Thursday, December 27, 2007

Merry Christmas?


So I took down the tree today...
I found 3 sticks of butter behind the tree. Wrapped up pretty in their original packaging... Maybe Amie thought they were presents?

Friday, December 21, 2007

Abbie's teeth

Abbie: (Crying) My teeth are sad!

Mama: Why?

Abbie: They are scared!

Mama: Why?

Abbie: They are scared of my pinky finger!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Slippery Curves

So our road conditions have really stunk this week. White out conditions, 2 feet of snow, packed snow and ice... our snow snow plows can't handle it!!! So, to our rescue... a zamboni on steroids and this evil monster:


Note the "horns" coming off of the blades. Now imagine it being RED with black "horns" and you have our local snow blower... eeeeevil!

Not something you like to see in your rear view mirror!!!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Abbie makes my brain hurt!

Abbie: How old is Amie's head?

Mama: Her head is 1 year old... like the rest of her!?!

Abbie: I really think it is still zero.

Mama: No, her head had a birthday just like the rest of her.

Abbie: But her head is only as tall as this. (places hand above Amie's head)

Mama: Abbie, She is tall enough to be one... and so is her head.

Abbie: She is a baby until she turns five.

Mama: Ok.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Merry Christmas!

I have had these dresses since OCTOBER... it is about time I took some pictures to send to family. They have been emailed to the local photo shop and will be ready tomorrow for pickup!!! (Now if only my oldest two girls will stop stealing my postage stamps!!!

Saturday, December 15, 2007

AWWWW CRAP!


Abbie is very interested in classical music. She wants to listen to music that is Adagio... (YES, she knows what Adagio is- Thank you DISNEY CHANNEL!) Unfortunately, while I have a vast library of classical music... few are of the slow, funeral dirge, adagio that her taste demands.


SO... my Itunes program shuffled through all the classical music... it came upon Brandenburg, Concerto #6. (Yeah... like you even know what that is!!!) And she comes to me and INFORMS me, "This is Moderato." And pats my arm.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

ouch!!! OUCH!


" When searching for the source of your problems, do you look out the window or into the mirror?"

The IRS supports Christmas!

So, I have been on hold with the IRS for at least 15 mins... and I have heard a good portion of the music from the Nutcracker! It puts you in such a good mood! And they have been so nice! They are faxing all my paperwork that was ruined in the fire to our loan broker!

So January 18th!!! We will be home owners!!!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Jeremiah 29

It has been over 2 years since I started reading Jeremiah. Most of the book is very negative. But this passage finally broke through.

4 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." 8 Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the LORD.

10 This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. [b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."


We have always questioned, “Should we buy a home?” “What if we are called somewhere else?”

Like most young families, we have lived a very nomadic life. We have moved approximately every 2 years since we married. This is very stable compared to friends who are in the military or still going to school. But we still wait, with our suitcases packed, dreaming of the next “Shiny” or bigger better thing. In verse 8, are we pushing the envelope by pressing on to the next big thing, when we should be staying and doing what God told us to?

To be successful at a job or career, you must have some longevity. Ministry is no exception. While my husband is passionate about training up leadership from within, I feel that the most successful ministries have the same leaders for decades. (Read Jason’s article on Leadership training)

I believe that God is telling us to settle down. I am very passionate about gardening, but after having to leave Oak View and watching all that work disappear, I couldn’t start a new garden. I have been here for over 2 years and not done more than water the church lawn. So verse 5 really calls to me.

Also, verse 7 reminds me not to be angry about our flawed county and school system, but to do what is best and to pray for them. If our county prospers, we will prosper.

So today we are putting in an offer for a home we really want. If it is God’s will, we will be homeowners and permanent members of the town. It will be a testimony to the surrounding community, who constantly question with every disaster, that we are here to stay.

Please pray for our sanity as we juggle an offer, home loan application and possibly escrow in this tumultuous market.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Abbie is sick

Mama, when you go to the doctor there is a frog in your throat that wants to be alive. And when you go to the doctor because you have a monkey jumping on your bed, they jump because they like to bump heads, but the doctor says no.

