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?

The most dangerous place to be in the universe is the center of God’s will.
That is where we want to be.
I hope we never think we’ve nailed it.
I hope we never believe that we have arrived.
I hope it is always dangerous.
Always chaotic.
Always flying by the seat of our pants.
Never settled.
Messy.
I hope the struggles keep us begging God for guidance.
I often hear Christian leaders tell what God has been saying to them in their times of meditation and study and prayer and I’m often amazed. He tells them the most profound, eloquent things.All I seem to ever hear is: "Rob, get out of my way."" - Rob Bell

Found this on Jim Turnage's facebook site. It is so true.

My friend Jennifer does wordless Wednesday. And it happens to be Wednesday so.........

WE are still using Savannah's computer, so I am not sure how to load pix on it. Her software is different than ours. HELP, SAVANNAH! I tried to go to my "myspace" site, but, for a week kept clicking on "start membership" instead of log in! Can you say seriously sleep deprived? At least I figured it out without tech support.
This week, Michael went the extra mile and arranged for someone to help with the driving and/or watching the kids while I drive. What a blessing. As you may or may not know, Ivy and Joel joined the school sports scene, and since our great rental house is out of district, they have to take one class to stay with the teams they trained with. They are in "intro to Spanish", which means they have to be driven to school everyday, then picked up after sports. Of course, they all( to include Ben) finish at different times! This makes for a LOT of driving around. Did I mention our van has no air? it gave up inMay, and the cost for repair is staggering. So, we drive around in our oven, and the last couple of weeks the temperatures have soared to new records. Now you know how truly thankful I am not to have to drive around with all the kids to do drop-offs and pick ups.
WE attended Joel's first official tackle football game Thursday. They won 30-0! He is a wide receiver. While we have no real plans for Labor day, this week we look forward to Evan and Liz meeting Liberty for the first time. We also get to meet Matt, Cassie's fiance for the first time, and attend their wedding! Jeanette and Trinity will be flower girls, on the beach. Ivy has her first cross country meet of the season, and was elected a team captain.
So, I am taking a survey, is anybody reading this?(ok, Melinda, I know you are!)


the answer to last week's question is: Ben, 16, b-day 8/22/91, Trinity, 5, 8/27/02, Grant, 2, 8/19/05

well, we lost the main computer, and I am clueless as to how to load pix to a laptop. If you were following the birthday thread, Melinda guessed the ages correctly, and Amanda got one date right. This past Sunday wqs Grant's 2nd birthday. We had cake, but no party. just too much right now. As i type this, children are devouring german chocolate cake in the next room. Ben had some friends meet him to play paintball a while ago, but today was his big day. We were discussing Savannah's sweet sixteen birthday party, he is glad he did not choose a father/daughter(or in his case, mother/son)dance. Let me know if and what you remember about that occaision.

3 birthdays this month. Grant, Trinity and Ben. Anyone care to guess dates and /or ages? the one with the most correct gets their name published in this blog. immediate family members need not apply.

networking

So These past 2 weeks we have expanded our networks to include myspace and facebook. Why did I do this? Mostly too see pix and blogs of other people who are on these networks. So, if I fall behind on this blog(which is often), check the myspace, in Michael's name or facebook in my name. Savannah is taking lots of pictures and having an awesome time in Australia. She tries to blog about once a week, but there are far more pix on her facebook. I find facebook easier than this blogsite, and myspace more difficult. opinions?

Ivy and her "mini me"

some pix of the rest. just for fun.

Announcing:
Liberty Grace Chastain
July 3, 2007
6lb. 6 oz.
18inches