Road Trip!

Well, I probably won't be online too much over the weekend, because we are off to "Oklahoma! Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain" for a day or two. I'm so excited because we are going to see my bestest friend from high school, Sarah, and her wonderful family. I also get to spend more time getting to know not only her boys, Noah and Nathan, but that little girl in the middle....Rosie,whom they just adopted from Ethiopia 6 weeks ago.You can read their story over onSarah's blog, Mommy's Musings. Sarah tells all about the adoption process with Rosie, and I absolutely love her post on "why" they adopted. It's very thought-provoking and heart-provoking too.....

I couldn't help but to post this picture of when Sarah and Rosie first met....brings tears....

Anyway, we're excited to get away, even for just 2 days! Yea!!!!! Who knows, though? You might see me; you know me, can't stay away from this for too long....will have pics posted when we get back! Have a great weekend, everyone!

Things I Love Thursday- Picking Strawberries

This past Monday, we had the opportunity to go get in on some strawberry pickin' with the kids and Grandma, my mom. They absolutely loved it! I think Jaden ate more than anyone; once he found out what we were doing, he was completely happy to mooch off each of our boxes.:) We all had fun, and we came home with quite a few strawberries, which were so delicious.I've had some in the dehydrator all day, and I even made a fruit roll-up with some. Yum! I love getting out and doing stuff like that with my kids, though....it's such a simple thing but provides lots of memories.For more Things I Love Thursday, link up with Diaper Diaries.

Book Review- Word of Promise Next Generation NT

I was fortunate enough to be able to review 3 MP3 CDs for Thomas Nelson, the Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament Dramatic Audio Bible. There are over 23 hours of listening time on these cds, and they are a definite plus to any Christian’s collection or library.

My son actually listened to these for some of his Bible lessons. He liked the fact that some of his favorite actors, such as Corbin Bleu and Emily Osment, were reading to him. I liked the fact that the cds seemed to keep his attention, and they really were dramatized with sound effects, background noise, music, etc. The actors did a tremendous job of reading and helping you to feel the emotions, especially when Jesus was on the cross. There were different actors for different Biblical characters. Of course, the first five books were more dramatized, but even the letters written by Paul were right on with voice intonations and character shown throughout. The book of Revelation is actually one of my favorites, because I could honestly visualize what was being read; I could picture everything in my mind.

Before each book starts, there is an introduction to that book. Also included is a “Behind the Scenes” DVD that basically tells about the producer, the cast, and some of the things that went into making the cds. The actors tell about different aspects and even about living in Hollywood and some of their different interests.

This set is a great resource, especially for a family with pre-teens/teens. My son is younger, but he still enjoyed them. The only thing I did not like was that because they are MP3s, I can’t really play them in my car, but the set is still a great thing to have around, because even if you or your kids just take away one thing from listening, it’s worth it. If you'd like to read more about it, check it out at Thomas Nelson.

A New Bloggie Friend!

Hey, Ya'all! If you get a chance today, head on over and welcome my sister, Nina, to the blogging world....she's just started her own blog over at True Heart. I'm so excited because she also is a writer and is just filled to the brim with all kinds of unique and great ideas! The more, the merrier, I say! Have a great day, everyone!

A Trip Back In Time

My mom gave me one of the best gifts she ever could have given me today....she had a whole box filled with some of the things I used to play with relentlessly when I was a little girl. From paper dolls with their playhouse books and my reusable sticker books.... to the Etch-A-Sketch with the games and puzzles pack and my Doodle Poodle and Math Star.... to my little matching cards and puzzles that I remember playing with for hours on end. I even had an old Paas set that I had saved one Easter and played with....my felt board with all kinds of wonderful shapes.....and last but not least, my Punky Brewster coloring book, which is inscribed by me; notice the front cover here.:) ("I like, no, love Punky Brewster!") LOLMy mom had to point that out; I used to race to get off the schoolvan every day to get inside and grab my snack so that I could watch Punky Brewster. Oh, the memories this brings back, and now I can share at least some of this with my boys. It's just so fun and special!

A Little Inspiration For Your Day

I read these verses this morning and just wanted to share....

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— ⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God....

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.... (I love that part about being heirs together, together being the key word.)

¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ¹⁶ having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.- 1 Peter 3: 3-4, 7, 15-16 (NKJV)

That last part really spoke to me, especially about being ready to give a defense with meekness. Lately, I've been wrestling with something, and I realized this morning that I needed to let God guide my actions and words concerning it; if He's not guiding me, I could possibly cause a situation to go so badly, that these other persons might never want to turn to God.....so, if you think of it, just keep me in your prayers over the coming months, as we are going to face many changes, and I need to just let God work through and in me to produce meekness and gentleness....

Have a great day!

Paige Strackman- Free Download!

If you've ever travelled down towards the bottom of my blog, you've probably noticed the sampling of Paige Strackman's latest cd, which is just amazing and inspiring to listen to. Paige wanted me to share this on my blog or through email, so enjoy the following!:)

Proceeds from Paige Strackman's Gospel CD
"Who Can Compare To You?" have helped purchase
ALMOST 2,000 POUNDS OF FOOD for children in Haiti since its release!

To CELEBRATE, here is a free download for one of the most popular songs from the CD to say
THANK YOU for your support!

To get your FREE download go to:
http://www.volummonster.com
Enter code: Paige

*Please feel free to forward to friends*

www.paigestrackman.com
__________________________

________________________

If you'd like to further help children in Haiti,
you can make a
tax deductible contribution at
https://artistsforcommunity.ejoinme.org/mypages/tabid/118792/Default.aspx
Under donation category, scroll down and select Paige Strackman! The money will be spent on food for the children in Haiti!

Memorial Day: Thank You

Memorial Day: a day to pay tribute to all of the men and women who have fought so valiantly to preserve our freedom. You all have fought in wars, in conditions that we at home can not even begin to comprehend. I just want to thank you; thank you for my freedom; thank you for my children's freedom. Thank you.



This also caught my interest (as a former working nurse)....Again, thank you to all of our veterans!

Daybook For May 25, 2009

FOR TODAY, Monday, May 25, 2009...
Outside my window...it is raining and a little dreary.
I am thinking...that I want to read a lot this week. We'll see.
I am thankful for...my mom, who has become such a good friend.
From the learning rooms...we're probably just going to work on our little garden this week.
From the kitchen...will be barbecue today; the grill is going to get a good workout.
Plus, I might just make another strawberry pie.

I am wearing...jammies, if only for a few more minutes.
I am creating...a new school schedule for summer/2nd grade.
I am going...to the strawberry patch in a little while, if it stops raining.
I am reading...The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. I highly recommend it for all families, homeschool or not.
I am hoping...that God will heal the boys of their sickness this week; Jacob had a big coughing fit in the wee hours this morning, and I just hope he can go pick strawberries with us, because his little heart was set on it.
I am hearing...wonderful, delicious silence because everyone is sleeping still.:)
Around the house...have to dust, vacuum, and mop today.
One of my favorite things...is just curling up with a good book, while the rain is falling outside; it's so soothing.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Well, we're kinda taking a week off school, so that's exciting! Jacob to Tae Kwon Do; errands; have to mow here and at the property; some decluttering and finishing gathering stuff for Amanda's yardsale; leaving for Oklahoma on Saturday really early to visit friends; etc.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing....just chillin' with my kiddies right before bedtime.:)

For more Simple Woman, link up with Peggy.

Must See Movie- Taken

Usually, I'm not a huge fan of in-your-face, action movies, but this one was different for me. I wasn't sure how I would like it, but after seeing it, it's raised a whole new awareness of something that I knew existed, but I chose to push it to the back of my mind before. It's something none of us can even imagine, but it's something that we need to stand up and deal with; we need to take action! Taken was a movie basically about the human trafficking of young women. Liam Neeson, who is the perfect fit for this part, plays the father, who had done intelligence/security work in the past but was now trying to retire. It ends up that his daughter is taken, wherein he gives the phone threat that every man (even women) would want to give if their daughter/son was taken....truly a phone call not to be forgotten. It turns out that he has a 96 hour window in which to find his daughter and rescue her, or he may never see her again. She has been kidnapped to be sold as a prostitute, where they first get the girls addicted to drugs, so they are dependent on their captors.



Truly, this movie spoke to me. I found myself getting angrier and angrier as it went on, knowing that this stuff does exist, and it is happening at this very moment. What are we doing about it? This is the first movie that I actually wanted to see the bad guys dead, literally dead, because it angered me so much that a fellow human (who might also be a father themselves and have a young daughter at home; or who might be a person in authority, deemed to be respectable) could take a young woman, who had a life, who had a family that probably loved her very much, who had a promise of a bright future, and just turn that young woman into a slave, as if she were a dog and to parade her and sell her as if she were a commodity. It made me just livid with anger, and it's something I feel so passionately about.

