Seven's Heaven

A Friend Loves at All Times

2011-10-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

“Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts, nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with breath of kindness, blow the rest away.”

George Eliot

My farming family

2011-07-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

"Bibelheimers 2011"

What an amazing 2 weeks we had! It's been 7 years since our whole family went to North Dakota. My kids have gone without us, twice!! We love our Bibelheimer family, and are so blessed to be able to see them fairly often. They come here to get out of the snow. Todd and Pam even came last summer for a Gideon convention here in Phoenix.

We joined them at family camp at Crystal Springs, Medina ND. Kenny and Nicole (my cousin) were the directors. Todd (cousin) and Pam's son Michael led us in amazing worship. My uncle Roy, has not missed a family camp since 1954!!! Doesn't that blow your mind???

Maybe I will post some farm pics, but Alex did a family photo shoot for them while we were at camp.

I love our shared legacy in Christ and growing old with them. They are very dear to us.

MOM HEART weekend

2011-02-11T07:44:00.000-08:00

What a great time , getting away with like-minded girlfriends. We have all loved Sally Clarkson for many years. I own every one of her books and am always refreshed and also challenged when I read them. Especially Seasons of a Mother's Heart. I haven't read her newest Dancing with the Father, but hope to soon, after I read my other favorite mom Ann Voscamp at Holy Experience who just released her first book A Thousand Gifts.

There were 9 moms all together, 6 of us drove over, which is my favorite mode of transportation. No schedule! We were gone Thursday morning until Sunday evening. Stayed at a lovely timeshare by the beach south of Newport. Not a hotel, two 2-bedroom units with kitchens. Sooo nice, sooo quiet. Even with baby Emily there (Andrea Griffith's 8th, who joined us from Little Rock) Thanks Lori for the timeshare!

Late nights chatting, we ate at great restaurants and there was much laughter.

4 of us ended with seeing my brother and his wife Sheri in Irvine. Thanks gals. At least Sheri signed their boy devotional books!

I can't remember the last time I've been away with girls out of town, for fun and fellowship and teaching..... when I'm not responsible for something. Maybe a Lilies weekend, but that's been several years, and at a local hotel. I didn't realize how much I missed it!

I'm on it now... where will we go next? I'm thinking NY. I'll keep my ear out for the conferences, especially if it's my sis-inlaw's!

No Love Like This

2011-01-31T20:54:00.000-08:00

Alex had sprained her wrist while snowboarding in Utah with the Swindlers, January 13 or so. We hadn't had family worship in a month or so and have certainly missed it! Tonight was so sweet, singing and having a time of edification. And then I spontaneously recorded this song Alex had written last year. I LOVE the hymn she added at the end. Hope you are blessed like we are! (you'll have to pause the music in the Louis iPod on the right)

A Winter Wonderland in... AZ?

2011-01-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

The Harris Family was kind enough to take us to the snow, to stay in their folks' cabin. We skiied at Snowbowl after a beautiful storm had been there. (Dorian is with Emma somewhere)
Here's Julie Morelock and her booboo. They met us at the DUMP, for some great sledding, until she got hurt!
Jeff and Lilly
Blake McMichael joined us for 2 days. He's quite a trooper to be with all 13 of us!!
Lizzy turns 11

Winter Wonder.. Sneak Peek

2010-12-10T05:04:00.001-08:00

Final Dress rehearsal....
Scottsdale Bible's Winter Wonder Program
Friday and Saturday 7pm and Saturday 3pm
It went pretty well, considering all that had to come together! Even the paper snow! You could hear it falling on the mics. We'll see how THAT goes. And the bass and cellos had to move so it wouldn't fall inside!

Jana's worshipful dance to O Come O Come Emmanuel with Karen Schreck on the violin is just stunning.

Alex did beautifully in 'Breath of Heaven'.

This is Blake thumpin' the bass in the 'Swingin' to the Sounds of the Season' number. So fun!

The Horizon High School dancers couldn't be there because of their own concert, but their swing number and jitterbug number on Jingle Bells with David Hone (singing with me here) add so much to the first section.
Hope you can come enjoy the music, but more importantly, bring a friend and pray for God to move in a mighty way, as He always does.

Candy Cane Lane

2010-12-06T12:32:00.001-08:00

First we start with the manger scene.... the reason we have Christmas in the first place, to welcome the Christ Child. And then the kids picked the Candy Cane and red and white for our theme this year. And we love the book The Legend of the Candy Cane. It was fun collecting red and white candy! It's even in the bathroom!

Missing Jim.. "life's an hourglass"....

2010-11-30T21:04:00.000-08:00

This song is on my playlist,"Hourglass" (the girl with the red umbrella) and it captures my thoughts about missing the moments of life, and my kids growing up way too fast! and I know we miss the little moments when our loved ones are gone... don't blink it goes by so fast....

When you reach for the stars
Don’t forget who you are
And please don’t turn around and grow up way too fast
See the sand in my grasp
From the first to the last
Every grain becomes a memory of the past
Oh, life’s an hourglass
Life’s an hourglass

It was a sweet time. So many gathered for our dear friend's Celebration of Life on November 22, 2010 at the Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton CA. You can read his story here at Caring Bridge (Jim Mohler) where I think 79,000 visits have been made, see the service here at Memorial Webcasts (singing is unmixed) and the written program is here.

I was so amazed how strange it felt to be celebrating and mourning at the same time. I felt guilty enjoying his memories, without him being there with us. Laughing at his absurd jokes, talking about the way his ministry effected others because it was always relational first, even doing magic tricks and eating candy. Emily got up and explained the song(here it is below, pause my music on the side before you play it) that she and Alex had written a few weeks before he died. It was all I could do to not lose it. I kept looking at the amazing pipes of the pipe organ so I would have it all together before I got up to talk and sing.

I think of Miriam, Emily and Clayton every day, lift them up in prayer. Praying for them to make it through the day with hope and peace. That each day is a little easier. They know they'll be with him one day, it's the days here that can be hard. We've talked about them spending some time at Christmas with us here, I am so looking forward to that. Praying they can come, hoping we can make some more sweet memories here.

Give them rest Lord, comfort, a plan for tomorrow, hope for the future, security in You and JOY in the new journey they're on.

Drawing Close when I want to Run Away

2010-11-16T21:06:00.000-08:00

I miss the simple days

There are those days. Today was one. I wanted to run away, go into the next room, find something else to do, when one of my kids was making the wrong choice. Choosing to disobey. Choosing to argue with me, with a sibling, to not do the work we were doing, to find anything to be contrary about. I was so ready to check out!! Instead of choosing JOY, I found myself choosing a louder decibel to express myself! Maybe if they heard me better, they'd make a better choice. Ha. That never works. Not only that, it makes the other kids do the same thing.(the ol' thermostat/thermometer trick. Funny how I seem to set the temperature for whatever I want it to be!) Then we have 5 people hollering. Instead of PRAYING about what to say next, I felt myself getting angry and trying to figure out what I had done to deserve this. Any of this sound familiar? I am modeling the exact opposite of what I'm trying to teach my kids. The fruits of the spirit in Galations 5:22.

Love, Joy , Peace, Patience, Kindness, Self-control, Gentleness (the fruit I used to think I'd left on the tree to rot) Faithfulness and Goodness.

Time to draw near. My LIFE verse for home schooling. I have to put myself in time-out, get my 'mama's praying' apron out. Susannah Wesley, mother to 19, used to put her apron over her head and her children knew not to disturb her when she was praying! Her motto in raising her children was "strength guided by kindness". Imagine in schooling her children at home, that she had time for each of them individually. Auntie Otto made us aprons that actually say "Mama's Praying" underneath so when you flip it up, the kids see it!

I put on my Jane Austen music.

Read my verse and ask God's forgiveness and guidance. And then ask for my children's too.

My verse is Philippians 4:4-5 "Rejoice in the Lord always! Let me say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near!" And you know what follows. Be anxious for nothing and the rest of the verse about making your requests to God with thanksgiving! Well, how perfect that speaks to me each and every day about teaching and training my children with gentleness, knowing that He is right beside me through my day and that He will hear my prayers and petitions.

And finally, my favorite edifying blog. A Holy Experience. Ann Voskamp had posted a parenting manifesto of joy which is now posted in my kitchen where I can be reminded! Which is printable by the way. So please go there to read and print it. My favorite is #7 "Today when I am most repelled by my child's behavior, that is my sign to draw the very closest to that child." Oh yes.

And here's another edifying place for you to read about joy. Another favorite author of mine for many years is Sally Clarkson. Oh to sit and have tea with her is on my bucket list. To pick her brain, to talk about favorite books, to meet her kids, so many things. I hope to go to her conference in the spring. But take a gander to I TAKE JOY. She wrote about 'what you practice, you will become'.

Very much like my thermostat/thermometer idea that I am setting the tone in my home for my kids. What we are talking about, reading, watching and listening to, that is what will form our thoughts and dreams.

Let's go back to Philippians 4:8, whatever is noble,pure, upright, of good repute, if anything is praiseworthy or admirable, let's think about those things!

One is Silver and the Other's Gold

2010-09-19T18:02:00.001-07:00

We call it 'doing life together'.
Like minded families are hard to come by.
I remember an old Girl Scout song we used to sing. 'Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold.' I love the amazing blessing of finding new friends. And then discovering we've shared some of the same friends all along.

And then we discover our kids love eachother and even our husbands 'click'.

This to me is really beyond a blessing. When both spouses like both spouses. My parents told me years ago how unique this is. What a treasure. Our men don't often have the time or energy or even the inclination to put into 'relationships'. I know, surprising! If they are relational at all, they gave at the office all day and save some for the family when they get home. If they aren't relational, then 'giving' at the office completely drained them and even the relational bit at home can be too much. They used up their 500 words compared to our 5000 words we women use a day.

I'm beyond grateful for new friends who build us up, challenge us, are so generous and when I think of them, I smile. When I think of them, I want to be with them, be like them, be more like Christ. Isn't that the best kind of friend?

