Don't panic. My computer died again, long story. Hopefully Mike Wade can help us fix one or both. Today is cookie day! We have been making and decorating all day. I hope to post pics soon. I have a great one for wordless Wednesday. Merry Christmas!

Welcome to reverse wishlists. What would you buy for your family members if you could choose most anything. (I stipulated no houses, cars, etc.) These are my children's answers. They are both hilarious and , for the most part, wildly accurate choices. See if you agree!

Jeanette’s list

Dad- a game of chess
Mom- a blue elephant
Savannah-a book
Evan- a game for his game thing
Ben- a key chain
Joel- a deck of cards
Ivy- a soccer ball
Anna- a Wii
Trinity- game boy
Grant- a sort of stuffed football
Liberty-a stuffed bunny

Ivy’s list
Dad- a professional massage
Mom-a vacation to the Carribean
Savannah-the most high tech professional trainer to train her to take pictures and a pro camera
Evan and Liz-- a ticket to see the biggest library ever
Ben and Joel- a stage that goes anywhere you put it and band equipment
Anna- a grabby machine full of candy
Jeanette- a pony and a princess gown
Trinity- a trip to meet Andruw Jones
Grant- put him on a 2 year old football team

Trinity’s list
Dad- a ring
Mom- a new computer like Savannah’s ( a mac)
Savannah- a shirt and more computer stuff
Evan and Liz- another dog
Ben- another keyboard
Joel- nintendo DS
Ivy- new clothes
Anna- nintendo DS
Jeanette-princess ornament/watch
Grant- beanie baby puppy
Liberty- new clothes

Anna’s list
Dad- socks
Mom-a mug
Savannah- a scrapbook thing
Evan and Liz- an Xbox game
Ben- a cookie
Joel- and Xbox360
Ivy-a craft thing
Jeanette- something princess
Trinity-a Scooby Doo movie
Grant-a football
Liberty- a rattle

Joel’s list
Dad and Mom- out to dinner
Savannah-a new camera lens
Evan and Liz- books
Ben- Xbox 360 with guitar hero 3 and a guitar
Ivy- headband
Anna-new shirts that cover her stomach!
Jeanette- a new Barbie
Trinity- a ticket to see an Atlanta Braves game
Grant- a baseball
Liberty- new clothes

Ben's list

Dad and Mom- dinner at Ruth's Chris steak house

Savannah-car CD player

Evan-sunglasses

Liz-sunglasses

Joel-PSP

Ivy-cell phone

Anna-a robot monkey

Jeanette-Barbies

Trinity-gameboy

Grant-Football jersey and helmet

Liberty-chew toy for teething

Kristin- a trip

I feel like I need to explain. Depression does not necessarily have an instigating event, nor an easy fix. It is not really something you can choose to "get over." It is one of the reasons it is so hard to admit to having. I am a positive person, I love to get up in the morning, I love to do special things for people. My love language is "gifts" and I really enjoy getting things that remind me of people. To be honest, I did not even realize I had PPD the first time. I thought depression meant you wanted to hurt yourself and/or others. That you cried all the time and had a specific reason for being upset. I was actually offended when my friends told my husband they thought I was depressed. In their defense, I cried through my own shower and told them I felt like I was coming up from underwater most of the time. And I NEVER cry in public.
I did NOT want to be a depressing person. It went against my whole image of myself. I always wanted to be the "fun" mom. It as difficult for everyone involved. I was a little better prepared for it when it happened again. My dear friend Nancy actually helped my teach school, as did her daughter Kristin. She also accompanied me to the grocery store. It completely overwhelmed me for months. The point I am making is: if I could have "gotten over it", I would have!
It has taken me a month to figure out what was going on. Apparently, I am also a great actor(actress, whatever), because people somehow think I am gentle and patient(I think I am neither). Also, most would not guess that I often struggle just to go to the store. I have freaked out at the thought of eating at Golden Corral; all those people, having to get up and go CHOOSE something, it was just too much. I am not like that everyday, and it is not my "true" self. Would that there were an instant cure. I really don't want to take meds or have it diagnosed. I guess because I prefer natural methods, and to be honest, it is embarrassing to me.
But I felt it needed to be said for whatever reason. Again, I apologize for being tiresome when Christmas should be happy and full of joy. I guess part of it is that our funds do not allow me to do what I would like, especially for Christmas. It is what we have chosen so that Michael could attend seminary, and we knew it was coming, but is somehow harder to live with than I anticipated.
I have some funny stuff for when I have a moment, but right now there is a baby needing her breakfast!

