girls love Hannah Montana

We braved the fog to go see the Hannah Montana 3D movie in Champaign this past Monday. the tickets were bought weeks ahead, so the decision was made to go ahead and go, despite some iffy interstate driving conditions. The movie was very cute, and enjoyable. Even the 3D previews were "cool" and "awesome." I was very glad Julie and Lydia were there too..it was nice to have another "big girl" there with me and the chicks..Happy Birthday Lauren, I hope you enjoyed it!

water parks are cool...when it is freezing cold outside!

skiing...

The girls and I went skiing when we were on vacation in Wisconsin. I had never had this experience before, and I was definitely NOT a natural! When my small children were whizzing by me down a hill, I was busy falling and losing my ski, forced to remove the other one and chase it down the hill. Only moderately humilitating. After a 90 minute lesson with a very kind instructor, I was soon able to navigate down the hill, even occasionally stopping and turning on purpose. But it was a very fun day, and I am glad the girls and I had the opportunity to go.

ok mom..you asked for it!

 

post script..

ok..I read it again..and it is GREAT..but I may have a bit of trouble with the speed limit thing!

todays devotional

click here for site

January 16, 2008

Real Resolutions for Moms
By Karen Ehman

"... But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:13b-14 (ESV)

Devotion:
It's that time when many of us are making New Year's resolutions, so how about some resolutions for mothers? Here are mine:

I will put my Bible before the television, the radio, the telephone, and even before good Christian books, for my children will know my priorities by the way they see me spend my free time.

I will make my prayer requests known before God and my children, enlisting their help in the process and informing them of the outcome, for by letting them help when I petition our Lord will they learn of a living God who still answers prayer.

When times of crisis, conflict or confusion arise, I will hit my knees before I hit the phone knowing that by my example my children will discover that although friends are important, God alone is the one who holds the solution to life's every problem.

I will erase the words "luck" and "lucky" from my vocabulary and will instead by my speech point my children toward the One who orchestrates every detail of our lives and brings all good things to pass, for by this my children will learn of an omniscient God.

When bad things happen, I'll neither grumble nor complain, but will instead help my children see that in the scope of our lives even the bad times are allowed for a reason, for by this my children will learn quiet trust in their Maker.

When normal childhood mishaps occur, I will remember that although difficult, it is still easier to remove grape juice from off-white carpet than to erase harsh and unloving words hurled at a child whose chubby little fingers have failed her, for by this my children will see a God who understands when our best efforts fall short.

When my children have witnessed something ugly in me - unkind words, an angry temper, "harmless" gossip, biting sarcasm or even my infamous "mommy pout" when things don't go my way - I will confess it as sin before them seeking their forgiveness, for by this my children will develop the much needed habit of wiping their spiritual slate clean before God and man.

I will teach my children the importance of cleanliness and order while at the same time remain sensitive to the fact that a skinned knee or hurt feeling is more crucial than a spotless floor or uncluttered counter, for by this my children will learn to value people above things.

I will make time for the lonely, the sick, the elderly, the difficult to love, and will bring my children along, for with each afternoon visit, each ride to the doctor, each raked lawn or washed window they will have opportunity to serve Jesus by serving the "least of these."

I will make our home a haven of rest and retreat from the outside world and a welcomed place for my children's friends, for with each impromptu backyard soccer game, each video viewed on a rainy day, each cup of hot cocoa or chocolate chip cookie, my children will have opportunity to practice the art of Christian hospitality thereby learning to share all God has given them.

I will by my actions and my speech let my children see a mom love their dad, for by this will my children sense family stability at a time when marriages all around them are crumbling.

I will not require of my children obedience, honesty, patience or kindness without first being willing to submit to the same rules whether in speed limit, in miscounted change from the grocery store or when answering a toddler for the fourteenth time, for by this my children will see a mother who is also learning and not a perfect parent to whom they'll never measure up.

In all things will I remember that more is caught than is taught.

There are little eyes upon you, mom. You are the first Bible your children will ever read.

