My Apologies

So I have been a total slacker on the blog. I AM SORRY!!! I have heard from several people to "get on it!" Sorry. But I digress, between the new puppy, Christmas festivities and all that it entails, I am swamped!! So the blog is this..I am breaking until after Christmas in order to give my attention to family etc. I will be going to Colorado on the 26th for a week, but plan to take my laptop so it will be then that I actually get some things accomplished I wish you a Merry Christmas to you and your families!!!

A Merry Christmas

So we have decided to get the girls a puppy for Christmas. She is a golden retriever and we are pumped. The girls don't know it yet. They think we are just visiting this lady's house to see what puppies are like from birth until they grow. Olivia is majorly bummed about not getting one and Avery goes with the flow. They are such good girls so they don't complain, usually. Olivia finally said, "Mom, it is just getting too hard to go visit these puppies because I want one so much." I responded with a "Well honey, then we don't have to go anymore, but you know we can't do that to Scout (our lab). She agrees and goes in, fully enjoys the puppies and away we go. It is mean of me, isn't it? I feel so badly that she thinks I am putting her through this. She wants to go get it a collar so that it will remember her in its "new home." Uuggh. I feel horrible! Anyway, they will be very surprised on Christmas when we have her here under the tree. I always thought that would be cool, like on the commercials, when I was a kid. It is so much fun to make that happen. Oh, and for the record, the reason we keep visiting is because I am a freak about getting the right dog. Ultimately, I want to make it a therapy dog to visit nursing homes etc and so I have to make sure disposition is right. Here are some pics of our baby....

Little Ears

I am still cracking up at my kids. So, we are coming home from what proved to be an amazing amazing Thanksgiving. The food was stellar and the family was wonderful. We are all in a great mood so I am flippin through the radio stations when "Sweet Home Alabama" comes on. Singin at the top of my lungs, because I am ancient and know all the words, I heard the kids getting in on the action. After the song was over, Avery said, "So mommy, did they make this song because of the white house?" I was perplexed and said, "I don't know what you mean, baby." She said, "well, the song sings, Sweet home, Obama and I guess that's because he is moving into the nicest house in America, right?" I cracked up and decided to go with it! I bet Obama is pretty pumped about his new address as well, but I doubt if he writes a song about it!

Admittedly, I have been a big slacker on my blog. I am just doing lots of Christmas shopping, decorating, school work and admittedly facebook. EEKS! Now that is an addiction. I have connected with a significant chunk of people in my life and time gets away from me when we start chatting. I think technology is a blessing and a curse! The girls are fine...they are growing up fast. Olivia is SO tall. Anytime I introduce her, the comment is always that in a year or so she will be eye to eye to me. Ya, I know. Avery is a free bird and blissfully enjoying her childhood, as it should be! Frank is doing great but is tired from his new duties at work. We are getting a puppy for the girls for Christmas. Oh, what am I ever signing up for! It will be like having a newborn all over again! So, all is well with us. We are just livin day to day right now.

Time Well Wasted

Today was just one of those days. I was feeling under the weather, wanting to just get by, and lounge the day away. For the most part, I have to say it was a pathetic existence. The girls and I did 4 subjects and called it a day. I pretty much laid around all day and managed to take a shower to switch pajamas. Yeah, I admit, it was ridiculous. The girls kept coming in to check on me, kiss my forehead and tell me they loved me. It was so glorious, I could do it again tomorrow~ hmm... I am grateful for lazy days!

