tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37897878568362896452024-02-07T08:06:46.386-05:00Big Peteet Adventures"Do you want to live like you use to dream?"Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-55297529473442975452013-03-22T11:00:00.000-05:002013-03-22T14:07:34.871-05:00Book List 2013March<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Angels-secret-agents-Billy-Graham/dp/0849905427/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363978707&sr=8-2&keywords=angels+by+billy+graham">Angels by Billy Graham</a> How can you go wrong reading a book by Billy Graham? I was prompted to read this book after a late night discussion at our family reunion last fall between one of my great aunts and her brother, my great uncle. I have never seen so heated a debate between the two as they discussed angels. I had to go out and do a little research for myself. Let's just say I now know which one was right that night! Not that I would ever say anything to the one who was wrong. This was my first study on angels and I found it inspiring and reassuring. My copy of this book is completely marked up with underling, stars, and exclamation points. Truly a sign of a good book!<br />
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February<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Higher-Call-Incredible-Chivalry-War-Torn/dp/0425252868/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361224571&sr=8-1&keywords=a+higher+call">A Higher Call by Adam Makos</a>. "An incredible true story of combat and chivalry in the war-torn skies of World War II." I would consider myself a novice history buff with a fascination with WWII. And yet this book gave me a view point of the war that I had never seen before, that of a German fighter pilot. The story begins with civil liberties slowly being taken away. And like watching a horror film where the blond haired girl (they are always blond for some reason) walks out of the cabin late at night by herself to inspect a strange noise, you want to yell "STOP! Don't you see what's coming??? Don't you know where this is heading?" Likewise in this book you watch a society fall prey and a few men cause mayhem and the lives of millions. And this is just the first couple of chapters. There are so many nuggets of German pilot chivalry (and American) I want to share with you but more important is the realization of the difficult situations that pilots on both sides of the war were put into. There choices were not easy but the ones highlighted in this book acted with honor. <br />
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In addition to the main chivalrous event in this book was the glimpse into my grandfather's war years. He was stationed at Kimbolton in England just as Charlie Brown (the main American pilot in the book) and likewise was in the 379th Bomb Group and 525th Squadron. For this reason he was chosen to autograph the lithographs made in honor of the heroic event memorialized in this book. Through the book I was able to see things he saw (like waiting for your turn to take off and watching the skies as so many planes took off at once that some of them crashed into each other bursting into flames.) and get a taste of daily war life. The fear, courage, honor, skill, humanness, and grief all become real.<br />
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January<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Friendship-Grown-Ups-Missed-Learned-Along/dp/1400202779/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359564792&sr=8-1&keywords=friendship+for+grownups">Friendship for Grown-Ups by Lisa Whelchel.</a> I have watched Good Morning America a grand total of 2 times in my career as a stay at home mom but one of those times included an interview with Lisa Whelchel who was promoting this, at the time, newly released book. What she said got my attention, "I've always operated under the mistaken notion that the more perfect I was, the more people would like me and want to connect with me. So I kept a slick, glossy finish on my layer of protection. What I learned was, ultimately, my very shininess acted like Teflon and prevented any kind of lasting bond." Ouch, I had no idea that Lisa Whelchel had been stalking me! Oh, wait. Never mind she was talking about herself. <br />
This book made me realize I SUCK as a friend. I look at trying to be perfect as helpful and encouraging to my friends. It is not. I also realized that I am TERRIBLE at keeping up with my friends. Last week I read this book and realized I NEVER call my friends because I know how busy they are and I don't want to disturb them. Two days ago I found out that while I was reading about being a terrible friend, one of my best friends was having one of the worst weeks in her life (on top of an already horrific year no less) and was in the hospital. Note to self, call friends more! All I can say is that after reading this book I have a heart of repentance.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Children-Succeed-Curiosity-Character/dp/0547564651/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358395930&sr=1-1&keywords=how+children+succeed">How Children Succeed by Paul Tough.</a> I found the research presented in this book fascinating! I initially picked it out to read from a parenting standpoint. In reality it's also for teachers, administrators, and anyone who cares about extreme poverty as the book does center around the roughest sect of inner city kids. It's amazing that the schools deemed worse in the US are not neglected as we assume. But rather many have had millions upon millions invested in them through government programs that fail to make a dent lack of successful adults coming out of these schools (government programs that don't work, who knew?). There are also tidbits about why kids from wealthy and middle income families sometimes don't succeed. Tough covers case studies, sociology, and neuroscience in hopes of finding the answer to the age old question of curing poverty. You'll just have to read the book to find out his conclusions and to make your own.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Tract-Guide-Digestive-Health/dp/1605292648/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358397110&sr=1-1&keywords=the+inside+tract+your+good+gut+guide+to+great+digestive+health">The Inside Tract by Gerald E. Mullin, M.D. and Kathie Madonna Swift, M.S., R.D., L.D.N.</a> This one was read for continuing education hours with a little disappointment. Although it was marketed in an education catalogue for R.D.'s it's really more of a book for the novice. I could see it being useful for a dietitian that specializes in another area who is looking to expand into the GI/allergies/feed sensitivity scene. Still I was able to take away many statistics and interesting facts that will find their way into my counseling sessions and seminars. There was also a section on herbs and GI disorders that will be a great reference in the future as I usually just recommend essential oils and just a few herbal teas. In fact I think my next cont. ed might be an herbal study. It will be a good fit for my practice I think.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Christmas-Carol-picture-book/dp/0061650994/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1358395836&sr=8-4&keywords=a+christmas+carol+book">A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.</a> This classic really doesn't need a recap from me!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-91945101058512682172013-02-21T20:46:00.003-05:002013-02-21T20:46:44.259-05:002012 Highlights Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nothing says fall like our annual trip to Centerville!</div>
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And no trip to Centerville (our family reunion) in complete without playing in the dirt with cousins. Sitting beside Arch is my cousin Justin's son Caden.</div>
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The freedom of homeschooling allowed us to arrive a day early to the family reunion. A tradition I feel we will continue even when we are back to out-of-the-home school. The kids had their grandparents, great-grandparents, and great aunts and uncles pretty much to themselves. This was a priceless surprise!</div>
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Here Savannah is learning how to huck weave from my Great Aunt Patricia. Savannah could not put it down!</div>
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Later that day Savannah wondered into the house (the same house my grandmother and her siblings grew up in) and asked my Great Aunt Patsy if they could make something together. Savannah got to bake a pie in the same kitchen her great great grandmother baked in. </div>
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He loves to pose just like his daddy.</div>
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Savannah and her cousin Carly. </div>
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They look as though they have just conquered the wilderness.</div>
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My grandmother and all her sailings with their spouses.</div>
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So many are missing.</div>
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This was our first reunion since my great Aunt Billie passed away.</div>
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Have you read the book Otis? </div>
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Archer was convinced that this was the friendly little tractor, Otis from his favorite book.</div>
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My mom has been in her new house for a year and a half and Archer was the first grandchild to get his head stuck in the rail. Of course it would be Archer.</div>
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He yelled, "Momma, help!"</div>
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I replied, "Okay honey, Let me get my camera first."</div>
<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-72415160281277125052013-01-23T17:12:00.000-05:002013-01-23T17:12:16.865-05:002012 Highlights Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2012 was a blur of fun and challenges neither of which allowed for much blogging. I am excited to say that I blogged all the books I read for the year but for the first time in the several years that I have had this blog, little personal experience has been recorded. </div>
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Thus, I have posted the highlights from last year which I never took the time to blog about as they happened. Every picture is worth numerous stories and each one deserves a post of their own. Well, maybe next year. For now, these are just the highlights!</div>
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Savannah and I on a girls trip to Houston to see the King Tut exhibit. These 2 chicks could live in a museum!</div>
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Savannah is Aspen on Buttermilk. She is so much like me. Sports with balls are out of the question but a ball-less sport (my own made up word) has potential. She is eagerly awaiting ski school 2013.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x_6ym9xBFLUM_fyVAcfiwLLGKUdHM17jT-HRkecPqSummtqlf24RvGkI54gx_-Y5x1KOTX_4bqY2pYwKchfKq77OPVxwnSvlN4fw-py7zTBD5nARVINMjYDl19XhwOYJZhQVf3lK_WU/s1600/Spring+break+042+(Small).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x_6ym9xBFLUM_fyVAcfiwLLGKUdHM17jT-HRkecPqSummtqlf24RvGkI54gx_-Y5x1KOTX_4bqY2pYwKchfKq77OPVxwnSvlN4fw-py7zTBD5nARVINMjYDl19XhwOYJZhQVf3lK_WU/s320/Spring+break+042+(Small).JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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While Savannah was in ski school my sister and I slipped away for a couple of nights over the mountain to visit my grandparents...without kids! We have not had our grandparents to ourselves since we had children. It was just like old times. And speaking of old times, look at that sweet couple up above. They are my grandparents who act like honeymooners! Aren't they awesome?</div>
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Granny Smiles, Dawn, and me.</div>
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Arch and I at the zoo just the 2 of us playing while Savannah was in school.</div>
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Here is Java chillin' in Mark's lap during "Bring Your Pet to School" day. She just laid there in the midst of rabbits, gerbils, and dogs sniffing her. Either she is the most laid back cat ever or at the age of 17 (that's 127 in human years) she has no idea where she is anyway!</div>
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My mom's famous words, "I have extra weeks in the condo that need to be used. Let's go to Disney World!" I think she actually says this every 2 months! Needless to say both kids had a blast but we missed Mark being there with us. He needs about 2 months vacation time to keep up with us.</div>
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We have taken both kids to a disney park (world or land) as infant (that wasn't really on purpose) and as toddlers. Savannah has also been at age 5 and 7. ALL AGES ARE GREAT. Savannah is now into the rides which is fun for all adults. But Archer was in awe of meeting his favorite characters (Savannah was too at that age) which is fun for adults to watch. </div>
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After being at The World for a week we headed to the beach for a week with cousins. Grandma always has to get a jammie shot.</div>
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Mark and Arch playing ans singing Country Roads, Archer's favorite.</div>
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No lie, this alligator tried to eat me! Savannah ran and I screamed but at the time alligators were Archer's favorite so he never panicked.</div>
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This takes us through September. Let's see if I get part 2 up before we ring in the new year!</div>
<span id="goog_1135567590"></span><span id="goog_1135567591"></span><br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-56161904006464202552013-01-18T16:28:00.000-05:002013-01-18T16:28:11.553-05:00Guess This SongAs I quizzed Savannah on her state abbreviations and state capitols a sweet little three year old boy echoed our words wanting so badly to participate. And then finally we said one he knew (or at least he thought he knew).<br />
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Me: Colorado<br />
Savannah: Denver, CO<br />
Archer: Denver!<br />
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Me: Mississippi<br />
Savannah: Jackson, MS<br />
Archer: Jackson!<br />
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Me: Texas<br />
Savannah: Austin, TX<br />
Archer: Austin!<br />
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Me: West Virgina<br />
Archer: (interrupting with great confidence and excitement) Blue Ridge Mountains!!!<br />
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Now, here is the riddle. From this reply can you guess what Archer's favorite song is. Kathy, I know you know this song (that's your hint too!). There is also a clue in one of the other states listed above.<br />
Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-15626375023941675812013-01-07T19:40:00.000-05:002013-01-08T14:51:58.282-05:00Book List for 2012 Part 2To see my reading list from the first half of the year click <a href="http://christina-glamoroushousewife.blogspot.com/2012/03/book-list-for-2012.html">here</a>.<br />
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I had no idea that 3 months have passed since I posted last! I suppose it's time to wrap up my list of books read for the year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/gladys-aylward-the-adventures-of-lifetime/janet-benge/9781576580196/pd/80194?item_code=WW&netp_id=152302&event=ESRCG&view=details">Gladys Aylward, The Adventure of a Lifetime by Janet and Geoff Benge</a>. This is the true story of a missionary who went to China after WWI and was there during WWII. She is Kisses From Katie on steroids! Seriously, this woman rocks. Of course Katie is young and the full story of her life has yet to unfold. Mrs. Aylward's life however was made into a movie starring Ingred Bergman.<br />