Dear Lord, may my goals this year spring from a right relationship with You and may carrying them out point others heavenward. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
A Life that Says Welcome by Karen Ehman

Family devotions...

Tom Harmon, a Pastor that travels to different churches to speak, is at our church this week. I have been hearing Tom every couple of years since I was in high school, and always look forward to his return to our church. This week, he is speaking on the family. This convicted me that I needed to devote more time to my girls in family devotions. Pastor Tom's amazing knowledge and memorization of the scriptures also encourages me to continue working with memorization with the girls...and maybe start doing some memorizing myself.
I did a google search for a new way to do devotions with the girls in the mornings before starting school. I am afraid that outside of the weekly verse they write and memorize, and their Christian homeschool curriculum, I have become way too lax about family devotions. So I brought the laptop to the table during breakfast and quickly found this a site that had a great daily devotion for kids, along with a great link to the Bible reading. While I prefer a notebook and a "real" Bible for the majority of my own Bible study, I also appreciate these internet sites that offer so much material at your finger tips. Click here for the site that I found.
"

Keys For Kids Daily Bible Study

No More Weights
Bible Reading: Matthew 11:28-30



"Molly!" Mom's voice was stern. "I told you it's time to eat!"

Molly hurried to the table. She had noticed that her mother wasn't as patient as she used to be before Dad left. And Mom always looked tired and sad. "I'm sorry," apologized Molly as she took her seat. "I'm not very hungry," she added. Her voice trembled as she hurried on. "I'm worried about how we'll live until you find a job . . . and about doing better in school so you'll be happier. I've been trying to clean up after myself so you won't have to yell." Tears slipped down Molly's cheeks. "I worry that Daddy won't come back after the separation."

"I worry, too," Mom admitted. She got up to give Molly a big hug.

"Anybody home?" interrupted a loud, cheerful voice from the kitchen door.

"Uncle John!" exclaimed Molly. She jumped up to greet her favorite uncle-then pointed to his wrists and ankles. "Why are you wearing those things?"

"You mean my weights?" asked Uncle John, holding up his arm for her to see better. "I'm getting in shape for the marathon, so I wear these when I run. It helps me build strength," he explained. "But you can be sure I won't wear them for the race!"

After a short visit, Uncle John left to continue his workout. "Chins up!" he called on his way out.

"I can't imagine weighing myself down like that," Molly told her mother after Uncle John had left. "Running is hard enough without those weights."

"Yes," agreed Mom, "but like Uncle John said, it does help him grow stronger." After a moment, she added, "I think you and I are wearing weights, too-not just in practice, but in the race itself."

"Not me!" protested Molly, lifting her wrists and a leg. "See . . . no weights!" She frowned. "But you don't really mean weights on our arms and legs, do you?"

"No," said Mom. "Our 'weights' are on the inside. I'm thinking of weights like a mind full of worries."

Molly sighed. "Too bad we can't take those off like Uncle John can," she said.

"Ours can come off, too," Mom assured her. She spoke with new hope. "God tells us to give our cares to Him, so I'm wondering why I've waited so long to do that. Let's pray right now and really trust God to take charge of our situation. If we let Him, He'll carry the weights for us."

Memorize:


Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

How About You?
What do you worry about? Are there family problems, school problems, or money problems that make your spirit heavy? Does it seem like there's no solution for the problems you face? You need God's help. Go to Him whenever you feel burdened by something that's happening in your life. God cares. Ask Him to carry your burdens-big or small-and depend on Him for strength each day.

Key Thought of the Day: Give your problems to God

Fashion Show

 

Lauren and Brookelyn spent the night Tuesday night..and a fashion show was scheduled for just that time. We started with makeup...and then the girls put on dress up clothes and the lights were dimmed. Thankfully there were a few working flashlights for Peyton to be in charge of lights..and introducing each girl as she came down the hallway..Of course I snapped a few pictures!

from my email this morning..