Being A Mommy

Being a mommy means to quietly wake up, in the wee hours of predawn, sneaking to get some quiet/alone/Bible time and smiling when one pitter patters behind you to "join" you. Beng a mommy means to let the cat in, who is "supposed" to be outside at all times just because of that hard belly laugh it brings them. Being a mommy means fixing eggs after they proclaimed they wanted them and not getting upset when they "really" meant to say waffles. Being a mommy means to allow them to procrastinate school until after this next favorite cartoon. Being a mommy means to let them take their scarves, tie them around the banister, lift their feet screaming "weeee!" all the way down. Being a mommy means kissing the little knees that are hurt from free falling down the banister. Being a mommy means caving in to "CAN WE PLEASE DECORATE FOR CHRISTMAS!!!OH PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE!!!! MISS AMY ALREADY DID!" Being a mommy means turning your face away so they can't see you laughing when the most hilarious little voice attempts to recite/sing the Doxology while making up their own words and singing at the top of their voices! Being a mommy means you actually try not to cringe when you hear the words "Don't look mommy, I have made a BEAUTIFUL creation out of your special pretties!" Being a mommy means when you turn around and they yell "Look, I decorated the tree for you!" and all the weight of the ornaments is at the bottom of the tree like an anchor! Being a mommy means you exclaim how beautiful the outdoor tree looks now that it is "choking" from all the tightly wound garland that is supposed to be draped around it but instead is tied up like a kidnapped victim! Being a mommy, means you answer "absolutely" when a little one decides now is the time to make blueberry muffins "all by herself!" Being a mommy means you sometimes give up your quiet bath time to a rush of little ones playing chase and laughing hysterically screaming, "mommy, save me!!" Being a mommy means having the priveledge of hearing "MOOMMMM, we need help!" right in the middle of typing this! Being a mommy means you don't freak out when their room is set up like a UFC fighting ring and they are banging on each other with pillows that later will turn to toys! Being a mommy means "Lord, thank you for this most awesome priveledge and experience. Please help me to keep my patience always, and to focus on the gift you have challenged me with. The gift of being a mommy to two amazing little people. Thank you for giving me a glimpse of how you must feel about us. Most importantly, Lord, help me to lead them to you, to be servants to you all the days of their lives" Oh, ya, and Lord, help keep me sane! For all that I have listed above were all events that happened in only one day....today. Amen.

I have mentioned in the past how much Olivia loves her art. For awhile, we switched to another teacher. Although she was a very sweet and kind lady, there was something missing for Olivia. Her art work in the former class was more inspired. It was all in the teaching style. Avery is now in the class as well. Both girls are THOROUGHLY enjoying it! They love it when Thursday morning rolls around and I am so grateful for their art school. For them, art is such an amazing way to express themselves. I look at their work and I am blown away, my gifts do not lie within abilities to paint or draw! I love all that they are doing!

A Sign of the Times

The girls and I are watching the t.v. as the election process is underway. The girls are all fired up because they got to"vote" at the children's museum today. I was chuckling when Avery told the lady that she wasn't a "dumb-o-crat!" I couldn't have said it better myself! They are both very excited and are watching as things unfold. Olivia said, "Just think about how exciting this would have been if we were watching Abraham Lincoln on TV!" I reminded her that they didn't have tv back then. As a matter of fact, tv wasn't around until great grandma was a girl! So really, tv isn't even 100 years old yet! Wow! And just when I thought they were "in the know" and understood I heard "Then how did they play their Wii?"

In Memory Of.....

• The lessons that life teaches us are great. Someone near us decided that it wasn't worth it anymore and took their own life. She was a teenager and we are profoundly affected by her decision. As I heard the news, it made me nauseaus. I cried and ran to the bathroom to get sick. We were back and forth as to what to tell our children....do we share with them the truth or do we try to be a vague as possible. We chose both. We started out by simply delaying telling them until we could think...then we decided to tell them that Kelly had died. We did not want to tell them the manner in which she went, just that we would all be attending the funeral together. Many questions came from it all...."Is she in heaven?", "Why did she die?", etc. All of the hard questions that are much easier to answer when you have the Bible to fall back on. The truth is we don't know anything other than what God chooses to reveal through His word. Daily readings of the word have been essential in my spiritual growth in order to achieve a greater more personal relationship with Him. I am more than ever convinced that I would really like to work with teenagers in some capacity. They have always scared me but now I am feeling like it is time to face my fears. I can't imagine a harder time in life than being a teenager. I have been there and it was difficult, confusing, and hormonal all at once. I am praying for God to open a door for an opportunity to present itself in this capacity. I know if it is His will, then it will become apparent. For now, I am just stepping back and praying for the families that have been forever changed and impacted. While at the funeral, I couldn't help but think that if Kelly had seen all the people there who loved her and supported her family, that she would have changed her mind and not gone through with it. It seems so light to say that she made a mistake. We all have made many mistakes, some that are with a penalty some without, or seemingly so. Her mistake was permanant. It can't be changed and it wasn't worth it. The profound sadness that is swelling within our circle of love is intense. As a person, I will never be the same. As a parent, I am forever changed.