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<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/reason-for-god-belief-age-skepticism/timothy-keller/9781594483493/pd/483493?item_code=WW&netp_id=573438&event=ESRCQ&view=details">The Reason for God, Belief in an Age of Scepticism by Timothy Keller</a> Just when I thought I had had enough of apologetics, I picked up this book. I half expected it to regurgitate what I have already read in numerous other books but that was not the case. Many of the texts I have read on this subject concentrate on hard science, archeology, and antiquities. This book however addresses the difficult questions that skeptics ask such as, "How could a loving God allow bad things to happen?" and "What's the deal with the whole cross thing? Why did God decide Jesus had to die? Couldn't he just forgive us and move on?" Every sceptic and christian should read this book! I HIGHLY recommend it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spoken-Heart-Laura-Bush/dp/1439155216/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357673874&sr=8-1&keywords=laura+bush">Laura Bush, Spoken From the Heart by Laura Bush</a> I was curious to see what this Texas native had to say about life in the white house, politics, and her husband's presidency. When she began with her childhood in west Texas I soon forgot I was reading a political book. She is close in age to my mother-in-law who grew up in a small west Texas town centered around the oil industry and has since passed away. Strangely, it felt good just to read her beginnings as if I were reading Linda's. But post-college their stories take different routes! Once we hit the White House years I was overwhelmed. The time spent in that house seems to be marked by tragedy and travel. And the travel just shows you all those in the world who are suffering and need help. I cannot imagine the burden every presidential family must feel during the time they serve. It's as if the whole world lays injustices at your feet and begs for mercy. I found myself googling charities and looking for ways I could help with every turn of page.<br />
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There were other books I read this fall but not many. We traveled quite a bit and traveling with kiddo does not allow for time to sit in read. There are so many more on my list to read and so little time to do so! Now, if I listed all the children's book I read we would have an awesome list!<br />
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Sunday, September 30, 2012<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/True-Truth-Defending-Absolute-Relativistic/dp/0830832351/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349031100&sr=8-1&keywords=true+truth">True Truth</a> by Art Lindsley. This is a very interesting book on apologetics in a post modernism world. I was shocked to realize how much post modernism effects my own thinking though I didn't know before the source of these ideas. These ideas have inundated our culture. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mercy-Rose-Trilogy-Book/dp/076420601X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349031382&sr=1-1&keywords=the+rose+trilogy+book+3">The Mercy</a> by Beverly Lewis. This was may break from the heavy reading I have been doing. If I don't get a little fluff fiction in every now and then my head will explode! I can always count on the Amish for a sweet, light-hearted, inspirational read. The Mercy is the third book in The Rose Trilogy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-History-Medieval-World-Constantine/dp/0393059758/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349031318&sr=8-1&keywords=susan+wise+bauer+history+of+the+medieval+world">The History of the Medieval World</a> by Susan Wise Bauer. Wow. This one took me a couple of months to read mainly because I needed breaks. The text was very interesting but I could only read, "...and they stormed the city killing 10,000 that day and bashing the infants heads against rocks," so many times before you feel like the sky is falling and you must go tell the king. And in the middle ages those conquering and those being conquered changes by the minute calling for a new time of killing and infant bashing. Don't get me wrong, this book was FASCINATING and I highly recommend it but the information is overwhelming. In hind sight I wish I had jotted down on the bottom of every page the death tolls. It has to be astonishing and makes me feel very lucky to like in our current time. But at the same time it makes me realize how rare peace is (yes I know we have troops overseas but we are not currently under siege being starved to death dying by the thousands every day.) and that we should feel fortunate to have experienced it at all. This unique time of the development of Islam and Christianity in the middle ages also makes this one a must read to shed light on current events. But I suppose history always sheds light on current events and helps us to know where people are coming from in their intentions.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Temple-Tale-Fall-Jerusalem/dp/1451592906/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349031439&sr=1-1&keywords=for+the+temple+by+g.a.+henty">For the Temple</a> by G.A. Henty. This historical fiction author is new to me but considering he wrote in the 1800's he is not really new at all. I found the story about a heroic Jewish man trying to save the temple from Roman destruction provided new insight into this time period (79AD/CE). This was not a historical figure I had heard of before but apparently is well documented. Although I do not know how historically accurate Henty's writing is. Most modern historical fiction writers will include and epilogue to let the reader know what is fact and where in the story they took liberties. Unfortunately Henty did not do this. He has written dozens of other books about historic heros from ancient times until his own modern time and every time period in between. I look forward to exploring his writing more. I did see online that he has been criticized for using racial slurs. I did not come across this in that book and I can't help but wonder if he was only writing in a politically correct way for his time period and not our own. I was surprised to find that he was considered controversial and I don't think it would be fair to judge one for not having the foresight to see what would be the political dynamic 200 years into the future. But, I am not expert and I have read only one of his works. In the future I will keep my eyes open as I read (obviously I always do this. Haha.) Oh, by the way this is another one of those where 10,000 people die on every page. Now that this book is finished I am in search of major fluff fiction!<br />
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August 29, 2012<br />
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-sin-eater-francine-rivers/1100319211">The Last Sin Eater</a> by Francine Rivers. It's a light but interesting read about a group of 2nd generation Scottish settlers in America during the 1800's. Delightful.<br />
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secrets-of-the-baby-whisperer-for-toddlers-tracy-hogg/1100292650?ean=9780345440921">Secrets of the Baby Whisperer for Toddlers</a> by Tracy Hogg. This was more for the 9-18 month old rather than an almost 3 year old. There was much about baby proofing and learning to walk which is a stage we have long passed. There were a few nuggets that I captured from this book however it would have been more beneficial if I had read it a couple of years ago (which is when someone recommended it to me! Oh, well. So much to read, so little time.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/educating-the-whole-hearted-child-clay-clarkson/1004809254?ean=9781888692006">Educating The Whole Hearted Child</a> by Clay Clarkson. I am thankful that my friend Kathy recommended this book to me which I read cover to cover. However, it overwhelmed me! I have spent the last several weeks reading homeschooling books, curriculum, catalogues, discussion boards and websites. I was really trying to just nail down the basic nuts and bolts of homeschooling and then add in the details as we go. And this book if full of details, wonderful details. It's been helpful but shelved at this point until I catch my breath a bit and can pull it out and add more details into our homeschool life. <br />
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-well-trained-mind-revised-and-udated-10th?store=ALLPRODUCTS&keyword=the+well+trained+mind+revised+and+udated+10th">The Well-Trained Mind</a> by Susan Wise Bauer. Obviously I read this one once again in light of school beginning. It's funny to me how people say that classical education is overwhelming yet I came away from reading this book thinking for the first time, "I can totally do this!" Suddenly homeschooling seemed doable. Oh, well. To each his own. This just must be my style I guess.<br />
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/case-for-the-real-jesus-lee-strobel/1101956926?ean=9780310292012">The Case for the Real Jesus</a> by Lee Strobel. Wow. He never disappoints in his research. This book was fascinating! He always seems to combine my favorite things; God, history, science, archeology, culture, and research. But to be honest I had never heard of many of these "cases against Christ." Now I understand so much more about where an atheist or agnostic is coming from. I know not everyone is a research nerd like me but I think you should research the faith you choose to build your life around. And if you are an atheist you are putting a lot of faith into the idea that there is no God out there when science and history prove otherwise.<br />
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Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-45080097995420163812012-09-17T14:59:00.000-05:002012-09-17T14:59:26.230-05:00How is that homeschooling thing going?Everywhere I go this is the question I am asked lately. It's probably the most logical question one could ask at a time when I am starting my first year ever of homeschooling. This is a question I should expect to be asked and have an answer prepared. And yet, I've got nothing!<br />
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How is it going? I haven't a clue!<br />
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Let's preface this conversation with a little background information about myself. I like to be knowledgeable about what I am doing. Reading and research dominates my free time on a wide range of subjects from nutrition/health, religion, history, finances, and other more bizarre topics. Homeschooling has been no different and the stack of well-worn homeschooling how-to's, curricula, and philosophy books proves I've done my homework. <br />
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Unfortunately no amount of book knowledge replaces the value of experience and experience is what I lack. Although numerous friends homeschool I am not in there house day after day to see what it really looks like. And my personal school experiences have been outside of the home. Therefor I haven't a clue as to "how we are doing." I have no ruler on which to measure our experience by.<br />
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This is where the veterans come in and say, "It looks different at every house. You just have to find out what works for you and your family." Drats! This is similar to the advice I give my clients who initially seek nutrition counseling and ask, "Can't you just give me the written diet you give everyone else that will cure all my problems and make me healthy?" No such diet exists! Everyone's body has different needs, various past medical histories, and personal preferences. Numerous times I have told overwhelmed newbies that they will have to learn to listen to their bodies and together we will figure out the details of the diet. "You just have to find out what works for you and your family," I tell them. And now I see their frustration.<br />
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But being frustrated over a truth makes it no less true. It's easy for me as the expert to see the wisdom in my advice but the novice wants the knowledge handed over in a neat little package. The package that they are seeking is experience and it comes in neither form of neat or tidy. Nor can it come from a book.<br />
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I am the novice in this story. I've read the books, formed a plan but I still lack the experience. And in my frustration I question if I am spending too much time with my student or not enough. Are we spending too much time on curricula and not enough on Real Books? Or are we wasting our days away reading too many Real books and neglecting the curriculum? Should I be able to maintain my household chores easily? Is my two-year-old getting enough attention while I am busy with my student? What if we are done with school early in the day? Did I not plan enough work? Does this mean we are slackers? What if we are not done with school until after 3? Shouldn't homeschoolers be done with school early in the day? Am I overworking her? We are having fun but are we having too much fun and not doing enough work? Or are we not having enough fun?<br />
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Who in the world knows! But I suppose we will figure out what works for us over time. At least that's what they tell me. For now, I know who in the world knows. God knows. So although my fellow homeschoolers will not relinquish all their secrets and answer my mounting questions I know One who will show us where we need to be. My questions will go to Him. His grace is sufficient for me an my little homeschooler.<br />
<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-71408051363973040392012-08-15T17:59:00.000-06:002012-08-15T17:59:30.467-06:00The truth is...I heard a discussion at church the other day that there was difficulty in finding people to work our AWANA program. "People don't want to volunteer their time because they think the kids aren't really learning anything. They may memorize the verses but they don't know what they mean. And they probably don't even remember them after they walk out of our church doors. The kids only remember the verses long enough to get credit for them," it has been said. Someone even mentioned the good old days of GA's and RA's (Girls in Action and Royal Ambassadors).<br />
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Brainstorming in my head turned into a stroll down memory lane to my own GA years. I didn't get all of my patches by 6th grade because I failed to memorize all those verses. My memory cannot recall all the verses I did memorize with the exception of one or two. A memory that is clear as day in my head is of me looking at the "Be-attitudes" that I was suppose to memorize and thinking, "Oh, crap." However, I don't actually remember if I got over that, "oh crap" moment and memorized them.<br />
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Was the program a failure?<br />
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Past the memories of the legalistic parts of the program my memories get a bit meatier. Camps at Mount Lebanon where older teenagers and even college students took time out of their oh-so-cool schedule to mentor us come to mind. And how about, "Love in Any Language,"? That was the theme song ONE year (not every year) of camp and to this day if one of my fellow HRBC childhood friends begin to sing the song we all chime in. I think I even remember some of the hand motions. (We actually did this at Rachel's baby shower where all of her post-childhood friends stared oddly at us.)<br />
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But deeper than "Love In Any Language," I remember missions (I just got goose bumps as I typed the word! That's an important memory right there.). Missionaries who shared their amazing stories of salvation and God's provision, their books I read over and over again, and famous missionaries we studied about but never met who had a depth of passion I could not fathom. The impact was HUGE! GA's gave me a heart for missions that has ached inside me for decades. I've begged God to call me to far off lands to do "mission work" but in recent years I am realizing that the mission field is all around me. That realization too is fed by my roots in GA's.<br />
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Bringing it back to AWANAs I can tell you that I have sat amazed and watched as High School girls have told me stories of using scripture memorized years ago in AWANAs at our local schools. Debates happen with atheists, agnostics, and kids who just don't know what they believe. And time and time again our girls have been bold enough in apologetics to back their beliefs in scripture. Sometimes it's a verse they have memorized and other times they pull their bible out of their back pack and search a bit for it. But they know it is in there.<br />
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At the age of eight we probably don't have the full understanding of bible verses but it plants a seed. And as kids experience grace, trust, mercy, bad decisions, and good ones they will begin to understand the depth of those words they memorized. This part can't be taught.<br />