Isaiah 43:16 and 18-19
This is what the Lord says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Thoughts on today's verse
The year is gone, finished, past. We cannot reclaim it or undo it. We cannot rest on the things it has brought us. If tomorrow dawns, it will be another day, a new opportunity, and the time to show our faith in Jesus as Lord. Let's journey forward, knowing that God already inhabits the future and promises to provide us refreshment.

Prayer:
Lord of all eternity, please help me to learn from my mistakes but not dwell on them. Please help me not rest on my accomplishments in this past year, but use them to further your work in me and through me. Please help me not quarrel with those who injured me yesterday, or last month. Instead, O Father, lead me in your paths and help me see your mighty works this next year. In Jesus name and by his power I ask it. Amen.

Go to www.crosswalk.com for a link to this daily devotional

New Years Eve

We enjoyed a fun night in on New Years Eve with cousins Lauren, Brookelyn and Nathan coming over, as well as Aunt Brittany. Lots of snacking and game playing and dancing. Everyone was very tired by the time we toasted (at 10 pm) with sparkling grape juice (kinda yucky). The festivities continue tonight with Lauren and Brookelyn coming over for a slumber party/makeup party...pictures coming soon, I am sure!

Happy 90th Birthday Gee Gee..

My grandmother turned 90 years old today. My mother advertised a card shower for her for the birthday this year, as of today, she had received 92 cards. I was so pleased to see the outpouring of love and affection for my grandma. In my nursing job, I see so many elderly that have outlived their loved ones or are poorly cared for, and it is a blessing to see her so loved and well cared for. Here are a few pictures from our family dinner. There was a surprise visit from the Career class Bible Study from the church to add some caroling music to the night!

the true meaning of Christmas, Charlie Brown..

This time of year there are many holiday specials on TV. Tonight, I was blessed to spend the evening at home with Peyton and Paige and watch some shows. There are tons of fun shows each year, as well as a bunch of commercials that advertise the perfect gifts to buy for others. Some of the shows try to emphasize family and peace, some of them just talk about presents and Santa Claus. Charlie Brown's Christmas is a wonderful breath of fresh air. This holiday special was made in
1965, and it is still well loved today. I was struck by how Charlie Brown was depressed about the season, and he didn't quite know why. Even in 1965, it was recognized that way too much emphasis is being placed on giving and receiving gifts. Now, don't get me wrong, I love finding the perfect present and getting to watch the people that I love open them. I love it when my house is decorated, and I can sit next to my tree as it lights up the room. I have watched two Christmas specials this year, and they are very different. The first was "Spongebob's Christmas." Now, the kids enjoyed it, and it was good for a laugh, but no talk of what Christmas is truly about. We just finished watching Charlie Brown's Christmas, and I was blessed by how it openly told the true Christmas story. Charlie Brown had been chosen to direct the Christmas play, and Linus recited the story of the birth of Jesus as it is written in the Bible. He finished with.."and that is the true meaning of Christmas, Charlie Brown." I was glad that my kids were able to see this beautiful classic Christmas tale, and that I watched it with them.

Festival of lights parade

Peyton and Paige, Lauren and Brookelyn were part of a parade that we have each year to kick of the Christmas season. The Blue Kangaroo is a beloved downtown bookstore that we and our children love. The girls were on a float that represented the store. It wasn't TOO cold of a night..but the hot chocolate still felt good after standing outside for an hour! Elijah and I watched the parade along with Maddie, Olivia, Mandy and Amanda and RaeAnne. A good time was had by all!

click here the check out the website for the Blue Kangaroo

Halloween Fun

and now..we have SOOO much candy!!

check out the pictures..and the video of the blue hair's!

click on the first picture, and it should start the video...if not, click on "view album below the slide show and it should direct you to the site, choose the last picture, it is the video.

View Album

Get your own

The Blue Crew

 

 

Nana and Amie had their hair sprayed blue today at Bismarck Grade school where they both work. This was in response to a fund raiser, where Marie (Nana) stated she would dye her hair blue if they raised over $500. From what I was told, they ended up with over $2000 dollars! Books were purchased at the Grade School's book fair to be donated for children to have books when they are in the hospital. Brittany and I headed up to the assembly this morning at the Grade school and took Lauren, Brooke, Peyton and Paige so they could see their Aunt Amie and their Nana with blue hair. I will be adding a video that shows Marie getting her hair dyed right in front of the whole grade school assembly, make sure you check it out!

