Three Plus Four

What's on your kitchen counter?

2009-03-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

Just wondering....this may be the only time in my life that there will be Buzz Lightyear under-ware (they are clean not warn ones:) along with the recipe book, tape, my mascara, lotion, etc...In a few years I am going to be in tears as my children will be older and the kitchen counter will not look quite the same. So my kitchen counter pretty much shows what I did today. I did manage to get my mascara on, I did manage to dress my children, I did consult the recipe book, I did feed us and the tape was the art project that we did today....

And the table tells a similar tale or meals and school and art projects...

AND...here is Mommy's bad job at "clipping" Judah's hair and the buzz that resulted....

Warm day fun!!

2009-03-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

The kids love being outside and they love it even more when it is WARM! So today they have had a blast, but...Judah has gotten hurt twice and Lilly just came in with a head injury! Whew Who! So much fo letting them have fun on the hammocks!...

The Galapagos Report!

2009-03-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

These are women who made decisions to follow Christ...

Shad is sharing the evangecube with a 6 year old little boy who made a decision for Christ as well as his Mom...

The pastor of the sending church on one of Galapagos islands praying for our team and those from the church who were going as evangelizers and translators...

Shad and his Mom..

The team...

Over 200 hundred people made decisions to follow Christ!

Remember the Stauffacher's

2009-03-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

A few posts ago I asked for prayer for our friends the Stauffacher's, missionaries in Malawi. Well, visit this link to hear about the experience in their own words...The Stauffacher's

The Galapagos Islands....

2009-03-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

Ever heard of them? The islands I mean. Well that is where Shad is right now with a team of about 11 others. They are sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ on the last island that does not have an evangelical church. So exciting! The first day they shared with 42 people and 37 made a decision for Christ and I just received another update that they shared with 87 people and 64 made a decision for Christ! So exciting! They are also doing ministry on the other islands that already have a church to partner with the pastors to help spread the Good News and grow His church. They are going door to door, approaching people on the street, and even singing praise music on the boardwalk and sharing with people who walk by.
Everyone on the team is surviving. Because they are on the equator, it is hot and there are a lot of bugs. Everyone is eaten up! There is no Malaria risk, but I'm sure it is not a comfortable feeling. And everyone is aching from the twice daily boat rides between the islands.
If you think of them, pray for them. But mostly that no matter where they are or what is happening that His light would shine, and the Holy Spirit would draw those whom He is drawing to Himself. Praise the Lord for His name, Praise Him for His grace!

I LOVE IT!!!

2009-02-28T16:53:00.000-08:00

Just had to share one of the cutest things and I think one of my most favorite things when it comes to being a Mom.....Looking outside on the patio today I saw my children enjoying each others presence! Ah.... They were coloring and making their "original" toddler art. Lilly asks Judah what he is drawing and he says, "look, it's a Mama otter." And Lilly says in her approving voice, "O, that's nice Judah." Love it, love it, love it!!!

P.S. I made this post in bold to see if it is easier to read....

Washed in the Word...

2009-02-21T16:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I seek to be good at laundry and to accomplish this task with precision, for a desired outcome...clean, non-linted, un-stained clothes. Well God's Word was in the wash machine today. It made for an awful mess when I pulled out the clothes finding I had missed one of Shad pocket New Testaments. So my wash machine is cleansed in the Word! And as I shook out the clothes the entire laundry area was littered with bits and pieces of the Word. Kind of make you think about His gospel going out and being blown by the Spirit.
I have not had the best of luck the last few days with water. Yesterday I dropped my phone in the sink drain garbage disposal and although it only got a "little" wet, I lost all my contacts and over 90 pictures! I had pictures on there of when Judah was a baby and now they are lost forever! I was just about to download them off my phone too and we did not have the special card here at home so thus they are gone. :(
So I am trying to avoid anymore "water mishaps" for awhile. How about you? What is the worse thing that has gotten wet or ruined by water?

Unexpected things...

2009-02-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let those of you who know me and check up on my blog every once in a while to be aware of a need. Our friends the Stauffacher's have a very ill daughter. They are missionaries in Malawi. Their daughter Nya came down with what they thought was the flu, but it turned into possible Malaria. She has all the symptoms, but the tests were negative. They doctors are thinking Blackwater Fever. So they had to go to South Africa to the hospital there for better care and still are waiting for a diagnosis. In the midst of this Amy, the mom, and their younger daughter were also sick with fevers and coughs. So they had a load to handle and they need our prayers in the name of Jesus to our Heavenly Father for this situation...for healing....

Been thinkin about...

2009-02-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

Being intentional. Do I wake up thinking I am going to intentionally be a Mom today, or I am going to intentionally be a wife, sister, daughter friend, child of God? Or do I wake up tired wanting to sleep more, wanting to be fulfilled and happy with my life, all my ducks in a row, children behaving well, trying to survive the day? Do you see the difference? I do: SELFISHNESS! We don't need to find ourselves, we need to place our hope and trust in the one who is outside of us in that He sees all, knows all (and us intimately), and His sovereignty reigns over all. Maybe its just a play on language, but I think the lie can be so masked with good intentions and sound so close to what we think is right that we don't allow for true servanthood to rule our lives. We don't need to find ourselves, we need to loose ourselves. Loosing yourself might sound scary, weird, or uncontrolled. But I am not talking about loosing yourself to float around the galaxy in mindless purposeless tasking. I am speaking about trusting in our God who is bigger than you, bigger than your life, bigger than your problems, bigger than your exhaustion, bigger than your frustrations. We so limit the Holy Spirit's work in our life by making it about us, by seeking to be fulfilled and happy, by choosing our own self-centered standard for what is good for us.
My Father, You are so far beyond my comprehension yet so intimately connected with me. Thank you for Your faithfulness and long-suffering with this self-centered child. For Your name and Your glory cause your servant to be intentional for You. Your Name is great and mine is not. Your Kingdom is alive in the hearts of men and I desire your will over mine. I ask for this days food to allow my physical body to serve you and those around me. Please forgive my sin and help me forgive those who have sinned against me. Holy Spirit guide my feet away form what is wrong and the sin that so easily entangles and do not let the evil one glory from my life. To You O Lord, of You and from You is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever! In Jesus name, Amen!

The Hair Cut...

2009-02-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

So here is the new boy setting up a track for his Hot Wheels.
And that tongue just has to be in constant use in order to make the track work properly...

Hey, what's up?

results of good use...

2009-02-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

Didn't think it was possible to wear out rain boots in Southern California....but here is proof...the best $10 I have spent in recent past....

Rain, rain and more rain....

2009-02-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

So do you feel soggy? I actually feel refreshed. Today was the first day waking up to sun in about 4 or 5 days. I was reminded last night of a more exciting and transforming rain: the reign of Jesus Christ. Does that excite you? With all the amazing clouds that have been in the sky's these last few days, I was also reminded of the scripture where the disciple's are asking Jesus when He will return and what do they need to be looking for. And Jesus says, you will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds. I was trying to visualize what that would look like. Of course it will not just be in the sky where I am but for all the world to see! AWESOME!

SNOW!

2009-02-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

Last weekend me and the kids went to High School Winter Camp. And there was actually snow on the ground. Luckily the days were sunny so you could find a warm place in the sun. All the High Schooler's had a blast and of course my kids had fun. The students and Shad said the speaker was really good and I enjoyed being able to be in the meetings long enough for worship. The band was really good too.
The little tiny one here is our sweet friend Aurora and the kids just love her! We took care of here at night while her Mommy was with our High School girls in their cabin.

The remnant...And Sea World

2009-01-24T11:05:00.001-08:00

So here was the last remnant of Christmas to go at our house. The kids made this house and finally we threw it away. Fortunately for me this particular gingerbread house was not edible! :)

And here are pictures from the kids first trips to Sea World. Shad's parents bought us passes this year for our Christmas present and the kids are thrilled with the new adventure....Here is Judah and Mommy petting the Bat Rays...
Lilly and Judah hangin out with the Dolphins...

And here is a picture from the place that I looked forward to going every time I went to Sea World...The kids play place...Back then it was called Captain Kids World and I didn't even bother to notice what it is called now...

And here they are right before going in to see the Manatees....

Back in my day you could get into Sea World on their home school day for like $2, but not anymore! We went to those home school days so much that I probably haven't been there in the last 20 years so it was fun to see it again. Judah loved it when the dolphin's and whales would jump at their shows and he would get grumpy when they stopped jumping. And of course Daddy had to sit in the soak zone for every show although, we didn't get wet. We got wet petting the Bat Ray's more than in the soak zones....

Another Year....

2009-01-14T15:29:00.001-08:00

Not only does January mark another year of time, but also is the month that Shad and I celebrate our wedding anniversary. We have been married 8 years! Can't believe it. Sometimes it seems like 8 years, what a long time, and other times I think, "its only been 8 years?" We had an enjoyable evening out and reflected on all the happenings of the past year. It was nice to be in a quiet restaurant, and hear each other talk and enjoy a yummy meal.
I'm getting up on life and rest these days. I completely crashed the first week of the month and was down for awhile. Now, I'm feeling a little more "normal" and trying to make adjustments to not let this happen again. We shall see how that goes....

January - Alice Cary (1820-1871)

2009-01-03T18:45:00.000-08:00

THE year has lost its leaves again,
The world looks old and grim;
God folds His robe of glory thus,
That we may see but Him.

