what do YOU eat?

So, yesterday my Dad went out to feed the cows. I thought I would show you what we feed them. That way anyone who enjoys our cows can see what we actually feed them. My question has always been herbivores or carnivores...I guess I now know! :)









Think that we could send this in to the company that makes Boca burgers and have them use it for ads? :)

Enjoy the many pictures here...Dad has Broadband and that is where I am this week!!
Yes, call me a chicken I am staying here while my family is abroad!

I can't believe it is almost time

Well, tomorrow my husband and 2 older children will be boarding a plane and head down to Guatemala. You may remember I wrote about this trip back in the spring. I am a having a little twang of jealousy right now. I really wanted to go however, this time of the year is not a time to farm the rest of the kids out. Next year I am going and I can't wait to get back down there!

So, today is going to consist on getting loads of laundry done and packed for them. We are trying to remind the girls that it is a very poor country and they don't need to have so much stuff to bring with them. However, Dad needs to remember that he is bringing 2 of my offspring so lightly packing is going to be hard! :) (no tension here!) They were looking forward to the warm weather down there, and I was informed that they are having a cold snap. So not too many shorts are heading down with them!

Pray for the kids and the adults as they are distributing these packages. What a joy it will be for them to help give these necessities to these children and family's. (Maybe tour kids will see just how spoiled they really are) Pray for safety health and that they will see God honored through this whole process. I am so excited for them.

A lot of people have asked me if I am scared...My answer to that? Why would I be scared? God is in control, what better place to be then in the center of God's will? The place I wouldn't want to be is outside of that will. That would make me scared.
We know where they are going I have been there, Phil has been there and will be with them. I just wish it was me instead (or also)!!

Something else to pray for while they are gone. Me...Here with the 4 little kids. Meg would hate to hear me say that but...! I am looking forward not to have all the "extra" runs to school to pick kids up for sports or running to the basketball games. (yes, the season has started!) I guess I will sort of be on a vacation as well! :)

Well, I need to do some laundry thanks in advance for praying for this trip, and also thanks to those of you who have been praying all along on our journey!

Guess What!

Hey Everyone who reads this. Check out Nikkis blog. She is back YEA!! So, would you like an update on the craft fair? Well, the first weekend was a great success considering we really didn't promote it. We all had sales except for Dad, however he made up for it yesterday. He had the sales! Way to go Dad! And that leads me to the rest of us crafters, we all had a sale (yes you read that right A sale) not sales but, next weekend will be different! I hope. We are advertising in 5 local papers and putting more signs up to promote it. So, once again if you are in the area come on by. And don't forget to check out Nikki's blog while you are here!

For those who read this and are in the area...

I am having a fabulous craft fair here on Saturday Nov. 25 from 10am-4pm and then every Saturday until Christmas we will be having at least 7 people putting their things in. If you came last year you need to come back, it is going to be so much bigger (not the actual building!) and better! Stop by do some shopping, have a little cup of coffee a bite to eat. Enjoy the fire...

Who will be the crafters you ask? Well, Robin Williams (sure come by and see for yourself!) My Dad will be making some of his wonderful wood creations...Mom is making decorations for your tree and house, Misty will be making goodies such as felted wool bags, table runners, napkin holders...And so much more. Eric will be making his fantastic pens and Lorree will be making ornaments as well. Oh yeah, I too will be there with my jems :)

So stop by if you are in the area on any of those days. We look forward to seeing you! (and remember there is only 34 days until Christmas at this point!)

Post Secret...

Ok, not a huge profound post just something that I have seen and heard alot about lately. Post Secret. Have you seen or heard about it? I saw a clip on the news a few weeks ago. I stumbled across it a few months ago when I was flipping through blogs. Now there is a book.


The jist of it is for people to make a postcard of a secret that no one knows. One that you just want to share and get it off your mind. (hmmm....) The guy that started it did it just to see what people would send in, he said that he never imagined that it would be as big as it is now. Amazing what 100 postcards that he left in random places with a little description of what to do started...


It is heartbreaking to see it. Some of them are so sad, you really wish that you could find out who wrote it and let them know that there is someone out there for them. Someone who knows their hurts and wants to help them. As I was reading this I was very emotional and finding that I was praying for these poor people who feel that there is no hope for them. Some are fun...but most of them are so sad and depressed. Oh not to have any Hope how sad is that? Makes me want to make a postcard that says "Jesus loves you all the time, even when you feel that no one does!"


See, nothing profound!!

ok ok....I get the point!!

So, yeah it has been awhile!! Why do I get in trouble if I don't post and others don't post for a while and it is ok?? hmmm....just wondering? So, here is a picture of a little cutie for you all to admire...

So, until I can put a little more time and effort into this you will all have to look at Claire aka "Chicken Little" Enjoy!

Friday the 13th

What a busy day! First I had a field trip to the Stone Zoo. What a blast. I wish I was in first grade again! What a great time 10 kids, 7 adults. Lots of wild animals! (pictures to come tomorrow.) We had fun walking around looking at the cougars and the jaguars, spotted mountain lion, Himalaya mountain goats Canadian wolves...Reindeer(did you know they really can't fly?) llamas, boas...and a whole lot more. It was a great time, tiring time too. I think we walked 10 miles!