Friday, December 07, 2007

House dreams

Pray for our sanity. There is a house on the market and we are desperately WANTING IT! It is 3 br/2ba and built in 1978. So it is one of the newest houses in town. It is bank owned and being offered at 100k below last years price... EEEK! There may be a bidding war!!! Should we jump in? Am I too emotionally involved? Any advice?

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Abbie's first Joke

Abbie is notorious for, "Knock, Knock" and getting no answer...

But she is gradually putting a second line in. "Who is there?" Abbie: "Uh, (looking around the room) Shoe!" (Mama smiles politely)

Today-

Abbie: Knock, Knock.

Mama: Who's there?

Abbie: (Looking around the room) Owl!

Mama: Owl who?

Abbie: No, Owls say who!

Mama and Maggie laughed and told her what a good joke!!!

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Global Warming

"Oh, so Mother Nature needs a favor? Nature started the fight for survival and now she wants to quit because she is losing? Well, I say, 'Hard Cheese!'" - Nuclear plant owner C. Montgomery Burns

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Sustenance

Sustain. According to Wikipedia: Sustain is a parameter of musical sound in time. As its name implies, it denotes the period of time during which the sound is sustained before it becomes inaudible.

I need something to Sustain me before I become inaudible. I am tired. The spiritual oppression that surrounds me and my family is overwhelming.

If one more person "reminds me" to "give it to God" I will cause physical harm. (JUST A WARNING) This also includes handing me literature and articles on the topic.

Every night, as the evil swirls around us and I am reminded of everything we have lost and everything that is going wrong, I weep. I don't even pray. I can only see His hand reaching out to me. I touch his fingertips with mine and whisper, "Jesus" over and over until I fall to sleep. This is as close to "giving it to God" as I am going to get right now.

From Maggie

Maggie practices writing at school... sometimes she shoots off on a tangent and I must ask the teacher the assignment. But this one was clear - "I love my..."

"I love my moma because she can make fire. I love my papa because he can make hot chocolate. I love my sister because she is silly. I love my baby because she is cute."

Note: I assume she values my ease at heating the house.... not burning it down.

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Fruit of the god's

Amie loves fruit. Especially pears. We currently have organic, wax free, crimson anjou pears. We get a case delivered once a month for 1/4 of what you pay for yucky pears at Safeway.

So our pears are all VERY RIPE this week and perfect in Amie's opinion. She calls everything worthy, "Ball"(Her favorite things are round). After her 4th piece of pear this AM... she asks for "MORE" (Megalomaniac with English accent) she holds up the piece of pear up above her head... and looks up at it whispering.... "Ball".
Title = "Envy (The seven deadly Sins Series)"
Artist = Alain K. Khadem
URL= http://www.artisanart.us/envy.html

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Christmas Blessing

It is very hard to find your stuff when it is all thrown out the windows by fire fighters. But my Mother in Law and Sister in Law went through the stuff that wasn't thrown outside...

All our Christmas decorations (Many made by my great-grandma) and stockings (Made and personalized by Jason's grandma) were all safe and dry. They aren't even dirty or smoky!

OK... I know you have at least one of these!

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Today's bible reading

Psalm 37

Of David.
1 [a] Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.

9 For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.

11 But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy great peace.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;

13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.

15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

16 Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;

17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The days of the blameless are known to the LORD,
and their inheritance will endure forever.

19 In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20 But the wicked will perish:
The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields,
they will vanish—vanish like smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously;

22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
but those he curses will be cut off.

23 If the LORD delights in a man's way,
he makes his steps firm;

24 though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.

26 They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be blessed.

27 Turn from evil and do good;
then you will dwell in the land forever.

28 For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
They will be protected forever,
but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

29 the righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks what is just.

31 The law of his God is in his heart;
his feet do not slip.

32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
seeking their very lives;

33 but the LORD will not leave them in their power
or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34 Wait for the LORD
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,

36 but he soon passed away and was no more;
though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
there is a future [b] for the man of peace.

