tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78774725357900311582024-03-13T13:36:03.675-07:00A Day in the LifeRandom thoughts on daily life...Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-79715689904569833292016-04-21T07:35:00.000-07:002016-04-21T07:35:32.928-07:00Chemo---Done!I completed my last chemotherapy treatment this Tuesday, April 19th. What a great feeling! This time when I get to feeling better in two weeks I will not have to go back and get the meds again. Whoo hoo! <br />
<br />
I met with the radiation oncologist Tuesday as well and will start radiation on May 16th. I will go five days a weeks for six and a half weeks. That will be a lot of driving but I'm sure it will pass quickly as well. <br />
<br />
God has been so faithful and good during this time. He has provided and loved us so well through our friends, family, and our church.<br />
<br />
On another subject, the kids only have four more weeks of school left. R man will start high school next year. I can't believe that it has flown by so quickly. Kinley will start seventh grade. They both have so many exciting things in store for them and I can't wait to experience it all with them!Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-7874270038091970152016-04-01T08:11:00.002-07:002016-04-01T08:11:59.657-07:00The best laid plans....All the good intentions of keeping up with my blog since I had so much time on my hands. Out the window. But maybe I will start keeping up with it now. Maybe.<br />
<br />
Today is the kids first band competition. It's a Seiling this afternoon and I'm trying to decided whether or not to go. It's driving me crazy to not go but at the same time I know it would wear me out. It doesn't start until 3:00 so I still have time to decide because it's only 10:00 a.m. as I write this. <br />
<br />
Either way, the Princess was very excited about her first band trip. She also gets to go back tomorrow to do a vocal solo. Steven will be taking her to that. So Rman and I will get to spend a little time together while they are gone.<br />
<br />
Speaking of, right before Spring Break he enrolled for high school. High. School. That does not even seem possible. The years have flown by. I am so proud of the person he is becoming. I am a little nervous for him but he has flourished in every environment he has been in so I don't know why this would be any different. I should be excited for him and the experiences he will get to have.<br />
<br />
He will do band as an elective but also wants to do shop. That surprised me just a little bit but I also think it's cool that he chose that. He wants to learn how to do metal cutting and use tools to build stuff. <br />
<br />
This school year is almost over. They have both done so well, especially considering all that we have gone through!Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-68227456111520790162016-02-08T08:45:00.002-08:002016-02-08T08:45:59.521-08:00My writerThis past November, R-man got notified that he received first place in the OK district 12 VFW's Patriot's Pen essay. We were so excited that he was awarded this honor. As he said, "It's usually someone else who wins that kind of stuff." <br />
<br />
Last Friday, his teacher held an assembly. He read his essay aloud and was presented his award. He doesn't like speaking in front of crowds but did a great job. His dad and I were so proud. Papa and Granna drove up to attend as well. It was special to them because Papa has always been very involved in the VFW in Sentinel. <br />
<br />
I'm really proud of this kid. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REUW-QgbYPI/VrjGEN5RigI/AAAAAAAAAKU/9YidrNpLY4s/s1600/12661888_10153563155078152_3986615426414511956_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REUW-QgbYPI/VrjGEN5RigI/AAAAAAAAAKU/9YidrNpLY4s/s320/12661888_10153563155078152_3986615426414511956_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xmaQO4dimQ/VrjGEHoBwGI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/SFcsgZlxbwc/s1600/12669636_10153563153423152_4469055338876277601_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xmaQO4dimQ/VrjGEHoBwGI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/SFcsgZlxbwc/s320/12669636_10153563153423152_4469055338876277601_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr_TICXQEoQ/VrjGEAmLDnI/AAAAAAAAAKM/7U1riDNMpWg/s1600/12645128_10153563153463152_2355941069037393322_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr_TICXQEoQ/VrjGEAmLDnI/AAAAAAAAAKM/7U1riDNMpWg/s320/12645128_10153563153463152_2355941069037393322_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-59479138221471199942016-01-25T06:36:00.000-08:002016-01-25T06:36:10.168-08:00Already...Well, tomorrow is the day again. Off to Enid for my second chemo treatment. I have felt so "normal" the past week that I so dread going back. However, I know it is what I must do to kill off this cancer that wants to suck the life from me. <br />
<br />
Yesterday at church, our pastor preached from Isaiah 41. In it, God is telling the Israelites not to fear. HE will uphold them with His righteous right hand. (v. 10). I am clinging to that. The point was made that our fear says something about who we think God is. I believe God is bigger than any treatment, any cancer, any side effect I may have. I want so badly to cling to that this week and not fall back on my pity, especially when I don't feel well physically. <br />
