tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65164806166682887052024-03-05T00:14:30.150-08:00For Such a Seasoncelebrating your seasonsAprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-70388690053289261242016-03-25T08:38:00.000-07:002016-03-25T08:38:38.007-07:00"Pitchin' a Fit" Book Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We don't have chickens and our family hasn't taken a 31-day road trip, but I have no trouble relating to the events described by Israel in the introduction of "Pitchin' a Fit." Maybe it's because that van and those sweet souls have spent several nights at our house. But really, I think that any parent has had similar moments of frustration, anger and regret.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This collaboration from Israel and his wife Brook is an excellent resource for dads and moms (or soon-to-be parent) who don't want to be that yelling, angry parent. This quick read is filled with the anecdotes, wisdom and practical advice in a conversational format that draws the reader in (and screams "mark this for later because you will need it again!") and helps parents show God's love to their children even in frustrating situations. Unlike many other parenting books, the reader isn't asked to simply take advice from the Waynes, but instead the book leads the reader back to scripture over and over again. At the end of each chapter, questions to consider will take you deeper into your journey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reader will walk away equipped to identify issues that lead to anger and create a more harmonious environment for their families. These chapters walk you through overcoming anger:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px;">1. Stressed Out and Overwhelmed</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px;">2. Is It Wrong to Get Angry?</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px;">3. What Causes Anger?</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px;">4. Provoking Our Children to Wrath</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px;">5. Trigger Happy — What Sets You Off?</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px;">6. Yelling Moms, Hollering Dads</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px;">7. “But I’m Not Patient!”</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px;">8. What Patience Is and Isn’t</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px;">9. Nurture in the Heart of Correcting</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px;">10.The Power of Affirmation</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px;">11. Creating Peace in the Home</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.04px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12. Accountability</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can find more information on "Pitchin' a Fit" at <a href="http://www.nlpg.com/pitchin-a-fit">www.nlpg.com/pitchin-a-fit</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuw1VF4miY9vuiUE_w-B4Pkk9Dz0Fl-AH47kv9LWDL2Wfkkn8NTtURgsMORJzWOMBayWSPjyrLpuQcwQs1b2egjr97bmau58wNhAvS6OXXoKycesXwvFhr7KE4xOIXah8cbcHx6bUxbk/s1600/pitchin-a-fit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuw1VF4miY9vuiUE_w-B4Pkk9Dz0Fl-AH47kv9LWDL2Wfkkn8NTtURgsMORJzWOMBayWSPjyrLpuQcwQs1b2egjr97bmau58wNhAvS6OXXoKycesXwvFhr7KE4xOIXah8cbcHx6bUxbk/s320/pitchin-a-fit.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-2066144430256603032016-02-08T16:47:00.002-08:002016-02-08T16:47:44.753-08:00Time for GrannyOur daughters recently started visiting with an older lady in the community. She is a ninety-year-old lady who is able to do most things, but enjoys companionship and requires that everyone call her "Granny." She reminds me of many elderly people we have gotten to know over the years. It seems that as people become less able to do things, their family and friends slowly back away. Not because they don't want to be around, but often because they are afraid and uncertain about what's happening to their loved one. Our girls have learned to just be yourself and live life. Here are some of the things they have been doing with Granny and suggest that you do with an elderly person in your life:<br />
<br />
Cook a meal using one of her favorite recipes. She can't cook, but she still knows the details.<br />
Go for a walk and let her tell you about the neighborhood. Or her childhood. Or anything she wants to talk about.<br />
Talk politics. She's been around to see a few elections!<br />
Sew a quilt, knit a blanket or crochet a hat.<br />
Clean. Granny can spot dirt a mile away, even if it's not really there.<br />
Make a scrapbook of cards, photos or newspaper clippings. You'll learn a lot!<br />
<br />
Most importantly, take some time each week to spend with someone who doesn't move as fast as they used to. You'll enjoy the pace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm7tOhaFGmSu7wAJJ-lKiptO2xim6Al1Mhc9dfuK9ESgq17lL7a-SFHQWsgoXsoOqivFHYv6U94KUI5ODmyaBa3HzfdgbhWNO3q4b0f38hJgzdp43BU7EamNhoVt2qdkWjrT2vYDxLJk/s1600/person-731423_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm7tOhaFGmSu7wAJJ-lKiptO2xim6Al1Mhc9dfuK9ESgq17lL7a-SFHQWsgoXsoOqivFHYv6U94KUI5ODmyaBa3HzfdgbhWNO3q4b0f38hJgzdp43BU7EamNhoVt2qdkWjrT2vYDxLJk/s320/person-731423_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-87044260940506406242015-07-08T10:09:00.000-07:002015-07-08T10:09:05.061-07:00The Minions Discussion GuideMy daughter and I were fortunate enough to attend a screening for the movie "The Minions." If you'd like to read my review, head over to iFamilyKC (link will be posted ASAP). My daughter and I left feeling like we couldn't stop at just writing a review. We usually discuss movies after watching them and this time we wanted to share some questions with your family as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What were the minion looking for? </li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>What happened when the minions were in the cave? What </li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>What is a leader? What qualities make someone a good leader?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>What made Kevin a good leader? Would you have gone with him?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>What did the Nelson family do right? What did they do wrong? </li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Why did Stuart give the crown to Scarlet? What would you have done?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>After the queen gave the gifts to the minions, do you think they were satisfied?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Why did the minions follow Gru?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Did the minions learn anything from what happened with Scarlet?</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
What other questions would you add to this list?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdpt3dsdcXrtur5lVDLl2GOJDnLNBqRJTZwWZXE61uPcqavot0Egn9l9I7jmghzhq334PfHAZ5txG1e874HEndMT4i4Q9s0K1I9KbNsp7LoyQGwtQT5rqnOY3ejidCxPqIEQvvX5vpZ4/s1600/ticket-576228_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdpt3dsdcXrtur5lVDLl2GOJDnLNBqRJTZwWZXE61uPcqavot0Egn9l9I7jmghzhq334PfHAZ5txG1e874HEndMT4i4Q9s0K1I9KbNsp7LoyQGwtQT5rqnOY3ejidCxPqIEQvvX5vpZ4/s320/ticket-576228_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-33706479227690461122015-06-08T03:12:00.002-07:002015-06-08T03:12:31.511-07:00Is Today Your June 8th?<div class="MsoNormal">
June 8<sup>th</sup> was a normal day until 2010. Five long
years ago that sometimes feels like only a few days ago. A few of our family
and friends prayed around my grandma’s hospital bed. As I told her that I loved
her, she squeezed my hand. This would be her last communication with anyone. A
few hours later she slipped peacefully into the arms of her Lord after a brief
battle with cancer. She was the woman I wanted to be when I grew up and I still
look to her example. Strong, patient, kind and everything good. The glue that
held our family together. Always willing to fill a need, even when that meant
helping to raise her granddaughter. Even now, there are days when I pick up the
phone to share exciting news or ask her advice, forgetting that she won’t
answer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Little did I know that June 8<sup>th</sup> would strike again just as
hard. This time, it was my dad. The dad I never really knew. We met several
years ago but the relationship didn’t last long. Birthday text messages and Christmas cards
continued through the years, but nothing more. Through that brief relationship
I was blessed with several siblings and a large extended family who embraced me
like I always belonged to them. Ironically, I was with one of those cousins and
her family when I got the news that my dad had passed, also of cancer. That was
the day he became the dad I would never really know. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Such different pains but both hurt so deeply. One longing
for a relationship that I was able to fully experience and therefore know what
I would be missing and the other sadness for a relationship I never really had
and now never would experience. Two completely different people who had nothing
in common until June 8th.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So today, as tears roll down my face and knots fill my
stomach, I hope that people will give me a little extra grace if I snap at them
or stare off into space. My head is full before my day even begins. I think
back to a lady that our family cared for and her hatred for April 27<sup>th</sup>
(my birthday). To her, it was the worst day of the year because her husband
died on that day. And now I understand. I probably have a little more
compassion for the cashier who may be grumpy or the waitress who may seem
distracted because the day I encounter them may be their June 8<sup>th</sup>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pixabay.com/get/36f88f3be5ae580f3db2/1433758300/mourning-360500_1280.jpg?direct" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pixabay.com/get/36f88f3be5ae580f3db2/1433758300/mourning-360500_1280.jpg?direct" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-50067107287412906292015-05-18T05:03:00.004-07:002015-05-18T05:04:05.094-07:00Using the Library to HomeschoolIf you've been to one of my talks about getting started homeschooling, here are the resources I referred to:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://cathyduffyreviews.com/">Cathy Duffy's Reviews</a> - reviews of many homeschool curriculums</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/index.php">Tapestry of Grace</a> - classical integrated unit study curriculum (please use referral code aprilnourse)</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.casscolibrary.org/resources">Cass County Library</a> </div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.homeschool.com/">Homeschool.com</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/">Khan Academy</a> - online learning site</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.hslda.org/">Homeschool Legal Defense </a> - homeschool resources and legal information</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.fhe-mo.org/">Families For Home Education</a> - Missouri homeschool organization</div>
