A Life That Shouts Your Name!

Here are 2 of our 9 kittens :) - these are 4 weeks old.

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The beautiful Konza Prairie Preserve! - what a nice trip, I highly reccomend it - (LittleMan took this shot)

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Today is our13th Anniverary! - I was blessed to spend the day with Brian doing something I love...enjoying nature and seeing new places. :)

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The 5th graders are lined up and ready to learn about Geomorphology...Brian and I found it very interesting too. :)

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The students are measuring stream velocity - here, LM is catching the bobber used in the experiment.

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LM collecting insect specimens with classmates at Kings Creek - he found a Mayfly larvae.

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The Konza Prairie Preserve studies this large herd of bison (buffalo) & their affect on the prairie - they live with little human assistance.

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Brian riding the field trip bus with the WHOLE 5th grade - fun times! :)

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Girlie playing dress up - and crackin' me up! :)

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I visited Girlie today in her 1st Grade classroom. She was happy to see me. :)

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Sepa doing the sack race during Field Day

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LM and his 5th grade science project..nicely done - got an "A". :)

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Hospice Celebration Walk - Girlie and her cousin waiting in line for their balloons. :)

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We had a wonderful evening at the annual Hospice Celebration Walk. Complete with a cookout, balloons, facepainting, popcorn, music, & bouncey house!

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Girlie shows me her butterfly...being very gentle - Monarch Release Ceremony 2009

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Sepa catches a butterfuly at the Monarch Release Ceremony - Hospice Celebration Walk 2009

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Aunt Terri shares one of her favorite treats - Funnel Cake! yum - nothin' hits the spot like pure sugary fried carbs! :)

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Little Man gets a cool face painting at the Hospice Walk - Grrrrrr....

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A January afternoon....Sepa says, "Mom, let's make chicken enchiladas!" Our boy is getting so big. :)

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Little Man spends his Saturday afternoon doing origami....he's gotten really good at the swan. :)

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The Good Old Days....

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I am so blessed....I would not have originally imagined myself doing what I am doing now, but its really a great job. I have been doing the medical transportation for a local retirement village. Therefore, I spend the weekdays loading up folks with their walkers and in wheelchairs, and safely taking them to Dr. appointments and procedures or picking them up from the hospital, etc.

So, you ask why I think this is such a blessing???....the people of course. The personalities, the wisdom, the experiences are so rich. I have lots of new friends and most of them are over age 80. (ha!) Me being in my early 30's....this is not too common. :) Edna and I talk politics - Mary T. and I exchange coupons and good book suggestions - Frank and I (a retired minister) discuss religion - Corrine and I talk about what's new with the celebrities - and I could go on and on...since there are 100's of people at the village. How many people from my generation get to hear first hand about WWII or the depression? Yep, like I said....blessed!

Well, anyhow, I was taking one of my most interesting ladies to an appointment last week - a fellow book lover - she's 97 years old and very spry. I suggested a book she might enjoy, then she proceeded to get a little notepad and pen out of her pocket to write down the title and author for rembrance. As I watched her carefully write in neat cursive on this notepad, it donned on me that this individual learned to write in 1916....60 years before I was born. This amazing thought spurred others in my head...what a resource of life wisdom she must be! The things she has seen.... So, in the course of our conversation, I decide to ask her a question very few can answer. Is it true that life is worse now than it used to be? She told me that her father used to say, "There isn't any such thing as The Good Old Days." That life is and always will be hard - but also with good." So, she's saying life is good and bad at the same time. That's just the way it is. She went on to say, there is no perfect or utopia. So, take notice of the good parts and accept that there is the bad. There you have it folks!....wisdom from living on this earth 97 years. Take it or leave it - I'm gonna take it! :)

Sepa being silly...this kids' spirit is infectious. :)

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A funny moment from our place....

