Monday, August 22, 2011

A Homegoing

A dear friend went home to Heaven.  He was diagnosed with brain cancer about 5 years ago and has in many ways struggled since.  Brain cancer tends to change a person's personality and even their ability to think clearly.  The medications also have an affect on the brain. 
Ed was a special person.  He was quiet,wise and kind, yet had a great sense of humor.  He was a wonderful dad as evidenced by the three wonderful kids he has.  I truyly don't know that I know of a more godly family.  It has been amazing to see their testimony through these last difficult years. 

There will still be difficult months ahead.  I know that everyone is happy Ed has gone home to Heaven, but there is still a hole left in many hearts that time will make less painful.  I am thankful God saw fit to take Ed home quickly after he started to decline.  It was only a few short weeks ago that Ed was sitting in church.  God has great timing.  He also took Ed home in time to make his oldest son's decision to go back to college easier.  I will be praying for his wife Barb and his children:  Seth, Luke, and Courtney.

II Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

We never know what life will bring and in many ways that is a blessing.  It should also challenge us to live life to the fullest and to always be ready to meet the Lord should he call us home.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

E's first youth group slumber party

The guys went on a camp out with some men from our church for a couple of days so we had a slumber party at our house for the youth group girls.  Complete with decorating flip-flops and toes!!!  We also had a great time playing crazy uno, eating homemade icecream, and chatting.  Duke (our dog)-the only guy allowed provided entertainment.  He tried to eat a cotton ball I threw up in the air and he caught in his mouth, was terrified of the nail polish remover and would run frantically away from it.  He also would rub his nose and face on his bed if he smell the nail polish.  Duke did end up with pink and green front toe nails and pink and silver back toe nails.  It only took 3 people to accomplish this, largely due to attention span more than due to having to wrestle him.  :)

Pics below:
Emily's toes
 My toes

Emily's flip flops
My flip flops turned into a fun summer decoration  :)
I hot glued them together and then glued a ribbon on the back to hang them.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Valley Fair

I took the day off yesterday, didn't look at or read a single e-mail from work.  Kind of proud of myself for that!!!  First time I've been "off" and completely ignored e-mail.  :)

The kids and I went with a friend and three of her boys to Valley Fair, an amusement park similar to Six Flags.  We had a great time.  This was the first time the kids went to an amusement park.  They've been to a couple of carnivals.  At first they weren't all real adventurous, but as the day went on they got braver.  :)  The High Roller roller coaster was their collective favorite ride.  My dad would have been proud of them, the Screaming Eagle at Six Flags was his favorite ride.  We didn't get everyone to ride some of the upside down rides, but all in all we rode about everything. 
Favorite rides:

T--Wild Thing
E--Scrambler, High Roller
K--Ship that when all the way around
Z--High Roller

Z isn't real sure about the Corkscrew.   T and Z wouldn't ride Steel Venom or the ship that goes upside down or the Power Tower.  The girls were the most adventerous, suprisingly.  :)  The kids have decided we should go back at least yearly.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Gardening

I was able to get my garden in before Memorial Day.  A friend brought me some fresh asparagus and I got to thinking that asparagus would be a nice addition to my garden.  I asked if they knew where I could buy some.  I couldn't recall seeing it anywhere to buy.  They told me to come over and dig some up. I couldn't find my shovel so I headed out with a trowel, garden gloves and a prayer that if needed they'd let me borrow a shovel. 

Let me tell you, aparagus is some tough stuff with HUGE root systems that are pretty thick and deep.  I won the battle, but it was a fight!!!  Asparagus is a worthy opponent.  I had sweat dripping off my forhead and I honestly can't tell you the last time that happened up here!  I got is home and got it planted in a nice sunny spot.  Can't wait to pick some next spring!

Memorial Day Weekend

We were able to go camping this year.  Can't say the weather was beautiful, but it did only rain at night (thunderstorm night before we're going to leave so everything is soaked to pack up!--gotta love the adventure!)  We went to Charles Lindbergh State Park.  It is a lovely park with lots of wild flowers, which I love.  Charles Lindbergh's mom's house is in the park and was donated to the Park Service.  It was interesting to relearn about him and learn some new things also.  We toured his house.  It was a nice farm house.  He was basically responsible for the farm during his High School years.