<br />
If you are reading, please pray that I will stand firm knowing that God is upholding me with His right hand.Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-41080483076189146252016-01-20T12:13:00.000-08:002016-01-20T12:13:20.073-08:00What a yearWell, after good intentions, my last blog restart never got off the ground. Because of medical reasons, I have a little more time on my hands so hope to get more done on here!<br />
<br />
The past few months have been a whirlwind. In November, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a mastectomy in December and they also removed my lymph nodes on the right side. I had cancer in one of the lymph nodes. So fast forward to January and I have started my 16 weeks of chemo treatments. I go every other week for 8 treatments. This is my off week and I am feeling pretty good but I'm not gonna lie---last week was not fun. <br />
<br />
However, through this, I have learned a few things that I want to hold onto to get me through when times are bad.<br />
<br />
1. My husband is the true definition of a man. Confession--I already knew this. But the past few months he has been strong yet tender, unwaiveringing yet kind. I honestly could not do this without him.<br />
<br />
2. My kids are pretty awesome. Neither one of them has hit the terrible teenage years yet. They do what they are asked, still enjoy hanging out with mom and dad. But they have gone above and beyond to love me and Steven and to do whatever we need done.<br />
<br />
3. I have amazing friends. From bringing me meals to uplifting texts to sharing Scripture/song to Facetiming me during church so I can hear the sermon. God has placed amazing people in my life. <br />
<br />
4. God is good. Always. He is my sustainer. There have been times I have felt far from Him and I'm sure I will go through more valleys. But I am clinging to His promise from Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Even when I feel far away, He is there--always working, always loving, always shepherding me. <br />
<br />
I don't know what the next few months hold for me but I hope to hold onto these truths to get me through.<br />
<br />
<br />Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-61061934609678141772014-03-27T21:24:00.000-07:002014-03-27T21:24:12.163-07:00Where have you been?I had almost forgotten that I used to do a blog. Then I started looking through some old facebook posts and "rediscovered" it. I realized how much I enjoyed it and how it helped me catalog things that were going on with the kids. So I decided I would start it back up again. <br />
<br />
This has been a busy week. Princess has been busy with The Music Man rehearsals. She is a girl after her mama's heart. She loves the stage and all that goes with it. I'm really looking forward to seeing the play next week-end.<br />
<br />
Rman has decided that he wants to learn computer coding so he has been doing lessons on the computer. I hope he can learn enough to write a popular game/app and make me.....uh, I mean himself.....rich. Haha. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow is our first "free Friday" of the the year. Hellooo beautiful. Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-52346310399259944032011-08-25T19:24:00.000-07:002011-08-25T19:24:58.743-07:00Back to school....Well, summertime has officially ended and we are back in school mode. The kids are both in great classes with wonderful teachers. They are also in class with their buddies. One of Rman's best friends moved away this year so that has been a little bit of an adjustment but his other best friend is in his class so that's a big help! Princess got all her buddies in class so all is well there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0hLlrvaYIWU/TlbzVg_Zy_I/AAAAAAAAAHg/nG_keQyXQh0/s1600/first+of+school5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0hLlrvaYIWU/TlbzVg_Zy_I/AAAAAAAAAHg/nG_keQyXQh0/s320/first+of+school5.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div align="center">First day of second grade</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJc2K8uUGA0/Tlb6HEAcFWI/AAAAAAAAAHk/NsL88YRoUHs/s1600/first+of+school6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJc2K8uUGA0/Tlb6HEAcFWI/AAAAAAAAAHk/NsL88YRoUHs/s320/first+of+school6.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First day of 4th grade</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started a new job as well. I'm the speech pathologist at Fort Supply schools and I'm loving it! I was off for 10 years staying home with my babies but it's like riding a bike--you just hop back on and take off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-85249327264639831172011-08-16T20:15:00.000-07:002011-08-16T20:15:34.892-07:00Livin' the LifeAhhh, vacation. I love to travel and can hardly get back from one trip before I am planning and scoping out our next destination. Back in February we decided we wanted to go to Colorado for our summer vacation. Steven's parents stay in Buena Vista for July and August and his mom is always begging us to come visit them so we made that a target destination. We found a cabin in nearby Alpine and reserved it for August.<br />