If you haven't seen Taken, I encourage you to see it, of course, without your kids. It's really not suitable for children. If not because I said so, watch it for your kids; watch it for all of those kids/teenagers/young adults out there who are right now being forced to live a life of slavery. We think this would never happen to our own, but in fact, if we don't stand up and do something, it could be at our very doorstep before we know it.

I've always had a passion for reaching out to women/young women, and I plan on turning that passion into action by really researching this issue more and possibly getting involved in something....not sure what yet, but I will be posting about this, as I have found a new passion for this subject, a subject we can't afford to ignore and push to the backs of our minds any longer.

Need Your Input

I'm just wondering if anyone knows anything about this: instead of going according to the homeschool laws of PA, if a person can register as their own private school, thereby cutting out some of the paperwork? I have been searching online, but have yet to find any answers. I'll keep searching, but I thought I'd ask, just in case anyone can help me. Thank you guys!

A Little Ozarks Twang?

"I reckon I'll get my blue chair and watch the ball fields...."

This is what Jacob just informed me of. "I reckon?" I am still laughing over that one. He's growing up with that Missouri twang, that's for sure. That Missouri twang my New York college friends used to tease me about having anytime my parents came to visit. Somehow, I'd miraculously lose some of it the more time I spent away from home, but as soon as Mom and Dad came to visit, it was back to that "ole' Missouri southern drawl." It was something, though, that just showed where I came from; at least, that's how I felt about it.

Oh, Jacob, I reckon I love you!:)

Friday Funnies- Flight Attendant

After going on a missions trip and having to connect to somewhere around 6-8 different flights just one way, I totally understand how a flight attendant's spiel about airline safety could get so boring....LOL. Enjoy!:)



For more Friday Funnies, link up with Homesteaders Heart.

My Secret Wish

My one secret wish is to learn how to do this....oh yeah.:)



I just love the music from the 40's and 50's....especially this guy.:)

Cutie Patootie

Jacob just lost his two front teeth last night.:)He had a dentist's appointment yesterday, where he was informed that they would fall out anytime, to which he replied that he did not want them to come out. Last night, one fell out while he was eating, and the other, well, let's just say we helped it along because it was literally hanging; and if you look closely, you can see the other two teeth already coming in....he has the craziest teeth.Not looking forward to the orthodontist bills in the future. Oh, and we think the tooth fairy just might land here tonight....we're hoping anyway.....(Yep, we believe in the tooth fairy and all things that exist in the imagination of a child, for what would the world be without childhood dreams and imaginary tales of long ago?)

Plant Coffins:)

We finally got our tomato and pepper plants and flowers into containers.Dan, my man, built these "coffins" as he calls them for my "graveyard."Yes, it is well known that I don't have the greenest thumb around; oh trust me, I try, and I dream of someday owning an organic nursery, but somehow, about the middle of summer, my plants usually start going downhill. So, I'm hoping to change that this summer....they will survive!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday- Bubble Pizza

This is my sister's recipe, and it's a favorite here, especially with Jacob.

Bubble Pizza

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

1 can pizza sauce (I usually make my own with either tomato sauce and seasoning or spaghetti sauce)

2 tubes refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a skillet, brown the beef; drain. Stir in pizza sauce. Quarter the biscuits; place in a greased 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Top with the beef mixture. Bake uncovered at 400 for 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

For more Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, link up with Lisa.

Menu Plan Monday

Better late than never.:)

Monday: Jamaican Jerk Chicken, steamed potatoes and veggies.

Tuesday: Easy Pea Risotto.

Wednesday: Greek-Style Tilapia, veggies.

Thursday: Bubble Pizza, Peas.

Friday: Guiltless Salmon Burgers.

Saturday: Turkey Chili, Fritos or Cornbread.

Sunday: Tacos.

For more Menu Plan Monday, link up with Organizing Junkie.

Awesome Homeschool Resource!

Hey faithful readers, just wanted to share a site that I found today thanks to the powers of Facebook and The Old Schoolhouse. It's a blog called My Audio School,and it's just awesome....that's the word that sums it up the best! It has tons of classic books, books that deal with so many different time periods in history.A fellow homeschooling mom, named Molly, started this up to help her sons with their education....and then she decided to share it with all of us! You can listen to books on the blog, or you can even download them. Molly, from the bottom of my heart, I just have to say, "Thank you!!!!! We are so, so, eternally grateful!" Enjoy, everyone!