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Last week Brian had one of his colds. (that's not the funny part - ha!) You know, where he mopes around for days sniffling and looking miserable. He took one day off work and slept most of the day...then the next day he went to work, but was absolutely zonked that evening. He stretchted out in a recliner and feel asleep. Sepa and I were sitting on the sofa in the same room when Brian made a high-pitched moan in his sleep. Of course, Sepa and I found this hilarious, looked at eachother, and started laughing. :) Then I said:

"I wonder what he's dreaming about?"

Sepa: "Probably that he is in heaven"

Me: "So what would that be like..."

Sepa: "He's dreaming he's at a concert of the best rock band IN THE WORLD...and HE is the drummer!...or (Sepa ponders) that he's eating saltine crackers"

Ha! - yep, this kid knows what his Dad likes. Those things would definitely be Brian heaven.

Take care everyone and have a good Thanksgiving! :)

Some fun pumpkin carvin' time with the kids.

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This pictureis proof that Girlie will pose cutely with anything...even pumpkin pulp! :)

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The finished products...

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Now roasting the pumpkin seeds...Sepa says this is his favorite part :)

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Some pics to share...Grandma's annual Birthday Weanie Roast!

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Happy Birthday Grandma (aka Jane..Mom...)

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We had lots of topping options...chili dogs, relish, cheese, onions and West Virginia dogs (coleslaw, etc.)

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Me, Sepa, and Tigress...(yes, I know I have a piece of Smore in the corner of my mouth - ha!)

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Autumn Climb...

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4th Grade Writing...

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Sepa wrote this paragraph at school. He chose the topic of his trip to the Buffalo River last summer. Some of the facts are actually from his imagination...but that is all the better! :)

Sepa writes...

Last summer I went to the Bufulo River. I was disgusted when a bird went to the bathroom on my food. On down stream there was lots of shade. Along the way I saw an old, old raft with moss on it. Then I got to a fast current that brought me downstream even faster. There were scattered sand bars. I saw a cluttered rats nest. I saw a doe nuzzle her baby. I had a great time at the river.

THE END

The road to our place....

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Pleasant September moments.....

Let us remember not to let worry steal our peace, stress replace our joy, or a preoccupied mind cast a shadow over all those precious moments that make life rich.....for these moments are a gift from above.

I had one such moment tonight. I had put on my sandals and trotted out to the hen hounse with a cup full of dinner leftovers... a little treat for the chickens. On my way back I found a sight that stopped me in my tracks. To my right, the sun had just begun its descent, the bottom half covered by the tall prairie grasses. To my left, sat Sepa on a swing...cuddling a kitten on his lap...his bare foot swishing gently back and forth across the lush and freshly mowed grass....quiet and peaceful, he is lost in his thoughts as he gazes on the field...he is basked in the golden light of dusk. Beautiful....

I sat down on the other swing...took a deep breath....and remembered to look around and thank God for His goodness. The bugs were buzzing in the field and trees around us and I could see the goldenrod blooming and some strange purple flowers I had not noticed before. There are also numerous patches of blooming sunflowers...which I love to tell my children means that its definitely "Back to School" time. The air is crisp....with that special feeling that only September can bring.

I feel the change in the air. I feel a new season coming...and in my life right now, that just doesn't mean Fall is coming. Life is changing as I go to work full time which I have not done in 12 years. But I accept and embrace with anticipation all the new doors God has brought into this life to open. The new souls to love and His light to shine. To this new season I say... Bring It On! :)

Joy and Blessings to you and yours....

Miss Bootsy tolerates being "the baby". :) too cute!

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First day of school....2008

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Waiting for the Bus!

