Happy Sahm

Being "In"

2012-01-31T10:00:00.003-06:00

My life continually revolves around my four children, my husband, my obligations, my messes....all while being in the life He has called me to live, who lovingly is guiding me to live up to the standards He has set for me. It can be daunting, overwhelming and honestly often discouraging when I feel I am failing.

The goodness of God is that He always finds very real ways to show His love and heart via my own. Unfailingly, He brings teachable moments so that I must rehearse His words to another and in the process dig them deeper into my heart.

A few weeks ago I had a child struggling with concepts in a few classes, with feelings of "stupid" and "not good enough". This child, a very easy going child, ended up in the nurses office with upset stomach thereby requiring me to pick them up and take them home from school. My spirit discerned that this was not medical but spiritual...and we all know "how you think determines how you feel". When I began digging into this child's issue the Spirit prompted me to ask about their classes and experiences at school.

"Are you being picked on?" --No

"Do you have friends with whom you hang out and talk to?"--Yes

"Did something embarrassing happen?" --Silence

"Are you having problems in any classes?"--Tears

For a child who so desperately wants to please, relishes in the joy of their parents, and likes to be a helper to those struggling...a lack of understanding in an area that seemingly is easy for everyone else and the resulting grades of struggling is devastating. This situation was robbing the joy from the days, weighing down the hours and depleting all the life from morning to night. The days were daunting, overwhelming and discouraging----feelings with which I can readily identify.
So often we judge ourselves and others by performance. Someone singing well, getting good grades, having a visually pleasing appearance, being the supermom/dad earns the mental and verbal applause of the community. Someone working hard but only coming out on average doesn't provoke the same reward; a struggle or failure often garners the mental or verbal "boo" from us and/or others.

God has had me camped out on this verse for several weeks:

Ephesians 1:6 KJVTo the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.

There are so many nuggets of truth in this one sentence...so many depths of who He is and we are. His grace accomplished our acceptance just by being "in" the Beloved. We cannot earn His acceptance, we cannot posture for it nor can we cajole it...His acceptance is simply given because of His grace..and His grace is like breathing, it happens just because of who He is and His character, without effort or thought.

Our arguments of who we think we are and who we really are begin to look like this in the face of daunting, overwhelming, and discouraged:

But God....makes us accepted in the Beloved.
But God....calls us priests and kings
But God....who knew no sin became sin so that we could be called righteous
But God...has set us apart, made us a holy nation
But God...we can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
But God...we are over-comers through the blood of Jesus Christ
But God...in our weakness He is our strength.

As I sat down with the verse from Ephesians I began to share with my child:

"I love you simply because you are here. My love and acceptance for you is like God's grace....it's like breathing...it happens without thought, without provocation and without your seeking. The struggles are what makes us realize our need for Him, but His acceptance never wavers, His grace is always faithful. It's our attitude and how we look at Him that changes our views. Your struggles in classes made you also realize your need to ask for help from me and your father...but your view of us and our acceptance (or worry about rejection) is what kept you from asking for help. As you adjust your view of us and our desire to help you succeed, you will relax and simply ask. God teaches me that daily, He wants me to simply ask for help with the trust and faith that He is ready to help me succeed. "

So often we lose sight of the vision the Father has for us but is faithful to give us opportunities to see His work in our lives...it's never about the circumstances...it's always about the life in them.

They that wait....

2012-01-28T14:39:00.001-06:00

The other day I was driving home from an errand when I noticed that, even though it was almost 6 pm, it wasn't completely dark..where just the week before the that exact time of day would have revealed a blackened sky and stars already glowing. I was jubilant, as I often am, when I realized that spring is inching closer and closer. I long for the light, the warmth, the new life that springs forth each year.

This realizations mirrors the transformations that have been dawning in my heart as well. God has used this time that my blog has been dark to do some deep workings in my spirit and heart and the light is dawning....the life has been budding in generous proportions and the warmth that He has given me for others is drawing me again to share His words, His plans and His life. Happy Internal Spring! :)

Rebuilding

2011-04-27T12:06:00.000-05:00

10 years ago we moved into our house. Two months later we had a storm come through that required we replace our roof. 5 years later an even bigger storm ruined that roof and required we get another new roof. Part of the problem is that our first replacement was not done right. They had not removed everything to the roofs foundation but instead built upon what was actually also faulty. Needless to say, our insurance company was not happy..but thats another story. We learned that not only hiring someone who knew how to roof was important, but also that he/they must know how to do it right from the very beginning.

4 years ago a storm, of the spiritual nature, came through that required I adjust my heart and deal with hurt, forgiveness and loss. It was a rough storm that knocked me around a bit. Repairs were done and we went on. A year ago an even bigger storm came through that made the first one seem minuscule and knocked me cleanly off my feet. This one dealt an even bigger blow to my spirit and required a rebuilding from the ground up. What had caused the greater turmoil was not only the storm, but that I had also failed to repair the foundation of my beliefs and address my hurts and loss in the fullest way. I learned so much through it, and am still learning. My foundation has been shirred up, my faith has been re-established, but I must always be mindful that the foundation must remain strong to allow me to withstand the storms on the horizon.

Ice Cream, Concerts, Swimming and Sleeping In

2010-07-08T23:21:00.000-05:00

Our summer is rolling along smoothly and a bit too quickly for all of our tastes. We have discussed trying to find a worm-hole in town that would cause our days to loop around a few more times. I must admit that this summer has been so much more enjoyable than last year since I am no longer trying to balance working part time and all that the kids want/have/need to do.

We've been swimming a few times (not as much as we'd like due to rain) and caught a few movies. The kids have slept in....one day until 1pm and have stayed up late...one night until 2 am. We have bought ice cream, make ice cream, consumed ice cream and maybe even screamed for ice cream--that one was probably me.

We have attended a couple of concerts...free wonderful concerts with positive messages and joyful people. Sleep overs have been hosted and also attended. Fireworks were the source of awe and applause as desserts were consumed by friends that are as much as family. The husband has been making dinner at least three times a week, due of course to his new wonderful grill and we even finally bought a new patio table--which of course we've only used once since it's rained almost daily since we bought it.

All these things are good, wonderful and even needed. But even more needed has been the time. As summer...how we longed for you and are enjoying your stay. Please don't hurry off!

2010-06-28T10:14:00.000-05:00

This weekend I scrapbooked (yes, I have made a noun a verb. I'm aware of it and OK with it. ;) ). Not my digital way, but the tactile hands-on with adhesives and paper scrapbooking. Its been years since I actually put scissors to paper and created something other than a card here and there, and it felt good. No, scratch that...it felt GREAT. My friend Kim C (Hi Kim!) asked me to go with her and to be honest...I went mainly for the fellowship. I enjoy spending time with friends and figured...hey, it's not expensive, it's close by the house and breakfast lunch and dinner (plus snacks) are included-I'm in! Once I was there it took me a couple of hours to settle in and do something...it was probably the freebies that hooked me or maybe the small class we did or perhaps it was the old photos of me and my family in front of me...but whatever it was I began working on my parents albums and talking and just settling back into "me". I wasn't always creative, sometimes I was merely slapping pages together and calling them done, but I was getting stuff done. In all, I finished 40 pages.

In this recent experience I grasped onto something very important...TIME. Not only do I need that time, but time is fleeting. I was sitting in front of photos of myself as a child, photos of my parents when they were my age...and they are now just memories in a scrapbook. If I want to have more for myself, my husband, my children, my friends...the time is now while I am able to do more than just write a date and place of occurrence. I have always had a mentality of "someday"...but all things should be "today". Today I will spend more time with God. Today I will spend more time with my kids. Today I will spend more time with a friend. Today I will. Today.

Staying on the Path

2010-04-19T14:43:00.001-05:00

When my children and I take walks together it is often without a set path, we just start walking. We may head out the door to see what is happening at the playground behind our home and then end up following the path that leads behind the school ending up down by the creek. We will meander along, sometimes seemingly in circles and other times we may stay along the path until we find something that MUST be photographed. I had only been lost once in my life before I was a mom and knew that I couldn't allow myself to let this happen when my children were with me. I enjoy these times with my kids, but i am also mindful of the direction we will need to take to return home, always with the "this turn then this turn" will get us back to familiar ground. I enjoy the wandering but also crave the safety of being where I belong. I am an adventurer with very distinct homing senses; sometimes there are obstacles along these paths. The creek may be swollen, not allowing us to cross. Someone might stumble and fall, requiring a stop to treat the pain and the tears. Sometimes the canopy of trees may block out the sun, making it hard to see the path. Still other times there might be a dangerous situation arise-a mean dog, a suspicious shadow or such. All these problems may require us to redirect, to rethink and replan our route, but the destination remains the same--HOME. My children have learned to trust me to get them where we need to be even if they are afraid or can't see the path.

In life we also have paths that we are walking, paths that have a distinct destination, but there often arises obstacles, distractions and dangers that may require us rethinking that path we are taking. Sometimes it may just be that we need to stop, treat the pain and treat the tears and others it may require us stopping, turning around and going back to a different pathway. A few weeks ago there was a stumble in my heart, my spirit. Circumstances brought pain and loss into my life via the loss of one of my dearest friend's husband and child, a family to whom my heart is deeply and eternally tied. My heart broke, my mind was seized with fear and my spirit quaked. I could no longer see the path and I couldn't see the Son in all of it, I was swathed in shadows. I have spent some time questioning the path, doubting the path and even sat down for a bit needing to tend my pains and tears.

Finally I am finding the light on the path again, I do not understand why the path took the turn it did but I'm choosing to trust my Father to get me where I am supposed to be going. I will stay on the path, continue to walk and believe...for who else can I trust if I don't trust the One who created my path.

Today: March 03, 2010

2010-03-03T10:09:00.001-06:00

Today we celebrate. Today we celebrate my youngest daughter's birthday...she is now 7. SEVEN! She, in all her seven-ness, has requested for lunch a McDonald's cheeseburger-ketchup only. She has asked to have Dr. Pepper for her lunch drink. She has chosen Krispy Kreme for the class snack (her's being the only one that is chocolate iced and custard filled) She has chosen to wear her new outfit that Daddy took her to buy yesterday on their special Daddy/Daughter shopping trip. She fell asleep listening to the iPod her bought for her...it is, of course, PINK. She has another loose tooth, this will be her 7th lost tooth. She told her Daddy last night, with a choked up voice, that "Today was terrible, and then there was you and it was all great" and then she hugged him. And held him and she teared up. And he teared up. And then she smiled a glorious and loving smile and put in her earbuds and walked off to bed. Yep, she's a bit dramatic...nothing bad had happened that day, but she couldn't find the words to say how special her time with Daddy....terrible to great was the only analogy that she could find. It got the point across. :)

Happy Birthday sweet girl! I'm off to buy a webkinz, book a party and then call Stacey for a long ago promised cake.

Etching out some time for me

2010-02-24T14:53:00.000-06:00

I've been very busy, even though this is my first week off of work, with projects and of course birthday breakfasts, lunches and dinners. :) I'm not complaining, but I am busy. As I type I am squeezing a few moments for myself before I pick up kids, drop off kids, pick up different kids, run one to cheer, pick another up from practice and somewhere in there make dinner, update a couple of web items for a project, upload and order some prints for an art show and, and, and.......
But right now? I'm etching out a moment for myself with a cup of coffee. I hope to post more later, but if not...well, I think you'll understand.

Leaks, Patches and Restorations

2010-02-05T20:01:00.004-06:00

Our pipes have decided to revolt this week....and spread their watery deluge upon our ceilings and wall and carpets. Not once, but twice. Yep. Twice. Two different pipes in two parts of the house affecting four ceilings and two rooms of carpeting. The leaks were both caught rather quickly, so damage was minimized...but damage was done. The amazing part is that we were actually home saw the damage done, was able to trace the water to their originating places and get them handled quickly. Because of the first leak, all the necessary items for repair was already on site. The first leak was in an obvious location, the second could have gone on for a prolonged time since it was in a mostly unused area of the house...which could have caused a great deal of damage and cause us to incur a rather large expense. Because of the first leak, we knew who to call, where to look and was actually more aware...more open and ready to spot a problem. The work will take a week or two to repair, but once finished, all will actually be better than it was.