FREEDOM

Remember back when I wrote about there being a "hippie gene?" Well, I think I have proof. This child of mine loves hanging out in antique shops, as does her mother. When we go, she likes the music they play. Songs like "Freebird", "Magic Man", "Brown Eyed Girl" and most recently a little Pink Floyd and Clapton. She is a hip, man! We were walking along in the antique store and Olivia said, "uuh, mom, look at your youngest child." I looked over and saw her rockin out on the "croquet guitar" then I laughed and she dropped it looked up at me and did the "peace out" sign you see above. Later was the car ride home when she jammed out to Fleetwood Mac.... The craziest part is when we left the house, she had on a pink shirt. She changed in the car and pulled the headband out of her pocket! Then she chose the way it would be worn. I didn't even notice when we walked into the store that she looked like this! !!!

Now, more than ever, I am convinced, hippism is genetic! Love it! Freedom is the name she "prefers." I am hoping she doesn't make it legal someday!

Change

As I stare at the computer, beginning to write what will be a "post of change," I reflect on so many things in my life. First, I have been OVERLY blessed with people in my life. From birth, I was given an amazing family, not one without flaws, but one that is real, solid, loving and there for you. Then I have had TONS of amazing friends in my life. I joined facebook this week and am flooded with old friendships and am almost brought to tears when I think about how many people have shared this life with me in some way. One is even coming into town next week, and we are going to get together! I haven't seen him in 20 years! YIKES! I sound like my parents!

That brings me to my next item. My parents, who have always been here, are moving to Washington DC. I have been ok with it until recently. I guess you don't realize how much someone/people mean to you until they are taken away, move, or aren't in your everyday anymore. I realize how much I miss my friends when I see them on facebook and now I am going to be missing my mom especially! She is in my everyday right now and soon she won't be. Change is good, or so they say. Change is scary too. I know it is all for good, but sometimes that little lump in your throat serves as a reminder that we are all here for a brief time. Some people come into our lives, serve a purpose and move on. That is all good. But then there are times when the change doesn't seem to fit the plan you had. That is where "trusting Him" comes in. In time, it will all look as it is supposed to. We will surely have amazing field trips in D.C. when we go visit, but it really is hard to imagine my everyday.

Couldn't Agree More!!!

I am posting this from a friend of a friend. I read it and was like "ya, that's what I meant to say." Thanks Amy for this direction to this post and thank you to Tisha for your insite and words! :)

Keeping up with JOTSC: Pumpkin bars in the oven. (click to read)

The Road Less Traveled

Thursday, October 23, 2008

This Says it Well (click here for comic)


I thought that was cute considering all the legislative issues going on with homeschooling. I saw where NBC reported that homeschooling was on the rise due to vaccine requirements in public schools. Pardon me, but there are LOTS of reasons that homeschooling is on the rise. It isn't this radical movement led by cults...it is merely a choice to educate in an environment that is actually controlled and individually tailored according to a child's needs. Our reasons for homeschooling are simple, we want our children to develop a relationship with the Lord and become grounded in their faith before going out and being a light in darkness. Not to mention, I love every minute of seeing them grasp new concepts and being their teacher. It is a brave move to tell the world that you are a homeschooler, in a world that expects you to follow the path they have chosen. And as Ralph Waldo Emerson says, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Thank you to the "seasoned" homeschoolers who have paved the way for us and continue to fight for the rights for us to see to it we are able to educate our children in this way. We are continuing in your footsteps and leaving a path of our own!

A Breath of Fresh Air!

Aahh the great outdoors! Today I took advantage of the beautiful day and took pictures of the girls. They then turned the camera on me so it was really fun! Just like the seasons change so fast, so do my girls. Life in the country is great and it really gives me a chance to enjoy nature and get out and see the girls interact with it. This time is precious!

Mission Accomplished!

I finally did it! After years of saying I was going to or I wanted to, I finally got my nose pierced and I love it! I don't know what has changed but I used to be fearless! I mean really fearless and now even ferris wheels leave me white knuckled! So I chickened out the last time I sat in the chair and this time my mom went with me and she was like, "Oh, that is going to look adorable" so I felt good having her approval and away I went with it! (Moms have so much power!) I mean if she would have said, "I really think you are gonna regret this!" I would have been splitsville! Anyway, I should have trusted my instinct because I do like it. I feel like I conquered the world! I felt a little youthful today when I was immediately part of a group when some guy wanted to know what I was having done. I acted cool like it was no biggie! I think he might have been like 18. Still, I felt like I pulled off seeming like I was supposed to be there. Ah, yes, midlife!