<div>
<a href="https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/">Midwest Parent Educators</a> - Kansas City area homeschool organization</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mardel.com/">Mardel</a> - homeschool store and online resources</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/You-Teach-Your-Child-Successfully/dp/0940319047">You Can Teach Your Child Successfully</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Honey-Childs-Heart-Imaginative-Family-ebook/dp/B003LSTJUA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431950126&sr=1-1&keywords=Honey+For+a+Child%27s+Heart">Honey For a Child's Heart</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://bfbooks.com/?gclid=CJH9uYGey8UCFQuraQode6UA9w">Beautiful Feet</a> - history & literature curriculum</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/">Rainbow Resource</a> - curriculum vendor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://writeshop.com/">Write Shop</a> - composition</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.sonlight.com/">Sonlight</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.clp.org/christian_light_education">Christian Light Education</a> - homeschool materials</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.timberdoodle.com/">Timberdoodle</a> - hands on homeschooling</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.hometrainingtools.com/">Home Science Tools</a> - science materials</div>
<div>
<a href="http://fiveinarow.com/">5 in a Row</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://books.coreknowledge.org/home.php?cat=298">What Every ___ Needs to Know</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.konos.com/">KONOS</a> - homeschool curriculum</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Grammar-An-Illustrated-Primer/dp/1889209015">Simply Grammar</a> - grammar curriculum</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Child-Read-Lessons/dp/0671631985">Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons</a> - beginning reading</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso6GZKTUkxBzzv5AjTaTqJDxYNjj9nsY3phLVpNGOoNPwYVkgtKLmqvODQLQaTbJjQ2_IqkMFW7DtaPkQCE9CZzCDXUVtLHItJdB47qhenb97LqyZ4qCKFy0vqZOKwSpGrVIe6CQwIMs/s1600/book-548649_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso6GZKTUkxBzzv5AjTaTqJDxYNjj9nsY3phLVpNGOoNPwYVkgtKLmqvODQLQaTbJjQ2_IqkMFW7DtaPkQCE9CZzCDXUVtLHItJdB47qhenb97LqyZ4qCKFy0vqZOKwSpGrVIe6CQwIMs/s320/book-548649_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-87876795875322787312015-04-22T03:47:00.000-07:002015-04-22T03:47:01.574-07:00Prepping for a Homeschooling ConventionI was so naive when I went to my first homeschool convention. I thought that I could just show up, listen to some speakers, peruse the vendor hall and leave with everything I needed for the next school year. I was so wrong. Will you please let me help you not make the same painful mistake? From the moment you decide to attend, preparation must begin.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If reasonable, get a babysittter and book a hotel near the convention. These aren't necessary but will help you focus on the task at hand. I know moms who go as a group and leave the dads home with the kids and I have friends who use this as a couples getaway. Our kids are old enough that I want their input so we bring them and all of us stay near the convention.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At the minimum, make a list of the subjects you'd like to cover and your budget. If you have some specific thoughts on providers, jot them down too. Be warned that you may change your mind, but have a plan. As soon as you can get a list of vendors and speakers, mark the ones you want to visit and keep that with your list.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you have some time, visit websites and stores (we love Mardel) to check out curriculum. This will help you get to know your options and the prices. Homeschooling friends are also great resources and will often let you look through their materials. <a href="http://cathyduffyreviews.com/">Cathy Duffy</a> offers helpful reviews on most of the top resources. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the day of the convention, wear good shoes and be prepared to take notes for later. I know many people who browse on day one, review the materials that evening and buy on day two. Even if you have only one day at your event, I tell people to pack a lunch so that you can take a few minutes to leave the building, sit outside in the sunshine and regain your thoughts after a morning of information overload.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lastly, know that if you leave without buying everything you needed, that's ok. Unless I really know that it's something I will use and/or the discount at the convention is significant, I'm ok with paying a little more later. I'd rather be certain that have unused curriculum at the end of the year because of an impulse buy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JxyLdm01PZ7Ypw0YEzZ61ref19oLI7JTL0G62revpKOX4HzzMNpXJE4KHZEdd-BT-Iwp7Vk4hvd2Bu1FI7qgpHYW9Ij3H0J3fzZeNuKOci3pxtROvKnkya3Zto5TMtLDac3lwy6b878/s1600/books-108538__180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JxyLdm01PZ7Ypw0YEzZ61ref19oLI7JTL0G62revpKOX4HzzMNpXJE4KHZEdd-BT-Iwp7Vk4hvd2Bu1FI7qgpHYW9Ij3H0J3fzZeNuKOci3pxtROvKnkya3Zto5TMtLDac3lwy6b878/s1600/books-108538__180.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-80138130946969072592014-07-14T05:08:00.000-07:002014-07-15T05:28:48.176-07:00Redefining Comfort<span style="font-family: inherit;">July 14, 2008. Life was good. My husband had a steady job, we were settling into our California community and church, we had a nice little house where we were planning to raise our three daughters. We were comfortable and had no plans of changing anything.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God had other plans. A few months later, my husband lost his job, beginning a domino-effect of changes. He applied for every local job he knew of. His brother and best friend started encouraging him to come work with them in Iraq as a contractor. My mom offered to let us move into her basement (half a country away in Missouri). Someone offered to buy our house. My mind raced at the possibilities and choices. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I prayed and prayed for God to give us a way to stay. Even after my husband and I made our plans for me to move our girls to Missouri while he was in Iraq earning the money that would get us back on our feet, I prayed to stay. I knew that it seemed to be where God was leading us, but I liked comfortable. I didn't like change.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As the date drew near for me to leave my home, I still did not have that "a-ha moment" when I just knew this was exactly right and I desperately wanted that moment. Across the globe from each other, my husband and I chose to fast and pray together. Late in the day, I felt no different than when I woke up that morning. In the quiet darkness, I curled up on the couch with my Bible and Esther study guide. My study led me to Esther 4:14 which reads, </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?</span></span></blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Starting to feel like this was the moment I had been praying for, I read the verse several times. This could be my time also, but for what? The next verse from my study guide took me to my knees. </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b>For in him we</b> live and <b>move</b> and have our being. -Acts 17:28 (emphasis mine) </span></span></blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Tears ran down my face as the realization came over me that God had just spoken to me in a very loud voice. I know God does not always speak to us this way, nor should we expect Him to, but He did this time and I was compelled to move. On July 14, 2009, with the help of my family and friends, the girls and I moved from California to Missouri and started a new chapter in our lives. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYa3VIp2qdJkqZlubCx_Gy9u0ga70KaaFh-xR7Xl0-5G5pa6iUaFpHpsYRJkRRcp3AUgYSf3FgOXzJ9sKfq7xiNsYLoU1K3mDtEXfO0HgfPUjBCt4pcJqgCIJUJO9rhjwiZp8d2EkXlss/s1600/1625768_1188624840258_6327446_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYa3VIp2qdJkqZlubCx_Gy9u0ga70KaaFh-xR7Xl0-5G5pa6iUaFpHpsYRJkRRcp3AUgYSf3FgOXzJ9sKfq7xiNsYLoU1K3mDtEXfO0HgfPUjBCt4pcJqgCIJUJO9rhjwiZp8d2EkXlss/s1600/1625768_1188624840258_6327446_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">Five years in a foreign land has blessed our family beyond belief. My husband came home from Iraq on leave and got a job nearby. He is now self-employed and gets to take the kids with him to work. Through our new church, we have been able to give to our community in a way we have never experienced. Our family has hosted neighborhood movie nights and a car maintenance ministry. We have participated in overseas mission trips, loved on kids at an orphanage, served meals at a shelter and volunteered at a pregnancy center. Our kids have enjoyed living on a farm, getting to know my parents and helping to raise the animals. The biggest change is that we have added a son to our family - a sweet boy that we adopted from the Taiwanese orphanage where we volunteered. Although he's a big part of this God story, he has a pretty incredible story to tell another day. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">In the last five years, something has stood out to me over and over again. Comfortable is good, but being where God places us is better. I have learned to redefine comfort as being in God's will for my life. Do we miss what we left? Certainly. That's why we go back to visit. But then we go home, ready for the next adventure.</span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-90729464252113962632014-06-24T02:49:00.001-07:002014-06-24T02:49:03.345-07:00Life's Not Fair. Neither is God.A major revelation came to me recently. Life's not fair. Mind-blowing truth. Life's not fair. If you don't believe me, just take the past few weeks of my life. A couple of weeks ago, I set out on a trip that was supposed to be the best week of my whole year. Just a few days before I left, I found out that my dad had cancer. While gone, I received a message that I should hurry if I wanted to see him before he passed. Then we got a call that our home had been broken into (false alarm, but worrisome nonetheless). On the last day of our trip, I got the call that my dad had passed. On the same day that we lost my grandma to cancer four years earlier. The day after his funeral, I got the news that a close family member needs an urgent surgery. Really? These days, it seems that I can't get passed one thing before another hits. It's just not fair. There's not enough of me for all of this.<br />