We came home to find out the girls soccer game was cancelled (secretly I was very happy!)

Megan is 10 today, and in our house birthdays are pretty special when you turn 10 double digits and all...so we went to the mall with Hannah, her very best friend in the whole world! and they had their pictures taken together in their matching outfits. (all the way to the flip flops.) Great pictures the photographer was having a blast with them, it was so much fun for them! We had a great dinner...then (drum roll please....) she went to get her ears peirced! oh what fun. A friend of the family Miss Crosbie came with us for the evening and she decided to get another set of holes done while we were there, so...Meg had company geting her ears done! what fun. (pictures of that will be up tomorrow too)

now it is almost 11:00 and they are still giggling and being little girls but I am very tired and going to go to bed! It has been a very long day~

Pictures will be up sometime tomorrow!! really once I can get it going!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN HOPE :-)

Leaf Peepers...

Well, we were off yesterday for our annual family adventure up to the White Mountains. Once again we are amazed at how many travelers come all the way to beautiful NE to check out the foliage. I was able to meet a couple from Valencia CA. That is just about where I was when I went to CA this summer! How cool is that? The lady took some pictures for us, Phil asked a random person to snap a shot of the family and she just happened to be a professional photographer. (ok, but when you are not in a studio that really doesn't help much!) Gotta work with what you have. :)

It seemed that when we were on the Kangamugas highway that the leaves were mostly gone. And unfortunatly that is where most of the pictures were taken :(

















We ate at a great restaraunt Banners it was wonderful! Outside they had some beautiful gardens and the mums were vibrant. The butterflies liked them too...look! They were covered with Monarchs and honey bees!

And this last pictures is a local picture. this is about what the color is like here at home, we are almost at peek! Beautiful!





I will get some more on later. Gotta go and read for first grade! :)

Deerfield Fair 2006 version...

Well, we went to the Deerfield Fair yesterday. I think that in all my life since living up here I have been every year with the exception of last year. (BUT the rest of my family went and I think that made up for my absence!) And let's just say that I have lived here for 28 years. (is that really right Dad?)

We take the kids out of school, I did ask one of the "in charge" people at school what I should write on the absent slip...He said "The Deerfield Flu of course" hmmmm...Sounds pretty good to me!

So, what so we do at the fair you may ask...Well Uncle Mike bought the kids arm bands for the rides yesterday. That gave them access to all the rides for about 5 hours. It was fun but I don't think we will do that again, we spent too much time on the midway and not enough time looking at all the great things. OH well live and learn right? The kids did have a blast on the rides!

We went to the pig scramble. Now that is fun to watch especially when your child is drawn for the lottery! :) YEP!! They called Betsy IN THE POURING RAIN...Well not really. It started to rain just when we got to the swine barn. We kept under cover and waited a bit, they called her and Phil and I went out to watch...She did great. That piglet didn't stand a chance! Well, the 3 minutes was up and there were still 2 piglets left so we waited. A big storm came through so we stayed in the smelly barn for a bit (10 or 15 minutes.) We had to wait for the next 2 names to be called, Betsy brought a friend with her he hadn't been to the fair since he was 4 of so. Well, you guesses it HIS NAME WAS CALLED TOO! So out he went in the wet arena for his chance at a piglet! And he bagged it right off! WAY TO GO!

We did the fair looked at fun things bumped into a lot of people! You know the ones you see only when you are at the fair! I even bumped into an old classmate. It was fun catching up with him while our kids were on the rides!

We ate GREAT fair food! You know the kind that you can only handle once a year! :) No one left hungry or lacking any of the fair experience.

When it was time to leave at 10:00 PM (with 8 kids!) We needed to get the piglets. hmmm...Imagine 2 bagged piglets in the back of the excursion! kinda smelly! Phil cleaned it out today! Thanks Honey!

and don't count how many kids and piglets were in the car. I think we must have looked like the circus!

All in all it was another great year at the Deerfield Fair! I will get some pictures up asap. My camera didn't get any of the scramble. So I will have to wait for Phils.

CAN YOU WAIT FOR IT?? :)

Bye for now!

ahhh...how cute

Nap time...I am not too sure who was asleep first Phil or Anna...my guess is Phil.

I think that there will be some stiff necks tomorrow! Just thought it was a cute Sleepy Saturday Nap time picture! Enjoy it...and let Phil know you saw him taking a nap at 3:30 on a Sat. afternoon! :)


  

Cammie and Larry

So, we have some new kittens. I know that some people think they are not the best kinds of pets to have but we have 5 girls. How can we not have kittens...we love them. I went out today and came home about an hour later and this is what I found!

  


YES!! that is a Longaberger basket that they are sitting in! hmmm...good taste!

If you have not figured out what there names stand for, just say it fast together and hopefully you will get it! and one more thing. Larry is Phils kitten. He was an anniversary present! That is how much he loves kittens! :)

Is Anyone Out There?

So, you see...I have been pestered of great lately to update the blog. And when I do it no one leaves me a comment. I am a little confused. Are people really reading this?? If you are just for my sake, let me know that you are reading it and I will continue! Beacause I do enjoy this!

