Trials of Life - Braces

Drum wears a bridge expander on his upper jaw.
This is the tool used to daily expand it a tiny, tiny bit:

This is how it is done:

This is how one feels afterwards:
He has to do this for two to three weeks. Then it stays in place for 3 months. It affects his speech and the speed he can eat. He is now the last one at the table, taking the time to slowly get his stomach full. I'm glad it is summer and he doesn't have to do algebra problems with a mouth that feels like this.

Darling's New Bike

Darling received an early (very early) present from her Grandpa & Grandma K.
A NEW BIKE!!
She just loves riding it around. When the other kids ride, she begs for someone to push her. Now she has her own set of wheels. Have fun, Darling!! It is such a treat to watch you! :-)

Deer Draws

While at the cabin, each of my children have different ideas on how they enjoy spending their time. Deer enjoys drawing, and thanks to some lessons from her Uncle James, she has a few guidelines to help her drawings be a success. This is a great reminder of the loons we see each night on the sunset cruise.

Grandkids!!

While at the cabin, my brother took the opportunity to take pictures of my folks and all their grandchildren. I thought they turned out great!!! The weather was perfect - not too sunny. My only regret is that I didn't have him take a shot of just my kids.

I just wasn't thinking of it because they didn't have co-ordinating outfits or anything, plus it was Dime's birthday, so I needed to get his cake in the freezer (it was an ice-cream cake). I really should have gotten my priorities straight.

Thanks so much, James, for taking the time for these awesome shots!

I feel like I should say something.
But, life has been so busy, I hardly know what to say.
Sometimes I've got to just say something to start it off,
And then I know what to say! :-)

There....Did I say something yet?

Well, I had finally posted about Darling's potty training, and she wet the bed two nights in a row!! First hers, then mine! Lots of laundry. I worried about it and slept light the next several nights. I've been relaxing again, and last night I got another wet bed. I think I better get something for under the sheets, for the just in case nights. This is just too much work. I can hardly keep up with the regular laundry.

Our totally awesome swimming pool got a hole. Somewhere in the top layer, and a small one in the second layer of air. It goes out kinda slow, but we've got to be watchful to keep it full. We just let it go while we were up North, so today we'll get it going again.

My dear mother had a bike accident. A pit of sand alongside the road caught her tire and sent her flying. She didn't break a bone, but the bridge of her nose swelled up tight, and her knee was injured. They figure a blood vessel probably broke in there, which is why it swelled up so much, and it will take a long time to go down. It's been 3 weeks, and her face still has two small bruises. She can hardly use her knee. It will probably take at least another month before that knee can work again. Her bruises are HUGE! I wish I had a picture of the kids' faces when she showed it to them. I feel so much for her, as it is summer, and she was so enjoying getting out biking.

Last night, Dh and six kids went to a pot luck and archery night with our church group. They had a blast. Dot used what she learned from a documentary about Susan in Narnia, when she was shooting, to help her shoot better. Stuff like holding her elbow up, etc. She said it really worked!

Then they headed over to our church for a karaoke night. I heard just a smattering of stories, which I can hardly remember this morning, when they came home last night at midnight. They were happy and loud, which says they had a great time! Darling and I stayed home to do laundry, etc. She took about an hour nap, and then was happy as all get out. It was good to spend some time with her reading, doing puzzles, cooking (we made tapioca pudding), a bath, watching her jump on the mini-tramp, and cuddling. She can get very chatty! She kept up a steady stream of conversation with me. :-)

Holy Roller - A Book Review

My post for "Holy Roller" by Julie Lyons is a little late. Please read quickly, so I can catch up. :-)
I started this book with some misconceptions. I thought it was fiction. I just did. Within the first chapter, I figured out it was a true story, which helped make its introduction make more sense.

I still struggled with getting a grip on how the book was laid out. ie. What is the point? Where is this story going? Is there a plot? I really wanted to finish the book, before writing about it, so I would have a better handle on where the book was going.

What I discovered is that they told me on the back page. "It's all here in 'Holy Roller' - the stories of people desperate for God's help. And the actions of a God who doesn't forget the people who need His power." The stories are all set around personal recollections of Mrs. Lyons.

Julie, 27, was working as a crime reporter in black South Dallas in April 1990 when she first discovered The Body of Christ Assembly. She "set out to find a different kind of story for the 'Dallas Times Herald'." She heard about "drug addicts who had been supernaturally healed of their addictions. Was there a church in the most violent part of the city that prayed for addicts and got results?" She found that and more. (Want to know how she found the church? Get the book! :-) ) After publishing her article, She soon joined the church, and she and her husband traveled every week into the South Dallas ghetto to see and feel God at work. As the subtitle states, she found redemption and the Holy Ghost in a forgotten Texas church.