DO HARD THINGS

2010-09-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

DO HARD THINGS conference at our church Scottsdale Bible this Saturday. We read this book after we got it from my sister in law 2 summers ago. Funny thing is we had seen it all over our home school convention that same summer. They really got something going, these twin home school brothers from Portland Oregon. Their older brother Josh Harris is the one who had written "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" too.

So we are taking our 3 'bigs' to the conference and our whole family is reading it together before we go. It really is a thought-provoking book. Our society meant well in getting children out of the factories 100 years ago, but it started a whole generation of time wasted after puberty. Our 'young adults' are capable of so much more than shopping, hanging out, playing video games and IMing!

This book invites you to explore some radical questions:

Is it possible that even though teens today have more freedom than any other generation in history, we're actually missing out on some of the best years of our lives?
Is it possible that what our culture says about the purpose and potential of the teen years is a lie, and that we are its victims?
Is it possible that our teen years give us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for huge accomplishments--as individuals and as a generation?
And finally, what would our lives look like if we set out on a different path entirely--a path that required more effort but promised a lot more reward?

Baby is 9

2010-09-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

two fingers, I'm two

emma is so proud to hold her baby brother

sister karen and i, expecting our boys jackson and jefferson 3 weeks apart. they came 8 days apart! and no, we didn't plan to wear these matching dresses to my baby shower. and there was no time to change!

Ponder Anew What the Almighty Can Do

2010-08-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Do you know what hymn that line is from?

Hymns have been such a strong, meaningful part of my heritage. A day doesn't go by that I don't listen to or ponder the lyrics to a hymn. The words coming to mind at a certain moment or during a prayer. Yesterday I had the privilege to sing in a memorial service and it really was an honor. I didn't even know the man, the family had picked the songs. The church picked me. How strange I felt, that I didn't know the family. That has happened many times, weddings and funerals, I don't know why yesterday felt different. Maybe because I was alone up there and the songs were so dear to me and I sang no less than 4, all by my little self, one with a trumpet.

I didn't think there was a hymn in our hymn book that I didn't know, I was wrong. I have many hymnals, several German ones in fact. My great grandfather was a German Baptist preacher, Immanuel Bibelheimer. My paternal grandfather was an American Baptist pastor in World War II and then here in Tempe and in Oregon he had churches, his name was Clayton Shepherd. Grandma Clyttie was his organist. Both sides of the family love the hymns and music.

But Beyond the Sunset was a new one, written before my parents were born and still in the church hymnal. We ended the service all singing that sweet song, with the son-in-law playing the trumpet. What a joyous time of celebration of a life well lived, enjoying a glorious dawning with His saviour, evermore.

Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning
When with our Savior heav'n is begun
Earth's toiling ended, O glorious dawning
Beyond the sunset, when day is done

Beyond the sunset, no clouds will gather
No storms will threaten, no fears annoy
O day of gladness O day unending
Beyond the sunset. eternal joy!

Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion
With our dear loved ones, who've gone before
In that fair homeland, we'll know no departing
Beyond the sunset, for evermore!

(Praise to the Lord, the Almighty is the hymn 'ponder anew' is from. One of my all-time favorites. Ponder the words some time.)

Home school ponderings

2010-07-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year, when my spirit is quickening. Am I choosing the right curriculum, am I doing too much, too little, outside the home, inside the home, too many friends, too little, do we have their hearts, or just their minds? The Tapestry of Grace curriculum has been on my list of "want-tos" for several years, even before they finished writing it. Mainly because it was written for many ages to be taught all at once, starting at Creation and cycling around every 4 years like I have been doing, and because it keeps building on what they've learned. But then the co-op comes in. Where does that fit in, how much can we do. Lord, help my get my mind around it and ask for help where I need to. Here's a blog on the Tapestry website that meant a lot to me as we're trying to challenge our 2 teens. Marcia is the founder of TofG and the entirety of her blog can be found HERE.

As I was producing the Socratic Discussion webinar that is due to go online on August 1, I got into the topic of how important it is to give students the dignity of allowing them to honestly question, disagree, and make mistakes aloud. It’s been my observation that many Christian homeschooling moms (and dads) seem unwilling to allow their older students to challenge, explore, and think their own thoughts. Their impulse is to rebuke, repress, correct quickly, or deny spoken thoughts or opinions that would challenge Christianity, or doubt God or the Bible. What I’ve observed, over the years, is that this squelching approach to the teen years can have sad consequences. Repressing our teens’ doubts and questions concerning Christianity during these crucial years, or feeding them too quickly with stock theological responses to what to them are deeply emotional issues, may silence teens’ mouths, but it won’t answer the cries of their hearts, or stop them from continuing to ponder. In fact, repressing teens’ verbal expressions is one of the quickest ways to lose their hearts entirely, and by extension, our ability to influence them.My guess, from my experience with many moms at conventions and several good friends near to home, is first of all that this repression is largely unconscious. Moms who consistently and instantly correct, adjust, and challenge their teens’ comments think of themselves as continuing a process of teaching and training that began when their teens were born. Moms are concerned that their teens embrace the truths of the Bible, which they know to be authoritative and true, as well as the source of blessing and wisdom for an entire lifetime. It’s easy to continue tried-and-true methods and approaches to our teens that worked well when they were kids, even as they are outgrowing childhood. We can miss that a change is occurring; we can disrespect our teens because we are in the habit of treating them like children. “Do what I say, because I say it, and because I’m your mother, and children obey their parents in the Lord because this is right!” Our goals are good, our desires are fine, but when good desires turn to bad demands, we can actually end up working against the Spirit.

To gain our teens’ trust, I believe, a parent needs to focus on two crucial things: 1) trusting God–and thus not giving way to fears that will tempt us to err–and 2) giving our children the dignity of allowing them to form for themselves their own worldview.

Let me hasten to add that I don’t believe in a total “hands off” approach. We need to walk with our teens closely every day of their lives, and set before them an example of a vibrant, growing, authentic (but not perfect!) Christian. What I’m getting at in this post is something deeper than mere biblical instruction: I’m addressing the change in your relationship with your son or daughter during this season from one of benign dictator to one of fellow pilgrim on the road to the Celestial City.

The first of these two is crucial: we simply must grow ever deeper in our trust of God. I believe that the primary reason that most of us moms lose our kids’ love and disrespect them during the teen years is because we fail to trust God moment by moment. We so easily slide from gospel-centered thinking (where we remember that God alone determines who is saved) to believing that our words/actions during parenting primarily determine whether or not our child will be saved.

Notr' ami de France

2010-07-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

C'est Romain and his sister Pauline, in France.
He came to stay with us, alone, from July 5- 24. He will be 13 in October.
Our family wanted to make his visit memorable and one that depicted life in Arizona and life with a God-loving family.
We aren't perfect. And he saw us in our every-day situations. Brothers and sisters do fight!

We visited a candy factory in Glendale, Arizona (Jefferson 8, Zachary Morelock 8, and Romain)

My cousin Sharon Stevens with Romain. Her dear husband Gene passed away while Romain was here. It was Sharon and Gene that were the reason Romain's father Frank came to the USA 25 years ago and it was Sharon's idea that he stay with us. We are so glad he did!

We visited the Grand Canyon and went quadding with our friends, stayed in a cabin for 4 days, hoping to escape the heat, but it was actually quite warm for Flagstaff.
The kids even went horseback riding in Flagstaff the weekend before, it was much cooler.

He went to church with us, we had friends and family over and went to friends' houses too. He saw Toy Story 3 with my mother (the boys went to The Sorcerer's Apprentice) and Despicable Me. We have a lot of DVDs at home too. He was very hot and we tried to do a lot inside, but he really loves it outside. We went out to eat a lot, went shopping (video games are much cheaper here) went to a country club in Mund's Park (thanks Harrises). He was a part of our daughter's send off to Africa and part of our family's worship time. He saw how we try to have a garden grow in Az! He experienced our LOVE for storms and rain which he completely didn't understand. They have so little sun in Paris.

Romain swam almost every day, played basketball and soccer (futbol), watched the World Cup and played video games. His father really wanted us to go about our every day routines with Romain here,we don't have much routine in the summer of course, and we had so much fun with him. He was polite and easy to be with. His English was absolument parfait! We hope to go to Paris to see him soon! And yes, I cried when he got on that plane, tout seul, alone.

Adieu notr' ami. À bientôt!

My #1 Son is 15 Today, the 4th of July

2010-07-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

Me with my sister Karen, very pregnant in 1995

I had a 2 year old girl, she was soooo easy. Played well alone. Never cried. Loved stories and music. Well-meaning people said, 'wait til you have a boy'. Then came my 'fire-cracker baby'. I had been walking every single morning. Nervous about having gestational diabetes with him, I ate extremely well and exercised. Gained about 15 pounds total. Felt awesome. He came 5 days early. The day after my sister had her 2nd baby. Our deliveries were eerily the same. Even rented the same movie to watch the night before, didn't watch it, didn't know! We even both wanted epiderals and they didn't come in time, but in hindsight,that was the best delivery I ever had.

Charles Dexter Tuten arrived 2 hours after I arrived at the hospital, at 9 pounds 8 ounces.

And he was soooo easy too! He'd sit for hours and look at books during his 'room time'. What a happy baby. I rarely remember him crying. And his big sister took care of him if he did.

At 2, yes 2, because his papa and nana were watching him while I was at the hospital having baby number 3. His papa asked him if he was ever afraid of storms. He thought for a minute and made his own sentence. "yes, storms scare me." To a linguist like my father, this was quite remarkable.

That is my word for you Dexter. Remarkable
And I pray God does remarkable things in your life.... for HIS KINGDOM,
in you and through you.

We love you.Harrison and Dexter (4 years old)With his little brother Jefferson (8). My brown-eyed boys. So handsome.

This year, we sent him for a week with the Mohlers in CA. Here he is with Clayton in Disneyland in 08 I think. I know being with Clayton is the best birthday present ever! Thanks Mohlers!