<br />
But wait. Before you bail on me because you think that I invited you to my pity party, I will share the real revelation. God's not fair either. He blesses us abundantly. Daily. While we could never count all of His blessings, I am certain that they outnumber the instances when life isn't fair. Many people have made a habit of counting blessings to increase their awareness of this truth. I don't exactly keep such a list, but I do have a habit that I have passed to my kids. When something happens that leads me don a path of self-pity, I deliberately turn my thinking.<br />
<br />
Poor me, I didn't get to grow up in a home with my mom and dad. Blessed me, I had grandparents who stepped in to give me a loving home. I got to grow up with my cousins and have lots of wonderful memories with my family. I have the best relationship with my mom and, as an adult, got to know my dad's family.<br />
<br />
Poor me, my husband lost his very steady job. Blessed me, someone bought our house and car and we were offered a temporary place to stay while we regrouped. My husband got another job within a few weeks of our move and we have been able to serve our community in a whole new way. <br />
<br />
Poor me, my daughter has special needs. Blessed me, I have a background in special education and a friend whose son has the same conditions as my daughter. My daughter's experiences have connected us to some amazing people. My daughter is one of the best parts of my life and brings a smile to the face of anyone who knows here.<br />
<br />
I could go on and on, but the point has been made. For every unfair thing that comes our way, God throws a handful of unfair, undeserved love, grace, and mercy our way. For that I am thankful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvC0SV0vRx_kDNSKKvRi_UyTQEoh90isqPyRTsJUJh9_LPDPCFuzl94gRshDQtQgfgzp3BC8JS_l5MvBZFgv_32UJ6GYwmi_s6xe_jqd5Yt2RaVjqdyI4gc42DIlFBTKHXxDozrd4-UYg/s1600/lifes+not+fair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvC0SV0vRx_kDNSKKvRi_UyTQEoh90isqPyRTsJUJh9_LPDPCFuzl94gRshDQtQgfgzp3BC8JS_l5MvBZFgv_32UJ6GYwmi_s6xe_jqd5Yt2RaVjqdyI4gc42DIlFBTKHXxDozrd4-UYg/s1600/lifes+not+fair.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-9319094810162375152014-05-12T19:04:00.001-07:002014-05-31T07:47:56.074-07:00Book Review - Callie’s Contest of Courage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6J6aXXEDbphOZKc7iK9TUbU93C7-YGCxiFFtOpk2xpMIUax81zDt14LSk9t3t3HQ3wO3ffhP7_5g0zE2o4bNCkBMDQZ_qSgXmkixsNhzelDkd7tQucwKeAz76qIEjT-uvo1KrlFGJ_-Q/s1600/0_0_0_0_225_346_csupload_63232058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6J6aXXEDbphOZKc7iK9TUbU93C7-YGCxiFFtOpk2xpMIUax81zDt14LSk9t3t3HQ3wO3ffhP7_5g0zE2o4bNCkBMDQZ_qSgXmkixsNhzelDkd7tQucwKeAz76qIEjT-uvo1KrlFGJ_-Q/s1600/0_0_0_0_225_346_csupload_63232058.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">My daughters and I were recently blessed with the
opportunity to preview Jan May’s latest book, <em>Callie’s Contest of Courage</em>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both avid readers, my girls had high
expectations for a story about a Christian girl’s life.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Annie’s
Opinion (13 years old)<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This was a touching story that I could easily relate
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked how Ms. May incorporated
scripture throughout the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
appreciated that she showed a real picture of kids going through a rough time
in their lives and showing good character though the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an oldest sister in a family with a
military dad, I could sympathize with how Callie was feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would recommend this book to any girl,
whether she’s going through a rough time or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cece’s
Opinion (10 years old)<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Twelve chapters was just the right amount to pack in a
great story with a lot of information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
loved that Callie was so much like me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We both like nature and creatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We also both missed our dads while they was gone and our moms took us on
road trips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I liked the
story, my favorite part of the book was everything that came after it – the
recipe and activities for me to do with my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like I got to live the story even after
it ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The town where Callie’s
grandparents live reminds me of the little town that we moved to when my dad
was in Iraq.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m looking forward to
reading more books from Ms. May.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mom’s
Opinion<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a story that most girls can relate to in some
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it’s having to give
something up, missing someone they love, or just making the right choice in a
difficult situation, we all face those circumstances throughout life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last thing I expected from Ms. May’s
story was to cry, but it happened often (I also laughed and smiled in case you
wondered).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was our story a few
years ago when my husband served in Iraq.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During that time, my girls and I packed up and moved from California to
Missouri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ms. May perfectly captured our
anxiety, fears, loneliness and joys during that experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also gave us a great example of a family’s
faith in God through a difficult time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I also loved that Callie was a very real girl with a
strong foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those don’t often
come hand in hand, but it happens with this character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like my girls, she is passionate about the
world around her and loves her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She also struggles with her faith and feelings and experiences a
positive outcome that girls need to see.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The activities at the end of the book were a great
bonus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a homeschooling mom, I’m
always looking for ways to extend the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ms. May gave us a wonderful variety of hands-on activities with something
to please everyone in my family (the pie is super-yummy).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Book Description</strong> (from </span><a href="http://www.newmillenniumgirlbooks.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.newmillenniumgirlbooks.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span class="text-class-19">Eleven-year-old Callie Fleming is a passionate animal lover! She’s been waiting all year to enter photos in the <span class="text-class-20">I Love Nature Photo Contest</span>. Her dad, who is the coolest dad in the world, is an award winning photographer and Marine Corps Reserves Sergeant. She is leaning on his help to win. But when her father is untimely deployed overseas and becomes strangely silent to her emails, she finds her whole world crashing down on her. Can she muster up the courage to step out on a journey that whisks her away from all the things she loves? Join Callie on a journey of hope, trust and the power of prayer.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span class="text-class-19"><strong>Get Your Own Copy!</strong></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span class="text-class-19">One reader will win a copy just for commenting below. Winner will be announced June 1st here. If you just can't wait, order your copy at <a href="http://www.newmillenniumgirlbooks.com/">http://www.newmillenniumgirlbooks.com/</a>.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span class="text-class-19"><strong>Disclaimer</strong></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span class="text-class-19">I received a free copy of <em>Callie's Contest of Courage</em> in exchange for an honest, unbiased review on my blog. All opinions expressed are our own. We received no compensation other than a free copy of the book.</span></span></span></span></div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-40088419377816327002014-04-18T05:56:00.006-07:002014-04-18T06:00:25.254-07:00Mother's Day Necklaces by Wal Center 4H<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Support Wal-Center 4H and make your mom smile! Get her a custom-made necklace with a card for only $15! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Choose a chain: silver or antiqued gold</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Choose a shape for your pendant: circle or square</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Choose an image from below (scroll down for larger images):</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJt0puCP5doOzLKoaefeoN5mUyULmLNsKaQmoZe2c-feMTbJFLAmoOdKj-KeYIvEF7sW2KganGC3fS9ghbLLtl8Bnacu7JEg-jXM1s_GGdgfD783aXSyhr5z0lOpETSYIPrRKFIRArCQY/s1600/Images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJt0puCP5doOzLKoaefeoN5mUyULmLNsKaQmoZe2c-feMTbJFLAmoOdKj-KeYIvEF7sW2KganGC3fS9ghbLLtl8Bnacu7JEg-jXM1s_GGdgfD783aXSyhr5z0lOpETSYIPrRKFIRArCQY/s1600/Images.jpg" height="310" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Choose 2 charms from below:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtjKW-29yNpK_9Dxb-9CJNizSrRmNaPYPcJwFnRKRPJNZQEwIrAx5oKpQGqdfUDuo8SIe2kXjC4dK0kLvnP6i0WByuAf4scMKvNr_O4fvyD1WxEkzRbsvuVd4moHnlUDCPfY_ygdSHJs/s1600/CHarms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtjKW-29yNpK_9Dxb-9CJNizSrRmNaPYPcJwFnRKRPJNZQEwIrAx5oKpQGqdfUDuo8SIe2kXjC4dK0kLvnP6i0WByuAf4scMKvNr_O4fvyD1WxEkzRbsvuVd4moHnlUDCPfY_ygdSHJs/s1600/CHarms.jpg" height="128" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And order below by April 27th. Your necklace will be available for pick up by May 9th. All proceeds ($5 per set) will be donated to Wal-Center 4H club.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What are you waiting for?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="E782JMUQUE6XG" />
</div>
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Pick Up or Ship" />Pick Up or Ship</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="Necklace & Card - Pick Up">Necklace & Card - Pick Up $15.00 USD</option>