Though it is wordless Wednesday, I will put words on here. I have not been sick or extrememly busy. ( Although, Joel and Ivy have been working nonstop on research papers that were due today.) I have been apathetic. I have suffered from PPD after past pregnancies, and thought I had gotten away clean this time. After all, my baby is 5 months old and finally a pudgy baby I can take places. I KNOW I suffer from SADD is that the right terminology?), but , to be honest, it is fairly sunny here, and I get out everyday. It does happen that Savannah took the 3 little girls with her to Memphis. It was strangely quiet and slow. The van broke down, and the car was on its last legs as rain threatened. But I hate to be so selfish and be all about me.
How to explain depression and NOT be so prideful? It is such a self-serving affliction. I do not always recognize it. But it is VERY hard to make rational decisions(ok, any at all) in the midst. Where does the Love of God fit in? There are things you know in your head, but you don't quite believe them. And you don't really care.
I don't mean to write such a depressing blog. We are all well, and have had several visits from friends, as well as a few completely unexpected blessings, for which we are thankful. We are fed and clothed and together.
I have not even written my Christmas newsletter yet. My excuse is that Savannah has the pix I want to use on her camera. Hold up your hand if you want a Christmas newsletter from me. All opposed ? JK, I will get around to it soon, I hope. Don't forget, tomorrow is St. Lucia day!

Wordless Wednesday

Funny Tuesday

Not to be confused with Fat Tuesday or Funny Friday; Largely because I am afraid I will forget by then.

1. Trinity is in the next level of AWANA this year. When she came to memorizing the books of the New Testament, I considered whether we should go ahead and start when she had 3 other sections ready to say. But then, I thought about the fact that she is the 8th child to go through this level and that we have successfully worn out 2 "Wee Sing Bible songs" tapes. Now we own the CD. I thought maybe she might have learned the books by osmosis or association or something. So I started the VERY familiar song of the New Testament books, waiting for her to join in, " Matthew, Mark..."

Trinity, " ......April, May."

2. As we worked on our phonics today, We went over serveral letters. If you have met my children, you are aware that they do NOT have use of the letter "R" during their early years(up until about 8, for most of them.) I am not sure why this is. I blamed it on the fact we lived in England for the first 3. I cannot figure out why the others do it. The neurologist I consulted when Savannah did this so late(yes, I was a little more aggressive with my firstborn) explained that this is the last sound English speaking children develop. ANYHOW, Trinity is following the same pattern (but, Grant is not), so we worked in saying R, R,Rabbit, covered "T, S, E," you get the idea. Then we came to "th" which she consistently says as "S". SO I showed her (again) how to but her tongue between her teeth and encouraged her to practice. She did, and then said" Th, Th, thrabbit!."

No comments from the peanut gallery on my homeschooling style please!

For those terribly interested in our family, Savannah and Ben have added to Trinity's version of the New Testament book/months of the year song.

Matthew, Mark, April, May, Acts and the letter to the Romans, June July, August, September, Galatians and Ephesians....October and November, First and Second Thessalonians, First and second Timothy, December, January, Hebrews and the book of James, February , March, First and Second ,Third John, Jude and Revelation!

So, Savannah finally decided to hold off on attending YWAM discipleship school for now. Which means she needs a job. and I feel incredibly guilty about making my almost 22 year old daughter share a room with her 2 and 5 year old siblings. Don't misinterpret, SHE is not complaining. The past few days have been interesting as she weighed the pros and cons and debated. The question quite naturally arose, HOW do we really KNOW God's will for our lives?

As a family, we have wrestled for the past couple of years with essentially the same question. We are called to ministry. The exact nature is always changing. We do not have the same revolving house full of singles we have had at other locations, nor the group of young couples. We are not involved at all with the local homeschoolers, though we have been prominent leaders in the past. We have not actively pursued a church calling for many reasons. (Hello, new baby here for one)

SO, the question arises, in a more specific sense. There are many things we KNOW to be the will of God. BUt on many issues He is silent. We have studied "Experiencing God", both adult and youth versions. Blackaby is terrific and really shows how to see God working and to join Him. Many times , we have inadvertently been in the middle of ministry. People came to us, literally appeared in our house when we were not even home sometimes. These are not those days.