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I'm not writing here to campaign for one children's program over another. I'm only trying to remind myself of the truth that our "work for the Lord is not in vain" 1 Corinthians 15:58. Many times I have wondered if I am ever making a difference in the ministries I participate in. There are days when God feeds me with people telling me I have made an eternal difference in their life but that doesn't happen every day. There are seasons when I put forth so much effort with NO FEEDBACK. Has this ministry had an impact on anyone? Is it worth it?<br />
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The truth is...we won't know this side of heaven. One can never know what is going on in someone elses heart. So we press on and stay the course (and follow all those other wise "Paul sayings) because we can rest in the truth that our work is not in vain.<br />
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Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-22231596852182519592012-07-22T08:54:00.000-06:002012-07-22T19:27:50.062-06:00Book List for 2012This is more for my own documentation.<br />
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So far this year I have read:<br />
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July 22nd:<br />
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I finished the BIBLE! Yea! Every time I was in between a bible study for the past few years I caught up on my reading-through-the-bible project and a few weeks ago I finished. It brought to light things in a whole new way and raised questions as well. Both are good things. I even found a few nooks and crannies in there that I had not read before which I didn't think would happen since I have been in church all my life.<br />
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Kisses from Katie which I already posted <a href="http://christina-glamoroushousewife.blogspot.com/2012/07/kisses-from-katie.html">here</a>. Here are the highlights of what I took away: I need to trust God more, say yes more, and treat my town like a mission field. Seriously, what would I be doing differently right now if I were a missionary in Africa? Many of those same problems are just a neighborhood away. My buddy Katy and I are praying and brainstorming ideas of what we can do to be Katie-like which is actually Christ-like.<br />
July 8th:<br />
I know I haven't posted in a while but last week was our first full week at home since Memorial Day. For 5 weeks straight we were only home a handful of days. That my friends (all 5 of you out there reading this ;) is craziness. I read a few non-fiction books that did not meet our family's needs therefore I won't be discussing them here. They weren't bad books. They just didn't apply to our family at this stage of the game therefore I'm not in a place to talk about them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Illusion-A-Novel-Frank-Peretti/dp/1439192677/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341779972&sr=8-1&keywords=illusion">Illusion by Frank Peretti</a> I like christian fiction but sometimes I feel like it's the same tale over and over again and only the names and places are changed. It all boils down to the lost being saved. That's not a bad plot but I need a bit more variety. Peretti is a christian author who writes suspense. So I can have the adventure that I love minus excessive cussing with the bonus of a relatable character. For example if Peretti were writing about an alien attack (there is sci-fi in this book but not aliens), the main character might think, "I am running for my life from the aliens. Should I lie to get away? God I don't want to lie but how do I get away?" Minus the aliens, I have conversations with God like that every day and if I were being chased by aliens, those same thoughts would run through my head! I can relate! This was my first book of Peretti's to read and hopefully I will be enjoying more of his works this summer. For some reason this is my favorite time of year to read fiction and let my brain rest!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-World-History-Classical-Renaissance/dp/1933339101/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341780418&sr=1-1&keywords=story+of+the+world+volume+2">Story of the World, Volume II by Susan Wise Bauer</a> This may be a history textbook for a second grader but don't underestimate it's worth. I read this while we were relaxing on the beach for a week (Savannah was had already been listening to next years textbook on CD so I had to catch up with her!) and could not put it down! Periodically while reading it I would catch myself saying out loud, "oh! I never knew that!" or "Oh! So that's why..." or "Wow! Now everything I heard in school makes sense!" First of all you must realize that the book contains history of the Middle Ages in story format making it a very palatable tale for readers young and old. There is a concentration on relationships and dynamics instead of dates and facts. And part of history is literature, food, culture, and religion not just wars. Although difference in these things can lead to war! And understanding where people where coming from helps one also understand the war. <br />
The book begins with the fall of the Roman Empire the dives into the spread of Christianity, birth of the Muslim faith and it's spread, and the start of Hindu. Getting into the truly dark ages you learn about the crusades and the birth of the nations that we know today such as France, England, Spain, China, India, Japan, and numerous others. It so fascinating that I ordered the adult version (and much larger) by the same author, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/History-Medieval-World-Conversion-Constantine/dp/0393059758/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341780970&sr=1-1&keywords=medieval+history">The History of the Medieval World</a> and plan to read it soon!<br />
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May 17:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Judgment-Rose-Trilogy/dp/B005IUXWXO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337269089&sr=8-1">The Judgement by Beverly Lewis</a> Sometimes I have to take a break from educational material to prevent my head from exploding. Fiction is my method of mentally checking out for a while. The last time I indulged in christian Amish fiction was 2 1/2 years ago when I was pregnant with Arch. I read the first book in this series (The Rose Series) and then forgot about it. Luckily by the time I remembered it not only had the 2nd book been published but also the third. All of Lewis' books are light weight easy reads. Also this book if the first of hers that has not made me want to do nothing but bake bread, quilt with friends, and have babies. And that's a good thing. The plot goes beyond baking, babies, and quilting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Imagineering-Field-Guide-Epcot-Disney/dp/0786848863/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337269477&sr=1-1">The Imagineering Field Guide to EPCOT</a> As a rule of thumb, I am not into theme parks. But the level of detail and story built into everything single thing from rides to trash cans at the Disney Parks fascinates me. This book is a behind the scene look at EPCOT through the eyes of those who designed it, the imagineers. My attention was captivated but frankly speaking, I am a nerd. Tip: this would be good educational reading for kids who have a trip to WDW in the near future. There is much to be learned in the fields of design, engineering, architecture, horticulture, customer service, and more.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Their-Own-Way-Discovering-Intelligences/dp/1585420514/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337269905&sr=1-1">In Their Own Wat by Thomas Armstrong, PhD</a> I am curious if any of you teachers out there have read this and what your thoughts are. I found the book interesting although it concentrates most on children who have been diagnosed with ADHD or other learning disorders. I did pick up a few things from the "multiple intelligences". But some of his tips for classrooms seem down right impossible. I'd like to know someone else's thoughts on the book.<br />
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April 21:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Life-Times-Witch-Years/dp/0061862312/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1335140259&sr=8-3">Wicked by Gregory Maguire</a> Oh, what can I say about Wicked? Well, it was an awesome musical that I saw on Broadway. Wait, that has nothing to do with the book! OK, suffice to say that most folks in my circle of friends would not enjoy this book. I am not a book critic nor do I want to or have the authority to slam an author. In fact I purposely do not report any nutrition books I read that are terrible (I recently read one with no bibliography!!! Do you understand what I am saying? A book proclaiming "truth" in a science field with absolutely no bibliography! I was shocked) just to avoid publicly degrading someone. And I am not saying anything bad about this author but the unusual sexual escapades and views on religion (society needs it even though it is false) do not fit the tastes of most of my friends. I only report on it now because the musical is so popular that someone like me might pick up the book thinking it would be something they might enjoy. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Order-Book-The-Why/dp/0800734068/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335140979&sr=1-1">The Birth Order Book by Kevin Leman</a> This was funny and insightful. Of course it was entertaining. It was written by a baby of his family! Now I know why Savannah wants to do 4th grade math in first grade and why Archer thinks its funny to say "yellow" when I ask him what color the red apple is (meanwhile I am thinking about preschool tutoring!. Just kidding, kind of.) It even helped me understand myself.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Every-Sunday-School-Teacher-Should/dp/0830728740/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335141200&sr=1-1">What Every Sunday School Teacher Should Know by Elmer Towns</a> This was given to me on teacher appreciation Sunday. It's an easy read with lots of helpful hints and reminders. I love my girls and I pray I am making a difference. I wish this guy would write a larger book. It wouldn't hurt for me to read a 900 page manual on teaching high school girls Sunday school!<br />
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March:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Well-Educated-Mind-Classical-Education/dp/0393050947/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334674673&sr=1-1">The Well Educated Mind: A Guide to the Classical Education You Never had </a>by Susan Wise Bauer.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Not-Fan-Becoming-Completely-Committed/dp/0310331935/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334674783&sr=1-1">Not a Fan </a>by Kyle Idleman. This book is all the rage in the world of Christianity so I felt a little guilty when I found the book annoying. The first half of the book struck me as another one of those scare-you-into-thinking-you-are-not-really-saved speeches (everyone else loves it so I'm sure it's just me). But the last half of the book is very convicting about how we live out our christian life. Periodically God pushes me into an area where I am uncomfortable. But I have noticed that lately I have become very comfortable. I'm still in all those areas that were once uncomfortable but they no longer are stretching and growing my faith. This book gave me the little shove I needed to branch out yet again. Overall it's a very good read!<br />
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January:<br />
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fiery-cross-diana-gabaldon/1100291918?ean=9780440221661&itm=6&usri=gabaldon+diana+outlander+series+in+order">The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon</a><br />
Fiction<br />
This is the 5th book in her Outlander series. I almost quit this series because the foul language from one of the main characters is so distracting. But I must say it lessens with each novel in the series. Her writing is brilliant. That said, her books are not an easy read which causes you to go slow and linger over words and imagery.<br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/memoirs-of-cleopatra-margaret-george/1100355767?ean=9780312187453&itm=1&usri=the+memoirs+of+cleopatra">The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George</a><br />
Historical fiction<br />
Cleopatra, Ceasar, and Mark Antony are all stories we have heard. But considering the Roman Empire eventually won, the stories are often told from a Roman point of view until now. The craziest parts of Cleopatra's life are actually well documented as true. She was a bigger than lifer kind of person who has forever changed the Shakespearean image of the old man Ceasar into on of a hottie. Yeah, that's right. I call Ceasar a hottie (what I like to call old man hottie. Think Sean Connery and Harrison Ford).<br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/well-trained-mind-susan-wise-bauer/1102003797?ean=9780393067088&itm=1&usri=the+well+trained+mind">The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer</a>A great read whether your children are going to a public school, home school, or private school. Invaluable information lies within it's pages.<br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/heaven-is-for-real?store=ALLPRODUCTS&keyword=heaven+is+for+real">Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo</a><br />
This is about a 4 year-old boy who almost dies. Over the next year he says a few odd things to his parents and eventually they realize he has been to heaven. The boy's description of what he experienced forever changed my view of heaven and our Savior. A caption for the small little book would not do it justice and derives it's own post. We also read, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heaven-is-for-real-for-kids-todd-burpo/1102843965?ean=9781400318704&itm=3&usri=heaven+is+for+real">Heaven is for Real for Kids</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/thou-shall-prosper-ten-commandments-for-making-money?store=ALLPRODUCTS&keyword=thou+shall+prosper+ten+commandments+for+making+money">Thou Shall Prosper</a><br />
A Jewish Rabi shares the reasons the Jewish community tends to prosper financially (hint: it has a lot to do with how they view life)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Acuff/e/B002Q36ZTE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1330700568&sr=1-1">Quitter by Jon Acuff</a><br />
Funny! And informative.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seed-Member-Book-Pack-1/dp/1415869588/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330700509&sr=1-1">Seeds by Priscilla Shirer</a><br />
Great bible study<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/90-Minutes-Heaven-Story-Death/dp/B002IT5OKW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332881768&sr=1-1">90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper</a>. I was on a heaven kick after Heaven is for Real! Not a bad kick to be on :)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Traveler-York-Edition/dp/1426205236/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332882075&sr=1-1">National Geographic Traveler</a>: New York: My first travel book to read by them. Great information but not as all-inclusive with information as Frommer's guides are. If this were my first time to travel to NYC I would probably still pick up Frommers.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Frommers-NYC-Free-Dirt-Cheap/dp/0470643749/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332882192&sr=1-1">NYC Free and Cheap:</a> This one is great. Of, course! It's by Frommer's.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lion-Witch-Wardrobe-Celebration-Edition/dp/0061715050/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332882265&sr=1-2">The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe </a>by C.S. Lewis on cd in the car with the kids.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Narnia-Full-Color-Collectors-Edition/dp/0064409406/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332882408&sr=1-6">The Horse and His Boy </a>by C.S. Lewis on cd in the car with the kids.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prince-Caspian-Return-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B001I45UFW/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332882461&sr=1-8">Prince Caspian </a>by C.S. Lewis on cd in the car with the kids.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-1033868286356145702012-07-13T23:41:00.000-06:002012-07-14T08:09:18.598-06:00Kisses From Katie<br />
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<img alt="Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption" class="product-image image img book product-expand-view" data-bn-cache="%7B%22values%22%3A%5B%22Product%20Image%22%2C%22Hero%20Product%22%2C%22ProductImageMain%22%5D%2C%22isPageAware%22%3Atrue%2C%22nodes%22%3A%5B%5D%7D" data-bntrack="ProductImageMain" height="320" id="yui_3_5_1_1_1342244274102_927" itemprop="image" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/177150000/177153482.JPG" width="208" /></div>