<br />
Steven loves to camp and would spend our whole vacation backpacking in the wilderness if I would agree. I do not agree. But since marriage is supposed to be about compromise, I agreed to camp four nights. We were going to camp near Buena Vista but found out they had a burn ban on, meaning no campfires. So instead, we headed to Platoro, Colorado for the adventure. Never heard of it you say? That's because it has a population of 300 and is closed in the winter. Seriously---the forest service makes everyone leave unless you apply for a special permit to stay.<br />
<br />
We left early in the morning. It took all day to get to Platoro and was raining when we arrived. Because we didn't know where we were camping, we spent several hours driving around. As the sun continued to set, I decided that we were getting a cabin for the evening. It was too late to try to set up. We found a vacancy at some hunting cabins that were decorated circa 1963. When Steven laid in our bed, it made a HUGE crater and I had to sleep on the very edge to keep from rolling into him all night. However, it did have running water and a toilet so I wasn't going to complain.....too much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-g_8xdAiYo/TkssxIm0NFI/AAAAAAAAAHY/nR3geRdkdg4/s1600/IMG_9988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-g_8xdAiYo/TkssxIm0NFI/AAAAAAAAAHY/nR3geRdkdg4/s320/IMG_9988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The next day we found a campsite and got everything set up. We spent the next few days fishing, Jeeping, and hiking. Steven took us on what he said was a very beginners hike. Seemed pretty extreme to me. Lots of uphill. We started at around 10,000 ft and hiked to 12,500. It was all above treeline, which isn't my favorite but Steven liked it. I was proud of the kids and I for making it. I was trucking it because I was so afraid we were going to be rained on. It was a beautiful day though. <br />
<br />
The next day we packed up the camp. It took us 3 hours. I don't know about you but that is NOT my idea of a vacation! I told him it sure seemed like a lot of work for a vacation. He said if we didn't have to bring the kitchen sink it wouldn't take so long. Smart aleck! I had agreed to camp 4 nights but was so glad we had to get a cabin the first night. Three nights was just about all I could take of that!<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We drove to our cabin in Alpine and I immediately hit the shower! We spent one day touring Mt. Princeton and one day in Breckenridge at the Summer Fun Park. We had a great time riding the roller coaster and the mountain slide--probably my two favorite things we did at the Fun Park. It did give me skiing fever though! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_P3N4SjUKs/TksvqSTQA8I/AAAAAAAAAHc/Nc5Sqgj0mBE/s1600/Breck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_P3N4SjUKs/TksvqSTQA8I/AAAAAAAAAHc/Nc5Sqgj0mBE/s320/Breck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> The last day was spent just hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa. The kids played in the Arkansas River, built dams, and looked for cool rocks. A very laid-back enjoyable day!<br />
<br />
It was a great vacation but might just be my last camping excursion. We'll see. The kids love it so maybe I'll do it again but it will be a couple of years. By then I might be too old!<br />
<br />
Plug: I wanted to take one camera lens that would let me shoot close-up and far away without having to change. I priced that lens at $600. Whoa! Luckily I found an awesome place to rent the lens for the bargain price of around $80 including all shipping charges and insurance called ATS rentals. They even sent a lens hood for the camera. The lens arrived the day before we left, complete with a return shipping label. I used it our entire vacation and shipped it back the day after we returned. So easy! If you're ever in the market to rent camera or video equipment, I highly recommend them! I will certainly use them again.Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-20572804134460013362011-07-19T20:44:00.000-07:002011-07-19T20:44:39.654-07:00Already???Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of getting married and being a mother. Although I had other aspirations and dreams, that was one of the first and foremost in my mind. I went to college, met Steven, and got married. Because of school, we waited seven years before we had a baby. I felt I had waited forever for this precious little bundle!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xMD9rNjLjM/TiZOV2lCoNI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/PO8ecaBiswE/s1600/Reese+hospital+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xMD9rNjLjM/TiZOV2lCoNI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/PO8ecaBiswE/s320/Reese+hospital+%25286%2529.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>Finally, the day came for my sweet Rman to arrive. It was a bumpy road but we both made it. I was in heaven! <br />
<br />