Our spiritual lives are often like these leaks. We see the damage, the outward signs of trouble, but sometimes we have to do some work to find the leak. There is, sometimes, two leaks going on at the same time, but without the awareness of the first, the second might not be caught as quickly. Without the first, the second issue might not be noticed at first. My husband and I have been reading a book called Humility by Andrew Murphy. It's a good book, one that has been touching our lives in different ways. I've enjoyed the book, it's been good...but my husband, well he has been deeply touched by it. As we have been discussing things I've noticed his countenance changing and his mindset switching. It's as if there was a leak going on and with God drawing his attention to one area he's become more aware of the other areas that He wants to tweak. I get it, God did this with me when I read "Hinds Feet in High Places". I had been struggling with life and all that I had been through. I had lost my trust that the path He had me on would take me someplace good, someplace that would make my life better. As I read that book I began to see the paths were there to make me more aware, make me more compassionate and at times make me stronger and more resilient. It took me becoming more aware of the path and the stones that were tripping me up that kept me from falling the next time. As I walked the path of learning to trust God revealed to me a second leak that had a greater potential for damage, left unchecked could have caused a great deal of damage to my spiritual life and marriage...I had not released my heart from a hurts in my past. But God, in His mercy, brought my heart to the place were I was looking for the "leaks" in my life and was ready and willing to fix that problem once I knew that it was lurking there. There was some tearing out that had to be done, some patching that was needed, but end the end...I came out on the other side better than I went in.

For Today: January 29, 2010

2010-01-29T15:47:00.002-06:00

Outside my window...a winter storm has moved in, bringing with it snow...continual snow and an early release from school.

I am thinking...that my in-laws are going to have rough drive here tonight.

I am thankful for...warmth, health and the plan that God has for our lives.

From the kitchen...last night chili was made ahead and tonight going to prepare chicken...can not have enough prepared ahead when the in-laws are coming

I am wearing...my favorite hoodie, jeans and my hubby's slippers

I am creating...much...much...much

I am going...nowhere! Everything has been canceled due to the weather.

I am reading...Humility by Andrew Murphy and Rule #1 (STILL...a lot to take in)

I am hoping...always

I am hearing...Dr. Phil in the background..he's talking about people who have a need for others to know their lives (rather ironic as I blog)

Around the house...a new Eden Pure heater (love it), freshly cleaned carpets and the impending arrival of the aforementioned in-laws.

One of my favorite things...my wacom tablet. Its so handy and helpful with photo editing and designing.

and now...a photo :

10 years ago....now...10 years from now

2009-12-31T16:41:00.008-06:00

Looking back...I am amazed how much has changed in 10 years. We had two little girls and a brand new baby. Our house was smaller and our income was just starting to increase.

Now...We have four kids. Our first is a driver, our next is about to get her drivers permit. I am approaching 40!!!! We have been married almost 20 years.
We have been working our way through a national recession but God remains faithful.

Looking forward...I will have two kids out of college (most likely), one in college and a new driver. I might even be a grandma by then. I will be approaching 50. My husband will be about to turn 50. We will be married almost 30 years.

We were thinking...that we needed a bigger house. We had outgrown our house...our new baby was still in a cradle but we were soon going to need a room for him. We were blessed, God had taken care of us financially and was allowing us to finally pay off our debt. We were starting to get to a good place in our marriage..it has since blossomed to a wonderful romance.

We are thinking...that God may require us to move again, maybe sooner than we think. The economy has slowed, but God has not...the next 10 years will be ones that will prosper due to the discipline He has been building in us the last two years.

I am thankful for...the growth of our family...not just our core family, but with rungs of love and growth. We added another child in the last 10 years. Relationships have changed and become something that I had only prayed would happen. I have reconnected with friends from the past that has brought a tremendous amount of joy!

We are praying...for direction, wisdom and guidance as we make decisions and changes in our lives.

Struggles...10 years ago...losing weight
Struggles...now...weight, but it's in process
Struggles....10 years from now..hopefully it's beat by then. :)

Now...some photos...
Ten Years Ago:

Now:

For Today (Tonight) : December 29, 2009

2009-12-29T17:25:00.002-06:00

Outside my window...A dark night with a chance for snow...makes the kids happy, me not so much.

I am thinking...I should probably plan something for dinner.

I am thankful for...a warm home!

From the kitchen...who knows. I'm so tired of the "what's for dinner" question

I am wearing...jeans and my very old (have had it at least 20 years) sweater cardigan.

I am creating...some photo collages and calendars

I am going...to need to go grocery shopping soon, it's been a week and we are out of all laundry soap, and dish soap not to mention food items needed

I am reading...Humility by Andrew Murphy and Rule #1 (STILL...a lot to take in)

I am hoping...always

I am hearing...hillsong

Around the house...the Christmas trees are still up and decorated and will be for at least two more days.

One of my favorite things...my new shark steam mop! Got it for Christmas, it's wonderful. Bonus? It comes with a carpet skimmer to use to deodorize.

and now...a photo of our first white Christmas in 10 years

For Today (Tonight) : December 1, 2009

2009-12-01T21:25:00.004-06:00

Outside my window...A dark night with a drop in temperatures occurring throughout the day.

I am thinking...about how to do some new things on a website on which I am working

I am thankful for...the day I was able to spend with my husband, and how blessed I am to feel about him the way that I do.

From the kitchen...Scallops in Cream sauce (My husband told me to be sure that you are thanked Angie!), Cheese stuffed chicken, salad with bleu cheese crumbles and roma tomatoes, homemade guacamole and bread.

I am wearing...my "skinny" shirt and khaki's...(bought the shirt a year ago for inspiration...and it worked!)

I am creating...some ornaments demonstrated by Angie (photos will be attached)

I am going...to be very busy the rest of this week! (Two cheerleaders with practices, two performances, a basketball game, a basketball practice, church, work, a night out at Art Walk, a Christmas party and a drive to and from St Louis for one of the mentioned performances)

I am reading...Humility by Andrew Murphy and Rule #1 (still...a lot to take in)

I am hoping...always

I am hearing...the music playing from the playlist @ mixpod.com

Around the house...I've been actually decorating for Christmas...even put a cute tree upstairs.

One of my favorite things...my wacom pen/tablet...makes editing photos and drawing much easier.

and now...a photo

For Today, November 23

2009-11-23T21:51:00.003-06:00

Outside my window...Sunny but less than warm...in other words, it's November

I am thinking...how thankful I am that we have a warm house and ample supply of coffee

I am thankful for...the readily available items to meet of all our earthly needs.

From the kitchen...Pepperoni Pizza and Chicken Parmesan Pizza and break sticks.

I am wearing...jeans, my favorite Ralph sweatshirt

I am creating...(trying) to create some ornaments demonstrated by Angie

I am going...to the Discovery Center tomorrow with the youngest's 1st grade class field trip

I am reading...Rule #1 (still)

I am hoping...always

I am hearing...the football game my husband is watching

Around the house...my wonderful fall flowers in my ball canning jars...they make me smile

One of my favorite things...Pumpkin Pie Andy's custard! YUM

and now...a photo to share from my archives:

the door from the library to the coffee house next door.

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Thanksgiving

2009-11-17T22:37:00.003-06:00

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches (at lightening speed) I have been feeling pressed within my spirit to think daily of those things for which I am thankful, as are many of you. For God's love and mercy, for my family, my friends, His blessings and tender mercies.
While I was pondering this today I kept returning to the words of a hymn that would pop into my thoughts. It rolled its way throughout every thought I had, it invaded every nook and cranny of my morning. It was my constant tune in my ears and spirit.

And then I received the news of an acquaintances loss yesterday, a father lost to a mother and two daughters in a car accident. My second daughter has gone to school with the oldest daughter since 5th grade. The mom is a friend of one of my dear friends. I was reminded then that this years Thanksgiving will be one of new loss for them, and hurt and pain. But God,in this, can also be found peace, and rest and healing and even thanksgiving for what they had known. Not right
away, maybe but that is my prayer.

Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary's mountain.

Refrain
In the cross, in the cross,
be my glory ever,
till my wounded soul shall find
rest beyond the river.

2
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
love and mercy found me;
there the bright and morning star
sheds its beams around me.

3
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
bring its scenes before me;
help me walk from day to day
with its shadow o'er me.

For Today: November 16, 2009:

2009-11-16T13:01:00.004-06:00

Outside my window... The rain has arrived again, taking with it the wonderful warm temperatures we've been enjoying.

I am thinking... That I need to vacuum again...two dogs, four kids..enough said.

I am thankful for...The way God has blessed my life. He has given me a Victor's confession in place of a victims mindset. My life flows with abundance of blessings.

I am wearing...Jeans and my favorite coral colored sweater

I am creating...a website, blog, editing photos from two photo sessions

I am going... to be very busy for the next few weeks...

I am reading... Rule #1 by Phil Towns, about to be reading Humility by Andrew Murray

I am hoping... always :)

I am hearing...my keyboard clicks, and the sound of "Joan of Arcadia" in the background

On my mind... my husband's job, my job, my children...and waiting to see what God is going to do in each of them.

From the kitchen... coffee. Later, Chili.

One of my favorite things... the Iphone. It's so many things in one.

The rest of the week... Cheer practices, work, editing more photos, taking more photos, working on some more projects and hopefully some time with my family.

Pondering these words... To be a victor in the midst of circumstances we must be able to say "but God"...example: There are negative circumstances in life but God intends for me to be victorious!

A Photo to share

My youngest

I saw this on a friends blog and loved it, she got it from the link below:

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Searching for Home

2009-11-13T09:18:00.003-06:00

Lately, I've been busy. Not the typical busy, the "I'm going to explode if I don't get a second to be alone" kind of busy. The kids are all going four different directions, and then factor in work and a new project that I've been tackling (one that requires a lot of learning) and the normalities of home life (laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning). I've entered the house, left the house, re-entered the house, etc...but I've not been home for sometime. And because of that I've been short tempered, I've snapped at the kids, I've been excessively tired, I've been feeling sad...but I hadn't realized why until this morning. Sitting in my big chair, with the sun streaming in the window making my arm warm and the clock quietly ticking in the background, the aroma of coffee wafting in from the kitchen, I realized that I've not truly been home in quite some time. I've been here, but not been present. I have been missing home, looking for home but have been falling short of landing here...in the quietness of the moment, spending time with Him before I spend time with everyone else in my day. When my visits and time with Him are rushed and fit into the schedule, I find my day turns out the same. For in Him I find my rest and peace...He is my home. Without my home being made in Him, everything else will fall short.

Beauty in structure

2009-11-04T09:14:00.001-06:00

Liver Life Walk Oct 24 2009
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Recently, during a visit with my Mother-in-law, while we were talking about life and change she remarked "You know, as I was driving home it struck me that there can be great beauty in dying. I was thinking about all the beautiful trees this time of year, all the colors and variations, and then I realized that these leaves are only this color because they are in the process of dying." I agreed and we went on but the remark stayed with me. In the life of a Christian one goes through varying degrees of death...death to self, to pride, to agendas, to sin and so on. Often, within this death process we find it scary and sometimes even fight against the change.
The day after the conversation I came upon the tree in the photograph. I found it devoid of all its leaves already in a park surrounded completely by trees in full autumn regalia however this tree, bare of all its splendor, held for me the greatest beauty. Without is covering one can see the intricate weaving and workings of what has taken years to develop. The limbs, both great and small, had just recently been covered with multitudes of leaves but now, it is the structure, the core of what held up the leaves that contains the full beauty, something that has been a work in progress for more years than the temporary covering of leaves it recently held and, in the spring, will hold again.
Yes, death can create beauty, and more often, reveal the even greater beauty of what has been happening underneath it all.

test

2009-11-03T11:46:00.003-06:00

Healing

2009-09-23T14:49:00.003-05:00

When I was a child and I or one of my siblings would come down with some illness our mother would get us 7up and jello as our "sick food", sometimes we would also get chicken noodle soup, but always the jello and 7Up.
When I was in high school I came down with the flu, a rather vicious strain of it that had me up one nigh at all hours, miserable. Dad was gone on a two-week job driving truck, so all the care and responsibility for all six children lay on Mom's shoulders. 9 hours of her day she had spent working at the pants factory, the rest of the night she had been caring for us. I remember little else about that night but the site of Mom walking down the middle of the street illuminated only by the street light, wearing her robe and slippers, to buy a couple cans of 7up from the vending machine at the community center since it was 2am and all the stores were closed in our small town. She didn't complain, she didn't grouse, she just did it like it was the most normal thing for a woman to be out at the time of night armed with nothing but a handful of change and a flashlight.

As a mom, I have come to view that early morning walk as so much more than a quest for 7up. Each step, I know, resonated with love. She stepped out a cadence of "I love her, I will care for her, I will get her whatever she needs" so loudly that it beats still today within my heart...even as I sit here sick eating jello and drinking 7up (and gatorade) remembering that walk with gratitude and appreciation.

