing" so we could savor the moments. Knowing when everyone else arrived, we might miss out on the kids. And I'm soooo glad we did! It was really neat. Right off the bat the girls went upstairs to their rooms.<br /><br />Selah wrote on her floor some of the lyrics to one of her favorite songs:<br />"Come, and go with me, to my Father's house. Come, and go with me, to my Father's house. It's a big big house, with lots and lots of rooms. It's a big big table, with lots and lots of food. There's a big big yard, where we can play football. It's a big big house... It's my Father's house."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TUjOvDj4OgI/AAAAAAAAB-0/OMx6CSZs4MI/s1600/S1270007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TUjOvDj4OgI/AAAAAAAAB-0/OMx6CSZs4MI/s400/S1270007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568928247048583682" /></a><br />I liked that lot. She has her heart set already on the end goal in life. Being in heaven with God. Pleasure in worshipping and fellowshipping in heaven. And she wants those who are friends and family to go with her. It's evangelistic. I think its neat that those words and that song came to her heart and mind when thinking of blessing her room. Of blessing herself, and her friends and family that will spend time in her room with her during her years growing up. Awesome.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TUjPgjP5TmI/AAAAAAAAB_E/bN5r4qNRuAE/s1600/S1270005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TUjPgjP5TmI/AAAAAAAAB_E/bN5r4qNRuAE/s400/S1270005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568929097368292962" /></a><br /><br />I walked downstairs and had to step around Bryson to make it all the way down. He was sitting at the bottom of the steps, writing on the third step going up. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TUjPG9KiDgI/AAAAAAAAB-8/l2FORjSibvk/s1600/S1270002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TUjPG9KiDgI/AAAAAAAAB-8/l2FORjSibvk/s400/S1270002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568928657648520706" /></a><br />As I looked over his shoulders, he was busy writing these words, also lyrics to one of his favorite songs:<br />"When I get down, He lifts me up"<br />That made my heart skip a beat. How profound are those words! And that he picked just those 8 words out from a song he really likes. It's a fun song with really fun actions that they sing in kids church. But that he understands tthe impact those few words can have on his life. And ours. Amazing. <br />I told him that I will forever remember that he wrote those words on that step. I wish I didn't have to cover them up. But they are there, and they are in my mind and heart. And for as long as we live in this house, when I go through times of feeling "down" or when we go through times of "defeat" or "hardships," I will remind myself and my family of those words that 7 year old Bryson blessed our home with. That God lifts us up.<br /><br />I walked back upstairs and found Charis and Alan on the floor of her room. Charis was writing a note to God. It said:<br />"Keep everyone safe" with a big heart drawn underneath her note to God. Yes! That is one of the prayers I also pray frequently. I pray for safety, protection, and for His hand to be on these people that I so dearly love and care for. That was a good prayer and request to God. That He keeps us safe. Thank you Charis, for praying that prayer for us!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TUjQT4Am7SI/AAAAAAAAB_M/o6IJlXC9FFQ/s1600/S1270020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TUjQT4Am7SI/AAAAAAAAB_M/o6IJlXC9FFQ/s400/S1270020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568929979114646818" /></a><br />Soon after, everyone else arrived. We all spread out to whatever room we wanted and wrote various scriptures on the walls. The kids enjoyed writing on the walls alongside their good friends, the Lyness'. Jodie wrote a scripture the week before when she was here visiting, and Alan's mom sent 2 poems God laid on her heart to bless our home with. <br /><br />After we were done writing our scriptures and words of blessings, we split up into various rooms and prayed over the house and our family. James and Lydia wanted to go upstairs to pray for the kids (awesome).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TVMYx9ib-PI/AAAAAAAAB_w/qP_DX5g0B-E/s1600/S1270080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TVMYx9ib-PI/AAAAAAAAB_w/qP_DX5g0B-E/s400/S1270080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571824410599094514" /></a><br /> Jennifer and Kevin and their kids wanted to pray in the school room, for our years of education and learning (perfect).