Life is getting very busy again and I will be having more exciting things up on here. So, just let me know if you are really reading it...THANKS!

more jewelry coming soon! Parties, Parties, Parties! I am "teaching" beading at a girls night out AND doing a birthday party for an 8 year old! How fun will that be? And another one in progress but no details yet! Remember that is why I started this thing! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Well, the day is here. Claire is 2 today! What an adventure she has been. I can't believe it. From a tiny little peanut to well...a cashew! Glasses and all.

  


  

We have had an exciting past few weeks, and once again I did try to blog and put pictures up but I couldn't do it??? why!!!!!

But alas, they are on now!!


Happy Birthday Claire Mercy!

AND... IT'S A BOY!!

I can't be so jealous of Beth for having a little baby, I think that I may take this baby thing to heart too much! We seem to be overrun with females in this house...and well even ouranimal population seems to be more of the X instead of the Y. Go figure! Well, we had a little (big) bull born last night. These animals amaze me, one minute we are out there and nothing is happening and then you can walk outside an hour or two later and there is an animal nursing on his mom. I would love to actually see one born, but...that is the beauty of this type of cow that they can labor and deliver all by themselves. (I guess that is a good thing and we are not out there at 2 am delivering a calf right?) No weight measurements yet, name we can do, it is going to be Echo of Old Homestead Farm. Or the proper way is Old Homestead Echo. Is that right Phil? He is the cutest calf yet, ok so I think I am partial to the little black ones! We had one born in July and it is a bottle baby still, she is adorable and much more of a pet than a farm animal. I will get some pictures of her on here too. but for now I will put up pictures of Mocha the Mom, Lily the BIG sister and Baby Echo. (anyone who is anyone will know why Phil choose the name Echo.)



  

  

  


Click on the images to see them better if you would like and oh, Lily was born last year 2005 the week before Easter (that is why the name Lily) Notice the size of her? And look at the size of Echo not too shabby! (I didn't say shaggy)

ENJOY!

Update...

Well, I guess the exciting part of my summer was my trip out to CA. And I will just tell you that I am so glad it was a month ago and not this month...Have you seen the pictures of people standing in lines at the airports due to the new security? No thanks!!

So, my travels are bringing me to CT this weekend for the Women of Faith conference again. I hadn't even planned on going this year! I knew with all the other things that we have done this summer it was out of the question not to mention it is the middle of August this year instead of Oct. But, I had a ticket offered to me and the hotel everything is already paid for! All I need is money for my food and to help pay for the gas. I really did want to go but didn't even consider it. Isn't God so good in supplying us with all of our needs and our wants sometimes?

So, that is my short little post and I will hopefully be posting more next week about the conference!

And with that...Have a great weekend!

And Beth, don't have that baby while I am away please! :)

In N Out...

This will be my last California post, I needed to space them out. You know I didn't want to be needing bloggers anonomous. :-)

Nikki brought me to the best hamburger place in the west. (ok, so a little corny there but it was really good) I had been told that if she didn't bring me there then she would be in trouble. I guess that when someone was out of the country for a missions trip a few years back, when he was back in the states it was the first stop he made. Is that right Tim?

Well...we went to In n Out. It isn't really as fast as the name makes it sound. Actually I think they have to go out and heard the cows and then bring them to the slaughter house let the meat hang for a bit and then ground the burger cook it up, then they call your number. OK...not that bad, but certainly not "in and out" like the sign claims.

So here are a couple pictures of the place. and you can visit their online store at www.in-n-out.com hmmm...must be a good place to eat if they have a web site. I must say it was a great burger! and they made the potato fries fresh I even watched them slice them up! (french fries)

















Boy! I sure look tired in that picture!

Well, that is all the pictures of the trip that I am going to be posting! So, I hope that you enjoyed the trip, I know I did. Now next time, I am definitly going to see Tim and Leah! I promise (it may be 10 years or so BUT I promise!)

Hollywood...

After a wonderful trip to the west coast, I am home safe and sound. We landed and they opened the door in the back of the plane to unload the food and other things, I remembered what humidity was! (it hit hard) amazing how comfortable 95 degrees is when it is a dry heat! I have heard other people say that before and thought 95 is 95...Well actually NO it really isn't. If it isn't humid you can sit in the shade and get a break from it, or jump in the pool and actually feel a little cooler. BUT not when it is humid! I had lovely curls by the time I was off the plane! :)

Well Monday was a day of adventure! We headed to Hollywood. OK...So we went, walked around did a few touristy things and headed home. It reminded me of some bad parts of Boston. I don't think I would want to bring my kids there. (call me crazy) I did see parents there with little kids. (most of them lived in the area and were shopping, there is a great mall there) The tourists' for the most part were without kids. I think I would have a breakdown in mine were there...The traffic is FAST!

We ate at a great place for lunch called the California Kitchen (I think) Nikki will correct me if I am wrong. Right out side of the restaurant is a scenic view...No signs like we have here in NH, you just see it. Take a look!













We walked the "Famous" walk of the stars...

















AND...
