If I stand..

One of my favorite all time musical artists remains Rich Mullins, even many years after his death. This song was recorded by him, and I recently have been thinking about the lyrics to it. This song, which is now recorded by Jars of Clay, reminds me of God's faithfulness, even when I most definitely am not..





If I Stand lyrics

There's more that rises in the morning than the sun
And more that shines in the night than just the moon
There's more than just this fire here that keeps me warm
In a shelter that is larger than this room

And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs that I can sing
Stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance
I owe only to the Giver of all good things

So if I stand let me stand on the promise that you will pull me through
And if I can't, let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
So if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home

And there's more that dances on the prairies than the wind
And more that pulses in the ocean than the tide
There's a love that's fiercer than the love between friends
More gentle than a mother's when her baby's at her side

And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs that I can sing
The stuff of Earth competes for the allegence
I owe only to the Giver of all good things

So if I stand let me stand on the promise that You will pull me through
And if I can't let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home

So if I stand let me stand on the promise You will pull me through
And if I can't let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home

Ice skating begins

 

 

Paige started ice skating lessons yesterday at the Civic Center. Lauren has taken them for several years, and Paige alone decided she wanted to join in this year. Brookelyn was off getting her lesson, and Peyton was busy earning a dollar for entertaining Nathan during the lessons. Here, Lauren and Paige are playing around on the ice after their lesson was over (they are in different classes at the same time). This morning, Paige woke up complaining of her backside being a bit sore, I can't imagine why!

Cousins

Brittany and I and the 4 girls set out on a mini shopping trip to Champaign last night. I had planned to go for myself, and Brittany wanted to go along. That was great for me, because she ended up spending most of the evening with all 4 girls in the jewelry stores, and then in the dressing room of Children's Place! The girls had a fabulous time posing in front of the mirror, and Nana's yearly Christmas dress purchases have been made! A smaller version was picked out for baby Mia Kate, and I'm sure that the lone boy in the group will wear something that coordinates! It was a fun night out for cousins and their mommies alike (we won't talk about the whiny ride home!)

Pumpkin Carving

Carlos and Ryan came for dinner, and then they got busy "helping" the girls carve pumpkins. In 33 years, I have no memory of ever carving pumkins, or even seeing it done, so this was kind of fun for me too! Of course, Betsy and I just didn't get involved much (except clean up!) The pumpkins got cool faces, but they also had the "Paige" and "Peyton" carved into them. It is hard to see in the pictures, but when the candle was lit on the dark front porch, their names looked pretty cool, and the girls were impressed!

me and the girls...some of the last warm days..

Webkinzpalooza

 

 

Peyton and Paige are having a great time now with their webkinz! This morning, Peyton was on the desktop, Paige was on my laptop (with threats of death if she broke it ;) They had Lauren on speakerphone, and she was at home on her computer with her webkinz. I can't say enough about how much the girls enjoy these online pets. Here is a picure of Paige and Peyton here on their computers, and Brittany emailed me a picture of Lauren at home on hers!

Peyton's surgery went great!

me and Peyton in the holding room before her surgery




Peyton's surgery went really well! I had some specific things I was praying for, and am so grateful for the turnout. Right now, Peyton is snoozing on the couch while Aunt Jame, Grammy, Betsy and I sit by. Ella is standing guard over the patient! We were able to get the anesthesiologist that we wanted, and I was so happy to see all the familiar faces in Ambulatory Care and in the surgery holding room. Peyton's surgery went well, and she is recovering as well as can be expected. Her tonsils and adenoids are now gone, and she is sporting a brand new set of ear tubes. The ENT, Dr Uppal, was very kind, and he was very encouraging about the tonsilectomy being the best decision. I know that the next few days and up to two weeks might be a bit rough, but I am thankful that the surgery is finished and we are home. Thank you all who prayed for us, and please continue to do so!

picasa web album slide show, pictures from the kids program

more from the Quest

 

 

 

 

The Quest for truth continues..