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TVMZIBs0iTI/AAAAAAAAB_4/Ac7rgk1K-qQ/s1600/S1270072.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TVMZIBs0iTI/AAAAAAAAB_4/Ac7rgk1K-qQ/s400/S1270072.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571824789673511218" /></a><br /> Jim and Gwen went to the master bedroom to pray for Alan and I and our marriage. They said we should expect lots of good "blessings" now after their prayers (Ha! Ha! Ha!). The Lyness family prayed in the dining room (awwww). <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TVMX3i-gIzI/AAAAAAAAB_o/UA9nMa8ejjk/s1600/S1270074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TVMX3i-gIzI/AAAAAAAAB_o/UA9nMa8ejjk/s400/S1270074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571823407036638002" /></a><br />And I wanted the kitchen . That's my spot. My heart. They say the kitchen is the heart of the house. Feeding my family is the heart of my life. Not only the joy of cooking for them, and from sitting and dining together as a family, but also feeding them the Word of the Lord. Feeding them knowledge and wisdom for life. I love being in the kitchen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TVMV4lyR7gI/AAAAAAAAB_g/OUgbu_Fjtq8/s1600/S1270069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TqO8JfRjFUw/TVMV4lyR7gI/AAAAAAAAB_g/OUgbu_Fjtq8/s400/S1270069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571821225947295234" /></a><br />Alan, Bryson, and I prayed earnestly for our family. For the love that comes from being together. We prayed for connectedness and communication and our relationships. We prayed that God would use this kitchen to not only bless us, but for the opportunity to use this kitchen to bless others and be a witness to others in the same way.Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-90208630693324763412011-01-13T10:21:00.005-06:002011-01-15T07:57:46.846-06:00NOT So Much the Apple of My EyeWell, my eyes are changing. First I have some grey hairs, then I find wrinkles and laugh lines, and now, I know I need glasses!?!? Aaaaahhhh! <br />So I didn't realize it until this last week. I got Alan and Apple TV 2nd Generation for Christmas. That allows us to link up the computer, the iPad (an iPhone if we had one) to our TV. It is really cool! Through the Apple TV we can streamline movies and things from the Internet. The kids an play Webkinz or other Internet games. I can facebook, e-mail, and blog. Alan can surf or do business stuff, using a wireless keyboard, or the iPad. It's nice not to have to have your face in a laptop or iPad so much now.<br />However, I can't see the words on the TV screen! From my couch that is 8 feet away!!! I had no idea!!! The first night I decided to blog using the TV as my computer screen, I asked Alan why it was all blurry. He said it wasn't. I said it was! He went and got me a pair of glasses from the bedroom and I put them on and then all at once, not blurry. <br />((deep sigh))<br />And now, it seems I all of a sudden can tell even in other everyday activities. My eyes need help. <br />I'm going to go make an appointment now. Glasses or contacts? <br />Not really happy about this.Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775985782138135990.post-39234982747406295992011-01-13T09:55:00.004-06:002011-01-13T10:17:39.020-06:00Conversation Between SistersIn the van, Selah says to Charis "what do you want to do when you grow up?"<br /><br />Charis- "ummmm, I want to do hair and make-up for people"<br /><br />Selah- " I want to be a baker at Sprinkes On Top, which will be the name of my own bakery."<br /><br />Charis- " actually, I want to be a stay-home Mom, and make lunch and stuff!"<br /><br />Selah- "what about you, Bryce?"<br /><br />Bryce- silence. (Head buried in his DS game)<br /><br />Selah- "well, I want Mommy and Daddy to build me a shed with an apartment in it for when I grow up. I'm never getting married or moving away from Mommy. And Daddy is gonna help me make do-nuts in the middle of the night, and Mommy can help me bake during the day."<br /><br />Charis- "I am getting married. And I'm gonna buy a house just a little bit down from Mommy and Daddy so I can be close, but at my own house with my husband."<br /><br />Mommy- "that ALL sounds great to me!" (then under my breath... "if only.")Mom To The 3rd Powerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810024650288849677noreply@blogger.com2