We also walked on the "hand prints" and "foot prints" of famous actors and actress' I only was able to get a picture of Mel Gibson's prints...There were too many people milling around and you really couldn't see them clearly (OK...There were some of older people who I didn't know so, why take a picture of them? ;) BUT...This is what I took.








This is also where all the premiers are and the Oscars...The famous "RED CARPET". It looks a little different without the carpeting. Sorry I didn't get a picutre of the whole front of the building. and oh, I forgot to mention...;) there was a premiere that night. They were starting to get ready for it when we were leaving the mall. We came out of the exit and looked to the right and saw....




YES!! It's the red carpet~too cool!!













So, Hollywood was a fun place to go and see so that I can check it off on the "list of things to do" but...The best part of the day was eating the Gelato!!!!!!

GREETINGS my fellow blogger from Sunny So Cal...

so...here I am in the great Golden State, WOW is it HOT!!! but...no it isn't humid (yeah)

We went to the wedding of Mr and Mrs Andrew (Happy) Gilmore yesterday! what a joy to see them and see the love that they share for each other and for God! I truly think that God was honored at the wedding! Here is a picture of the "Happy Couple"

It was a beautiful day...Hey Phil they even had OUR song! ahh...








After the wedding we decided to do something that you can only do in California...we went down to Sunset Blvd. I saw the PACIFIC ocean...and even got wet. A little more than I wanted to also!



Look...






wanna see some more?? OK...











I am not sure what the name of this road is but...YES I really am standing there with the PACIFIC ocean behind me! haha...don't I look like a movie star? ;)














This is Nikki running from the waves...
















here is a picture of the two of us just being cute! :)














AND finally, here I am standing IN the Pacific ocean... YES, those really are my BIG toes!!
















OK...now I feel like Mark with all the pictures, at least I haven't done it every day since I have been here...just today and maybe tomorrow after we go to Hollywood and see all the stars in the walk and the handprints...NO I am not a tourist! ;)

Hope you are all doing well! Good Bye for now!

Heading to the west coast...

For those of you that take the time to read this. (I really don't know if anyone does any more except for Kaptain.) I am heading to So California!! YIPEE... I am going there to see Nikki and find out what keeps her so busy that she can't update her blog! And also to see the "Happy Couple" unite in marriage! I am going in 30 minutes. So, I thought I would take a minute to let you know that when I get home I may put some wedding pictures of Amy and Andrew up for everyone, unless they beat me to it! :) and maybe a picture or 2 of Nikki being so "busy".

Have a great few days, I know I will!!

UPDATE!!

OK...So on my side bar is the link to the Hodges. These are the missionaries that we stayed with while we were in Guatemala (when we were not it the village) It is a new blog, and I am very excited about it and wanted to share it with you so...Check it out.
Update on the home front: summer is here and we hit the ground running when the kids got out of school. Their last day was June 9. We had a great pool party at a friends house to celebrate the end of the school year ice cream sundaes and all (it rained too) but that didn't bother the kids!
We gathered up our things and headed to VA for a few days that was fun! We went before all the rain started. We left Abby there for a couple weeks. She is coming home in a little over a week, boy do I miss her! When we got home it was go go go...Kids over kids going to other houses. Wow, isn't that what it is all about when you are a kid? No worries just mom taxing you all around for the fun of it!
I took Meg strawberry picking today! I can't wait to make the jam!! :) But, unfortunately the strawberries were a little tired of the rain too, so the picking wasn't the best. But we had fun still...
OK... I know but for the handful of you that read this I figured that I would just give a little of what we have been doing and just wanted to let you know that I didn't fall off the face of the earth as I think some other bloggers have!!
Off to the big Wal-mart!



Good Day!!

My devotions brought me to this today!

Col 3:1 If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.
3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory.
5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;
6 for which things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience:
7 wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things;
8 but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth:
9 lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings,
10 and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye:
14 and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.
17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:
23 whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men;
24 knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.


I just love this chapter (and book) I think thas vs. 17 should be one that ALL Moms memorize~so that while we are doing the mundane things of the day we should remember ALL THINGS!! even if it is the 13th load of laundry!

Do you smell carrots?

Anyone who is anyone knows what that is from!! OK...Really when we were in Guatemala in March that was the "joke of the week" And it was one of those jokes that the more you said it the funnier it was! So, when it was said last night we laughed out loud!! Good stuff...I am not going to turn this into the lost forum though so...If you are reading this BMT, get on it! :)


here are a couple new Clairisms...I thought they were cute and I would share them

Candles translation flowers
puppies translation puddles

I know short and lame! But hey at least I updated it...Oh, we still have a huge puddle in the back yard. Only about a foot deep now, maybe by the weekend it will be gone!

A little rain...

Well, unless you have been under a rock somewhere you have heard of the rain and flooding in NE. Nothing compared to other parts of the states in the past year, but it is unusual for us to get so much rain! We have had more rain in the past week than we usually get in a 4 month period, over 5 inches by Sunday night. I am not sure what the total was when it finally finished.