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Imagine you have just graduated high school and instead of heading off to college in the fall you fly halfway around the world to Uganda. You think it's only one year of mission work then your back in the old US OF A to get a degree, marry your high school sweet heart, and finish your fairy tale with a happy ending.<br />
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But instead you stay in Uganda, adopt 14 children by the age of 22 as single mom and start a huge ministry while living amongst extreme poverty, disease, heartache and filth. <br />
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Let's see now. I am trying to think back to my own college years and how I used that time. Not well my friends. Not well.<br />
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As I read Katie Davis' story in book, Kisses From Katie I began to notice at every crossroads in her life I would have chosen opposite of her.<br />
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College or Africa? Well, you can do more good in the long run if you have an education.<br />
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Get married or Africa? Well, if I go back to America and get married I could probably still run my ministry and raise more money and awareness from there than in Africa. And two are better than one.<br />
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Adopt children in Africa or just run my ministry? If I adopt children here in Africa I can never bring them to the USA therefore I am committing to living here forever. Is that fair to me or these children? No. Especially since I'm not even married. I should probably just run my ministry.<br />
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Should I still allow sick people into my home with AIDS, scabies, worms, lice, skin diseases and other serious illnesses now that I have children? No. God gave me these children and I have to protect them first and foremost. That work will have to someone else without young children at home.<br />
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Should I still cook for the 200 children in my ministry who come over on Saturdays for praise and worship now that I have 14 children? No. That's too much. I need to cutback and put my family first. (I cannot imagine having 200 children in my home on a weekly basis!)<br />
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So now you have seen my answers to questions Katie has had to answer, And basically, I suck.<br />
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The truth is she has gotten an education by staying in Uganda that no university could provide. And although she may not be married, she is loved by thousands and even better, has the deep love of her 14 children. And do you know that her house is a refuge for the sick in which she nurses them back to health. She turns no one away and each time God protects her children from disease. The food doesn't run out, every answer is yes, and God continues to bless.<br />
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She has done so much at a young age. Was I not called to do great things or have I just answer incorrectly to God's calling over and over again?<br />
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Her faith amazes me. She was more spiritually mature at 18 than I am today. She calls me out on my many flaws of mothering without even trying to. The wisdom in her voice is that of a woman far beyond here years and more to the tune of an elderly woman who has already seen all of life.<br />
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"My knees are dusty orange, stained by the soil into which they press for hours as I beg God for mercy and strength to continue. My tears flow in puddles that do not soak into the red, parched earth of Uganda. The puddles and the color of my knees remind me that I was not to leave this life unstained or unscarred. Even Jesus kept his scars after the resurrection. My stains are beautiful to Him and as I become dirtier and more beat up, I am hoping to become perfect, transformed into the image of the one who made me. And I am thankful." -Katie Davis<br />
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When I grow up I want to be like Katie Davis. I am praying I grow up today.<br />
<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-4780778126045634082012-05-05T14:09:00.000-06:002012-05-05T14:09:00.316-06:00Big Apple Anniversary/Part 2/Food TourThe first night we arrived in New York we got off the plane starving. Our plans were to try the much raved about, <a href="http://eatalyny.com/">Eataly</a>. This is an ultra sleek and trendy market and home of numerous restaurants (coffee, pizza, gelato, paninis, pasta, wine and cheese, these are all individual places to eat not just what they offer! Choices abound.). It's huge, crowded, and chaotic. We walked in hungry and overwhelmed during the 7:30 dinner rush. Once we got our barrings we put our name on the list (every place had a wait) for the restaurant on the roof. Excellent Italian food and a view of NYC were an appropriate way to start off our anniversary trip. We will certainly be going back to Eataly on our next visit. But this time we will have a plan as to avoid the deer in the headlights experience of this trip.<br />
The next morning we headed out fairly early to the Lower East Side where the Tenement Museum was calling our name. But as we strolled through Little Italy on our way, we could not pass up the chance to grab a bite at <a href="http://www.ferraracafe.com/nyc/">Ferrara</a>, a 100 year old Italian cafe. Mark and I each had an Italian pastry and split a savory panini with coffee. I personally don't do well with sweets for breakfast but when in Rome (and when they are this good) why not! Just as a side note, wherever I go I am always aware of how people generally eat in the area. A few locals in the cafe caught my attention by their sweet coffee drinks with whip cream and massive amounts of pastries. I would pass out of a sugar coma if I ate all that with no protein, aspecially at breakfast. I'm curious if this is a daily routine or if they do this every once in a while. You can take the dietitian on vacation but you can take the dietitian part out of vacation. Sorry.<br />
After a late breakfast and a busy day of museums we were not hungry for lunch until about 2:30 or 3. We had made our way to SoHo in search of Housing Works Bookstore when we stumbled upon <a href="http://www.backfortynyc.com/">Back Forty</a> about a block from the bookstore. This is a locavore/farm to table restaurant, not something I expected to find in the middle of an enormous city (there definition of local I'm sure is more than a few miles radius ;). We were quickly enticed to try the appetizer of green chili pork faee nuggets which were bits of pork jowl fried with a green chili sauce served with a pickled red onion. Have you ever had a combination of food that was so well thought out that it brought together flavors in ways you could not have imagined? Mark and I could have ordered platters and platters of these. Instead we moved on to the main course where each of us had a grass-fed burger. And I must say it could have been the best burger of my life.<br />
Day 2 led us WAY uptown to The Cloisters. But before we got to 191st street we stopped in on the Upper West Side and ate breakfast at <a href="http://www.vivelacrepe.fr/">Vive la crepe!</a> By the 3rd bite Mark wanted to open up a Vive la crepe in our own town! He had fallen deeply in love. Mark had some kind of omelet in his crepe and I had gruyere and ham. Did I mention that these crepes are folded into a cone so you can carry it away and eat on the go? This is a version of fast food I can handle. For dessert Mark and I split a dark chocolate crepe that oozed deep, rich, melted yumminess.<br />
After visiting the Cloisters we made our way back down to Uptown and sought out a place for lunch. Once we noticed we were starving, we simply looked around for a place to eat. One does not need to search far in NYC. There sat <a href="http://www.cafefiorello.com/">Cafe Fiorello </a>with outdoor seating available on a perfect sunny spring day. We split a margarita pizza and each had salads. The food and service were great but the experience was more than that. The temperature was perfect with sunshine but still comfortable in jeans and a 3/4 sleeved shirt. Patrons around us seemed likewise to be having a wonderful day and we all exchanged chatter. Two ladies a table over announced to the rest of us that they had not seen each other in over 20 years and had just run into each other by chance. Another charming couple beside us were from Mexico and in NYC wrapping up a 3 week honeymoon which they spent mostly in Europe. The whole afternoon was nothing less than delightful.<br />
I must note that people everywhere were like what I just described in the previous paragraph. Tourist and locals alike were always very friendly. Mark and I experienced the same thing both trips to NYC. Many times a New Yorker would joke with us Texans about how rude they were. And I would think to myself, "Rude? Here you are talking to a stranger." Don't tell the New Yorkers but their bark is bigger than their bite. They are a friendly bunch whether they admit it or not.<br />
Saturday we tackled the monstrous <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/">Metropolitan Museum of Art</a>. And once again we suddenly noticed we were starving. I knew if we left the museum for lunch I would never get Mark back in. So we dined inside at one their many restaurants. The food was good but not necessarily memorable. But the setting was gorgeous as I ate facing and enormous wall of windows 3 stores high overlooking Central Park.<br />
For our last night in NYC Mark and I chose to eat at our favorite restaurant, <a href="http://leshalles.net/brasserie/">Les Halles</a> and celebrate our 10th anniversary. Our waiter greeted us and then noted that he was completely doped up on allergy medicine. I was a bit worried about his server capabilities at this point. But he came though with flying colors and the meal was a hit. Mark secretly asked the waiter if we could move to an outside table for dessert seeing how it was a beautiful night. He obliged gladly assuring us it would not mess up his tip for us to change tables. There we met yet another friendly couple at the table next to us. <br />
Some moments in like are so picturesque you feel like you are in a movie. Most of our trip felt this way. It was great to be together, just the two of us like it was in the beginning 10 years ago.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-44683944158974598032012-04-19T20:56:00.000-05:002012-04-19T20:56:52.158-05:00Big Apple Anniversary/Part 1/The Museum TourMark and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary with a kid less trip to New York City. And what better way to celebrate never ending love than with an near-endless parade of museums! Hey, don't knock it. It's my love language. <br />
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Day 1 began with The Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side. This building was condemned in 1935 but never torn down. And there it sat for decades as a time capsule. This is the BEST museum in NYC if you want a real taste of the city. You literally get to step into the lives of immigrants and see how they lived and follow real life stories. The two families we followed lead right up to real people living in New york today. As we walked the stairs we touched the banister that about 7,000 immigrants used between the 1800's and 1935. But the side effect of such amazing stories of triumph is that you will leave there feeling like your own generation is a bunch of whiny, spoiled wimps! Hard times are not when you are unable to buy the newest iPhone! <br />
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Later that day we ended up at Francis Tavern in the Financial District. You may ask how a colonial building from the 1700's survived amongst the skyscrapers shinning of modern prosperity in the financial district? Well, George Washington took his men here for a celebratory meal at the end of the Revolutionary War. In a city that has been remade and torn down for bigger and better time and time again, only I would search out for the oldest and smallest! They are still serving food and there is a museum inside. <br />
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Day 2 sent us WAY up to 191st street! Tyron Park is beautiful in the springtime. And nestled in the back sits a hidden Manhattan gem, The Cloisters. <br />
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This museum incorporated recovered architectual pieces from the middle ages into it's building. Although they are all well labeled, the conglomerate is really seamless and you feel transported to Europe all for a $2.10, 20 minute subway ride. <br />
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Religious art reigned here with several pieces of architechture from cathedrals (1500's-1600's). Even the windows were stained glass from ruins. <br />
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And then there were the infamous medival unicorn tapestries. If your kids read the Magic Treehouse books. This is THE ONE! <br />
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Day 3 we hit the Metropolotan Museum of Art which is bigger than my neighborhood. There is so much more museum to the left of this picture that I could not fit in the screen. I suppose this is about half the museum. And no, we did not see it all. That might have prevented an 11th anniversary. <br />
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We hit the Greek and Roman art since we've had a lot of that time peroid around our house this year. Here is old Cesear himself. <br />
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And we couldn't pass up Ancient Egypt. Here is Queeh Hatsheput (she is the only woman who got to be Pharoah!). She is a favorite of ours. <br />
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Next up: Part 2/Food Tour</div>
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P.S. My spell check seems to be stuck or not working at this time. I'm sure there are a few things wrong in this post but I am kind of over it at this point so you will just have to live with it! :)</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-23153831827180074732012-04-02T09:01:00.003-05:002012-04-02T09:41:09.552-05:00Cliff Jumping Is a Viable HobbySometimes you just need to jump off a cliff. How bad could it be? Some even say it's a thrill of a lifetime.<br /><br />When I look back at my life there are a few cliffs I wish I would have jumped off. In college I wish I had taken the time to go work at Walt Disney World for a summer. Instead I took heavy loads of classes as a summer pastime. Disney World does have a college internship program and I seem to have genetic material in place that makes me immune to the song, "It's a Small World." Seriously, I can listen to that song over and over again without losing my mind. Clearly I missed my calling. But still I did not take the time to explore the opportunity.<br /><br />Another wild seed I never did sew was in college degrees. My love of literature and history made me consider these as options for majors in college. But since I had no desire to be a school teacher it didn't seem practical. Yuck. I have a bit of disdain for the word, "practical." Because all too often I am more practical than I want to be. I fear it's a side effect of trying to be wise. In hind sight I could have taken the time to minor in one of these subjects but I was too goal oriented on my career path to see this as a viable option.<br /><br />I could go on about missed opportunities but instead I'll pause here to carpe diem and jump off this cliff before it too passes me by. You see we absolutely love the school Savannah attends. It's one of those situations where you walk in the door, meet the people and think, "This is home." As far as schools go, that is a rare find. But this voice inside me (AKA, God) began to whisper notions of homeschooling this past January. I thought this voice to be a bit of a jokester at first since we are content where we are. What would be the point of leaving?<br /><br />But as Mark and I began to talk about it, many reasons came to light as to why it would be wise to take this year off and home school (hey, maybe it can be wise to jump off a cliff!). And finally we got a deep-felt peace about homeschooling next year and dare I say...even excited about it? What it all came down to was this question, "Twenty years from now would I regret taking her out of a wonderful school for a year? Or would I regret not taking a year off for us to journey together through learning and spending time together with each other and extended family?" The hardest decisions are when you have to wonderful choices to choose from.