We also took the kids fishing and the closest we came to catching one was to have the bait stolen!

Duke enjoyed camping but was pretty exhausted by the time we got and just flopped on the couch and didn't stir again until about 10am the next morning!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Couldn't resist...

PLEASE understand.  I am NOT a birther, I think that President Obama IS a US citizen and therefore a legitimate president.  I think that he deserves the respect due his office.  However I do enjoy the humor of the letter a friend posted on her facebook account.

Dear President Obama,
I am writing today with a somewhat unusual request. First and foremost, I will be asking that you return the United States to its August 20th, 1959 borders so that Hawaii is no longer a state and you are no longer a citizen.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel
 
I think that while this is truly ludicrous, if serious, I think it is equally as ludicrous to expect Isreal to return to it's pre-1967 borders.  While Hawaii is a nice state, it would not drastically affect our national security to give it back.  Returning to pre 1967 borders would drastically affect Isreal's security!!!

Friday, May 27, 2011

A day off--or maybe not

Wal-mart trip complete.  Plants were crazy expensive, so I bought seeds.  I'm going to make my flower boxes out front work this year and I'm planting vegetables in there also.  I saw a sign for plants at a little house and stopped, I was able to buy healthier plants for about 1/2 the price!!!  Garden weeded (REALLY hate dandelions and hope my neighbor mows soon to cut down the ones all over his yard so they don't end up in mine!!!) and planted--We have tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, squash, lettuce, radishes, cantaloupe and cucumbers planted.  Will be interesting to see what actually comes up!!!  :)  It is a great feeling to have accomplished so much today.  I only have a couple more food prep things for the trip and then need to pack.  I must say it has been fun, the kids were helpful most of the day.  Think I may go to bed early!!!

A day off!

Today I get a day off!!  We have been pretty productive--we did the grocery shopping, fixed 2 loaves of banana bread, 2 pans of granola bars, tuna pasta salad, potato salad and jello.  We also got the house cleaned and the piano tuned.  We are currently taking a break, will go to Wal-mart to get our garden plant and the rest of the stuff I need for camping.  Out to the garden this afternoon.  :)

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Think On These Things Thursday


Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Frustration
Matthew 11:28-30
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I seem to be frustrated with circustances out of my control frequently--whether it is work, home, or just people.  I often find myself wishing I had more time, wishing those around me were a bit more....well perfect.  :)  This often leads to a frustration. 

When I get frustrated, I need to realize that I am taking on the difficulties of life instead of leaving them with the Lord.  He has promised us rest in Matthew 11:28-30 if we will come to Him--not once, but twice!!!  We have to come to Him, though and give our burdens to Him!  Also, praying for the person or situation is a great way to give your burden to the Lord and helps to decrease frustrations with others.  I also often ask God to help me to remember to give the burden back to Him if I take it back from Him!!!  We can also ask Him for wisdom or to change our hearts or another's heart.  I also need to remember that the world is in His hands, not mine, so it is not my responsibility to solve the world's problems!  (Thankfully!!!)  Really, none of us would want the responsibility of the world in our hands so why do we walk around with the weight of the world's problem weighing us down?  Pretty silly when you think about it.  Kind of like the child struggling with the bag of potatoes who insists on carrying it, even when a parent offers and ultimately ends us falling or dropping the potatoes!

I also need to remember that frustration is really a sin because I am not leaving things to the Lord.  I also tend to be short tempered and complain when I am frustrated.  Also, it is not worth the guilt to be short tempered!

Remeber, if we have given our burdens to Him your burden will be light, not heavy. Heavy means you have not given them to Him because His burden is light!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Israel





Psalm 122:6-9
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.   Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.  For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.  Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.