Craziness in the house, we were all going a little stir crazy, the walls were a little too close, and there were not enough rooms for the kids to be in! So, last night I had it and sent them out in their rain gear (some of them) to run off a little energy! It was sprinkling a little when they went out and about 20 minutes later it was SUNNY!!! Whoa... We all stopped and stared at the sun!

Phil put his row boat into the "pond" that we have in the back yard now, we are thinking of selling our house, it is water front property now, it should sell for a lot! :)

Check out some of the pictures, and just remember that we are pretty high up where we are, there was a lot of devastation in other parts of our little town and state. We didn't have any damage to any of our property!

Where do YOUR convictions lie?

Recent discussion on other blogs really made me think...

How do you feel about different areas in your life? Soap Boxes we all have them. We feel very strongly about an issue, give all of our points why everyone else should believe what WE believe. Don't get me wrong some soap boxes are good! Some however can just be too silly to even fathom!

So, here is the question I am sending out there. Where do your convictions lie? Are you holding the Bible to it's truth. Not taking verses out of context just to fit into your situation? Are you studying The Word to get the answers that you need to find out what God is saying to you. How is He speaking to your heart? Do you feel strongly about something and yet turn the page of the Bible and not think that God really meant to say what was written on that page too? Are we to pick and choose our convictions?

I know people out there believe that women should only wear skirts or dresses. I don't see it in the Bible. I know there are people out there who believe that we should not watch TV. I don't find that in my Bible either. I know there are people out there that don't believe in medicine. I don't see that in my Bible either. I know that the Curse and the Fall of Man are a BIG topic. We need to hold our convictions to what we feel the Bible states, and not just take it to what we feel it should say just for us. Yes, God is speaking to us and we need to listen to Him, we need to be sensitive to what our convictions are and what other people have for convictions as well. And respect one another for our different convictions. NOT try to make the other people feel that they don't know what they are talking about.

Don't get me wrong. Sin is SIN there is not getting around that one. BUT, just because I don't choose to homeschool my children and my neighbor feels that it is the ONLY way, God's way. Their convictions are different from mine. Am I going to try my hardest to convince them that a Christian School (or a public school) is where their kids should be (just because that is our conviction) NO...Just the same I don't want them to tell me that I must homeschool because it is THEIR conviction.

Using my neighbor just as an example my neighbor does not tell me I am wrong by not homeschooling! I don't think she would ever do that. Why? Because we both have different convictions.

Now, if my other neighbor was having trouble with a sin in her life. Let say she is shoplifting (just as an example) I know that she is doing this I have seen her. Do I leave her alone because she has a conviction about it and thinks that it is right for her? NO WAY...She is openly stealing breaking one of the 10 commandments. I would have to talk to her about it. Lovingly, and Biblically! Because it is what the Bible says to do.

So, where do your convictions lie? Are you only on a soap box for your own good or are you on a soap box or Gods Good?

What to post...

Yes, I have been trying to think of what to write about. There are a lot of things I could be on a soap box about BUT I will save you all from that right now! I am trying to think of some cute things that the kids have done, or some wonderful thing we did over vacation. Alas, I am at a loss...I have been cooped up in the house for nearly 2 weeks with sick kids...My mind is getting a little foggy! So, just for the few people who read this, I really don't want you to think that I have abandoned my blog. I have been trying to think of something...Maybe it will happen soon!

Bundles of Love...

Bundles of Love is an extraordinary opportunity to get to minister to the people of Guatemala. You can read more about it here. We are praying that Lord willing Phil (or myself) will take 2 of the girls down in December. Please pray with us, so we can clearly see the Lords direction in this.

As you can figure it out, it is going to be quite a bit of $$ We are trying to think of ways for the girls to earn the money for the trip. We choose as a family not to send out support letters for the money. God always provides and we know that He will! But, we need to help the girls along the way...Any ideas? I would love to have them do some sort of a "work project" to earn the money. Mothers helpers over the summer. Helping someone clean up the yard, house, walk a dog. Get the picture...Any other ideas would be a great help.

I am really looking forward to the girls being able to head down and see how much of the world lives, and witness the power of God firsthand! I think that they will be truly blessed on this trip. And anyone else who goes as well.

The one most important thing that I ask as you read this is to keep us in your prayers while we are planning this trip!

Thirteen!

So, today is the day! Am I old enough? Abby is 13!! Where has the time gone? Too fast. She is forming her own opinions about things, keeping a diary! she has secrets I don't know about anymore! I used to be the one she told her secrets to...how does that happen? She is turning into quite a lady! And a God honoring one at that! What a joy to see!!
I really don't believe that she is 13! too fast, too fast! I think that her turning 13 is harder than it was for me to turn 30 (just a few short years ago!) But, my kids still think I am 29 :)
OK...off to get balloons to place on her locker, I think she will love it! :)

Guatemala!

Well, we are back! What a wonderful time we had in Guatemala. No one got really sick (slightly but not bad) No one was hurt! And we all had a chance to work as a team with a group from Grand Rapids...What a treat that was! The 5 mile ride up the mountain everyday took us about 45 min. Sometimes longer sometimes not quite as long! It all depended on the traffic that day! It was a 1 lane road so, when you met another car you needed to pull over! Very interesting as you approach the BIG drop off.
