And all His stormy messengers,
That come with whirlwind breath,
Beat out our chaff of vanity,
And leave the grains of faith.

We will not feel, while summer waits
Her rich delights to share,
What sinners, miserably bad,--
How weak and poor we are.

We tread through fields of speckled flowers
As if we did not know
Our Father made them beautiful,
Because He loves us so.

We hold His splendors in our hands
As if we held the dust,
And deal His judgment, as if man
Than God could be more just.

We seek, in prayers and penances,
To do the martyr's part,
Remembering not, the promises
Are to the pure in heart.

From evil and forbidden things,
Some good we think to win,
And to the last analysis
Experiment with sin.

We seek no oil in summer time
Our winter lamp to trim,
But strive to bring God down to us,
More than to rise to Him.

And when that He is nearest, most
Our weak complaints we raise,
Lacking the wisdom to perceive
The mystery of His ways.

For, when drawn closest to Himself,
Then least His love we mark;
The very wings that shelter us
From peril, make it dark.

Sometimes He takes His hands from us,
When storms the loudest blow,
That we may learn how weak, alone,--
How strong in Him, we grow.

Through the cross iron of our free will
And fate, we plead for light,
As if God gave us not enough
To do our work aright.

We will not see, but madly take
The wrong and crooked path,
And in our own hearts light the fires
Of a consuming wrath.

The fashion of His Providence
Our way is so above,
We serve Him most who take the most
Of His exhaustless love.

We serve Him in the good we do,
The blessings we embrace,
Not lighting farthing candles for
The palace of His grace.

He has no need of our poor aid
His purpose to pursue;
'Tis for our pleasure, not for His,
That we His work must do.

Then blow, O wild winds, as ye list,
And let the world look grim,--
God folds His robe of glory thus
That we may see but Him.

(This poem was written by my relative. Every year about this time we bring it out to read it , although it seemed to slip through the new year's day celebration this year. It is my favorite poem.)

2009-01-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

For the first time at our house, we have a fire place that works! Since we have lived here (6 years) we have not had our fire place finished. But this year, we have a hearth and a firebox door! As you can see we still need to put the stone on the face of the fireplace, but we can burn in it now. A never before seen phenomenon....

Casualties of Christmas...The Nativity. Mary lost her fingers, the shepherd lost the back of his robe...

At one point Joseph broke his staff, but now is repaired and the wise man also lost some fingers...

The shepherd also lost some hair and some toes and shoe....

And the poor palm tree at one point did not have any of its top frawns...

Lilly and Judah could not keep their hands off the set, although I did buy it for them last year. So now the mantle has become the home for the set this Christmas. Thank the Lord that the precious gift of Jesus was not broken as an accident or repaired by superglue. He fulfilled the purpose of His coming, to be broken in death and to be restored in resurrection....

Things we've been doing...

2009-01-02T11:03:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve this year, Shad and Uncle Mike took the kids ice-skating while Corrie, Mom and I started the preparation for the rest of the day. Grandpa looked on from the viewing point. They had a blast and of course did not want to leave. No surprise!

The new year has started, my tree is still up, and I'm in need of rest. So I can't do anything about the new year starting, I can get my tree down and the house "de-Christmased" and I can choose to rest. So today will be a rest day (although I still have children, so that will all hinge on them). :) HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

It's Christmas Eve...Almost

2008-12-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

Are you ready? Do you have it together? Is everything set in order? You might automatically apply these questions to your Christmas shopping, gift giving and party preparation, but lets take the twist to what its really all about. Are you ready to experience His Spirit within? Do you have it together in your heart and mind to think on Him at Christmas? Is your heart and mind set in His order of priority....to think on Him? Our God stepped into time to be our Savior! We are not only celebrating His birth, but the fact that GOD HIMSELF CAME. We are His....is He yours? Choose....
Merry Christmas!

Disneyland...

2008-12-13T16:32:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pics from our recent jaunt to Disneyland. The kids had a blast and we survived!

A NEW CAR!!!

2008-12-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well, not exactly new, but new to us. We were given a 1995 or 06 (I can't remember) Ford Aerostar Van! Remeber the eight things on my wish list? One of them was a second car and the other was money to purchase a second car. Well, we were given a second car and the Lord didn't even provide the money, just an aweseom free gift. (Sounds like Him doesn't it?) We have a second car after shuffling along for almost two years with one car. The kids are thrilled and bonus is that there are two built in booster seats for the kids with 5 point harness's. Through these last few years you have a lot of time to think about "what if we were able to get another car, what would it be". Well, the Lord narrowed it down to a mini-van, convincing me that it would be a good thing for space and convenience. And lo and behold, we were given a mini-van! So awesome. Yes its old, but it runs, so we will use it until it doesn't. :) So now we need to come up with a name for this new ride. All older rides need names. Any suggestions?

2008-12-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

Just had to post this cute pic of the kids. Daddy took them skateboarding last week and as you can see they are discussing their board skills. :)

Solution to the Bail-Out's....

2008-12-03T09:56:00.000-08:00

So I have found the answer! With all the automotive company's begging for billions and trillions of dollars for bail-out's, I figure the real answer truly is "spreading the wealth". You say, "How could you think that?" Well, considering there are 230 million or so people in America, rather than give billions and trillions for bailing out these banks and companies, just give each of those 250 million American's a million dollars with the stipulation that they put a hundred thousand in savings! Much less than billions or trillions. Then there would be no homes in foreclosure, and everyone would go buy a new car or two, and they would have a little money for future retirement or investments! My Mom told me this genius idea yesterday. I guess you could say we have a little bit of Maverick in us. :)

Spirit of Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T07:23:00.000-08:00

I hope everyones Thanksgiving went well and that your heart was filled with thanksgiving to our Lord!
Below is one of the recent daily emails I receive from Ravi Zacharias Ministries over my email. I thought it was good regarding our thanks and gratitude and thought you might like to read...

11/27/08 The Indignity of Giving Thanks by John Njoroge
The spirit of thanksgiving runs against the temptation we face as human beings to assert our self-sufficiency. Few of us enjoy the feeling of indebtedness; a fact easily demonstrated by our oft-unsolicited readiness to return a favor once someone has expressed kindness to us. I owe you one, I will return the favor, and I am in your debt are some of the ways in which we express this attitude. Such responses, together with the more modest one, please let me know what I can do for you, allow us to express gratitude without acknowledging the chronic shadow of dependence that so rudely dogs our entire threescore and ten.
Not only does this inability to express gratitude without our own autonomy stealing the show sometimes rob of us of the joy of affirming the contribution of others to our wellbeing, it also shrivels up our desire to worship God. An unexamined sense of self-sufficiency instills in us a subtle but false attitude of entitlement, thus making it difficult for us to accept the sense of vulnerability that is part of true gratitude. Ever since the tempter said to Adam and Eve in the Garden, “You will be like God,” human beings have never given up the temptation to either elevate ourselves to the level of God or pull God down to our level, so we can deal with Him as equals. We are always looking for a chance to say to God, “I can take it from here.”
Such an attitude of entitlement, I believe, occupies a central role in the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17. While all ten are healed by Jesus, only one of them returns to express gratitude. In his editorial comment, Luke informs us that the one who returned to give thanks was a Samaritan, and Jesus refers to him as a foreigner. Undoubtedly, this implies that the other nine were Jews. Could it be that the Jewish lepers felt entitled to the services of this Jewish prophet and their God? If God were to begin to right wrongs in the world, wouldn’t the most logical place to begin be among his own chosen people? Judging by Jesus’s expression of surprise in the passage, it seems the only words one would have expected from the mouths of the nine lepers would have been, “It’s about time!” Without a clear sense of how little we are entitled to, we cannot really come to terms with the need for gratitude; for an attitude of entitlement is an effective impediment to gratitude.
But everything we know about ourselves and our world speaks loudly against this tendency to self-sufficiency. As human babies, we all begin our lives at the highest level of dependence, and none of us really outgrows all degrees of dependence. We depend on parents, teachers, peers, coaches, and others to open doors for us in life. Even in places where commitment to personal autonomy is likely to produce more martyrs than religious conviction, dependence on others is still a living reality whose attempted concealment is gradually unveiled by the onset of old age. From the inventions that give us comfort in this world to the young soldiers who give their lives in the battlefields to protect our livelihoods, an unobstructed view of our lives reveals the fact that we all owe debts that we can never repay. We will never begin to worship God until we recognize that we are bankrupt debtors, for an attitude of gratitude is an indispensable impetus to worship.
Like skilled gourmet chefs spicing up their delicacies, Scripture writers sprinkle their words with admonitions and exaltations regarding gratitude, frequently tying it together with worship. For example, in the midst of a dark catalogue of humanity’s journey away from God, the apostle Paul lays the blame on our unwillingness to glorify God or give thanks to Him (Romans 1:21). Similarly, the author of Hebrews grounds our worship of God in gratitude. He writes, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28). It is impossible to worship God without gratitude, and it is impossible to be grateful while clinging to self-sufficiency and entitlement at the same time. Yes, there is some vulnerability in gratitude sincerely expressed, but that is because we are relational beings whose deepest needs can only be met in partnership with others and ultimately with God. While an attitude of entitlement is an impediment to gratitude, an attitude of gratitude is an indispensable impetus to worship. Show me a person whose life is characterized by gratitude, and I will show you a person whose soul is poised to worship God.
J.M. Njoroge is a member of the speaking team at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

Anither one...