50 years, a legacy of love

2010-06-21T14:54:00.001-07:00

It was the sweetest of vacations. To celebrate 50 years of marriage with our folks on June 17, we 3 Shepherd kids and our families, 17 people in all, rented 3 cabins in Greer Arizona.

We missed my brother's son and his bride Amanda who live TOO far away now!

We all asked for copies of my sister's beautiful letter she wrote them, I will add some of her poignant thoughts later. And I made a DVD of photos from all 50 years! Lots of laughter and tears followed after we had a wonderful time of worship.

But the best part of all? Hearing that my mom is continuing to be CANCER FREE!!

Thank You Jesus for many more years to come as we all grow together and serve You and know You better! That is our anniversary prayer!

Student Arts Leadership Training= SALT

2010-06-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

Lauren Seegar and Rudy Ramirez leading us in spontaneous worship. They're from LOVEASU ministry.

LoveASU from Lauren Seegar on Vimeo.

Mid week. A migraine every day, forgot one of my kids one day, have lots of kids here at home, have experienced awesome worship, love each and every kid in my choir, getting so excited to worship together Friday night. Art, Dance, Drama, Vocals and Band. Seeing the kids grow in their knowledge and love of Christ is the highlight, as well as the music!

Check out the blog: SALT

Reading, Pondering, Praying about my Children's Education for the Fall

2010-06-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them. ~Mark Twain, attributed

The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it. ~James Bryce

There is a great deal of difference between an eager man who wants to read a book and a tired man who wants a book to read. ~G.K. Chesterton

I find television to be very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go in the other room and read a book. ~Groucho Marx

Some thoughts from George Grant and GK Chesterton that make me ponder and pray:

The students in America’s earliest schools, academies, and colleges were educated according to the great traditions of the Christian and Classical heritage—beginning at the Latin School of Plymouth, established on this day in 1623. They were the beneficiaries of a rich legacy of art, music, and ideas that had not only trained the extraordinary minds of our Founding Fathers but had provoked the remarkable flowering of culture throughout Western Civilization. It was a pattern of academic discipleship that had hardly changed at all since the dawning days of the Reformation and Renaissance—a pattern though that has almost entirely vanished today.

Indeed, those first Americans were educated in a way that we can only dream of today despite all our nifty gadgets, gimmicks, and bright ideas. They were steeped in the ethos of Augustine, Dante, Plutarch, and Vasari. They were conversant in the ideas of Seneca, Ptolemy, Virgil, and Aristophanes. The notions of Athanasius, Chrysostom, Anselm, Bonaventure, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Abelard, and Wyclif informed their thinking and shaped their worldview.

The now carelessly discarded traditional medieval Trivium—emphasizing the basic Classical scholastic categories of grammar, logic, and rhetoric—equipped them with the tools for a lifetime of learning: a working knowledge of the timetables of history, a background understanding of the great literary classics, a structural competency in Greek and Latin-based grammars, a familiarity with the sweep of art, music, and ideas, a grasp of research and writing skills, a worldview comprehension for math and science basics, a principle approach to current events, and an emphasis on a Christian life paradigm.

The methodologies of this kind of Christian and Classical learning adhered to the time-honored principles of creative learning: an emphasis on structural memorization, an exposure to the best of Christendom's cultural ethos, a wide array of focused reading, an opportunity for disciplined presentations, a catechizing for orthopraxy as well as orthodoxy, and a broad experience honing the basic academic skills of listening, journaling, thinking, processing, integrating, extemporizing, and applying.

The object of this kind of Christian and Classical education was not merely the accumulation of knowledge. Instead it was to equip a whole new generation of leaders with the necessary tools to exercise discernment, discretion, and discipline in their lives and over their callings. Despite their meager resources, rough-hewn facilities, and down-to-earth frontier ethic, they maintained continuity with all that had given birth to the wisdom of the West.

It was the modern abandonment of these Christian and Classical standards a generation later that provoked G.K. Chesterton to remark, “The great intellectual tradition that comes down to us from the past was never interrupted or lost through such trifles as the sack of Rome, the triumph of Attila, or all the barbarian invasions of the Dark Ages. It was lost after…the coming of the marvels of technology, the establishment of universal education, and all the enlightenment of the modern world. And thus was lost—or impatiently snapped—the long thin delicate thread that had descended from distant antiquity; the thread of that unusual human hobby: the habit of thinking.”

It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it. ~Oscar Wilde

The Beauty of the Beach

2010-05-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

I love the beach, the sound of the waves, the smell of the beautiful briny sea, the breeze. It relaxes me, clears my head. But it also reminds me how small I am in the whole scheme of things. To look out at the vast horizon makes me feel so minute. God's creation was made for us to enjoy and to take care of. It was also made to display His glory. "Even the rocks will cry out". All creation sings His majesty.

EWomen Conference, Greenville SC

2010-05-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

What a treat!! My mom, sister and I hopped on a plane April 22 to Charlotte North Carolina.

Beautiful Birkdale Mall. Visited my sister's longtime friend Lisa Larrabee.
She's home schooling her youngest with the Classical Conversations.
I have to check it out. I kept hearing about it these past few weeks.

After a nice lunch and visit with Lisa and Mitchell, we drove down to Greenville South Carolina.

Julie Clinton author and founder of EWomen Conferences. My sis-in-law Sheri Rose Shepherd

Trouble (my sister Karen, me, Sheri Rose, my North Dakota family cousin Nicole who lives in North Carolina with her 4 boys and hubby and my beautiful mom in yellow.)

Sheri Rose and the HYSTERICAL Chonda Pierce

Author Karen Kingsbury and her biggest fan, my cousin Nicole

The amazing Jeremy Camp singing "This Man".

Sheri doing what God's called her to do... speak!!

Her book table after she spoke!

My niece Emilee, nephew Jake and his new bride Amanda. His new book is in the foreground, "His Battle"
BUY this book for the men in your life! Barnes and Noble, Amazon, almost anywhere!

Sweet Karen Kingsbury treated us families to dinner after the conference. Sweet!

My First Miracle Baby is 17

2010-04-13T06:22:00.000-07:00

Alexandra Joy is 17. Her middle name is also my mother's. The word says it all.

She brings joy into my world every day....
with her smile,
her tender spirit,
a rub on the back,
outstretched arms for a hug,
her willingness to dig in and work,
her love for her siblings,
a head resting on her daddy in church,
playing for hours on the guitar or violin,
a request to watch Jane Austen with me,
with her thoughtfulness for others' feelings,
with her eagerness to see what God has in store.

Lord, help me be the mom she needs, to be the daughter You need.Easter 1994. Yes dorky hair and matching dresses! Poor girl. She looks like she's in pain!

Saint Patrick

2010-03-17T09:28:00.001-07:00

St Patrick's breastplate is a remarkable hymn. It is a tremendous call to follow Paul's exhortation to “put on the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10 – 18). Patrick put on this Trinitarian armor in the face of human-sacrificing Druids, wizards, deadly tyrants, and worst of all, “the heart's idolatry.”
Despite its nine verse length, it is worthy of congregational singing. I have heard Presbyterian churches sing verses 1-7 as the opening hymn and then close with verses 8-9 as the benediction hymn. Ending the service singing,
“Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me...”

This magnificent hymn reflects the life and faith of Patrick. The original hymn, the Lorica of St. Patrick (meaning breastplate or armor) is found in the Book of Armagh. Historian Philip Schaff says it is “called S. Patricii Canticum Scotticum, which Patrick is said to have written when he was about to convert the chief monarch of the island (Laoghaire or Loegaire)” (Schaff, History of the Christian Church IV, 49). The metrical hymn version is a translation of the ancient Irish hymn by Mrs. Cecil Francis Alexander, wife of the Anglican Bishop of Londenderry, Ireland (1889).

It is helpful to know more about Patrick to appreciate some of the lyrics of
this masterful hymn.

The exact dates of his life are not certain, but about 390 – 461. His day has been memorialized as a Feast Day in the West on March 17. We know of the revelry of this green day, but we should know more of the Patron Saint of Ireland.

He was the son of a Romano-British Christian kidnapped from his home in Scotland at 16 to be a slave in Ireland. He escaped to Gaul where he became a monk and then devoted his life to go back to the place of his captivity to bring them the gospel.

He knew the free grace of God which comes through faith in Christ. He wrote in his Confessio,

"I, Patrick, a sinner, a most simple countryman, the least of all the faithful and most contemptible to many...I was taken captive. I was at that time about sixteen years of age. I did not, indeed, know the true God; and I was taken into captivity in Ireland with many thousands of people....And there the Lord opened my mind to an awareness of my unbelief, in order that,
even so late, I might remember my transgressions and turn with all my heart to the Lord my God, who had regard for my insignificance and pitied my youth and ignorance. And he watched over me before I knew Him, and before I learned sense or even distinguished between good and evil, and He protected me, and consoled me as a father would his son. Therefore, indeed, I cannot keep silent, nor would it be proper, so many favors and graces has the Lord
deigned to bestow on me in the land of my captivity."

Enjoy some corned beef and cabbage; soda bread, potatoes or fish and chips; tea and scones and celebrate the grace of another story of one who lived boldly for our Lord.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Me Being Ree

2010-01-19T21:22:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite blogs, for 3 years now, has been the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. If we were neighbors, we'd be friends. She's an every day all American mom like me, home schooler, loves her family. But I have no idea what it's like to be a rancher or a good cook. But I can try the cooking part now that her cook book is out! So here's my pathetic attempt at me being Ree. Just don't tell my family, they like what I make!

Beef Stew with Mushrooms Wait until you're done with my post until you flip to her blog. Her pictures make mine look really bad. But it was fun Being Ree!

These are shallots. I never cook with shallots. They were yummy!

These yummy, buttery rosemary biscuit badboys just go in the oven like this! I felt like such a pioneer woman, sans cast iron skillet.

Le Voilà! La pièce de résistance!