The book is set along the time line of her introduction to the church, her experiences while going, and where they are at as a church now.

Having participated in a semi-pentecostal church growing up, I enjoyed reading about the singing, praying, ministering in tongues, words of the Spirit, and good sermons that went long. Having been to an all black church, and one in Colorado which was definitely black styled, I could envision the spiritual atmosphere, and the 'amens' being bounced around the room. The worship definitely takes on an involved, active feel vs. watching and participating from the sidelines.

I really enjoy reading true stories about God at work, today, in the here and now. This is not a story of "Sha-zam! and the drug addict is healed. It is a story of prayer, the Holy Spirit working, and how people respond to Him. Julie talks about people who were healed, and those who were not. She shares about empty pews, empty hearts, lost people, an active God, alive people, demons, and the Holy Ghost. Her stories are about as random as that last sentence, but the theme is there.

Author Bio: Julie Lyons is an award-winning writer, editor and investigative reporter who for more than 11 years served as editor-in-chief of the Dallas Observer, an alternative weekly newspaper owned by Village Voice Media. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a B.A. in English from Seattle Pacific University. She and her husband, Larry Lyons Jr., live in Dallas with their son.

Looking forward to reading this story? To learn more about or purchase these books at RandomHouse.com go to: https://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307457899

Or, Comment below by July 25th for your chance to win your own copy!

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn - A Book Review

I really enjoy mystery books with suspense, a little romance, and a good twist where the plot is not readily foreseeable. This book hit all those buttons. "The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn" by Liz Johnson was a great summer read!

Kenzie works teaching at the Oregon Department of Corrections Facility. After authorizing the program two years ago, she has worked tirelessly to help get inmates ready to take their GED test, a job she really enjoys. It has been difficult at times with budget issues, but Kenzie hoped to change that in the next year. She loved teaching the men, and praying for them was a natural outlet to her passion for helping give them hope. This session though, she is given a new student who is too smart and cocky, and yet she is drawn to him at the same time. How will she deal with Myles Parsons?

Kenzie's Grandpa and Grandma have raised her since her parents died when she was five. They have been there for her and supported her over the years. Grandpa has now become Governor Mac. His one lack of support has been for this teaching job. Every chance he gets, he continues to urge Kenzie to change her location and teach at a private school. Meanwhile, Governor Mac has a big election coming up, and the heat is warming up. His opponent, Ms. Suarez has been stirring rumors about his responsibility with the state budget.

Myles Borden enjoys his job as a FBI agent. His latest undercover assignment, to keep an eye on Kenzie Thorn from inside the prison, was definitely giving him a run for his money. As a prisoner, being asked by a guard to kidnap and do away with Kenzie was a unexpected turn that he thought he could deal with. He would kidnap her. But, he would only keep her out of the picture until he figured out exactly who was wanting her dead. Dealing with Kenzie was more than he bargained for. "His plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house - but the stubborn woman won't go! He struggles to protect her even as she takes care of him. He tries to keep his distance...and finds himself falling in love."

My favorite part of this story is while the two of them are together and running from those who are trying to catch them and do them in. Liz Johnson paints a picture of suspense balanced by humor with enough romance that is fun to read!

I was privileged to be able to interview Liz Johnson.
I e-mailed her, and this was her prompt reply:

1. How long did it take you to write this book?

When I first started writing The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, I wasn’t really focused. Just playing around. But when I got serious about writing, it took me about 3 months to finish the last ¾ of the book.

2. What is one of your favorite quotes?

Oh, wow! I don’t know if I have a favorite quote. One that I do love is from Jim Elliot in a letter to Elisabeth before they were married. “I must not therefore query God as thought He robbed me-of things that are not. Further, the things that are, belong to us, and they are good, God given, and enriched. Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living.”

3. Having a book in print has got to feel wonderful, what did you do to celebrate?

It does feel pretty wonderful! Holding my book is like holding the tangible evidence of God’s answered prayer. It’s a pretty amazing experience. I’m really blessed to have friends who want to celebrate with me. My Colorado friends and I are going to the Cheesecake Factory to celebrate. I love cheesecake! And my friends back home in Arizona are planning a little launch party when I visit later in July. And I’ve received a ton of phone calls from excited friends and family when they received their books. It’s been amazing!

4. I have 2 aspiring authors in my home. What recommendations would you give them?

Keep writing. Practice doesn’t make perfect in writing, but it does make better. Take classes and workshops to learn as much as you can about writing. But nothing replaces practicing. Nothing replaces the experience of putting fingers to the keyboard and creating an imagined world with characters that are all yours.