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I wrote this while in Des Moines...when I had plenty of time and quiet to nourish long steady thoughts. :)

I started having what I call "fun summers" again a few years ago. Summers that included relaxation and adventures and did NOT include the work of diaper changes, sippy cups, and nap times. My precious children had entered a new season of life which threw the door wide open for more "fun-ness" (is that a word? - ha!). They are all grade school age children and healthy and curious...each day holds something new. To my delight they are also developing helpful and responsible character - they do laundry, clean out the dishwasher, mow the lawn, clean the bathroom, etc. Which has changed my life..you better believe it! :)

But, this summer was different...we didn't have as many adventures. On this unpredictable journey of life...HARD things came our way. First, their was the grief and sadness over our beloved friend, Arla, passing away. As Sepa shared with me the other night..."Mom, I can't stop feeling sad about Arla. I try to be happy and do things....then I remember her". What do I say to that? That is how we are all feeling. I looked into his deep blue melancholy eyes and did my best to explain about grief. I told Sepa that grief is like waves in the ocean...you have to let the sadness wave hit you, don't fight it or run away...just let it roll over you. Then the next wave will come...but the waves will continue to get weaker and farther apart. This is grieving and healing.
The other hard thing this summer is the financial crunch of the economy. It's not just crampin' our style...but we allowed worry about the future to steal our joy there for awhile. To that I say...NO MORE! I choose to live in a place of gratitude and hope...a place of Faith in Christ. A Faith that is continually tested.

So, here is my lesson this summer. Life has had a shadow on it....shadows of grief, stress, and worry of all the unknowns. But this has made a new richness in a me - a deeper love for those around me. I cherish all these precious ones God has blessed me with...to get to be in their lives. I love Jacob's toothless grin...I love holding chubby baby Tyler.... I love the mischievous sparkle of ideas in Brian's eyes....I love my Mom's zest for life... I love Tiff's quick wit....I love Sepa's infectious laughter... I love Girlie's dimpled grin....I love Terri's calm spirit....I love Dick and Jane's priceless servant hood and generosity....I love Little Man's confidence.....
The love and relationships God has blessed me with...I will cherish them....for they are what made this "a good summer" - better than all the adventures of the world.

Blessings. :)

The last summer Hurrah..a playdate at the Sonic...oh, I love these kids - they are the beat of my heart.

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So what do ya do on a HOT July afternoon...when you're not going to the pool? - Play Monopoly of course! :) Sepa won this particular game.

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Brian has fixed some nice, comfy accomadations for our snake - he enjoys feasting on frogs, mice, and eggs - the kids like to watch - its fascinating!

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Ahhhh....It's quiet here....

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Its so quiet right now. Brian and the kids have gone into town to run errands. After they left there seemed to be something strange about our house. Then, I had a realization of what it was....its peacefully quiet and I am alone. :) The last time that happened was.....well, actually I can't recall the last time. ha!

I realize that the beautiful chaos and noise of family life in the summer has become second nature for me. Chattering and laughter, doors opening and shutting, telephone ringing, a movie playing in the other room....oops, time to move the laundry along...Sepa reminds me its time for lunch, then Girlie shows me her latest Lego creation....Brian calls from the office to say hello and share a story....time to feed the chickens and the kitty cats (and don't forget an egg for our black rat snake - ha!)....LM is setting up all his Dinosaurs again - in his imagination, the stairs to the basment have been a prehistoric land for 1/2 the summer.....Are we packed for the pool? Do you have your towel?....whose shoes are these by the door?....Little Man and Girlie have gotten into a squabble (again - ugh!).... time to do the dishes....Grandma just called and wants to know if the children want to come visit her tomorrow. Do we have everything ready for Vacation Bible School tonight?... Sepa's sprawled on the sofa reading another Sponge Bob book from the bookmobile (ha!)....its the cool of the evening and the neighbor boys have come over and every one's jumpin' on the trampoline....I'm having iced tea on the back deck....what's Brian buildin' in the garage tonight?....

Life and life and more life - unpredictable, rich, and busy. I choose to count my blessings and be thankful for all the good around me. I love family life and children and love and friendship and laughter and all the simple things. :) Thank you God, for the gift of this summer and how wrapped we are in Your love and light.