38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
the future [c] of the wicked will be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Chicken Poo diaries

It is no secret (Especially on this blog) that our lives have been turned upside down in the last year or so...

So my husband was driving home from Thanksgiving alone in his truck and hit a deer. It cracked the whole headlight on the drivers side.

So today he is pulled over by the CHP and issued a "fix it" ticket.

Unfortunately the Registration was due 9/30/07... our house burned down 9/7/07. This is a piece of paperwork that was ONCE AGAIN lost in the pile of chicken poo that is our life.

So now we have to pay WAY too much money for late registration... we have a ticket on top of that! The whole headlight is going to cost only $295!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Lost in translation 3

I am still in bed this morning but I hear:

Abbie: That is gimantis!

Maggie: It's ginormous! That is how you say it!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Things churches should understand.


In economically depressed areas filled with drugs... it is important to get a ministry team that are "called" to that type of people.

Our church building had another church in it years ago. The previous pastors and elders in ministry had apparently been Christians all their life. They had no experience with meth addicts. So they were always trying to go door to door and hand out all sorts of information and on one occasion light bulbs with scripture "Light of the world" and the plan of salvation on the box. It would have been a good idea... (We found a box of left over light bulbs in the attic)

But a person who has seen meth in use would know that a light bulb is a method of delivery. (I will not explain rolleyes.gif No, I never tried crack... but had stupid friends!) So the previous ministry team gave out free light bulbs to lovingly spread the Word and assist in the meth use.

No one in our current ministry team knew either. So I think every church should have a Christian (Yet experienced in the ways of the world) on their ministry team as a consultant.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Failure as Parents!!!


For two nights in a row... we have failed in our duty to produce money for teeth!!! This tooth fairy business is not my cup of tea.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

She keeps talking!

I walk into the living room with a towel on my head...

Abbie: Mama, what is under your towel?

Mama: I have a monkey under my towel.

Abbie: NO! What is under your towel?

Mama: How about a taco?

Abbie: Do you have an accordion under your towel?

Mama: Ouch... my brain!

Things a Californian can't understand.

Teacher dispatches raccoon with nail gun.

My favorite quote:
Lievsay said officials at Huntsville High School later talked with Hutchinson and told him not to kill animals on school grounds.

Sorry, I can't help you!

Abbie: Mama, I don't like being human!

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Conversations between 4 year olds

Abbie: What time is it?

Jonah: (Shrugs)

Abbie: It is 28.

Jonah: No, it's "J".... for Jonah!

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Just for fun- Emphasis has been added

I was born in the year of the horse:
People born in the Year of the Horse are popular. They are cheerful, skillful with money, and perceptive, although they sometimes talk too much. The are wise, talented, good with their hands, and sometimes have a weakness for members of the opposite sex. They are impatient and hot-blooded about everything except their daily work. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are very independent and rarely listen to advice. They are most compatible with Tigers, Dogs, and Sheep.
Jason was born in the year of the tiger:
Tiger people are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. They can be extremely short-tempered, however. Other people have great respect for them, but sometimes tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. sometimes Tiger people cannot make up their minds, which can result in a poor, hasty decision or a sound decision arrived at too late. They are suspicious of others, but they are courageous and powerful. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs.

Maggie was born in the year of the dragon:
People born in the Year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered, and stubborn. They are also honest, sensitive, brave, and they inspire confidence and trust. Dragon people are the most eccentric of any in the eastern zodiac. They neither borrow money nor make flowery speeches, but they tend to be soft-hearted which sometimes gives others an advantage over them. They are compatible with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys, and Roosters.


Abbie was born in the year of the ram/sheep:
People born in the Year of Ram are elegant and highly accomplished in the arts. They seem to be, at first glance, better off than those born in the zodiac's other years. But ram year people are often shy, pessimistic, and puzzled about life. They are usually deeply religious, yet timid by nature. Sometimes clumsy in speech, they are always passionate about what they do and what they believe in. Ram people never have to worry about having the best in life for their abilities make money for them, and they are able to enjoy the creature comforts that they like. Ram people are wise, gentle, and compassionate. They are compatible with Rabbits, Pigs, and Horses.
Amie was born in the year of the dog:
People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people¡¦s confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.