Isreal is in the news again.  Having visited Israel, I have seen first hand the foolishness returning to pre-1967 borders would be.  We visited a kibbutz in Galilee and one of the ladies told us about how they had to farm with armor plated tractors because the Syrians were constantly shooting at them and we walked through a bomb shelter and passed many more on the kibbutz, they frequently had to use them also.  We really cannot imagine what this kind of life would be.  They were simply going about their everyday business, but being shot at!  You see, the Golan Heights are large hills and the Israelis were living in the valley, at a huge tactical disadvantage.  Can you imagine with the advanced weaponry available now, they type of damage they would be able to inflict?

It seems that most people forget that Israel was attacked without provocation and in my opinion, won the land they now claim more than fairly.  They thing that was so sad to me when we were visiting is that many Israelis would willingly give the land back for peace.  They are tired of living in a state of unrest/war.  They are tired of seeing their sons and daughters serve in the military.  Everyone, male and female serve in the Israeli army when they turn 18.  They are tired of never being able to let their guard down.  There are metal detectors for you to go through in many public places, including the mall.

The big problem, though is that really only one side wants peace.  The terrorists really don't want peace and because they are terrorists, who do you negotiate with????????  The only thing that will "bring peace" in the terrorist eyes is the annihilation of Israel.  No land swaps will bring peace because that will mean Israel still exists.   Gaza is a prime example of the "peace" Israel will get for any land they give up.  They will simply have an enemy closer to their door.  An enemy I might add that is willing to blow up school buses and innocent people!!!!

Please pray for the peace of Israel and for wisdom for our leaders!!!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Gardening

I admit I am a fair weather gardener.  I don't enjoy gardening in the cold or rain, so I just got out and started weeding tonight.  Unfortunately, the weeds appear to adore poor weather and got quite the head start.  I must say, though that they still aren't any match for my pitch fork.  Another discovery was that my garden gloves have seen better days!!  I decided to be a grown up and wear them, only to discover that my fingers were poking through the ends and my nails were caked with dirt!!!  The good news is they came clean--almost.  Hope nobody notices at our Leadership conference tomorrow for work.

Speaking of gardens, we were driving and I saw some purple tulips that I admit I was envious of.  Look what I found in my yard.



 I had COMPLETELY forgotten that I had planted tulips that I got on sale last year!!!  I hadn't been to that part of my yard lately to see them!  It was like Christmas.  I was so excited.  The kids thought I was rather silly for forgetting I had planted them. I'm kind of glad I did, it made the surprise so much fun!!!

HMMMM... I wonder if envying the corvette down the street would work the same....

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Rummage Saling

So, I've been a little date challenged this month and I gave our kid watcher the day off yesterday, thinking it was next week when I am taking to day off.  Mike and I halved the day, he went to work in the morning, and I in the afternoon.  This gave the kids and I a chance to go to a friend's rummage sale.  I found several kitchen items, including tupperware canisters and a couple of Christmas gifts. 

Today, the kids and I hit the jackpot!!!  We went to a Friends of Animals (not sure why but I always giggle at that name and kind of makes me want to open a Butcher shop across the street named Enemies of Animals...) rummage sale.  We got for $5--Me--2 pair of brand new shoes and two sweaters, Z--Spill the Beans, shirt and a movie, E--Nancy Drew Book and a pair of shoes, K--shirt and Junior Apples to Apples.  Not bad for $5!!!!!!!!!!!!!  --As E just reminded me, we did throw in an extra quarter--it was really on $4.75.  :)

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8



Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Salt
Matthew 5:13--Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

We often take salt for granted.  It's cheap and always available.  We really don't think about how useful it is.  We use it all the time without realizing how important it is.  It helps to flavor foods and we really don't think about what food would taste like without it.  We also don't often think about how many foods it is protecting from spoiling.  It is also important in baking.  In the north, it helps to thaw ice!!!

Christians are also the salt of the earth.  Yet we don't realize how important we are in preserving/keeping the world as a decent place to live.  Can you imagine what the world would be like without a Christian presence.  We may not realize the difference we make when around others.   If we have a good testimony, just our presence can help to keep the bad joke from being told, the expletive from flying, etc.  Maybe we help to thaw an ice cold heart!  We can also make the world a better place by the example we lead and the kindness we show to others.  We need to make sure we are salt whereever we are!  If the salt loses it's savor, it is good for nothing!!!


