Bits of My Weekend-Volume 4

Our lives have been so very full lately. This past weekend Ashley finished up a week at Teen Mania’s Extreme Camp and then Jonathan took off for a week at Sky Ranch’s Be*Volution Camp. I’m getting so good at the laundry-pack-unpack-laundry routine.





This is a sweet little guy who was with us for a couple of weeks. Over the weekend we said our goodbyes. Our house feels so empty without him . . . but he is now with family and that’s a good thing.



We celebrated Father’s Day quite late as David was in California for a wedding on the actual day. Ashley (being at camp) missed the celebration. As the kids get older it’s harder and harder to all be at the same place at the same time.



David missed his birthday to boot . . . so on Saturday we celebrated at my sister’s in-laws’ house . . . always such fun.











Oh and one really great tip I discovered over the weekend: If your kids are begging for a bucket of army men (after seeing Toy Story 3), it’s $15 at Walmart. But if you go just two aisles over you can purchase a far better set of army men for $3 . . . it just doesn’t say “Toy Story 3” on the label. : )



It feels to me like the summer is flying by . . . so nice to capture a few bits of it here. Be sure and check out more bits at my good friend, Michelle’s.

Bits of My Weekend-Volume 3

Over the weekend we started off by finishing up all the lengthy paperwork for The Bair Foundation and are now once again licensed to be foster parents. We are so excited to re-embark on this adventure and help kids in need.

Friday night we attended the grand finale of Cowboy Camp at Grammy and Grandad's house. We got to enjoy lots of fun songs, skits, awards and even the reciting of Psalm 16 by the entire group—what an amazing accomplishment!







This is a picture of Nicholas with Grammy and Grandad when we were dropping off the other kids. It very accurately depicts his feelings about the "you have to be 6" rule to stay . . . so sad!



It also happened to be my birthday, so we finished the evening with cake, gifts and the like.



We ended the fun of the weekend by playing putt-putt . . . which in actuality it was way too hot to be playing putt-putt, so we ended it a little early to once again bask in the wonder of air conditioning.





Be sure and read up on more bits at Six in the City!

Special Note to anyone who notices:
I wrote this on June 6 but just realized I hadn't published it today (June 29th). Life got crazy for the next two weeks as we took in a little guy de-toxing from cocaine . . . my apologies.

Bits of My Weekend-Volume 2

Over the weekend we celebrated Memorial Day out at David's parent's house on Lake Fork. There were lots and lots of us (just family) but this is a picture of a few of us.



We had good eats,



lots of swimming in the lake,



lots of relaxing,



and a whole lot of fun!



But the best part of our weekend was the results of my mom-in-law's Pet Scan: "Cancer-free!" We are rejoicing! God is so good!



Be sure to head over to Six in the City to catch some more bits!

Bits of My Weekend-Volume 1

Though I always read Michelle’s Volumes on “Bit’s of her Weekend," I never seem to have pictures at the end of mine. But alas, after a long few days in Dallas, I woke up this morning with something like 102 pictures on my camera to choose from . . . so here’s a few bits of my own:

We started of at the beautiful Arboretum and Botanical Garden.







One really should start early in the morning, because it is such a wonderful place, quite large, and quite pricey if you’re only there for a couple of hours . . . which unfortunately we were—but we had so much fun we were glad we went.



We stayed at the beautiful Crown Plaza where we got to swim lots and enjoy local Dallas restaurants like this sweet little Chinese place.



The kids all wanted a Denny’s Grand Slam for breakfast.



And here I lost my the argument with the five others in my party and had to smell the almost irresistible aroma of Steak and Shake (I took in a veggie sandwich from Subway).





We were all having such a great time until Nicky accidentally ran into the metal bar which was just at the height of his forehead. A lady at a nearby table ran out to her medical supply van and gave us some instant ice packs—so sweet . . . and helpful as Nicky’s forehead was quickly becoming a goose egg. Though this picture doesn't show it, he cried and cried—but when David pulled the camera out, this was his attempt at a smile.



We also took in a little shopping at Grapevine Mills Mall.