Monday, November 05, 2007

Vocabulary lesson

Abbie has graduated from speech therapy with a vocabulary of a 5 1/2 year old. At 2 years old, she had a total of 10 words. (Most 2 year olds have at least 50)

To prove herself...

Jason made hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls. Her comment: "Scrumptious!"

Pumpkin Patch

We spent Monday (the 29th) at the pumpkin patch.
Fun was had by all.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

While I like Lord of the Rings...

I am not a fanatic...

I haven't even read the book. But this is still funny!


The characters are an Alligator (Left) and a Zebra (Right)



Tuesday, October 30, 2007

More things that you never thought you would say

Mama: Abbie, don't brush the dirt off your pants!

Abbie: But they are dirty!

Mama: Do not brush your pants with your tooth brush!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

New book

My mother in law gave me a new book called Divine Confinement. It is written for people confined because they are caring for elderly parents or preschoolers. It sounds like something I really should read. But I cannot get past the line in page ten, "The life lessons that we learn today in our tough places will better prepare us for those that are to come."

I could really use a break. But clearly the answer is, "No".

Today, I spent the afternoon at the ER with Amie. The open/close the door game (With assistance of other children) included her right thumb getting stuck and needing stitches. Her thumb will be fine. I will be fine.

If ANY day would be a bad day to go to the ER... today would be the day. One year ago, (Tuesday, October 24th) I had to take my aunt to the ER and she died. I really didn't want to go to the ER today.

But, it was a different hospital and a much better experience!

On to the blessing part. My aunt always purchased a little squishy doll for the babies in the family. Each one was a different color. With Amie... we ran out of colors and my sister wasn't too keen on sharing the "pink" one. Well after my aunt died, we went to her apartment and found a "pink one" in her closet. She may have been waiting for my sister to mature on the topic. My sister gave us the pink one! All 3 of my kids slept with them... Maggie's yellow, Abbie's multi colored and Amie's Pink one. So when their rooms were completely incinerated, I mourned the loss of this tradition. The company no longer makes them. But just yesterday in a bag of dirty stuffed animals that were downstairs during the fire, out pops a perfectly clean "pink one"...

I am still crying.

In my mind it is just a stupid stuffed doll... but thank you Lord for the blessing, this dark week, for stupid squishy dolls coming out clean from the ashes!

Egypt - according to Maggie

"People, in the desert, walk like this in parades." - Maggie, Age 6

Monday, October 22, 2007

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Quote of the day

Don't mistake longevity for wisdom.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Friday, October 19, 2007

Did I mention Amie likes to climb?


The scarecrows to the left are "no touching." Yes, she is very proud of herself. And NO, I cannot keep clothing on my children... it is only 48 degrees outside!

Stamps vs. stickers

Abbie is now exploring her 2 year old self. She never went through the typical 2 year old behavior. So starting it now at 4 is slightly dangerous. I used to think I could trust her... with somethings... because she is 4. But unfortunately, she covers herself and the bathroom with lotion and then tries to use soap and water to get the lotion out of her eyes.

So today, I decided to take a shower... and while I was basking in warm steam, she completely unloaded my new book of stamps (An $8.20 value) and stuck them all over. Luckily she didn't push down real hard and most were saved. I informed her that stamps are no touching. Most 2 year olds would nod and accept this fact. But my 4 year old informed me, "No, those are stickers." Well... yeah, they are stickers... but these are no touching. EVERYTHING on mamas desk is no touching!

"But stickers are for touching for sticking"

Darn.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Baby back home!

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10159915

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Obscene!

An online friend, pastor's wife, and home birther has had her 6 week old baby violently removed from her home at gunpoint. Read the court case here. If you have any idea on how to fix this atrocity... please let me know... I am all fired up! And have no place to aim!!!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Crapping computer?

I feared my computer was crapping out on me today...

Every time I pressed "W" a window would close. Every time I pressed "N" a new window would open. All sorts of crazy things were going on! I shut down the computer twice. The second time... Windows didn't even load. Yep... computer gone!

