Happy Birthday Duke!

We celebrated Duke's Birthday this week. He had his buddy over on Thursday, and they had a blast together. Dunk had picked up a pinata at a garage sale, so it got filled and broke!

They also love to play cowboys. Duke's not as into dressing up anymore, but his friend does the part justice!!

Later that evening, we went with friends to the opening of "Prince Caspian"!!! Darling woke up in time to see the film, but I was glad when she finally decided to hit the hay again. :-) On Friday, we celebrated again with Dad home. He wanted an ice-cream cake this year. He picked cookies-and-cream, moose tracks, oreos, and carmel as the ingredients. Nummy was the result!! He learned how to play dominoes this year, and wanted a set for his birthday. Drum got him one; which entertained Darling quite a long time. I love her chubby legs in this picture. It was the first time for shorts for her.

Awana Wrap-up

Deer, Duke, and Dessert finished Awana this Wednesday. They did so well, and we were so proud of them! :-)

Dessert missed on Wed. nights occasionally, but they helped him finish his book. He is so excited about moving up to Sparks!

Duke had mostly skipped one year of Awana, so he was behind in Sparks. This year he completed his second and third books. I was amazed, that's alot of verses! This was his last year in Sparks, next year he graduates to T&T.

Deer finished her gold and silver sections in her third book.

I thought they were harder than the regular sections. I was pleased she worked so hard to finish, and didn't give up when the going got tough. She just has one more year in T&T. Dunk was out of town, so I worked harder to make sure I had pictures, to share the moments.

A Great Recipie and Joke

I tried a new bar recipie from Julie, yesterday. Yum!! It has a graham cracker crust, a cream cheese layer, topped with nuts, coconut, chocolate, and butterscotch chips. I used her shortcut with pre-made graham cracker piecrusts, and it made a very tasteful, easy dessert! It was hard to get the pieces out neatly, so I want to try it again in a 9x13 pan. Don't you think I should experiment? Just to make sure? :-) Maybe at the cabin? Willing to taste test, Dad?
I was awaken by our cat, Kip, at 5 am this morning!!! 3 or 4 am would be better, as it is easier to fall back asleep when dawn hasn't hit yet. I'm so glad to see the sun today!! I've got a busy day ahead with an appointment this morning, guitar lessons this afternoon, and Awana awards this evening. I wish someone would tell my schedule about the gas prices.
Papa W's was telling jokes last night, so here's your joke for today:
Two engineers are standing in front of a light stand looking up at it. A lady walks by and asks what they are doing. "We want to measure this pole, but we forgot our ladder and tape measure," they replied. The lady set down her purse, took out a wrench, unscrewed the base, laid the post down, took out a tape measure, measure the post, looked up and said, "It is 13 feet, 6 inches." She then put her stuff back in her purse and walked away. The engineers looked at her and at each other and then the one said, "Isn't that just like a woman! We wanted to know the height, and she gave us the length."

Healing Promises - Book Review

Recently I read the book "Healing Promises" by Amy Wallace. FBI Agent Clint Rollins is shot, but his accident may save his life. While in the hospital, they discover he has cancer. This strong agent and family man now needs to go through chemo. His wife, Sara, is an oncologist who has delt with cancer with many families. Now it is her turn to go through the personal turmoil as she and their children watch Clint go through chemo. After encouraging so many other patients in God's healing promises, can she claim them for herself?

Both Clint and Sara try to be "tough," but find that in sharing their hopes and fears with God and eventually friends, they find the help they need to make it through the days ahead. Clint continues to help track down a serial kidnapper. Days recovering from chemo and nightmares are followed by attempts to help agents follow the clues to the capture of a kidnapper who has a personal vendetta with the Rollins.

Clint and Sara discover God's healing promises are there for their family. Although this is a novel primarily, it helped me feel for those going through the cancer process. Amy weaves the story of a family with cancer with an interesting FBI adventure. I enjoyed the book, and its reminders to cling to God and His promises when the going gets tough. It shows the importance of not going it alone, but sharing our struggles with friends and family who can support us.