Lessons

The other day, Olivia wanted to work outside with her daddy on the playhouse. He has been building it for awhile now and she decided to be his helper. The next thing I know, he is telling me that she will be working with him the whole day....aka....no school today in terms of curriculum. They run to the hardware store and are gone for hours. When they return, she has a tool belt, all the tools including her own tape measure, drill, screwdriver, pliers, hammer and protective eye wear! This is serious business!! She already runs his logsplitter for him, helps him build fires in his stove and now is drilling holes to build things. Oh, she did school that day alright. What she learned was valuable, applicable industrial arts/woodshop from a pretty amazing person! She has been out there for 3 days and I couldn't be more in love with Frank for what he is doing with and for her. There is no greater joy than for a woman to see her husband enjoying the interaction with his child. It is a huge blessing. I am so glad my girls have a daddy that relishes in spending quality time with them. From the time of being a little girl all the way up to adulthood, having a daddy that thinks you are amazing and worth spending time with is pretty important. I am so happy for my girls!

Fresh Starts

Each morning, I am constantly amazed at how we get a chance to forget about yesterday's mistakes, and start over again. One thing about Nebraska, it has the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets I have ever seen. Although it isn't my favorite state in the union, by far, I concede that the mornings and evenings are breathtaking here. The pink and orange hues are a striking contrast to the day, reminding me to spend time with Him each morning to reflect on the purposes of the day. It is a beautiful, quiet experience that I look forward to in the mornings. I can tuck away the disasters of the day before and start fresh.......what a gift!

Protecting the Homefront

I woke up this morning and came down the stairs and this is what I saw.....

I heard this little tiny voice say, " I have to make sure there is no danger." and a little "blast" fired from the toy rifle. The poor bear didn't have a chance.

Keep On Keepin On

I am reading a book called Harvest From The Highways by Diane Shreve. It is about Christian motorcyclists who are mostly Harley dudes that cruise around the country and tell stories of how their lives have changes since becoming Christians. It deals with personal struggles with depression, immorality, hate, adultery, drugs, alcohol, thoughts of suicide and even premeditated murder. The mission of the book is to let people know that you are never "too bad for God." I just read a line in the book that was actually in the forward. It says "Our goal in this book is to encourage every believer to use whatever you already do (in our case, it's motorcycling) in such a way to give Him glory. "

Wow! This same message keeps hitting me over the head, day after day. When I read "The Shack" it TOTALLY rocked my world. I think that book meets you where you are at. If you are in a different place than someone else spiritually, it may not mean as much to you than if you are somewhere else in your spirituality. In any event, the message is the same. Here goes:

We are all born into a set of circumstances, go through different experiences, are given diverse spiritual gifts, whether we are a doctor, stay at home mom, or an artist. No matter what our "story" is about how we came to a saving knowledge, no matter how many sins we have committed in the past and by the way CHRISTIANS ARE STILL SINNERS. We all have a need for our savior! He uses our skills, that He gave us, as a tool to be used for His Glory. We are called to do just that. Does the guy with tatoos all over his body and piercings galore have a place in God's plan? You bet! In fact, he can reach many that I would never be able to reach! Does God want us to reach the men and women in prison in order to change lives? Totally! What about the guy who pulls up on the motorcycle next to you in your Sunday best? He is wearing leather chaps and chains? Could he be heading to his mission field? Oh ya...but we as "good christians" might be thinking "Hmm...he is OBVIOUSLY not headed to worship!" Christians have a habit of not making eye contact with the kid with green hair. Think about that. Isn't he screaming for attention? Doesn't he want to be seen? Isn't he trying to "make a statement?" What about greeting him and looking him in the eye? On the other hand, I want to point out something that bothers me greatly! Non-believers tend to set expectations that are rediculous for Christians as well. Suddenly, if one professes faith in Jesus, that person is expected to never sin again! Really? Becoming a Christian doesn't elevate you to a perfect and wonderful life. Actually, more is expected of you, but you still fail every day, when compared to God himself. Hypocracy is soon a term thrown around, relationships are lost and the point of it all is totally missed. Who is at fault? I think it is clearly a shared problem. The bottom line is, it is all about values. What does God want of us? He wants us to trust Him at His word. Do as He commands and know that Jesus really is the only way to spend eternity with Him. So, when you look at your life and all that you have been given or even not given, what is He calling you to do? For me, it is about taking a path that hasn't been taken in order to demonstrate my faithfulness. It is about speaking truth in love and meeting others where they are at. It is about sitting back and letting God teach me from all people, believers and nonbelievers alike. I am constantly in awe of what He reveals to me and am challenged by the walk itself sometimes. He is constant, neverchanging, but always waiting there, usually with another lesson in hand for me. Sometimes, what seem like my failures, are little things that lead to a bigger event that soon becomes apparent. So, use what He has given you....are you are great organizer, a good cook, or good with animals? Do you like to ski or garden? Whatever it is, use it for His glory to reach the unreached. It doesn't matter what your story is....because He wrote it and already knows it.