Fast forward 10 years and I now have a half grown boy (that I can't really call a little boy anymore). The time has gone by so fast and though there have been hard times, regrets, and a couple of hospital visits, he's been just as wonderful as I thought he would be. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysh4wFc_cSY/TiZOtKGX6EI/AAAAAAAAAHU/8S4p4N4Dg3Y/s1600/Reesebirthday22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysh4wFc_cSY/TiZOtKGX6EI/AAAAAAAAAHU/8S4p4N4Dg3Y/s320/Reesebirthday22.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>He's smart, funny, talkative (very!), creative, stubborn, laid back, and more. I can't believe I only have 9 more years with him. I'll cherish every one!Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-56587768470103070192011-07-12T07:13:00.000-07:002011-07-12T07:13:00.603-07:00Book Review: The Hypnotist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OeZehPaRY3E/ThxUyo6a9uI/AAAAAAAAAHM/rRaAktc7bGc/s1600/THE-HYPNOTIST-by-Lars-Kepler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OeZehPaRY3E/ThxUyo6a9uI/AAAAAAAAAHM/rRaAktc7bGc/s1600/THE-HYPNOTIST-by-Lars-Kepler.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the Amazon page:</div><div><em>In the frigid clime of Tumba, Sweden, a gruesome triple homicide attracts the interest of Detective Inspector Joona Linna, who demands to investigate the murders. The killer is still at large, and there’s only one surviving witness—the boy whose family was killed before his eyes. Whoever committed the crimes wanted this boy to die: he’s suffered more than one hundred knife wounds and lapsed into a state of shock. Desperate for information, Linna sees only one option: hypnotism. He enlists Dr. Erik Maria Bark to mesmerize the boy, hoping to discover the killer through his eyes.</em></div><div><em> </em></div><div><em>It’s the sort of work that Bark has sworn he would never do again—ethically dubious and psychically scarring. When he breaks his promise and hypnotizes the victim, a long and terrifying chain of events begins to unfurl.</em></div><div><em> </em></div><div><em>An international sensation, The Hypnotist is set to appear in thirty-seven countries, and it has landed at the top of bestseller lists wherever it’s been published—in France, Holland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Denmark. Now it’s America’s turn. Combining the addictive power of the Stieg Larsson trilogy with the storytelling drive of The Silence of the Lambs, this adrenaline-drenched thriller is spellbinding from its very first page.</em></div><br />
I began this book with high hopes. The premise was good, the action grabbed me right away. However, as the book went on, the plot line became more convoluted. It's as if the authors (a man-woman duo who write under the pen name Lars Keplar) couldn't decide which plot line to develop and which to use as a red herring. I found it to distract from the book as a whole and the main plot line.<br />
<br />
I also found several of the plot items not very believable, even from a fiction point of view. <br />
<br />
Even with the faults, I still gave it a three-star rating (I am contemplating changing it to a 2 1/2 star rating!) After such a great beginning, it was a little bit of a disappointment though.Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-39027629542885754902011-07-08T19:31:00.000-07:002011-07-08T19:31:06.889-07:00We are the champions....After enduring two season of soccer with nary a win, Princess finally found a winning team in softball. Hooray! She had an excellent team with fun girls, awesome parents, and great coaches. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKRkHdzRuRU/The6_1vOoEI/AAAAAAAAAG0/oCkvES-PEnU/s1600/softball3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKRkHdzRuRU/The6_1vOoEI/AAAAAAAAAG0/oCkvES-PEnU/s320/softball3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was so fun to watch the girls progress this year. The whole team got better in their batting and their defense. Princess has always been able to throw it pretty well (although we need to work on that form a little bit!) and hit but with help from Ken Miller, her batting made tons of improvement this year. Towards the end of the season, she was getting a hit at every bat. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our team also had an awesome pitcher--Steven. He really did a great job (if I do say so myself!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0hU4ndeX2Y/The7yLOsXHI/AAAAAAAAAG4/O0Qj5VfXzK0/s1600/softball27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0hU4ndeX2Y/The7yLOsXHI/AAAAAAAAAG4/O0Qj5VfXzK0/s320/softball27.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We ended the season in 2nd place in the league. Then we ended up winning the league tournament. It was so much fun and the girls (and their parents--including me!) were so excited. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_Qmr3wvnzw/The8Tuvi-7I/AAAAAAAAAHA/6CGEITvTRaU/s1600/softball21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_Qmr3wvnzw/The8Tuvi-7I/AAAAAAAAAHA/6CGEITvTRaU/s320/softball21.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We won!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qI9jIQSXYlw/The8lxNL9vI/AAAAAAAAAHE/5HrlCc_F1No/s1600/softball16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qI9jIQSXYlw/The8lxNL9vI/AAAAAAAAAHE/5HrlCc_F1No/s320/softball16.