 

 

 

 

summer program...The Quest for Truth

 

 

 

 

A good birthday weekend!

 

Julie had a cake for me on my birthday...and she managed 33 candles on it! It is a good thing that we know so many people on the fire department! Aaron had to turn on the exhaust fan in my kitchen after I blew those candles out. Luckily I had help from Peyton and Paige and Lydia, or I would have needed the ambulance to come and bring me oxygen..Anyway, I felt very blessed this weekend. The kids church program went great, and I will be blogging some pictures of that soon. Thanks to all my wonderful friends and family who went out of their way to make this year special for me!

Fun with the firehoses

yesterday, even though the hot weather has cooled off a bit, we headed to the airport for the girls to play with the firehoses. They made new friends, Autumn and Alissa, and got to play with their good pal Lydia. The girls got thoroughly soaked, and then rode back to the firestation in the firetruck. Thanks Roger, Jared and Jordan for supplying the day's entertainment!

my birthday always means...the end of the summer

We kicked off my birthday weekend with a dinner out with friends at Garfields. We talked and laughed and ate-some of my favorite things to do! My 32nd year was definitely a doozy, and not one I would ever care to repeat, but I made it through by Gods grace, and a ton of help from people that I love! Coming soon, an album with pictures from my birthday weekend off of work.

me, Amie and Brittany-my sisters-in-law, and sisters of the heart forever! Thanks Brittany for putting together a fun night for me!

the end of the summer means back to school for the pool lifeguards also, here are Peyton and Paige with Damon on his last day before going back to college

finally a new uploaded album

click here for the latest picture album.

a fun day...

It was a scorching hot week this week, so we beat the heat at the pool, nothing unusual for that with us! On Friday, Peyton and Paige got to play with Elijah ahd Isaiah at the pool and then with Hannah and Rachel. In the evening, we headed to see "Bratz" with Aunt Jamie. Jame was pleasantly surprised to discover that Bratz were real girls, and not animated versions of the dolls! It was a cute movie, enjoyed by all of us! Happy birthday, Aunt Jame!

a look back..

I have some cute new pictures from the day that I will soon get around to posting, but instead of uploading them, I took a look back over the archives of my blog. I had a call tonight to encourage me, and to let me know the topic to be covered in our Sunday School class over the course of the next few weeks. We are going to be covering David and Goliath in the context of overcoming giants in our lives. This prompted me to go back and remember what I had written about Max Lucado's book, "Facing your Giants" that I read several months ago. There is a link on this page to read a review, for anyone interested. This was a lifechanging book, and I am looking forward to a class that will be covering similar information. I was reminded again of God's way of dealing with the trials of our lives, and how that can be totally different from the world's way, or the way that seems naturally right to our own flesh.

I couldn't remember exactly when I read the book, so I ended up looking through several months of archives, and I was reminded of why I don't usually do that...because it really hurts, and I am not fond of pain! Tonight, we had a family birthday dinner at my parents house. We have been doing these dinners for years, nothing really new or different about this one..except that mine is the next one up, and I am not totally sure I am ready to face this birthday the same way I have every birthday for pretty much mopst of my adult life. I have spent every birthday since my 17th at least partially with one person..and I know that will not be true this year. As we sat at the table tonight for my sister Jamie's birthday...I realized how painful that might be...kinda like the look back at the archives.

Don't get me wrong..my day to day life has actually been pretty wonderful this summer. My kids are wonderful, and I enjoy every single moment with them. I have many friends, both new and old, and I am thankful to God for what each of them means to me. I have a loving and supportive family. I am truly a blessed person. This new "normal" in my life is generally pretty ok with me. It is just every once in a while...wow..I just feel it..and the pain nearly takes my breath away. It is about then that I get a phone call, that either encourages me, or makes me laugh!

So, I am still not exactly looking forward to this upcoming birthday..but I know that it will be fine..that I will be fine.