We ended our stay in Dallas by attending a Firestorm Conference with Kevin Dedmon who is a pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, California. Having just read both of his books, “The Ultimate Treasure Hunt” and “Unlocking Heaven,” I was so excited to get to go. He taught on being people who bring Heaven to earth so that His will can be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

At one point during the conference we broke up into teams to go "Treasure Hunting". We took 10 minutes to ask God to give us "clues" and then used the "clues" like a treasure map as we went into the community looking for "treasure" (people who needed a touch from the Lord). Our little team, David, Marybeth (my mother-in-law) and I, ended up having 12 encounters. It totally blew us away how the "clues" on our list would open us up to the most amazing opportunities to bless complete strangers with God's goodness and love. Truly it was one of the best weekends of my life . . . and so nice to now have these little "bits" to remember it by!

How to Earn a Cookie 101

Nicholas (age 3): Mom, will you turn on the light?

Me: Sure.

Nicholas: That’s great mom. Now I can see your picture. You look like an angel.

The Best Loved Doll

Lately I’ve been remembering things from my childhood. One of those memories is a book I used to check-out from the library over and over. I never seemed to grow tired of this sweet story.

So just the other day, nearly 40 years later, I clicked on google to try and find it. I was not disappointed. Amazon has it . . . because Amazon has everything—sweet!

I just received The Best Loved Doll in the mail and within moments I was transported back in time. I just love this little book.

Oh The Drama!

Nicholas (age 3): Mom, Can I go to Grandma's?

Me: Not now Nicholas. Maybe later.

Nicholas: But Mom! I REALLY MISS my grandma!

Me: Not now Nicholas. Maybe later.

Nicholas: But Mom! My grandma REALLY MISSES me!

Me: Not now Nicholas. Maybe later.

Nicholas: Mom! You're breaking my heart!

Merry Christmas From Our House To Yours!

My Sentiments Exactly!

The song you are about to listen to is from a Las Vegas Diamond Rio concert. They received an immediate resounding standing ovation, and continue to do so every time they perform it. Although Diamond Rio has never before done a statement song, they felt compelled to record "In God We Still Trust." Sadly major radio stations wouldn't play it because it was considered 'politically incorrect'. Consequently, the song was never released to the public . . .

Let It Be

The other day, while running errands in the mall, I was just getting ready to leave when I noticed off to my left a haircutting shop with a $12 sign outside. Spontaneously, I thought, “The time has come.” Just as I was getting ready to maneuver Nicholas’ stroller in the right direction, a middle-aged man was walking by going the other direction. Suddenly he stopped, walked back a few steps and said to me, “Oh, that hair is too much! He has perfect hair!”

I promise you, I DON’T MAKE THESE THINGS UP!! What’s up with that?! Here I was on the verge of giving in to the pressure (not sure whether it’s imagined or real) to get my young son’s hair cut . . . and here before me was someone validating my deep down desire to just let it be. I LOVE Nicki’s red, moppy, fly in the wind curls.

So whether the man was human or an angel unaware, Nicki still has his curls . . . and I’m clinging to the 80’s for as long as I can.

Who Are You Voting For In '08?

He gets my vote!

School Has Begun!

Monday began our first week of school!

After all the stress of our previous school having to close, last spring we began the hunt for a new Christian school. After many interviews with different schools, lots of testing (9 hours worth) we are thankful to be enrolled and active at our new school: Christian Heritage.

As I sat in one of the little desks in Jonathan’s fourth grade classroom on parent’s night, I thought back to my own fourth grade year. It was one of my favorites. Mrs. Traub read aloud to us The Bears of Blue River and Charlotte’s Web. I learned multiplication, made a large cardboard cutout of the state of Indiana decorated with corn, and was first introduced to the Little House books, which I subsequently devoured. When the entire class colored pictures of "Casper the Friendly Ghost" to hang above the chalk board, mine stood out starkly from the rest in a multi-colored bikini—I guess that was the 60's child coming out in me. Our student teacher did comment on my creativity.