<option value="Necklace & Card - Ship">Necklace & Card - Ship $20.00 USD</option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on1" type="hidden" value="Color" />Color</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os1">
<option value="Antiqued Gold">Antiqued Gold </option>
<option value="Antiqued Silver">Antiqued Silver </option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on2" type="hidden" value="Shape" />Shape</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os2">
<option value="Square">Square </option>
<option value="Circle">Circle </option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on3" type="hidden" value="Choose 1 Image & 2 Charms" />Choose 1 Image & 2 Charms</td></tr>
<tr><td><input maxlength="200" name="os3" type="text" /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input name="currency_code" type="hidden" value="USD" />
<input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7X3Emrn8sPaeVQO21jh_acK-IkVDUmb1c4dYtdKTVeBuBh09WfntpxT7bQM5IobGTo2csabWSRS57ZUqQGkqXezcogMCOLjmCHlE58FzyV-ggPFyl2s1KUAq2kQH_lCwrB71vSQeKCY/s1600/05bdc9be-d43e-44bd-8d82-7dc9672b598f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7X3Emrn8sPaeVQO21jh_acK-IkVDUmb1c4dYtdKTVeBuBh09WfntpxT7bQM5IobGTo2csabWSRS57ZUqQGkqXezcogMCOLjmCHlE58FzyV-ggPFyl2s1KUAq2kQH_lCwrB71vSQeKCY/s1600/05bdc9be-d43e-44bd-8d82-7dc9672b598f.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9tRisoWimiCu-7tPX29oLVYjA2wOaV0G4HvO4pDynVVbfOjKFOLBVLF8NnnB7CKf_nHEtVLb6iougoBosPRpX57abGnwTBUqp42UA5s0qfLX6PJS88xbMjuk-U-LL_xHsHtYAhYwFO0/s1600/42903ae2-ba14-4fbb-af66-27b24b8b73b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9tRisoWimiCu-7tPX29oLVYjA2wOaV0G4HvO4pDynVVbfOjKFOLBVLF8NnnB7CKf_nHEtVLb6iougoBosPRpX57abGnwTBUqp42UA5s0qfLX6PJS88xbMjuk-U-LL_xHsHtYAhYwFO0/s1600/42903ae2-ba14-4fbb-af66-27b24b8b73b3.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPEtsKWg88zfwERRGvij7w9qbCgZRYtXjF3NoJD_gmIG7RBlXhz4huCFt4CqFCv_MFQaMkuDxFrZA9-vY5rboV5QIDIm6k4ddwPKuQ89qTJLnfG_FV17RHELjj_gBO7a2B7aISHlUjjo/s1600/ba7435dd-1dd2-4241-aa28-ee7354639364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPEtsKWg88zfwERRGvij7w9qbCgZRYtXjF3NoJD_gmIG7RBlXhz4huCFt4CqFCv_MFQaMkuDxFrZA9-vY5rboV5QIDIm6k4ddwPKuQ89qTJLnfG_FV17RHELjj_gBO7a2B7aISHlUjjo/s1600/ba7435dd-1dd2-4241-aa28-ee7354639364.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItAOYDBgK91ge-kCEVWuBwgXQdQ_5q_AKIsatduL0xphvXzwN8ZVJc9Mn9YqrfUf4yxIjRNEJdI3WxdAqSKVn96ngnN3-BZ_8msnbbwMCwBR_uwRcUxoIHDkA1uMGsz1RebS5e4mn-LI/s1600/c33264d4-3d9f-4e69-b6c0-614f9fab427d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItAOYDBgK91ge-kCEVWuBwgXQdQ_5q_AKIsatduL0xphvXzwN8ZVJc9Mn9YqrfUf4yxIjRNEJdI3WxdAqSKVn96ngnN3-BZ_8msnbbwMCwBR_uwRcUxoIHDkA1uMGsz1RebS5e4mn-LI/s1600/c33264d4-3d9f-4e69-b6c0-614f9fab427d.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
</form>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-44579612303448994282014-02-25T20:11:00.000-08:002014-02-26T15:43:37.922-08:00Questions God Asks Review<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.nlpg.com/questions-god-asks" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.nlpg.com/questions-god-asks" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><em><img alt="http://www.nlpg.com/questions-god-asks" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkbt98gTqyLe8xADVPihtmx11ijFfDbKa47HraWvCD2KMhjWu0s_SlLaWo_fndTI6tSsLvvafJ-B_cAmxO814lEglkm_SGaidXezKf15FOkRO9r7X5iuPKMTUOyeXaSSQufbpeO-gLqE/s1600/FSAS.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></em></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">"Adam, where are you?"<em> </em>It's a question so many of us have read and wondered where God was going with that. <em> Questions God
Asks</em></span><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> invites us to reflect on conversations such as this between God and several
Old Testament personalities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though many of us
are familiar with the stories presented in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IsraelWayneAuthor">Israel Wayne’s</a> latest book, he discusses this and several other questions God asks of His followers in the Old Testament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Mr. Wayne
offers fresh insight, we are also
given an opportunity to reflect on our own answers to the inquiries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though this study is an easy read, there is a
good amount of material to reflect on and revisit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frequently found myself marking the pages
as I flipped so that I could share the information later with someone else or
simply to remind myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again, Mr.
Wayne does not disappoint in his offering. Order your copy today of <em><a href="http://www.nlpg.com/questions-god-asks">Questions God Asks</a>, </em>a publication of<span style="color: black;"> Master Books, a division of <a href="http://nlpg.com/">New Leaf Publishing Group</a>.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't just take my word for it. See what others have to say </span><a href="http://nlpgblogs.com/questions-god-asks/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here.</span></a> </span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ryJvlcqHnm0" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">
<br />
Disclosure: I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for my
honest opinion. A positive review is not expected nor guaranteed. All opinions
are my own.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-31848499562877242952014-02-16T21:34:00.000-08:002014-02-16T21:34:12.682-08:00The Power of One
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m just one person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t have a lot of money or power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t even have a lot of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What can I do?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I can be obedient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like my daughter who prayed with the faith of a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She heard God tell her that our family should
adopt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe God meant your family when
you are older,” we would say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all,
our family is complete with three daughters and God is not telling me to
adopt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been through so much with
the loss of my grandma and medical issues with two of our sweet girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that was just last year’s problems. We
don’t have to go back far to count our struggles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re just discovering normal again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please, no more change my heat would cry to
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I can follow wherever you lead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I will follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if
it means going to Taiwan to get my son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t want to leave my girls, but it was so obvious that God was
taking me to this boy so I could take him home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After all, his mother signed her rights to us while sitting in a
restaurant with my husband after only knowing him for a few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We passed our home study and the process went
so fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four months!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may be only one person, but I can lead my
son to my King.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I will lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although
he was almost seven, that boy fought to be a part of our family like I had
never seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like he was always
one of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, we have maintained a
connection with his birth family in hopes of one day telling them the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe one day, we could tell a few people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Our son didn’t wait for one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started telling the truth as soon as he
knew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not to his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrote a letter to a woman who was visiting
us from Taiwan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told her about his
King and begged her to know Him too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This boy was too young to know that he was only one person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like most boys, he was fearless and unaware
of the consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so I prayed the prayers of a person who
believed that I was just one person who still thought so small.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That woman who read the letter from our son prayed too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She prayed to know the truth and met the King
before she went back to Taiwan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
wonderful, I thought!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could tell her
family!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">She did tell her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And she told thousands of women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She told the story of our son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
told the story of his letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she
told the story of her King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of
those women left that night knowing the King.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The next day, she told me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could I have
questioned the power of one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was right
that I didn’t have much power alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Neither did a little boy or a new believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The power was in one King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am thankful that He allowed me to be a part of this
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful that He allowed me
to learn through this experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