Blessings to you and yours.... :)

Girlie and beloved "Miss Bootsy"

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"Look me in the eye when I'm talkin' to you!....." :)

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This kitty will let you hold her like a baby...she's very affectionate :)

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The Summer Time Pool Gang!....good times :)

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Good Bye, Dear Friend.....

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Arla spending Christmas with us....

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A Light in the Darkness....

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Its really impossible to describe someone's life in one article. Obituaries simply list off the facts of birth, parents, family who are alive or dead, career highlights, church affiliation, date of death, etc......therefore, they try and fail miserably in my opinion. How do you capture one's experiences, their spirit, and their impact on the lives around them in a handful of sentences? Simply put, you cannot - life is just too big. But, that being said I have to write about a very unique person who has died this week. A dear friend of our family named Arla. I will write my perception....

Some people are very different from the majority of the population. They seem to somehow exist in this world which is so unlike their spirit....therefore, they stand out. Their goodness and kindness are such a sharp contrast that it is clear they are a gift to a dark world. Someone who makes this earth a better place just by their presence in it. That was Arla.

When I began dating Brian many years ago, I was graciously invited to participate in all the family functions. I wasn't just getting to know Brian well, but his entire family! :) Something I noticed during this time was that a tall and very polite older lady named Arla was usually present. I thought....Who is this person? Why is she such a staple in their family life? Always there, always a part....birthdays, holidays, graduations, all the events that mark life throughout time. It took me years to understand this bond....this deep and unique friendship between them all. Even though their relationship began almost 40 years ago, their devotion was sealed through tragedy....the death of Arla's husband, Norris, in 1978 in a boating/tornado accident on Lake Pomona at which Dick and Jane were present. Add to this...that Dick and Norris were close friends. And so then I understood with more clarity - they understood each other, they were there for each other, they comforted one another, invested in one another, gave to each other, made each other a priority.

Some things Arla exemplified to those around her that stand out to me were....calmness, orderliness, gentleness, generosity, security....because of these qualities she exuded stability. The presence of her spirit was a haven in a tumultuous world for many. And this is because she walked in the power of the spirit of God. She was a fine christian woman who was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church for decades. But more than that....she lived her faith in action daily. When I think of her I think of the following verse:

"For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

I asked my family what they loved about her. Here is what they said:

Sepa: "She gave me books." - (Arla loved to give the classics....like Tom Sawyer and The Wizard of Oz)
Little Man: "She complimented me"
Brian: "She made good food!" (typical - ha!)
Girlie: "She always smiled at me"

Notice....all of these are different ways of showing love.

Good bye dear, lady....we will miss you until we see you again.

Look what Brian found in the hen house last night! He thinks its a juvenile black rat snake.

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They are going to keep him in an aquarium and feed him mice. Uh....I don't think I will be taking part much in this deal. :) Yuck!

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Come back to me, girl.....

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It was a special moment. One of those instances, that something beyond tells you to grab it with your memory and hold on. It was a moment I won't forget, but I'm not sure I quite understand the meaning fully....yet. It happened on vacation, at the Buffalo River. It was the end of a day of canoeing and most everyone in the extended family had scattered to their various duties... making dinner, hauling canoes, cleaning up, etc. But, Girlie and I decided to stay down by the bridge and play in the water. I put on some goggles and joined her in an incredibly fun activity....floating with the current, then walking back up the shallows, then floating down again.

"Let's go again", I said. "OK!", she replied with her dimpled grin and blue goggles.... "but this time let's hold hands." I took her small hand in mine and we ducked under the water together. We stared in awe around us at all the different rocks below, but before I knew it, she released my hand and floated ahead of me....disappearing into the greenness of the river. I smiled to myself, that's so like her.... to be independent and have to jump ahead. I came up for a gulp of air and then resubmerged. No sign of my girl. Then faintly I could make something out....closer, closer, ....yes, that's her. She continues to come more into view. She is so strong .... her slender six year-old body swimming against the current to get to me. She won't quit....she is beautifully determined. Many times, I don't find her determination to be so, I usually consider it to be a pesky thorn in my existence.....but at that moment I saw it in all its glory....how God made her.