Not a "Christmas-y " post for a Monday morning. Yet, vital to the impending season of advent. Ok, it actually started yesterday. I set everything up and then forgot to buy the candles! Praying to reconcile the doubts, to honor the newborn king with our lives!





















Savannah took this crazy picture while we were decorating for Christmas!

When we had lots of relatives here last week, someone asked what Evan is doing now. I explained that though he has applied for several jobs since graduating last spring, he has not found one. So, he continues to work at the Rec center. Anna-Laura asked why no one has hired him. I said I suspected it was partly because he is so young. (He went to college a year early, then graduated a year early, so he is 20.) Anna said, "Yes, but he is smart AND funny!"' As if this was an attribute employers were looking for!





His degree in English was meant to help his entrance to Law school, but when the AF did not pick him up as an officer(and hopefully later sponsor his law school through the JAG program), he had not done the paperwork for any schools. He does have applications in now. And he gets paid decently to Lifeguard, teach swim lessons and coach swim team.

Friday Funny

Wordless Wednesday

Ok, My friend Jennifer "tagged" me for 8 random things in a "meme". Somebody please tell me what that is and what I am supposed to do about it!

Meanwhile: 8 random things about me:

!. I really don't like dresses unless the skirts are long and "swirly".

2. Whistling(other people's) physically HURTS me.

3. I was adopted at 4 months in New Orleans where my dad went to Seminary. The same Seminary my husband now attends.

4. I drink British tea every morning, and don't really care for coffee.

5. I ran cross country and track in high school, too.

6. Michael and I do NOT like cats and can barely tolerate dogs(other people's). I always say I kill plants, and pets overwhelm me. It is all I can do to keep the kids alive. It's a slight exaggeration, but true, nonetheless.

7. I am not a big movie watcher, I just can't stand to sit still that long. But I love to read.

8. I lived in Vietnam as a child, where my parent were missionaries, and it colors my world. For instance, it has much to do with my "pack rat" instinct. Having lost all I owned once, I hold on to everything, and let my children do the same.

We had a crazy busy Thanksgiving week! Just when I thought I might be able to check my email, blog, etc, I discovered that an enterprising relative ahd loaded a virus onto our computer and just about killed it! (well, rendered it useless for several days, at least). I felt totally bereft. I did not realize how addicted I had become to expressing my thoughts and reading other people's blogs.

Savannah is home! In the end, I went to pick her up instead of Michael. I decided that would be better than the consequences of leaving me home with the children! I had just had one of those days when mom needs to take a step back. Please continue to pray for Savannah to really KNOW what she needs to do next.

Ben enjoyed racing in the pre-nationals, but had a terrible cold on the actual day. The rest of us stayed here and continued to visit. I hope to post pictures a little later. Savannah took some pictures of me that are not a total loss.

Menu: Smoked Turkey, Ham, dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, pineapple casserole, green bean casserole(2 kinds), sweet potato casserole, homemade rolls, pumpkin pie, raspberry ribbon pie, chocolate swirl cheesecake and pumpkin cheescake dip with gingersnaps.

GO Ben! 16 minutes and 32 seconds! 24th in the STATE! He is planning to compete in the Nike Team Nationals this coming weekend! GO Ben!

Trying to think of something funny. Being wildly unsuccessful. Ok, think of something thought-provoking. Again, nothing. So I will leave you with this silly poem Savannah wrote for her dad for his birthday last Sunday. Funny, Sappy, and sentimental. Happy Friday.

So this is the sappy one a poem by yours truly,

Ode to my father of forty-four
Who is twice my age, not a minute more.
It was he who revealed this fact to me,
I was ten, and remember it vividly.
He told me that when he was twenty-two,
He was half the age of his own father too.
He said this had been his discovery,
When he was around the age of ten like me.
As we sat in the car staring eye-to-eye,
I filed this thought into my memory,"
He must have been a smart boy way back then,
to think up such a complex thing at ten!"
And now on the eve of our momentous year
I think back on that memory and it is clear;
You were more than a smart man way back then,
You were king of my heart at the age of ten.
Savannah