Daybook for May 18, 2009

FOR TODAY, Monday, May 18, 2009...
Outside My Window...it is sunny and warm.
I am thinking...I need to get my stuff listed on Ebay today.
I am thankful for...my husband; I just love him so much.
From the learning rooms...this week, we're finishing up our first grade math and phonics (Praise the Lord!), and I'm ordering new curriculum/books....so exciting because I keep finding new, free resources online all the time. I'm just excited to explore through this classical education with the boys.
From the kitchen...tonight will be Jamaican Jerk Chicken, steamed potatoes and veggies, and rolls.
I am wearing...tan corduroys and my gray St Louis University long sleeved shirt.
I am creating...I'm working on my blog this week, trying to "decorate" differently and figure out how to put ads on it.
I am going...already went to the grocery store really early this morning, and we're hopefully going to the nursery this evening.
I am reading...still reading The Way They Learn.
I am hoping...that the people who looked at our property and are trying to get finances arranged will call back with an official offer this week; just praying and hoping.
I am hearing...Jacob is watching a Disney movie right now, and Jaden's napping, so it's kind of quiet.
Around the house...we dusted, vacuumed, and mopped; now to get the laundry finished for today.
One of my favorite things...is peonies; they have such a lovely, sweet fragrance, not to mention they're so colorful.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: school, errands, dentist appointment for Jacob and spending day with Dan on Wednesday (maybe find something fun to do), trying to get plants/seeds in the pots/containers, mowing here and at property, Jacob to Tae Kwon Do, etc.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing...Sylvia brought us a bouquet of peonies.

For more Simple Woman, link up with Peggy.

Felt Inspired Today

Don't you just love Saturdays? I do! Today, I woke up feeling a little lazy on this dreary day, but as the day wore on, I got inspired. I had an old copy of Country Home Magazine laying around, and I had seen a window treatment in it that I just loved, so out came the material (which I got for 50% off at Joanne's), and on came the sewing machine, and this is what I came up with in our bedroom. Yippee!!!!

They were so easy, with a minimal amount of sewing besides the hems and curtain rod pockets....then I used velcro to pick them up in a sort of pleat. The velcro wasn't wanting to stick to the wood trim around the window, though, so we put a really small nail through that part of the velcro to keep it hanging right. I'm thinking of adding a button to the spots where each side comes up, just to give them a little something extra , but I haven't decided yet. Love it! So simple, yet so chic!

Frugal Fridays- Wonderful & Free!

I owe a great amount of gratitude to Jenn for telling me about this site, so I thought I'd share it with anyone who reads my blog. The site is called The Baldwin Online Children's Literature Project, and they provide wonderful, free, children's classic literature, including such authors as Beatrix Potter, Jack London, Sir Walter Scott, etc., etc. It's such a great site; I was so excited to have this site as a resource. It's hard sometimes to find a lot of these books/literature at our small library here. Plus, we as the public, are granted permission to print these books right off our computers. How great is that?

Another great resource I'd love to share is Homeschool Radio Shows, and they have a free email list that you can sign up on to receive free downloads every week of some of the old, classic stories that were played on the radio in times past. We actually listened to one just today, and Jacob absolutely loved it.

Enjoy these great freebies!:)

For more Frugal Fridays, visit Life as Mom.

Things I Love Thursday- Something Must Be Sticking

We are a homeschooling family, and sometimes I get discouraged, just hoping that things will stick in Jacob's brain, that he'll really learn....let me tell ya, it takes a lot of patience....and I'm not good with patience. But I'm always just hoping that he'll at least have something stay with him, stick with him, so he can remember. Well, to my surprise, in cleaning off my desk, I came upon this.

Now, I have no earthly idea how he even came up with the 5 times tables; the only 5 problem we've done that I can remember is 5x5=25; I've been introducing the idea of multiplication to him with pictures and groups, and his daddy has talked with him a little bit because Jacob's been curious about it, how it works, if this equals this and so on. Somehow, and I'm thinking he must have figured out to count by 5s to get the answers, he came up with this....it stuck!!! It stuck!!!! I love it!:) Yea!!!!! Amidst all those wiggly, bored look, crazy mornings with math, something stuck!!!!

For more Things I Love Thursday, link up with Diaper Diaries.