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Celebrating at Big Dans</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEYvCxo4K2Y/The83ubvrII/AAAAAAAAAHI/-OCxKmar728/s1600/softball37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEYvCxo4K2Y/The83ubvrII/AAAAAAAAAHI/-OCxKmar728/s320/softball37.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Awesome season girls!</div>Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-67797508357282435982011-06-28T20:59:00.000-07:002011-06-28T20:59:58.283-07:00Book Review: 360 Degrees Longitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ8-MEwqK3s/TgqdSxUn8PI/AAAAAAAAAGo/tGPQRr8FIHY/s1600/360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ8-MEwqK3s/TgqdSxUn8PI/AAAAAAAAAGo/tGPQRr8FIHY/s1600/360.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I read this book as part of my local book club. It was not a book I probably would have chosen off the shelf and to be honest, when I first heard what it was about, I didn't think I would like it. But I gave it a read anyway and was wrong--I really liked it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the story of the Higham family--John, his wife, September, and their two children, Katrina and Jordan. The kids were 11 and 8 at the beginning of the book, respectively. The book follows their year-long journey traveling around the world, a trip they had planned and saved for over 10 years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They began their journey in Iceland, traveling on to Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America. As much as possible, the Highams tried to travel as locals and either camped or stayed in hostels at most places they visited. Along the way, they met unforeseen obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes dangerous situations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The story is told from the perspective of John, with occasional excerpts from the travel journals of Katrina and Jordan. John is very witty and I found myself giggling throughout the book at his observations and comments. His writing style alone made the book worth reading. Although not the most "formal" or cohesive of writers, he was very entertaining.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the neatest aspects of the book was the ability to follow their travels on Google Earth. You followed the link and were able to read extras as well as see pictures of the different places they visited. I stayed up until midnight last night just looking at their photos on Google!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like any good book, this one made me think. First of all, I thought they were a little crazy to take an 8 year old and 11 year old on a year-long trip around the world! But then I thought about all the instances of poverty he discussed. It's easy to dwell on what we don't have, when compared to most of the world's population, we in the United States are extremely wealthy. At one point in the book, he said the tourists in the poor African countries spend in one day what is often a years worth of wages to the locals. That's hard to imagine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are certain places in the world (such as Switzerland, Czech Republic) that I have always wanted to visit. The book reinforced my wish to visit those places. There are other places that I do not wish to visit (China) and the book confirmed those feelings. It also made me add a few places to my list of locations I would like to visit someday (the Incan trail in Peru). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I admire the Highams for their travels and for leaving behind all the activities that seem to be beneficial (Little League, church, PTO, etc.) but instead sometimes seem to eat away at time together as a family. I wish I could be that adventurous but don't think I could camp that long or stay in some of the places they stayed in!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really enjoyed this book and am glad it was recommended.</div>Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-34551516901845132432011-06-22T07:18:00.000-07:002011-06-22T07:18:38.524-07:00SummerWhoever coined the term "the lazy days of summer" sure wasn't living my life! So far the summer has been fast, furious, and one thing after another. <br />
<br />
The Thursday after returning from Oklahoma City for Memorial Day, I got word that my grandfather, Pop, had been killed in a farming accident. I spent the next week and a half in Sentinel. It was a very draining time, both emotionally, mentally, and physically. It is still hard to believe that he's gone. However, I have peace knowing he's with his Father in Heaven and that one day I will see him again. But as the song "When I Get Where I'm Going" says, when I get to Heaven, I'll tell him "....how much I've missed him every minute since he left..."<br />
<br />
The next week after I got home was VBS at our church. We had a great week and the music (which I co-lead) was terrific. However, it was very tiring and the afternoons were spent playing catch-up for all the things I got behind on while in Sentinel. This week I am getting my house clean and organized so hopefully the rest of the summer I can enjoy and not have 5000 things to do. (I know, good luck with that!)<br />