5. Did you climb through any windows, or copy any of the Myles and Kenzie's stunts to help them seem so realistic?

I didn’t actually recreate any of the big stunts in the book. Thankfully there were no races through the woods or anything like that, but I have a habit of enacting the smaller things as I’m writing. I stop for a moment and put my hands the way my character is at that moment in the story. I scrunch my face up and try to picture what it looks like just so I can describe it. Sometimes I stand up and twist or wave my arms or whatever I need to just to get my description right. And I look like a bit of a fool the whole time. It’s great!

6. Who are some of your favorite authors?

I have a ton of favorite authors! In the Christian market I enjoy Cindy Woodsmall, Tamara Leigh, and Lori Wick. In the mainstream, I’ll pick up anything by Meg Cabot. I’ve only ever read one book by William Goldman, The Princess Bride, but it’s one of my all time faves.

7. Do you have another book in the works?

I do have another book in the works. In fact I’m taking a break from working on revisions for my next romantic suspense for this interview. :) It’s not under contract yet, but I’m working with my editor to get it to the contract stage. It features Nate Andersen, Myles’ boss from The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, and it’s a fun romp through fictional Crescent City, Colorado. I can’t wait to see what happens with this story.

Thanks so much for having me! :)

"Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.
Liz lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church's bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com."

Purchase a copy and find out why Myles has to go into the prison to watch Kenzie, who is behind the attempt on Kenzie's life, how do the bad guys keep figuring out where they are hiding, and what happens with her Grandpa's election? Obviously, Myles and Kenzie get together!!

Encampment Graduate!!

June 27, Drum graduated from Encampment (a week long boot camp for Civil Air Patrol).





























Most of what is in that bag is laundry!! :-)












The next morning, both boys helped out at the pancake breakfast at our local airport.
Great opportunities!!

Diaperless!!

I was planning sometime this summer to potty train Darling. I had the undies and small chair all ready; I was just waiting for the right week. Well, Darling jumped the gun. :-) One morning, about a month ago, she wanted to wear underwear. I didn't really want to deal with it, because of a busy day, but who says no to a child who wants to wear underwear! So, I put it on and remembered occasionally to ask if she had to go. She went several times. One accident, if I remember right. Then at night, she wanted to wear underwear to bed. Nope! Didn't want a wet bed. She fussed, but got over it. That night she woke up during the night and told me she needed to use the potty. I couldn't believe it.
Well, to make the story shorter. She wore undies the next day, and that has been it. Except for an occasional diaper the first week, she has worn undies since. We've had two wet beds, and a few wet undies, but otherwise she's done great!! She basically potty trained herself. Wow! I guess she wanted to be the first child in the family to do something. I'm glad she chose this! :-)

A New Swimming Pool!!

While we were at the cabin for the 4th, the kids went to a garage sale along the lake and found a great deal! They've been enjoying it a ton this past week. Darling and Dessert especially enjoyed it when the big kids were gone to rehearsal.
When the big kids came in, the younger set moved out. Good thing Darling is holding a towel.
The kids run down the mats and jump in!
After an exciting dip, it is time to warm up in a clean towel on the tramp.
This is called the sparkler hair do!

Darling Quotes

Darling (as we are getting ready for bed): Do you have another blanket for me?
Mom (busy putting away clothes): No, I don't.
Darling (who knows the truth as only a toddler can): Yes, you do!
Mom (why argue with a toddler's facts): Well, I guess I do.
Darling: You do!?

The Play - Peter Pan

Friday night and Saturday morning, the kids starred in the Prairie Fire Production: Peter Pan.
Pictures are not in order. Too difficult for this blogger. :-)
Here's Dime as John. They are "beamed" vs. "flown" to Neverland.
These are the Lost Kids in Neverland. They spent alot of time crying, because they have "No Mother."
John says good-night to Father:


Center of Bottom Row is Drum as the pirate, Starky:

Nana, Michael, John, Wendy, Peter Pan, and Tinkerbell:

Center of Photo - Duke as one of the Cleveland Indians:

Dot on Left:

Hook taking issue with Snarky's handling of a gun:

How to occupy your time in Neverland if you are bored:

John (center) and Lost Boys are sad because Wendy is leaving Neverland:

This was sooo funny. The kid with the bat is teasing Hook by pulling the bat away when Hook goes to grab it:

Anna (center):

Starky (Drum) with the pirate band:

Everyone being "beamed" home to the Darling house:

The pirate crew watches the action:

Tinkerbell eats the poisoned cake and "dies". Everyone has to clap to believe in her and bring her back to "life".

Dessert, Drum (Starky), and Dime (John):

Dime, Dot, Deer, and Duke (bottom):

Deer with new friends (Lost Boys):

Beware Pirate Starky! Arrrrgh!!:

Cleveland Indians (Dot, Duke, and Deer):

The whole Cleveland Team:

Mrs. Darling finds out she has a lot of new children:

The entire cast:

Our crew had a great time learning and performing in this play. Definitely a consideration for another year! Great Job, Kiddos!!