Bishop and Pastor

2009-07-23T23:48:00.001-05:00

Bishop and Pastor
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

A week from tomorrow our Pastor, Spiritual Father and Founder of our church body transitioned from his natural body into his spiritual body. He was 80 years old and the picture of health. He was often heard to say "I do not want to live one minute longer than God's plan for me." He passed away after a day that he often described as his perfect kind of day...a walk in the morning with friends, a game of golf on a perfect weather day, swimming with family and friends and a nap with his wife of 60 years. He went to sleep and awoke in the Presence of the Lord.
Today, we celebrated the life of our pastor, a life that brought many people to a deep and true understanding of who we are in Christ. During the memorial service it was repeated over and over again about how he changed lives and helped others.
For Rob and I, we came to the church the very first Sunday after we were married. We knew that this man was speaking things we had never heard before, things that had the potential to change us for the good. Things like:
1. We are the righteousness of God in Christ. Because of this, we can live a righteous life and have security in knowing that God will help us to live that way.
2. We can have freedom from sin. Freedom from sin meant that we could ask God to change us in ways that we thought were destined to plague us for life.
3. We have been given all we need for life and godliness. With His Spirit we could walk by faith into the life He has planned for us.

For 18 years we grew and learned and continued to mature, watching Bishop (the name the church called him...Bishop means "Shepard") and imitating him as he imitated Christ. We watched him walk in forgiveness towards those who wronged him, Learned how to love those we don't really like, began to practice the joy of speaking words of love and encouragement to others. He was truly a great and godly man. He will be missed deeply, but oh how wonderful to know that he is in the continual presence of the King!
"He who is joined to the Spirit is One with Him!"

God knew

2009-04-14T09:01:00.003-05:00

In September I took a job that was scheduled to last for three months, just a fill-in for friends while one of their employees finished her schooling. Not a problem, I can do anything for three months.
God knew, it was all a part of His plan. The day I started work ended up being the day my friends turned bosses left town for almost all of those three months due to medical necessity. I jumped in feet first and began the process of learning what I would need to know to run the company while they were out of town.
God knew, He empowered me. I asked questions, I learned quickly and worked. As things began to right themselves I became more and more invested in the company. I was given more and more responsibility. I began to wonder how the young lady was going to be able to return to her job that no longer resembled her job since I had been given 4x the responsibilities that she had handled. So I prayed about what we were to do. I was ready to hand back over the job, but also ready to stay if that's what God wanted.
God knew, He had made a plan. During the same months of my three month stint my husband's job became unsure in the marketplace (he works for a GM dealership). The extra income was a handy supplement to his income at the time when we needed it most. When the end of the three months approached we all began to pray about direction for this job position. And when I say "we" I include my friends/bosses, the young lady for whom I was filling in and myself. In the span of time, God gave direction for me to stay on as the office manager, her to move on to the pursuing a vocation in which she had just obtained her degree from college and we all to continue supporting each other through prayer and supplication.
God knew, He had made a plan. Each day I go to work and am reminded that He had this job in mind for me. Where I had seen only the short term when I agree to be their fill-in, He had designed for me to partner again with people with whom I could join my faith, invest my time and talents and contribute to a company that I strongly supported with more than just time.
God knew, He had a plan, a purpose and a provision for all my needs.

Happy Birthday to my youngest

2009-03-05T09:10:00.000-06:00

On the 3rd of March, my daughter Jae.don (who I usually refer to as Christi[a nickname from her middle name]) turned 6. The entire day before I found that I was rather emotional about her having this little milestone and kept telling her, "come here and hug Mommy....I'm saving up your five year old hugs" or "let me kiss you again, I need another 5 year old kiss". She'd roll her eyes and smile and then oblige me. Her daddy thought he'd help things by saying..."Today she's five, before you know it we'll be at her wedding" and then he'd wink at her. She laughed for awhile with him and then she'd run back over to me and sit in my lap. That night before bed she climbed in my lap and snuggled up like a baby and just rested there. I could tell that she'd been longing to do it all night, but was trapped between wanting to be big like all her siblings and wanting to be small and still be the baby. So I held her and tickled her and talked baby talk to her...her giggling the entire time. It was a very sweet and wonderful time for both of us. After a bit she climbed down and went and got into her Daddy's lap. There she just laid on his chest and wrapped her arms around him. They didn't speak, joke or giggle...they just sat. Their hearts did the talking, what I call "heart-speak" After a time gave him his goodnight kiss and headed off to bed.

Its in the reflection of those moments where my own Heavenly Father speaks to me about his love. I'm so much like her in my day to day. I rush from one commitment to the other, often toting kids, stuff and life. I am often taking care of today while I'm planning tomorrow, next Tuesday and next month all in the same breath. To get all accomplished, it must be this way sometimes. But there are times where I forget that the "now" moments are what are shaping next Tuesday, and next month, not to mention next year and so on. I need to have moments of just quiet rest and playfulness. I need to remember my childishness. I also need to climb into my Daddy's arms sometimes and just sit and hold and be held...no words are needed in those times, it's all "heart-speak".

2009-02-28T09:41:00.004-06:00

“From the rising of the sun, unto the going down of the same…the name of our Lord is to be praised”

The other day I wrote about starting my day, today I write about ending my day.
Like many moms, my days are quite filled with work, housework, kid-taxi, and personal interactions. By the end of the day I am usually drained…depleted…I’ve given all and it shows. I’ve been making a conscious effort in my mornings with all of my children and it has helped them and me be more positive and radiant throughout our days. But… by the time 4pm rolls in I am starting to go downhill, thus so do the children.
This week while driving one child to cheer practice (a very peppy child) and then later another to a different cheer practice (a very grumpy child) and later helping one child with homework (a very distracted child) and even later helping the oldest child work on an issue (a very tired child) my mood deteriorated to grunts and moans and, I must confess, eye rolling. And then. I logged onto Facebook to check on a friends status (she’s going through a very difficult time) and began to leave a message of encouragement. It said “I’m here for you, I’m praying for you and your family.” And it’s true, I have been. But I had not done so for my own family that day. I re-evaluated my state of mind, because in that moment I found that I had let life once again determine the mood and tone of my home. I had fixed the mornings, but the evenings were now to be taken to task. As always, the Holy Spirit was right there to realign and correct my spirit and to give me my evening song. My children’s moods lightened, my night felt less heavy and I began to relax, I even sleep more peacefully than I had in awhile.
Last night I slipped back into my old habit for a bit until my evening song popped back into my head and I began to right my heart, spirit and actions. I am ever grateful and thankful for the mercies of the Lord, they are new every morning!

Making a start

2009-02-17T21:40:00.001-06:00

In the morning when I rise...in the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise give me Jesus. Give me Jesus, give me Jesus. You can have all this world, please give me Jesus.

Each day I wake up, wake the teenagers and walk to the kitchen to make coffee. I'm rarely happy to be awake...to be honest I'm usually very grumpy about be awake so early in the day. In these early times I begin the engagement of battle between mood and mind. I am often spared conversation since my girls are engaged in the process of readying themselves for the day, usually sparing them from any infection of my poor state of mind.
Once the girls have left I have 15 minutes before I wake the next two children to ready them for school. My next two require more of me, more of my words, my time...So I work harder for them.
As I sat this morning, coffee in hand I was convicted with my lack of effort for my older two children. Why do I feel that the oldest two no longer need my input? Do they not need spiritual guidance? Have they arrived and grown so much that they no longer need a word of peace, love or joy to start their day? If anything, they need it more. They need the Word, Life and Truth pumped into their environment and mind and spirit as they begin their day...preparing them for their journey into the battleground of High School/Middle School.
I, too, need the Truth and Life to start my day, more than coffee, more than sleep...I need Jesus.

Rest for the weary

2009-02-09T21:47:00.004-06:00

You know those times in your life when you are bone weary. You feel like there is never going to be enough sleep in your future to allow you to feel rested. It might be after the arrival of a new baby, or post surgery or maybe even due to work related stresses and even travel. But even when you feel like you'll never get enough sleep, you realistically know that eventually you will and it just seems like you won't.
Well, my poor husband has been feeling like this for over five years. His weariness has caused me great concern, enough that after all this time he has finally consented to undergoing a sleep study evaluation to determine if he has sleep apnea (I feel certain that he does...I'll know by 7 am if I am correct). His brother has it and has been on a C pap machine (air pressure machine for breathing) for over 10 years. I am also convinced that both of his parents have it, but I doubt anything will ever be done on their parts to correct the problem. But I digress.... I am quite excited that he may finally get the sleep that his body needs and my heart desires for him to have.

Finding joy

2009-01-29T22:04:00.000-06:00

This season my son, Ryan, has been learning the game of basketball...much to the joy of both his parents. While I dislike watching basketball on t.v. I do enjoy the game in person. My husband and I both played the game in school, although he's the only one who played in high school. At first Ryan didn't really care one way or the other, but thought "sure, why not try it" when I asked if he was interested. As he began to learn and find out the nuances of the game he began to like it. When we went to a college game to watch it, he fell in love. Once he played his first game, he found joy! He truly enjoys playing and watching basketball. But there's more to his ball handling techniques and game rules on which he has been focusing.
The league on which he plays, Upward, has a few unique standards to teach and encourage. During each practice the coaches take a 15-20 minute break to present a Bible study for the team. I love that the person who each team member looks up to is the one speaking to them about God and concepts that tie into life and not just sports...scripted or not, it's a blessing. After each game the teams meet up and receive stars of recognition for their efforts in the game. The first week Ryan received a star for sportsmanship. The second week he received one for best effort. The third week he received the star that he had started praying to receive....Most Christlike. When his name was called for this one, his eyes lit from within...JOY! The rest of the day was interspersed with sentences of "I knew that God would want me to clap for both teams, because we were all working hard" and "I just wanted to make sure that Brandon knew that I thought it was a great shot" and "this is the best star anyone can get because it means that people can see Christ in someone". And in those moments I not only observed his joy, I was a part of it!

Happy Birthday to my second daughter

2009-01-17T20:06:00.002-06:00

This blog post is belated, her birthday was the 3rd..but the sincerity is still deeply felt. Ive had this post in my heart since a couple of days before the big day but found little or no time to let it come to fruition. Between work (another blog post to come) kids and activities and life itself I have found myself going more than staying. The plus side is that we're rarely home to worry about the house getting messy...the other side is that I have had to incorporate more ways of becoming organized to make our lives run more smoothly. But I digress...

This post is about Jeanna (her real name, usually referred to as Niki on this blog).
This year has been a great school year with so many more awesome opportunities in the near future. At the beginning of the year she was still looking for the right niche, someplace that she fit in...she's a loving and giving girl who had yet to find her group. She was just jumping into things that gave her passion and joy (singing and cheer leading) She now sings in two different band as a part of our youth program. It has been such a blessing to watch her grow and develop into a confident and strong young lady. My daughter who was so shy and introverted now sings in front of people and is preparing to try out for high school cheer.

Happy Birthday (belated)!

Being true to my word

2008-12-28T22:00:00.002-06:00

My last post I stated that I was going to spend more time being more mindful of how I was spending my time. I wanted to try to focus more on the people around me and the things that were important to them. I wanted to be more, do more, know and understand more. So how has it turned out?

My children and I have had more conversations, something that is not easy since there are four of them and only one of me. We have talked about serious things on their minds and giggled about silly things. I have met with friends for breakfast a few times a month and had in-depth conversations with them, we have shared life and traded secrets. I have learned more about my job and committed to it long term (this job was only supposed to be for three months) and invested my heart as well as my time into my bosses lives (they are wonderful friends with whom I've worked off and on for over 12 years and attended church for over 15 years). I have been cooking dinner (something I'm truly trying to hate less) most nights. I have been working on my photos for friends and even a few for a collection I'm hoping to complete this year.

I have also wandered into other avenues of outreach and contact. Through facebook I have re-connected with my sweet roommate from college (we had lost contact when I got married and she transferred colleges)...I have also found that facebook is an easy update for my day to day since I can update it from my iphone while sitting in the gym during a cheerleading class (my daughter's class, not mine ;) ) I have also tried twittering...not often but enough and I have read many many many other blogs.
I've been praying for those around me and those whom I only know via the internet.

So all in all, I feel like I have been true to my word. I have taken the break I needed, breathed a little deeper and am ready to dive back in. I am praying for the direction this blog is supposed to take and trusting that the words that flow will be exactly what they are supposed to be.

Here we go into the new year...2009 I am excited to see what you will hold for us all.