<br />
One enjoyable summer activity has been Kinley's softball team. They have done very well and Kinley has improved so much. The last two games, she's even gotten homeruns. I just wish they wouldn't make the tournament last so long. I think she's getting a little ready for it to be over and I don't want her to burn out. <br />
<br />
Reese is supposed to leave for church camp today but was sick all day yesterday. He's not up yet so hopefully he'll be better when he wakes up. I hope so!<br />
<br />
I hope everyone is having a great summer!Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-20711754421190216122011-06-19T20:54:00.000-07:002011-06-19T20:58:26.307-07:00Book Review: The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ClRBxJ3aS0/Tf7FVvxZYmI/AAAAAAAAAGk/cH2vv3qlSpA/s1600/Revenge+of.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ClRBxJ3aS0/Tf7FVvxZYmI/AAAAAAAAAGk/cH2vv3qlSpA/s1600/Revenge+of.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The premise of "The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady" is an 80 year old woman, Marylou, obsessed with exacting revenge on the doctor who gave her radioactive cocktails at a free clinic she attended while pregnant in the 1950's. She had a daughter who died at age 8. She finds the doctor living in Tallahassee with his daughter and her family, who each have their own issues to deal with. Wilson, the doctor, is in the early stages of dementia and doesn't seems to remember Marylou or the situation. <br />
This book had potential but didn't really live up to it. It had it's moments but as a whole didn't really work. The ending was very abrupt and unbelievable. There were also several loose ends that were left untied at the end. The issues the family members were dealing with were very serious but were either dealt with unsatisfactorily ( to me) or left hanging. I think the book would have been better if she had narrowed the focus of the book and not tried to deal with so many issues.Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-73220031712378930902011-05-30T19:22:00.000-07:002011-05-30T19:22:48.408-07:00Bricktown<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">May got busy fast! I didn't realize that it had been almost a month since I had written anything. Hopefully the summer will be better.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For Memorial Day weekend, we went to the City for a mini-vacation. We really needed to get away for a few days to relax a little bit! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Friday evening we hit Bricktown to watch a movie (Kung Fu Panda 2, which was really cute), eat at Abuelo's, and ride the water taxi's. Ron Norick was really a visionary when he pushed for the passage of MAPS. Downtown OKC is really a neat place to be. While there Reese entertained Mayor Mick Cornett with his questions and observations. While we were taking our water taxi ride, the guide said if stacked up, the bricks that made the Bricktown Ballpark would go 23 miles in the sky. Reese asked, "Is that flat or end-to-end?" The guide looked at him and said, "In 10 years, I've never had anyone ask that question!" Leave it to Reese!</div><br />
Saturday we visited the zoo. They had finished the elephant exhibit and had the new baby elephant, Malee, on display. She was so cute! I enjoyed watching her awkwardly walk around and run after her mom. She never ventured too far away. This was also the first time we went through the Oklahoma Trails exhibit. Very cool. A highlight for the kids was riding the Swan paddleboats. Kinley told me this was the best part of the day, which was awesome, and that her life had been pretty wonderful so far! <br />
<br />
After the zoo, we visited the mall, ate some more, and let the kids swim at the hotel. Sunday brought another visit to the mall to return some things and then we met my mom in Weatherford so the kids could go visit them. Steven and I drove back to the City for a mom and dad night out in Bricktown. We ate at Jazmo's Bourbon Street Cafe (very good) and people watched on the canal.<br />
<br />
Today we headed back home. Going through Piedmont, we passed through tornado damage. We also passed through the damage on I-40 when going to Weatherford. It was amazing to see what damage those storms did and the wide swath they cut. It's really hard to imagine a tornado that is a quarter to half a mile wide. <br />
<br />
This trip was a lot of fun and a great way to kick off the summer!<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXLMZNbQx4o/TeRM8jJ5yzI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/3h6dmRbMQTA/s1600/Bricktown3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXLMZNbQx4o/TeRM8jJ5yzI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/3h6dmRbMQTA/s320/Bricktown3.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8ni7zuJ40k/TeRN5Vv2IPI/AAAAAAAAAGU/iiXAxE5gPow/s1600/Bricktown5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8ni7zuJ40k/TeRN5Vv2IPI/AAAAAAAAAGU/iiXAxE5gPow/s320/Bricktown5.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-chFZ1ji5DAQ/TeROoYgJTUI/AAAAAAAAAGY/JmO18bNzGgg/s1600/Bricktown2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-chFZ1ji5DAQ/TeROoYgJTUI/AAAAAAAAAGY/JmO18bNzGgg/s200/Bricktown2.