That was 35 years ago and I still vividly remember my classmates, the smell of the coat closet, the gentle, loving sound of Mrs. Traub’s voice and the joy of getting lost in a good book. On April 3rd of that year a tornado completely leveled our high school. We then went half days for the rest of the school year as we had to share our school building with other students who no longer had a building of their own. I wrote little notes to the girl who shared my desk in the afternoon. Though we never met personally, we wrote back and forth for the remainder of the year. I hope Jonathan will someday look back on his fourth grade year and remember it as fondly as I remember mine.

Ashley is now a seventh grader and Cole is in Kindergarten (although our school actually calls it “Reading Class” as reading is it’s primary focus). Because our new school doesn’t do uniforms, I spent two entire days, with four kids in tow, shopping for school clothes. I really hated having to say goodbye to uniforms (they make life so much easier), but the kids are very glad to be able to add their own personality to the way they dress.

Nicholas is quite sad when I drop the kids off each morning. He is learning how to play by himself and I’m loving the one on one time with him. He is pure joy!

Happy Birthday Ashley!

Today Ashley is thirteen—a teenager! Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday she was a little squirt in pigtails.

We have some fun things planned for this evening, but because her best friend, Megan, is on vacation in San Antonio . . . we’ll do a belated birthday bash sleepover when she gets home.

Please indulge me as I travel down memory lane. This is a little pictorial of the thirteen years. We love you, Ashley! May your thirteenth year be filled with much joy.

Talent In The Making?

Occassionally I plug in my camera to upload pictures and find surprises . . . such is the life of a mom with a nine year old photographer wannabe.

I think they're pretty good. Any true photographers want to weigh in?

Talent or no talent, he definitely lacks fear of being stung!

Updates Now Available

For those who would like to follow my journey as I battle cancer, I've started a new blog to give updates and share the many things I'm learning. You can access it at Dancing with the Daffodils. Thank you all for your outpouring of love, support and prayers.

I'll continue to "Mommy blog" here and share the cancer info there.

What Is Summer Without Lemonade?

To fully understand the significance, one must first realize we live in the absolute middle of no where. Secondly, there isn’t much traffic. Furthermore, if someone does happen to drive by, they are more likely to notice the horses across the street than my young son attempting to sell lemonade . . . but sell lemonade he did. While holding this little sign and doing a Texas jig, I guess our huge metropolis of traffic couldn’t help but stop and quench their thirst.

First a huge rig truck stopped by. After that it was a police officer. Before my young son’s first attempt at entrepreneurship ended he had made six customers and $2.25 . . . not bad seeing how he was only charging 10¢ a cup!

Barney Is So Not Vogue

Cole (age 5) has been working on his reading skills and I decided to purchase a dvd to help his progress along. Hoping to save on online postage, I searched high and low at our local Walmart for one that might be beneficial. Though they had lots of dvds, most of them didn’t seem very educational.

I finally did find a Barney one I thought would help him out. When David tried to encourage its viewing in our household later in the day, this is how it went:

David: Hey guys, here’s a really great dvd for you to watch.

Ashley: No way! I’m not watching Barney!

Jonathan: Dad, you KNOW Barney is for babies.

David: (With a silent “help me out here” look toward his older, less than helpful, offspring) Well, if you must know, Mom really bought this for Cole. I just thought you ALL could watch it together.

Jonathan: (Finally getting the nudge) That’s so cool, Dad. Come on Cole—let’s go watch it.

Cole: Try Nicholas, Dad! I’m not into big, fat purple dinosaurs.

Oh well. I tried. I guess I’ll have to find something online for the “more mature” pre-kindergartner.

Maybe I’m Ungrateful

Recently the athletics department at our small school held their annual raffle to raise money for our sports program. In the past we have been more than dutiful, buying up boatloads of these tickets . . . and last year I even won a few taper candles. Whoo hoo!

This year we decided not to participate since Ashley didn’t play basketball and because we couldn’t actually attend the event. But because my daughter can be OBSTINATELY PERSISTENT, David finally gave in on the final day of sales and purchased one, lone $3 raffle ticket.

Wow did our phone ring off the hook that evening! To my most arduous chagrin, David WON the grand prize!