2008-11-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

Saw this over at Vikki's blog, kind of neat....

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8.. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (from the beach)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19.Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Been to Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

The list of 8's

2008-11-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

So here it is, Vikki tagged me over at http://blessedfamily.blogspot.com/.

8 TV shows I watch: O dear, I don't know if there is eight...
1. Jon and Kate Plus 8
2. Heroes (only sometimes, but Shad likes to watch so if I want to hang with him on that night, we watch it together)
3. Hallmark channel movies sometimes
4. Survivor sometimes
5.Everyday Italian sometimes
6.Any
7.Good
8.Movie that might be on IF there is time to actually look for one and watch it. :)

8 of My Favorite Restaurants:
1. P.F. Chang's 2. Super Salsa 3. 9/10 Cafe 4. The Cottage 5. BBQ Pit 6. Flemmings 7. The Fish Market 8. Rapungi

8 Things that happened Yesterday:
1. Lots of laundry 2. stayed in my pj's all day (which received a rather interesting facial expression from my husband upon coming home once in the middle of the day and then again in the evening, finding me in the same pj's) 3. Ate oatmeal for breakfast 4. Gave time outs to my children 5. Served homemade Chicken Noodle Soup for lunch 6. Received a gift of about 45 minutes to my-self when my husband arrived home in the evening 7. Researched some books on-line 8. Gave my children bath's before bed

8 Things I am looking forward to: 1. not hearing " I WANT IT" from one or both of my children in one day 2. No zits 3.Thanksgiving 4.HEAVEN!!!! 5. When the remaining "house" projects will be done (just maybe by the time I'm 50) 6. Not giving instructions every two seconds 7. Not have to correct behaviors every two seconds 8. Starting something that I can finish without interruption :)

8 Things on my wishlist: 1. Cement in my side yard 2. Fence and gates 3. Clothes Line 4. A second car 5. Enough money to afford a second car :) 6. Closet Doors 7. To be perfect - ha ha ha 8. Evil would disintegrate

8 Things I love: 1. My God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit! 2. Awesome weather 3. Beautiful sunsets 4. Yummy Food 5. My husband 6. My kids 7 . My family 8. Friends

8 Things I can't stand: 1. My sin nature
2. Filth
3. Inconsiderate people
4. Selfishness
5. Confrontation
6. When I don't "let it go"
7. When truth is not desired
8. Abuse - of any form on human beings

Three Years and Counting

2008-11-24T14:58:00.000-08:00

Our little Judah turned three last week and has scraps to show for his week of celebration...He tried to jump on his sisters swing and missed! He hit his chin and head on the concrete.

Here he is during the party...

Getting ready to blow out his candle...

The other night Lilly and Shad had a special outting and went minature golfing...

She was afraid to stand near the Big Bad Wolf's house...

She is showing the prizes that she won....

Stand in Awe

2008-11-20T20:34:00.000-08:00

Can you stand in awe of God even when you are at your wits end with your kids? I am seeking to live in awe of Him in all things, the big that leave us no other choice but to stand in awe and the little things that seem to shout for our flesh rather than our awe of Him.

"I want Daddy too......."

2008-11-17T15:48:00.000-08:00

So we are getting back to whatever our normal is. I seemed to hear the above phrase several times throughout the day from the kids. THEY WANT DADDY! Completely natural and cute if you ask me. Lilly said, "Daddy come dance with me and then we will go play in my room." So funny.

We are certainly functioning with a healthy sense of perspective after Shad's stories and all the happenings of the last week. It puts everything in life in a different light when you realize what the essentials really are, how much you really do have and changes what you thought you needed or wanted. I know that to try and put into words what is in my mind would be redundant and possibly comes across as "Christianise". But that does not diminish the truth of what we read and know in God's Word! Can you, can I truly say that He is all we need, want, and long for? Can you, can I be satisfied in our hunger with HIM and only Him? Is the gospel and the spread of it truly our life's goal and passion? What are we doing with our moments, our choices, our finances to reflect that? Take a deep breath, dive in and LIVE!

New smells....

2008-11-16T18:59:00.000-08:00

My house smells like Africa! Every time he comes back from a trip, there is a distinct smell. I may not have been there but I will always know how it smells. :) We are so glad to have him home. His "clock" is all messed up. He just went to bed and it was 7pm! That never happens in his normal life.

Final numbers come out to be around 1,700 people who heard the gospel message, and over 800 new believers! Praise the Lord!

So here are some pictures from Shad's trip in no particular order. Excuse any nudity, but that is who they are and their culture. I will post some pictures of some of the artifacts that he brought back and gifts for the kids in the next few days..

This is a picture of a Taposa Village from the air. The circles are the live stock corrals or their crops and the other brush looking areas are their toucals (houses)....

Here is a picture of a Taposa family...

These are the Toucals and the ones high off the ground are for storing food and valuables so that the animals don't get it. Each village has an entrance that is closed with a large branch of a thorn bush to keep out the wild animals. The thorn bushes are also the surrounding "fence" for the parameter of the village...

This is a Bore Hole, or as we would call it a well. Most have to walk 2 miles to get water everyday. Shad said they related to the Samaritan Woman's story, regarding the times of day that you would go collect your water...

This is the flooding rain that caused them to delay their first attempts at traveling to the villages....

This is the airstrip that they landed on in Kapoeta. Their pilot was with Missionary Aviation Fellowship and prayed before they took off....

Here is a Taposa woman carrying her baby on her back. The gourd is the baby's shad and someone is holding up. Normally the gourd would rest on the baby while the mommy walks or works in the sun. Shad said that most woman had a baby on their back, a baby in their tummy and another on the hip!

This is James Lacoota. He is the man I mentioned in one of the first posts who is the pastor of the church in Kapoeta. He is a few year older than Shad. Shad said he was the coolest guy and a very charismatic personality...

Can you find Shad? Just kidding. :) Shad sat down and within a few minutes all the kids had surrounded him....

This is the Bograt. The transportation to and from the villages, about 2 hours one way...

This is Jeremiah and Shad. Really made a connection with him. A little of his story.....War broke out right near his village when he was 13 and he joined the army and fought on the front lines from the time he was 15, 17 years! It is amazing that he survived on the front lines, because no one usually makes it through that long....Shad was overwhelmed with his story. He now works with an Awana type program for kids. They want the children to know Christ so that they can grow up knowing Christ. He is of the Dinca tribe....

Remember the post I made regarding the men who said they had been worshiping this God that Shad was speaking about, but they did not know He had a son who came to save them, and give them eternal life? Well, this is the group of men. Every single one of them prayed to receive Christ!....

Here is a closer look at a Toucal. That is a big one, would sleep an entire family of about 12-15...

And this is the American Toucal where Shad stayed. The land was owned by an American driller, who drills the wells and he lets the groups come and stay there...

A typical Taposa woman and her baby girl....

Pray for the Taposa and the people of Sudan. The government is trying to buy off the Taposa, 5,000 strong, by giving them money and guns to kill the Dinca. The Dinca were the main group of people who were attacked in the war. Most of the lost boys were Dinca. Obviously this is wrong, and one would assume that eventually they will also eliminate the Taposa. There is no respect for persons. So the work that the missionary's and groups with e3 is critical. Helping people see the light of the Lord and not to be manipulated by the Islamic government. The peace treaty is up in 2011, so there is only a short time left to reap the harvest before war starts again, which I believe it will since there will be nothing to stop it. Even though the war is only partly over since there is still genocide going on in the Darfur and the immediate surrounding areas (the area that was not included in the cease fire. They also continue to raid and kill in the refugee camps across borders into Chad). Pray for the new believers and future believers to have a hunger for the ways of God and to know the peace that passes understanding.

2008-11-15T19:38:00.000-08:00

We are moments away from seeing Shad and Daddy! I got to chat with him a few minutes while he was at the Detroit airport this morning. He is well, anxious to get home but so much to tell. We will be leaving an hour from now to pick him up, so excited! Happily I found that The Wizard of Oz is on T.V. tonight, so this is helping to pass the time for the kids, especially since they have not seen it before. Lilly has stated several times today, "O.K. I'm ready to go get Daddy now". Inside I was saying the same thing. :) Well, who knows what the next few days will hold. For those of you who have been following the trip and checkin in with us, there could be several days of post-lessness just trying to get back to our routine and catching up with Daddy and Hubby time. I know there will be more stories to share and amazing God things to be stunned by...

The Long Road Home

2008-11-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

Well, the team is traveling back and I am anxious to hear about the final news and details of the week. I haven't heard from him since I last posted so it will be awesome to be reunited and hear all the happenings. It has been a teary week not because of sadness but because of the awesome power of our Lord and that we can even be a part of it!

2008-11-12T17:25:00.001-08:00

Thank you for your prayers! I received a call from him last evening and they were looking forward to the next day when they would get to baptise in the river! So exciting. I didn't get to get many details, but he sounded good and said that everything continues to go well in spite of the physical exhaustion.
I asked him what language that the Taposa speak and he said Arabic. But because of war for the last 20 years only about 10% of the adult males can read. So the next thing they asked for after they found out they would have a church was "can we have a school too?" Wow! Here are people who live out in the bush, but they know how important education and schooling is. Amazing! From what the team email said today, they are over joyed with the results from the team that Shad was with. Especially since other Taposa they have tried to reach have not been receptive to hearing the gospel. But this group could not get enough! They said the ground had been turned up and the soil was ready through the prayers of the missionaries who would do prayer walks in the area often. It is 5:30pm here and it is 4:30am tomorrow there. They will be getting up in a few hours to start the travel back home, which will take three days. Nairobi, Amsterdam, Detroit and San Diego.
It is time to praise the Lord for what He has done and pray for the teams travels back home.