<br /><br />Casting off fear of failure and knowledge of being within God's will we are leaping off a cliff with joy into the adventure of homeschooling for 1 year!<br /><br />P.S. I have no idea what's going to happen next. And that's ok.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-42577585480228099932012-03-08T12:23:00.003-05:002012-03-08T12:29:01.364-05:00The Dinosaur in Our KitchenArcher: Cake.<br />Me: What?<br />Archer: Cake. (As he points to his mouth)Yummy.<br />Me: Did you eat some cake?(I know for a fact that we have no cake in the house because if we did, I would be eating it!) <br />Archer: Yes. <br />Me: Where did you get the cake?<br />Archer: Kitchen. Dinosaur.<br />Me: You got the cake from a dinosaur?<br />Archer: Yes. Kitchen. Big one.<br />Me: You got cake from a big dinosaur in the kitchen.<br />Archer: Yes. Yummy! (said with a big smile.)<br /><br />Alrighty then.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-72103187498138219972012-02-28T10:12:00.002-05:002012-02-28T10:17:45.442-05:00Carry a TuneArcher's version of "Jesus Loves Me"<br /><br />"<strong>YES</strong>, (loudly) Jee zus of's <strong>ME</strong> (even louder)!<br /><strong>YES</strong>, Jee zus of's <strong>ME</strong>!<br /><strong>YES</strong> (even louder) Jee zuz of's <strong>ME</strong> (perhaps the loudest)<br />The baba ta me <strong>SOOOOOO</strong>! (practically screaming the last word)"<br /><br />Repeat<br />Repeat<br />Repeat<br />Repeat<br />Repeat<br />Repeat<br />Repeat<br />Repeat<br />Repeat<br />Repeat<br />Repeat<br /><br />Well, you get the idea.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-42075527085801527482012-02-16T14:23:00.005-05:002012-02-16T14:56:45.897-05:00Amused and BemusedAlthough today is Mark's birthday, I can't ignore that I am about 6 months behind in blogging. So instead of doting on Mark in cyber-space I will have to do it in person later. Because today I am working on a 2 month old post, Archer's birthday.<br /><br />I have said many times that Savannah never ceases to amaze me. The wheels in her head are always turning and her brain is on fire! Yes, Savannah amazes me daily and Archer well, he amuses the heck out of me! From the day he flew out of the womb (and he did, but his birth story is another tale) he has bemused and amused me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_luzZW1dyf2C3TzZ0p2GsU4Jon_hpuc8CgrGlUivZs_CtF2rgNG-gjLZ01bHDjrb44Az34WKlYfT2IiGhRiOHl2bAUKpMcZqybAAiW9LqlchaPod2OxVw2FvV5xqeKm26tew6z42FOtk/s1600/Arcger%2527s+2nd+bday+031+%2528Small%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_luzZW1dyf2C3TzZ0p2GsU4Jon_hpuc8CgrGlUivZs_CtF2rgNG-gjLZ01bHDjrb44Az34WKlYfT2IiGhRiOHl2bAUKpMcZqybAAiW9LqlchaPod2OxVw2FvV5xqeKm26tew6z42FOtk/s320/Arcger%2527s+2nd+bday+031+%2528Small%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709817079575848802" /></a><br /><br />Mr. Arch spends his days singing at the top of his lungs Jesus Loves Me, ABC's, Jingle Bells, and Old Mc Donald. The funniest is Jingle Bells, "Jinga bell, jinga, bell, jinga bell...HEY!!!!" Loud emphasis on the "HEY!!!" If at some point in time you hear this in your living room, know that I am running with him in the stroller somewhere within a 3 mile radius of your house. He's that loud!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVS8i7UR46wFIiA4kET0JRSPaDCw6R2ow4WHh17UKyVLwpPz9HPYLn1ejc598VbnhGoFg_p0CjnyA0TuWzCftVQo5MXoJLqat2tBqv7_vV0QanUIf0ZCs8jDclojE22O4VCnJVN-qpvp4/s1600/Arcger%2527s+2nd+bday+018+%2528Small%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVS8i7UR46wFIiA4kET0JRSPaDCw6R2ow4WHh17UKyVLwpPz9HPYLn1ejc598VbnhGoFg_p0CjnyA0TuWzCftVQo5MXoJLqat2tBqv7_vV0QanUIf0ZCs8jDclojE22O4VCnJVN-qpvp4/s320/Arcger%2527s+2nd+bday+018+%2528Small%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709816958196829186" /></a><br /><br />His next favorite pass time is making out with his mom. And honestly I can't wait until he is 16 and I get to tell him that! Since infancy he has required, sought, and given more hugs and kisses than I ever dreamed a human could need. I complained about my neck hurting after a busy stressful day the other day and Archer came up to me and kissed my neck saying, "all better." So sweet. That's just the way he rolls. He will spot any "boo boo" on me and seek to make it better with kisses. Likewise he makes up numerous boo boo's of his own that need to be kissed. However sometimes they are real like just a few days ago when he took a bite of spicy sausage. He stuck out his tongue and said, "Hot, boo boo, kiss it." Laughing I told him I wasn't going to kiss his tongue and then he was of course heart broken. Needless to say, in the end I kissed his tongue!<br /><br />Bemused. Everything about him has been different from Savannah. And I don't mean this in a good verses bad sort of way but more of a what-in-the-world-do-I-do-about-this sort of way. I found myself at square one with child two. That means that when you see I have not blogged in a few month, I am busy trying to figure things out. The funny thing is, he is getting easier every day. I forsee a day when we will enter a new stage where he is the easier of the two children. But for know I am madly in love with this cuddly ball of amusing challenges.<br /><br />P.S. Archer's counting this week, "7, 8, 9, 10, 11, A, G, Z, B." Man, and I was beginning to be very impressed. Well, at least he got part of it!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-67970662474210025972012-02-08T13:50:00.004-05:002012-02-08T14:29:06.827-05:00I am a Toddler<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVE9DVrEhLb9TR1jaEywom6nUYXiqsInl2SiypKYd_2M6c2_GFO5VANrmhU008pzF8_pZXapjoD51ytKpAJTOSeFB1mNDmdz767SIaB0jEUjFZL53bvrkpDcDDA8oozxNy7ALPIXFoEDQ/s1600/Arcger%2527s+2nd+bday+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVE9DVrEhLb9TR1jaEywom6nUYXiqsInl2SiypKYd_2M6c2_GFO5VANrmhU008pzF8_pZXapjoD51ytKpAJTOSeFB1mNDmdz767SIaB0jEUjFZL53bvrkpDcDDA8oozxNy7ALPIXFoEDQ/s320/Arcger%2527s+2nd+bday+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706840363298028610" /></a><br /><br />Wednesdays are usually Archer's favorite day. Why? Because he get's to rock out like nobody's business at Kindermusik class with one of his favorite people, Mrs. Donnis (and me! I'm there too of course!) There's singing, dancing, instruments, friends, loudness, and sillyness. What toddler would not love such a weekly opportunity. <br /><br />But this paticular Wednesday morning. Archer was happy playing in his room at his train table. I called him over to me so that I could put his shoes on.<br /><br />"No." he firmly replied. (Poor child, he still thinks that's an appropriate answer to my commands. He will learn!)<br /><br />Still being patient I called him over again and assured him he needed to get his shoes on so that we could go to his favorite thing, kindermusik.<br /><br />"No," this time with dramatic head shaking.<br /><br />Five minutes later of this charade I was holding him down while he cried as I crammed his shoes on. He kept yelling "train, train, train, no shoes, no shoes, no shoes."<br /><br />Without any sympathy I wrestled him into the carseat threatening his life if he did not cooperate and off we went to Mrs. Donnis' Kindermusik class. At this point we were both in less than a party-like mood. But I knew once we got there he would have the time of his life even if it took him a while to get over his fit.<br /><br />We pulled into the parking lot and his face lit up, "kinmusik, kinmusik, instamints (instruments), fun, fun!"<br /><br />Frustrated and in my best I-told-you-so voice I said, "Archer, I have been telling you all morning that we were going to Kindermusik. That's why I wanted you to put your shoes on, so we could go."<br /><br />And he did have fun. That boy seriously does rock out in class. And then the rest of the day he repeats, "Donnis, fun. Donnis, fun."<br /><br />I put him down for a nap and opened my bible study and noticed this week was labeled, "control." Great. Let's learn about relequishing our plan and submitting to God's. Yikes.<br /><br />Suddenly this morning's events played back like a movie except I was the 2 year old. I literally saw myself throwing a fit over God's plan. How many times have I been so distracted by the mild nuseance of putting on by shoes that I failed to see the purpose was so I could go somewhere great. Well, that number is not for public knowledge. Sufice to say, way too many. <br /><br />And how many times have I been so content playing with the same old toys (good toys no less) at home that when God tries to move me to something new (and far beter) I hesitate because it was not my idea or I am fearful? If I could look up from my own personal desires (ultimate sign of a toddler) then I would see God was leading me into something far better, even if it does enatil a mundane car ride and getting out of my pajamas or even a little discomfort.<br /><br />Fear, control, self-centeredness all describe my toddler and myself. <br /><br />The remedy? Faith and submission.<br /><br />Exodus 4:10<br />But Moses pleaded with the Lord, 'O Lord, I'm not very good with words. I never have bee, and I'm not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied and my words get tangled.' Then the Lord asked Moses, 'Who makes a person's mouth? Who decided whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see?' Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with youas you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.' But again Moses pleaded, 'Lord, please! Send someone else.'Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-22097161200803452462011-11-25T20:56:00.002-05:002011-11-26T10:13:42.849-05:00Discovering ThanksgivingThrough the grapevine I had heard that Thanksgiving was a big deal at Savannah's new school. Still, I had no idea the production in store for the kids and parents until I arrived and the annual Thanksgiving Day Festival. <br /><br />Festivities began with Savannah's class reciting all of Psalms 100 in front of a sea of Native Americans spotted with a few pilgrims. That's right, all students, teachers, and some parents dressed the part for the day. Some of the costumes were very elaborate. <br /><br />Then the kindergartners put on an adorable short play telling the story of Thanksgiving. And then we were sent off to learn and play.<br /><br />The first stop for us was Thanksgiving art where they made authentic tie-dyed turkeys just like the pilgrims did! Just kidding, but it was a craft that Savannah greatly enjoyed. Here she is with her classmates and teacher.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozaqBq9Rbxp_YNcyooGFKMTnz-sx1t7REBJPKNNFrYSdjIfin54Qpti-4S6CAJ80GV5QfyYVitlZDTC0sLbisI1tnXRdh31tHB_z251B4V7no_DSP-Ls13-GJl0lkAV4c-K2p9k950lk/s1600/thanksgiving+001+%2528Small%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozaqBq9Rbxp_YNcyooGFKMTnz-sx1t7REBJPKNNFrYSdjIfin54Qpti-4S6CAJ80GV5QfyYVitlZDTC0sLbisI1tnXRdh31tHB_z251B4V7no_DSP-Ls13-GJl0lkAV4c-K2p9k950lk/s320/thanksgiving+001+%2528Small%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679120215895367170" /></a><br /><br />The final product which now hangs on our fridge.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7P863BbmM9TFPsuBkYL_hRWttN-ZzpVVNz8BDNdi5oG740UXkTlg7ZVSgI1t5BzT5KEJqB3t_2bdoy-ZjZwxbz5aAQvLCvCwKrpNhWyyl4kboAvv8vHequ8gYVBHkeFvfB4g_qUlRT7I/s1600/thanksgiving+003+%2528Small%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7P863BbmM9TFPsuBkYL_hRWttN-ZzpVVNz8BDNdi5oG740UXkTlg7ZVSgI1t5BzT5KEJqB3t_2bdoy-ZjZwxbz5aAQvLCvCwKrpNhWyyl4kboAvv8vHequ8gYVBHkeFvfB4g_qUlRT7I/s320/thanksgiving+003+%2528Small%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679120126915956066" /></a><br /><br />From there the class went to snack time where they learned about what the pilgrims probably ate that first Thanksgiving and were able to try a few new foods. Afterwards they got to Pet a few live animals and learn what the Native Americans and pilgrims would have used them. Thrown in there as well was storytime hosted by someone's grandmother who was absoulutly charming! She was the kind of woman you wanted to call Granny the first time you meet her even though she wasn't your granny.<br /><br />At this point the children were on a pilgrim high and it was time to bring them back to the deeper meaning of the holiday, thanking God for all His amazing blessings. Music time served just that purpose with old hymns and modern praise songs. There is nothing more moving than a room full of children praising God with their voices. We adults stopped singing for a while and just took in the heavenly sound.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9YdYLZH-WQX28JkU3CYtkh8YG3dUoLfSL-AcnZFU9tvO_zodH4j-f1JucCf_QfqgDaLS-dulxIZg9KjSNicBXe4KPf7fAy66q1lhk_BydX8yyt0tYc8kJB0XkSpnbl-BxkbWr7si6QI/s1600/thanksgiving+019+%2528Small%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9YdYLZH-WQX28JkU3CYtkh8YG3dUoLfSL-AcnZFU9tvO_zodH4j-f1JucCf_QfqgDaLS-dulxIZg9KjSNicBXe4KPf7fAy66q1lhk_BydX8yyt0tYc8kJB0XkSpnbl-BxkbWr7si6QI/s320/thanksgiving+019+%2528Small%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679119993087136978" /></a><br /><br />The last stop on this Thanksgiving train was game time which was highly entertaining for the parents. The kids played turkey dodge ball. Basically a group of kids were selected to be turkeys and had to stand in the middle of the circle by the tee pee. The other kids were the hunters and tried to nail them with the balls. Circular dodge ball! It looked more like a turkey slaughter house and had the parents laughing their heads off.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYvp9D3HBj4A6B-E78NRs3lPgkz93P6pPe9X-LWLsDPcx6LeBfTuhTLsPPbgdHAvMz4XpeFkIkXhbds0s-izZjAfCpM8FsVT94zF9Ev4W5dFcFX-yN9rAGKvW9_fZ0-uSaPtzWsJGCZc/s1600/thanksgiving+022+%2528Small%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYvp9D3HBj4A6B-E78NRs3lPgkz93P6pPe9X-LWLsDPcx6LeBfTuhTLsPPbgdHAvMz4XpeFkIkXhbds0s-izZjAfCpM8FsVT94zF9Ev4W5dFcFX-yN9rAGKvW9_fZ0-uSaPtzWsJGCZc/s320/thanksgiving+022+%2528Small%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679119841692164130" /></a><br /><br />The game got so intense at one point I saw my usually non-athletic daughter pick up the whole bucket of balls and run with the chucking a new ball at her victims with each step!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6igqRGM_76QfBBooVF-PZir2BBILDy7aXHPEcLNavEvE3_j3gFg9HvOcjrCdgmNhrCZINXQtDLM3aXfe2ZT02txeeEULpnHeaHfUZwD-CkR-oTAEWKK_179qkdAADDxquyEvS6he1-Ys/s1600/thanksgiving+025+%2528Small%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6igqRGM_76QfBBooVF-PZir2BBILDy7aXHPEcLNavEvE3_j3gFg9HvOcjrCdgmNhrCZINXQtDLM3aXfe2ZT02txeeEULpnHeaHfUZwD-CkR-oTAEWKK_179qkdAADDxquyEvS6he1-Ys/s320/thanksgiving+025+%2528Small%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679119746640538930" /></a><br /><br />The funniest part was when they played girls against boys and the girls were the turkeys. They all hid behind the tee pee (the parent in charge was smart enough to make this round uni-directional instead of circular). When is was the other way around we had to keep telling the boys that turkeys are not allowed to throw balls back at the hunters. Just more evidence that boys are meant to go out and hunt for our food (and use up some of that testosterone!) while girls are smart enough to figure out how to solve a problem and keep themselves safe. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZZd1cHhS2VqlcbBvZtUaZ0Q7YfCsXLIgNGKkAgjeBFNUeBqSj6AT3MjJqpgMQi2stYLLrTR4GJ7Saer1tltKGshcDWtuErErtyWQ4u0-nLza8T6UvojugighWf1DAy7L_7DK809aGVA/s1600/thanksgiving+031+%2528Small%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZZd1cHhS2VqlcbBvZtUaZ0Q7YfCsXLIgNGKkAgjeBFNUeBqSj6AT3MjJqpgMQi2stYLLrTR4GJ7Saer1tltKGshcDWtuErErtyWQ4u0-nLza8T6UvojugighWf1DAy7L_7DK809aGVA/s320/thanksgiving+031+%2528Small%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679119498048875746" /></a><br /><br />With each field trip and event at Savannah's school I become ever more thankful for the opportunity to be apart. This place has been a true blessing!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-73945946676231098722011-08-23T08:00:00.000-05:002011-08-23T09:27:35.409-05:00New Heights<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjU7vhyUcg5clIC4ip7ZkvL0dfmWYe33440vpd4LD3FhxYvvdUEqHjKnGVNzKTvwJ1kDpJpy6WYNEXrRnGkbk8kvk9FHPMRgTWIqFgsKYJmwjuHX-cyfT3_qyve7vpOkGGn6SRa9n4Rk/s1600/Summer+2011+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjU7vhyUcg5clIC4ip7ZkvL0dfmWYe33440vpd4LD3FhxYvvdUEqHjKnGVNzKTvwJ1kDpJpy6WYNEXrRnGkbk8kvk9FHPMRgTWIqFgsKYJmwjuHX-cyfT3_qyve7vpOkGGn6SRa9n4Rk/s320/Summer+2011+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638236099293565090" /></a>
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<br />This past summer Savannah conquered her hindering fear of heights and I could not be more proud of her. Last May the same girl who can be seen in the picture below scaling a 3 story high wall, would not walk up an open staircase.
