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.

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!

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."

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.

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.

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)

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.

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!

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Not feeling well

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

???

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.

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?
Visit Toys For Your Blog.com for more blog quizzes

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.

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!

Congratulations to the Duggar Family

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

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?"

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*

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!

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.

To the Teenagers who are visiting your grandmother in the Chester/Lake Almanor area.

I just want to inform you that when you are driving around town in your grandma's Volvo Station Wagon with handicapped plates and you are playing Rap music and hanging out of the windows trying to meet girls...

YOU LOOK LIKE A COMPLETE IDIOT!

Vacation - Part 8

While in S. CA we were able to treat ourselves (and grandma) to the Rain forest Cafe in Ontario Mills. It was quite an experience for the kids. Every few minutes anamatronic animals around the restaurant start moving and making their various noises. Every 30 minutes there is a tropical storm and the edges of the restaurant start to rain.

There was a balloon artist that came by our table and made the girls Parrot and Monkey hats.

Note: The Monkey on Abbie has a bundle of bananas hanging from his tree... and a "Dory" fish is very visable in the fish tank behind her.

Pray for the Fires

You can see our local satellite of yesterday's antelope fire. It was approximately 10,000 acres. The lake to the left of the fire is 6 miles west of us.But the winds changed today and now the fire isn't contained and around 15,000 acres. Can't see the lake...We are VERY dry this year. Please pray that the fire fighters will be safe.

Vacation - Part 7

At California Adventure there are many carnival type rides and very short lines. It is perfect for all little ones. Spinning ladybugs, Pill bug bumper cars, and a big caterpillar train.

Vacation - Part 6

At California Adventure, there is a land where you shrink to the size of a bug.... there are 3 leaf clovers everywhere... we found 1 four leaf clover!

Vacation - Part 5

Amie thinks she looks SO COOL!

Loose tooth

Vacation - Part 4

California Adventure has a water feature for kids to play in. It was heavenly on this hot day!

Vacation - Part 3

We also went to California Adventure! Here are the girls next to the "o" in California!

Vacation - Part 2

Papa had fun too! (Maggie and Abbie are inside)

I WANT NEW WINDOWS!

Not so dumb Blonde...........

Last year I replaced all the windows in my house with that expensive
double-pane energy efficient kind. Well, today, I got a call from the contractor who installed them. He was complaining that the work had been completed a whole year ago and I still hadn't paid for them.

Hellloooo, just because I'm blonde doesn't mean that I'm automatically stupid. So, I told him just what his fast talking sales guy had told ME last year. Namely, that in ONE YEAR these windows would pay for themselves!...Hellloooo? It's been a year! ..(I told him!)

There was only silence at the other end of the line. So I finally just hung up.... He never called back. Guess I won that stupid argument And I bet he felt like an idiot.

Blasphemy

An interaction between my oldest and Jonah (The only boy of the Kerr children)

Maggie: Superman can't stand up.

Jonah: (Upon hearing this blasphemy) SUPERMAN CAN STAND!

Maggie: No, Superman can't stand. (Produces a Superman action figure, places him on his feet where he promptly falls flat on his face and tumbles off the table)

Jonah: (devastated at the humiliation) You can't talk to me!

Maggie: Uh, yeah I can...

Jonah: NO! You can't talk to me!

Maggie: OK?

Jonah: I'm gonna have a birthday! (And be older)

(Jonah then retrieves his fallen hero and places him high in the air above his head in a hallowed pose where he remained in flight for the rest of the evening.)

Vacation - Part 1

We went to Disneyland!

Amie went too!

Happy Birthday Amie! AKA: Ming Ming

We had dinner for the Kerr family and ourselves in honor of Ming mings birthday.

We ate Carbonara.



We opened presents.



AND we had chocolate cake!

I sure hope not!

Maggie (During dinner)-When I am sixteen, I will be nocturnal.

Can "they" make a patch for this?

So I quit my job... I love the job... just not the people. My Co-workers and the local officials I had to deal with... inflate their importance and hide the truth and that makes me NUTS! I don't have the emotional or mental fortitude to deal with them... Yet I am addicted to the kids I get to work with and the idea of making their world better... oh yeah, and the paycheck was nice.

T-Ball in Paradise

Maggie... seen here looking east with her pony tail swinging in the wind. Dyer mountain is the peak behind her.

Play Ball!