Nothing of import to say. Today I have been contemplating the merits of showering at night as opposed to in the morning. Not a deep subject, I know. But one that has made a difference for me. I just feel better somehow, being clean when I go to bed; Like a shower after being at the beach all day. If I wait until morning, I feel like I am just losing time, and then my hair soaks my clothes( as opposed to my pillow, I guess). I prefer to read my Bible at night, too. I just can never be sure when I will be woken up by really short people, but I can pretty much guarantee I will go to sleep after most of my children. So I feel like I have whatever amount of time I need. Just what works for me. But, I would love to know your ideas. I am always looking to improve. Ok, to be honest, I REALLY just like to know what others do that works for them. I actually have a little trouble changing my habits. But not as much as a couple of my children. I am always kidding them about staying inside their little box(-es, I suppose, one for each child who LOVES routine).

Wordless Wednesday

Yesterday I spent the morning rearranging different bedrooms and ultimately the garage to make room for Savannah. She just needs a more private place than the schoolroom! It is slightly annoying that we have no attic. I guess the upside is, we can see all our junk at a glance in the garage, so we can't let it just build up.

In the afternoon, we went out to a beach in the next town over, on the island. It did not seem a big deal at the time, but Trinity got caught in a riptide, and Joel's Friend Will waded in to save her. Just makes me think. She was innocently playing a game of fetch the stick with the waves, and wandered into a dangerous area. I did not even realize she was in trouble until I saw her slightly overwhelmed by the water. I called to her to stand up, thinking she had fallen over. Will just came right in and lifted her up. I did not have time to react. The look on her face, and the degree to which she clung to his neck showed how scared she really was.

Of course this made me think about how often we do this same thing. We become complacent and caught up in our "game". It is too late when we realize that we cannot get ourselves out of the mess we are in. Sometimes we cannot even ask for help. How much more aware of his surroundings is our FATHER? I am thankful today for His omnipresence and omniscience.

Joel and Will

For more pix see: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30009&l=40609&id=725730929

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30005&l=aa792&id=725730929

May you be blessed with the knowledge of his encompassing protection!

The final decision included children in the birthday dinner. They were SO excited! We had a great time, except the diaper bag got left at home!

The kids' musical was a smash! They did such a great job. Unfortunately, Liberty was exteremely moody yesterday, so Michael had to watch on closed circuit TV in the nursery! Enjoy the pix!

See more at : http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29931&l=01f47&id=725730929

GO Vikings! Ben qualified for state!

I successfully placed this music video on my blog! It was perfect for my Sunday morning. Thanks, Jennifer! NOw I want to make one with OUR pix. Help, Savannah!

I tried to change my template, hoping to alleviate the issues of the mac users. I found one I liked on what I thought was a free site, but I could not figure it out. My computer illiteracy is catching up with me! In my defense, the ONLY computer class offered at my high school clashed with AP Biology, and since my family did not even own a computer, I figured I would be better served to go with the advanced biology class. This is why I rely on my dh.
Michael's birthday is this weekend. I have no special gift. Can't think of one I can afford. We will have dinner with Mike and Nancy on Saturday. Still can't decide if we should bring the kids or leave them at home. They want to see Mike and Nancy, too.
So, what IS up with this whole "dawn is coming" business? My friend Loree joked that I was getting a maid, then called to say God had revealed that "dawn" was a dishwasher! (get it, the liquid soap?) The next morning, my alarm went off to "I'm forgiven, because He was forsaken", but the next song was Third Day singing "There's a light at the end of this tunnel, and there's a light at the end of this tunnel.." As if this wasn't enough, this morning I turned randomly to an article in the magazine from church about how to live in the fog until it lifts and clears. I guess I did not realize I was in such a dense fog.
Waiting for the new day!

Wordless Wednesday!

Bet you thought I fell off the face of the earth! No, I got the flu. so , I could do Nothing for a day. Do you know how backed up you get when that happens? I felt off kilter until yesterday. As usual, the weekend was busy and fun, and I left the camera filled with new batteries at home!
I got ALL the kids up and went to Ben's race Saturday morning because Michael had to work. He got his best time ever, 16:43! Ivy ran the open with a time of 21:46! In case these numbers have little meaning for you, it was a 5K race(3.1 miles). Ben placed 12th in the district. And I forgot the camera! We are excited for him to do even better this weekend at regionals.
Later we went to Farm day. It was put on by a local church out on a farm(imagine that) and it was free! Food, games, pony rides, petting zoo, a scavenger hunt. And we got the chance to participate in an attempt for a Guiness Book of World Records hayride!
At church, we had a special speaker. This is the strange part. Apparently, long after I had to leave the service (due to small children), the speaker said he had a message for "Laura". I had never even seen this fellow before. Honestly, I did not believe my husband when he said I was to talk to the speaker. When I did, He told me that God wanted him to tell me not to worry, that Dawn was coming. I am still not sure what to think about this.