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<br />In the picture above my nephew Burton is on the left (he just likes gliding down off the wall and who could blame him) and my niece, billy-goat-Ella is on the right conquering a difficult course with ease.
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<br />Below Savannah is on the left and Ella is on the right. My little climber made it just a few feet shy of the top (3 stories high!). Through several attempts she wore herself out by the time she developed the skill and courage to go higher. And she is determined next time she will make it all the way to the top to ring the bell.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcPxpDABmr918wan48tOf5ya-MqJXQPbNko7UlchTQbfeZO8fwFc_h1oMlypXBWs7eotjkoF6T_PdEeEpBJZkpJ5OloPjLQxgUzeZnRAsMz1BDfn0udeg4Y_tPnewXSug2b59wsvk3ls/s1600/Summer+2011+021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcPxpDABmr918wan48tOf5ya-MqJXQPbNko7UlchTQbfeZO8fwFc_h1oMlypXBWs7eotjkoF6T_PdEeEpBJZkpJ5OloPjLQxgUzeZnRAsMz1BDfn0udeg4Y_tPnewXSug2b59wsvk3ls/s320/Summer+2011+021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638235099740391634" /></a>
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<br />Almost there...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJnbDUy0hnYFnN90Eu4RkIxY6AMcDM2_boeVKCJRyGKAIBnh6cHaWqjaVwHlPLBNHb7hKH2YL8KyqM7BJuO-cKqP00mdc3xevoWyn4_HUfLBSkhPq4fDsFUjlwWiV0E0UOFIpwjLr3p0/s1600/Summer+2011+023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJnbDUy0hnYFnN90Eu4RkIxY6AMcDM2_boeVKCJRyGKAIBnh6cHaWqjaVwHlPLBNHb7hKH2YL8KyqM7BJuO-cKqP00mdc3xevoWyn4_HUfLBSkhPq4fDsFUjlwWiV0E0UOFIpwjLr3p0/s320/Summer+2011+023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638233912334049826" /></a>
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<br />Did I mention we were in Aspen during this triumph? Here we are at ACES on Archer's first hike where he fell into the lake. I knew beforehand it was only a matter of time. My guess was that he was going to fall into the River Walk in San Antonio the week before. Luckily he waited and fulfilled hi s destiny here.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcVVC7ZqHUBCikcNH0N1nMwrZZEPQZNDHwHOSe6bT9ur2ChJvVvN8l4g-d0SvY053RFDbOKJamtqEGuQcLKWOAJfn-XfttqVZJtyqhjRH14KpnK3kkYrk3vqh_z1PDOwPNNdALUhgaCA/s1600/Summer+2011+031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcVVC7ZqHUBCikcNH0N1nMwrZZEPQZNDHwHOSe6bT9ur2ChJvVvN8l4g-d0SvY053RFDbOKJamtqEGuQcLKWOAJfn-XfttqVZJtyqhjRH14KpnK3kkYrk3vqh_z1PDOwPNNdALUhgaCA/s320/Summer+2011+031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638231373945055314" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE_1gBF0Xpf_hTyhSWT6NTh50Np_-7NMA5A6hyphenhyphenCrfLu8gUd3iUAlct7pFyZK3OOQheFGogzdq2pVQIZCMJc1BN0v1C0NU767t5ieiOAv1ihMrOgs-rl9YWGIsihjTRoeXWb3-0KUDoLw/s1600/7-19-2007-25.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE_1gBF0Xpf_hTyhSWT6NTh50Np_-7NMA5A6hyphenhyphenCrfLu8gUd3iUAlct7pFyZK3OOQheFGogzdq2pVQIZCMJc1BN0v1C0NU767t5ieiOAv1ihMrOgs-rl9YWGIsihjTRoeXWb3-0KUDoLw/s320/7-19-2007-25.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638229680336755458" /></a>
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<br />Every summer since Savannah was 1 year old she has played in the little stream that runs through the downtown area of Aspen. You would think the being surrounded
<br />by nature that a child could find more exciting things to occupy their time. Maybe the tiny stream is just their size. Who knows why, but kids love it. I couldn't find the pictures of Savannah when she was in the stream at age one but here she is at the age of 2.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPRYwWSVumLg7ZvtpeefzJ-jGCUocrxsjBmSGL0q3e4Bn2KrvMQO6Pr0xRoOaZ5b2nEdWRYDmhs-GzIPmSGCDCvt4lSnxF_j3G3u6JrHG27INdJbs4TeRVnihLBL1mbTNRMmp_aHFztM/s1600/Summer+2011+043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPRYwWSVumLg7ZvtpeefzJ-jGCUocrxsjBmSGL0q3e4Bn2KrvMQO6Pr0xRoOaZ5b2nEdWRYDmhs-GzIPmSGCDCvt4lSnxF_j3G3u6JrHG27INdJbs4TeRVnihLBL1mbTNRMmp_aHFztM/s320/Summer+2011+043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638229044004258546" /></a>
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<br />And here are the kids this summer (we've added a few since the early picture). George wandered off and missed out on this picture but he joined us later.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTcc7CYO3xZMKxPTasEMJOE7h3lvyDwnIjgajHG3-bjel3D2iyUG4nKN6IsK6VtsAUjaVC8QxyIep_A5ZTw_VWobBpBsSt2rV8blNL0FRdeGBpvoOtVjRX9W32iJi-haZ2eEII-tqWN4/s1600/Summer+2011+050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTcc7CYO3xZMKxPTasEMJOE7h3lvyDwnIjgajHG3-bjel3D2iyUG4nKN6IsK6VtsAUjaVC8QxyIep_A5ZTw_VWobBpBsSt2rV8blNL0FRdeGBpvoOtVjRX9W32iJi-haZ2eEII-tqWN4/s320/Summer+2011+050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638226416344317906" /></a>
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<br />Ella and Savannah...I hope they always remain close in spite of the miles.
<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-28199804630049527702011-08-08T16:11:00.000-06:002011-08-08T18:53:47.696-06:00All Aboard!A few weeks ago my good friend Rachel and her son Dealey rode the train out to my house for a visit. I took a few shots us playing on the trains at the station but for some reason I never captured Dealey or Archer???? I am fairly sure they were with us.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABwLf5qDu0AFS_71BxYfgcwxI3dGWXVwoc1c6K-waqcN0bhy_u01zy2LyqB1l5E_3woucEENIylckCpt0Bk6ytpmfwleKBBITD8b3Xc26cvpCZ-p8CxCUPntRMNl5YMfmSr7D4pi8S4E/s1600/Summer+2011+144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABwLf5qDu0AFS_71BxYfgcwxI3dGWXVwoc1c6K-waqcN0bhy_u01zy2LyqB1l5E_3woucEENIylckCpt0Bk6ytpmfwleKBBITD8b3Xc26cvpCZ-p8CxCUPntRMNl5YMfmSr7D4pi8S4E/s320/Summer+2011+144.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638652241013374930" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDD7TeRpGiEdE3veuvgkzULCCVuZgrH5Xqr2CzvXa2-xcRyr4WUV2ZOXniWITcVc8kDkHiB-BbA6o5gjkdrAykJsnQfNKfMCOyUtNZuxn84XDWchK-7v41ABEuKPgtecQyKM-k8F-Rak/s1600/Summer+2011+150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDD7TeRpGiEdE3veuvgkzULCCVuZgrH5Xqr2CzvXa2-xcRyr4WUV2ZOXniWITcVc8kDkHiB-BbA6o5gjkdrAykJsnQfNKfMCOyUtNZuxn84XDWchK-7v41ABEuKPgtecQyKM-k8F-Rak/s320/Summer+2011+150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638651442953074834" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjs-VXZgul4xnTrQQbvtQduxczNlGOJCOOhlxeFUVmRubGDwVqnFDlN9ubnVNvzxkbhsOEsfTrHBy1OOXF46qQ2RAT7EYk1Zzr0efLnneIWCLzMOYdXq-6VrOhEhn4m6jCh8zPrYSv0Y/s1600/Summer+2011+153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjs-VXZgul4xnTrQQbvtQduxczNlGOJCOOhlxeFUVmRubGDwVqnFDlN9ubnVNvzxkbhsOEsfTrHBy1OOXF46qQ2RAT7EYk1Zzr0efLnneIWCLzMOYdXq-6VrOhEhn4m6jCh8zPrYSv0Y/s320/Summer+2011+153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638241657527599810" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITo_MEVki6p5s_MKQ9JLG4eXbaBB_h6gKWL3hijzoBAj88g-1ZgXz0Cjcbnd39IrZP-R5BWS0pQagQZ7Ylg5F7Dn4Hc8ZeLoaj8FwocD001U462kHzvC94HCLoiYbVGNGQOwsYpYhcqs/s1600/Summer+2011+156.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITo_MEVki6p5s_MKQ9JLG4eXbaBB_h6gKWL3hijzoBAj88g-1ZgXz0Cjcbnd39IrZP-R5BWS0pQagQZ7Ylg5F7Dn4Hc8ZeLoaj8FwocD001U462kHzvC94HCLoiYbVGNGQOwsYpYhcqs/s320/Summer+2011+156.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638240838372581490" /></a>
<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-9263549283896262792011-08-07T18:59:00.005-06:002011-08-07T19:29:08.224-06:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDACiCuceTmFu2YsB5kHdphVF2Nd724S-rOxryWYDPv4B7eoF9KOINxFzs9jimmt_1q4HyxpalvJaYVlPeKSO_Cj_M-hXtzeuVZ4lah8m3enjGM0hdFe22VrENUwBqgq8LOHTaRto_rQ/s1600/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 141px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDACiCuceTmFu2YsB5kHdphVF2Nd724S-rOxryWYDPv4B7eoF9KOINxFzs9jimmt_1q4HyxpalvJaYVlPeKSO_Cj_M-hXtzeuVZ4lah8m3enjGM0hdFe22VrENUwBqgq8LOHTaRto_rQ/s320/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638284607857059234" /></a><br /><br />For today, Sunday August 7, 2011.<br /><br />Outside my window...cicadas are announcing the extreme temperatures as if we had not noticed already. But the sun is setting and the mercury has dropped below 100 providing relief.<br /><br />I am thinking...that I have not written a day book in months and have missed it. I romanticize the "simple life" and stay very busy trying to achieve it. Somehow this small weekly habit slows my run-away-train-brain down.<br /><br />I am hoping...that all goes well when our new classes start at church. It just hit me tonight that I will have all high school girls by myself instead of just 11th and 12th grade. I'm sure God has a plan (perhaps someone waiting in the wings reading this now with a desire to work with youth??? Anyone???) but I must admit that I'm a little nervous. I love my small group of girls.<br /><br />From the kitchen...shredded meat from grass-fed short ribs on open faced toasted sandwiches with blue cheese, arugula, and sauteed red onions in balsamic vinegar. Adjectives do not do this meal justice. And for dessert a summertime family tradition, lime ice cream made with hand-squeezed lime juice and fresh cream from local grass-fed cows. Yum.<br /><br />I am creating...many things. This is the time of year I get a bit restless. My mantle has been redecorated, several things moved to new locations around the house, things are being recovered, painted over, and preparations are being made for large painting projects and removal of a wall or 2 depending on my mood. Mark is currently hiding the sledge hammer from me for fear of what he may find when he comes home from work. On a smaller scale, I just made 2 fun wreaths out of burlap at my friend Lee Ann's birthday party. Did you catch that? I got to go to an adult birthday party and make a craft that did not involve glitter! Good times.<br /><br />I am thankful for...the busy summer we have had. We have been home very little with non-stop fun, family, friends, and travel. It's been an adventure but I am equally as glad to be home.<br /><br />Around the house...one sweet little boy is sleeping (he's always sweet when he's asleep) and 2 other family members who shall remain nameless can be heard from across the house slurping up a second helping of ice cream. The slurps are audible.