Author Bio:
Amy Wallace is the author of Ransomed Dreams, a homeschool mom, and a self-confessed chocoholic. She is a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy and a contributing author of several books, including God Answers Moms’ Prayers and Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

The book may be purchased at Amazon.com: Healing Promises
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601420102

Want to own a copy of "Healing Promises"? Comment by May 18 and I'll draw a name to win the book.

May Musings

I was sick to my stomach. I could not find my camera!! After checking everywhere and worrying, I finally confessed to Dunk on the phone that I thought I lost my camera. He replied, "I have it with me. I must have forgot to tell you." I was so relieved; I didn't have the heart to complain about all the looking I'd done. But I don't have any pictures of where he is, because he FORGOT to use it. :-)

Yesterday Duke, Dessert, and I spent 3 hours cleaning up their bedroom. I mean the cleaning where we went through their clothes, their closet, under the bed, etc. It was one of those projects I've been desperately needing to get to. It looks great!! The boys are both glad to have it done. Now I got to empty my car from the stuff I put in there from their room! I've found, when the kid's rooms are messy, they don't want to play in them. If they are straightened up, they enjoy playing, etc. in their rooms. Here are our "done photos."

I sure had a great Mother's Day! Dunk took Darling out when she got fussy at church, so I got to enjoy a sermon seated (vs. walking in the hall, or missing it in the nursery). Then we went to Subway for lunch. Several from church joined us. We were going to go rollerblading, but the wind was strong, and it was chilly. So we decided to go home and watch a movie. This got interrupted, because I had to pick up Dot from work who wasn't feeling well. We finished the movie, Dunk finished his nap and then he and the kids cleaned up the kitchen and made supper. What isn't there to love about a man with a broom and dishrag! :-) We had grilled burgers, beans, cooked carrots, homemade salsa and chips, and veggies and dip!! My folks stopped by on their way home from the cabin. Dad helped with the salsa. Later Mom & I went for a walk, the kids cleaned up the kitchen again. :-) We ended with one of my favorite things, reading to the kids aloud. I don't get to it often enough, and we were in the middle of a really good book! I got some fantastic cards and beautiful gifts. Thanks so much, everyone! I realized that being a mom gave me Two great days to be spoiled. My birthday and Mother's Day!

Here's one of my favorite sites: Deer reading on her bed.

It is so cozy to walk by and see her reading. Another favorite is seeing my bigger boys all dressed up for CAP. They look great!! and are so excited about the evening. Another favorite is when Drum wakes up on a cleaning spree and decides to clean up the kitchen for fun in the morning. I come down to KTIS playing, a happy kid, and a clean kitchen! Happens about once a month. Helps make up for those other times, you know the ones we aren't supposed to tell about. :-)

Saturday, Gma W, Anna, and I went to a ladies tea at our church. I had the time mixed up, so we missed the tea, but were right in time for the speaker. Tracey Finck was speaking about her book, "Love Letters to a Child." I had read her book, but it was even more inspiring to hear her speak. This weekend, I got out the journals we've started for the kids, found one for Darling, and put them on the buffet by the dining room table. (Trying to facilitate access.) I made a page of notes to write in their books on Saturday. Now I need to fill them in! I'm trying to not get overwhelmed by writing in 7 books!! (panic, panic) (Remember-) I'm looking for small bits, which will add up. :-)

School's Out!! The boys have their science to finish, Dot has history, Deer has her book to finish and print. BUT, we have signed off on the rest of school. Although, sad, sad, our tests haven't come yet, (I forgot to order them early.), so when they come, we have to do them. :-( Not my favorite part about home-schooling. The girls usually do great, the boys not so well (on testing), and I spend a month feeling like a failure, before I remember their successes and improvements, and realize we are doing God's will for us, and try again next year.