What’s the chances? I vowed to never let my kids (or husband) ride one of these. Can someone please explain this to me?! Did the planets line up? Should we be playing lotto (even though we don't believe in gambling), are we just lucky unlucky? (Oh yeah, we don't believe in luck either).

We do believe in blessings—and receive them daily . . . I'm just personally not convinced this is a blessing. (Unless, of course, my husband would let me sell it . . . )

Any takers?

Oh The Things A Mom Will Do

I have found in life there are many things that are simply not fair. Personally I have an absolute abhorrence for frogs. One might then deduce I simply don’t allow frogs to be part of my life . . . that would be an inaccurate premise with faulty deductive reasoning. (Logic 201, 1983).

After carefully budgeting the amount of money we were going to spend on Christmas presents last December . . . I (not we) purchased all of the kids’ gifts, wrapped them, put them under the tree to await the anticipation of Christmas morning. It was at this juncture David decided the Christmas shopping wasn’t quite finished. (Even though the budget was). He was quite sure his kids absolutely NEEDED a Tadpole Habitat where his dear children could at their leisure raise frogs. Did you get that?! RAISE FROGS!! (These are the kinds of things we inadvertently forgot to discuss in the dating phase.)

Without my blessing he, of course, was rewarded by all three of our older kids being in agreement that this was not only the best gift of Christmas 2007, but the best gift they have ever received! Whatever.

So now, while my children are at school, our kind mailman brings right to my door little packages with warnings about live creatures inside . . . blah, blah, blah. To add to my angst, one corner of my daughter’s bedroom has now been draped with a blanket and a warning for me to not come near. Whatever happened to a parent’s ability to say, “Not under my roof . . .”?

So I guess I am now resigned to the small fact my house is a breeding ground for the creatures I hate most on this planet. Do you think one day my kids will look back on their growing up years and recognize the personal sacrifice their frog-hating mother engaged in for them? I’m preserving it here on the internet so that one day maybe they’ll understand.

In the words of Charlie Brown, “Aaaarrrrggghhhh!”

God Answers!

A big thank you to everyone who has been joining me in prayer in their laundry rooms. In case you haven’t heard (I hadn’t until my good friend J-Lynn informed me) Pastor Balaev (highlighted in my last post) was released from prison on March 19, 2008! You can read more about his story here.

Wow! How incredible is that?! I know God hears and answers when we call. How faithful He is!

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.” James 5: 16 (NLT)

Won't You Join Me?

Lately I’ve been hanging out on websites that make me sad—the persecuted church around the world is overwhelmingly large; the children of the world so needy, abused, exploited and alone.

Possibly the saddest picture floating in my head this week is this one. Oh what I wouldn't give to be her mom and treat her like the princess she was born to be. Today as I sorted mounds of laundry I prayed for her. Though I’ve never met her personally and don’t even know her name, I just can’t forget those sad little eyes trapped in a prison she only knows as her life.

I also prayed for the pastor I read about earlier this morning. As I jumped from one site to another following an email I had received, I couldn’t help the tears that flowed for these fellow believers in the hands of tyranny. In-between applying Spray and Wash and loading darks, God gave me an idea. I’ve decided to dedicate my “laundry time” to lifting up children in need and those suffering around the world for the sake of Christ.

Inside these walls of my more than comfortable home, God has inspired me with a way to touch the lives of children who are orphaned, abused or exploited and Christians suffering in horrendous prison cells enduring hunger, torture, and separation from loved ones. With a mounted bulletin board just in front of my washing machine, I’ve placed pictures and articles of people I want to be praying for. Knowing most of my readers are moms like me, doing loads of laundry every week, I wonder if you might like to join me in your own laundry rooms. Somehow it’s like redeeming the time for a cause far bigger than making sure our kids have clean clothes to wear.

Here are some links to help us get started:
Orphans First
Open Doors
Compass Direct News

Please leave a comment if you’re joining—I’d like to add tiny profile pictures of you along the top border of my bulletin board reminding me I’m not alone in this small endeavor.

Though most of us can’t physically do anything to help these ones in need, we can lift them up to the One who can.