thankful for the growth that my mustard seed experienced in that one year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmr6M_NqdTlldRTiz-XGFr1_MNBEw6I6mnwXAZUXGQGH6zx7UjbK3B73ueiB9PBKEi25cQ0jabkITa89C7fC1ZR3clcu74COIxUaQkMU_IJ38wpnY4QiC5QkuFjIX0UELHdZ0FUIiH0A/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmr6M_NqdTlldRTiz-XGFr1_MNBEw6I6mnwXAZUXGQGH6zx7UjbK3B73ueiB9PBKEi25cQ0jabkITa89C7fC1ZR3clcu74COIxUaQkMU_IJ38wpnY4QiC5QkuFjIX0UELHdZ0FUIiH0A/s1600/Untitled.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-78092335800569581112014-02-11T08:30:00.000-08:002014-02-11T08:30:01.171-08:0010 Things I LOVE About SpringThis white stuff all over the ground is really getting to me. In an effort to stay positive, I'd like to share ten things I love about spring. That sounds so much nicer than my original title of this post - ten reasons I wish winter would go away.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMw4nfG-Sy2gQgcmd2YfhDkyaLyAzjyhBcuBVbb48s4m0ryg3xpOpdCs4F-HGkgC5dIyPcHJHtdnnjsUPTrUE8LIHcGvrGLTblvFuNwKaKi40eR4H9JXzD0N6iCgNP_TK4mswYc1S0QM/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMw4nfG-Sy2gQgcmd2YfhDkyaLyAzjyhBcuBVbb48s4m0ryg3xpOpdCs4F-HGkgC5dIyPcHJHtdnnjsUPTrUE8LIHcGvrGLTblvFuNwKaKi40eR4H9JXzD0N6iCgNP_TK4mswYc1S0QM/s1600/Untitled.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>10. Cute sandals <br />
9. Open windows<br />
8. Longer days<br />
7. Butterflies<br />
6. Mowing the lawn<br />
5. Rain<br />
4. Eating outside<br />
3. Grilled vegetables<br />
2. Afternoon walks<br />
1. Wildflowers<br />
<br />
What would be on your list?<br />
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-52945225947625275242014-02-05T17:43:00.001-08:002014-02-05T17:48:12.122-08:00Don't Just Watch the Winter OlympicsThe Olympics always bring back sweet memories for me. As a Los Angeles police officer, my mom worked the 1984 Summer Olympics and brought home many souvenirs. My husband carried the Olympic torch through our town as a teenager. Most recently, our family had the pleasure of watching the last Summer Olympics with a former Olympic gymnast who taught our son to swim. Of course there are countless memories of watching each year and rooting for our team. This year our family will be watching the Sochi winter games and using some of these resources to add to our experience:<br />
<br />
The official Sochi Olympic website - <a href="http://www.sochi2014.com/en">http://www.sochi2014.com/en</a><br />
<br />
The official Olympic website - <a href="http://www.olympic.org/olympic-games">http://www.olympic.org/olympic-games</a><br />
<br />
NBC's Olympics Page - <a href="http://www.nbcolympics.com/">http://www.nbcolympics.com/</a><br />
<br />
Olympics Lapbook - <a href="http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.net/wiol20lawist1.html">http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.net/wiol20lawist1.html</a><br />
<br />
Another Olympics Lapbook - <a href="http://www.currclick.com/product/89369/2014-Winter-Olympics-Lapbook">http://www.currclick.com/product/89369/2014-Winter-Olympics-Lapbook</a><br />
<br />
Oodles of worksheets - <a href="http://enchantedhomeschoolingmom.org/2014/01/winter-olympics-pack-2014-2/">http://enchantedhomeschoolingmom.org/2014/01/winter-olympics-pack-2014-2/</a><br />
<br />
Winter Olympics Bingo - <a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/02/05/5539460/get-into-the-games-with-winter.html">http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/02/05/5539460/get-into-the-games-with-winter.html</a><br />
<br />
Opening Ceremony Bingo - <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303942404579361362349406806?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303942404579361362349406806.html">http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303942404579361362349406806?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303942404579361362349406806.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRuiZnH9GGoRwJoit3d2r2C0Gv6fG7vBeooilU_Nfa3QLkt7sd_D0-LHg4ppt5KzAxNaVFF8LEygRBFYd3CHTtnpYXFNiCCMDXd79bFacTVBqsN_PvpC4iDJeHV1nm3kbp7iWmlc9PRo/s1600/untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRuiZnH9GGoRwJoit3d2r2C0Gv6fG7vBeooilU_Nfa3QLkt7sd_D0-LHg4ppt5KzAxNaVFF8LEygRBFYd3CHTtnpYXFNiCCMDXd79bFacTVBqsN_PvpC4iDJeHV1nm3kbp7iWmlc9PRo/s1600/untitled.jpg" height="155" width="320" /></a>Movies about the Winter Olympics: Cool Runnings, The Cutting Edge, Miracle, and The Mighty Ducks. *I strongly recommend that you screen or research any movie before showing it to your children.<br />
<br />
What events are you looking forward to?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-65650154504359283132014-02-03T04:09:00.000-08:002014-02-03T04:09:14.289-08:00Bucket ListI'm part of this crazy fun and inspiring group that encourages each other to set and accomplish goals 30 days at a time. Every day we are given a topic to address regarding the goal we set and then the conversation explodes. One of the guys in the group has a goal that involves helping people check things off of their bucket lists. <br />
<br />
In all honesty, I have never written a bucket list. A few years back, when we knew that we were moving out of California, we allowed our daughters to make a bucket list. It went something like this:<br />
<ol>
<li>Spend the night at Grandma & Papa's house</li>
<li><a href="http://cms.sbcounty.gov/parks/Parks/CalicoGhostTown.aspx">Calico Ghost Town</a></li>
<li>Rain Forest Café</li>
<li>Go to the movies (apparently they were worried that Missouri didn't have movie theatres)</li>
<li>Disneyland</li>
<li>John's Incredible Pizza</li>
<li>Visit Ms. Brenda's horses</li>
<li>Victor Valley Mall playground</li>
<li>Round Table Pizza</li>
<li>Play with the neighbors at Grandma & Papa's house</li>
</ol>
Some of my friends do bucket lists with their kids, like a Christmas bucket list, summer bucket list or vacation bucket list. For me, there's something about the term bucket list that makes me feel old and so I avoid making a bucket list. I think it's because I never heard the term until I saw the movie <em>The Bucket List</em>. <br />
<br />
As I face another birthday this year (which is much better than not facing another birthday) and my kids are getting old enough that I feel like I'm running out of time to do everything with them before they move out, a bucket list is beginning to form in my head. It's more of a list of things to do before the kids move out, but we'll call it a bucket list because that name is much shorter.<br />
<ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGBDGc3sZekIxA2M3tCbj3kH87tY6o1Z-_CtmtNnx26BKLz8L4HoTFoM3k7d3nP3nmomzp21GZsucJed4rhz-7-HA2O1Ymr098vtvaucqAcosEpIcq8BboKNhVb3lWirX0_SOy4gZU6o/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGBDGc3sZekIxA2M3tCbj3kH87tY6o1Z-_CtmtNnx26BKLz8L4HoTFoM3k7d3nP3nmomzp21GZsucJed4rhz-7-HA2O1Ymr098vtvaucqAcosEpIcq8BboKNhVb3lWirX0_SOy4gZU6o/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>
<li>Travel through New England in the autumn</li>
<li>Take a cruise to Alaska (way better than flying or driving there)</li>
<li>Take our family to Taiwan to visit our son's birth family</li>
<li>Write a children's book (or five)</li>
<li>Get all of our pictures scrapbooked/organized/labeled (this will be really simple now that I have <a href="http://aprilnourse.ctmh.com/Retail/Products.aspx?CatalogID=2179">Picture My Life</a>)</li>
<li>Share our family's story because someone needs to hear it</li>
<li>Learn to play the guitar</li>
<li>Be debt-free</li>
<li>Organize my grandma's writings and drawings into a book</li>
<li>Take my kids to all 50 states (preferably by car because you can see so much more, but train or plane would be ok too)</li>
</ol>
What is on your bucket list?<br />
<br />
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-46799727030875336172014-01-21T08:01:00.000-08:002014-01-22T08:02:10.756-08:00Don't Wait to Be Asked<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi058UDK9NNLOvpnMWGTli5VCSm9fHBo8Qj21o3qlaQ4sKcIB01PBUyz3LdKWC6iSZuufTKCpIRnZ2XsmM74ErRNhuALtszn1bzhqBqhHXQ6kpbIXBaVMGvKh3P8n4QFPfaad_p4aupgEA/s1600/Tightrope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi058UDK9NNLOvpnMWGTli5VCSm9fHBo8Qj21o3qlaQ4sKcIB01PBUyz3LdKWC6iSZuufTKCpIRnZ2XsmM74ErRNhuALtszn1bzhqBqhHXQ6kpbIXBaVMGvKh3P8n4QFPfaad_p4aupgEA/s1600/Tightrope.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping his sister cross the tightrope</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When a mother was sick and father was unwilling to help, grandparents stepped in to care for a tiny baby that was in need of love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When a student had potential but lacked direction, a teacher pulled him in at lunchtime to give him extra instruction and guide him into being the successful writer that he is today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When a young woman was consumed with planning her wedding, several ladies invited her to Bible study to teach her how to be a Godly wife. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When a family was hit by the loss of a job, another family from their church opened their freezer and shared the fish they caught the weekend before.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When a toddler came home from the hospital after an accident, she smiled at the sight of her front door covered with balloons and signs left by friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When a little boy needed a family, a girl told her mom and dad that she wanted him to be her brother.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do these all have in common? Someone saw a need and met it without hesitation. No one called and asked for help. No one received recognition for what they did. It was simply done. What can you do today to love someone?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16</i></span></span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-40846238623394471712014-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:002014-01-16T05:21:10.769-08:00Infinitely Useful Washi TapeBeing a crafter, I have heard about Washi tape for a while. It has only been recently that I realized how completely useful it could be. {insert HUGE smile} If you're unfamiliar with Washi tape, it comes in a million or so colors and patterns and is kind of a cross between masking tape and Scotch tape. The pattern is usually transparent so you can create lots of different looks with just one roll. It is inexpensive and is sold at most retailers. <a href="http://aprilnourse.ctmh.com/Retail/Search.aspx?SearchValue=washi+tape">Close To My Heart</a> is my favorite place to find this new essential item (an expanded selection is coming February 1st). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGkBv6S3g_MY5ivW4pqlvicDbS_MiqDIuIjShOcq5bQF_-YRhj2qbT6viraC3ODOBifdqMcy5ffydtlkiywMHwpmfzPUsoen6y6u7Zr5AxRl6fNGMh2j3z-jcmipMVJ4AV3lQghkFq-c/s1600/20140115_184025FSAS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGkBv6S3g_MY5ivW4pqlvicDbS_MiqDIuIjShOcq5bQF_-YRhj2qbT6viraC3ODOBifdqMcy5ffydtlkiywMHwpmfzPUsoen6y6u7Zr5AxRl6fNGMh2j3z-jcmipMVJ4AV3lQghkFq-c/s1600/20140115_184025FSAS.jpg" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, let me share some of the places you can find Washi tape in my home (or will soon find it):<br />