<br /><br />Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_k7LlLTO2UoiL9aX-f61hM3FVVqPs4MjAyi49ksY2VNK2DIgn32CxSAyVZynENiSM5tlkwEuafVSdzRdWaR3VuHjfwalDTjAHl2VLz2HfFwXG8haHO_WchMHz4BINV6p_D3Xbr4rRI2k/s1600/Summer+2011+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_k7LlLTO2UoiL9aX-f61hM3FVVqPs4MjAyi49ksY2VNK2DIgn32CxSAyVZynENiSM5tlkwEuafVSdzRdWaR3VuHjfwalDTjAHl2VLz2HfFwXG8haHO_WchMHz4BINV6p_D3Xbr4rRI2k/s320/Summer+2011+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638284181770423506" /></a><br /><br />Archer Edward Peteet picking blackberries June 2011 and savoring every bite.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-55711879113746708942011-07-22T11:02:00.000-06:002011-07-22T17:50:36.901-06:00In Search of Gators<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlngRH9jI0kSBEaIPjwb0mHQBLVZN5O6ZY-_Yv3s566G9Dhk2ptXVXV_3A2EnsQ_R9g3IvEJNZmL-zFpS1zQhtB7dp4GX6Ze96sV-T3eSJ-8dO0_rI0E5Rvb6VLAB5JCvZ5bpNNEVl2M/s1600/Summer+2011+022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlngRH9jI0kSBEaIPjwb0mHQBLVZN5O6ZY-_Yv3s566G9Dhk2ptXVXV_3A2EnsQ_R9g3IvEJNZmL-zFpS1zQhtB7dp4GX6Ze96sV-T3eSJ-8dO0_rI0E5Rvb6VLAB5JCvZ5bpNNEVl2M/s320/Summer+2011+022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631856059275226770" /></a><br /><br />My dad, step-mom, and step-brother came to town a few weeks ago in search of gators. It seems everyone I know is obsessed with the show Swamp People. And who wouldn't be with cajuns, gators, and guns? We couldn't resist and old fashioned steamboat ride on Caddo to see if we could find a few swamp critters ourselves.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NuQWYShJ_Ezr-0VJTYLKCCnQ6kD3sZ6jEafXUKPwQ9L3sp1o7YxrYCsdBQ441bmFO_SqO8eJopt9iPXT-ZNFCkQ72IiEDCmvf90fIiJHJiX3HiXlI6M9hnVW-v6cwKdB6YCPKXQvHCI/s1600/Summer+2011+021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NuQWYShJ_Ezr-0VJTYLKCCnQ6kD3sZ6jEafXUKPwQ9L3sp1o7YxrYCsdBQ441bmFO_SqO8eJopt9iPXT-ZNFCkQ72IiEDCmvf90fIiJHJiX3HiXlI6M9hnVW-v6cwKdB6YCPKXQvHCI/s320/Summer+2011+021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631855005143398802" /></a><br /><br />Archer was captivated by our boat and others passing by. He was oblivious to the captain's story telling and history lesson. But he enjoyed himself no less.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBxQ4czvDZzvxgp4vozLNu5ZDdpou9cmdf8UhQda-tAIlShqyyBRUK3QDnq0dtlBoXlGa7Ur2OI5JuA4mN-1nLbFdBfKvPhbvbz2sMUzYqtEhQO3gs-1lpdMXyGjoOGezI4cg6IJQjbQ/s1600/Summer+2011+033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBxQ4czvDZzvxgp4vozLNu5ZDdpou9cmdf8UhQda-tAIlShqyyBRUK3QDnq0dtlBoXlGa7Ur2OI5JuA4mN-1nLbFdBfKvPhbvbz2sMUzYqtEhQO3gs-1lpdMXyGjoOGezI4cg6IJQjbQ/s320/Summer+2011+033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631853896488655426" /></a><br /><br />Savannah asked a million questions as usual (which if she had been listening to the captain instead of talking she would have heard the answer:) and was intrigued by the moss hanging from the cypress trees. She even got a chance to drive the steamboat for a bit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUZMWGcl64Pzy5aCYBxrdyeokFL_cv6Dk3sspDQ9AVXd_O8hyphenhypheniS_DqX5ogIAGST08aLyGGS73-ZpnCp2dLInl3eO9HVpUy1YqRMGusjFL71lJ3JXEA2ozX2B0EZq95FjrJ2V6VBaovAw/s1600/Summer+2011+035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUZMWGcl64Pzy5aCYBxrdyeokFL_cv6Dk3sspDQ9AVXd_O8hyphenhypheniS_DqX5ogIAGST08aLyGGS73-ZpnCp2dLInl3eO9HVpUy1YqRMGusjFL71lJ3JXEA2ozX2B0EZq95FjrJ2V6VBaovAw/s320/Summer+2011+035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631853071431470962" /></a><br /><br />We were lucky enough to be there when the lily pads bloomed and the smell was intoxicating. We didn't spot any alligators but I think we will try one of his Full Moon minnight rides and see what happens.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-35769314174789780152011-07-21T11:18:00.011-06:002011-07-21T16:12:45.368-06:00More Random Summer FunSilliness with Daddy.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYacLvxu889MXWG34RjW6OLi0Z7sst35PYeTDELJEJ45YzSRog1vq157W5WRA196QejF8_Dgmwd8NdHaRRpVYwqeHsMnWIrWeOKz52v4X2M9yN1G65axFM4NmH6Tv7TJ7N7sHpNkYWEng/s1600/Summer+2011+042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYacLvxu889MXWG34RjW6OLi0Z7sst35PYeTDELJEJ45YzSRog1vq157W5WRA196QejF8_Dgmwd8NdHaRRpVYwqeHsMnWIrWeOKz52v4X2M9yN1G65axFM4NmH6Tv7TJ7N7sHpNkYWEng/s320/Summer+2011+042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631930403540064978" /></a><br /><br />Savannah's new favorite spot to watch T.V.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSYZriidry9T5V-8mf26n6HsOijQbfv1xup9u5C56ynpSPfbyt2wS4SeLPTRx3qlHNhC9qcBt80NG2YIKgFUl9_Dm1c7pGL95zYl4bHu7VOnWBH-_lQNNK1PPObWPplsUPF7-wGXbrJk/s1600/Summer+2011+044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSYZriidry9T5V-8mf26n6HsOijQbfv1xup9u5C56ynpSPfbyt2wS4SeLPTRx3qlHNhC9qcBt80NG2YIKgFUl9_Dm1c7pGL95zYl4bHu7VOnWBH-_lQNNK1PPObWPplsUPF7-wGXbrJk/s320/Summer+2011+044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631885545018078994" /></a><br /><br />Laughing at fireworks out at Papa's farm.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCj5O8gS_yDPpkPZCqiG5iOJcDKZ767KXLa_ztRu4crsJUO3i3ibf6jwL88CmRsUSnbJw6pzjoif_nlCAMWYZvO0mTCE1SNl8ZAuwC5spL7xcf9TXKF893F2HwD_PjiARy33U9zf7Ebc/s1600/Summer+2011+062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCj5O8gS_yDPpkPZCqiG5iOJcDKZ767KXLa_ztRu4crsJUO3i3ibf6jwL88CmRsUSnbJw6pzjoif_nlCAMWYZvO0mTCE1SNl8ZAuwC5spL7xcf9TXKF893F2HwD_PjiARy33U9zf7Ebc/s320/Summer+2011+062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631879972366612226" /></a><br /><br />Could not care less about fireworks, loves only things with wheels.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC54D0J7X4-uhL7bZfoUZoikIyZofRvvG0IeuBvGpv0WHxxm-s4_oX-OoVuyOWkbviSgFQ5qidgvhlt_8PYsspS4AYcyADp-QDR-1IrJTLdtaJYWQ1iR1TRFwOB92Tu9OlBG_MqMB5BAw/s1600/Summer+2011+059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC54D0J7X4-uhL7bZfoUZoikIyZofRvvG0IeuBvGpv0WHxxm-s4_oX-OoVuyOWkbviSgFQ5qidgvhlt_8PYsspS4AYcyADp-QDR-1IrJTLdtaJYWQ1iR1TRFwOB92Tu9OlBG_MqMB5BAw/s320/Summer+2011+059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631868318081390610" /></a><br /><br />Playing dress up and dancing in the living room.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmQ-0A_EqPLIrAxRy3pQ9Gyfwl2ukvWVZX1FYxcUEo-6QGA2Wu5RE22xU2T3LiD6P85HLnX2y6IpV7U_9aoSTZOXRQE6jskNJMtEzqndstKTbVEFLbsR_aLqK7HIcBH2lbVSmHwgLCJo/s1600/Summer+2011+066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmQ-0A_EqPLIrAxRy3pQ9Gyfwl2ukvWVZX1FYxcUEo-6QGA2Wu5RE22xU2T3LiD6P85HLnX2y6IpV7U_9aoSTZOXRQE6jskNJMtEzqndstKTbVEFLbsR_aLqK7HIcBH2lbVSmHwgLCJo/s320/Summer+2011+066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631867250985516354" /></a><br /><br />Using a big boy swing instead of a toddler swing.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUyy09Ys7uJtiLAaxcmUY9MC82DrzLNns7ULFAZQybkvvkhYCvEwGvQmndqSKY0Z44yfGyHnFfdhaJOpa-ebG3HMpozPstYaw7nXhu4BYR2tCE2TGztobFUUabd_NRe1-q9EbJ96zHPQ/s1600/Summer+2011+070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUyy09Ys7uJtiLAaxcmUY9MC82DrzLNns7ULFAZQybkvvkhYCvEwGvQmndqSKY0Z44yfGyHnFfdhaJOpa-ebG3HMpozPstYaw7nXhu4BYR2tCE2TGztobFUUabd_NRe1-q9EbJ96zHPQ/s320/Summer+2011+070.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631866586894706930" /></a><br /><br />Savannah painted a picture of a photograph I took of her in our backyard under the grapevine.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKFxx9dsKdvBZAFdcVEtR4bXlJYDqLxuk8B-NXh8UIv5G_21olfcJjvMdZquq7EcPK_OSOdkQvgxWKPu_L0LBlKrZ39QXcPGFDiNw6RY7WYEArqH-N8yyUkIbVBAkKu6NJFF24JpvL3o/s1600/Summer+2011+076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKFxx9dsKdvBZAFdcVEtR4bXlJYDqLxuk8B-NXh8UIv5G_21olfcJjvMdZquq7EcPK_OSOdkQvgxWKPu_L0LBlKrZ39QXcPGFDiNw6RY7WYEArqH-N8yyUkIbVBAkKu6NJFF24JpvL3o/s320/Summer+2011+076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631859950771365938" /></a><br /><br />Diving into the world of art through finger paint.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxk_2OYyNl_2YuybsZ_Ouz3Wbn3CPQm1g4eS8xzrdY5SR1VOFbiBPn9MvBoSWXEU3Ux5AXrF9rj_sx1Aon2fPEkVWn5mBHzfjMwtpaA6mcv5RVOIIiEQz3CqY_FatC736ui_IkTHqTOE/s1600/Summer+2011+074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxk_2OYyNl_2YuybsZ_Ouz3Wbn3CPQm1g4eS8xzrdY5SR1VOFbiBPn9MvBoSWXEU3Ux5AXrF9rj_sx1Aon2fPEkVWn5mBHzfjMwtpaA6mcv5RVOIIiEQz3CqY_FatC736ui_IkTHqTOE/s320/Summer+2011+074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631856960756248034" /></a>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-77131620016349298012011-06-20T19:02:00.000-06:002011-06-21T11:54:00.996-06:00Marathon of Fun!After our Memorial Day weekend of fun (all of the pictures on are my mom's camera so I won't be posting them) we headed to my aunt's house for a few days. My sister, her kids, and my kids along with my grandparents and my mom all invaded my aunt Dot-Dean and Uncle Raymond's house. Great aunts and more cousins dropped in leading to an impromptu family reunion.<br /><br />Although the kids loved swimming in the pool, I think fishing takes the cake as everyone's favorite memory from our trip. The younger kids seems to enjoy playing with the caught fish in the bucket more than catching them. Archer hovered over the bucket saying "pish, pish, pish, pish, pish..."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyLHUYsClnY2jC4plx9YKVeYR7roD4VfDA4om42b2BjHWPJm1BrfnbuwaBIwK2HPjg3AAc_axJmERzM4-gaL95OEFnU_TLiuPbeMTJ4kb7NNTo7Gzz4zaLPiYgmJo_Jh4f5sVjLMN5e4/s1600/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyLHUYsClnY2jC4plx9YKVeYR7roD4VfDA4om42b2BjHWPJm1BrfnbuwaBIwK2HPjg3AAc_axJmERzM4-gaL95OEFnU_TLiuPbeMTJ4kb7NNTo7Gzz4zaLPiYgmJo_Jh4f5sVjLMN5e4/s320/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620110824562315954" /></a><br /><br />Before our trip my little man had made up his mind that he did not like water of any kind unless it was served as a beverage. This just would not do. We are warm-weather, water-loving people. His uncle Jeff tried to persuade him with a boat ride. We could hear him screaming from the other side of the lake.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTsDIz8a8_Vb8uqSx9VYBQgkxtzAhyphenhyphenT80HQLTwhatk09EcgldAHA9jksw6xT7nFO1s2Zscz3erloN-HhFLg8qUQNnemOWyeThuZfFURp19o8zj67EQXJ4EMgakREKWXKJrL0F1O1vKDk/s1600/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTsDIz8a8_Vb8uqSx9VYBQgkxtzAhyphenhyphenT80HQLTwhatk09EcgldAHA9jksw6xT7nFO1s2Zscz3erloN-HhFLg8qUQNnemOWyeThuZfFURp19o8zj67EQXJ4EMgakREKWXKJrL0F1O1vKDk/s320/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620109506625722290" /></a><br /><br />Patience won out and eventually he settled down. Now LOVES boats, swimming, lakes, ponds, swimming pools, sprinklers, and anything else wet. This boy does nothing half way. It's all or nothing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlekU9CEtVqiy8G0GAS-ZZDQJPdgMv-m4AXT1j-uCEC6vyfUMFpyxcuL7KF0zXx2kMQoTaSDJTvUsdPuiZl6xryo2I-y3FjCifKnXynqqxe4LszntEhq86QeXs00vrdMAohWS3pIcRG0E/s1600/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlekU9CEtVqiy8G0GAS-ZZDQJPdgMv-m4AXT1j-uCEC6vyfUMFpyxcuL7KF0zXx2kMQoTaSDJTvUsdPuiZl6xryo2I-y3FjCifKnXynqqxe4LszntEhq86QeXs00vrdMAohWS3pIcRG0E/s320/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620108691957185586" /></a><br /><br />Our main goal while fishing with the kiddos was to keep them from falling in. You can imagine with all those little ones how ambitious we were with such a goal (all little ones are not pictured below. There were many.) Notice Ella in the far right hand corner trying to fall in at the same time Archer is trying to escape in a different direction?