Beware: Soapbox Discussion

So, I've decided to get on my soapbox for just a little bit today; please bear with me. This is something that's been on my chest for a while, as we've been hurt by issues very close to these; we've even lost "friends" over silly things, such as these, and I just need to get it off.

There are a lot of Christians who give Christians a bad name....did you read that right? Yes, you did. To an outsider looking in, we as Christians can look pretty hyprocitical sometimes. Yeah, we do; we can actually look pretty pathetic; we make mistakes. We're all sinners. Did you hear that part? We're all sinners. Yep, every single one of us. When we become Christians, we acknowledge that we are sinners....so, then, why do we feel the need to nit-pick one another? Why do we feel the need to go around trying to pick out each others' sins, or rather what we judge to be sins? I say we because I think we are all guilty of this at times.

The one thing I do not like is putting labels on Christians; for example, and I've heard some of these a lot: "I'm a Baptist." "I use KJV only, and you're all wrong if you don't; in fact, you're being deceived." "You use birth control? How dare you interfere with God's will." "You send your kids to public school? You must not love them enough to care about their Christian education." "You, as a woman, need to get behind your husband and be under his control." (Ouch, that last one can be touchy, huh? But notice the word behind....it doesn't say next to; I know this can be very controversial, but I firmly believe that God intended us to be a helpmeet, which doesn't mean to stand behind your husband....it actually means to be a partner, a companion and helper.)

My sister told me a joke a while ago that I will share here: "There was a Nazarene who died and went to Heaven; as he was passing the Baptist tent, the angels turned to him and said, 'Shhhh....that's the Baptists....they think they're the only ones here.'" How true and how sad is this joke? How often do we put labels on ourselves, on other Christians, on our churches, on every single thing we do in our Christian lives? But what do those labels even mean? Are they Christ-centered? I mean, does being a Baptist save you? Because I use different versions of the Bible, does that mean I'm being deceived, and I could possibly be on my way to Hell?

No, I do not agree. I do not think that when Jesus went to the taxcollectors' houses for supper, He was thinking much of getting them to join a certain sect of Christianity; I don't think when he forgave the adulterous woman, He was telling her that she should only use a certain version of His Word, or else. I think that when He spent time with these people, He saw them through eyes of love, through the eyes of a Saviour. He wanted these people to spend eternity with Him in Heaven.

Aren't we, as Christians, all, or shouldn't we all, be striving for the same end? To bring souls to Christ....not to the KJV, not to the Baptist Association, but to Christ, Who loved us enough to die on that lonely cross for all of our sins?! In the end, this verse sustains my thoughts and actions: Galatians 3:28 (New King James Version)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

We are all one in Christ Jesus. So then, what right do I have to judge another? Shouldn't we stop judging and let God be our Judge? After all, it is Him we should strive to please, not each other.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Tuna Salad Sandwiches, Chips, Veggies & Fruit.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, Potatoes, Veggies.

Wednesday: Open-Faced "Tostada" Salads.

Thursday: Spinach Pasta Toss.

Friday: Chicken Fried Rice, Spring Rolls.

Saturday: Grilled Salmon with Pesto, Parmesan Noodles with Veggies.

Sunday: Dinnertime Quesadillas.

For more Menu Plan Monday, link up with Laura.

Daybook For May 11, 2009

FOR TODAY, Monday, May 11, 2009...

Outside my window...it is sunny and blue skies with a few clouds.

I am thinking...I need to get some new curriculum/books ordered for school.

I am thankful for...my family and our life together.

From the learning rooms...this week, we're focusing more on math and phonics, trying to finish up 1st grade....next week should be our last week with both; and then we'll basically start 2nd grade in June. I'm excited to do some fun things this summer together, more hands on stuff for school.

From the kitchen...tonight is easy with tuna salad sandwiches, since we need to mow both the property and our yard; it's going to be another rainy week.

I am wearing...brown capris with yellow v-neck shirt and white tank top under it.

I am creating...my long overdue assignment this week.

I am going...might go to the nursery today to get some plants.

I am reading...The Way They Learn.

I am hoping...to get some tubs/containers somewhere for our plants, since I can't really make a permanent garden here.

I am hearing...Jacob cleaning in his room. Look out! Could be dangerous in there!
Around the house...I have to dust, vacuum, and mop today and finish up laundry.

One of my favorite things...is strawberry pie.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Get to the nursery somehow, some way, since it's been raining nonstop, basically; school; working out/exercise; errands & library run; hopefully get my china cabinet painted, if possible weather-wise; decluttering, gathering things for Amanda's yard sale.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...(Our mom)

For more Simple Woman, link up with Peggy.