2008-11-11T14:39:00.001-08:00

Well, I got to talk to Shad again today, but only for a few seconds! The reception kept cutting out and finally he was gone. But I did get enough time on the line to hear him say, he is exhausted, physically spent, and has no energy left and to please pray for him. He needs prayer, because they have one more day of ministry like the last few days but he feels like he has nothing left! If you are reading this please pray for the Shad and the team as I am sure he is not the only one who is exhausted and in need of super strength. They need His supernatural power through them and amazing restorative sleep! Right now it is 2:45 pm our time and it is 1:45 am their time tomorrow morning, so they are sleeping as I type. Pray for them all as they sleep and pray for their last day tomorrow, that their physical condition will not hinder the work that the Holy Spirit wants to do through them. Leaning on His everlasting arms, and The One who is the lifter of our head....

I talked to Shad!!....

2008-11-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

I received a call from Shad today. The team leader has an international cell phone and Shad was able to call me on it. Because of heavy rain, the Internet has been down the last few days and they also have not been able to go far because of the rain. Everything just floods. But today they went out and they reaped a harvest. Shad spoke to all the men in a village while another lady spoke to all the women and another lady shared with the kids. All the men accepted Christ! They said that they have been going out into the trees to pray and worship the God who created everything, saying that they knew the God that Shad was speaking of, but they never knew He had a son named Jesus who wanted to save them and give them eternal life! Are you crying? I was when he told me. And now they can have a church where they can go and be all together to pray when it rains (their comment when they were told they would have a church). Most of the women received Christ and all the children. AMAZING! These are people who have never seen a white person before either, so Shad said they were making fun of his pointy nose! :) And they thought his hair was funny to.
Because of the war, every man he has met has a story. Either running from or fighting in the war. He said he has never experienced friendship and fellowship like this with men in the Lord! So exciting!!!!

2008-11-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

Received a team email this morning. Things are going well. Everyone is healthy and well. They have had a lot of rain so they have been challenged getting out to the villages. But today they were able to get out to several places and speak to packed crowds, one of which were all Taposa. Most of them are very receptive to hearing the Bible stories and others want to follow Jesus! They said the children are really soaking it all in and love the stories and songs. Here is quote from the email from the team leader Mike Congrove.....
"Today, the team working with our two missionaries went out to their place. They rode in a huge lorry so they could drive through the thick mud that is just now drying out. (Thank you for praying for that.) When they arrived, Alfred was introducing the team to the people in the area. A woman approached him who he knew. She said the previous night she'd had a dream. In the dream Alfred was coming with visitors who had a message for her.Well, her dream came true. God still sends dreams and visions, calling people to Himself. I'm so encouraged about Alfred and Joseph (our missionaries). Their spirits are high, God is blessing and Alfred is now making plans to move his wife here by March."
So exciting! Can't wait to hear more! "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." John 15:8 "I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." John 15:16

No new news....

2008-11-09T17:49:00.000-08:00

Haven't received any emails the last two days about the team. Continuing to pray for the heart of the Taposa to be open to the Lord. According to the schedule, today they had their first day of sharing the gospel. As our day ends right now, their day is just beginning, so Monday has already started.
On another note, I just thought I would post Judah's recent quotable....Upon attending a wedding this weekend, he was being praised by his Auntie Corrie at how well behaved he could be during the ceremony. Judah's response, "Yes, I am a little angel." My Mom admitted that she does call him that. He is leaning to apply it way to appropriately. :)

Gmail Chat

2008-11-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

So I had a treat this morning! I got to chat with Shad on the gmail chat. The place where they are staying has Internet! So special. That is one thing you never know until they arrive whether they will have access or not.
They flew in on a little plane, landing on a dirt strip, welcomed by 100's of people, bright and smiley faces. He said the kids are so cute. He got to walk with a man his age who walked across Sudan to Kenya during the war, a lost boy, and now he is the pastor of the church in Kapoeta! How special, for Shad to have met a man his age, growing up at the same time, in such different world, one fighting to survive, the other having fun in the concrete jungles. Shad said the people he has met so far are amazing and tomorrow they go into "the bush".
So excited to be able to share this experience, I will try and post whenever I get word or updates! Keep praying for the souls of the resistant Taposa people. God knows their heart and we trust in His plan and will, with hope that does not disappoint, excited and overwhelmed with the awesomeness of our amazing God. Did any of the sentence make sense? I did in my head and heart...:)

Kapoeta...

2008-11-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

Received word that the entire team is in Kapoeta, final destination. They are 11 hours ahead so they are spending their first night where they will be for the next 7 days. Tomorrow they will start the training and Sunday the discipleship, evangelism, church plant will begin. They will be driving out to the villages of the surrounding Taposa tribe. They just had a big rain, so the roads will be nice and muddy. :)

2008-11-06T23:10:00.000-08:00

He's in Kenya! 27 hours of traveling and two hours of sleep!

"Close your eyes, close your eyes!"

2008-11-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

This morning as I was working on the computer, all of a sudden Lilly keeps shouting to close our eyes. Finally I said no I can't I'm busy working, why do we need to close our eyes? Her answer, "because I need to pray for Daddy!" So I ran over to the table and we prayed for Daddy and the people to hear about Jesus.
Mind you, this is the same child who said that she missed Daddy when he was only gone for a weekend. And they both kept referring to Daddy like he was going to come back yesterday, or would comment, "when Daddy gets home later", or "Daddy's truck is here, Daddy's home". So sweet and sad all at the same time. Today I let them watch some e3 YouTube video's and they were so excited. Another cute thing is that Lilly calls the Africans brown, not black. I love hearing their perspective and their heart.

Visit this link...

2008-11-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

Visit e3 Sudan to see the work that e3 Partners is doing in Sudan. These are some of the people that Shad will be ministering with and it will show you how e3 got connected to do the work in Sudan.

Sudan Bound....

2008-11-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. " Phil. 4:6-7

Well, Shad is off to Sudan. The adventure begins. Please pray for the Taposa people and the team. I will be excited to hear any news of the trip if that does occur. Until then, I pray for safety, peace, and God's plan to be fullfilled and His will to be done.

No Pictures....Bad Mommy

2008-11-03T14:20:00.000-08:00

Although on my last post I stated my true feelings regarding Halloween, I still would have liked to post pictures of my kids dressed up in their "garbs". They had a fantastic time at our Harvest Festival and all in all the evening was a hit. Way to much candy to go around and then on Sunday we were at a birthday party where they got even more!!! AGH!!!! I weed out some everyday. Back to the "garbs", I guess I could tell you what they dressed up as....Lilly was an 80's roller skater and Judah was a construction worker. They looked really cute. Hope your Monday is going well. I am the laundry lady today and enjoying the big white fluffy clouds...

Thank you for Holloween?

2008-10-31T15:38:00.001-07:00

So today for lunch Lilly prayed before we ate. One certain part of her prayer kind of made me squirm..."and thank you Jesus for Halloween. In Jesus name, Amen." I have to say that Halloween is my least favorite "holiday" and I do not look forward to it at all. Simply because of the history behind it, and all the pains people go to as in essence they are celebrating evil, evilness, and evil things I don't like participating (all the skeletons, dead people, witches, devils, scary things, etc.). Now we do not celebrate these things, but I know the meanings behind all the dressing up, etc. Lilly of course in all innocence was thankful for the fun things she gets to do like dressing up and going to the Fall Festival to Trunk or Treat. I am happy to let her do this, but at the same time, "I HATE HALLOWEEN!"

The best conversation...

2008-10-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

"Mommy look, that's all heaven!" Lilly commented on our car ride home yesterday when she saw all the clouds in the sunset. As we continued to observe and talk..."We will get to see Nannie (her great grandmother). There will be a lot of really good food. More and bigger than we have here. And bed"s. Will it ever be dark in heaven?" "No" Mommy said. "And we are all going to have cabins, and we will have new neighbors." Judah asks, "Is that all heaven up there?" "Yes" Mommy said.
As we continued to talk, we came to discuss all the aspects of heaven, how you get there and that they don't want to die right now. I so wish I would have had a recorder or the camera to record all their thoughts and questions. It was the best! I love hearing their perspective. When we were almost at our destination we even got on the subject of Martyrs. That's a difficult one to explain to a two and 4 year old. But Lilly's Sunday School lessons the last two weeks were about Daniel and the lion's den so she could get a little grasp of what it meant.

No Lion's Allowed

2008-10-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

"Judah, Judah, remember I told you not to be a lion for a while?" Quote from Lilly this morning. She does not like it when Judah goes after her and growls like a lion. And she also doesn't like it when he wants to play bad guys and she wants to play dolls.....but right now they are sitting sweetly together at "their table" with a baby doll on each end, one in a highchair and the other in a shopping cart, and they are playing with beads....we shall see how long this lasts!