Livesay Family in Haiti

2010-01-17T15:41:00.001-08:00

HAITI.....just speaking the word now has new meaning and evokes sadness and heartache. The earthquake that destroyed so much of Port au Prince, was just days ago and the loss will effect us for years to come. I hope you can find a way to help somehow, some way. Through whatever organization you can. Compassion International, Red Cross, Heartline, Food for the Hungry.

I wanted to post this video of the Livesay family (7 kids) that has so touched my heart and many more as they've been in Haiti for 4 years. The video is of their lives and what they do, before the earthquake, but you can read their blog to get up to date info and prayer needs.
Click HERE for their blog.

Youth Sunday

2009-11-29T18:57:00.001-08:00

What a blessing to have some of the junior high and high school kids from our church involved in S.A.L.T. (Students Arts Leadership Training) They have instrumental and vocal training as well as learning what it means to be a leader in worship and life.

Emma and Dexter

Alex and Kelsie "Follow You"

"Speak O Lord"

Alex, my childhood friend's daughter Kelsie Doan and KeeganKrell. Kelsie's mom and I (Leslie Stone) used to sing together growing up. This is such a sweet thing to see our daughters singing together too! But they're both awesome on guitar.

A Thankful Heart

2009-11-26T19:00:00.000-08:00

My sister and her family of 5 came over today, my in-laws and my folks. It was a small group of 17. It was a little strange not having any 'outsiders' this year. But it just didn't work out. I was so happy to 'let my hair down'. We have so much fun together. Each and every kid too. Jackson (8) said, "your Aunt Dee is so friendly". She played Hide and Seek in the dark with them. Wow, she IS cool! The food was superb, but really, the company and conversation was the best part.

For boys over 6 feet, basketball is something you do in your sleep.

Harrison showing us some 'classical moves'. You should hear him rock on the electric!

"Can we play ball yet Harrison?" Dex

Just getting started.

Me, my mom and my sis

what to do on a swing set? (Emma 12) Aunt Dee taught her to ride her bike with no hands! That's her claim to glory today.

Jefferson is seriously recruiting his cousin Jackson for Pop Warner. (no way!)

What does a 16 year old do on a swing set?

We Love Sami!

2009-11-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

Last night, a beautiful baby Hendricks/Dunham boy was born to Sami and BJ. We can't wait to meet him! Sami has been dear to us for many years. When she was in junior high, I took her home from Homemakers by Choice where she helped in child care. She was new to being home schooled at the time, and she was so sweet to answer all my questions about home schooling. She loved it and was so glad to be home.
Even then, Sam had purpose and knew that she wanted to be a wife and mother some day. BJ worked with the youth at their church and is a few years older than she. They had a sweet courtship and married when she was 20. Alex was 14 then and was a junior bridesmaid in their wedding, Lizzy was a flower girl and I sang and played. It was a gorgeous wedding. They moved to Virginia for BJ to complete his degree in theology and we got to be with them this summer in Williamsburg. We are so excited to meet little Brayden! They will be amazing parents!

Sam and BJ came to Williamsburg in August. Hot and muggy AND pregnant. Bad combo, but she was a trooper!

Isn't she cute?

BJ in his regimental grays!

The wedding, March 2006 (Alex is right behind Sami the bride)

Christmas 07, Chris (note his lovely apron!) , Sami and Alex

Emma Grace, mom Ginger and Sami

My Emma holding Emma Grace when she was 3 months old, 2006 Christmas.

Sami and Alex Christmas baking in 2005

Our families at the zoo in 2005 (above) Sami painting my kitchen (below)

Scrapbooking was something we always loved doing together.

Weekend Project

2009-11-21T21:32:00.001-08:00

Here's a weekend project for ya! Redoing the sprinklers. Or something like that. The main valves or spiggots or hoodahadas when I don't know what to call things.

Derrick (engineer) and son (future engineer?) drew up the plans and carried them out.

So, needless to say, the men were a little too fatigued to join us for the play Pride and Prejudice, put on by Moezart Productions, starring our friend Matt Anvik as none other than, Mr Darcy. Of course, all the girls dream of a proposal like this! Even Alex! Well, we kind of staged it, Matt's folks and me!

Week Two at the Beach

2009-10-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

Alex and Emily. See how far out the tide is? In the morning it's up to the wall and rocks.

Mirm and me

Clayton and Dex

What a gorgeous week this will be. But strange to go outside, look down the way, and no friends here! Missing them. But this is a great time for just us. We will get caught up on school and enjoy being outside IN THE SUN. Yes, in the sun. I don't enjoy being outside in the sun often. We had the Mohlers (minus Jim) on Friday and maybe they'll come back this Friday too. The Sheps are coming down tomorrow. Emilie turns 10 Friday!! I'm reading a couple good books, Thoene's 10th AD Chronicles book and Chan's Crazy Love.

Tutens, Doans and Krells! What fun! Not a fair picture of Dex. I pushed him down, he's actually my height!

We have a picture like this every year I think. 9 years!!!

Cool California

2009-10-13T13:22:00.001-07:00

Dex, Keegan and Sheridan playing volleyball

Jeff was so happy to play catch with Keegan, an amazing pitcher!

Halloween toes, and our matching sandals. Audra and me

Laughing and more laughing with friends (Doans and Krells)

In due time, we will reap a HARVEST

2009-10-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

School is well under-way. We had 3 weeks off in August, but the kids did their French, music and Math pretty much all summer. Language, music and math are hard to take a big break from. And I'm glad for their progress. We leave Saturday for 2 weeks on the beach. I'm so looking forward to it. Except for our hot, buggy, muggy week in Cape Hatteras (not ON the beach) , and one day in July, I haven't had quality relaxing time at the beach this summer and I've missed the sound and smell that soothes me. I am so grateful for time away from the scorching desert, and yet I am also grateful for our oasis here at home.

Here's a little summary of academic life:

Alexandra (16)

Sonlight core 400 which is Civics/American Govt. (Institutes of Biblical Law, Tools of Dominion:the Case Laws of Exodus, Basic American Government. Biographies and Historical Fiction including the Shadow of the Almighty (Jim Elliot) Black Like Me, Up from Slavery, Lies My Teacher Told Me, the Dry Divide, The Scarlet Letter, Walden and Civil Disobedience, My Antonia, Bud,Not Buddy, and the Giver.

Literature in co-op includes Uncle Tom's Cabin, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, To Kill a Mockingbird and Fahrenheit 451.

Institute for Excellence in Writing with co-op and Art/Art History.

She and Dexter also go to Chemistry every week for 3 hours.

Algebra 2 (reviewing it. Might start Geometry instead! Need to do some testing to determine.

Alex has guitar lessons, plays in the church orchestra and love taking French with my father.

Dexter (14) is in his 3rd year of doing classes with the high school co-op. So he's doing what Alex does, including Chemistry, except at home he is doing Sonlight Core 100, American History in Depth. Also starting Algebra 2 and doing French with my father. So great!

Emma (12) has Literature, Art/Art History and IEW in co-op also, but she is reading The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Johnny Tremain, Across Five Aprils. She is doing Core 7 in Sonlight which has 36 books to read and read aloud! Yikes. She's doing the Story of the World Early to Modern Times and the Modern Age. She is starting Saxon 8/7, loving piano and French.

Lizzy (9) has Literature, History/Geography, Apologia Sea Mammals and IEW also. They are going through the Chronicles of Narnia this year. Making beautiful lap books for the Sea creatures, learning about all the states in geography, even sampling specials foods from each. At home I have to do all their reading for history. We are in Core 3 for them because it is the Intro to American History so all the kids are pretty much studying America this year.

I also do Teaching Reading and Writing at Home to the 2 youngest, and do spelling with all the others too.

Jefferson (8) is keeping up very well with Lizzy. So great to have them do the same work, or I'd go crazy. His handwriting is even better than hers actually. They chose different readers just because it's hard to share the book. He's reading Squanto and she's reading Pocahontas. Then we're reading the Sign of the Beaver out loud. Funny how all the other kids come and listen also.

Lizzy and Jeff are taking piano from my mother. She has done that with all the kids up to a point. They are doing so well.

Each year I have to evaluate how much to get done in Sonlight and how much of co-op. But it's our responsibility to choose and I love the freedom of being with my kids, traveling, learning as we go and training when the need arises instead of waiting and finding out about it later!

My favorite part about this year so far is our Family worship time. We have tried to do family devotions through the years, and it was sporadic, but we plugged along. We are finally in a habit of it and it feels strange to miss it! I love the time of Alex playing on the guitar and we sing, we read out loud 3 nights a week. Then every morning we're reading through Matthew as a family. It is such a blessing and gives time to look into kids' eyes and hearts.

I wouldn't trade these days for anything. My mom made me a beautiful apron for my birthday and tucked into the pocket was my year's verse. Only she didn't know it was my year's verse.

Galations 6:9 "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up!"

Happy Sowing and Reaping!

What to love about cruising....

2009-09-12T11:51:00.001-07:00

Great family celebration time, not worrying about the food! (Bill and Zelma Tuten's 50th anniversary)

Kids could go off and play

Someone else made the beds!

All ages playing together

Golf carts to explore in so Grandma didn't have to walk.

Great exploration time of new places (Catalina Island)

Fun with sis-in-law. (no I'm not holding a drink here)

Did I mention food? Great fine-dining. Even lobster! (Aunt Dee had a birthday on the cruise too!)

Great relaxation time

I could look at the ocean all day.

My Baby turns 8?!

2009-09-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

My sister and me, expecting Jackson (Sept 8) and Jefferson (Aug 31) And no, we didn't plan the matching dresses which we wore to my baby shower!

Almost 4 year old Emma holding Baby Jefferson

Learning how to fix things with Daddy

Singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider

My Blond bookends.

The Wright Bros, My Cousin and the Pierce Farm

2009-08-19T14:50:00.001-07:00

Kitty Hawk was 1/2 hour north of our beach house on the Outer Banks.