Driving, Working, Life goes on and on

2008-11-21T19:28:00.002-06:00

The other day I had to drive the girls to ortho appointments in a town that is about 45 minutes away. This drive is one that I actually like because it has such beautiful scenery along the way as well as the fact that the road takes us right by my husbands work. Each time I've driven down this road I have wished for extra moments to stop and take a scenic shot or two. This day happened to be the day, this one shot is just a drop in the bucket of the beauty I found.

Life is so often like these trips I take. I look forward to them and often notice the things of beauty around, but rarely find the time to not only stop and enjoy what I'm seeing, but to actually document it for my memory or for others. Such as:
*My youngest leaving for school each day. She so obviously loves school,and looks forward to it with great zeal...
*My son when he is immersed in a book. His eyes are lit with joy, his face is completely animated...
*My second oldest daughter when she sings. She not only sings the words, she feels them...
*My oldest when shes talking to her dad. When they talk to each other about things that they have in common it's like a mirror of joy reflecting back and forth...
*My husband when he's watching the kids play. His love is pure, evident and everflowing...

The road in my life is curvy, has ups and downs, stops ands starts. But there is alawys something of beauty to behold...How blessed I am!

Happy Fall

2008-11-06T23:40:00.000-06:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

Taking a minute to catch up

2008-10-31T18:52:00.003-05:00

As I wrote a bit ago, I've been focusing on constructive purposes. I have been working quite a few hours, keeping up with the housework, and spending time with friends and family. My husband has been on vacation for the past week so we've spent time with him during the day when all the kids have been in school.
Moments celebrated:
Bria turned 15. She is now legally allowed to learn to drive.
Halloween trick or treating (happening as I type...Aunt Jill is taking them)
Ryan went to the Barn swings with the older kids for the first time (a huge priviledge)
Niki wrote and performed two songs with one of the bands in our youth group (made me cry with pride and touched my spirit very deeply...a longer post about this later)

I'll work on some photos and try to get them posted this weekend. Until then, I've missed you and hope to be back more often as things begin to slow down.

Bria goes to homecoming

2008-09-28T17:31:00.002-05:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

My Son

2008-09-21T20:00:00.000-05:00

This month has been choke full of life. My only son had his 9th birthday, and while I'll not wax poetic about how it seems like yesterday he was a tiny bundle of joy and cuddles...I will honor him with a quick post about all that is embodied in a boy of this age.
My son is:
Pokemon cards (200 +)
Webkinz (15)
Wii (2 new games)
Soccer
Basketball
Swimming
Reading
Drawing
(wants to be an artist and a photographer when he grows up)
Spy games
Silly voices
Dancing crazy
Begging me not to leave for a few hours with friends
(yes, he's still quite attached to me)

Life is never boring being the Mom of a 9 year old boy. And it keeps getting better and better.
My Son.

Constructive purposes

2008-09-03T21:04:00.001-05:00

yard wide web
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

When I went outside to grab the newspaper I noticed this beautiful spider web hanging between my tree and the shrubs. Its pattern, though not perfect, was done with obvious diligence.

Life, as we all know, goes by too fast. We spend our days trying to get as much done as we can in the limited hours we are awake. Our children complain that life is too slow. "That's too far away" is an often heard complaint around here when we talk about an upcoming event. In this life God has granted, I find that I fall short much too often in areas of importantance...but somehow I accomplish many trivial tasks merely because I can. I have decided to focus on more of the meaningful things in life in my day to day workings. I want to take more time for quiet time with my Bible and communion with the Lord. I want to sow into relationships in a way that blesses them. I want to know that when I look back at these days that I did more than make sure I caught the Today show regularly or see that my health is greatly improved to reflect a godly stewardship of the body God has given to me.

2008-08-26T08:50:00.002-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Holes that make us whole

2008-08-20T22:31:00.001-05:00

I found this shell while walking along the beach last week that struck a chord within my spirit. It looked a bit like a heart with a key hole in it....the sand shifted by the time I got a clear picture making it less heart shaped looking, but still the image was frozen there. I've thought about this image since then dozens of times. To me, the purest part of the heart with a key slot is that they key is required to fully make the heart complete, without the key there is still a hole there....but filling the hole makes it whole.

In my life I've had times of fulfillment and times of want. I've had times when I recognized the need for something or someone to fill a hole in my life. Early in my life I had the need for Someone, and He filled my life in a big way. As an adult, I find myself in cycles of times where I have a need, but I'm not sure what is needed to make me feel filled. As a mother, I've struggled at intervals for something more...something different, also as a wife. Always, and I do mean always, that need comes to my life and fills my empty spaces, not always in the ways I imagined, but always exactly how it is needed.

There, in that shell, my thoughts were triggered in a "key-hole" moment. Something clicked in place for me...something that I think I might have always known but not always in my consciousness:

The need that comes in our lives is by design! We have been designed to have needs. Just like a door with a lock is designed to need a key...the key is the integral part of the lock...the function being the lock, when fit with the key lets one in. My heart has many keys. On my key chain of life are these keys:
1. My savior
2. My husband
3. My children
4. My friends (some of which are also family)
5. My family
6. Photography
7. Travel
8. Writing
9. Music
10. Reading

These are some of my main ones. I enjoy seeing what key the Lord will use to open another area of my heart. What are your keys?

Ok...now I can come home...I'm done with summer vacations.

2008-08-16T09:23:00.003-05:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

Breathe in, Breathe out.

2008-08-08T10:56:00.002-05:00

While on my trip with Jean 2, I found this shirt that summed up the feelings we had during our adventures. We both have children, husbands, responsibilities, and so much on our plates that it seems like we are serving a buffet. But during this trip we were just us. Just two women on an adventure. While we were on the deck of the ferry, water surrounding us and wind blowing softly in our faces, we were relaxed. Neither of us thought of dishes that needed to be put away. Neither of us were concerned with how much milk was in the refrigerator. Neither of us were sorting laundry, changing sheets, folding towels. We just were there. In the moment. Being who were are when all the other things of life are not pressing in on us. We took pictures. We texted our friends and families about how wonderful it was to be where we were. We talked. We relaxed. We took deep breaths and laughed. I have found the fresh air I needed to begin on the new year of school that starts the 25th.

Why I've not been posting lately

2008-08-07T15:05:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Autograph Please!

2008-07-15T21:42:00.000-05:00

Recently on a trip to Chicago with friends I had the opportunity to see in person a famous actor. He was filming a movie that will come out next July about a famous criminal, the movie being set in the 1930's or 1940's. This man, J. ohnny D. epp, happened to be walking in to film a portion of the movie when my friends and I were walking down the road (video will be shared once I have the opportunity to get it edited for the web). My children, being very big fans of the P irates of the Caribbean movies, were/are thrilled with my brush with fame. My friends, with whom I was traveling, were also thrilled since they had been fans of his since their teen years. The meeting wasn't extraordinary, no physical embraces took place (although I'm sure my friends would have been thrilled with a hug) but it was the fame of the person that made the experience "something to tell".
The more I have thought about this experience, the more I began to wonder what it is that makes us so enamoured with celebrities...after all they are only people who get paid to be on film/t.v./radio. It's not like they have been gifted with special powers...I've yet to hear of a movie star giving sight to the blind, healing a lame man, or delivering mankind from their sinful nature. It's not that I disdain or have any kind of dislike for celebrities, but I simply see them as they are, just people. I have a friend who is related to a very popular celebrity couple. She is the sister. She is, to me, as important as the persons with the celebrity image. She is nice, kind, a loving mother, a giving aunt and has a deep vested interest in the local school. She is, to me, no less important than her family members. Maybe I should try to get her autograph.

Garages for Sale?

2008-07-12T21:45:00.002-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Today my children had a garage sale. They all priced, arranged, negotiated, bagged, and made change. The sale was mostly their stuff that had been living in our home, growing and morphing into piles of disproportionate sizes. I also had items that I wanted rid of, so out it all went. We started setting up at 8 (I know, professional garage sellers start at 7...but I'm not crazy enough for that) opened the doors at 9 and finished by 3:30. After the completion we loaded all that was left and took it to the Disabled American Veterans charity. While loading up the leftovers, I also decided to grab as many clothes as I could find that I no longer needed and threw those in to be donated.
The result? Some money was made, even more space was gained and the kids learned a valuable lesson..."just because it costs $20 new doesn't mean you'll get more than $3 for it at your garage sale."

Update on the madness that was my day

2008-07-11T23:01:00.002-05:00

So, stated, my phone went crazy, therefore I did too. I was without phone, email, etc...for eight hours. It was something that drove me a bit crazy. Then? My tv's stopped receiving signal due to a line issue with the satelite. Then? Then? I discovered that someone had left the big freezer open and ruined all the food. ALL. THE. FOOD. I had just restocked it two days ago. We then headed to a fun filled lunch at Fat Rat's (Chuck E Cheese) and to errands. I did have the foresight to shut the freezer tight so that they ruined food would first re-freeze before I had to clean it out, thereby avoiding the worst smelling garage for our garage sale tomorrow.
In summary:
My phone-back in order
My tv-working again
My freezer-full of spoiled food
My house--a wreck with garage sale stuff
My brain-crashing quickly.

:) Try to control your jealousy.

Iphone issues

2008-07-11T09:25:00.002-05:00

Ok, so most of you who read my blogs (or know me just in passing) know that I love technology. My husband always gives me electronics over any other kind of bauble because that is my "diamonds". Last year for our anniversary he gave me my most favorite item to date, an IPhone. I use it constantly. And I do mean CONSTANTLY. Except. Today. Why?
Today there has been a release of the new IPhone, for those who either waited to get on the bandwagon or for those who want to upgrade for speed. I, however, am keeping my current phone and began the process to upgrade it with software. All was going great until I came downstairs to see my phone display a message scroll across my phone in six different (or seven..not sure because it was hard to read when my brain is about to explode) languages "slide for emergency". WHAT!?? I tried to restart. Nope. Nothing different. I tried resetting it. Nuh uh. I waited and tried again. Nyet. I disconnected and reconnected it to the computer. zilch. I finally called Apple...holding five minutes...then ten...not a good sign....beginning to wonder if there was a glitch in the upgrade...maybe a virus...what if phone is ruined....what am I going to do without my iPhone....THEY BETTER GIVE ME A NEW PHONE IF THIS DOESN'T WORK AGAIN.
"Hello, this is (insert some name that I cannot hear since my ears are only processing all sounds as white noise). I see that you have x number of days until your warranty expires. Would you like to upgrade to two years? (said sweetly, but not at all what I am worried about right now.)
(snickering I reply) "We'll see about that later, right now my IPhone needs help."
"Mrs. HappySahm, I'm sorry for your inconvenience. As you may know, the new 3g IPhone was released today."
(Rolling my eyes) "Yes, I'm aware of this."
(Responding with glee)"Well, our server is just jammed with folks activating their phones. Itunes is having a difficult time keeping up with the demand."
(groaning, I reply)"So, how long do you think this will take?"
(Pretending sympathy, like only those who's phones will not be affected, she returns)"Well, it could be a few hours. Just keep your phone connected to the computer and when it's your phones turn, it will begin to work."
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH What!!

I have places to go, things to do, twitters to update, facebook to check, text messages waiting to be sent, email that needs to be read, not to mention the fifty other things I do with my phone. And now she's telling my that I will have to use my desktop COMPUTER TO DO THIS? What is this? The stone ages????

So, as I wait, my fingers are trying to remember how to type normal. I sit with my currently defunct phone in front of me, with the "emergency slide" taunting me...while I try to remember how live a normal life...checking every five minutes for my IPhone (from hereon to be known as electronic c.rack) to spring back to life. (*sigh*)

Promotion Time

2008-07-09T21:40:00.005-05:00

As you may recall from a few posts ago, Ryan and Christi have been taking swim lessons for the last seven days. They started out very fearful of getting their faces wet, willing to only "go under" as far as their chins. Today they were evaluated and were deemed "graduated to beginner level 2". I am so proud of their efforts and how well they did. They will start level 2 next week. This has been such a good experiece for them and for me to watch. Yay!

Treasure found

2008-07-08T21:40:00.001-05:00

Treasure found
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Flickr is doing something wierd. Here's the photo that goes with the post just below.

Where your treasure is...