2008-10-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

So I decided since it has been so hot and "un-fall like", I had to change my blog background. The Fall background was cute, but just didn't translate on these 90 degree days!
Seeking to walk in the Spirit today moment by moment and also to teach the kids to do the same. We prayed the Fruit of the Spirit together this morning and I am trying to remind them of the fruit when they are "fighting" with each other or disagreeing. I am also trying to stay one step ahead of them so the three of us don't start barreling down the hill of frustration, anger and discouragement. Our wonderful God gives us the tools and the people around us to spur us on to good deeds. So I am stepping gingerly in the moments to be wise in what I do, how I act, react, and speak. Although in doing this, my warm breakfast is now cold as I have now stopped 5 times in the midst of eating it to be one step ahead of the kids, or to discipline them when needed. But I just need to give up my desire for hot food! I will take my kids warm hugs over hot breakfast....

New Beds!

2008-10-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

Before......

After....

And the new daybed/trundle...

We have moved the kids to the next stage. Toddler beds are gone and now they each have a twin. They are getting so old and I can't believe so BIG! Judah's on the bottom of course and they are loving it! Shad's cousin Courtney gave us this bed, it was her old bed since she was little and now that she is out on her own and in her twenties, she wanted to branch out beyond the rod iron hearts. So we are so excited to have this gift and know that it will be well used.

APPLES!

2008-10-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

Apples, apples, apples! We went apple picking with Mimi and Grandpa and friends. It was a blustery day but perfect for picking. Lilly helped make cider and she and Judah both ate a lot of apples. They will be "regular" for the next few days I think. The apple trees at this particular place are old trees and the apples are grown organically so we could eat them right off the tree. They are good little apples! Perfect size for the kids since they can never usually finish a whole apple and they are at the stage where they don't want it cut up anymore, they want it whole! Anyway, just thought I would share the happenings!
The only down side was that Judah got car sick on the way up and threw-up, but after we arrived, ate lunch and went on our way he was fine. And his stomach seemed to handle the many apples he ate just fine. :)

Thnigs to come...

2008-10-21T10:59:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures from yesterday. Shad is teaching Lilly to play the guitar, Judah is becoming a skater (I need to figure out how to put video on here) and Lilly is loving to roller blade (all because of 80's night with the High School group a few weeks ago).

College Memories

2008-10-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today Shad and I attended the San Diego Christian College innaguration ceremony for the new president of the school. It was a neat time to be back and see the changes. In some ways it just seems like yesterday that we were there and in other ways it feels like a lifetime ago. Some of the same teachers, and employees are still there. It was neat to catch-up with a few of them. Also, the new presicdent, Paul Ague, is an awesome man and the horizon looks exciting. We had a fun time there and it was neat to see what the Lord is doing there, has done in our lives since being there, and looking forward to what He will continue to do.

Blackberries...

2008-10-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

Just so you know, my new favorite place to shop is 99cent Store. They have really good produce. Who would have thought?! And yesterday when I went, they had blackberries! Shad's favorite and the kids too. With all the financial crisis happening the stocks that are actually going up are 99Cent Store and Big Lots. My kind of deals!
Had a good week. Kids are with Mimi and Grandpa for a few days. Have a busy Saturday today, so it was a relief to have them with Mimi so that I did not have to try and shuffle them around today.

The simple things.....

2008-10-12T14:53:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of happy Caren...you may be wondering why Caren is happy?

I HAVE A NEW WATER HEATER!!!!!! You may be wondering WHY that would make Caren so happy...well, because it has been almost 6 years of waiting!!!!! And do you see the metal pipe than runs under the water heater stand? That is even better, THE DRYER VENT! All these years I have had to open the side door to the garage and kick out the vent pipe and hope that no unwanted or undesirable creatures (or people for that matter) come into the garage while the wash gets dry. YAY! You can see me jumping up and down right!!!!?

So my Dad, the veteran plumber and true servent, and Shad, my always willing to learn something new and good muscle husband spent all day Friday running a new water line, venting the dryer and venting the gas water heater as well as setting up the water line that goes into the house for the refrigerator ice maker and water system and connecting the new water heater. So many exciting things....:) Just needed to vent my happiness! Before now we have had this HUGE 100 gallon tank that was originally the hot water holding tank for the old solar that we USED to have on the house. But we got rid of that when we did the roof within the second year we lived here. So this beast has leaked several times and the last time Shad was out of the country the electrical wires fried because it was just old and not meant to be a water heater (which my wonderful Dad was able to fix then). So I have been waiting, and now we have hotter water and a happier laundry routine!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!!!

Sudan, Africa

2008-10-07T14:46:00.001-07:00

Well, a new adventure for Shad will begin in a few weeks. He will be ministring with e3 Partners in sounthern Sudan. He will be talking with the Taposa people and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Below is some info on the country and the people that Shad has put together...

Kapoeta, Sudan

Sudan (officially the Republic of Sudan) (Arabic: السودان ‎al-Sūdān) is a country in northeastern Africa. It is the largest in the African continent and the Arab World, and tenth largest in the world by area. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, Kenya and Uganda to the southeast, Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic to the southwest, Chad to the west and Libya to the northwest. The country's name derives from the Arabic Bilad-al-Sudan, literally "land of the blacks." Sudan has recently emerged as the world's most unstable country according to the 2007 Failed States Index, mainly due to its military dictatorship and the ongoing war in Darfur. The country has long been plagued by civil war stemming from political and economic inequality: most people in Sudan's northern region, which includes the capital city of Khartoum, are Arab Muslims; while most southerners are non-Arab Black Africans who mainly practice traditional African religions

Toposa: is an ethnic group in Sudan. The population of this ethnicity possibly exceeds 100,000. The Toposa who are cattle keepers and armed to the teeth with old British rifles and AK’s. The Toposa are a fierce people who conduct raids on other tribe’s cattle across the border in Uganda, Kenya and even in country in Sudan. They love their cows and do not eat (Unless it dies naturally) or sell them. The Toposa diet is blood of the cow mixed with milk and a sort of kasava. Decorative markings made by knives and razors, along with the lack of clothing, save a blanket wraped around the waste, give the Toposa a very distinct look. Wealth means‚cows, and guns mean‚ power.
Important Facts About the Toposa Culture:
- The Toposa abhor the practice of circumcision and indeed despise any circumcised person.
- They also do not accept and frown upon the idea of head count of humans and animals. (so… It’s not a good idea to ask how many children they have or how many cows!)
- Also to say very much about how wonderful a person is or a child is they believe can bring bad luck.
- They Toposa adults attend meetings, gatherings and functions in which important decisions concerning the clan or whole community are made. Women and children are kept at a distance while the men discuss the people’s affairs. Tradition has it that important matters are discussed and decision made in the early hours of the morning before sun rise. Respect for elders is mandatory for the younger generations.

Spiritual beliefs of the Toposa:
As you read their beliefs it is interesting to see that they may stem from the truths of the Bible. Their morals are essentially the morals of the spirits. Shadows are spirits--their shadow is a picture of their soul. The shadows of the dead can be seen as clearly as those of the living. The Toposa God lives in the largest physical area (the upper sky). They call it the realm of God. Their God is called Nyakuj and so is the realm He lives in.

The lower level of the sky, just above the trees, is called Kidiama and is referred to as "flying area of the birds.The spirits are called Nyekwam (the same word for "wind". Nyakuj is not included with these spirits.
Nyakuj is a mystery to them. He is always up in the sky, far away. They do have a story that explains man's origin and fall. The Toposa participate in the supernatural world because it IS their world. The Toposa are separated from the upper world but the spirits are not ...they live in both worlds and are Nyakuj's messengers. Therefore, Nyakuj sends peaceful messages as will as messaged of punishment: if someone is killed by lightening (which is a spirit)it was a punishment from God). It is believed that the spirits enforce theToposa customs, thus making sure that Toposa people behave lilke Toposa people.

The spirits of the dead are called ngipara and they are usually considered separate from the othe spirits called nyekupe who are in the form of snakes. Since the spirits who live in the sky just above the earth,
some of the stones are so sacred that the people cannot go near them (stones are a part of the physical world.).Only members of a certain clan can sacrifice a bull at a certain sacred stone. This particular stone
is connected with the power of Nyakuj or the spirits to bring rain. Rain is expected soon after the death of an old man. Their ancestors are a very significant part of their lives.Trees are also part of the spirits. A bent tree is associated with malaria. I have touched on a few of the examples that were given
in this chapter to explain the importance of the physical world--there are many others.

As you can see they are a colorful and genuine people. May God be at work in the tribe of the Toposa people! Thanks for taking the time to learn about the people that we will be reaching in the name of the Lord!!! Again, PLEASE join me in this opportunity to do as we were commanded in the Great Commission.

2008-10-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a funny pic from yesterday. Shad and the kids were being funny....

And today we went to a little water play park in a nearby community and the kids had a blast... We went with my friend Rachel and fellow blogger...

I thought fall was upon us, but here we were in 90+ degree weather playing in bathing suits! So I guess we still need to wait a little longer. I'm, glad its Tuesday, but it feels like Friday!

Garage/Playroom

2008-09-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

So, Sunday night, Shad and I worked on the garage and got it arranged enough to get a piece of carpet layed down and make it a big enough space for TOYS! What a relief. Now all the toys are in the garage room and the kids love it! Yay!!!! And I feel a sense of relief with more stuff gone and better use of space. I hate wasted space!!!