Fall in the Midwest

There are a few things good about living in the midwest.....and our pumpkin patch is one of them! Each year, we look SSOOO forward to hangin out (6 hours yesterday!) there. It isn't what most people think. It is a wonderland of activity for the kids and the adults! So much to do, see and experience. This summer, the people from Disney came to see what they were doing out here. They were excited about the entertainment that is going on here and with good reason. The weather is beautiful right now...and I am in heaven. But I know what is around the corner so for now, I bask in this amazing time....but come winter, I will be a miserable person!

Here are some shots from the pumpkin patch. AAAHH it was a great time!

To Sum It Up!

Wordless Wednesday!

Memories, Old and New

All is quiet....the babes are down for the night, the dog is snoring with her master, the windows are open, the cool breeze is blowing the curtain, the crickets are singing their familiar song, and that smell....that wonderful unforgetable smell of my childhood in the country on my grandparents' farm is all too familiar. When I see the lightening in the distance and hear the thunder moving closer, I smile. Sometimes insomnia is a blessing. Granted, I usually think of it as a curse and sometimes I am painfully tired, but on nights like this....I see it as a gift. I am awake, not wanting to close my eyes because I will miss something. I would miss the sound of a silent house....not the kind where everyone is gone, but the kind where everyone is off in another world, refreshing their spirits to tackle it all over again tomorrow. I have gone into their room and stared at the girls, watching the curtain blow gently, creating a soft and cool breeze that dances over their little bodies. I smile, not wanting this moment to end. Oh, if I could start all over again from day one with them as newborns I would in a second. This amazing gift of motherhood is BEYOND my wildest!
As the storm closes in, the wind picks up again and blows in the scent of fresh air, clean and crisp like the new day that it will bring shortly. Soon the raindrops begin to pelt against the glass, lightly at first and then more steady. When I think of the new day ahead, I pray for a day much like the series of days that I had growing up. Playing outside, climbing haybales in the barn, having the kittens around, going fishing, shooting crickets with the bb gun, getting dirty, and finally, washing off in the bath with that same country breeze blowing into the opened window. The scent of Brut, my grandfather's favorite "after a long day's work in the field treat" and my grandmother wearing "white linen" which she powdered on after her bath at night. The house had all of these amazing scents going on at once, but the one I remember most was that country air. As I inhale that familiar air tonight, I am grateful that I can still find it and even more grateful it is right here at the place I call home, with my own family. I hope to recreate those times for my girls so that they can have the same kind of memories themselves one day. For now, I am just grateful for the insomnia.

Cool Docs

Bedside manner of a physician is KEY! We have such a good specialist working on Olivia's arm. He takes his time, he does weekly xrays to ensure her bone growth is correct, he is well respected AND he is good with the rest of us! I love that! Olivia's first cast came off this week for a new and improved shorter one. Bummer that we have to keep it on for 4 more weeks. She is fine with it, except for the soccer thing. Avery said to Olivia, " I am so sorry you have to wear it for 4 more weeks, Olivia. " The doctor thought it would be cool to saw it off in a nice clean way so that he could reattach it to AVERY!! She was so pumped to have a "gimp arm" like her sister and so she could empathize all the more. I got all kinds of looks when I went into Barnes and Noble with 2 kids with each a "broken" arm. "Where you in a car accident?" or my favorite " Does your family drink enough milk?" Good stuff! I wish I would have had a cast on too! Avery's was obviously removeable and it stayed on most of the day and then she decided to have a fun bath instead of wrapping it up like her sister has to! I am sure we will be keeping the new cast once it comes off too so that we can all just shock people any ol time we feel like it! Anyway, cool docs are not easy to find but total keepers when ya do! Especially with kiddos! Hmmm...I haven't received the bill yet though! Yikes!