Saturday, May 7, 2011

Old Stomping Grounds

The kids and I traveled back to IL yesterday. I have to admit that 72 and sunny yesterday was quite blissful. We stopped at a rest area in northern IL and took some time to soak up some rays. Today I did some shopping and really enjoyed getting back into the van and the van was hot!!! I realize I would get tired of this but it was nice for today. Tonight we drove through the country and past where I grew up. It was fun but also a little sad to see all the changes and "missing" houses or houses/barns that are in disrepair. I know that everything changes, but just miss the "comfort" of old memories matching the present.

We went to dinner at DiCarlos which is a wonderful pizza place. Best pizza ever! We started going there when I was a little girl and the owner's little girl would come eat pizza with us. The owner remembered us also. Too bad my sis couldn't be here!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

First Flowers of Spring

Z and K brought these in for me today.  Aren't they fun and adorable!!!

Mom Moment

Soooooo.  I took Z, T, and K to get their hair cut.  After we get there, I realize that Z has a huge hole in the front of his pants, he turns around and I realize he has a HUGE "L" shaped rip in the seat of his pants showing off his scooby undies!!!  THEN I look down and see that he has mismatched socks and lavendar crocks on!  HOW did he get out of the house without me noticing????????????  I'm quite sure that before I became a mom, I never would have been very understanding of someone who told me this could happen.  I admit that even as a mom I don't understand how this happens!!!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Osama's Death

I'm still not quite sure how I feel about his death.  I realize that it is a huge political and military victory and that I am grateful for.  I am also glad our military personnel won't be endangering their lives looking for him any more.  I am also extremely grateful that this seems to have been handled very intelligently by our officials.  I would love to be able to agree with a rather naive journalist who stated that this ends the war on terror.  I suppose the war on terror will need a new "face."  However, I don't really think the war on terror will ever end this side of Heaven.  My hubby thinks this is a huge psychological victory, I feel that it will only incite more anger and retaliation against the US. 

There is also a part of me that really can't be happy about anyone's death, particularly someone so obviously deceived throughout his life and someone so godless.  I can't imagine what it must have been for him to wake up in Hell.  How surprised he must have been after living his whole life thinking he was earning his way to the Seventh Heaven. 

Even sadder is the thought of how many more young Muslims will be manipulated into joining radical groups due to his death. 

I guess after putting this in writing, I really just feel sadness for all those who have been deceived by any religion.  I am relieved that this man hunt has been put to rest and people will not be risking their lives searching for him.  Just wish this really ended the war on terror and that no more lives on either side would be lost.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Royal Wedding Fun

First of all, I DID NOT get up to watch the wedding.  I admit I did just look up pictures to see her dress, which if modest, would be beautiful.  We did have some fun at work today.  One of my coworkers came in wearing a tierra.  One of the docs saw her, did a double take and then shook his head and walked into his office mumbling.  He also said he looked at the tivo this morning and saw it was almost full, his wife was recording ten hours of prewedding shows as well as the wedding.  He looked at her and said, "Please tell me we aren't one of THOSE families!"   I bought him popcorn to enjoy while watching the royal wedding with his wife.  :)  The tierra wearing employee offered to rent him her tierra to wear for a mear $25/hr and he would need to settle up with the Duchess of EH Palace, better known as Lady Diana. 

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Pea Soup

Tonight was "T's" Pea Soup supper for Boy Scouts.  It is suprisingly delicious, tastes more like ham'n bean soup.  "T" made cookies all by himself, including picking out the recipe and making sure we had all the ingredients!  "T" stayed busy cleaning tables.  We met some nice people.   All in all a nice night. 

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Free Audio Book

Christian Audio is giving away a free audible book of The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom.  The link to their website is below.  You do need to make an account which requires your full name and e-mail.  It did not need any type of payment information.  :)  It looks like they give away a free book every month.  I am not sure that all would be this good since "Christian" can mean many different things, so please use discernment.