<ul>
<li>Why write names on cups when people can decorate them with an assortment of colors?</li>
<li>Speaking of parties, give personality to boring cups, plasticware and other party supplies.</li>
<li>Give each family member a roll to mark their charging cords, flash drive, toothbrush, whatever!</li>
<li>In the living room or for a fun bedroom: create one-of-a-kind photo frames, lamp shades, coasters, furniture, wall art, ceiling fans, mini-blinds & vases.</li>
<li>In the kitchen: spice up boring utensils, serving dishes and bowls, cookie jars, and handles.</li>
<li>In the dining room: Create a fun place to eat with placemats, napkin holders, and a centerpiece.</li>
<li>Create coordinated sets for gift-giving or use it with plain paper to wrap gifts.</li>
<li>Electronics: decorate a laptop, keyboard or phone case. Easily identify flash drives, cords, and chargers.</li>
<li>Just for fun: Decorate lunch bags, baskets, containers or watering cans. Make flowers, jewelry or a card!</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDmgy0CyOugyzyCFu_hTzCCahuZId4mVIkVdkaY5OUNH8YHUG8oi9VJCL0NkhUeQYqfEWXnAjMQWTS6mafgSIaF4hBNPxUIxMu2lfpNDAkkCsidr3esClVjWKgWnGtvEM7ojj_W06whQ/s1600/20140115_184513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDmgy0CyOugyzyCFu_hTzCCahuZId4mVIkVdkaY5OUNH8YHUG8oi9VJCL0NkhUeQYqfEWXnAjMQWTS6mafgSIaF4hBNPxUIxMu2lfpNDAkkCsidr3esClVjWKgWnGtvEM7ojj_W06whQ/s1600/20140115_184513.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>So where will Washi tape be appearing in your house?<br />
<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-12354080415864041062014-01-13T04:40:00.000-08:002014-01-13T04:40:00.456-08:00Turning Chores into WarsWe are the mean parents who make our kids do chores. For one thing, I learned how to cook and clean after I was married. I don't want my kids to be that clueless. If that isn't reason enough, I need help and I'm not afraid to admit it. There is no way I could the schoolwork, cleaning, cooking and everything else done without everyone else pitching in. So our kids do chores. That doesn't mean that we all have to hate them.<br />
<br />
From Monday through Thursday, our kids do typical chores - take out the trash, feed the animals, and load/unload the dishwasher. They each have an assigned laundry day to wash their clothes. This took some time to figure out, but it's so much easier to get laundry washed and put away this way. The kids include their towels and washcloths and once a month we add their sheets and blankets on their day. Friday is family laundry day for me to wash everything else.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ujit7ltyCgLj-QeXH9HEyI5RQTPwKfgZUonZ42irRACl_EGIt7yH9lrRZP-Gkdpt3wDFWtHuPftWsWwnUZAT0HYJ7GunlRZNxEQIxTDBr0c4g9-0f4XXazrB_3ZM3Jhw3KwXkT9WJBE/s1600/FSAS+Zones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ujit7ltyCgLj-QeXH9HEyI5RQTPwKfgZUonZ42irRACl_EGIt7yH9lrRZP-Gkdpt3wDFWtHuPftWsWwnUZAT0HYJ7GunlRZNxEQIxTDBr0c4g9-0f4XXazrB_3ZM3Jhw3KwXkT9WJBE/s400/FSAS+Zones.jpg" width="400" /></a>Friday is the chore day that everyone looks forward to and it's not because anyone gets the day off. On Friday we have Zone Wars. These are the chores that are more than I want to tackle through the week, such as cleaning bathrooms, dusting, mopping, etc. Before we start, each chore is rated a 1 or 2 based on the time it should take. We change up how we choose teams, sometimes it stays the same for the entire day and sometimes it changes for each chore on a given day. Once the chores have been rated and the teams have been picked, a team chooses the first chore. The other team must choose a chore with the same rating and I tell them the time allotment. For example, one team chooses to clean the guest bathroom and the other team chooses to clean the laundry room. I give them a time allotment, generally 10 minutes for a chore this size and then they run. Their goal is to get the room as clean as possible before the timer buzzes. (We've done this long enough that the kids know what I'm looking for, but I coached them when we started Zone Wars.) When the buzzer sounds, everyone must come back to the kitchen table and wait while I judge their work. They get up to five points added to their total for a job well done. Points are awarded to the team if we keep the same team for the day and individually if they will be switching teams. At the end of the Zone Wars, prizes are awarded based on points. Sometimes the prize is to choose what's for dinner or what game we play that night. Other times I have four of something and they get to choose theirs in order of their points ranking. <br />
<br />
On Saturday we do other bigger chores like cleaning my car or helping work on dad's semi and Sunday is a day of rest so each kid does one chore (load dishes, unload dishes, empty trash and feed the animals).<br />
<br />
I'd love to hear how you get chores done in your house.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-88782939099128233612014-01-03T02:17:00.001-08:002014-01-03T02:17:24.741-08:00What is Your Why?As part of my focused new year, I'm participating in a group called <em>30 Days of Hustle</em>. It's the brainchild of Jon Acuff. On Day 1 we each listed our "what." What are we planning to hustle? Most of us know that we need to set goals (often called resolutions at this time of year) and then throw everything we have at them. In the group, our "what" must be concrete and measurable. With my kids, I tell them to make SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, rent, time) and it's the same basic idea. While I want to be more organized, that's not a good goal. I will have more success with a goal such as spending ten minutes per day filing and purging because I can know exactly when I've achieved this. It's not ambiguous. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu5fA-zyevep-Xaf-IXJE394Kn5ZydHWuFjuB_iKen6A6FZ2xUqkrD_JO2YpeqK7Uf3OEppw3HB7_rTizzGnF1hsr5RNGZy6GOhWePjhQNJw_gbi-u4uI5KWnGxAqfepkP50SPkRH-Ok/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu5fA-zyevep-Xaf-IXJE394Kn5ZydHWuFjuB_iKen6A6FZ2xUqkrD_JO2YpeqK7Uf3OEppw3HB7_rTizzGnF1hsr5RNGZy6GOhWePjhQNJw_gbi-u4uI5KWnGxAqfepkP50SPkRH-Ok/s320/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a>Jon takes this a step farther to point out that we need to identify why we set these goals. This is another tool to help us be more successful in achieving our "what." If I identify why I'm doing it, then I'm more likely to continue doing it. Back to my organization goal, I probably will not work towards that goal long if I'm only doing it to check it off of my list. Remember, our goals are usually not things that happen naturally for us or they would already be happening. When I identify that keeping my papers organized will help me at tax time, prevent losing things and save me from the rushed cleaning when company is coming, then I'm more likely to stay with it.<br />
<br />
As you think about your resolutions, goals, words, themes, and the new year in general...take a moment to identify your why. If you keep a journal or jot notes in a calendar or app, write down your why. Go back to it when you are struggling or need to refocus. This one extra step may be just what you need to stay on track.<br />
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-4839536955892095962014-01-01T13:48:00.002-08:002014-01-01T13:48:57.215-08:00A Focused YearResolutions. Goals. Themes. Words. It seems that every new year brings new demands. Some with good intentions such as setting resolutions and goals or choosing a theme or word to guide us through the year. There is something about starting new and having expectations of how it's going to go that brings out the ambitious spirit in us. But sometimes it doesn't feel as good as it looks on paper. Often it drags me down. All of these resolutions and goals and themes and words get muddled up into a mess of failure. On January 2nd. Maybe even January 15th if it's a particularly successful year. Why does this happen? Because, as wonderful as they are, these goals and resolutions and everything else are not usually cohesive. I set goals for work and school and our house that do not work together. <br />
<br />
This year I decided to try something very different. Before doing anything else, I chose a word. Not a phrase or even a hyphenated word. Drumroll, please....my word is FOCUS. I have a few, very specific goals for all aspects of my life that work together in 2014. To do this, I chose the one area of my life that I want to focus on and the goal in that area is my number one overall goal. The goals in all other areas of my life must work towards that one main goal to help me improve in that one area. In doing this, I found that something that would have been a goal in other years hasn't gone away, but has a new place in my life. A more appropriate place. This new layout helps me become more FOCUSED and more productive in the coming year. <br />
<br />
When I latched onto this idea of having a word to guide me through the year, I didn't stop with me. My kids and husband have also chosen words. They chose grace, self-image, joy, and listen. Here are some ways to help us FOCUS on our words throughout the year:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5BMjUiKkCWlxNkOYfQ07imi2F8udq1kdZOqr64aRU4KLxZOEF3PU6hmZs7KtjRobdYWLnafw0eej8fvQnVxWhCv1Qq8CIaKYpWtktyX3v2P_Y-fxNgYD8StOF9y-Vi9PKnoef2az8ws/s1600/Focused+New+Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5BMjUiKkCWlxNkOYfQ07imi2F8udq1kdZOqr64aRU4KLxZOEF3PU6hmZs7KtjRobdYWLnafw0eej8fvQnVxWhCv1Qq8CIaKYpWtktyX3v2P_Y-fxNgYD8StOF9y-Vi9PKnoef2az8ws/s320/Focused+New+Year.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Prayerfully choose a meaningful word.</li>
<li>Keep a journal of your word. Jot down scriptures, quotes, and sayings that use this word or remind you of the word. This is a place to record anything that comes up regarding this word. </li>
<li>Create a visual representation of the word and put it somewhere you will see it often. Create several if you like for your car, desk, bathroom mirror, fridge, etc.</li>
<li>Invite someone to join with you on your journey. Even if they choose a different word (there are countless choices, after all), you can encourage each other.</li>
<li>To get our journals started, we wrote down the definition, synonyms and antonyms.</li>
<li>Be on the lookout for your word throughout the year.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Here's to a focused new year!<br />
<br />
<br />
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-38175285593984555932013-12-16T04:30:00.000-08:002013-12-16T04:30:01.886-08:00Showing Compassion 52 Weeks A Year<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">From
Thanksgiving to New Years, for about 6 weeks a year we find compassion for
others. Sure throughout the year we may do a random act here and there for
someone. However, during the “Holiday Season” we take food to the needy, send cards,
give thanks, offer words of kindness and give to charities. But, what about the