Wordless Wednesday!

I really wanted to maybe do individual posts about the kids. I am still not sure if I will. I am concerned(only a little) about privacy issues. Though, to be honest, I have never had a problem with this. I have had a couple of friends who went private on their blogs. The other reason is that I do not have all my pix due to the crash of our main computer a couple of months ago. Also, my son E(haha) HATES all things internet related to individual websites where people interact. He has experienced the misuse of these and feels they are a serious invasion of privacy. Neither he nor his wife have a website, and emphatically do not want one. I am not sure they would appreciate being the "topic of the day."

But I will say he is my oldest son and second child. We have the most in common as far as wit and humor. He has been known to call me just to tell me the word he managed to spell in Boggle. We love word games and good books, and a good cup of tea! He is also the most likely to be blessed with the first grandchild(gasp!). He does not live nearby, so we do not see him as often as we'd like.

I hope that does not make him feel "exposed". BTW, his wife is just great! She fits right into our family just as if she had always been part of it. We love that about her! She also manages to choose just the right thing for each of the kids for their birthdays, and this as a highly developed skill.

Now pretend you are seeing a nice picture of them at the beach. Yes, his arms are too long! And when he forgets, he stands like a chicken! Yes, she just got all her hair chopped. But, it will grow, it always does. Aren't they so cute? Ok, one of them (guess which) is seated next to Anna.

Friday Funny

Grant has been interested in potty training this week. For the first time really since we moved, had the baby, etc. He has spurts of doing really well, and times where he does not even remember what we are doing.

Today, he woke up wet and shivering. He said he wanted to wear pants. He had brought some training pants to wear; and he went to the bathroom twice. But when we went to have our devotional time, he had a large tell-tale wet spot on the front of his jeans. I said, "Somebody wet their pants!" Grant smiled and raised his hand, and said, "Me, too!"

Wordless Wednesday

Anna-Laura Joy

Savannah has been such an encouragement to me lately. She has consistently reminded me of praises we have to offer and how God has always shown Himself faithful. Oh to see with the unjaded eyes of youth!

Please pray that God will show her the next step. When she returns from Australia, she will have enough credits to graduate. She is an awesome photographer, but wants to do more than portrait work(though she is great at that, too.) She will not have a job, and will have to decide whether to return to her grandparent's house or move back in with us. You know we would love to have her back, but we want the best for her, too.

If you have not seen her Australia blog, check it out at: http://chazphoto.blogspot.com/

I must say it is so fulfilling to see her maturity, and participate in these steps in her life. I pray for the wisdom to lead and guide the rest of children to know the Lord the way she does.

I saw a message on her facebook from a girl she knew in the early high school years. How my heart swelled when this girl thanked Savannah for telling her gossip was wrong so long ago! SO, I guess , lately, Ivy and Savannah have been my "proof" if you will. Now about those boys................ I think I will have to leave that for another blog.

AWANA Grand Prix!

Trinity's car "Sparkie"

Anna's car "Winner pin"

Jeanette's Car "Laura Carrot"

In case the ending was too obscure...

The tater tot story was just Evan being weird. I mean, if I said put about half the bag of tater tots on top of the casserole, would you dump the bag out on the table and COUNT them? He did. AFTER he dumped out the fishsticks. Maybe I should have explained better.

Ivy ran a great race yesterday and finished 3rd! Her time was 13:37 for 2 miles! SO glad to finish the season on a high note.

I had great plans to make chicken casserole for dinner tonight, but somehow I only had 2 lonely chicken legs in the freezer. I DID have one pound of ground beef left, and half a bag of tatertots. Can you believe my children were delighted to hear we were having "tater tot Cassie-role" . Our dear friend Cassie loves this dish. Ours is not the same version as the Duggars. In fact, it is rarely the same version even at our house!

Just in case you are wondering, we had a guest at dinner.