Then I noticed that my 1 year old had moved something on my desk, causing it to partially press the Ctrl key. Occasionally activating it's wonderful functions.

The computer is fine... the operator is not.

Because I cannot express myself properly...

When everything is wrong - Move along

Move along - The All American Rejects

Because when life is falling apart... there will always be a swimming pool of people to catch you.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

At least it is polite?

Abbie screaming: I DON"T LIKE THIS SHOW!!!!

Mama: How do you use your good manners?

Abbie whining: I don't like this show please.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Birthday card

Abbie received a birthday card from her great grandparents. She loves opening and re-opening cards. She even tries to re-lick them! EWWW! But in this one card... there was a $20 bill. Abbie has kept the card/money safe. Upon reopening it for the 100th time, Maggie took notice of the money.

Maggie: "What is that?"

Me: "It is a birthday card from Oma and Opa"

Abbie: "It has a dollar in it"

Abbie opens the card all the way...

Maggie: "TWENTY DOLLARS!!!!"

Abbie: "It is my favorite dollar!"

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Why maybe you should have a gun instead of a doctor. . .

A) The number of physicians in the U.S. is 700,000.

(B) Accidental deaths caused by Physicians per year are 120,000.

(C) Accidental deaths per physician is 0.171.

Statistics courtesy of U.S. Dept of Health Human Services.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Now think about this:
Guns:

(A) The number of gun owners in the U.S. is
80,000,000. (Yes, that's 80 million..)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(B) The number of accidental gun deaths per year, all age groups, is
1,500.

(C) The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is .000188.

Statistics courtesy of FBI
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

So, statistically, doctors are approximately

9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Remember, "Guns don't kill people, doctors do."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN, BUT
ALMOST EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE DOCTOR.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Please alert your friends to this alarming threat.

We must ban doctors before this gets completely out of hand!!!!!

Just in case you need a good scare!

Saturday, October 06, 2007

Offensive

People regularly remind me that Breastfeeding is offensive. Here is their alternative:
Because a disembodied breast is sooo much better!

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Abbie is so big

Abbie had a birthday party at school today. She now believes that she is 4... The song was sung, the candle was blown, and a gift was given... DONE DEAL!

My girls


My mom sent Halloween clothes and dressy clothes from previous years. Here is the cow girl outfit and a dress from my little sister.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Routine Adventures

Like usual, we cannot have an evening without an adventure. This time, the adventure included hours without electricity. We couldn't find the glass hurricane for our lamp. But I have the bag of "Christmas" candles (off white tapers for pennies the day after Christmas!) and put them in every bottle and candle holder we could find. We also had some touch lights that the girls played with. I have had the flu and was so sick, I was trying not to cry. Everyone went to bed early! Today I feel better.

I could really go for some routine right now... even some monotony!

Monday, October 01, 2007

During a stop in the car, Maggie rolled down her window to watch kids playing. I was amazed that after six hours of school and four hours of Jac Pac (An after school club), she wasn't tired of kids.

I asked her, "Maggie, you were at school and Jac Pac all day. Aren't you tired of kids?"

"No." she replied, "I am a kid, and if I was tired of kids, I would be tired of myself."

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Invasion!

other than lumber... grass fed Angus cattle is our big industry. Apparently the snow and wind took out a fence last night... We have had 3 new residents on our block. I am sure the whole town is filled with these black beauties. It is very disturbing to hear the cows get trapped in our side yard and make all their loud noises. I tried to take a picture... but inadequate lighting at 11 pm and a black cow... doesn't make for a good picture.

If it wasn't stealing... I SOOO wanted to politely escort one into my back yard. I sure can't afford grass fed Angus.

Friday, September 28, 2007

Because I am...

I acknowledge I am a dark and angry person... I like music that is dark and angry... it releases the dark and angry inside and makes me happy... yeah I am weird.

Yeah... I took a video of snow

15 mins of snow



So it started snowing... here is the first 15 mins... I will post another later... yes it is September.