This is where theWright Brothers flew the first powered aircraft in 1903.

Walking the path of the first 4 flights.

Derrick and Dad examining the workings of one of the first powered aircrafts.

The same day we left the beach, we went to KittyHawk, dropped Derrick at the Raleigh airport, then had one night in a hotel before getting to Ashville North Carolina to meet the McAbees at the Biltmore Estate.

Thanks for the great tickets Nicole. Adults are usually $55 to get in, we got in for $35. And children 16 and under are free this summer. What a deal!

Kenny, Tucker (4) Nicole, Isaiah (9) Conner and Hayden (14)

Derrick and I had been there in 1998 with 3 kids age 1-5, and I'm sure they didn't remember it. It is beautiful. Open to the public in 1930 after the Vanderbilt family lived here only 35 years. No AC inside made it a sweltering visit, but still amazing. We even snapped a few forbidden shots inside, no flash of course. There's a bowling alley in the basement and a swimming pool too. Ew, gave me the creeps to be underground, in water!

My cousin Nicole Bibelheimer McAbee. Beautiful mother of 4 boys, lives near Asheville North Carolina.

Swimming and cliff jumping in Pisgah Forest.

We left Tuesday morning the 10th of August and headed to Franklin Tennessee. Drove in some of the worst rain I've ever driven in. Lasting almost 2 hours!! We were so glad to end our visit on the Pierce's farm. They moved here 2 summers ago to be closer to the venues when they tour with their show Girlfriend's Night Out. We're talkin' 'bout good ol' southern hospitality, even better! I was so relaxed and glad to catch up with late night talks with my girlfriend of 10 years and counting. I had to get ready for the drive home! Mom and dad left Thursday morning, and I had a sweet extra day with Pam.

Kids played lots of card game.

Winona's farm. And yes I mean Judd. Ashley and Naomi are neighbors too.

Jacquelyn (12) making orange rolls for dinner.

Misty Tennessee morning.

Touring their 30 acres in the Gator. They hope to have a few horses soon so they can ride them instead of the noisy beast.

The gardens of Carnton Plantation were so unique and had lots of grapes for the kids to eat. My mom and dad too.

We were too late to go inside, but Pam told us all about Carnton Plantation. Five hours of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War took place here. Over 10,000 soldiers were killed in the Battle of Franklin. This home became a field hospital and the floors still bear the blood stains. There are lots scary stories about it being haunted too.

We loaded all 9 kids in the back of Pam's Sub so we could be together when we drove around to see Franklin Tennessee. MW Smith's studio, the NewsBoys' studio, Carrie Underwood's house, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's house and lots of fun gossip!! We even ate at infamous Puckett's where Pam saw what she thought was an Alan Jackson look alike singing. It turned out he was getting the local yokels' opinion about a new song!

Parker (6) and Preston (10) Pierce

Artist Ray Swanson is Pam's sweet departed father. My kids were in awe of his artwork.

It was a sweet ending to our 3 weeks. We drove to OK city for a night, then bucked up and drove the whole rest of the way to Phoenix on Saturday the 15th. 12 hours total, lots of stops of course. I was so proud of Alex and her driving. What a lesson she had!

Leaving the Outer Banks

2009-08-12T05:51:00.001-07:00

Our family play: The Surfer and the Seagulls. See the rolling waves?

Mom:"honey, let's get our picture taken"

The lighthouse at Cape Hatteras. tallest and largest made of brick.

Every kid, including me, stood on papa's hands at some point in their youth!

Nate, Dex , Alex and Harrison played Alex's guitar through the week. So fun.

Dex (14) and Nate (15) doing their Dr Pepper commercial

My Nephew is a Married Man!

2009-08-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

Jake awaits his beautiful bride Amanda Janowski

Dex (14) Emma (11) Alex (16) Cousins Nate (15) and Harrison Ray (14)

Cousin Jackson Ray (7) Lizzy (9) cousin Emilie Shepherd (9) and Jefferson (7)

My folks will celebrate their 50th next year. What a wonderful legacy they have given us all. Jake had their wedding picture on our table at the reception. So sweet.

Sheri and Steve are missing from this picture. They were busy but we have a pic of all 14 of us with 4 Shepherds and Amanda.

The 9 cousins. Shepherd, Ray and Tuten

My brother Steve with his daughter Emilie and wife Sheri Rose

I love this picture of the seven year olds before the wedding.

Colonial Williamsburg

2009-08-02T10:51:00.001-07:00

The governor's palace in Williamsburg

Harrison, Mr Voltron when asked his name by the Docent. Silly Harrison

This picture was taken for our North Dakota family that grows sunflowers

Sweet Sammie and Due-Novemeber-Baby-Boy Hendricks

Walkin into Williamsburg from the Visitor's Center

East Coast Road Trip

2009-07-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

The kids covered composition notebooks to make their personal travel journals. Can't wait to see them at the end.

What would a hotel be without a pool to cool off after the hot drive?

My cousin Cindi in Springfield Missouri.

A picnic in our room after swimming

My wonderful folks, Blueridge Parkway

Make your own cones at Golden Corral

Every time I tell someone I am traveling with 7 kids, they give me the strangest looks, trying-to-be-polite smiles. I don't care. I'm NOT crazy. I'm so happy we are doing this. My only wish would be that my man was along. But having my folks come has been wonderful. To have the 2, 14-year old boys sitting in their car, talking about anything and everything, is nothing short of great preparation for life! The things they can glean from their grand-parents cannot be measured.

To see the 7-year olds reading for hours on end is amazing to me. To have all the boys helping with loading and unloading, and arranging the car without their dads over their shoulders is a great lesson.

To have my 16 year old, with her permit, driving and taking risks and learning from them, is a beautiful thing.

We left Friday morning July 24. Spent that night in ABQ, the next night in OK City, visited my dad's only sister and 2 of my cousins in Springfield Missouri. Kept heading a little north and slept in Lexington Kentucky but we were too late to see Lincoln's home. It's okay since we'll have 2 days in Williamsburg. I have never seen so many thickly growing trees as in Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia. Thousands of acres, covering hundred of miles. And to think God gave us this beautiful earth to have dominion over and most people live on land the size of a postage stamp. Something's wrong with that picture!

Williamsburg for 2 days. More to come!

Just in case our kids in North Dakota miss us!!

2009-07-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

Saying goodbye July 1, Alex (16) Dex (14 on the 4th) and Emma (11) head to North Dakota

Jefferson misses his sister.

Sheri's office/apt. Quite the community/complex at Irvine Spectrum. Gorgeous.

Jefferson taking time to draw bunnies.

Doheny State Beach. Always needed room for bat and ball.

Playing pickle at Dana Point.

My 'almost 8' youngest, still wants snuggles

Oceanside Pier

Oceanside pier. Lunch at Ruby's Diner

My brother Steve's daughter Emilie (left)

One of 4 pools

Balboa Island, Wilma's, a favorite

Tried to stop and see my cousin Bruce at the Marina, but he's on vacation. The nerve!

Nice to take Daddy's car! Cheaper too.

Celebrating Life and Friendships

2009-07-01T07:15:00.001-07:00

Almost every year, my sister's family and ours have celebrated our 2nd born boys' birthdays, together. They're only a day apart. They look about as much alike as my sister and I. Golden and dark. We are so grateful for these chances which go too quickly, to be together. I can't believe they're 14 already! I think I'll post some pics of their previous birthdays on the 4th of July. (Dex's actual birthday!) We hadn't been to Organ Stop Pizza for years. The kids didn't even remember it. So we also invited some friends so the kids could say goodbye before leaving for North Dakota today. Sob! It was a fun night. Hard to talk, fun to listen and laugh. Thanks for coming Anviks, Langakers, Greggs, Tutens,Shepherds and Rays and celebrating!

My sister Karen and me

Nate (15) and Harrison (celebrating his turning 14 with Dex)

Our Presidents: cousins Jackson and Jefferson. (almost 8 year olds)

My parents are so amazing. Looking and feeling awesome at 71

Lizzy with her buddies Jemima and Zion

Alex and her friends. Dakota and Matt

Love these 2. Bradley and Dawn Gregg. New to Organ Stop Pizza that night! So fun

Alex's best buds Kara and Mcabe

My birthday boy. 14 on the 4th of July and he'll be in North Dakota!

I'll miss the conga banging!

God's Creation in our own Backyard

2009-06-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

Baby owl on the basketball hoop, see the mama in the background?

Mama owl, not letting baby out of sight.

You can even see the new down on baby's head.

You Think You Can Multi-Task

2009-06-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

Imagine each hand and each foot doing something completely different, yet together. I only had a few lessons on the organ but I do know what's involved. It's mind-boggling. I know 3 very accomplished organists, but even they are blown away by this woman's FEAT! Or FEET!

Aah, the Model Shines

2009-06-19T23:07:00.001-07:00

A man in our orchestra at church,Robert Dickinson, asked if Alex would pose for some shots for his website. I love the colors he captured in her hair. These are untouched and I have to select from about 32 he sent me. It was a fun experience.

Alex and Emma were approached at a restaurant by some Barbazon photographers and they gave us their name and numbers to contact them. Haven't done that, but who knows? Could be a way through college. LOL. (for someone who doesn't like makeup or jewelry or clothes for that matter, she might not enjoy that world!)

What a Week!

2009-06-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I was distracted (in a good way) with preparing for music camp each day. I guess I felt I short-changed the younger two a bit. They kept saying "can we just stay home?" But they had fun. One day at one grandparents' house, one day the grandparents here, two other days with friends at their houses. So this week, I said YES to just about whatever they suggested! A good thing, in moderation! It's only Wednesday and I am wiped out!

Emma and her friend McKenzie, getting creative with frosting.

Aah, the final product.

I went to tea at English Rose Tea Garden here in Carefree with my friend Julie for her birthday. (albeit late!) And that was so relaxing and enjoyable. Great food, even better company. Click HERE for pictures of the tea room. And HERE for a virtual tour, with the owner Joanne narrating in her English accent. It's so beautiful.