2008-07-08T21:36:00.001-05:00

jaedon, baseball, susan or mexico 308
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

While Rob and I were in Mexico we took time each day to find a few treasures that we thought our children would like to have or that struck us for one reason or other. Some of the items were just pretty shells, some of them were rocks that the ocean had formed with pits, bumps and colors. Rob tended to find shells that had either been homes to crabs or snails and I tended to look for asthetic beauty. Either way, each item was picked as a result of our judgement of beauty or interestingness. When I look back on the days spent finding the items the treasure lies in the memory of the day. I love knowing that we spent that time together thinking about the kids, looking for items that would be special to them.
There are two items I retained for my own to treasure and remember. One is the piece of aquamarine that I found (tiny blue-ish rock on top of the rock on the far left) and the foot shaped rock at the top left. Those two became special to me for a couple of reasons...The foot shaped one because when I found it the verse "Rejoice for the steps of a righteous man are ordered of God". I found a joy in that reminder that God is always there guiding my foot steps. The piece of aquamarine became mine without question since it is both my favorite color and my favorite stone, I plan to have it wrapped with gold wire and made into a necklace charm. The color, to me is the most soothing and relaxing color ever. The color brings to my memory the beautiful water, the wonderful sound of the waves and time spent with my husband.

Girlfriends and Giggles

2008-07-05T18:43:00.000-05:00

Remember the day you (if you're a girl/woman) that you first applied makeup? How about having your nails painted? Remember the feel of looking so grown up? For me it happened around age 12...although I was officially allowed to wear makeup at age 14. My oldest daughter awaited the magic grade, grade 8, with excitement and impatience. My second oldest has begun to look at makeup and plan for her induction into the makeup privileged population, which will happen next month. My youngest, age 5, as a result of all this makeup wearing has become fascinated with all things "girly" and pretty. If you are lucky enough to come by my house unannounced you might get a chance to see me in all my "makeover" glory.

Recently Christi was invited to a birthday party for a little girl that she me in gymnastics class a year ago, the same little girl who asked her to play t-ball with her. We arrived at the destination, Christi with her her shyness fully activated and me with my curiosity peaked. The name of the establishment, Girlfriends and Giggles, had somewhat prepared me, but not quite. We were ushered into a land of High School Musical music, glittery hair spray, multi-colored nail polish and flashy dress-up clothes. The girls dressed for their "Stage appearance", had makeup applied, hair styles performed, nails painted and then took the stage to greet their fans and have their photos taken by the paparazzi. All of the girls loved, loved, loved it. My precious one did get a bit nervous (as you can see in the photo) right before she took the stage. But by the end of the party she was dancing on the stage with the rest of the girls, giggling and having a wonderful time.

2008-07-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

Photo that is SUPPOSED to be showing up with the swim lessons post. ;)

Swim Lessons

2008-07-01T11:15:00.001-05:00

"Summer time and the livin' is easy. Summer time and my blogging gets cheesy" Oops! Guess those aren't the actual words to the song, but I do believe they fit me. :)

Yesterday was a big day for Christi and Ryan...they began their long awaited, eagerly anticipated swim lessons. One of the big universities does programs where you can get lessons for sessions of two weeks at a time for your little ones with a maximum of four kids in the class. Sign me up! We went for an evaluation of skills (does being able to sing 15 different Veggie Tales songs and knowing most of Mary Poppins by heart count as skills?) we were assigned a swim level. Beginner 1.

We arrived primed and ready...and late. I had misunderstood their lesson time so we had to take a later slot and waited around. It turned out to be a great thing because by the time it was their turn they were so READY to get in water. Ryan, who is a bit timid about water and who hates water in his eyes brought along goggles and asked to be last for each skill being taught to the three of them in the class. Teacher says "This time we are going to take turns putting our face in the water" Christi is able to get her face in for a nano-second and comes up wiping like a maniac. Ryan is able to dunk his chin and then smiles triumphantly. ;) Teacher says "Now we are going to dunk under to get our face and hair wet" Christi leans as far backward as possible to get all her hair wet but does not go under. Ryan raises his eyebrow at teacher and dunks as far as his ears and then stands back up. Teacher says "Great Job! Now we are going to learn how to float on our backs!" Ryan and Christi flatten themselves against the pool wall and ask to not be first. (I know, at this point you are marveling at the way I have been able to embed such adventurous kids. Don't worry, I'll write you a handbook if you would like.)
Well, by the end of the 30 minute lesson they were both putting their faces in the water COMPLETELY and they both floated on their backs unsupported. (It was so amazing that I had to include pictures of their incredible development in just one lesson.)
I am so proud of them overcoming their fears! At this rate they will be happily swimming unassisted before we head to Alabama's Gulf Shores. Woo Hoo!

Johnny Depp's Posse

2008-06-30T15:23:00.002-05:00

DSC04379_1959
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

I have been blessed. My life overflows with gifts of love and kindness and friendship. I am wealthy in ways I never dreamed I would be. I'm not talking money, although I do not have an aversion to it ;) , but life.

I have always dreamed of travel. I used to think that my life would most fulfilled if I had a job that required me to travel as often as possible. Not because I was running from anything, but because I have such a thirst for different cultures, cities, states. I love to see how others are living, whose lives are being impacted in ways that I cannot imagine. Plus...I really love staying in hotels!

This summer is my dream come true. It has worked out that I get to travel four times. Once was with Rob (see previous post) and it as great. Now I have had the fun of going on a long girls weekend to Chicago with the two friends pictured above (I will withhold their names for privacy sake unless they give me release). The trip was a long anticipated 40th birthday celebration....for one of the others on the trip. {I know, looking at the picture you are having a hard time believing that one of the three is now 40...it's not me ;)}
We had a wonderful time of shopping touring and was so blessed to be the recipients of God's mercies on us. How?
1. We entered and won the opportunity to buy 4 tickets to "Wicked" at the price of $25 for $90 seats.
2. We had a close encounter of the star kind with Mr Johnny Depp, I think my travel mates are still giggling about that.
3. We procured said stars autographs to bring home to share with family along with video and photos to prove that it's really his autograph.
4. We met dozens of kind and considerate people in Chicago, some of whom we have exchanged emails.
5. We found great deals while shopping. Yippee! ;)
6. We arrived loving each other as heart-engaged friends...we returned home even closer.
7. We laughed until our abs hurt. (That's a lot of laughing)

We had a great time. My next trip? Jean 2 and I received frequent flyer tickets from my husband to go anywhere so we've chosen the Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard/Hyannis area. Look out Massachusetts! :)

Resort of Relaxation

2008-06-28T08:53:00.001-05:00

Resort of Relaxation
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Whew! Things have finally slowed down enough for me to do some blog posting. It seems like May and June tend to slapshot me like a hockey puck in the last seconds of a tied score hockey game. Kids have programs, field trips, graduations, t-ball, camp and then this year Rob and I got to take a summer vacation which I followed by a long weekend in Chicago (those photos will come in a few days after I cover the pics from vacation).

So, where do parents of four that have been married for 17 years go to get away from it all and just have time to themselves? Mexico! I am willing to go many places, but my beloved has fallen in love with the shores of Mexico. This year we went to the Riviera Maya to a lovely gourmet resort titled "El Dorado Resort and Spa". The weather was lovely (only rained a couple of times..unlike in Missouri where it began the month of flooding) and the sun was warm (but not too warm) and the food was wonderful (sushi, italitian, mexican, mediterranian).

We met a lovely couple there who were on their honeymoon. We had a chance to visit, share our testimonies with each other and I believe start what will be a beautiful friendship.

Throughout it all I had praise songs of thankfulness and blessing that cycled through my mind...almost like a worship cd had been downloaded into my brain. I believe the Lord did this to keep my heart and spirit in the right place...mindful of what it means to be one in spirit with Him and with my husband. We fell in love again and again, talked and laughed. What a blessing!

Green bags

2008-05-19T17:23:00.007-05:00

Have you noticed that you can no longer go a single day without hearing the word "green" in association with the enviornment, food, cars, products, parenting, etc.? I'm not against being "green minded" in many areas, as long as it isn't the route that leads me down finacial ruin just to be politacally correct. I am one who does what I think is best for my family. I try to be a good steward of the planet and all that God has given me, but I am also in favor of pesticides that rid my home of ants/bugs/spiders. I buy organic makeup, but only because it makes my skin really healthy, organic shampoo because it doesn't damage my hair and use things packaged in recycled materials if it happens to be less expensive. But when I came across "these bags"recently I was skeptical{note: move your mouse over the words "these bags" and it will give you a link to click to view the bags}. Not because of the name "Green Bags" but because of what they promoted. "Keep fruits and vegtables fresh for up to 30 days" the infomercial stated. They showed some moldy tomaotoes that had been left out (I admit mine have ended up like that more times than I can count) and then some in the bag. WOW...THEY'RE STILL GOOD AFTER 14 DAYS! Last Monday, during ~~therapy~~ a trip to Target, I came across these bags at the end of an aisle and decided for the price I would give them a try. I mean, come on, if they do work it would save me some major cash since my family usually ends up tossing at least $15 worth of fruits and veggies a month from the crisper.

I have to say...they work GREAT! To test the bags I put bananas in one, tomatoes in one, and apples in one...and left them on the counter in my fruit bowl...a week ago. All of them are still healthy, fresh and even the tomatoe is still firm and the banana is still bright yellow. Yay!

I know, I sound a bit infomercial=ly myself, but when I find something that actually works, I have to share! :)

Putting on my shoes

2008-05-05T21:51:00.003-05:00

I've been gradually working myself toward getting in shape. I looked for motivation, but found cookies. I prayed for self control but bought control-top hose. I asked for a treadmill and found out that it doesn't do any good if you're not on it. But today I put on my shoes. I turned the treadmill on and stepped into action. I ate right and found my motivation. Where did I find it? How did I do it? I counted how many days I have until I am scheduled to be sitting on the beach in Mexico and decided that I would rather look back and know that I had at least done something to make myself a little more confident rather than look back and regret that I had not put forth at least a tiny bit of effort. I know a month isn't a huge amount of time to get myself in peak shape (DUH!) but at least I am on my way. By the time the new school year dawns I will no longer be pudgy mom of four, but at least somewhat reasonably in shape mom of a high schooler and a kindergartener.

Happy Spring...Finally

2008-04-25T13:52:00.001-05:00

spring blooms
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Yesterday I took a walk with my youngest and her friend at a local park. It was still flooded in the lower areas due to recent rains that have followed the tornados, ice storms, and other crazy weather. (As I type this there are 15 men and 1 woman atop my roof repairing the damage done by the hail and high winds)

I am quite happy to bid "hello" to spring and look forward with hope an joy to flowers, green grass and vacations.

Horsing Around

2008-03-31T21:02:00.002-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Yesterday we finally had a birthday party for young Christi. It was horse themed (duh!) at a local park board owned farm. There were wonderful animals for the kids to pet, watch and learn about. The park was great, the staff wonderful and best of all, the kids got to pet a mini-horse named bandit. The cupcakes ended up being a great last minute order...I had planned on asking Stacy to do it, but then when we were hit with snow days, flooding and every other weather phenom...well, it just made it easier to walk in the day before, order the horse themed cupcakes. I'm sure Stacy's would have been better, but at least I didn't have to make them. :)

Eggcellent color

2008-03-23T20:02:00.001-05:00

Eggcellent color
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

The kids and I spent time last night coloring eggs for our Easter deviled eggs....there's something signifcant about using our eggs that celebrate resurrection to make eggs named after the devil. :)

I thought the eggs turned out rather beautiful. The trick? Sharpies! Yep, drawing on the eggs before coloring them made them rather vivid and special.

Happy Easter! And though Easter isn't about eggs, chocolate bunnies nor jelly beans...it is a fun way to celebrate such a joyous day.

Happy birthday Christine

2008-03-03T16:19:00.000-06:00

IMG_3280_0606.JPG
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Yep! She's 5. And beautiful. And she prayed for snow for her birthday. And...I made a PRETTY cake. I'll post a photo soon. ;)

My Family

2008-01-18T12:56:00.000-06:00

I finally got my children all together for portraits and to put together a shot for our New Years Cards. This one is not the one on the card, but one of my favorites.

Paths

2008-01-06T20:40:00.001-06:00

My family and I had a wonderful Christmas and New Years. The contrast from last year to this year was amazing. It was such a relaxing and joyful time unmarred by drama and chaos...we remarked on it so many times that it became our motto "It's so much more Christmas-y this year!"
Last year, although I didn't blog about it, was wrought with drama and was marred midway by sadness and anger and then progressed into release and freedom. (The particulars aren't necessary, just the message) Holy Spirit took our family on a path that required death of self, forgiveness (for our hearts' benefit) and eventually release. We as parents were forced to introduce the harsh truth of what happens when someone you have loved and trusted breaks that and heads into rebellion and deception. We were completely honest with them about the sin that had happened and the things that followed. It broke all of our hearts. And we said "goodbye" to that relationship. This all happened as we were also saying "goodbye" to GreatGrandma. It was a very difficult time.
But, as all paths do, there finally came a bend in the path, it started leading us into different areas of freedom. It reminded us that we have to guard our hearts against sin and yet still be hopeful for redemption for those who are walking terrible paths by choice. It encouraged us to cling to truth and honesty, to look for the fruit of the person and not the words of their mouths. It provided a practical lesson for our children, that you must side with truth and The Word at all costs, regardless of rejection and sentimentality (Sometimes people that we love will do very bad/wrong/sinful things and we must be willing to stand for truth regardless of the world's stand on it) It also allowed us to teach them that we can line up with those in truth even if it is the unpopular choice and come out better for it.