Powerful

"To all of those women who are raising, helping to raise, ministering or reaching out to children of this world...May you always be a reflection of Him to those whose lives you impact."

This quote really stabs at my heart, knowing that I'm not always the example I should be to my children. I just wanted to share it with you.

Ode To Mom

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there! What would the world be without moms? No, seriously, think about it.....really, there would be no world. Moms are 24/7 workaholic domestic engineers....we truly are. As a mom myself, I'm starting to realize what my parents went through with us as kids. So, in honor of that, I have to say thank you to my own mom....

Mom, I don't know how you made it through without pulling all your hair out (wait, maybe that's the reason for all those migraines), for now I am starting to realize how much love and patience you had with us....and I haven't even made it to the teen years with mine yet. Whew! Now I'm beginning to realize how scary it is to raise kids....how I love them so much and don't want to see any harm come to them; how I sleep with one eye/ear open now, listening for their movements/cries/breathing. You are a beautiful person, Mom, inside and out. I don't know if you realize how much I truly love and appreciate you. You taught me so much, not only as a young girl, but now as a wife and mom with a family of my own. I may have argued with you a lot as a teenager and caused you much grief, and I may have snuffed off a lot of your advice back then, but I am starting to get to that place in my life where I'm realizing how much value there is in your words of advice, encouragement, etc.Mom, you taught me that in order to get anywhere in life, I had to work for it. You taught me not only how to do basic life things, such as cooking, canning, how to grow a killer garden, cleaning (like a pro, I might add:)), laundry, how to make the best Strawberry Shortcake birthday cakes, etc., but you taught me what love is; you taught me to stand up for my convictions, for what I believe in; you taught me the value of a dollar; you taught me that as a woman, I could go anywhere, do anything in my life, as long as God was the center of it; you taught me true compassion, especially on those days when I'd come home sick from school, and you'd stay up all night with me, thermometer and can of Sprite in hand; you taught me how to be a Delaney/Atkins woman, how to feel beautiful in my own skin.... Those days we spent on the tractor or in the fields, even when it was freezing out and snowing up a storm....you taught me perseverance and responsibility. Taking care of grandparents, you taught me true sacrifice. You taught me that fun and happiness could be found in so many things in life....all I had to do was look for it.There are so many things I could go on listing, but I just want to say thank you....I just want to tell you that I love you!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Way To Go, Bud!

Jacob had his first tournament in Tae Kwon Do today; he was so excited all week; he kept counting down the days. I was so proud of him today, and I was so nervous for him all at the same time....and he did great!!! He not only placed with a silver medal in forms, but he got honorable mention in the sparring. I wasn't just proud of him for winning a medal though and doing his best. You try to teach your kids right, and you try to instill values in them. Sometimes I worry that I'm not doing a great job; there are days when his other "attitudes" can almost get the best of me, but today I felt so much happiness inside as I watched him. When he lost the sparring match, you could tell he was disappointed, but he didn't show it. He simply bowed to his instructor and shook hands with his competitor and went on....and when he got his honorable mention ribbon, he was as happy with that as he was with his medal. That alone just made my day....and no, I'm not trying to brag, nor do I want to brag; believe me, my kids are far from perfect....far, far, far....but I'm just sharing a victory as a parent. An exciting victory of what a good attitude can do because not only did we notice how he acted, but his instructor complimented him on his attitude....woohoo!!! Ok, I'm done now....I'm just so happy; I'm happy that he could be happy with his ribbon; I'm happy that he just had a good time.

Just A Small Part of What a Tornado Can Do

It's quite eerie when you're sitting in your living room during a storm, teaching your son his math, when all of a sudden, the tornado sirens start going off. Well, that's what our morning was all about....ugh. Fortunately, we had no damage here, but it was all around us. These pictures don't really do justice to the damage done by the tornadoes and really bad winds this morning in the storm, but here are just a few things I saw on my travels today; so sad to see trees that have been in the ground for hundreds of years just completely uprooted; kinda puts the power of this storm into perspective just a bit....most of these were out closer to my mom and dad's house. Keep in mind that I was trying to drive and snap pictures with my cell phone at the same time....not the safest thing to do, for sure.:)

This was somebody's camper, but it's pretty much obliterated.

This is actually not very far from our house; actually just a couple streets over.