Thursday, September 27, 2007

I am baking (Chocolate muffins) for the first time since the fire. My 3 year old runs around yelling, "There is chocolate in the house!" She is smelling around saying, "maybe under the white couch", "Maybe under the pink couch", "Nope, it's gone"

Given by a friend.

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5)

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Amie - determined!


Amie is sitting on the kitchen floor with her baggie of cereal... one piece fell to her right. She strains to reach it... with her left hand. She refuses to set down the baggie in her right hand. She also favors her left hand. It takes many tries... and included her toppling over, but her left hand was successful.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Loss

Habakkuk 3: 17-19

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

Because ...

So I can't go to many training programs for church planters because I have children... We want church planters to plant healthy churches. And to plant healthy churches, church planters need to have healthy families... so ask me to separate myself from my children for 2-3 days and leave them.

Here is another Hathor comment on that:

My first lactivism

I have recently found out that nursing mom's are not welcome at a Minister's Wives Retreat. So now I am remembering some of my favorite lactivist websites!


Saturday, September 08, 2007

"The List"

This list is of things we lost in the fire. Let us now if you are willing to get us some of these things.

UPDATED 9/18

Items in red have been received.
Addresses: PO Box 908, 420 Elm St. Westwood, CA 96137

Use the PO box for USPS and 420 Elm St for UPS.

Things for the Girls
1. Bedding and Beds (2 twins and 1 crib) We still need crib sheets
2. Books (We have recieved plenty of books)
3. Clothing Storrage
4. Halloween Costumes
5. Snow Pants
6. "Dress-up" clothes
7. Amie clothes size 24 months
8. Cloth diapers (All Sizes)
9. Christmas Dresses
10. Weighted Blanket

Things for Jason
1. King sized bed and bedding
2. Dress clothes
3. Papa Chair
4. Clothing storrage
5. New laptop

Things for Jenn
1. Clothing
2. Camera

Things for the house
1. Towels - Bath, Hand, Washcloth and kitchen
2. Paper products (Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Computer Paper)
3. Couch or love seat

9/7/07

This has been the longest day of my life! I was awakened at 12:30 am by the smoke alarm. My husband and I ran upstairs to discover smoke coming from the attic door. We grabbed the children, threw them in the car, called 911 and ran back in to get clothes for me and our computer (can't lose the digital pictures) When we were trying to run out, I tried to turn on the lights in the front of the house, because we still had power to the back of the house. It was clear that the power was not available because our back up battery for the computer was beeping. So we assume something happened with the electrical wires that go to the front of the house and caused a fire in the attic.

Because I watch "This Old House" regularly, I knew of the dangers that lie in my "Old House" The wood shingles were not replaced, but covered with a metal roof... causing a huge fuel source to now have protection from the fire hoses, insulation to build heat and a reflector to point the fire down at the house. Also, houses of my style (Craftsman) often used a different way of putting together load bearing walls, making the homes as durable as the Victorians but creating air pockets from the walls to the attic and between the floors. So this makes a fire in the downstairs "wick" instantly up the walls, or a fire in the attic or second floor force hot air into the wall space "Candling" down like a wick into the walls and setting the whole house on fire.

This added up to our second floor being completely devastated, our ceiling of the first floor being torn through and the entire north wall of the home (almost 100 feet long) being charred from the inside out.

When I looked back at the house, I saw the attic was already engulfed, and the firefighters added air to the attic to vent it, I knew the structure was gone. I assumed that we lost everything. I took the kids over to Jason and Becky's home and when they were settled I planned on going to the hospital for smoke inhalation. Jason and I went at around 3 am. When we returned, almost all of our belongings were thrown out the windows and stacked neatly in three places. We have been able to store the many things the wonderful firefighters saved.

We lost all things upstairs ( I will post a list later) and all our beds, bedding and couches. We have most of our clothes (Firefighters took the other computer and the dressers out first) and many of the kids toys that were downstairs in the TV room. My little brother Isaac called to make sure our Nintendo Game cube made it out. We just haven't plugged it in to try it yet!

While we have tons of offerings for used things, we will post a list of things we would appreciate be new in order to weed out thrift store and garage sale dropout donations. We have already received a few donations that make my eye twitch.