The Glory of God

2009-06-14T18:08:00.001-07:00

The Glory of God is what He wants us to see so that we know Him better.

He shows us His glory in and through CHRIST

The glory of God is in His CHURCH

And the glory of God is in His CREATION

We GIVE God glory through our WORSHIP,
reading and knowing His WORD
and by our good WORKS

"To God be the glory, great things He hath done
So loved He the world that He gave us His son
Who yielded His life, an atonement for sin
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
Let the earth hear His voice
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
Let all people rejoice
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done."

YOUTH-LED WORSHIP

2009-06-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

Alex sang "Lead Me to the Cross" here. And she and Kelsie Doan did a beautiful duet of "Amazing Grace; My Chains are Gone"

(I need to give credit for these exquisite BW photos by my good friend Dawn Gregg)

Last night was the concert ending our week of music camp at Scottsdale Bible. We had a few songs that didn't go so well in rehearsal, but when the time came to give it up to God and let go, He blessed the kids beyond measure. They did great.Click on the photo to enlargeMy Emma worshiping, Carris Doan singing a solo on Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) and Michael Blair shared from his heart before he led "What Can I Do?". He also shared the meaning of his shirt, that to we gain Christ and eternal life when we lose ourselves.

Summer Music Camp

2009-06-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

It doesn't get much better, singing with kids that love to sing! I am so blessed. We have 32 kids on the vocal team, grades 7-12 and I think 21 in the band!! So amazing. Lots of talent. I am humbled to get to work with the gifted Sean Johnson, Joe Bubar and Tammy Reimche. Their music abilities exceed the common man. Composing, playing many instruments, sheet music:optional!

Here's the music camp blog: SBC Music Camp 09

My Alex and our life-long friend Kelsie Doan.
I've known her since before she was born. Is that possible?

Logan Domenico (I have known this fine young man since he was about 3 I think)

Michael Blair, there are no words for this young man's enthusiasm and love of worshiping and of life. Sean Allen has an amazing talented voice and makes me laugh. I am so glad they're on my team!

2009-06-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Summer Schedule

So it begins, the questions about what a home school family does during the summer. Do you continue with school? Don't they get a break?

Actually, yes to both. We continue with school but we also have breaks. We take breaks all year. If we want to travel in February, we can. If we want to take a longer Christmas break, we do.

I always seem to have big dreams for the summer though. Because it isn't the normal schedule. We are inside a little more unless we're swimming or it's really early in the morning or we are inside at the mall or a museum or the movies.

I was in the middle of remodeling a kitchen last summer, recarpeting the house and having the outside painted. So cleaning up the clutter upstairs and moving the girls rooms was part of it. I always want to catch up on scrapbooking, never happens. Only in small chunks.

So here's what our days look like:

Monday-Thursday

8am Breakfast

Chores

Devotions

Music practice (piano, guitar, violin)

French

Math

Reading

(have yet to pick the 11,13 and 16 year olds' books yet, so they're reading fun stuff)

Writing (cards, letters, journals, blogs)As I was writing this, my 16 year old had just written a new entry in her story blog. Click here to read it. So cool

Noon: Lunch

Chores

Free time

MWF (computer)

Swimming

Errands or outings

Next week we have music camp in the afternoons.

July 1-18 my older 3 kids will be on the farm in North Dakota.

July 19-26 Home

July 26-August 15 Road trip to my nephew's wedding in North Carolina. (I'd love some ideas of what to do, where to stop on our way east!)

So they're actually not home a lot. The thing about studying foreign languages, music and math, is it's really hard to take long breaks from it. You lose ground. I'm grateful the kids actually have seen that and don't want to lose what they've worked on.

Lord, may I be diligent in teaching and training these gifts from You. Preparing them for a future that is in Your hands. Praying they choose the narrow path, the one that serves You, helps further Your kingdom, reaches the lost, uses their gifts for Your glory.

"I Pray You Enough"

2009-06-01T08:04:00.001-07:00

"I Pray you Enough" Anonymous Author
Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged, and the mother said, 'I love you, and I pray you enough.'

The daughter replied, 'Mom, our life together has been more than enough.. Your love is all I ever needed. I pray you enough, too, Mom.'

They kissed, and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry.. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'

Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'

'Well...I'm not as young as I once was, she lives so far away & has her own busy life. I have some challenges ahead, and the reality is - her next trip back will be for my funeral,' she said.

'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I pray you enough.' May I ask what that means?'

She began to smile. 'That's a prayer that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I pray you enough,' we wanted the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.'

Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Then she walked away.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them.

The Beauty of the Arizona Desert

2009-05-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

Since I had my youngest boy, in 2001, I have had an alarming increase in migraines. Last year was the worst though I think. Might have been my increase in Starbuck's venti Americanos, black, straight up. Those were my favorite. I think that increased my caffeine by about a jillion milligrams. Anyway, as you probably remember, I went off caffeine, cold-turkey, in February. I still have a little bit, it actually helps my headaches if they come at all, but I actually drink decaf coffee. Never thought I would.

Can't go to Flagstaff without stopping in at Macy's for a pastry and Cafe Royale! It's a weird place, but yummy homecooked goods.

To travel in the heat in the summer, or work outside, always brought on headaches. When rain, hazy, smoggy days come, a headache comes. When I have chocolate, I can get a headache. Red wine was the hardest to give up.

When we went to California last week, I was so glad I only had one headache instead of one every day. We headed to Flagstaff this past weekend to chase the rain, we weren't disappointed. It was gorgeous, and I never even got a headache. It's like my life is different. I have a new life in a way. I was living with fear sometimes I didn't even realize, other times I would, and just pray the fear away. We did yard work on Saturday. It was only in the 90s, but warm enough that when you're working, it gets hot. No headache. I know I'm happier, more grateful. Glad for each moment without a headache. If you have never had migraines, it may be hard to understand the depth of my joy. I might seem to be over reacting a bit.. But some of you know from where I speak.

Our Last Hoorah at Disney

2009-05-17T20:21:00.001-07:00

Our last trip to Disney for a while. We treated the kids to the Blue Bayou in Pirates which they've never been to. (no we didn't throw dinner rolls to the passers-by in the boats behind us, even though they asked us to. I told them I'd throw a ball of butter though)

We booked 2 rooms (since we are 7) at the Grand Californian. I didn't rest easy until Sunday because they couldn't tell us if we were even connecting. They have really cool bunk beds with trundles and a queen, and we had them connecting! So we could really sleep 10. What a blessing. The only drawback, and it wasn't too bad, was all the construction. They're building a whole wing and the tractors were right by the pool. But hey, what are headphones for? We were only at the pool one day while Jefferson was sick.

Our room over looked the pool and we could see the Ferris wheel and California Screamin' from our room. One afternoon, we took a picture of the 3 older kids on the ferris wheel, from our balcony! If you click on the picture you can see them. They're in the purple car.

Lizzy gets hug from Brother Bear (the dumbest Disney movie ever) at Storyteller's Cafe Character breakfast.

A huge breakfast buffet and these strawberry tops are all that's left of Jefferson's breakfast.

The new part about It's a Small World is that there are Disney characters in it now. Kind of fun to look for them but some still have dorky doll faces. What's that about?

We had preferred seating for the Aladdin show. What a hoot!

Of course seeing the Mohlers has been a tradition and highlight of our year at Disney. Jim celebrated completing radiation by coming to Disneyland. He's doing so great and we continue to pray for more time with him.

2009-05-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

What a treat of a week. Our Disney annual passes expire May 24 and last year we had the idea to end with a bang. We started Monday at Reagan's Library. What a legacy that man left. And the kids had just had a report on him in class. It was fun to follow up with a view into his life, pictures, newsreels, movies, etc.

We got to go inside Air Force One.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"If we're free to dare - and we are - if we're free to give - and we are - then we're free to shape the future and have within our grasp all that we dream the future will be."

"there is no limit to what a man can do, or where a man can go, if he doesn't mind who gets the credit."

Be Very Afraid

2009-05-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

If you're a parent, this should scare the bejeebies out of you! At least enough to call your Senator

2009-05-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

Scott's back in Scottsdale

If you missed Scott MacIntyre, the AI contestant from Scottsdale, on Fox 10 yesterday, you can click here to see it and watch even more today. He's doing amazing, so excited about the summer tour and writing more music. This Saturday at his home church (and mine) he will be giving a 'thank you' concert at 7pm at Scottsdale Bible. You look great and we love ya Scott!!

Aaah, Spring has Sprung... I'm changing the nest around

2009-04-28T15:32:00.001-07:00

Lizzy's new favorite reading corner, the armoire blocked this window before.

more room to play Wii sports and Wii Fit! That chair easily slides back by the mirror.

The piano sounds much better on the carpet now. It was where the big mirror is now, under the stairs.

This is the room where the armoire was, blocking that window. We now have HD TV, you'll never go back. Need a cabinet to put things in, but Mr Man wants to mount it to the wall. This room feels so much bigger. Also have to add curtains.

What Does Your Face Show?

2009-04-21T17:06:00.001-07:00

Maddie Napoletano

The word countenance comes from the Latin word continentia, which means, literally, "the way one contains oneself." The way we compose ourselves- the way we think in our hearts -- shows up on our faces. William Stidger says " A person's face is the signature of his soul."

The Bible has a remarkable number of both good and bad reflections of this truth. When Cain grew jealous of his brother Abel, the Bible says his face was downcast. (Gen 4:5) But in Psalm 43:5, the psalmist wrote, "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God."

Proverbs 15:13 says, " A joyful heart makes a cheerful face" and Eccles 8:1 says, "wisdom lights up a person's face, softening its harshness".

Hayden Holman

As we are preparing our children for their musical this Friday, that's something we talk about with them when they are singing. Are they really thinking about the words they are singing, do the truths come from their heart and show on their face? That is the way to really 'minister' with our musical. To make it real!