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpEHDrWe6Qmyz2tJmjo05B3xAtKghX8I1tWHDOTgFX4Jf_b261Sly47H45vCr5EKCJ4y3rb7oUb-R1CJ_sNoNajcpISxE95zLSYwh3A6ayfiSFmpaaag0dUInh3UdDQPIoA1XgPjE3d0/s1600/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpEHDrWe6Qmyz2tJmjo05B3xAtKghX8I1tWHDOTgFX4Jf_b261Sly47H45vCr5EKCJ4y3rb7oUb-R1CJ_sNoNajcpISxE95zLSYwh3A6ayfiSFmpaaag0dUInh3UdDQPIoA1XgPjE3d0/s320/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620107717585589442" /></a><br /><br />Here is Savannah and my cousin Jeff fishing. I don't know where Savannah gets her competitiveness ;) but she wanted to catch the biggest fish every time. She dropped her bait lower and patiently waited for the big ones and was successful. She got a little hard core about it. The other kids would leave to swim and Savannah would hold her post. She even upgraded to a real rod and reel instead of a barbie pole.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFyyflGkreuwMyqstWviNuGA6-ecIY5BM0ePnxguPnnw2xS5PdWxrJH5aVjkOnv-eic31ZWuURVqk8DxzfYDQetOu4M2_gDYC2XeMBCUBEMg94R5LKbj3fks9mtlynIDsFFYYOfIxHXk/s1600/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFyyflGkreuwMyqstWviNuGA6-ecIY5BM0ePnxguPnnw2xS5PdWxrJH5aVjkOnv-eic31ZWuURVqk8DxzfYDQetOu4M2_gDYC2XeMBCUBEMg94R5LKbj3fks9mtlynIDsFFYYOfIxHXk/s320/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620105524832254722" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3JbgTg2GwVImGPlJrsv-PDyRQpx_pNYzzsIWvmpLH6N_CAvORY4qryfRp6HnbZi0O0bwbFW5dEWUulU4FAiDLHKDbHn-ILUTMmLjoEr8nVGCMX7tr1XCJ44LU-vA5UfP-ZtRQL2d0g8/s1600/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3JbgTg2GwVImGPlJrsv-PDyRQpx_pNYzzsIWvmpLH6N_CAvORY4qryfRp6HnbZi0O0bwbFW5dEWUulU4FAiDLHKDbHn-ILUTMmLjoEr8nVGCMX7tr1XCJ44LU-vA5UfP-ZtRQL2d0g8/s320/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620104496686349042" /></a><br /><br />This is my cousin's son Caden's first fish ever (my little cousin Justin's kid for those of you who remember him). His expression is adorable in this picture with his Grammy that he calls Mimi.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnYfKrodGjYDdpqDyZH88dUrTesNEflUHJCDJ_FT9J9jG3QeCIKyDAagn4cbIpYXIGvVJ6nH-E6s03ks2gxjtwoGHG0bcAs1U11SASsC2LqfiiyepXLuNGBAhoxqZXpfQEWckIo891zg/s1600/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnYfKrodGjYDdpqDyZH88dUrTesNEflUHJCDJ_FT9J9jG3QeCIKyDAagn4cbIpYXIGvVJ6nH-E6s03ks2gxjtwoGHG0bcAs1U11SASsC2LqfiiyepXLuNGBAhoxqZXpfQEWckIo891zg/s320/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620103571523767506" /></a><br /><br />Mom, Dawn, and I took a sunset paddle boat ride. It's rare the 3 of us get a moment together without the kids. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnyI2glshNKF7tYTPyiOVCRtIqzBCU42qGwTD63i3eBlZnj0B5xpzGoFgUNFFEQmwUre2ExS8g1ekD8r1TMVMjz8TB3zgkkS3wTuUpnq5oM-Dqv2BZ3FxfFTthWxnnppPAU6MmvlEVzM/s1600/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnyI2glshNKF7tYTPyiOVCRtIqzBCU42qGwTD63i3eBlZnj0B5xpzGoFgUNFFEQmwUre2ExS8g1ekD8r1TMVMjz8TB3zgkkS3wTuUpnq5oM-Dqv2BZ3FxfFTthWxnnppPAU6MmvlEVzM/s320/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620102958616346498" /></a><br /><br />Next up (as if we need more excitement than swimming, fishing, boat rides, grandparents, great grandparents, cousins, and farm animals) 4 wheeler and mule rides with cousin Jeff. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HBcPF0OUQAW1GTXIbt34JqXNu4_v6QR_XimrCmhkRaMRnVRNzxpO_qsM4ShyPG5StqJeGU5CwisdRri2fo6x_Cn9AGSrOl6ZL3vT5-46B3Ekwa2TD1kGr8YzNzOAFp0ITVW2U2oBbwA/s1600/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HBcPF0OUQAW1GTXIbt34JqXNu4_v6QR_XimrCmhkRaMRnVRNzxpO_qsM4ShyPG5StqJeGU5CwisdRri2fo6x_Cn9AGSrOl6ZL3vT5-46B3Ekwa2TD1kGr8YzNzOAFp0ITVW2U2oBbwA/s320/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620102182608525922" /></a><br /><br />And then we all came inside and crashed. I do not think it would have been possible to squeeze one more fun thing in. We had such a great time that we decided to make it a yearly event. Luckily my aunt and uncle agreed!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-89474985908854445122011-06-16T06:40:00.004-06:002011-06-16T06:58:53.646-06:00Good TimesAlmost three weeks ago I picked Savannah up from her last day of school (which I cried like a baby with the teacher because we will be moving on to a new school next year) on our way out of town. And we have been on a Grand Tour ever since.<br /><br />Ample photographs have been taken to document this marathon of fun but I have no idea if I will ever have time to post them (our marathon of fun has yet to end!). So here is a brief recap.<br /><br />Say goodbye to friends, teachers, and school, cry all the way to Dallas (me, not Savannah) visit with family, cousins, siblings, limo rides, fancy dinner, shopping, giggles, cooking, cooking, and more cooking (lot's of folks means lots of food) kids playing, kids crying, swimming, date night, still out of town at this point but moving on to next location, mini family reunion, swimming, fishing, extended cousins, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, 4 wheelers, laughter, visiting, sewing with my grandmother, learning from my elders, kids crying, cousins sharing (notice sleep is not listed), say goodbye, drive to family reunion for Mark's side, camping, more cousins, dirty happy kids, farm living, swimming in a pond, fishing, sun, 4 wheelers (Archer's favorite), good friends, relaxing, lawn chairs, and then home for 36 hours.<br /><br />Back to Dallas, more visiting with family (we are on week 2 at this point), sister shopping, fun with Cindy, late night chats, up early with Arch, swimming, cooking, kids playing with cousins, my sister and I get our business up and running, wean Archer (sniff sniff), visit with more family, and then back home. Wedding an 1 1/2 hours away, lot's of family, good times, back home, birthday party, decorate for vacation bible school, (we are on week 3 now) then a week of teaching crafts for 150 kiddos, set up new business for myself (I have an office for private counseling now! woohoo!).<br /><br />I think that brings us up to date. Did you catch all that? If not here is a summary: lot's of fun and visiting with cherished friends and family, no sleep.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789787856836289645.post-38245331227378997882011-06-14T12:50:00.006-06:002011-06-14T13:27:55.839-06:00Sisters at Play<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmLD_Wcsu0AU0eqfoTq5Bhr10KuSXcJe8BnGDFK4sY-vWQjMCCxo4A0HA4D0P3WBM6zzLM4kz2kg_-JU_Yn7WI2DXjzD-iInBfAe5oau5i2PdD9Z8NHHlySXJIefvL4gS6_uZOz41R6s/s1600/Sistera%2540Play.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmLD_Wcsu0AU0eqfoTq5Bhr10KuSXcJe8BnGDFK4sY-vWQjMCCxo4A0HA4D0P3WBM6zzLM4kz2kg_-JU_Yn7WI2DXjzD-iInBfAe5oau5i2PdD9Z8NHHlySXJIefvL4gS6_uZOz41R6s/s320/Sistera%2540Play.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618154178290193106" /></a><br /><br />For as long as I can remember my sister and I have wanted to into business together. We dreamed of opening up various shops, restaurants, tea rooms, and bed and breakfasts. But childhood dreams seems unreasonable once we became adults and over 2,000 miles separated us.<br /><br />Amongst the mounds of laundry and dirty diapers that this stage of family life brings my sister and I found ourselves in desperate need of a creative outlet, time together, and a chance to use our brain for more than schedule planning. So Sisters at Play was born and we now have a shop on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sistersatplayforyou?ref=pr_shop">etsy.com</a>. <br /><br />As of right now we have sun catchers for sale but we have other products made and in the works that will be added later this summer. If you haven't heard of sun catchers you should check them out. They can be used in a sunny window or as yard art. I love them because they are fun, whimsical and unexpected no matter where you put them.<br /><br />My friend and graphic artist, <a href="http://rmaplesfreelance.blogspot.com/">Rachel Maples </a>created our logo, tags, and business cards which we are very happy with. She is also the creator the banners on my other site, <a href="http://www.eatingthegoodlifewithchristinapeteet.com/">eatingthegoodlifewithchristinapeteet.com</a>. <br /><br />Here are a couple of examples of our work. To view our store and learn more about our products click <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sistersatplayforyou?ref=pr_shop_more">here</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyTsmzEuNUhz9D97J8-kEGdWxKyA12wv_n95CS6ZeIUPW7qo3-a4TkqCuEapiJs8_Mtb_4HZr9dGLoL2FryQeGubtd-svEijMPFVjcmihbiVc6lz_EoSyD7UBa29l8_Mu_eozDZT184U/s1600/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+179.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyTsmzEuNUhz9D97J8-kEGdWxKyA12wv_n95CS6ZeIUPW7qo3-a4TkqCuEapiJs8_Mtb_4HZr9dGLoL2FryQeGubtd-svEijMPFVjcmihbiVc6lz_EoSyD7UBa29l8_Mu_eozDZT184U/s320/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+179.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618152956157273698" /></a><br /><br />You cannot imagine how gorgeous this amber stone looks in sun light. I kind of hope this one doesn't sell so I can keep it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyZrWWyf3YieIJlQH4M9OTtkhbRbJnagMTaDz27SYVC3az7JH6BgBtDgNquG7didWImyxSUk_q9jVrsBV9sj4ZskQDRcZ_DVNzhXfPPsFxnO8lu-8bML-Y7MwQgkS196wIPlwSV8e1RQ/s1600/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyZrWWyf3YieIJlQH4M9OTtkhbRbJnagMTaDz27SYVC3az7JH6BgBtDgNquG7didWImyxSUk_q9jVrsBV9sj4ZskQDRcZ_DVNzhXfPPsFxnO8lu-8bML-Y7MwQgkS196wIPlwSV8e1RQ/s320/Memorial+Day%252C+Dot+Deans%252C++Peteet+Retreat+202.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618150484554740434" /></a><br /><br />Handcrafted with a dose of nostalgic style and a touch of modern whimsy.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08656985619299201103noreply@blogger.com1