But for those who cannot donate new things to our cause, feel free to send bubbles, bubble bath, a baggies of balloons, dollar store sunglasses, fingernail polish and sidewalk chalk... you know, stuff that would make my girls feel happy.

Also, please pray for us while we search for a new home. We are looking at any and all possibilities for rental and purchase in Westwood. We are very passionate about fixing up the parsonage the correct way and not the cheap (Hey I think my uncle Earl can do that) way. Currently we are staying with Becky and Jason and in total that makes 11 people and 1 bathroom. I currently am unable to sleep because of the pain in my throat from the smoke... our home and the wildfires 4 miles away. If I am not upright to swallow regularly, I cough until I am upright. So sleep and healing prayers for me please.

I am going to buy some throat coat tea tomorrow and see if that helps... But as for now (4:16 am) I will prop myself up on the love seat and see if I can doze off for a while.

Monday, September 03, 2007

Pray for the Fires #2

Here is the press release...
Note: this fire is 4 miles from us.

Moonlight Fire Update

A fire on private land in a remote area near north central Plumas National Forest started on Monday, September 3, at 1424 hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No communities are currently threatened. The size of the fire is approximately 300 acres and growing. The fire is burning in a northeast direction along the Plumas and Lassen National Forest boundaries.

Currently, there are engines, air tankers, helicopters and hand crews on scene. Additional fire fighting resources, including a Type 1 Team, are arriving to assist local firefighters.

The Moonlight Fire will actively burn through the night with acreage increases expected.

A road block is being placed in the Diamond Mountain-North Arm Road area. Residents will be allowed access. Hwy 36 is open.

Information will be updated periodically. Please check www.inciweb.org.

I am so tired...


I am so tired of 12 year olds selling me wrinkle cream!

I never said not to...

I never said not to fly paper airplanes in church... So during the end of the service... Maggie had made 6 paper airplanes, passed them to the other girls her age... and while Maggie was flying her 4 around the room the other girls were having second thoughts. Can you teach a kid how to have "second thoughts"?

Did I mention I hate triangles?


I hate triangles! I can't deal with them... I always assemble them wrong... off center or what ever! So these 4 blocks took as long as the rest of the blocks for a queen/full sized quilt! GRRR! But it is done! I need to find my setting fabric... but that is SOOO much easier! You can click on the picture to see a detailed version. The blocks on the left have a square on point in the center.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

I want a cookie

A family story where my mom was harassed by a nursing home patient jumping up screaming, "I want a cookie in a cup-ie, cup-ie, cup-ie."

So that makes this video, where Amie brings me her cookie in her favorite cup.... so cute.

Monday, August 27, 2007

I'm Crazy... what's new?

When I die, I want a cool memorial/funeral. If any of you play a hymn... I will personally come back and beat you!

Wear red! Have fun! Play great music or even hire a band! I know this music video is "older" but it looks cool.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Building a need for a quilting frame

I now regret that my mom gave away my great grandma's quilting frame. While I could not have used it over the last 9 years... I could sure use it now! Here are 2 queen sized and the blocks for 1 full sized quilt.
Here is a "Summer Tea Party" sampler that could make 1 king or 2 twins.The colors are not true in the picture... due to lighting inadequacies.

So if ANYONE has a quilting frame that I can use for the winter... I would greatly appreciate it!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

First Day of school

Here is Maggie's picture for her first day of school! She was so excited!
I will post later on her reactions from the day.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Not feeling well


I have been sick since last Wednesday. I hope that today is the last day.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

???



I am supposed to just leave this alone and let it speak for itself... but since I don't have any non-christians reading my blog... I will critique.

I think this is a good idea and has great potential. There are two pictures that make me pause... the girl "in sin" is in black and white (good imagery) and has brown or black hair. The woman free from sin is tan and blond... While imagery has it's place, the stereotypes of blonds being happier is used way too often. Even though I have lived my life as a blond... recently with more and more boxes of assistance, I feel for the dark haired and dark skinned people who are always portrayed as evil or sinful... YOU NEVER see a natural blond in this category. If you do see a blond in the "evil" category, she is platinum, unnatural blond.