other 46 weeks of the year, what do we do? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">It does
not cost anything to tell someone that we love them, to give thanks, to give your
time to soup kitchen or visit strangers at the VA, a nursing home, patients in hospice or just to be kind to others. Most all of us have enough
food in our cabinets to fill up a bag that we can give to someone in need. It
cost very little to send a card to let someone know you are thinking of them or
to even give as little as a $1.00 a month to a charity that is close to your
heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">For a
lot of people we get so caught up in our everyday life during the year that we
don’t even notice that we are too busy to pay attention to how we treat
others. We don’t notice that we are sometimes rude to those around us. We forget
to edit ourselves and what we say or the tone in which we speak. We disregard acts of kindness and
instead of saying thank you we come to expect them. We listen to gossip and
even participate in it. We make excuses for our bad behavior or even try to justify it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The hard work is to acknowledge our short comings. While we
may have good intentions, to others what they see is that moment when we act
like idiots and seem as if we don’t have an ounce of compassion in our hearts. We need to take a step back and define
ourselves every day, not just 6 weeks out of the year. We have to decide to be
more aware, be more kind; loving and true to whom we really are in our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">I am the first to hold up my hand and say I fall short of the
person I want to be. I remember a song I learned many years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>“</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">Let there be peace on earth</span> and let
it begin with me.<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);" />
<span style="background: white;">Let
there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.</span></span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);" />
<span style="background: white;">With
God as our father, brothers all are we.</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);" />
<span style="background: white;">Let me
walk with my brother, in perfect harmony.</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);" />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);" />
<span style="background: white;">Let
peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);" />
<span style="background: white;">With
every step I take, let this be my solemn vow.</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);" />
<span style="background: white;">To
take each moment and live each moment, with peace eternally.</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);" />
<span style="background: white;">Let
there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.</span>”</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the person I want to be 52 weeks of the
year. There is enough craziness, loneliness and hate in the world. My goal is
to make a big change in my life and live every day with a purpose of
compassion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ForSuchASeason">https://www.facebook.com/ForSuchASeason</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aOVB4WYksNY1RiKY4P7FB8VP_KAxMkN_ILti9HulhUNmHNCw-eu6n81W8X5I5Zw1P_3VoIUOeF47KOFn30Og-q375Ex93xWLUOzInT5a6e5b6PWuUHko_JKbTOqsm1PIT_aEfcCpHl0/s1600/compassion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aOVB4WYksNY1RiKY4P7FB8VP_KAxMkN_ILti9HulhUNmHNCw-eu6n81W8X5I5Zw1P_3VoIUOeF47KOFn30Og-q375Ex93xWLUOzInT5a6e5b6PWuUHko_JKbTOqsm1PIT_aEfcCpHl0/s1600/compassion.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768917500847896620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-4118941051023666872013-12-01T15:38:00.001-08:002013-12-09T08:44:49.828-08:00Holiday Traditions<span style="font-family: Arial;">My husband and I both wanted to continue traditions from
each of our families and add some of our own when we got married. Both of his
parents passed away when we were teens and we live far from most of our
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feel that traditions help
keep us connected to our past and the people who are important to us,
especially around the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are
a few of the traditions we have incorporated into our holiday celebrations:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sometime before Thanksgiving, each person in our family
fills out a wish list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This started out
just to help me know who likes what kind of Chapstick and other random
information for stockings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wish list
we used this year asks for things like clothing sizes, favorite colors, items
needed, items wanted, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
usually a week grace period after filling out the wish lists and then nothing
can be added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, once the forms are
filled out, no one has permission to show me the new things they want at the
store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has been fairly successful in
cutting down the “I wants” as all of the Christmas sales begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give copies to grandparents and other
family asking what the kids want for Christmas and everyone is happy with their
gifts because they are things they like.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We keep fall decorations up and celebrate Thanksgiving with
a big family meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is one of the
few completely kick-back days of our year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because we all like to cook and a crowded kitchen makes for a grumpy
mama, each person chooses one dish to help prepare. The list is posted so I can
call that person when I’m ready to make his/her dish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the day, we shuffle the ads around
to decide what we’re shopping for, but the only shopping done on Thanksgiving
is online after dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During dessert,
we make a thankful tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each person
puts things on the leaves that he/she is thankful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We usually end the day with a movie or two
since we’re not really into football.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The weekend after Thanksgiving is divided between shopping
in the stores, making cards (yes, we still send cards), and decorating our
house for winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I didn't say that we decorate for Christmas for two reasons. My time is precious and I don't want to spend a lot of time putting things up that will come down in a few short weeks. Also, we decorate with snowmen and a wintery theme that will last through January rather than Santa Claus. Our tree is the only thing that comes down on New Year's Day and the rest stays for a while longer. </span>We also get gifts
for a local charity to keep ourselves focused on giving rather than getting.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Throughout December, we use our advent calendar to count
down to Christmas and keep us focused on the reason for the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally, the kids each get an ornament to
hang on the tree that represents something from the year, but this year we’re
making ornaments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dozens and dozens of
cookies are baked to give as gifts to neighbors, coworkers and loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also get our gifts wrapped and under the
tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On Christmas Eve, we read the Christmas story, unwrap our
pajamas and one family gift that is usually a board game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spend the evening watching movies and
playing games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Towards the end of the
night, each person fills someone else’s stocking.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Christmas Day begins early in the morning with
stockings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a simple breakfast
and then unwrap some presents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom
and dad come over for a late lunch (our big meal) and then we open the rest of
our gifts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is always a treasure
hunt for something - either a big family gift or something special for someone
in the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The evening is low-key
with dessert and playing with new toys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We finish out the holiday celebration by inviting friends
over for a big New Year’s Eve potluck dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We celebrate my mom and dad’s anniversary (December 31), our son’s
gotcha day (January 1), and the new year all in one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the best way to welcome a new year!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’d love to hear how your family celebrates!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-15824262929769857732013-11-27T19:56:00.000-08:002013-12-03T19:57:04.757-08:00Celebrating ThankfulnessSeveral years ago, our daughter came home from preschool with a foam tree. On each leaf she wrote something for which she was thankful. Every year since then, we have made our own tree at home for Thanksgiving. We have varied the method of assembly, but it always gets done and we always enjoy doing it. Some years we each take several leaves and write on them. Other years, one person is the writer as we go around the table sharing our items. No matter the method, we enjoy taking the time to give thanks for all that the Lord has provided for us.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-71583830303294477622013-11-08T13:58:00.000-08:002013-11-09T10:10:22.391-08:00A Special Veteran's DayIt isn't uncommon for kids to look forward to celebrating special occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving and their family members' birthdays. My kids aren't all that common. Every year around this time I am sweetly surprised when my kids dig into my card stash looking for just the right card to give their dad for Veteran's Day. They usually wake up early to make him a special breakfast before he heads to work (just because it's a holiday doesn't mean truck drivers get the day off) and then they make him a lunch with the cards hidden inside. Although our oldest daughter was less than a year old when my husband was medically discharged from the military, all of our girls remember vividly the day we said good-bye to him when he left for Iraq as a civilian contractor and the day he surprised the girls by walking into a restaurant where we were celebrating our middle daughter's birthday. I am glad that all four of our kids understand the importance of honoring those who serve for our country.<br />