I went to a garage sale the other day, and bought a few Hardy Boy's books. The lady at the counter asked if I was interested in more, sure, and later I met her in town to pick up the Hardy and Drew books. 76 BOOKS total!! I guess the kids have their summer reading planned. :-) Deer tried her first Drew book this winter and was hooked. :-)

I have several book reports to do on the blog, so you'll find out what I've been reading lately. (besides an occasional Drew book) :-) Gotta run to piano lessons. Plan to bring a couple journals. :-)

Toe-nail trimming time. :-)

We have sure enjoyed the nice weather lately. Yesterday, Drum, Duke, Dessert, Darling, and I went for a roller blade/ride-in-the-stroller/walk. We had a great time and walked almost an hour while Deer was at an art lesson. Not only did I push the stroller, I got to enjoy Duke and Dessert taking turns hanging on to it for a break while I pushed. :-) I've got some sore upper back muscles to prove it.

We were excited for Drum as last night he was promoted to Tech Sargent at CAP! He and Dime had a great weekend at Black Cap (an emergency services, training weekend). They arrived home 6:30 on Sunday and it was so funny how still they both sat in the car on the way home. Josiah went to bed an hour after we got home and slept til 1:30 the next day! :-) Drum is still catching up on sleep, as he wanted to get his studies caught up on as well.

We will be doing school later this year as we've had a number of things go on that are pushing the boys later in finishing. Deer has just a couple items left, Dot has one (not counting ballet). Dot did her violin recital on Sunday. On Saturday, Dunk & I attended our local Republican Party endorsing convention as delegates. It was fun to help my Mom get endorsed as the candidate to run for Rep. Dot helped serve bread, while the other kiddos smiled around. :-)

April Tidbits

I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged last. The days have been so busy, and I've been walk/running!! At least a number of days. I got started and then got the milk fever so was down a few days. Got started again and doing better. Hopefully I can keep it up this week.

Our big news lately was that Drum & Dime graduated from EPS with CAP. They had a very intense weekend of getting yelled at, doing PT outside before 6:00am., learning to iron their beds to pass inspections, taking classes, and tons more PT. :-) The officer that Drum is shaking hands with was so nice and cheerful! She greeted the parents, and when the cadets were cleaning the building before they could leave, she gave an impromtu parents meeting with lots of helpful information. What a blessing. Our boys had a challenging learning experience and came back changed. This last week, I woke up one morning to find Drum, Dime, & Duke out jogging!! I have had trouble getting Dime out of bed, and his brother getting up and getting out motivated him to get going. They were out in their PT gear singing marching songs. I've seen improved attitudes in other areas and it has been such a blessing.


Dot had an orthodontist appointment this past week. She now has rubber connecting her jaws. Her poor sore cheeks and teeth! She been trying to wear them nonstop so she can get them off asap. She had wires coming out both side, and being the great mom that I am, I thought it would be a great blackmail picture. But despite my sneakiness in getting out the camera, she noticed and put up her hands! :-)


Little Darling got to try a chocolate candy bar for the first time. It was a good day!!
This week Dunk got a job!! He heads out-of-state for a few days each week for a few weeks. It's so nice to have in-laws live next door and family close. We are so thankful for his job. Please pray for the kids as they make the adjustment to Dad being gone. PTL for cell phones. The rest of us at home will be busy wrapping up the last few weeks of school. Dot got a job in town, and I can't believe my oldest is a wage earner. It is starting slow, but the change is happening.

This book is an EXCELLENT book!!!

These past couple of weeks I have been trying to read a book by 18 year olds, Alex & Brett Harris, called “Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion against Low Expectations.” I say “trying to read” because I have had trouble finding the book! Dot, Dunk, and Dime were reading it at the same time I was. At one time there were 3 bookmarks in the same book!