As I sat at lunch with my family I reflected on the path of the past and the message that our pastor gave at church today I had such a deep sense of peace for the coming year...free of the toxic issues of last year, removed from the drama and stress and happily engaged in a life full of peace and joy. And I proclaim "The Best is Yet to Come!"

Heading into the new year

2008-01-01T12:43:00.000-06:00

The path may seem a bit foggy and unclear, but the road still remains. As we head into 2008 I am taking a few minutes to look forward..we so often look back at the "good ole days" that in the scope of reality were just the old days. Sure, some things great happened. Yes, we did lose a few friends and family along the way that are still missed today. But while we were in those days they were just like these days...they were life. So I am looking forward to what it is that I can do to make the coming days, weeks, months and years not only memorable but also meaningful.

This year, in 2008, my second daughter will turn 13 (in two days). She is a teenager now, along with the oldest. My hope is to help her establish a more positive self esteem and to learn to love herself just as she is. I hope for her success and accomplishment in all areas of interest. I hope for her to make some deep and nourishing friendships.
This year my youngest turns 5 years old. She will start Kindergarten in the fall, a fact that is mentioned by her weekly with excitement and joy. My goal is to encourage that excitement, to feed that joy and prepare her (and myself) to enter the doors of her classroom with confidence and be okay with a touch of sadness.
This year my son will turn nine years old. He, being my only boy, will grow in ways that I do not yet know or am able to predict. He is learning french in school, he writes in cursive, he reads voraciously, he is a gentleman (I find him often standing holding the door for countless people just because he knows its a meaningful gesture) he is a whiz at computer games and continues to astound me in so many ways. He is a soccer kid. I do not know what lies ahead, but I look forward to watching him.
This year my oldest will finish middle school and enter her first year of high school. My goals for her are to encourage her to explore as many avenues of talent, interest and joy as we can find and not let her fears, insecurities nor challenges keep her from trying. I hope for her to keep and nourish wonderful friendships that carry her throughout her school career.
This year my husband and I will celebrate 17 years of marriage. My only hope is that we have a continued life of the joy and love we have developed and to love each other more and better.

Happy New Year and Blessings to you and your family!

NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for (Heb. 11:1a)

2007-12-31T12:45:00.000-06:00

Technorati Profile

"Seeing isn't believing, Believing is Seeing"

2007-12-05T13:27:00.000-06:00

I love Christmas. The lights, the presents, the tree, the pageants, the Nativity sets all around town. But what I love most has nothing to do with the tangible but the Spirit and the Remembrance of why we celebrate. So many get caught up in the 'legalities' of the birth, or dismiss it altogether in favor of the Santa theories. For me, all that matters is what goes on in my heart and family. The heart that is allowed to become more transparent with love as we give gifts to say "I love you, you are a gift to me". It's not about what we hold, buy, share, give or receive it's the intangibles that we share, give or receive. It's in the ways we love each other, are more giving to each other, more generous with not only our money but our time and our smiles of good will.
In the light of the tree, with the fire going in the fireplace and the soft tones of "O Holy Night" I celebrate the greatest gift given to us. The gift of life, love and hope!
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. " (Heb. 11:1)

quote in title: Judy the Elf, The Santa Clause

Bravery

2007-12-03T18:13:00.001-06:00

litle 2007 019
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

My littlest one, Christi, has always been a bit of timid one. She hates the big rat @ Chuck E Cheese. She has always been terrified that we would take her to Disney World and make her meet the big Minnie and Mickey. She has never, ever wanted to see Santa, Easter Bunny and even had it worked out that her brother would put her teeth, if she were ever to lose one, under his pillow to spare her the possibility of meeting the Tooth Fairy. But this year?
"Mama, I think I want to go see Santa, I'm not scared."
So, off we headed on Sunday afternoon to meet the Jolly Old Elf himself. Now, we are not huge proponents of the Santa fellow, but we do like to play the game with our kids....and I've always been a sucker for the Santa picture.
While standing in line we met a cute couple of girls were were also waiting to see Santa. One 14, the other a bit younger, but I'm not sure how old. They were sweet and visited with my Christi and Ryan while waiting for Santa to return from his break (someone has to feed the reindeer after all). In years past, we would often just take our own cameras and take a quick picture of whomever was willing to sit with Santa...after all the pictures have always been a bit on the pricey side.
Last year they posted a sign that read "Minimum purchase required to use personal camera for Santa visit." What!!! They had a nice lady inform me that I could purchase the photo CD for $5 and still then I could take as many pictures as I wanted. Deal!
This year? The same sign was posted, but the rules had changed. You had to spend at least $20 for anything to take photos. Gulp! I know, $20 isn't a bunch of money in the grand scheme of things, but come on! It's Christmas, gas prices are higher and there are people out there who would love a photo of their kids with Santa but the $20 is a deal breaker for them.
While talking to the lovely young ladies behind me and their equally nice mom, I decided that I would purchase the photo, since this was our first time to officially have Christi sit on Santa's lap and I would also take a few photos of the other two gals for their mom...sort of as a Christmas present (though it be small) to share the Christmas spirit. I did end up telling the helper elf that I was speaking to that my minimum purchase was going to cover these girls too, so I could take their picture. She winked, said go for it and away I snapped.
After procuring the email address of my new friends I read it, smiled over the clever email address and promptly put it in my jeans pocket. A few days later I realized the mess that had been all over the inside of the dryer had been the address of this family. Groan! I had forgotten to take the slip of paper out of the jeans before I washed them. Amazingly, the email address came to me (which anyone who really knows me will see the miracle of that...my memory is terrible) and I was able to send the pictures on to them today. Merry Christmas to my new friends!

The sweetest part of that day? As Santa came up before sitting on his throne he walked through the line giving "high fives" and hand shakes. As he came to Christi she took a deep breath, high-fived him, and smiled. As he walked on she pulled me down to her and told me "Mama! You made me brave!" (misty eyed mama was so proud)

Dreams are lived here

2007-11-13T13:56:00.001-06:00

Home
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

I went looking for my ideals outside myself and discovered it's not what the world holds for you, but what you bring to it. The dreams dearest to my heart are right here. Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables, The Sequel

While working on some of the photos from a recent photo shoot I came across the quote above and thought that it so perfectly describes what many of us feel about home. So I decided to go outside with my camera and take a photo of my dream world.

The Princess is In!

2007-11-12T21:54:00.000-06:00

"I am a princess.

All girls are.

Even if they live in tiny old attics.

Even if they dress in rags, even if they aren't pretty, or smart or young.

They're still princesses.

All of us. "

Sara Crewe, A Little Princess

This weekend my youngest, Christi, went to a birthday party where all the little girls made tiara's, put on a lacy tutu's, festooned themselves in feather boas and then dances to "princess music". The girls, being normal 4/5 year old girls, giggled and strutted, glancing at themselves over and over in tiny mirrors placed around the room. They were thrilled to each be a princesses.

I think all women, having their little princess hearts still within their souls, still like to feel like a princess. When we are sitting at home in our old ratty shorts vacuuming the floors or wiping the baby's nose with the hem of our stained t-shirts we are still yet longing for out tiaras and wondering if our prince is ever going to ask us to dance again. The day we sit down in a pedicure chair and have someone make our toes look pretty we get a glimpse of the royal treatment. A trip to get a massage lends itself to pampering feelings. Putting on a silky dress (or blouse) awakens our bodies to luxurious fabrics, eliciting a shiver of anticipation of what's to come. Within each one of us is a princess, whether or not we can see and feel the tiara upon our heads.

To all Your Royal Majesties: Treat yourself to one princess treat today/tonight...it is your duty.

Ahhhhhhh Fall

2007-11-07T19:04:00.000-06:00

I love the Autumn season, I mean I really really really love it. The leaves and the nip in the air. I am autumnal at heart. There's something that just gets my heart and soul going when it approaches Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love the attitudes of the people in the community throughout the season. I like the clothes that I get to wear around the holidays and the cute socks that adorn my children's feet. This past Sunday, accompanied by Jean 2, I purchased my outfit for my husband's Christmas party. Happy Fall Ya'll!

Embracing my family

2007-10-30T19:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my older daughter met me at the door after school to share some news with me, it was not happy news.
"Mom", she said, "Alex P. died this weekend. They sent a note around to all the students. There's a visitation on Thursday. I knew you'd want to know".

I was stunned. I have been talking to his mom weekly for over a year now, his little sister has had gymnastics the same day as Christi and we would sit and talk and laugh and she'd share details about Alex's progress. The last time we had talked he was coming home from the hospital because they had finally adjusted his meds to help him. You see, he had a type of cancer that affected his kidneys, requiring a kidney transplant in 4th grade and again last summer as he was finishing 7th grade. He remained in the hospital the required 10 weeks and then was able to come home. A month and a half ago he was returned to the hospital because he was having trouble keeping food down, but they felt like it was just a medicine issue. After all this, they found out that he needed a bone marrow transplant, but a match was never found. He died Saturday.

I sat around all day yesterday and last night with a broken heart for his family. Alex was adored. He had lead a tough life and in the process became a heroic and strong boy. I am still sad for his family, for hopes dashed, dreams unfulfilled and life left unlived....but the joy of Alex now as he enters the continual presence of the One who made him, who welcomed him with open arms and now cradles this perfectly healthy spirit. I know it will be a long road for this family for healing, but am committed to helping with as much as possible, even if it's only to sit by their side and be silent.

As I thought about their loss, I held my children a little tighter and thanked God for their health, for a blessed life and prayed for us to have many more years in this life that I so love.

She's got spirit

2007-10-27T20:31:00.001-05:00

I've got spirit yes I do.
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Niki has joined the Spirit Squad, a must if you want to have a chance to try out for cheerleader in the spring. Niki has decided that she wants to try out. Niki left a recent game with a proud smile on her face, she had won the spirit stick giving her the priviledge of taking the stick home to decorate and return to school.

Kickin'

2007-10-10T19:33:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Well first games are out of the way...the kids had a good time and so did I! The Coyotes (1st/2nd grade team I'm coaching) played really well, especially for a team that is half experienced and the other half first timers. The Dragonflies (Christi's team, 4&5 year olds) played a spirited game of "run that way". Everyone once in a while, someone would get in a kick and head off after the ball. It was so cute. Christi got in a couple of good kicks, and ran quiet gracefully. Her main objective is to run without messing up her ponytail. On to game #2 on Saturday.

It all adds up

2007-10-09T19:29:00.001-05:00

photos from iphone 041
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Christi has been loving doing her little learning books. She loves the math the most, but also loves the letters and patterns. She usually brings in one of her activities to do while I'm getting myself ready for the day (after the other kids have left for school) It is a fun time for her, and I get to put on my makeup without needing to share my lipstick...most of the time. :)

Set this circus down

2007-10-04T21:17:00.001-05:00

photos from iphone 004
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

This past weekend, as Husband and I were driving to lunch, we noticed a huge tent set up in the parking lot of our closest mall. It intrigued me, so when I found out it was a small circus I decided to give it a try. My oldest two kids had been to the circus before, but the younger two had not....it was high time they saw elephants and trapeze artists and dog doing the cha-cha.
It was a very nice circus, perfect for first timers! My son started out being afraid of clowns (common fear I'm told) but I convinced him to ask for Holy Spirit to help him overcome his fear so he could have this fun experience. He took a few minutes, a deep breath and then started walking. He started out by looking directly at a clown. I told him to focus on the fact that he could tell it was just a man or woman wearing a lot of make-up. I told him to focus on the nose, eyes, ears....the same features that we all have. After he was able to do that, he smiled a little then waved tentatively. The clown guy waved back and smiled. We were then able to walk on into the tent and find our seats. We watched the stunts done with amazement, we clapped when the poodles all stood with their front paws on the backs of the poodle in front and danced the cha-cha and when the elephants did their balancing acts, it pleased all. After an elephant ride for one child and a pony ride for another, we walked out to the van. My son looked at me and said "Thank you Mom for forcing me to go in the tent. It was the best show ever!" I laughed. I reminded him that I did not force him but encouraged him, and then I said "you're welcome!". Christi proclaimed it the "best day ever" and the older two loved sharing this event with the younger two. What a great memory.