I am currently in panic mode because I signed up to host team dinner for Ben's cross country team tomorrow. Is the house clean? NO! Who has time?

I'll let you know how it goes when I recover! It is also AWANA Grand prix weekend.

I planned to post pix, and took quite a few, but right now I am unable to load them. I will try again later this weekend.

Ok, funny Tatertot story.

When we lived in Okinawa, we went to a fellowship dinner every Friday night. One week, I was making this casserole. I got most of it together and had to run upstairs to shower or dress a baby, you get the idea. I left Evan (then 11 or12) to complete the dish and pop it in the oven. When I returned, there were crumbs all over the dining room table. When I asked him why, he said" Oh, that is where I dumped out the fish sticks."
"Why?" I asked dazedly.
"TO count them and put half on the casserole like you said."
"Please tell me you did not put fish sticks on the tater tot casserole!"
"No, I realized they were not tater tots, Mom, did you know that 52 is exactly half of a bag of tater tots?"

My friend Jennifer(not sure how to link you to her blog) asked us to give a testimony of God working in our lives. Lately I have had to trust more than ever, especially financially.
Last week, Michael was about to take Grant to a football game, but the night was a little chilly. He asked me to get a jacket for him. I had to say I did not have one! Then I remembered someone at church had given us a bag of clothes for him. I ran to the garage, and there was a jacket, in his size! Two days later, a different person at church handed me a bag filled with bakery snacks.
So, God IS providing for us. It is just so hard to let him lead me to the "green" pastures. If you have seen "that the world may know" video lessons, you know that a "green" pasture in Israel is really just enough grass for the day, not any rolling green meadows.
I am thankful that we have no large medical or family issues hanging over us. I knew seminary would be difficult, but did not imagine quite this. Mostly I have a hard time(pride again?) telling my children that they cannot have something, go somewhere, do some activity. I hate having to admit to people that I cannot pay for the costumes for the musical, or go on a trip to see Ben's race.
Sometimes I can see the humor. Like when the ac was out(not due to us), I told the children we could pretend we were missionaries in a tropical climate with no ac. The older ones did not go for it.
God knows our situation, and He has a purpose and a plan. I KNOW this in my head. I just have a hard time living it! At times I just want to holler, "Just tell me what I am supposed to learn from this so we can move on!"
May God bless those who read this!

Who LOVES The Princess Bride?

What is your favorite part?

Our family makes a Thanksgiving tradition out of watching this movie!

We own the script.

Overboard, I know. (BTW, my husband loves that movie)

My favorite character is Inigo Montoya. You know, he is NOT left handed!

The book is even more hysterical.
Happy Fun Friday!

Do you have those days where you just want to crawl in a hole, or go home and try again another day? Yesterday was one of those for me.

My daughter Anna-Laura is renowned for her other-worldly thinking. Her first hypothesis that momentum alone would carry a stroller containing a 27 pound 2 year old down a steeply graded hill on a golf course was proven wrong. Thankfully, she did not attempt further experiments, and no 2 year olds were permanently damaged in this research. She further discovered that it is possible to empty the dining area of an Arby's restaurant by changing aforementioned 2 year old in the middle of the room! I take full responsibility. Shame on me for not mentioning previously the results of these ideas. Since I already new the outcome, I should have shared the information with her!

Seriously, my face was red, and I was ready to crawl home and lick my wounds. She was sheepish. It is a fine line not to damage her as well with what I say. I am not quite sure I managed it.

What gave me pause was thinking that really the only thing damaged was my pride. Here I am, careening around town with 5 or more children in tow, representing large families and homeschoolers everywhere. Not to mention the large"bus" I drive that bears the vanity plate " JE5U5" . How could I not be in full control of my children at all times? I mean, I have already sucessfully raised 2 reasonably bright and productive children who are adults. But no, there is still more I have to learn. Don't get me wrong, I KNOW I am not perfect. I guess I needed a reminder.

Ivy has been the reigning speed queen in cross country, but lately, some other girls are catching up and even passing her. Unfortunately, middle school girls can be a little snide. The first time, we almost had tears. I have been so proud of her gracious responses to the jibes cast her way recently. She just does her best, and effusively congratulates the winner (and the others who pass her.) Here is a picture of her in action.

I entered to win the writing instruction program MY Access! Home and the SAT Prep Pack on the HSB Company Porch!