I think we can dump the PC crap and address this trend in advertising and media to help solve the United States racial tensions.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Is this a real shock?













You are most like:


Black


You are bold with a dark side. You make clear lines wherever you go, though you color outside of the lines. Many people may just see the surface of you and think you are merely plain, but you have a lot of depth to you as well.


Take this quiz: Which Crayola Box of 8 Color Are You?

Um... BRR!

So I may have mentioned I was tired of the heat and wanted snow... Now I wake up at 4:45 AM FREEZING and get up and start a fire in the wood stove in AUGUST! I said I wanted snow... so it is all my fault.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Tired

Sleepy.. and tired of arguing with small children.... mostly about things that do not exist!

From this point on, I refuse to debate about cartoon ANYTHING, Magic Powers, mystical creatures behavioral habits, how many seconds are in 20 minutes, or anything involving imaginary friends. From now on, I will smile and nod and hum a happy tune in my head!

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Congratulations to the Duggar Family

Baby Jennifer was born this week. She is their 17th baby!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Objects on tv may not be as they appear

I JUST READ THE FINE PRINT! During the most recent McDonalds Commercial, they advertize that they use only 100% USDA prime beef and other fresh food claims... and the fine print reads: "Only at participating stores"

My husband asks, "How many participate?"

Friday, July 20, 2007

Abbie's Story - Part 2

Abbie: I need 3000 eagles.

Jenn: You need 3000 eagles?

Abbie: Yes, I need 3000 eagles for my robot. It is purple. It has eyes that go "blink blink" (Makes big blinking eyelashes with fingers)

(Abbie leaves and comes back)

Where is my purple robot?

Abbie's Story

Once upon a time, there was a princess named Cinderella. She had a pink dress and it was beautiful. Jack-Jack came and was scared of the robot. Jonah came and was going to save Amie. Amie is my best friend. She is my little sister. She has little hair. Like an ant. They were scared. And then there were pirates. And he was dancing. And then there was a clown puppet. (Making a puppet gesture she walked away.)

*These are the phrases that made sense*

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Well Duh

RLS or restless leg syndrome is now proven to be real... and hereditary. My mom and I could have told ya'll that years ago...

50% or more of my sleep is filled with constant repetitive leg motion that is unconscious... I am so glad my husband doesn't care!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

THRILLER DANCE

Just in case you didn't know what I was talking about...



(For best viewing - Pause the video until it loads completely)

Enjoy!

Vacation - Part 8

The reason we went down to Southern California was to see Uncle Jake get married. For his rehearsal dinner, we went to a Japanese, Teppan style restaurant. The kids had a great time and enjoyed the show. Abbie laughed so loud she was making everyone else laugh. We were having so much fun... this was our only picture.
We stayed at a hotel with GramMarge. The girls were able to spend a lot of time with her.
The wedding went well and Jake and Katie are now husband and wife. Unfortunately, no one was informed on how to bustle Katie's dress... and I had to climb in there and bustle it for her. Her Aunts and Grandmas and I had fun... not just with the bustle... but we also helped decorate and set up. I also enjoyed going over to Katie's Parents home to help make all the little goodies involved with weddings and meet her family and hear all the embarrassing stories. I even looked through a few scrapbooks of her life. Someone requested "Thriller" by Michael Jackson... and Jake asked if I remembered the dance... I informed him I stuck a wire coat hanger up my nose in '98 to remove all that stuff. TOO MANY of the moves were used in All-State Youth Choir stuff. BY THE WAY- Jake and Katie were not even born yet in 1983 when it came out.

GramMarge was prodded into dancing with Jake for the Money Dance.
She appeared to have fun.
On the way home we went to church with friends from Riverside and had lunch with them and their children. We drove up to Sacramento and had dinner at Ikea with Auntie Jenn. The girls still talk about our trip. If we ever do a trip like this again... it will be in the off season... while it was fun... there were too many people! We are glad to be home and enjoying our quiet life.