Ryan's dragon

2007-10-03T16:36:00.003-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

This pic goes with the post "Hold your Horses".

Hold your horses

2007-10-03T16:36:00.001-05:00

photos from iphone 053
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Life has been going really well lately, just a bit busy. I love it, I truly do! This is my favorite time of year, school going on a regular schedule, fall craft festivals have started, pumpkin patches have opened and fall soccer games start this Saturday. But I have had to make adjustments in my time allotments to make room for the life going on around us.
One of these adjustments has been finding ways to spend time together as a family without making it a crazy day. Dinner is one of those times, but since I have no desire to cook I have found my list of places where kids eat free invaluable. Tuesdays are our favorite nights....McAlister's has kids eat free night (two per paying adult). This month they have this wonderful lady doing free face painting. We had such a good time watching FacePainter do her magic, all in a matter of minutes. It was amazing, we stayed for an hour watching, getting something cool and enjoying a great healthy dinner.

too exhausted to use the shift key to capitalize

2007-09-24T21:30:00.001-05:00

life is going full steam ahead. kids are in school, loving it, but busy. Niki is in the pep squad, i think she has found her calling. :) Bria got to march with the high school band on Friday, she had a great time (I'll try to get pictures of these events uploaded soon) and tonight....well tonight started a whole new phase of my mothering years. i am coaching my son's soccer team. yep. me. i think i am more tired than i have been in awhile. I'll be sure to get some pics of that as well, since some of you may have a hard time believing that i am coaching.
much love to all of you, I'll try to be more on top of things tomorrow. (bonus, spell check capitalized some of my words for you.)

Silly, Chilly, Hilly-Billy

2007-09-19T22:06:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Last night, while the older two girls went to their schools football game, the younger two and I went to Culvers for some dinner. I had actually planned on going to a "kids eat free place" since it would be so much cheaper, but I was weak-willed and let them talk me into Culvers. They love going to the free custard they get when they finish their meal, I love that they share with me. Bonus...they have great fries!
Once the sugar from the frozen custard kicked in, the two little ones were very content for me to take pictures of them making silly faces...this one is my favorite.

And now, a few words about my son

2007-09-17T21:31:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

**editing to remove typos...blaming them on the thumb!**

Welcome ladies and gentlemen to another episode of "My son, My heart!" When we left last time you had just learned that Ryan had turned 8 years old. There was a thumb incident that left Momma unable to detail his greatness. Today, we pick up the story.

The weekend before the big birthday our church body had a Pastor's
Appreciation Picnic, an annual event that happens to be the exact place that Ryan, when still in -utero, decided to break forth with so much praise that my water broke standing in front of about 15 people, give or take a few. So to say that Ryan loves this annual event is an understatement. He looks forward to it as much as Christmas. This year, he was particularly excited. I wrote it off to what I call "birthday glitter"...that time before the actual birthday that the child practically sparkles with excitement.
Upon arriving, our tradition is to mingle, give our pastors cards that try to express our appreciation for unyielding service to our church body and, after a prayer of blessing is said over the food, we get in line for the food. (I know this is a lot of detail, but it's necessary for the story I am laying before you) After loading plates, Ryan and I went to the drink station where Liz and Sherri, two women from our church body, were serving drinks (we all have job shifts for fairness). My son was so sweet and said "Thank you for making my drink for me...have a good day!" and went on his merry way. I was glowing with pride for his manners and smiled, thanked my friends and went on. Later, when I approached the drink station for a refill, my son was there again, this time giving them a small plate of what looked to be leftover food. My smile of pride from earlier was replaced with sternness.
Me: "Ryan, they are not responsible for your plate." He looked at me strange,
Ryan: "That's OK." and walked away.
The momma in me opened my mouth for a quick rebuke, but was stopped, mouth open, by Sherri.
Sherri: "You don't understand. He brought that food for us. He wanted to make sure that we get something to eat since we are in here serving. He brought it to be nice."
I was amazed. They were amazed. They had thought that I had sent him over to do it to be nice since a couple of years ago they had actually missed out on a lot of the food because they had been serving drinks that time too. They thought I knew it and sent him to take the food. I had no idea and just stood there stunned. Later I was stopped by one of the elders in my church...He had taken her food as well. Still later, he went and took dessert to the women he had served, making sure that they had what they needed. That night, when I told my husband about the servants heart that my son had displayed I cried. Not tears of ungodly pride, but tears of humility. My son had the courage to be gracious and serve without need for reciprocation.

That following Monday, Grandma called. She told him that she hadn't had a chance to get him his gift yet, that it would be late. To which he responded. "I do not need anything Grandma, just your love." And he meant it. It flowed through my heart like honey, watered my soul like a quiet rain. I saw him for the first time as not just a little boy, but as someone who was well on his way to be a Godly man, a joyful giver and heart sensitive to the Lord's leading.

It was his birthday, but I feel like I received that most precious gifts this year!

Happy Birthday, Son

2007-09-11T21:28:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Today is my only son's birthday...I know he will spend a lifetime hearing "Oh, your birthday is September 11th? That's so sad." But to him and us, although we do remember that day with extreme sadness, we also have great joy associated with that day. He is the sweetest, most giving boy...he makes my heart so glad to know that I get the privilege of being his mom. I have some stories I will be writing soon about him to demonstrate his heart...but it will sadly have to wait until I am able to type a little better. (short story: thumb on dominate hand...van door smashed shut on it from a gust of wind..had to pry van door open to release thumb. It's not broken, but it is making life [and typing] more difficult.)
Blessings on your day.

He's on a roll!

2007-09-10T14:39:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

My husband is one for surprises. He doesn't like to receive them as much as he likes to give them. He's the one one who gave me three years worth of surprise birthday parties. He's the one who plans get-a-ways for the two of us, he's the one who bought me a necklace and smuggled it in my sister's suitcase to Mexico to give to me on our first dress up dinner night. He is good at surprises. Last night he gave me a great surprise. He decided to learn how to make sushi, since we both love it so much. He bought all the stuff, found out how to make my favorite combinations and he spent two hours preparing, cutting, assembling and arranging these yummy plates of sushi for our dinner. He amazes me at each turn of our lives.

Waiting

2007-09-06T11:45:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Yesterday, while waiting for school to start Christi and I had a few minutes to visit with one another about life and playgrounds. She informed me that she likes the playground because it has a lot of different things to do...you can slide, climb, swing, dig, run and jump. "It makes playing more funner", she said. I asked her which activity she liked best. "Hmm", she said, "I guess it's the one where you're having fun." Good point!

As adult, we often find pleasure in certain things and a deep dislike in others. Not because they are terrible things, just because of our attitude involved in them. I tend to dislike grocery shopping and cooking. But...when Jean 2 meets me @ W*lmart for groceries I have a good time, probably too much of a good time since it takes three hours instead of one. And cooking. Well, if Jean 3 is in the kitchen with me to talk to and with which to visit, it's suddenly fun. It's not the task, it's the company that changes the task. I've not tried this theory yet with toilet scrubbing...but I have a sneaking suspicion that it would apply here as well.

Podcasts are becoming my ready companions for my mundane or less joyful tasks...it's like carrying my friends in my earphones, helping me to laugh through the day and hum a tune while I work. Nothing gets the ironing done faster than a bit of Ron Kenoly praise music or floors mopped more thoroughly than Casting Crowns.

Behold the Pillow of Truth

2007-09-04T20:46:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Spur of the moment. On a whim. Spontaneous departure. Getting the Heck out of Dodge. Whatever one calls it, Mommy's need time to just be. Be who they are when they are not with their kids. Be who they are when they are not caring for their homes. Be who they are when they are not ironing clothes for their husbands. Be who they are when the kids are grown and out of the house. Be who they are, Period. As a mom, until last year, I had fallen into the belief that who I was had been engulfed and absorbed by my husband and children, that I no longer had my own separate identity. I'm not trashing on my family. OH NO! I cherish my husband and children beyond words. I would not trade one day that I have had with them (although I would maybe try for a trade on some of those "flu and strep throat days) nor do I wish for a different life, I am very content. But there are days when it is easy to allow oneself to lose sight of who it is that God created...me. Not self-centered looking, but inward looking. When I had lost sight of that, I had stopped growing, changing, becoming a new creation. I was more focused on helping my children be who they were created to be, more focused on supporting my husband as he was doing and being who he was created to be....but myself, no. It's not to say that God had discontinued to speak to me, or that I had no direction in life, but I had lost sight of the fact that someday down a fairly short path, I was going to emerge as a person who no longer had the responsibilities of raising my children. Who would I be without that calling? How mature could I be if I had not been growing?
As I pondered these questions and re-read a couple of chapters in "Purpose Driven Life" I found that my purposes had lost definition. I was only living up to a few of the callings I had been given in my life. I was a loving wife, I was a giving mother, I was a caring friend, I was a productive part of our church body, I belonged to PTA and MOPS, I did A LOT OF STUFF. But, I was not feeding my spirit, allowing myself to relax, I was tying myself up in knots with my roles.
Last year, two of my best friends and I were blessed to take the trip of our dreams. We left behind all for one week and just lived. We talked, we discussed, we grew. It refreshed my spirit, my soul, my life. My husband said I came back a better me than I had ever been. Since that time, I've found that my heart had been yearning for that type of release, but I had denied it out of a presumed obligation to denying myself for the sake of the family. It brought the three of us (Jean 2 and Jean 3 and myself) closer...not just to each other, but to our families. It created a spout for all that stored up emotion, relieved all the emotional knots.
This past Saturday Jean 3 called and said "Jean 2 says she's in a funk. I told her what she needed was for her to kidnap you and meet me in Kansas City for a night." My spirit leaped. I was immediately on board, I just needed to run it by my spouse. His response "Sure, why not?" Just that easy. We three Jeans talked through 3-way calling and made our plans. We drove up, found a hotel, went for some retail therapy and then spent the rest of the night talking. The kind of talking that gets on deep levels, that deals with real issues and vaporizes tensions.
We headed home the next day fueled for life, energized for our families and refreshed in our spirits, and ideas of where we will go next year.

Goodness Sakes, enough papers already!

2007-09-01T21:18:00.001-05:00

Rated G
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

I have spent much of my time the last week and a half writing. If I were working on a deadline for a novel, I think I would have been able to contribute about 15 chapters in the last few days. But alas, I was filling out school forms. With four children in the school system I have filled out forms for each of the children that gives them the permissions, information, documentation, and maybe even the password to my ATM card. This is not my first experience with this onslaught, so I have developed some tried and true practices to help with the writers cramp.
1. Fill out the paper work minus the name and date and photocopy the paper, put this photocopy in a file. Why? Because you will get these same forms next year and in multiples if you have more than one child in school. If you have a copy on hand, provided you haven't changed their name or address from one year to the next, you can just print out a copy and fill in the name and date and send the form out the door. It's also the time saver if you happen to get a phone call or note home that says "Mrs. Blogger Queen, we didn't get little Blogglet's form, could you please fill it out again and send it in?" HIT PRINT AND BE DONE WITH IT.
2. Go through all backpacks, lunch bags, binders, Walmart bags (or whatever else your child uses to transport papers) and sort all papers into piles of "Return to School", "Save for Posterity" and "File 13". All File 13 papers go directly into the trash/recycle bins. Have your child take the "Save for Posterity" papers and put them into your saving place. My kids have bank boxes that hold file folders personalized with their names on it. That give you a smaller pile of paper with which you must deal. Sign all field trip, enclose lunch money and such and return them immediately to the backpack...no more forgotten items. Anything that can be filled out at leisure can be saved for the car line to relieve boredom and gives you the opportunity to concentrate on it while you wait your turn to pick up your darling....just be sure to put these forms into the backpack when you are dropping them off the next morning.
3. Do not feel like you need to keep everything that your darling creates. Trust me, you will get many, many, many items that you will feel compelled to keep. Let your child pick one favorite paper a week. At the end of the year you can go through and save the ten favorite items and a writing sample from the first of the year and the last of the year to show progression and development.