Ok, I had to put that because I have a junior in high school; who woke up late and forgot to wear hisROTC uniform :0! He will be the only one I did not get to finish homeschooling(so far). We really felt it was was he needed to do. I miss him. He took this picture last night, for some school assignment. He is supposed to look like he is accusing someone. Not sure why.

Today I noticed a small card on the floor. I guess it fluttered off of my husband's packed dresser top. When you move, the strangest things pop out. They don't have a regular home because everything in the house is out of its usual place. You don't want to get rid of it...............yet, or maybe you will. But while you are deciding it should go.....................where?
I know that at this point you are probably thinking that it was a baby card, old birthday card or maybe a business card to someone we no longer have contact with.

Nope.
It was a Mork and Mindy bubblegum card! I am probably really showing my age, now. I thought that show was hilarious in junior high(or was it earlier?). I loved the absudity of it. How the world looked so strange to Mork. I understood how he always expected the best from people and did not understand deception. He took things literally, like at least one of my children(nicknamed "Amelia Bedelia") does!

I probably have 10-15 cards. I used to have Star Wars cards(the originals), but I think I gave them to the boys. I'd scan some in so you could laugh along with me at the craziness, but, I have no scanner, at least not hooked up to this computer. In the meantime, Nanu-Nanu!

First of all, if you are reading this on a MAC of some sort, please tell me if you can read this color any better.

I started this blog just to put up pictures of the kids and let friends(b/c my family does not usually read this) keep up with what was going on. I was not praticularly regular, and still have spurts of keeping up. I always thought a journal, or diary was a great idea, but I am a great starter and lousy finisher.

I have noticed that many people use blogs as a daily devotional and journal; More of a probing of their own thoughts and feelings. Whenever I do that, I feel like I am preaching. And you may have noticed that I am not a great typist. This is largely because I am usually typing one handed, sitting sideways and juggling a nursing/screaming baby in the other. I am not normally given to eloquence, and I hate to feel like I said something just to get approval.

I enjoy reading people who are able to pontificate without the same feelings of self serving that I have. I am certain they are genuine. Not so sure about me some of the time. I wanted to write, and did in high school and some in college. Not that I was great, but I really enjoyed the challenge. Like the poem I wrote last year for the contest on a mother's job. At first I was just writing a poem for the sake of being different. One day I said" It's not as if I am trying to write in iambic pentameter or something. " So then, of course I had to try. And I did it!

I guess it is partly a lack of sleep, partly the pressure of getting everything done in a day. I feel guilty for "wasting" my time on the computer when there are dishes, laundry and life going on. I am sure I put most of this on myself. I hope to eventually b e able to contribute more than just pictures and explanations, but for now, please enjoy.

Joel has waited his whole life to play tackle football. We are so glad he made the team. they are undefeated thus far.

no time to be funny today. Happy 25th, mike and nancy!

Wordless Wednesday

Self portrait by Trinity (note the twisted camera strap).

I have really been thinking about being PRESENT lately. It is so easy for me to get caught up in the urgent, or the next thing going on(ie:getting supper ready, etc), that I am not in the moment. These somewhat philosophical discussions can consume my thought if I am not careful. I am trying hard to be very aware.

For instance, last week, I was tired and the baby was cranky at the end of a day. It was an ordeal just getting the younger ones to bed. They asked for a story, and I said no because it was too late in the evening already. As I sat there a few minutes later, I realized that the person I had just modeled was not the person I wanted to be. SO, I called the requester down and told her that although tonight had not worked out, to keep asking. That I truly WANTED to read a story, just not when the baby is screaming.

This is the everyday stuff that burns in the mind. How I want my children to remember and KNOW that they were loved and that Christ was our focal point.

Last week we celebrated Joel's birthday and then my parents were here for part of the day. Trin elected herself photographer. Watch out, Savannah!

This was just what I needed today. It is written by Nancy Campbell of Above Rubies.