Family Day....

2008-09-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

Today was an awesome day.....It all started with my husband taking me to get a massage then we all went to lunch and took the kids to the beach for a little while (which they love) and then home! Sigh.....:)
Shad also loaded our friends trailer for a morning at the swap meet tomorrow. I am so excited to have more space in the garage. Ultimate vision....#1 replace old water heater #2 organize the garage #3 make the remaining space a play area for the kids! We are getting closer to those goals. It would be amazing if it could all be done before the end of the year!!!!!

2008-09-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

(Shad is going to hate me, but I think he is cute...so I had to share this pic)

Yes, I'm still alive! The everyday of life just doesn't seem that exciting. But I thought that I should at least say hello to those who might still have hope that I will post something....So here is your something.....

.......

We are just doing our routine rolling with the punches and living everyday as it comes. We had an aweseome VBS this summer and the kids so enjoyed that. We are also back to the fall activities like Awana. Lilly is a Cubbie again this year and Judah is a Puggle. They are loving it. I am a Cubbie leader this year and enjoying the time with the little ones.

Judah is sick right now with a fever and soar throat. Don't know what, when, how, etc....but we are hoping he turns a corner soon! I feel like laryngitis is coming on. So we shall see if I am mute by tomorrow or if it gets better.

The kids stayed at my Mom and Dad's overnight last week and that was a nice break and surprise. Shad took the kids for the afternoon last Saturday so that was another nice break. Do I sound like I need releif? I love my kids and I am so excited that they are ours. But sometimes, time away from them makes me a better mom.

One very special thing happened a few weeks ago...Lilly asked Jesus to take away her sins so that she could go to heaven! She is a child of God! PRAISE THE LORD! Shad was reading the kids their bedtime story that was about how to pray and it came to the page where it talked about praying to ask God to take away your sins because Jesus died on the cross for them. Lilly started asking all sorts of questions and it led her to clearly understanding and wanting to have Jesus take away her sins. It was such a neat time! Shad and I and our families were so excited for her.

My sis Corrie is in full swing of Nursing School. Don't see or hear from her as often as before, but she has so much to do with being newly married, work and school. But I did get to have lunch with her and my mom today. It is a treat when we get to see her. Love you Corrie and praying for you daily!!!

I still have to get the pictures from my Mom, but a few weeks ago my parents, Shad, me and the kids went down to the Midway Museum. It was fantastic! The kids loved it and we were all surprised by the size and intencity of a floating city! That is one thing that you have to see, do and experience! Highly recommended! It was so amazing to stand on the flight deck and imagine what it is like to work on a ship like that.

Shad and I got to go out this last weekend. It has been awhile so I was excited and it was fun to BE WITH MY HUSBAND!!!!!

Verses for the week....."...be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." Ephesians 5:18-21

"For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith." Romans 12:3

WEDDING!!!!!

2008-07-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

Two lives have just become one and the journey of holiness through marriage has been marked by thier first footprints. We were so excited and honored to share in the celebration of marriage between my sister Corrie and Mike. Now we continue to celebrate life with them and pray His plan and glory be evident to all.....

One of Corrie's friends, Wendy, took some good snapshots at the wedding so here are some. On the otherhand I did not even have my camera....how lame hugh. O well, but I know that the official photograhers photos will be awesome...so until those are done and ready here are a few teasers. Shad is videotaping me typing right now because I guess I look really funny when I do and make all kinds of weird faces. If it makes it onto You- Tube I will be so MAD!!!!

Count Down.....

2008-07-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

It is the week of the wedding already!!!! Can't believe it. We have been working, working, working over the past few weeks to get things ready. I just hope that we are all on our feet by the day of and not collapsed in the hospital somewhere. But it has been fun and a privilege for me to be a part of this big change in Corrie's life. It hasn't really hit me yet, but I know that I am going to be a tearful case that day.
Last night Mapleview gave Corrie a shower. It was a nice evening, beautifully decorated, beautiful food, and lots of presents. I was able to share a song for Corrie and had a hard time making it through without my emotions getting in the way. I kept trying to look at Corrie and I just couldn't. So much life lived, experiences shared, love expressed and cherished, and my little sister is getting married!!!! AGH!!! I am happy for her and excited for her, but change is occurring and we will trust the Lord.
"Everyday, Lord your mercies are new, everyday, Lord we're trusting in You!" Shannon Wexelberg
P.S. I know that I said I would put up pics, but I just have not had the time to download!!! I hope soon!!!

2008-07-08T10:06:00.001-07:00

So my friend Rachel tagged me about my quirks and I didn't do it because I did not have six different people to tag about their quirks since all the ones I would tag had already been tagged. So she told me to do it anyway....so this is for you Rachel....

Link the person who tagged you.

Mention the rules in your blog.

Tell about six unspectacular quirks of yours.

Tag a new set of six bloggers by linking them Six quirks about me....

1. I have to have my kids noses and ears clean.
2. I am a door checker at night before bed. I go through the house and check all the doors and windows.
3. Innefficiantcy bugs me. But often I am caught in my own stupidity so I can't complain or comment about anyone else. I just love it when things are efficient and running smoothly.
4. Clean sheets and towels....my kids get a clean sheet and pillow case after every bath and I don't use a bath towel more than twice or a pillowcase more than twice.
5. I honk at rude and endangering drivers! Like when someone decides to pull in front of you from the freeway shoulder at slow speed when you are clipping along at 70 and then proceeds to flip you off when you honk. I hate that they decide to put you and the lives of your kids in their hands! Hands that I obviously do not trust. (happened on Saturday, and Shad was following me and saw the whole thing. He pulled up beside the guys and told him that he could have killed his wife and kids! The guy apologized.)
6. I can't think of anything else good! If Shad was here he would surely give me a good one..:)

No camp for the Mommy and the Little Ones....

2008-07-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Well, after all the packing and getting ready and anticipating the trip to Youth Camp at Hume Lake, me and the kids did not go. :/ Lilly had been sick on Tuesday and then Judah threw up on Saturday night, the night before we were to leave for camp. Lilly was extremely disappointed. "But I need to go to camp so that I can swim at Hume Lake!" She cried for awhile and then the drama was over. So Judah had a fever through Monday evening. But both of them seem to have their appetites back and they are being their rambunctious selves. :) They have been watching a lot of "kids shows" as my Mom and I work at their house to get ready for the wedding. So hopefully I am not doing to much irreversible damage. I'm afraid we will need to go on a TV fast after the wedding is over. :)

GGG!

2008-07-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

Fun was had by all over this last weekend at the Girls Getaway with God. I went with Nikki, our high-school staff member (and friend:), and 5 girls from our high school on a girls only get-away weekend. It was so much fun! We ate, shopped, played games, swam, walked, talked, had prayer and devo time, and slept very little. I am so glad that we all got to enjoy the weekend together and make fun memories.
Lilly and Judah had a great time over the weekend at my parents. They were on their best behavior until I got back.:/ Funny how that happens. But Lilly is sick today, so maybe that was just the preliminary outbreak of sickness. That seems to be a pattern with my kids...before they actually are sick, that have bad attitudes and act out. Hopefully she will be over it soon as this week is full of things to do and places to go and jobs to get done!
I will post some pics from the girls weekend soon. Just don't have the time to wait for the camera to download.

2008-06-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the kids at my parents house last week. Fun times outside in the yard and hangin with Mimi and Grandpa...

YAY!

2008-06-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

I finally have something new and exciting to share! My sister Corrie and her boyfriend of 4 years got engaged over the weekend! Yay! So excited, so happy, and having fun planning the wedding.

2008-06-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

My Little girl is so big now and when I see these pics I practically cry....she has grown up so fast...

A Month.....

2008-06-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

Its been a month, or more than a month actually since I last posted. Not like there is anybody waiting with bated breath to hear what is happening in our life. It has been our normal life, happily spiced with the variety of a cousins play, birthday's and holiday's, shopping days, and play days. I am blessed by my family and friends who are a constant reason to smile, cry and rejoice together. We are privileged to be loved so greatly by our Heavenly Father in so many ways, through so many experiences and without condition.
The Summer is here! Beach days, swap meet days, and HOT DAYS have become the regular routine. We are looking forward to the guys DLT and the girls GGG as well as Summer Camp at Hume Lake!
Hopefully there will be some exciting news to share soon, something new, something different or maybe just more of the same. We shall see.....

2008-05-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile....Lilly was sick last week with the stomach flu for a few days and then this last weekend I was under the weather. Just feeling completely drained and exhausted. I spent a lot of time at my parent's house last week. They helped me catch up on some rest after being up for four nights and days with Lilly. And then on Friday night I thought I was going to be sick so I just went to bed and Shad took care of the kids. I felt O.K. on Saturday.
Saturday night Shad took me out on a date for Mother's Day. He researched some natural food restaurants and we went to a special place at the ocean after that. It was really nice. I felt loved and appreciated. And then I started feeling sick again so we just went home and I went to bed. How boring am I! I just hope I can get over this and get some energy back.
Lilly and Judah are growing and developing so quickly! Everyday it is something new. I love to hear them talk to each other. They are so cute how they converse, of course when they are not arguing! I am seeing glimpses of what is ahead. :)
Mother's Day was a nice day. We went to church and enjoyed a good service and then we went out to lunch with my parents and Corrie to a favorite restaurant out by the water. It was a really relaxing day and everyone had a good time. I am so thankful that I can celebrate my Mom and be with her. She continues to love me no matter what, and encourage me in the Lord all the time. Her example and courage is a constant reminder and inspiration to me. I love you Mom!
Shad has been on the go a lot this last week. This week will be a little better I hope. It was nice to connect with him this weekend and have his help when I was not able to do the normal routine.
Well, I'm running out of things to say or write about. I'm just going to try and make the best of whatever happens today, however much energy I have, and however good or bad I feel.