As my mind allows me to draw a deep breath on this long weekend, I wish a restful goodnight. :)

This river must flow

2007-08-31T15:46:00.001-05:00

riverfall
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

In my life I have songs that I have sung for so many years that I sing them without thought..they just kind of fly from my lips, sometimes in tune, sometimes not so much. As of late I've begun to focus on the songs I am singing, listening to words that have long lost their conviction and just become a part of rote vocalizations. This past Wednesday I was standing in the church service singing along with everyone else when Holy Spirit nudged my spirit and focused me in on the words I had been singing but not really meaning.
"Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God.
You're all together worthy , all together lovely, all together wonderful to me."

And then I couldn't sing anymore, I couldn't get the words to come out around the lump in my throat. My focus up to that point, to be completely honest, had been "whew, we made it on time to church". But once the words hit my spirit, I realized that the reason I was in that exact seat at that exact moment was to worship. to bow my heart, to proclaim God as my God....because He is worthy, lovely and wonderful to me.
As the week as progressed this song has come to me again and again...as I sit on the couch (why am I here? To Worship), as I pray with my kids (why am I here? To bow down my heart), as I sit down to write at my laptop (why am I here? To say that God is my God). I am able to go through my days because God is wonderful and lovely to me by blessing me with this family and life, for no other reason than because He is God.

Bria's Photoshoot

2007-08-30T17:20:00.001-05:00

jen for photo shoot
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

My oldest, Bria, is now in 8th grade. I know! I can't believe it either...I remember starting 8th grade. It's the year I started wearing make-up, the year I moved to Smalltown Missouri where I eventually met Jean 2. It's when I began to fill out and started looking like a young lady and less like a little girl. So.....Here's Bria at this milestone. She's singing in a band for our church's Friday night youth hangout. She's wearing make-up. She's taking algebra and plays the flute. She's growing up.

Honey Heaven

2007-08-30T14:28:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Yesterday Christi and I had a "special girls day". She decided that we both needed to wear pink from morning to night. She decided that we MUST start the day with a tea party. She decided that we MUST paint our nails (pink of course]. She decided that we then needed to eat marshmallows and drink pink "tea". After following all her play cues, and even saying all the lines she wanted me to say in response to her "tea talk"....I said "Hey, let's go to lunch at a tea room." She agreed and here is a picture of her with her pink lemonade tea, her honey mustard honey drizzled chips and a beautiful smile. :)

replacement photo for post

2007-08-27T10:56:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

My photo for the previous post disappeared, so this one is the replacement. :)

Manic Mommies

2007-08-25T21:42:00.001-05:00

Well, as most of you know, I am addicted to my iphone. And my laptop. And my Internet. And now.....Podcasts. Yesterday I was stumbling around itunes looking for new things to download. Here I found Manic Mommies podcasts. I clicked on it to just give it a try and found myself laughing so much, backing it up to listen to something again and realized...these ladies are so much like ME! I downloaded a full episode to listen to while I was cooking...and then I ran back to the laptop to download another episode...and then I went to "bed early" so I could listen without the kids making feel guilty for not paying attention to what they were saying. Now...I have found myself downloading 15 episodes, listening to the other 45 episodes...even listening to one of the episodes while I blog about it. Give it a listen and I think you'll get an idea of what it would sound like if Jean 2 and I had our own podcast. :)

Ortho you said

2007-08-22T22:30:00.001-05:00

Ortho
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Well, Bria had her consult today for possible braces. We went in thinking that she would be a slam dunk kind of case. They would look in her mouth, see that she'd been wearing a retainer for a year and a half and say "Well, it's not going to be much work for me here." INSTEAD...."Hmm, I don't remember what Nicki's teeth looked like exactly, but I would have to say that this mouth is in worse shape then hers!" Stunned silence. Shock. Then "Huh? What do you mean?" Well, short story:
overbite (check)
+open bite (check)
+crowding (check)
+excessive wear on back teeth (check)
+rotated teeth (check)
+ removal needed of at least four permanent teeth (check)
= a very large check!

Fortunately, we understand that God pays for what He orders....so we are at peace with this knowledge, although we will be watering our money tree a little more frequently. :)
Blessings on your day!

I'm thirsty anyway.....

2007-08-20T10:38:00.001-05:00

I'm thirsty anyway
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

So bring on the rain. (Jo Dee Messina song #6 but you might want to ignore the background picture on this site. ;) )

After countless days of 100+ degree weather, drought-like conditions, moving sprinklers around the yard like clockwork and taking refuge in any air-conditioned building...it's raining! And 76 degrees. Yippee! Our yard is drinking greedily, the flowers out front are springing to life and I am finally going to get to wear my favorite jeans today. And while I sympathize with those of you dealing with Hurricane Dean, I am also grateful for the break in weather we are getting.
Happy Monday to all of you!

Brrrrrrr, it's Frosty in here

2007-08-17T10:24:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

We've been working overtime these last few weeks to keep our bodies cool, which in turn keeps our tempers cool. With a long string of 100+ degree days we've gone to many lengths to find cool air that does not make our utility bills over $1000. Yesterday we decided to store hop. We would go from one place to another to take as long as humanly possible (but not long enough for the store managers to think we were casing the place for a future hiest) and picking up items to throughly inspect, reading the entire book jackets, purusing the full line of available cds. After a few hours of this, we headed to Wendy's for a Frosty. It was great. Now, I'm off with hubby to take our youngest two for a few hours of trout fishing, Yippee! (There had better be another Frosty in my near future.)

Christi's masterpiece

2007-08-14T20:37:00.001-05:00

Christi's masterpiece
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Today I took Bria and Nicki for back-to-school haircuts. While waiting Christi and Ryan played tic tac toe and a version of the dot game. After a time Christi walked up to me and said "I'm going to draw a picture of you and Levi". Levi is our long hair mini daschund. I think she nailed it! :)

Just a-swingin'

2007-08-12T19:02:00.001-05:00

DSC01879_edited-1
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Christi is in the throes of learning how to "push and pump" to make her swing go higher and higher. She has worked, and worked and worked, to get herself to the stage of being able to swing "really high". To document this, she called to me and said, "Take a picture Mommy so I can see how close I get to the clouds!" I'd say she reached one...Cloud Nine!

Shop til you drop? Uh, yeah!

2007-08-11T19:09:00.001-05:00

IMG_0131
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Thursday the kids and I took the visiting cousins to Branson Landing for a fun filled day of shopping and water front fun. We went on a day when everyone told us "You're crazy! It's supposed to be so hot!" But once we got there, it being so close to the water, it was actually a fairly perfect day with moments of cool breezes and water splashes. Everyone had a such a good time, finally heading home just after
9pm.

googlecc025844eda12045.html.

Iconic custard

2007-08-10T13:30:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Every area or town, depending on size, has one place that locals know is the BEST. Whether it's seafood, barbque ribs hambugers or frozen custard, the locals will know it well and visit it often. Our area has Andy's Frozen Custard. THE. BEST. EVER. When we have family or friends come to visit, it is THE place to go. We usually save it as a nightcap to a full day, knowing full well that it is going to make everyone very happy.

This week, my husband's nieces have been visiting us for the first time without parents or grandparents. We have gone to the movies twice, went shopping yesterday, they have stayed up late playing Monopoly and talking and such. It was finally time to take the cousins to visit Andy's so we made it part of the planning for Wednesday night after church. This, in and of itself is a treat, since when school starts back we have to rush home from church and go to bed so we can wake up in time for school mornings...but summer gives us that leaway to stay out a little later and have a little bit of frozen ~~manna~~ custard.
Come visit sometime, we'll take you too!

Bringing them Home...

2007-08-08T18:42:00.001-05:00

stewart_family_tape
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

This post is about a friend of mine of many years and a newer "blog-acquaintance", his wife. Kevin and Candace are in the midst of enlarging their tent" (Is. 54:2 ""Enlarge the place of your tent; Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not"). They, along with their five children are in the midst of adoption processes for bringing home three children from Liberia. This is a section of their blog that I am going to link you to later in this post.

"We are the Stewart family and we are in the process of bringing our three adopted children home from Liberia (West Africa). Fannie (age 6), Charles (age 5), and Giftee (age 4) are siblings whose father was killed in the summer of 2003, at the very end of the 14-year civil war which destroyed much of Liberia. Their mother continued to care for them the best she could, but because of extreme poverty and deteriorating health, she severed her parental rights and left them in the care of a Liberian orphanage in December 2006. Our hearts’ desire has been to keep these three little ones together and to provide them with a loving home and family. We received our referral for their adoption in January and their adoption was finalized in May. Their passports were received in July and now we just wait for clearance to travel from the US Embassy in Liberia. We hope to have them home by the end of August or early September.

I have been following and praying for this family for the process once I reconnected with Kevin earlier this year. They have been through the process of raising funds, jumping through the hoops of adoption requirements and are legally the parents of Fannie, Charles and Giftee...just waiting now for clearance to travel and they can bring them home to meet their five brothers and sisters.

I am someone who believes very strongly about the power of prayer and the spirit of agreement, so I am calling upon each of you who happen by to intercede for this family, for the three children who are waiting to come home and five children stateside who are waiting to finally meet their new siblings. I ask you to pray for the authorities in charge to submit to The Authority in charge, giving the "go ahead" to travel and bring them home. I ask you to visit the site here (http://stewartfamily.onedollaradoption.com/) that gives you an opportunity to donate one dollar toward their journey.

To read more about this, visit their site : http://bringingthemhome.net

How hot is it?

2007-08-07T20:24:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Well, it's so hot we have been finding "inside" things to do...like spending three and a half hours at our Incredible Pizza playing games, eating lunch, drinking sodas and playing games. Two of the cousins are in town for the week, that's them in the foreground. The girls are having fun together staying up late, giggling late into the night and helping each other pick out their clothes for the day. Tomorrow we are going to go watch Ratatouille, and another day we are going to the indoor swimming pool. At times like this I find myself so thankful for such things like air conditioning and computers (great for relieving boredom) and satellite television.

Few places of interest I've visited today.

2007-08-07T10:11:00.000-05:00

Back To School Giveaway With Gymboree this site is giving a $250 gift card to my favorite children's store.
http://chookooloonks.blogphotography.com/ august 1st post. This is a blog I read daily and have already signed up for this project. It is a postcard swap. You have until Aug. 9th to sign up if you want to....the gist? Email her your address, she is going to compile lists and give you a list of 12 people to send a handmade postcard. It's about beginnings, it's about connection, it's about making our great big world just a little bit more friendly. Cool huh?
http://www.scrapgirls.com/ this is a digital scrapbook supplies site. I love this site (I go there OFTEN) because it not only sells digital items, but it also has freebies. They have sets of papers and embellishments that you use with your photoshop programs and other digital editing programs.
http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/digikits.asp?f=c_336&c=24 another digital scrapbook site...with even more free kits. Yea!

Well, that's all for now. I'll post my regular type of post later on today. Have fun surfing and hope you get some great free stuff. :)

Life is just a walk in the park.

2007-08-06T17:26:00.001-05:00

Day at the park
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

My husband and I decided to take some special time with our youngest two while the older two were at youth group this past Sunday. Upon being asked what they would like to do they quickly requested that we "show Daddy our special park". Good idea!
While driving there our son and daughter began to fill him in on the favorite things about the park, the neat play equipment and the fact that they had really clean bathrooms. Husband laughed and said "I guess we'll have to check it all out."
Daddy did in fact like our "special park" very much. He pushed the kids on the swings, (even got on one of the swings with them) helped them use the teeter- totter and watched them climb on the jungle gym. I sat on the bench and watched. I took pictures. I savored the sight of a Daddy playing so joyfully with his children and felt so blessed to know that this is my partner in raising children.
We later drove over to our favorite pizza place where we spent over an hour just talking and laughing, enjoying the fellowship of love.
Thankfully we get chances to learn, grow and have fun...some days all we need to know is that life is just a walk in the park.

Another bit of history

2007-08-02T20:37:00.001-05:00

white barn and silo
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

This barn and silo is positioned along one of the roads I like to drive to get to the nearest Godfather's Pizza. It took a few takes and a slow drive by shooting (camera speak, that is). As I was discussing my fascination with barns to my four year old she asked many questions about why barns were needed. I took some time to discuss with her why people used them, why they would need horses for more than riding for fun, why we don't have one. After a bit of talking, we sat down and watched an episode of Little House on the Prairie. When it was over, she looked at me and said "Let's get a barn! I think we need a horse!"

Another barn

2007-07-29T20:58:00.001-05:00

rock, wood, metal roof barn
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Just because it's so pretty. This barn sits just south of the school my two daughters attended in recent years. It is part of the original homestead that has now been taken over by the school, the church to it's west and the upcoming shopping area. It is so lovely. If you look at it closely, you can see that it was built lovingly by someone who appreciated the beauty of the rocks from the nearby river.