GET UP AGAIN
Jeremiah 8:4, "Thus saith the Lord, Shall they fall, and not arise? Shall he turn away and not return?"Have you failed recently? Or have you fallen into a hole right now? You feel stuck and don't know how to get out. We have all been in this place. But I want to remind you that you don't have to stay down, you don't have to stay in your hole and you don't have to continue feeling like a failure! God has promised that when you fall, you will rise again. I like the NLT translation of Jeremiah 8:4, "This is what the Lord says: when people fall down, don't they get up again? When they start down the wrong road and discover their mistake, don't they turn back?" It is instinctive within us to get up again. Watch a little baby learning to walk. He falls over many times, but every time he gets up, with a smile on his face, and off he goes again. We continue to fall throughout our lives. It is part of life. But we are not meant to stay down. We were born to get up again! Here are some other Scriptures to encourage you:
Job 5:19, "He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee."Psalm 37:23-24, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand."Psalm 40:2-3, "He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, and out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." You don't have to stay in your pit of despair. Put your hand up to the Lord He will take hold of it and pull you out, no matter how far you have sunk in the mud and the mire. He will do more than that. He will put a new song in your mouth. People will not only see it, they will see the joy on your face. Proverbs 24:16, "A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again." Is it just the wicked who fall? No. it is the godly also. You don't have to feel a failure for falling--as long as you get up again! The NLT translates is, "They may trip seven times, and each time they will arise." Take heart from these words. I want you read them again... "each time they will arise." Each time you will arise too. Micah 7:8, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall I shall arise: when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me." Thank God for this wonderful hope.Love from NANCY CAMPBELL
PRAYER:"Thank you, Lord, for your encouragement to me that when I fall I will arise again. I thank you that you are the lifter up of my head, and you are my deliverer when I fall. Amen."
AFFIRMATION:
I often fall, but it's not the end!God lifts me up, He is my Friend!

Wordless Wednesday

I created this great post and misspelled a couple of words. When I went to fix them, I lost the whole post! ARRGHH! I was trying to think of a Friday Funny.

All that really occurred to me was Grant's potty accident. He did not make it twice this morning, but was trying for a third time. Unfortunately, the potty chair he has does not have a boy shield that is high enough. So, although he was in the right place, he and the floor were soaked. What can you say, he DID pee on the potty. Kind of funny?

Since Jennifer started her blog, she has had a lot of in depth topics. Some days I am too overwhelmed with the "urgent" to participate. But I so appreciate a place to exercise my mind when I am surrounded by children most of the day.

Lately I have been contemplating some doctrinal issues. Last week I was asked point blank to defend the point of Calvinism at the end of the Tulip: predestination. Specifically , " If those who will be saved have already been chosen, why bother to witness?" I have my own answer, but would appreciate some input.

On my journey, I have been mostly Armenian(or is that the spelling for the people group?), but always what Jennifer defines as Charismatic, and found I was also reformed. Back in the day you could not advertise that in the Baptist church. I really like the way Sovereign grace churches word their doctrine. In any case, I'd like some other answers to this question.

I found out this week that when the symbols <3 are used in a typewritten message they do not mean lass than three. It represents a heart. I think that is funny.

Wish I had something hysterical to say for a Friday Funny. But I can't think of one. Not that funny things aren't happening, I just neglected to keep track.



Is this funny? Today after Grant neglected to do his business (#2) in the potty for the second time in an hour, he wanted to sit on his potty chair. It is the standard one sold in the store. I guess the removable boy shiled got lost too much, so now they come molded to the seat. Unfortunately, they are TOO short. so, although he was sitting on his potty when he peed, it went all over his legs and the floor. He was very upset. What to do? He DID pee ON the potty! Maybe you just find this disgusting. But it IS kind of funny.



If you have been reading Jennifers posts(how on earth do you find time to be on the computer so much?), you know that her discussions have been quite probing and there has been much depth of "conversation." SO, along those lines, I have a question. I was asked last week to defend the idea of predestination.



"If everyone who is(or will be) saved was already chosen before time began, why bother witnessing or sharing the gospel?"





I will tell you my answer after I have some input. The reason is, this is actually something I have been thinking about and was surprised to be asked point blank. I'd like to give the person who asked some other answers. I have tended to be more Armenian(or is that the spelling for the people group?) in doctrine, but always reformed, and charismatic, though we certainly did not call it that 20+ years ago(ouch!). I have explored Calvinism many times, but this was one of the sticking points for me. Among Baptists there are many points of view between these 2 extremes. This particular question was posed by someone I did not even know, but will see again.



There is a lot of scripture to back up these varied viewpoints, and each one must let the Holy Spirit guide their answers.



Another thing I learned this week, <3>

Trinity's birthday cake. It's a hedgehog. Is that the same as an echidna?