She has made it to me and is clearly pleased with herself. We are face to face...her hair is a swirling blonde cloud around her and we smile at one another under the water. She pushes herself toward me and places her face on mine...then proceeds to give me a firm and sincere kiss on the cheek. We burst out of the water laughing.....not fully sure of knowing why. We are just giddy.

That's my girl....tenacious, sweetly relational, unpredictable....and she will always come back to me, because our bond is strong....and goes beyond what can be physically seen. God has put us together for a reason and I treasure her.

I love you , Girlie. :)

The first stop on our trip...our old stompin' grounds...Pittsburg State. Go Gorillas!! :)

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Me & Brian...at a park near our college home....lots of memories in that town. :)

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We stopped at this store where the Wal-mart phenomenon began...Bentonville, Arkansas. Its a pretty neat museum now.

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This was in the museum - Sam Walton billionare and owner of Wal-mart, chose to drive IT and not a Royals Royce - what a down to earth guy! :)

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We visited Brian's old highschool buddy, Rick, and his precious family in Bentonville - here's all our kids minus 1 yr old, Sam. :)

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This was the cutest little gift shop in Eureka Springs...we took this photo in honor of Grandma...our family "razorback". :)

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We stopped in Eureka springs to climb this tower for a beautiful Ozark view! :)

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The 2 unsure family members sit this adventure out - they are sitting indian style. Can you see them?

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"On top of the world" - me and my brave Little Man make it to the top.

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Come on Family.... Let's float the Buffalo!!! :)

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Buffalo River Vacation!

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Well, we just got back from vacation....and I'm having trouble posting pics on the blog. Somethin's messed up! But I did get a few things to post - hopefully what I'm typing right now will as well! :)

So....back to the topic of vacation. As usual, the river was beautiful....the critters to catch and play with plentiful.... and the family camaraderie fun and rich. We had quite a group of extended family to see - and we all did LOTS of canoeing, LOTS of hiking, and of course...LOTS of eating. ha!

Some of the hiking included visiting "forbidden" and dangerous places - like old mine shafts and precarious waterfalls. There are some pretty interesting places to find in the backwoods of Arkansas - and I never seem to have enough time to explore them all! :)

Some of my favorite moments from the trip are:

Girlie adopts a little soft shell water turtle to play with in the canoe - she names it "Timmy the Turtle" - since it was Uncles Tim's first trip to the Buffalo with us. (cute!)

I was in Dick and Jane's canoe part of the time.... and Jane accidentally took us on an adventure through trees and rapids which I will not be forgetting soon. ha! Hey, but the canoe did not flip and I'm thankful for that.

Another aspect to note....in an effort to keep the sun off, Dick created quite a picture with this special hat/towel ensemble he put on his head. His special look caused quite a bit of teasing and fun since he looked rather mid-eastern in origin. He was playfully dubbed "the sheik" - and Brian enjoyed mimicking a syntar "call to prayer" song from the middle east when he would float past. Dick is such a good sport about being teased. The thing is, he is extra funny, because he is rarely TRYING to be funny, he just is. :)

Later, Brian took off ahead of everyone down the river and had a special couple of hours alone just with Sepa and Girlie on the river. He said it was one of those golden segments of parenting time with no problems or squabbles. They all intermittently chatted and listened to the beautiful sounds of the river. He then noticed it was a little difficult to steer because Sepa was only paddling on the left side - and then asked him to paddle on the right also - to which Sepa replied, "No, sorry.... I only paddle on the left because its my strongest side". Hmmmmm...let's just say Brian had a lot of compensating to do from the stern of the canoe. ha!