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8JzlZAsq_s/TeRL_SlLPPI/AAAAAAAAAGM/VKeOzn3m2WE/s1600/Bricktown1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8JzlZAsq_s/TeRL_SlLPPI/AAAAAAAAAGM/VKeOzn3m2WE/s200/Bricktown1.JPG" t8="true" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNXsj7z1ELU/TeRPmEn1JQI/AAAAAAAAAGc/KHGNasQI_7A/s1600/Bricktown7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNXsj7z1ELU/TeRPmEn1JQI/AAAAAAAAAGc/KHGNasQI_7A/s320/Bricktown7.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-66535304490808217482011-05-06T19:51:00.000-07:002011-05-06T19:51:57.017-07:00Book review: The Help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeWb-gq3umE/TcSyfaEIcuI/AAAAAAAAAGI/h6cMJI1L-90/s1600/The+Help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeWb-gq3umE/TcSyfaEIcuI/AAAAAAAAAGI/h6cMJI1L-90/s1600/The+Help.jpg" /></a></div>I ordered this book from Amazon a couple of weeks ago after reading all the great reviews about it. It's set in 1960's Mississippi and tells the story of 3 women, two black maids and a young white woman, and how their lives intertwined. The book alternated between all three points of view.<br />
<br />
Although I thought at times this book suffered a little bit from "Dances with Wolves" syndrome, it redeemed itself at the end. There are good and bad people on both sides. It also shows you how times have changed and what once was considered acceptable speech/behavior in terms of race relations has definitely changed. <br />
<br />
This is a super read and I raced through the book. At the same time, I hated for it to end. I so identified with the characters that I wanted to see what happened to them next. It's a definite thumbs up!Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-96886968875974492011-04-28T20:34:00.000-07:002011-05-04T11:56:11.254-07:00EasterIt never fails--the days around it can be gorgeous and sunny but most of the time Easter day turns out cloudy, cool or both! That was the case this Sunday but we didn't let it ruin our day. Actually, it was one of the best Easters we've had in a while.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwG-NaseiZs/Tbopjx2w-kI/AAAAAAAAAFk/gaITkdynGko/s1600/Easter+Sunday1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwG-NaseiZs/Tbopjx2w-kI/AAAAAAAAAFk/gaITkdynGko/s200/Easter+Sunday1.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b97-hGxK2H4/TboprdsK9YI/AAAAAAAAAFo/UOUr2Rqo-3s/s1600/Easter+Sunday48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b97-hGxK2H4/TboprdsK9YI/AAAAAAAAAFo/UOUr2Rqo-3s/s200/Easter+Sunday48.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ_VmTARZwg/Tbopw3J8oWI/AAAAAAAAAFs/dakkxAOftuk/s1600/Easter+Sunday56.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ_VmTARZwg/Tbopw3J8oWI/AAAAAAAAAFs/dakkxAOftuk/s200/Easter+Sunday56.JPG" width="133" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5tnmkr3K3Yo/Tbop0Y7zXmI/AAAAAAAAAFw/y0I7sHjpi0Y/s1600/Easter+Sunday58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5tnmkr3K3Yo/Tbop0Y7zXmI/AAAAAAAAAFw/y0I7sHjpi0Y/s200/Easter+Sunday58.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>That morning we went to church. Our church has started a new tradition. All the children and their families meet in the fellowship hall to eat breakfast and hunt Easter eggs. It's a great time of fellowship, and it's a lot of fun to see all the kiddos in their Easter best!<br />
<br />
In the afternoon, we decided to go shoot guns. It had been a long time since I had done that but it was a lot of fun and the kids loved it. Princess took her Daisy BB gun and Rman took his competition rifle and deer rifle. They both got shooting lessons from Dad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDmDZP0eUK8/TbosDS3MZYI/AAAAAAAAAF0/X-IB7lEIwJ8/s1600/shooting11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDmDZP0eUK8/TbosDS3MZYI/AAAAAAAAAF0/X-IB7lEIwJ8/s320/shooting11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4w41av-EQo/Tbos8ezNjBI/AAAAAAAAAF4/7AJEyF_fiWo/s1600/shooting12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4w41av-EQo/Tbos8ezNjBI/AAAAAAAAAF4/7AJEyF_fiWo/s320/shooting12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Rman took some Easter eggs to use as targets.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmKyRipnW78/TbotoK5mW-I/AAAAAAAAAF8/-ENKmO6aL8c/s1600/shooting14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmKyRipnW78/TbotoK5mW-I/AAAAAAAAAF8/-ENKmO6aL8c/s320/shooting14.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> This was my target. Not too shabby (in my opinion!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KqksVaIYLRE/Tboulfu8-tI/AAAAAAAAAGA/mNVCf_nZ-LE/s1600/shooting24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KqksVaIYLRE/Tboulfu8-tI/AAAAAAAAAGA/mNVCf_nZ-LE/s320/shooting24.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> At the end of the day, Princess got upset because Rman took a stuffed blackbird and used it for target practice. We had to bring it home and doctor it up!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibabpmpjaBY/TbovbFKJKTI/AAAAAAAAAGE/igDf68ONrNA/s1600/shooting25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibabpmpjaBY/TbovbFKJKTI/AAAAAAAAAGE/igDf68ONrNA/s320/shooting25.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