Please come this Friday to the high school room at Scottsdale Bible Church at 7pm to participate in our children's ministry. The musical is Rock Solid and is lots of fun. Even a stomp band element! See you then!

2009-04-16T20:11:00.001-07:00

Great Britain's "Idol" show.

You have to watch this video. You will cry, cheer and love Simon all over again. Or maybe for the first time!

See more funny videos and Entertainment Videos at Today's Big Thing.

2009-04-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

You're 16, You're beautiful(leading singing on Easter)

Flash back to 1990...Ectopic pregnancy, married 3 years, I'm 29 and considered infertile, "I'm sorry, you aren't going to be able to have children." God proved the establishment wrong once again! Psalm 127:3 "Children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward." Psalm 128 has been called the Builder's Psalm because to the Israelites, the home was an opportunity to pursue the holy task of "building" sons and daughters. In Hebrew the word "banah" is to build: "ben" is son and "bat" is daughter. We as parents were meant to "build" our sons and daughters. Think of Deut 6:6 where we are to teach them diligently, talking of His commands when we sit in our house, walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up. Every part of my day is teaching and training these Gifts from God. Building them up for eternity with Him.
Flash forward to April 13, 2009...and 5 children later. I don't want to waste one moment with them. I want to make each moment count. To reach their heart, to love them as Christ would, to show them Christ in everyday living. But it's a reassurance that He is near, with me each step of the way and He has the best plan. Because I fail. A lot! Without His grace, I would have given up long ago!
So Alexandra Joy came into our lives 16 years ago today. And her parents had a special glimpse of God's grace, that He would prove wrong the wisdom of the world and bless them with this daughter of Joy!
May we give her back, fit for His purposes, a little every day.

2009-04-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

IT'S FRIDAY,
BUT SUNDAY'S COMIN'

My family is in town. It's hard to plan our day for me. I am grateful for this time with them but my spirit is also tugging me to reflect, ponder, glory in what Christ did for me on this day.

Suffering I will never know because of Christ.
Love I can never fully comprehend, because of Christ.
Eternity with Him because of Christ.
Power available to me through the Holy Spirit, because of Christ.
An advocate for me before the Father, because of Christ.
Peace available to me, when the world is in chaos, because of Christ.
Love for my husband and children, even when they're unlovable, because of Christ.
A passion to tell the world, because He died.....

but the best part...... all of this is mine...........because HE LIVES!!!!!!!!

2009-04-02T15:12:00.001-07:00

Bathroom Remodel

The ugly "BEFORE". Wallpaper removed, oak sink cabinet torn out, lights taken down, mirror and cabinet removed, exhaust fan moved and replaced, water pipes moved up to fit back of new sink. Tile under old sink put in.

My Handy Man is amazing! But he's all mine.

2009-03-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Life Partner!!
"Grow old with me, the best is yet to be.
The last of life for which the first was made"
Robert Browning

Happy Birthday to my amazing man. We're in this together!!

You keep our home so beautiful. Yes, I do love green grass. You're amazing!

Emeril aka Derrick, even cooks on vacation. Our Kauai cottage.

You're a loving dad.

I know we're only promised today, but I pray for many more tomorrows with you.

2009-03-21T12:02:00.001-07:00

Lifting up the Mohlers, with HOPE.

Our friends since before we were married.
Had our children around the same time.
Led camps together, singing and teaching.
Sat under Jim's preaching AND Miriam's preaching.
Got our first American Girl in Chicago with them.
Celebrated their 25th with them in 2005.
So glad they moved back to CA last year.
We all got annual Disney passes. They're Disney experts.
So happy our kids connected!
Most importantly, they love Jesus, learn about Jesus, teach about Jesus, serve Jesus, praise Jesus and trust Him with their future.

We are lifting up the Mohlers during this hard storm of their lives. Jim was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, brain cancer, stage 4, on March 11. Almost exactly a month after some symptoms started showing. He already started chemo and will start radiation next week i think. They are amazing to watch through this. If you know them and want to read their story or write a note of hope and encouragement, you can go to caringbridge.org and put in Jim Mohler.

Here's her post in the journal today.

Happy Spring! The season of renewal and hope! Today Jim had several visitors and worked hard on his Physical therapy in the morning. After lunch we drove to LA for his planning session with the radiology department, where he had a mask of his head made. He starts 6 weeks of radiation next week in Ontario.

Tomorrow he heads back to LA for an MRI.

Everyday, in the midst of visits, new routines, upheaval and uncertainty, we cling to hope. One of my favorite lines in one of my favorite movies, Shawshank Redemption, is: "Never Forget. Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies".

Emily Dickinson, a favorite poet, wrote:

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,...

Someone once said that a person can live 3 days without water, 3 minutes withour air, but only 3 seconds without hope. (Perhaps 3 hours without a computer/phone - or is that pushing it!?) Biblical hope as opposed to optimism or wishful thinking is an amazing thing because it is certainty, a confident expectation, rooted in promise and a trustworthy God! So, we are full of hope and we are ready to give an account to anyone who asks of the hope that lies within us. We are singing about the best of things: HOPE!

We long to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer (Rom 12:12). Amen.

Annie Moses Band

2009-03-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

Annie Moses Band

Our family and several friends too, went to see Annie Moses Band tonight! What a great time that was. I wanted to dance and play with them. It's a family with 6 kids, age 25 (Annie) down to 11 I think. And the father is the arranger, composer, pianist. They play violins, viola, cello, harp, keyboards, mandolin and sing. Their style is really undefined because they play all types of music. They are classically trained but play jazz, country, swing, gospel, quite an eclectic mix, but most important of all is their message to the next generation and beyond. That you are a child of God and He loves you and has called you according to His purpose. They are encouraging parents to instill a love of music in their children which is being lost in this generation.

Here's a link to their Fine Arts Summer Academy

And here's their YouTube Channel

2009-03-06T12:03:00.001-08:00

P.E. home school style.

Guaranteed no weeds for 30 years. Kids are clearing the rocks, laying the sheet, replacing the rocks. Et voila! No weeds, no more spraying.

Emma, still smiling! But it's only about 75 out.

Scrap Boxes

2009-03-04T08:33:00.001-08:00

My cousin's wife Pam always has something for the kids to do when she visits. She came down to get out of the -20 North Dakota weather while Todd was on a mission in Nicaragua. Can you tell she loves the sun?
They made scrap boxes, which will eventually be filled with pictures. I'll post them when they do that. They are beautiful.

Grimm never looked so good

2009-02-25T16:21:00.000-08:00

What a fun afternoon, seeing the fruit of months of work on Little Red Riding Hood and The 4 Little Pigs. They made their own scenery, had dialogue to memorize and songs to sing. Then parents and grandparents converged on the 'scene' to support and encourage the budding thespians.

Dawn making up the scary wolf. Nicky did a great job!

Dexter keeping an eye (or a hand) on 2 year old Emma Grace.
2 of the little pigs were quite blingy! (the photo will enlarge if you click on it, they're hysterical!) Jefferson (far left) and Cameron were the narrators.
Lizzy was Little Red

And the final bow.

Praise Him in the Storm

2009-02-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

A dear new friend of mine at Simple Living, has been praying for me and I am so grateful. She wrote a poem (she is an amazing writer) which I will post on HBC's site. It's a long story how we have started corresponding, so funny how God puts His mosaic together. But this past week I have (crazy you might say) been going off caffeine, thinking in some sick way, the horrific pain from going off cold turkey will remind me that I don't want this 'drug' in my system. And I think it's working. Since I have suffered from migraines for years, this dear friend has been a gentle reminder that God wants my whole attention, He wants my praise and thanksgiving in ALL things, pain and joy, and He is about relationships. So go to her blog and read about Praise and Thanksgiving today. You will be edified.

Thank you Jennifer!

When We Work and Play Together

2009-02-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

A while back, I did a podcast with Donna Otto for Homemakers by Choice, about the principles of working together in our home. And I talked here about a song my mom used to sing. Well, several of you asked about it, and you can actually hear me sing it on this podcast! It's so dorky, it's funny! I haven't heard the whole podcast yet, my speakers don't play loud enough. But here's the link on One Place.com to hear it for free.

Click here: Principles of Working Together at Home

Expression

2009-02-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

"The happiest life is that which constantly exercises and educates what is best in us." Hamerton

Nana and Lizzy, resuming piano lessons.

"If you have an hour, will you not improve that hour, instead of idling it away?"
Lord Chesterfield

Jefferson's football plays. Initially, they are plans for his birthday party. (In August mind you) But then I said, you can have some friends over to try those plays before August. He said, Really? Cool!

Jefferson has a meticulous order in his brain, hence the football plays, and war scenes drawn in detail. So starting piano was a no-brainer. He carefully checks off each time he sings the notes, sings the words and says the finger names for each song. This will be a good thing, even better because he is reading.

Amazing Love, How can it Be?

2009-02-01T13:23:00.001-08:00

Amazing love, how can it be?
That You my King would die for me?

Amazing love, I know it's true,
and it's my joy to honor You.
In all I do, let me honor You.
7:15 am rehearsal

8:10 Orchestra plays Freedom Song for Courtyard (Alex on violin, straight ahead)

Communion song "Amazing Love" Alex solos and plays her guitar. Our kids choir, where Alex helps, came to see her sing in the narthex on the TVs.

I love these kids!

Pinnacle Peak at 57 degrees

2009-01-27T14:30:00.001-08:00

Lizzy and Jemima, west view

Emma and Galilee, west

Gabi, Emma, Susan G and McKenzie coming back down

Looking east at Four Peaks in the Superstition Mountains

Jemima and Lizzy heading up

Doing our Keepers of the Home sheets, learning what to take on a hike, what to wear, all that fun stuff to earn a charm!