Also, at one point Brian said he was amused by an interesting interchange of conversation between the two kids:

Girlie asks Sepa, "Can I have a turn paddling now??" - Sepa replies, "Uh...No, its really important we have someone up here who knows what they are doing." (hee-hee) It sounds like "someone" was getting very confident in their strong left side paddling up there in the bow. :)

And....something new happened this year - I did not get to be Brian's canoe partner much, since both the boys wanted to be paddling with their Dad. I guess things have changed and if I want to be with Brian I have to get in line and take a #. :)

So to sum it up... we had a good time! It was your typical summer vacation with a young family = Precious and beautiful moments surrounded by chaos. ha!

Hope everyone is having a memorable summer. Blessings. :)

Lunch on the river...all 22 of us! :) Fun times.

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We enjoyed exploring this beautiful tributary to the Buffalo....its called "Spring Creek" - the water is clear and cold.

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The kids play in the creek....Girlie caught lots of critters with her special pink net. :)

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Cousin Mark shows how he's lowered his gas mileage using hydrogen...built it himself... pretty cool!

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Girlie and I took a hike in the rain....just so I could show her this waterfall

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Happy 9th Birthday to my Sunshine!

2008-06-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Baptisms and Birthdays!

2008-06-17T08:45:00.002-07:00

Wow! - we had quite a weekend! The most important events consisted of Sepa's 9th Birthday on Friday and Girlie's baptism on Sunday. Sepa did not just have a birthday.... he had a string of birthday events! :) On Friday he got to swim at the lake plus Grandma made him cupcakes. He followed that up with bowling and his favorite dinner... Papa Murphy's pizza. THEN, Grandpa came out Friday night and put together Sepa's gift - a new trampoline!!! And it doesn't end there! - the next day he and LM went to Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun with Nana and Papa.

Sunday was a special day as well. Girlie has been asking for awhile to be baptized - and Sunday was the day. Brian told me he overheard the following between Girlie and Sepa at church that morning:

Sepa = "When I was baptized I had this wonderful feeling in my heart when I came up out of the water".
Girlie = (perplexed) "It must be special watuh" - (yes, I know, we are going to need to get her into some speech therapy - but its cute for now - ha!)

That's all for now - we are off to the pool! Have a blessed day. :)

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Girlie plays T-ball!!! :)

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Swing!!

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Here she is playing the pitcher position - can you see her back there?

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Girlie's Cheering Section! :)

2008-06-05T16:29:00.000-07:00

Tornado Outbreak!

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Right now, there is front of severe weather from Nebraska all the way through Kansas and down through Oklahoma. It's huge!! On the way home this afternoon, the kids overheard the radio announcer on the car radio say we are in a tornado watch. Once we got into the house they all swung into action! Girlie was bagging up her precious "Polly Pocket" collection along with her lava lamp and favorite pink kitty pillow and hauling it all downstairs.

Then Sepa was concerned for the welfare of his Betta Fish, "Spike" - he hurriedly put him into a small cup with a sealable lid and transported him to the basement (where I later discovered him (Spike) packed between some pillows in a corner for extra safety - ha!). Sepa was also calling out safety instructions - he says, "Everyone!.... get on your tennis shoes in case we have to walk on broken glass!" (oh, my).

BUT, my favorite reaction has to be Little Man's.....He stoicly climbed to the top of the stairs and carefully placed his most treasured possession in the world on the banister - his Nintendo DS. I asked, "What are you doing?" He said, "I'm showing what is really important in life, possessions aren't what are really important... - so, I'm putting my favorite thing in the world upstairs. Wow, how profound! :) Yes, it was a proud moment. It must be noted though - the biblestory Little Man heard today was the story of "The Rich Young Ruler" who would not give up his wealth to follow Christ. Apparently, someone has taken this message to heart and is seeking to apply the principle. Very precious, indeed. :)

Well, say a prayer for us - the storm front is about 45 minutes away!

Its that time....Time for the Summer Buzz Cut!

2008-05-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Shaggies!