So, what did we do? We built a school :) The school that the kids are in right now is on both sides of the road and the main building was on a mans land (with permission) they had been there for 30 years (or so) The man died and his son wants AMG to move the school. So, they are. We arrived on Monday at the site there was 1 exterior wall and 2 end walls that were standing. And a small room had been started. We needed to at least do all the brick work before we left on Thursday afternoon. Yeah, Right! funny how we can think that way not excepting God to truly be in control of ALL things. We quickly set to work on Monday there were a bunch of natives already there working. Some were there all day and others floated in as they were able. They are such grateful people and can't do enough for us what a true blessing they were to work with and get to know a little bit! By the end of the day Monday we had 2 rooms completed. Good progress I thought! (one of the men from Grand Rapids is a mason by trade) that helps!! :) I worked with him for the day on Monday and most of the day Tuesday.

Tuesday we started the other rooms. And completed them! Wow...I thought it wouldn't happen oh me of little faith! We visited with the children as they floated in and out of the school area! They are so excited for their new school to be able to use! They came everyday with little gifts of pictures, candy and even a little teacup for me! The little girl went home to see what she had that was precious to her that she wanted to give to me! How sweet. And if you don't take these things you offend them! hmm...my kids could learn a lot. (we all could learn a lot!)By the end of the second day we were exhausted!

Wednesday we back filled holes that had been dug for the footings. I used a pick axe! Ha...What fun! And I still have all my limbs and so does everyone who worked around me! We threw dirt back into the rooms to level the floors for when the concrete is to be poured. It looked pretty good. I didn't help with the bricks because they were working on a wall that would not be seen. It took a good part of the day for that wall to go up too. There were a lot of little cuts that needed to be put into it, as well as the electrical box and other things. At 2:00 we had a program to attend at the old school WOW!! They really put their hearts into it. it was great, No we could not understand what they were singing or saying but, how encouraging it was it really got is fired up to work harder for them as we were working the rest of the day. We had nice surprises during the days of fresh fruit! Oh...Pineapple will never be the same again! We were exhausted but it was worth every minute of it on Wednesday.

Thursday we only worked half a day. We needed to be out of there by noon. (yeah right) tell that to the Gualemalains who really don't have a time schedule. They were coming in all morning at a steady stream, watching the progress and helping where they could. We started cleaning up and packing up the kids were getting sad. And so were we! Hugs and more hugs...They couldn't seem to get enough of them and we couldn't either! We were told that the kitchen ladies were coming up the mountain with a cake for us, so we needed to wait for them to get there. It was worth the wait! It was amazing to me to sit and eat a cake with about 50 kids watching you, and they didn't even ask for 1 bite! Do that in the US and the kids would be having a little temper tantrum! The cake was amazing. We had more picture and a few more pictures and a couple more hugs, we really had to run into the van to leave. It was great!

God is so good! There is no way that the school could have had as much done on it if it weren't for Him. I know what we did for the people in Guatemala, but what they did for us was so much more! Watching them work, sing, help where ever they could...It will leave a lasting mark forever! Such giving people. Getting up at 5:45 everyday working and doing devotions at 8:00 visiting with the other people and going to bed at 11:00 (or 1:00 if the gun shots were too loud!) and really not feeling tired and getting up excited to work and do it happily was amazing, for the morning person that I am

During our devotion time every night we sang old hymns! Oh, how beautiful they sound acapella. I had a few moments where emotion took over, I think that I controlled it pretty well. But, it was amazing to sit and listen to everyone sing. The group that we were with were all incredible singers. And you could tell by listening to them that they were not doing it for themselves but for God's glory! We sang each night for at least 30 minutes, and had great discussion on the Bible study for the day, they were about serving God in other countries, What is joy?, Who are the missionaries...It was good, the discussion would last for about 45 min. Then we would head off to sit by the pool and talk some more. (with large bats flying over head) I think it was more fun for them to watch me cower into Phil's lap each time a bat went over head than the discussion we were all having. All in all it was a wonderful time of spiritual growth, learning to depend more on God, in all areas of my life! And making wonderful friendship that I know will last forever! And beyond...

Speaking of friendships...This group of people that we met down there to work with 9 of them only 2 were in there 30's and the rest were 50 and older one was 69, on his first missions trip. Him name is Bus. What a neat guy! 69 years old and on his first missions trip, and can't wait to go back. Wow...We could all learn a lot from him, Dan is 68, Quite a worker as well! They all work hard, retired men who want to serve the Lord in a great way! All the way in Guatemala! WOW...
Karen the other girl on the trip was just a couple years older than me, and a work horse! I felt a little sick on Thursday while we were at the site. She was very concerned for me! I didn't want to complain about not feeling well, BUT she kept making sure that I was not overdoing it! Very caring!!

OK...There is so much more to write, but I will save it for later!

Pin cushion!