<br />
Because of the impact of my husband's military career on our family, it wasn't all that surprising to me when my mom told me a few weeks back that she had nominated my husband to be on the Steve Harvey Show for a Veteran's Day special. I was surprised to find out that not just my husband, but our whole family was one of a couple of families being considered for the show. It was easy to get wrapped up in the excitement. The timing of the taping couldn't have been better. Our family has faced our share of difficulties lately with one of our children having a seizure in June that triggered a string of doctor appointments and diagnoses of health issues (none of which triggered the seizure) and my husband experiencing serious misfortune in our business including an accident that totaled our semi and took our income and savings down to nothing for three months beginning in July. I didn't know a whole lot about what the show was about beyond honoring veterans who give back to their communities, but I looked at this opportunity to get away to Chicago as a breath of fresh air for our family. Because my husband gives up so much for me and the kids, I was also thrilled that he would be the recipient of something special beyond what I could give him. The part that made this arrangement completely ideal was that I had already scheduled the days surrounding the taping to be away from work to attend a conference. <br />
<br />
All that stood between us and Chicago was an interview via Skype with one of the show staff members. I spoke with the kids about being prepared to answer questions about how we are involved in our community and general things about what they like to do so that they could be involved in the interview and each contribute something different that reflected their wonderful personalities. We got up early that morning and I made sure every was ready with clean clothes and brushed hair and teeth. We prepared the computer and my stomach did flips as I waited for the call. The flips became stronger and more frequent as the appointed time came and went with no call. Knowing that he arranged the call, I began to quiz my husband...Are you sure she said 9:30? Were we supposed to Skype her? How can she Skype us if you didn't give her our username? Luckily for him, the phone finally rang but the interview was over before we really even said much at all. I was completely thrown off guard when the sweet interviewer asked my kids what my husband and I do for them. Apparently my kids were surprised too because only my oldest daughter was able to pull together an answer. At the end of our chat, the lady said that they would have an answer for us late that evening but she was pulling for us. It was at this point that our kids realized that this wasn't just some lady that wanted to meet them, but someone who might want them on TV. In Chicago!!! That meant a trip on an airplane or a train - a first for two of our kids!!! This would be better than any Christmas gift we could give sine we are still getting back on our feet from the events of the summer.<br />
<br />
As I went about my day, I couldn't help but get excited. She said our chances were good and it was between us and one other family. Was this how God was going to bless us for our faithfulness through the past few months - by sending us to Chicago for a TV show? He's done more unexpected things in our lives, so it could happen! My excitement turned by the next morning when we heard nothing. Didn't she say that she liked us? Were we not chatty enough? Not attractive enough? Doubt and disappointment led me through the next few days. It was momentarily alleviated when my husband's phone rang as we walked into church that Sunday morning. It was the lady who interviewed us...saying that we weren't chosen. My heart sank. To be completely honest, I cried. Second place never feels so bad except when you think about how good first place could have felt. My heart was sad for my husband who deserves this sort of honor and my kids whom I overheard excitedly talking about traveling as a whole family on the train or airplane.<br />
<br />
I packed my bags and went to the conference with my mom as scheduled before this whirlwind caught me up in it. Apparently being on the show and whatever came with that was not the blessing that God had for us and I knew that in time I would be satisfied with not going. I knew that there were many other families with compelling stories that truly deserved this as much as my family and was happy that the show was honoring any veterans. The first night at the conference, the night we would have been in a hotel preparing for the show, my husband called to tell me it was OK that we weren't picked. He and three of the kids were home with a terrible stomach bug. Being in Chicago (or traveling there) would not have been fun at all like this. I had to agree with him.<br />
<br />
I though I dodged the sickness by being gone (my thoughtful husband disinfected the house before I came back), but I have been home sick most of this week. With little energy to do much else, I was flipping through the channels this afternoon and saw The Steve Harvey Show listed. Out of curiosity, I turned it on to get a glimpse of the man whom had almost blessed my family with a lovely surprise holiday. On this particular show, he gave a family a day out with pizza and bowling. The kids were ecstatic and he commented about how easy it was to please them. It took me back to how overjoyed my kids were about simply traveling to Chicago and staying in a hotel. My kids were thrilled to consider the many beverage and snack possibilities while traveling and hoped for time to swim in the hotel pool! Yes, they are easy to please!<br />
<br />
My thoughts were interrupted when a teaser came on for Monday's show. It wasn't about the veteran as I expected...it was about the super mom in the military family! I had to rewind the clip to make sure I heard it right. For the past two weeks, I have mourned something I never really had - the opportunity for my husband and family to be blessed because of what my husband has done when really my mom did this for me. Because I am that kind of person, I cried again. <br />
<br />
This time it wasn't because of what we didn't have. It was because of what I have. At this point, I really don't want to know why we weren't chosen. It doesn't matter and it isn't going to change anything. Some people who don't know us met in a room and chose to honor another family over mine and that's irrelevant now. Chosen or not, this was a reminder that I needed. What matters is that I have an amazing family that takes every possible opportunity to demonstrate their love and appreciation for one another. What I do isn't about me, but this is a reminder to me that my kids value the time I spend teaching them, driving them to their activities, and just hanging out with them. I know that my husband appreciates the crazy dinners I pull together when he gets home late from work, the errands for him, and all of the other wifely things I do. His appreciation was evidenced in the things he did to get us on the show, something he would have rolled his eyes at if I had mentioned it to him. And then there's my mom, who has her hands full with so much going on in her own life, but took the time to submit her letter and try to surprise me and cheer me up after our recent turn of events. The things my family has done over the past couple of weeks to try to honor me validated all of those moments when the kids complain about their school work or my husband points out something that's not right and I wonder why I'm doing all of the things that I do. Our faces may not be on TV this Veteran's Day and the day's routine will probably be like most any other day, but it will be my most special Veteran's Day ever.<br />
<span id="goog_884895307"></span><span id="goog_884895308"></span><br />
<br />
<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516480616668288705.post-54272546534813779882013-11-06T08:30:00.000-08:002013-11-06T08:30:01.140-08:00Making Gift Giving EasierWhen celebrating holidays, I try to balance my desire to be practical with the light-hearted fun of the occassion. In our house, stockings and Easter baskets are filled with wonderful treats like toothpaste, body wash and pencils as well as minimal candy and toys. When my girls were little, I'd get three of everything (one for each girl) in their favorite scents, flavors or colors - Chapstick, bubble bath, mini notebooks, whatever. Now that we've added a boy in the mix and all of the kids are older, I've gotten a little more creative in my gift giving. I've also added a new tradition that helps me know that I've chosen things my family likes. Let's be honest, it's not always easy keeping track of four kids' changing favorites. Sometime each autumn, each of my kids fill out a gift guide. This is the one time of year when they can write out all of the wonderful things they want and like. They know that I don't want to hear about everything they see and want as the stores roll out their holiday displays because I will use these guides for my shopping. Sometimes I deviate from their lists, but that is by my choice, not theirs. <br />
<br />
I don't just keep these lists to myself. I make copies and share them with their siblings and extended family who ask for gift ideas. By sharing this information, I often have an idea of who is getting what and duplicate gifts are avoided. The list offers ideas at a variety of price points so everyone can find a gift within their budget that is sure to please the recipient. These lists help to cut down on disappointments as gifts are opened because the things they receive are things they wrote on their lists. We always teach our kids to be grateful for what they receive, but for birthdays and holidays, I'd rather give them what they truly need or want. They are honestly excited when they receive their favorite toothpaste rather than the basic stuff I buy the rest of the year.
<br />
<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 14px/normal Helvetica, Arial, Sans-serif; margin: 12px auto 6px;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/181898408/My-Gift-Guide-pdf" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View My Gift Guide.pdf on Scribd">My Gift Guide.pdf</a> </div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772922022279349" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_60349" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/181898408/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-1a0ohthmmhifocalo8et&show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe><br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05799820617191986803noreply@blogger.com0