Mommy/Daughter Retreat

2009-01-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

My folks have a beautiful condo they share with family, friends and those who just need a respite. It is such a blessing. We've never stayed in it until now, and it's so much better than a hotel because we don't have to check out at any certain time! There's a fountain outside this bedroom window which is what lulled me to sleep and woke me up this morning.
Here's the other bedroom. I think that was Emma's favorite part, having time to herself. She shares a bed with her 9 year old sister Lizzy at home and this was a real treat.
This retreat was a time to talk about God's plan for a woman's heart, mind and body. Why stay pure before we get married? How do we treat our bodies as His temple? And how to rely on God's Word throughout our lives, making good habits as a young woman.
We had lots of fun together. Watched Jane Austen movies, did mani/pedis, plucked eyebrows for the first time (okay that probably wasn't a high point), jacuzzied and had our favorite snacks all to ourselves.

This is a look in from the patio.
Thanks Mom and Dad for a little 'home away from home'.

A Day off School, a Day with Cousins and Nana and Papa

2009-01-19T21:09:00.001-08:00

Porch swing kind of needs refinishing!

Dad and Mom look at old pictures from his father.

Thanks for the marshmallow guns Anissa!!

Bowling, loving those computer screens!

To Go Before

2009-01-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

In the home schooling journey, one can often feel isolated. I have to be reminded of God's call every so often. Which keeps me on my knees. Lord, is this what You want? Am I doing all I can for these 5 kids? Where do we go next? Should I change this for this kid and not the others?

I am so grateful God has placed families in our lives that have 'gone before'. Just like in God's Word, there are so many heroes of the faith who have walked the journey and can teach us which way is best. They can teach us things to avoid. We are not in this journey alone. Nor does God intend us to be. He may have a different journey for each family, which is actually very exciting to see.

Take for example, the MacIntyre family. They have 3 kids from 17-23 now. They have had many physical challenges along the way, the oldest and youngest have visual impairments. It never slowed them down. In fact, I'd say it made them more tenacious to challenge and lift up their kids. The eldest, Scott is now past the first round of American Idol. How amazing is that? He has been recording his own CDs since 10 I think and is classically trained in piano. He graduated from ASU at 19 Summa Cum Laude and went on to get his Masters at the Royal College of Music in London. CLICK ON HIS PICTURE TO GO TO HIS WEBSITE.Todd and Katelyn have their own path in music. (Todd MacIntyre) We had such fun singing with them in November at an event. And it inspires me to expose my kids to many different mediums. Sometimes talents show up early (age 3 for Scott) and sometimes they take a little longer. But I am blessed by this family that uses their gifts for God. I don't know how far Scott will go on American Idol, but I know he will be a light in this world and I count it a blessing to know them.

This is a beautiful duet by Todd and Katelyn called "Reach". I don't know what the event is, but it has an Army sponsor at the beginning and they're singing to graduates!

Back to School

2009-01-13T10:51:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful, busy holiday. I'm so happy when we're back to our routine. Chores, exercise, reading, writing, music, baking and just being together.

The 9 year old's birthday continues... in CA

2009-01-12T21:27:00.000-08:00

I have no idea what Lizzy is singing. But doing this ride twice in a row (someone had stood up, so the operator thought he'd do us the honor of going around again!) was WAAAYYY too much for me! I love tea, but not IN the teacup!

Jefferson and Daddy had no idea this rocket was so fast! We've never done this ride!

Emma (11) Sammie (Dunham) Hendricks, Dex (13) Alex (15) Chris Dunham (19) Michael Dunham (17) . The 3 Dunhams drove over for the day from AZ, a little sibling time. Sammie and her hubby live in Virginia. We miss them!

Lizzy gets chosen for Jedi training, then gets a shock to see Darth Maul come out with Darth Vader! It was quite exciting for the young padawan.

Look at her getting Darth Vader to rise to the challenge. She did NOT choose the dark side!

Lizzy meets Tinker Bell at Pixie Hollow

Who would send their 7 year old on California Screamin'? Actually, I don't know how many times he's been on it, but he still looks a little nervous!

Lizzy and I got very wet on Splash Mountain.

Dexter (13) passes up 16 year old Emily Mohler!! Alright Dex!
(he's gonna kill me for the hat-head)

LIzzy's First Sleepover

2009-01-05T14:17:00.001-08:00

Getting creative with nail polish

Sweet Galilee even gave a gift. Thank you Galilee!

Sharing our talents

Jemima, Lizzy and Maddie

Taylor, the Latte Boy

2009-01-03T08:27:00.000-08:00

Guess I'm in a silly, first of the year mood. Or it's all the sleepovers we've had and I'm firing on very few pistons. But this video is Hysterical!! My kids listen to Kristin Chenoweth's Taylor the Latte Boy, but you can't get the full appreciation for it until you see her face! Her expressions just crack me up. And it helps that she is the cutest thing on the planet. I've liked her ever since Music Man with Matthew Broderick. She is a real HOOT. And she loves Jesus, makes me love her even more!

Holiday Scrapbook

2008-12-31T22:18:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

21st Anniversary

2008-12-27T10:57:00.001-08:00

December 27, 1987 at 4 pm at the First Baptist Church of Scottsdale

Susan Ellen and Charles Derrick wed

It was the first time that I know of in our church history, that 2 families were joined. Two families that had grown up in the church.

Pastor Brouwer was amazing. Watching the video tonight, hearing his words again, the first thing that popped into my head was that his prayer was answered. And is still being answered. That we would serve God in all we do. That God would make us the wife/husband and mother/father He would want us to be. Ones that would give Him glory in all we do. I know we fall short of the mark, but it truly is our goal.

Mark Zeeman and Julia Winterberg (Hamilton) on the piano and organ gave us chills. Sacred, powerful music. Processing in to Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee, with a key change every verse, had everyone's hearts pounding!

My cousin Vicki singing Friends for Life and Julianne singing Community Song. Then they sang together: Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us for our benediction/recessional.

My dad's final words in the video were, "the wedding was terrific and we expect the marriage to be even more so, but longer!"

And off to St. Bart's. I'm still hoping to go back there.

Father God, thank You for this man that I will spend the rest of my life with. You knew what You were doing when you brought us together. May we always keep you first, eachother second and these gifts from You third.

Our life poem: "Grow old with me, the best is yet to be. The last of life for which the first was made" Browning

A Day of Family

2008-12-26T09:56:00.001-08:00

My precious gifts from God.

SAANNNTTAAA!! He's coming!!!

13 year old cousins

7 year old cousins

This year since there would be 22 of us together, we did a gift exchange with a theme. Everyone had to bring a gift that cost $15 and had something to do with Entertainment. So the big 'steal' item was of course, iTunes gift cards. Good thing there were 3 of them because you could only steal an item 3 times. There was a great Springbok puzzle (which we're still doing) a travel Scrabble game, books, kitchen gadgets ( oh well, not really entertaining, but cute!), music and the Dark Knight was a big 'steal' item too. Lots of laughs and fun.But the highlight for me was my 70 year old mom playing Rock Band!!! Rock on Nana!

Too Late for Christmas Cards?

2008-12-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

My North Dakota family, Todd with his wife Pam, son Michael (21) and daughter Cara (20)
Thought we'd shoot some Christmas card photos. First, we have to fix Cara.

Then get the giggles out of the way.

And they wanted to 'hang around' a bit.

And here's a good one! Aren't they beautiful?

They really don't take bad pictures!

Annie Moses Band

2008-12-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

The Annie Moses Band is called Pop/ Chamber music. The lead singer is Annie, named after her Great Grandmother. They have a vision for leaving a legacy for the next generation that teaches to nurture the gifts God's given us. This family was on PBS the other night and we were so moved by tears and excitement by their talent and their heart for the Lord and especially by how much fun they were having! We wanted to hop up and sing and dance with them. I wish we were closer to participate in their Fine Arts Summer Academy where kids of all ages learn all kinds of instruments and play right along with the Wolaver family.

Here is my favorite: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Get ready to dance!

2008-12-15T12:28:00.001-08:00

Replacing light bulbs. Sorry, Emma, it's a hard job, but somebody has to do it!

Jeff's helping by holding up the tree!

CHRISTmas Program

2008-12-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

Lizzy (at drummer's right elbow) and Emma (behind drummer, hands clasped in front of her) singing a Celtic Christmas

Worshiping in dance. So beautiful

Starlight Dancers added the sparkle!!

Liberty Wildlife .. a fieldtrip

2008-12-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

A residential home was transformed into a rehabilitation center for wildlife, many years ago, here in Scottsdale Arizona. They travel to schools in the valley educating and helping to instill in our youth, a vision for taking care of wildlife here in Arizona.

Just a Warning for You Men

2008-12-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

Want to stay out of the dog house? Click on the dual-bag no-no

Dual-bag no-no

Fun with Fotos of my Friends

2008-11-30T21:56:00.000-08:00

Original shot

Temperature adjustment (if you click on this, you'll see it's much more vivid than the original.

Saturation adjustment

Original

Saturation adjustments for both of these but special effects added to the shot below.

Family, Friends, Food and Thank FULLness

2008-11-27T20:18:00.000-08:00

My very own Alton Brown

Gratitude is the Best Attitude

2008-11-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace,
the celebration of work and the simple life...
a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry
of the turn of the seasons,
the beauty of seedtime and harvest,
the ripe product of the year -
and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God.
~Ray Stannard Baker (David Grayson)

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them,
is the true measure of our thanksgiving.
~W.T. Purkiser

Gratitude is the memory of the heart. ~Jean Baptiste Massieu, translated from French
(La reconnaissance est la memoire du coeur)My cousin's farm in North Dakota is past the harvest stage and into winter. But I know they stop and rejoice in the way God provides for them from year to year.

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home

This is my favorite family book we read at Thanksgiving. It's by Barbara Rainey. The kids love the stories of the Pilgrim's journey and sacrifices. The hardships they endured to establish a new nation. And we also love the CD it comes with.

Click on the book to go to an online reader.

Scrabble and Cousins

2008-11-22T11:13:00.001-08:00

Jefferson really wanted to make his own bow and arrow.

And convinced cousin Jack to join in.