2008-05-02T14:23:00.001-07:00

Not much to write I think. No new exciting news, nothing out of the ordinary.....We just had our family day today. Went out and did errands with the kids and ate a Mexican lunch. Now I have a few quiet moments while the kids sleep.
Judah informed me the other day that he is "bigger now". And so I asked him when did he get bigger. He said, "Tuesday". So there is something about Tuesday's that make things grow.
Had a grumpy week last week. This week is a little better. Need to jump start my mind and heart. I need to make proactive choices about my attitude and discipline of the kids.

2008-04-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

So, what do you call a flour tortilla folded up with melted cheese in the middle? "Secadia", according to my son. I made him say it again and again yesterday because it was so cute.

2008-04-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

Well the camera is on its way to the "fix-it" factory. Hopefully it will be under warranty to get it fixed. We shall see....
Our friend Jill is on back in Aussie land. The kids had fun seeing her off at the train. Judah was facinated by the train and trolley's. He did not want to leave the station. He wanted get on the train with Jill.
I got my hair cut last week. So fun!
Let's see, can't really think of anything else exciting to say, as if the above was all that exciting. :)
O yay, we started a new study on prayer in our small group this week. It was a good study and am looking forward to the weeks ahead. I am doing a home study on the book of 1 Samuel. It has been really good too. I can't help but get excited and look forward to the time when I can study the Word. Everything comes into perspective then and the Holy Spirit's working can be hard but always refreshing. I praise Him today for His work through the Holy Spirit and for the Power of His Word. I am learning to focus quicker and praying for His help in this as I study in the midst of two toddlers. To the Praise of His Glory I'm at a place where I can look back at what I felt and thought with different eyes and with changed perspective although many things circumstantially have not changed. "His Supernatural Power enables us to choose what is not natural to us. We have the power to enjoy our life or hate it" Dawn Wilson. With tears in my eyes I write these words because I know the struggle, the daily struggle to fight against the natural thoughts, feelings, emotions, and to choose His Power and to never be disappointed to never be let down, to never be alone, is more than words can express. He is The Amazing, Awesome God! "..He will never, never, never, never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). My paraphrase. He is constantly working to intercede for us. Praise Him for His promises, praise Him for His Faithfulness, praise Him for His indescribable gifts. He is worthy of our praise!

Look alike

2008-04-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

Take a vote...Judah or Shad?

Like Father, like son.....

We looked at some old pictures of Shad when he was about Judah's age.....

They are so much alike.....

They have the same expressions and features! Shad said we needed to keep having kids until one of them looked like him. Well, I guess I'm off the hook! :)

Rest

2008-04-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

Even though Sunday is usually really busy and there is not much time to rest, I actually got a nap on Sunday! So nice. We had the Awana Grand Prix box car races at church and by the time we got home it was 4pm. Judah had a melt down and I left to drive him around until he fell asleep. We all survived and napped. And then in the evening we just relaxed, played mellow games and toys with the kids and Shad forced me to lay down and rest. The kids were good and happy when they woke up from their naps. Judah slept for almost 4 hours!
Yesterday I stayed home and did house work and played with the kids. As I was vacuuming I clobbered my foot and my toe went numb. I must of hit a nerve. So I limped around the rest of the day. It is a little better today at least I can walk without pain.
Judah woke up this morning with a fever. Don't know why and as of yet there are no other symptoms. So we will see what the day will hold and hopefully the fever will subside soon.

Things kids say...

2008-04-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

This evening we attended Shad's Uncle Gary's birthday party. Upon leaving the party, Lilly states, "Uncle Gary's party needed to be longer and the cake was not big enough." So funny!
We love you Lilly!

Free Hair Cut....

2008-04-03T12:25:00.001-07:00

So I was thinking that there was not much to write about. And then.....

Lilly's first beauty school attempt while Mommy was in the shower. Brother Judah was her first client....

She decided to do some self practice as well...Upon realizing what she had done she was not as pleased with the result as she had hoped....

The new "Barber's Chair" open for business...better known as the kitchen table and step stool.

And of course Judah was completely pleased with the result of his latest visit to the Barber's Chair!

Broken Camera and stuff....

2008-04-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Well the nifty camera that I had been enjoying using so much broke last week! Bummer. Hopefully we can exchange it since we bought it at Costco. I was finally getting good pictures and had things to post as well as print out. I have had these frames for years that I have not put pictures in yet so a few weeks ago I finally printed out pictures of the kids so I am anxious to get them hung.
Our sweet friend Jill is visiting from Australia. She comes out every year for three weeks or so to visit and attend the Music California conference. We have a lot of fun and do a lot of shopping! She has four grandchildren that she buys for every year. She is always up for a good deal and likes catching all the clearance. They are getting ready for fall over there so all the clearance here is our fall stuff. She is the music director at her church and it is so fun to share all the new music with each other and hear what she has been putting together.
Otherwise we have been doing our normal weekly routine. We had Cubbie's and Puggles last night. Lilly brought flowers for her teachers. Vikki and Sarah - Lilly brought you pink geraniums. Get well soon! We actually have a flowering plant in our yard! Go Rachel with all your flowers. I hope to catch up with you some day.
I am hoping to get some energy soon. Just really drained and lack luster lately. The Lord is good and His fellowship has been so sweet. I was blessed as a friend ministered to me as only the Lord could have caused and led. Thank you!
"Being content begins with understanding that God's in control and His plan is better than ours. Freedom happens when we trust Him completely and then express our gratefulness for all that He is. That alone should bring joy in the midst of a busy and stressful life!" Gary Smalley
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

P.S. My son just walked over to me with arms and hands covered in black marker. :) I asked him what the markers are for, "my arms" he said.

Good quote....

2008-03-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

"Stress is the gap between what we expect to happen and what's actually happening." Gary Smalley
It seems so simply explained when it is so complicated to change. I was reminded of this quote tonight as I brought home my crying and distraught daughter. She was upset because things did not go as she expected. There was a gap between what she expected and what was actually happening. And her little brother kept saying, "please calm down Lilly" most of the way home. This must be what we look like to the Lord when we are stressed. Hebrews 4:1, 9-11 "Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it.....So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience."

2008-03-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

"I'm so big!"

My cute Mom and Dad with their dog George

The Manzanita blooms at my parents

Coronado anniversary day...

Daddy recovering from an all nighter and the kids recovering from life.

Easter day.....

Easter come and gone...

2008-03-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

First of all I can't believe Easter is already over, and that kids are on spring break! It seems like we should have another month until this happens. I know that Easter was earlier this year, but knowledge doesn't help the feeling in this case.
We had a nice weekend. Judah is growing so he has been sleeping a lot lately. On Saturday he slept for almost 4 hours at nap! On Friday we celebrated my Mom and Dad's 49th wedding anniversary by going out to Coronado to my Dad's favorite restaurant. It was a beautiful day. And what an awesome accomplishment and testimony to what the Lord does in our lives as we look back over the years with my parents.
On Easter Sunday we enjoyed a great service at church and the Ensemble sang three songs that really were great songs for the day. As well as the music that the worship team led just set the tone for the celebration of the day. I would comment on the sermon as well, but when I wasn't singing I was in nursery with the little tykes. They did really well. :) After church we went to Shad's family lunch, played a game and had an egg hunt. We headed up to my parents for dinner and night time egg hunt at the Camp. It was a fun day and the kids had so much fun. Considering the lack of sleep they had combined with the sugar they ate (Lilly also had an egg hunt at church) I was impressed by their ability to hold themselves together!
I don't have my pics up yet from the weekend, but I will post them tonight hopefully. Some cute ones of the kids. One thing though, we never seem to get pics of all of us. We didn't get pics of all of us at the lunch on Friday, we didn't get any pics of just the four of us on Easter or with either of our families. So strange how that always happens. Not that I need my pic taken, but to look back in the years to come when our kids wonder if we were ever young, at least we can have a pic to show! :)

Bright Spring Day at Mimi and Grandpa's

2008-03-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few pictures for this week....