This book was written by teens, for teens. Alex and Brett say, “Most people don’t expect you to understand what we’re going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don’t expect you to care. And even if you care, they don’t expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don’t expect it to last – WE DO.”

To say it simply: This book is an EXCELLENT book!!! It is a must-read for parents, grand-parents, singles, and of course any age teen!!! Alex & Brett have done a dynamic job getting their simple but profound word out – Do Hard Things!! They make it clear in the beginning of the book that it is not stupid things they encourage doing, but rather "to grab hold of a more exciting option for your teen years." This book challenged my husband and I, as well as our children who have read it.

Read page 30 to find out when the word "teenager" was first introduced.
Read page 38 to find out how low our expectations of teenagers has gone. Ouch!
Read page 42 to find out where the Bible talks about teens.
Read more to find out how to take YOUR first steps toward doing "hard things."

I would strongly encourage and highly recommend everyone read this book, especially if you were a teen, have a teen, or know a teen. Alex & Brett Harris coined the term "rebelution" to define what they are aiming to do - Rebel at the low expectations set for teens.
Visit http://www.therebelution.com/ to read more about the rebelution that is sweeping the country. You can also find out when they are visiting your area!
To purchase the book at Amazon.com, go to: Do Hard Things
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601421125
Author Bio:
Alex and Brett Harris founded TheRebelution.com in August 2005 and today at age 19 are the most popular Christian teen writers on the Web. The twins are frequent contributors to Focus on the Family’s Boundless webzine, serve as the main speakers for the Rebelution Tour conferences, and have been featured in WORLD magazine, Breakaway, The Old Schoolhouse, and the New York Daily News. Sons of homeschool pioneer Gregg Harris and younger brothers of best-selling author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye), Alex and Brett live near Portland, Oregon.

Gotta read your own copy of this book? Comment below by April 22 for your chance to win a copy of “Do Hard Things.”

"My Soul to Keep" Book Review

This past week I read the book, "My Soul to Keep" by Melanie Wells. It is a gripping suspense novel. I was a bit lost in the beginning and found out why closer to the end of the book. It is the second in a series!

Dylan Foster's friend's child is abducted at a birthday party in the park. The police are baffled, and psychology professor Dylan has a number of wierd clues turn up. Freaky stranger, Peter Terry, keeps trying to bother Dylan with a number of wierd events. Turns out Peter Terry is a demon! He also is a connecting piece between Dylan and the child abductors of this story.

Melanie is kind enough (for those with children) to give enough information to not feel totally afraid for the abducted child. The birthday girl has a connection with her abducted friend. Dylan's relationship with the birthday girl is very moving. I was in this book from start to finish. I enjoyed the way the story stuck with Dylan Foster and what she was going through. She was a believable character who had a ton of courage. I'm looking forward to reading the first book- "When the Day of Evil comes" - as soon as I can get it!

"My Soul to Keep" by Melanie Wells can be purchased at your local Christian bookstore. It is published by Multnomah. Be sure to buy both books at the same time!!

Dime Has Wings

Monday, Dime got his wings!!

Per tradition, I pinned on his wings at promtions.

This weekend, Dunk, Drum, and Dime are at a CAP conference. They made it through the snow, and are having a fantastic time.

Deer had a great time at her friend's overnight birthday party. They got to go swimming!! She learned how to play a new dance pad game, and got to be the first in the family to try out a Wii. :-)

The younger crew got to go to G & G W's, while Dot & I had a grand time learning from KB how to play the snare drum (so FUN!), watch a interesting movie, and have great food & fellowship!

Can you believe these pictures are chronologically correct!
These pictures are less than a week apart!!

Spring Flowers :-)

Dirt Bikes are out!

Our two dogs, Lady & Rosie.

Winter snuggle weather! In April?!!!!

Dot got buried in snow!!

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Drum!!

Drum had a great time celebrating his birthday with his good friend K. He has grown in height so much this past year. Dunk & I have also noticed a growth in his character. He's getting older. :-) It is hard to believe he is in the middle of the change from being a young boy to being a young adult.