Ouch! We are headed to Guatemala for a missions trip shortly so we need to make sure that our immunization are up to date. WELL...After today they are. My left arm is so sore. I only had to get 2 shots but man do they hurt... I forgot how much they hurt last time we went. Phil thought that he was not getting any just the malaria prescription, hahaha he was wrong. His look was a little funny when she told him he needed shots too. (I tried not to laugh) he told me in the car on the way there that he didn't need any but I would need a few. I only needed 2 and one is good forever and the other one is good for 3 years. I am not too sure if Phil got 2 or 3 shots today. BUT, we are up to date and can safely head to Guatemala!!

I think that after today when the kids get shots I will make sure to take EXTRA special care of them. It hurts to even type this. How ridicules is that? I guess that when they say that the kids can be cranky from shots, they really know what they are talking about. Adults can be cranky too!! Just look at me :)

OK...just wanted to tell you all that I am a human pin cushion.

LOOK who has some cute new glasses!

Well it is official Claire has her new glasses. It is a challenge...You try keeping them on a baby!! You would think that because she can see things properly now that she would keep them on but...:)






Apparently normal vision is 0.0 that would be 20/20. Because she is unable to read (only because of her age!) they are not able to measure her that way so we needed to do a dilation of the eyes for 3 days (to make sure the medicine really penetrated the eyes) Then I had to take her in a 6:45 AM!! To have her eyes measured and see just how off they were. WELL...If you are wondering how we knew that she needed glasses her left eye started crossing very badly about a 2 months ago. So, I called to get her in. A 4 week wait! Meanwhile it was getting worse AND then in the past couple of weeks her right eye started! It was very sad seeing her look that way. So, the Dr. Measured her eyes. Whoa... Her eyes are BAD! One was 5.5 and the other is 6.0. I believe that 6.0 is legally blind. Pretty amazing that they can figure those things out! Ahh...The wonders of the medical world.

We picked up the glasses yesterday...She can see! How amazing it is to me what she couldn't see but she was able to do, all by sound and touch and her other senses. God is so good! If you didn't know her and saw her without her glasses you would wonder why her eyes were crossed. Most people were polite, but you could see the faces of people in the store when she looked at them and smiled with her severely crossed eyes!! They were probably wondering if I noticed it! The optometrist held the lenses up to my eyes so I could see how she sees. I was in such shock. I couldn't speak! Unusual for me... (just for those of you who are going to yell at me, don't!! I did see a pediatric opthomologist, my friend opened an eyeglass store so I needed to get the glasses from her!) I can see how she knew things but everything was blurry! I walked into my parents house to show them. She stopped and stared at the fireplace. Looking very intensely at it! She had only seen a big red wall before, now she can see all the little bricks. I wish she could speak to me so that I can know just what she is thinking. But on the other hand I am so glad that she is so little that after the next few weeks she will not remember that her world was such a blur for 17 months!

God is so good!

Who is invisible?

Are you a mom? Do you ever feel invisible? Like no one really knows that you do exist? I mean, where do the folded clothes come from? Where does dinner come from? Who picks them up after school or practice? WHO buys the food????....Get the picture? Well, I feel that way many days, just my lot in life I often think or thought then I bought a little "coffee table" book called The Invisible Woman. In this book it speaks of the great cathedrals that were built between 1050-1350. The beautiful cathedrals that are toured by so many people. I am not familiar with all the cathedrals, I am sure that other people can fill us in on more detail on them. In the book it points out the many years it took to build the cathedrals. Many of them had people working on them whose names were never know and who were forgotten a long time ago. It talks of the architects who started them and died before they were completed. They NEVER got to see their lives work complete. The stained glass in them that took a century to make in some of them that the artist never saw them in the completed cathedrals. We marvel at these amazing works of art. Yet many of them have no history of the "invisible" architect. Do you think they ever thought that these would be so grand and so many people would travel to see them and tour them? The point of the book is the invisible mother works so hard, is not "seen" by her children, they don't realize how much work and effort that mom puts in everyday. Things just "happen"...Hmmmm...It really made me realize that I will never see the finished product of my children, that is the point of parenting. We work so hard at teaching them, training them, praying for them...And we will never see the completed work. God sees it. God is the only one who will see the completed work of our own personal "cathedrals" Invisible architects yup, that is what we are as moms. Yes, I know that the kids really do "see" me, it was just a really interesting new way to look at is and think of the parenting that I do on an everyday basis. I really wish I knew how to put one of those really cool cathedral pictures on here for you to admire but, I am not computer savvy enough to get one on! So, you need to picture a great cathedral in your own mind!

Am I approachable?

A few things have happened over the past few weeks that have really opened my eyes to things of the world that kids are dealing with everyday! A lot of them really scare me to see what they have to deal with. I have been reading things that kids have no idea adults or parents know about. Being a mom of a soon to be teen I want to know what is out there. Scary things on the web! I don't allow the kids to be on internet without being right there. And knowing what they are looking up. Abby even has a kid AOL account, she can't even access Build a bear or American girl without my permission, because we blocked it! There are kids out there her age, and not much older posting things on the web that parents have no idea they are doing. Some do yes, and I am sure that they check up on it daily. KUDOS to those parents who do that, what about the ones that don't?