Being Shaped

Lastnight, Olivia asked me what we were doing for Thanksgiving. I admitted I really wasn't sure what we were doing , but would check with the grandmas to see what the family plans might be. She looked up at me and said, "Well, I have been thinking. I think that we are fed so well every day and that there are so many others who are not. I would like to go to an orphanage or something and help feed the children who don't get to eat like I do each day." CLUNK! My heart fell the floor. My eyes filled up with tears and I told her she was exactly right. We need to pick a cause to give of ourselves. She definitely has a servant's heart. When we did "Step Out" with the city last month, Olivia was hauling wheelbarrows around like the hardest working men! I saw in her a unique gift of service to others. It comes natural to her. I believe her sister has "different gifts" because the "helper" in her is a bit well.....lazy. That's ok, I know where she gets it! Nonetheless, we are ALL going to be actively serving in the very near future. We haven't decided, but I am leaning toward the shelter for women and children here in Omaha. Should we go out of town, Olivia reminded me that "those places have people who need to be helped too." I am so glad she is getting the big picture. It warms my heart to see her responding to a need.
The other night, we were at our favorite hangout with the Murray's. They have a campsite that we visit alot. We met a new little friend who didn't have a mommy in the local area and she was being cared for by her dad, which lacked quite a bit. I found out her size and when we got home. Olivia and Avery ran up to their room and stayed up past midnight going through all their belongings in order to give to the little girl. We were up at the crack of dawn, getting it all ready to deliver. It was such a pleasure to see the girls choose things for the girl that were not just things they didn't use or wear anymore, but a few favorites as well. I heard them in their room "Oh, yes," Avery would say, "that is such a cute one. Even though you still wear it, I think you should give it to her. Give her a turn to love it."
No every day isn't a fairy tale, and many times there are "cringe" moments when I think, "What on earth was she thinking?" or "Did my sweet little child just say that? Yikes!" But when they get it right, boy, they get it right. Seeing God shaping their hearts makes it all worth while!!!

That Time Again

It's that time again....time to answer the question that comes up every fall now...."Are you doing "that" again?" The "that" being referenced to is homeschooling. The answer is "without a doubt!" Looking back at these pictures from the past year, (these are all fieldtrip pics, and merely a few of the many we took!), I can't imagine missing out on all of this. I have relished in every moment of this experience. It really cracks me up how strange of a concept it is to others. My favorite is "Oh, I could never do that.." Really? The way I see it, most mommies are their child's first teacher. Didn't you praise them as they took their first steps, didn't you cheer with delight when they came down the slide by themselves, didn't you show them how to color inside the lines and tell them it was beautiful when they scribbled? Didn't you teach them their colors and expose them to the alphabet? Didn't you answer "What's that?" over a million times? The way I see it, as parents, we are constantly teaching our children. As a homeschooler, I incorporate academics, science labs, fieldtrips, and opportunities to teach about the world. Real hands on stuff that is practical. "For math today, we went to the grocery store and learned about money, pricing, paying, and comparing." I know many parents who have kids in school that do those activities as well...so please don't say you "could never do it. " In many ways, you already are. You have always been your child's first teacher. The elements of our day have been changed a bit, admittedly, we do spelling, math, reading, science, history, art, music, PE etc. And YES, we get plenty of opportunity to "socialize" which is the other concern many have. I find myself having to say "no" to all the opportunites there are available. I am amazed at the growth of the homeschool communitity. It is crazy!!! There is a reason for this trend, and even though I am supportive of my friends who choose not to homeschool and send their kiddos to public school, I am grateful for the ones who "get" why I do what I do. And finally, to the ones who send their kids to public school and don't understand the reason for homeschooling, but love and support me anyway....you are the best!!! Unconditional love is the strongest kind!

Another Day in Paradise

I have to admit, I love it out here! You never know what you will wake up to find in your yard while out in the country (ish). One day a horse is walking in your yard and you can go up and pet and ride it. Another day, you can have a mother cat waiting at your door to bring her babies in, and still another you find a sand crane, hundreds of miles away from its natural environment in your creek. AAHHH.....an education all in itself.