We love you, Drum.

Speech Party!!

Last night we had an awesome end-of-the-year speech party!!! Dunk & I, Dot, Drum, Dime, and Deer went to the party. Duke, Dessert, and Darling were at Gma & Gpa's. We had pizza and snacks, listened to speeches, and played games. Dot got the "Still Water Runs Deep" Award for her intellectual thinking, Drum got the "Defender of Life" Award for his piece on Horton and "A person's a person no matter how small", Dime got the "Barnabas Award" for his encouraging smile and positive demeanor at speech club, and Deer got the "Awesome Timer" Award for her reliability with timing. We sure had a great year, and already look forward to next year!! The grown-ups were as reluctant to leave as the children. :-)
It is going to be fun to have a quieter weekend. At least be home more of the weekend. Dunk's got a guy's event on Sat. for a couple hours. It's an open house with motorcycles!! The boys are all looking forward to it. :-) I think the girls and I are going to stay home. :-) Yeah! I think I'm going to make another batch of tapioca pudding. I love it warm and cold. I also got a ton of raking to do, to put my rocks back in the driveway and off the grass. Papa likes to plow way back. It is so nice to have the sunshine to rake in. Maybe I should get out my shorts and start on my tan while I'm raking. :-) Well, maybe a little early.
I'm looking forward to next weekend already. Dunk and the older boys are going to be gone at a CAP event, Deer has a birthday party to go to, and so Dot has invited a couple friends over, and I invited their Mom over!! We are going to walk, watch a movie, and have a grand time. I may have to check with Gma & Gpa for the younger boys. :-) My good friend also has her birthday that weekend and I can't wait to celebrate it with her. Lot's of girl time ahead!! :-)
I was talking to Dime about his fun weekends ahead. He said yeah, but I've got so many days inbetween that are so awful!! He means school days! Good grief!! He's not that overworked at all! He needs an attitude adjustment about school. He's got too many days ahead, to think so negative about it already. He just is overwhelmed right now, because he puts things off, and now he has a heap of work to do to catch up. He's learning to do today's work today and get about the process. Then it won't seem so much. He's my kid who can spend an hour eating breakfast, 30 min getting his schoolbooks out, 20 minutes finding the right pencil, and 10 minutes telling his brother to be quiet. Then after 10 minutes of school, complain about how long school takes! I've got too much to do to always be right on his tail. Plus, he's got to learn to want to get his stuff done. We've come up with some motivators and he's learning! :-) (I hope.)
Well, better get my kiddos moving. On time Deer is already up and at 'em, but gotta get the rest moving. They are slow from our late party!!

Happy Resurrection Day, 2008!!

We had a fantastic Resurrection weekend. Cousins stayed with my folks for a few days before Easter, so we had the fun stretch out longer. :-) The boys chased a rabbit with the dogs, made a song video, and had a ton of fun laughing. The girls dressed alike,
had fun with the camera in Dot's room,
and giggled.
Resurrection morning we met at church for a nummy breakfast,
followed by a wonderful service.
Whenever K sat in Gma K's lap, Emily had to join the fun.



This guy knows how to get the ladies. See the kitty in his arms? lol :-)

I made matching socks for the girls. So fun.

I wanted to remember that occasionally my crew got really gussied up.

He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!!

Howdy!

This is a hello to a Sister and Great-Aunt in Texas!!

Sister D. spends a LOT of time with her little grandbaby. When we say Gma is coming, Darling looks out the window and up the hill, all excited. Gma is pretty protective of Darling. Once Darling tripped over Papa's big boot. He then felt a bop from Gma on the leg. "What's that for!" he asked. "Darling tripped over your foot!!" she replied.

When are you going to come visit?! Hint, Hint!

Happy Birthday Dessert!!

Dessert celebrated his birthday this week.