My kids are NOT perfect, big sinners just like me. I am not going to try to fool myself or anyone else thinking they are not! My question is...If you see my kids doing something that you know we do not approve of. Whether it is running through the downstairs at church, talking back to an adult, doing things on the web...You get the picture? Do you feel that you can approach me about it? I really do want to be approachable so that we can correct behavior before it is so out of hand that we will regret not knowing. I am in a position where I need to confront a parent but I am afraid to, why? Is it fear of losing a friend, fear of being too outspoken? (I have been accused of that before)! Fear of the unknown, I think is what it is! PLEASE approach me when you see something...I need it, we all need it at time. Loving and concerned not IN YOUR FACE sort of confronting! If we are supposed to be Christians we need to act more like Christ so that our kids can see it too!

Here is an article that I read and this is of concern. Please understand that some of these things are good. SOME are horrid! check it out!

And please if you have something to talk to me about do so! I don't want to be one of the ones who no one feels they can talk to...Hurt, offended yes, probably but not at the person who brings it to me, more at the person who did the offense and it may come out at you and if it does, I apologize before hand! Thanks for taking the time to read all of this! AND PRAY for the teens that are around today, and the ones who will soon be teens! The world is a very dark and scary place to be in unless you know the One True God!

Just some random thoughts about living in 2006!

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2006 when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.


OK, now you can get back to your day, just wanted to share that with everyone!! Have a GREAT day!

10 Days since my last post!

So, I have been a slacker! I guess I am still trying to figure out how we got from sweaters to books on the last post!
What have I been doing for the past week and a half? Well you can all thank Cheryl I have a new hobby (like I have time for another one) I made another sweater! It is beautiful. AND it actually fits Claire! I was really sick last week so...I was on the couch A LOT... That is no fun, I am paying for it this week...Still trying to find the house in all the clutter that accumulated over the few days (and having a 12 year old try her hand at laundry)! haha...
Also sitting at the basketball games I was able to knit some. I felt like an old grandmother! It was funny...OH, basketball finished last night. They didn't do well the second half of the season so, no playoffs. Rest until March then we start softball... BE WARNED!! :)

OK...Enough on all that Here is the question? If you know anything about the movie The End of the Spear please give a little input. If you have seen it, are not going to see it, on the fence about it. I have heard nothing but good reviews about it until today when I got an e-mail containing
this. Hmmm...What do you think? I would like a little feedback, I know that Phil will be a little disappointed when he reads this article. I know that I was but then again, we do have to remember that it is a Hollywood production and not one of the several commentaries that we have seen over the past year.
OK...Got to get back to cleaning!

A New Sweater!

I hit the new shop here in town last week (A Knitters Garden) I am not a big knitter I went with Cheryl the week before. I saw the cutest little sweater, however I know how busy I am and I don't have much time to just sit and knit. I kept thinking of this sweater for a week. I was obsessed with it. So I went back, looked at it again and I figured it looked easy enough I would give it a try (I can knit I just don't do it very often) Very simple garter stitch one piece work from the back to the front, I thought that I would give it a try. I LOVED the yarn that she used however, she didn't have any of those colors that she had made the one I loved out of. So, I started picking up different yarns and looking to see which colors I liked together (for a baby) I settled with a muli-colored nubby sort of yarn and I picked out a deep red for the contrast. I started knitting on the way up to the basket ball game. I was thrilled at how fast it knit up, in about 45 min I had 5 inches of the back done. So, I started playing with different ways to use the colors, the sample had been done in stripes (I have NEVER done stripes) I thought I would try and see what it looked like. I liked it, this sweater has a "bib" in the front, I made this in the solid red color, the stripes are every other row for a few inches in the back and over the shoulders and then I wanted to do something a little different so, I did 4 rows of the multi yarn and 2 rows of the red. It looks really cute! I am trying to think of some nice buttons for the bib, I think that a shell button would be really pretty with the colors of the yarn, but I think that wooden ones would be nice too! I am at a loss...It is all done except for the buttons, I finished the knitting last night and finished the weaving of the sides this afternoon. HOWEVER, it is much smaller than I thought it would be (due to using the wrong yarn) It will make a great gift for someone who is having a girl. I even think I know who it will go to as well. So, my camera is missing!! OOPS!!!!! I will get a picture of it as soon as I can find that camera, I think Anna had been taking pictures of Claire! So, that is my post A NEW SWEATER!! I am a little excited about the sweater, I have already started another one! Let's see how quick I can knit the next one...Bye
So, I found the camera and here is the picture of the little sweater!

I finally figured it out!!

So, praying with Cabot last night, it finally HIT me...As he prayed he asked that he would wake "fresh" in the morning after a good-night sleep, not "refreshed" and so, with that I guess his prayer was answered (this has been prayed many times)! I love my fresh 5 (almost 6) year old little boy. NOW I just need to get him to pray and ask to have a good-night sleep and wake "REFRESHED" in the morning! ahh...That may help us all.

I think that I should start a little journal of the cute little things that the kids say, I always say that and I never actually do it...Maybe with the blog I will. I will start with that one, and see what else comes out!

The Smartest Cat Ever!

OK, so I walked into the kitchen to see the cat reading! I thought it was worth a picture! Isn't she the cutest and smartest thing you have ever seen? snicker snicker! That is it that is my post! have a great day