And just as the crane is out of its natural environment, I look out and see a man who is so in his element that he is a part of the landscape. He works outside all day, wearing the tan of a slave to the sun. He is relentless in whatever his task is and is at his happiest. I smile, knowing the sacrifices that each of us has made has led to this most happy of times together. He is different now, peaceful and content. There were days when the roads were rocky, but I am so glad to have stayed on the path to see this outcome. I told him so, the other night as we sat by the campfire. He took my hand and knew what I meant. The change in both of us is apparent and the life we share is a blessing. I can't wait to wake up tomorrow and start all over again.

A Hidden Treasure

I just got back from visiting my dad in Kansas and I have to say, I just love it there! It is one of those places that no one seems to know about. I can't believe the untouched land, the gorgeous landscapes, the countryside, the dirt roads, the untapped resources of this place. The drive from here is totally breathtaking. The sunflowers in the pictures you are seeing are the size of dinnerplates! Unreal! Field after field of just gorgeous flowers....looks like a painting! I can't believe how beautiful it is and how much I am in awe EVERY time I go.

I had a great time with family. My visit was brief, but met all of my expectations and then some. I loved seeing everyone and meeting new people. I am excited to go back again...it felt so good to be back and I honestly could live there forever. Kansas is totally misunderstood, been the butt of jokes etc and I have to say I am glad...because if everyone knew how pretty it really was, it would be ruined by population and stripmalls. I guess I am a nature girl....uh oh, the hippie in me is coming out! Anyway, to everyone I saw on the trip, everyone at the wedding, to dad and Laura, to J.C. and Julie, to grandma and all of my aunts, uncles and cousins....I love you all and am so glad to have come home. It really felt amazing to be with you all again.

A Great Read

I am reading a book that is really amazing. It is called The Shack, and I highly recommend people read it. I had mixed emotions along the way (I am almost done), but after pressing through, I am convinced it is absolutely amazing. It is really well done. It is a fictional story about a man whose daughter is murdered in a shack. The father is completely distraught and after 3 years, decides to return to the shack and spend the weekend with God, whom he completely is wrestling with. It will transform you when you read it! My friend went to the library to check it out and the waiting list was 7 in front of her! It is really good, so go pick it up at the bookstore! It is a keeper anyway. Let me know what you think after you read it!!!!

Broken Arm, But Not Broken Spirit

Today we decided to go to the state fair with our friends Angie, Kelsey and Ian. We had a perfect day at the fair. Everything from perfect parking, getting in free, no lines, seeing the greatest stuff, samples galore, it just went on and on. I thought maybe we should go get a lottery ticket because the day couldn't have been better! The dog show was thrilling because the dogs did the craziest tricks (headstands!) and the petting zoo was spectacular because of the wide range of animals that were so amazing! After leaving the petting zoo, the kids wanted to go on the gihugic playground and so I sat down at the table to watch. Angie had seen someone she knew and was chatting it up with them. Olivia proudly yelled "Hey mom, watch this!" I watched as she soared across the monkey bars for the one millionth time in her life. Giving her a big smile and a "thumbs up" she continued to do it 2 more times. I was digging around in my backpack trying to find the waterbottle when I heard Avery scream "Mom, Olivia's hurt." I scanned the playground looking for her and there she was lying under the monkey bars in a very contorted position. I got up and ran toward her as 2 other moms arrived on the scene. She was weeping and one mom said to me "it's broken." I helped her up and had her hold her arm in close to her body. We walked over to Angie who hadn't noticed yet and immediatlely we were off the the hospital.Both bones in her arm are broken. The doctors said that it was a very "impressive" break and could they use it in classroom teachings! Yikes! The bones were reset but we have to see a specialist on Tuesday to determine if the set is good and to get the permanant cast. Olivia is so brave. She is absolutely a champ and my hero. She said she felt bad that her friends had to quit playing all because she got hurt. Her heart is huge. I just love her so much. She said, " I am so sorry, Mom. This is my fault because I closed my eyes when I jumped up to get the bar, and I know better than that." Oh she melts me. The positives to focus on are 1. it is her left hand so she can still write. 2. I get to help her all over again. She has been independant for so long that it is really nice to help her dress and take care of personal needs. I am loving her needing me again!!!! She doesn't milk it, and I kinda wish she wood because I LOVE to baby her. Avery is being a little nurse right now too. Secretly, she is wanting to play with that sling so bad! When Olivia got the sling put on by the doctor, Avery said,"Wow Olivia, that looks like a real one!" Olivia laughed and said, "It is a real one, Avery!" Despite the situation, it really was a memory. I just cherish them so much!