Link:  http://christianaudio.com/

I am looking forward to listening to this on my trip to Illinois in a couple of weeks.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Why I no longer do sad...

Wow posts two days in a row.....

I really enjoy my job, though it seems there is never enough time in the day...  Today I went to our tumor board meeting and we talked about several patients diagnosed with cancer.  Thankfully in ENT, most cancers are fairly responsive to treatment.  Hearing the stories, seeing the people affected and just seeing the sad things that go on around me has really taken away any desire I had to read a sad book or cry at a sad movie, especially if it is fiction!!!  Life is just too short for sad movies and books.  All I have to do is look around me to see all the people whose lives could BE the sad book/movie.  It breaks my heart to see all the tragedy in this world.

Thankfully, though we serve a risen Lord who is able to heal and to comfort those in need!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Happy Resurrection Day!


Happy Resurrection Day!  It is so wonderful to know that God loved us so much that He sacrified His only Son so that us sinners could go to Heaven to live with Him.  I think the thing that has most amazed me is that Jesus was willing to leave the luxuries of Heaven, come to an imperfect world, knowing He would be mistreated, doubted, mocked and hated.  Then He would die the most horrible death known to man.  It is one thing to agree to something when you don't know what is ahead, but HE DID!  Still He loved us that mouch!  What a wonderful Savior we have.

Below is one of my favorite poems.

"My Advocate"
(by Martha Snell Nicholson)

I sinned. And straightway, post-haste, Satan flew
Before the presence of the most high God,
And made a railing accusation there.
He said, "This soul, this thing of clay and sod,
Has sinned. 'Tis true that he has named Thy name,
But I demand his death, for Thou hast said,
'The soul that sinneth, it shall die.'
Shall not Thy sentence be fulfilled?
Is justice dead?
Send now this wretched sinner to his doom.
What other thing can righteous ruler do?
"And thus he did accuse me day and night,
And every word he spoke, O God, was true!

Then quickly One rose up from God's right hand,
Before Whose glory angels veiled their eyes. He spoke,
"Each jot and tittle of the law
Must be fulfilled; the guilty sinner dies!
But wait -- suppose his guilt were all transferred
To Me, and that I paid his penalty!
Behold My hands, My side, My feet! One day
I was made sin for him, and died that he
Might be presented, faultless, at Thy throne!"
And Satan flew away. Full well he knew
That he could not prevail against such love,
For every word my dear Lord spoke was true!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Random Brain Cell Firings

Today was an incredibly busy day at work.  I felt like the longer I stayed, the farther behind I got!!!  That said I am still thankful for my job.  It can be frustrating and I think part of my issue has been that in 3 weeks, I will be there for one year and I feel like I have just barely touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning what I need to know!!!  In the past by this point in a job I have felt really comfortable.  Sure I learned new things, but didn't feel like I had miles to go!  Working for a large company has been quite interesting also.  All this said, I am SO thankful the Lord gave me this job.  I really enjoy going to work, may want to go home after I see what the day brings, but that is pretty rare.  :o)  I am sure that at some point I will stop feeling like my brain is going to come out of my ears.  :)

The above is a big part of why my poor blog has been so neglected.  I don't have the time or brain power to think of a post. 

Sunday, April 10, 2011

From the mouth of babes

Today we went out and were placing fliers on doors for a new website our church has created.  We were in a rather wealthy section of town with HUGE houses.  My girls were pretty amazed at the houses.  They kept asking "does one family live in this house."  I would say yes, and then we would go to an even bigger one and once again, they'd ask and I'd say "yes."  You could tell they were trying to wrap their brains around living in a house as big as these.  I said, "I guess you are thinking you were born into the wrong family."  "K" said, "they probably don't get to go to church."  "E" said "and it is often hard for rich people to get saved because they don't think they need God."  Needless to say, I was pretty happy with the way they handled this.  We also saw 3 deer crossing the road while we were out.  We also met our goal of 50+ houses.  :)