2008-05-28T18:09:00.002-07:00

I decided this evening that I could stand it NO more!!! Both our boys looked like Shaggy without a Scooby. So I got out the clippers and decided I would take matters into my own hands. Sepa began to lament that he didn't want ME buzzing his hair. Apparently, he still remembers that last time I did it (a couple of years ago) when I accidentally took off a little piece of his ear. Picky, Picky..... :)

So Brian (the barber of choice in our fam) came out and saved the day - Giving the boys a great summer buzz! Now when they jump into the pool, they will look the same when they get out! Plus, their hair will look the same when the get out of bed in the morning. Yep, it sure simplifies things around here.

Sooooo....We're ready.... Summer here we come! :)

Summer Buzz-cut complete! :)

2008-05-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful fishin' hole..... and a enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. :)

2008-05-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Into Fishin'

2008-05-25T17:27:00.002-07:00

Well, Brian and the boys are REALLY into fishing right now. We're talking almost daily trips to the various ponds around here. Actually, they are gone fishing as I presently type! :)

It all started a few weeks ago when the 3 of them were going to the boys' church campout and fishing was naturally going to be part of the deal. The boys were aghast that all they had to fish with were their Disney-themed orange "Tigger poles". Obviously, a 10 year-old and almost 9 year-old can't take Winnie-the-Pooh themed gear to a guy's camping trip. (ha!) Brian decided it was time for some more mature looking fishing poles and surprised them with new ones from where else? ..... Walmart. :) After that there seemed many days where the 3 of them continually messed with their tackle boxes out in the garage and practiced casting in the yard.

So, anyway....ever since then it has been fishing, fishing, and more fishing! Girlie has been asking to go to....so us girls were invited along on yesterday's expedition to a nearby pond. So Daddy got out Girlie's pink princess pole and off we went! It was soooo beautiful there - I love the month of May! The grass so lush and everything fresh. I went on a hike (of course) and took pictures. I even caught a bass. Yeah, me! :) We fried and broiled our fillets last night for dinner (wanted to try it both ways). Wasn't too bad - I served it with fresh corn on the cob and steamed carrots. Pretty good dinner!

I hope you are finding a happy way to enjoy this beautiful time of year as well! :)

Blessings to you and yours.

2008-05-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

Little man and a bass that later became dinner. :)

2008-05-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

Its such a beautiful spot.....

2008-05-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

Girlie thinks, "Chickens are friends...NOT food." :)

2008-05-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

Some after school fun.....the kids are practicing for a sidewalk chalk competition in a couple of weeks!

2008-05-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

A Fun Road Trip! - here is one highlight....we stopped to see the "World's Largest Ball of Twine". :)

2008-05-19T09:06:00.001-07:00

Brian and I at the geographical center of the U.S. - exciting stuff! :)

2008-05-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

2008-05-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

ROAD TRIP w/ Dick and Jane

2008-05-19T08:47:00.003-07:00

We had a fun day yesterday. We took a road trip to Smith Center, KS. We went with Dick and Jane to visit cousins and attend a graduation. A fun time was had by all - as you can see by the pictures. :) We visited the Kansas originals store and got a tour of Cousin Gary's farming/hunting properties - which consists of hundreds of beautiful acres out in the middle of no-where. We also were treated to a fabulous steak dinner in honor of the graduate, Cousin Heath.

I also enjoyed seeing all their animals - they have 6 horses plus plenty of chickens. Also, Cousin Kari breeds and sells dogs out there. Quite an operation they have going. Brian was invited to come back with the boys to camp, ride 4 wheelers, etc. - and I think he just might take them up on the offer! :)

A series of pictures I will call "FAVORITE ROADTRIP SNACKS". Here is Dick with his choice....CORNUTS! :)

2008-05-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

Hee-hee - Brian's funny - he bought some "Nerds" at the gas station, exclaiming happily "I haven't had a box of Nerds in years". :)

2008-05-19T08:23:00.000-07:00