He wanted meatballs, mashed potatoes, and cooked carrots for his birthday meal. He's been such a good sport with not being the little one anymore, it was fun to spoil him a little on his birthday.

He loved his presents and has enjoyed playing with them. He got money as well, so he feels rich! :-)

DH & I feel rich with all these precious sweeties! :-) We love you, Dessert!!

Experiencing the Resurrection: A Book Review & Giveaway!!

What does the resurrection of Christ really mean for us? What does it reveal about the heart and mind of God? And what real differences can the miracle of the resurrection make in your life today?
Discover answers to those and other questions as you examine God’s Word with this companion study guide to the book Experiencing the Resurrection by Henry Blackaby and Melvin Blackaby.
Packed with practical notes, advice, and questions for reflection, this highly interactive guide—ideal for small group or individual use—shows you how to witness Christ’s resurrection in and through your life. Each chapter of the book is explored in a flexible one-week format with “life change objectives” that arise from applying the truth for each day to your life.

"If there were only the cross, sin would win." We would lose out on heaven. Satan would win. The central power to our beliefs as Christians is based in the fact that we serve a RESURRECTED Saviour.

This book is a good reminder about the truths about Jesus and His resurrection from the dead. It points out the fact that Jesus did not resurrect Himself. God resurrected Him from the dead. God resurrects us from spiritual death, not physical death. We can live a resurrected life by enjoying our eternal destiny - heaven.

The primary reason for our life is to help others know about Jesus, and the opportunity that they have to serve a risen Lord. How deep we experience the resurrection depends on how deep we experience His death. The death to self and our will. Are we born again spiritually?
"Physically...we progress toward physical death. Spiritually...we progress toward eternal life."

One of my favorite parts in this book is a story about a Muslim in Africa. He became a Christian and his friends questioned his beliefs. "He answered, Well, it's like this. Suppose you were going down the road, and suddenly the road forked in two directions, and you didn't know which way to go. There at the fork were two men, one dead and one alive - who would you ask which way to go?" (p.97-98)

The author asks three questions: (abreviated quotes)

"1. Do you want resurrection life? The secret to resurrection power is that you have to die before you can be resurrected. It's a decision of the will to be crucified with Christ, that the Father might raise you to new life.

2. Are you pursuing resurrection life? Would others conclude that you want to know the Lord more than anything in the world? Are you willing to risk seeking after the Lord, knowing that it might change your life?

3. What is your decision? If you're asking God to let you experience the resurrection, you're asking Him to take you into a place you've never been. So don't complain when He does."

The book covers a number of people in the Bible who experienced God's working in their lives. In each one they were brought to an uncomfortable place, and there met God meeting their needs and showing them His power.

To cover the different aspects of the Resurrection, the book is divided into three parts. The third section, my favorite, covered resurrection peace, joy, power, authority, confidence, and hope. Each one was thought provoking, and had great comments.

This book would be an excellent book for a brand new Christian or a Christian who wants a reminder on the power of serving a Risen Lord.

The resurrection of Jesus can become

"An every day encounter that changes your life."

You may purchase the book at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1590527577 It is on sale for $11.55.

Author Bio:
Dr. Henry Blackaby, president emeritus of Blackaby Ministries, is the author of more than a dozen books, including the best-selling classic Experiencing God. He has spent his life in ministry, serving as a music director and as a senior pastor for churches in California and Canada. Today he provides consultative leadership on prayer for revival and spiritual awakening on a global level. He and his wife make their home in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Melvin Blackaby coauthored with his father, Henry Blackaby, the Gold Medallion winner Experiencing God Together. He travels extensively as a conference speaker. He and his wife and their three children live in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, where he serves as senior pastor of Bow Valley Baptist Church.

Do you want to win your own copy of this book? (This is my first give away. :-) ) Please leave a comment. This opportunity is open to anyone in the US. This will end on March 24, at 8:00pm.