St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T13:44:00.001-07:00

I do have some Irish blood in me and I love green! My Mom is going to make corned beef and cabbage which I also love.
Well, we are back to normal routine kind of. Shad is away for a few days ministering with our youth kids in Ensenada. They will be helping the ministry and church planting going on through the Johnston's. I am home with the kids putting the house back together from the last three weeks of in and out living. So far I have a good start on the laundry and got all the vacuming done. Yay! Now we are going to naps and I will tackle the bathrooms. I love it when the cleaning is done!
Our little Judah is doing good with the potty training. He has trained himself for naps and night time! Praise the Lord! But he still has this phobia of poop. He holds it in for days and then screams bloody murder when he can't keep it in any longer because of course it is so hard to get out by then. So I am trying what I can to keep him going regularly....pro-biotics, yogurt, lots of fluids. O and he won't go on the pot from beginning to end. He usually starts in his underwear and and then we run to the bathroom. So much FUN!
Been focusing on choices lately. After coming off the women's retreats and also our small group have been going through a study on the choices we make, you would think I was an expert. But everyday I struggle with giving myself a choice option rather than just to react. Most especially with the discipline of the children. I am praying for and relying on His supernatural power to work His good and best choices through me. Man it can be so hard sometimes. And I usually get so frustrated with myself that I am no good to anyone at that point. Praise the Lord His mercies are new every morning.
The Shiloh young women's retreat was so awesome this last weekend. There were 50+ ladies and it was a wonderful time to see them respond to the Lord and seek Him. We could see what the Lord had done and was doing in their lives and in our own. Corrie and Jamie's vision from the Lord was brought into tangible being and it was so cool to see them offer themselves as empty vessels to be filled and used. I had the privilege of being there to see, volunteer, help, pray and sing a song on Saturday night. I am praising the Lord for His work and the opportunity to be involved. I love Corrie and feel blessed and privileged to have her in my life. My Mom also taught a seminar on Quiet Time with the Lord and I was able to sit in on them. How special that was to see my Mom and hear her share her heart with these young ladies. Again, it was a privilege. And my Dad was a trooper and took care of the kids the whole time. He did an awesome job.

Sinus and Worship

2008-03-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I am on the mend and ended up with antibiotics for a sinus infection. I hope that this is the last for awhile. Last month I cancelled three out of four weeks of piano lessons because of sickness between me and the kids!
Last weeekend and the weekend before my sister, our friend Tracy, and I led worship for two women's retreats at the Pine Valley Bible Conference Center. What a priviledge to worship the Lord and fellowship in the Spirit. The speaker, Dawn Wilson, spoke on the heart and she showed, led and brought us to the truth of God's word regarding the condition of our hearts. It was truly a sweet time to "retreat" with the Lord. The Father was gracious to us in His strength as we watched Him work and refresh the souls of many. Our God is so great and awesome and yet what He shows us of Himself is such a small part and still we are overwhelmed! I am reminded of the scripture "we see in a mirror dimly....but then face to face".
Note: if any of you ladies want to hear the messages from Dawn, go to pinevalleybible.com and you can listen to the messages.

4 years go by so fast.....

2008-03-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

Our daughter turned 4! I can't believe it. Here are a few pictures from the party. We had strawberry cupcakes and hotdogs. It was a princess party per the request of the birthday girl. Fun was had by all.

On a different note...I have another cold. I still hate colds. This time it is a sinus infection and I am taking meds. So not fun.....

I hate colds!

2008-02-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

At least today I hate colds. Although I would prefer a cold over almost any other sickness. So the kids have been sick and now I am sick. Judah had a crazy week last week of ear infection, wheezing and pink eye. Last Firiday Lilly cried for two hours before bed because of an ear ache and now, I am stuffed up with no voice.
But miraculously.....on Saturday I woke up with no voice and I needed to sing for Shad's Aunt Debbie's memorial service. I prayed and asked the Lord to give me the voice if he wanted me to sing. When I sat down to play and I started to sing, notes came out and I made it through the whole song. Praise the Lord! Not for my sake, but for the testimony of Debbie's life and how the song said so appropriatly what needed to be heard that day. Debbie was a gift and treasure that showed and shared Christ's love with everyone she met. She will be missed, but we will look forward to seeing her again in heaven some day.

2008-02-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

We have our computer up and running again!!!! Thanks to our friend Andy!!!
Here are a few pics from the last few months. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Shad's missions trip to India and Junior High Winter Camp have all come and gone. I will try to post some pics from Shad's trip to India. It was an awesome trip with many new believers.

Judah enjoying the snow fro the first time...

Lilly showing off her snowman creation....

Her favorite thing to do was make snow angels....

Right before he fell in the snow...

Christmas! Judah is in to horses...

Christmas morning around the tree. Bright eyed and bushy tailed..

Shad reading the kids the Christmas Story....

No computer...

2007-12-15T10:04:00.000-08:00

It has been forever I know. Our home computer needs a doctor. :) We hope to fix it soon, but who knows.

Finally...

2007-09-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

So, here is a picture of my hair cut that I promised my friend Amy. It is already long again. But I am liking it. Very easy to do. I was having a fun time trying to take the pictures. I put the camera on the kitchen counter so I'm not even looking into the lense. Funny.

Here are a few pics of recent life. The first few of the kids were while we in Palm Spring's.
Judah just could not stay awake any longer. He leadned over and just fell asleep.

Lilly loves to swim. But only with the floaties. She had so much fun.

Judah is on his way to go "minnin", or more populary refered to as swimin'.

This is my sweet Lilly who made her first playdough birthday cake. She was very proud as you can tell. There were lots of candles.

So I finally got that fancy little thumb drive so that I can put pics on. We do not have the cable for our camera so that is why it has taken so long. But, alas here are some. Now I just need to remember to actually take pics of "life".

2007-09-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

Lilly and Judah had a great time at Awana's again this week. Lilly now has her vest which she had been talking and asking about all last week. "When I say my verses Mommy I can get my vest", "when I get my vest mommy" etc, etc, etc. I am so glad that she is excited about learning verses and going to Cubbie's.
We are starting to get back in the rountine of home again after being out of town. The kids are happy to be back home and we are looking at each day with thier energy. Some day I hope to catch up!:)
Well I'm off to get as much done today as I can. My list is getting longer, but Shad will be my help today as he has his day off.

Refuel

2007-09-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome time with our Youth Staff at our first annuel retreat. Such a great time to connect away from "regular" life and focus on the kids and the ministry as we share together in reaching and growing kids for Christ. I was so blessed to see their desire and dedication. Thank you guys for all you do and the blessing you are to the kids and to me.
Shad and I have stayed on in Palm Springs and his parents are bringing up our kids tonight and we are all staying for a few more days. Kind of a little vacation. It has been nice having a few hours alone with Shad and we are both looking forward to seeing the kids.
Have a great day everyone!

"Go out Daddy" "Chill"

2007-09-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

So tonight was the first night of Awana! Lilly is a Cubbie and Judah is a Puggle. So cute. As it is now 9 pm and the kids are in bed I did not get a chance to talk much out of her about her evening. I am anxious to look over the info. She is growing up to fast...upon seeing her Dad in the back of the room while the lesson was being taught she turned and whispered loudly, "go out Daddy!". Only three and already having a complex about her Dad. What is it going to be like when she is a teenager.
We enjoyed a break from the extreme heat today and the evening is finally cool. Monday was over a hundred at our house. We got to spend the afternoon up in the mountains where it was only 95 degrees. It was much nicer than 115! It felt like you were walking into a clothes dryer. I hung out clothes and they were dry in like a half hour!
Anyway, enough about the weather....I am needing to "chill". Getting a little "over-done" as I was baking impatience today. I was reminded of the verse in Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." My list of anxious things mounts when I let one thing, or feeling that is negative have its way. "...let your requests be made known to God". I don't think I came to that point until the day was ended. And now I am hungry for His peace and I could have been in His peace earlier if I had only stopped and made my requests known to Him. So now I will make my requests known to Him and rest in the safety of His peace on my heart and in my mind.

Grass!

2007-08-31T22:49:00.000-07:00

Do you ever miss getting diry and sweaty doing manuel labor? Well today I got a good dose of fun helping my parents put in their sod. Shad, Lilly, Judah and I spent the day helping my mom and Dad get a small lawn going at thier house. My Dad and Shad did most of the work, but I still managed to get covered in a layer of dirt and sweat as the temp was around 95. But because of the cloud cover and breeze it made it somewhat bearable and toward the afternoon it cooled down to 80. The kids absolutely love it and had a great time running and playing on it when they woke up from their naps. I love the smell of grass and fresh dirt. Maybe because when I was a kid, my job was to mow the lawn. And my little sis and I had our patch of earth that we were given to plant whatever flower we wanted, and take care of the pesky weeds. So fun, such neat memories.
"The grass whithers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8

Feeling Challenged...

2007-08-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

So, I just saw that there were two comments and I had not even noticed! I am still figuring out how this blog thing works! Sorry guys. Thank's for the notes.
Summer has officially ended in "Youth Land" (code for Junior High and High School). But this heat is enough to make you crazy! I am looking forward to this fall with the kids, mine and the JH/HS. I feel like I am getting close to having a better feel for my involvement and hoping to do more now that my kids are a little older. It just takes a little more planning ahead, which I am not doing so well at lately. My friends and family are gracious to me in this area. I am looking to the Lord to order my days and know that if I keep my heart in the right place, He will be able to mold and make what He wants me to be and do.
I have enjoyed so much looking at my friend's blog's. Looking at and reading a day in Africa with the Stauffacher's and even just life here in Lakeside with the Willis's and Griehaber's. The girls are beautiful. Keep posting yah'all! I will try to do better. I am waiting to get some more pics put on that are more recent.
P.S. I am not a great speller, so all you mommy's working on spelling and grammer with your kids, just over look my errors please!:)

2007-08-10T15:32:00.000-07:00

Old pics

2007-08-10T15:19:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would put up a few old pics since I haven't downloaded the recent ones from the camera...Beach day with Junior Highers and 1st Disneyland trip November 2006.

Getting Started

2007-08-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

So here it is! The first of many I hope. Don't have time to put much up in the way of pics right now. Just want to see what it looks like....