It was a terrific day together as a family and also a great day to celebrate our risen Saviour!Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-14289683454489210842011-04-19T19:50:00.000-07:002011-04-19T19:50:31.695-07:00Do I practice what I believe?This morning I was presented with a situation that really tested whether I practiced what I preached. As I was getting in my car at McD's, an older man came up to me to ask whether I could spare $.40. There were other people around so I didn't feel in danger or anything but I acted as if I didn't hear him and got in my car. <br />
<br />
However, the whole time I was backing out, I could feel the guilt. What if he was homeless? What if he had mental issues? What if he was a vet? I had just decided to dig out $.50 and hand it to him when he approached another gentlemen and that man gave him money and talked with him.<br />
<br />
As I pulled out onto the highway, I immediately started praying for forgiveness. I could have spared the money. Heck, I could have bought him breakfast and not "felt" it. So why did I not? Why did I freeze up? <br />
<br />
I'm not a big fan of panhandlers/street beggars. While living in Baton Rouge for 2 years, I dealt with them quite a bit. However, you don't see them often in Woodward and especially not at McDonalds. When I left, the verse "Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me." kept running through my head. You could tell by the way he was dressed and by his clothing that this man was one of "the least of these". And I, by ignoring his request, failed miserably at doing for the least of these.<br />
<br />
It's easy to talk about caring for those less fortunate and even easy to donate clothing and /or money for those causes. Doing is sometimes another thing altogether. I just hope that next time, I follow the Holy Spirit's lead instead of running the other direction.Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-79744351301191416502011-04-13T20:32:00.000-07:002011-04-13T20:34:20.805-07:00The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon I heard about this book several years ago. It's written from the perspective of a boy with high-functioning autism. That is really more the story of this book than the plot-line is. <br />
<br />
Maybe it's because I have worked with autistic kids and have attended many seminars on the subject, but I found the book to be fascinating. It really gives insight on how the minds of autistic kids work.<br />
<br />
The main character, Christopher, is very literal and takes everything at face value. That is part of the charm of this book though. It begins with Christopher finding a dead dog on the neighbors front yard. He is determined to solve the mystery of who killed the dog and write a book about the experience. <br />
<br />
The characters in the book are very real--full of fault and people who make mistakes, just as we all do. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it for your next read.Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-22212879680177635342011-04-12T20:00:00.000-07:002011-04-12T20:00:00.456-07:00The Joy of Reading...All my life I have loved reading. There is no feeling like getting lost in a book and not wanting to do anything except read until you get the to end. And if it's a good book, there is a sense of loss at the end--you want to follow the characters, find out what happens to them next, how their lives play out. <br />
<br />
I have always read to the kids and have tried to instill a love of reading in them as well. With Wii's, DS's, and computers to compete with their time, I feel it's a real struggle sometimes. Time will tell if they will love reading as much as I do. <br />
<br />
Last week, however, while doing our nightly routine, RMan said, "Mom, let's have some silent reading time. You go get your book that you're reading and I'll read mine." (Princess was already in bed). Sounded like a winning idea to me! <br />
<br />
The next day, he was so pumped about it and told Princess. That night here she came with her book, ready for silent reading time as well. We bought special lamps that clipped on to the bunk bed and have been doing silent reading ever since. <br />
<br />
I have to admit, it's one of my favorite times of the day. And hopefully we are not only reading, but making good memories as well. Great idea R!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9526lKYSI-I/TaUQ0rZ7qCI/AAAAAAAAAFY/12fCVWsODdg/s1600/Kinley+reading+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9526lKYSI-I/TaUQ0rZ7qCI/AAAAAAAAAFY/12fCVWsODdg/s320/Kinley+reading+close.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUdnSWpUyxY/TaUQtD4E1rI/AAAAAAAAAFU/gsQnc1WF25c/s1600/Reese+reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUdnSWpUyxY/TaUQtD4E1rI/AAAAAAAAAFU/gsQnc1WF25c/s320/Reese+reading.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpund__Y2eI/TaUQ7IrlHZI/AAAAAAAAAFc/ElAE6LU7Sh8/s1600/Kinley+reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpund__Y2eI/TaUQ7IrlHZI/AAAAAAAAAFc/ElAE6LU7Sh8/s320/Kinley+reading.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0KUJBVUXBE/TaURYB8wd4I/AAAAAAAAAFg/pJxe_YZy8SI/s1600/Reese+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0KUJBVUXBE/TaURYB8wd4I/AAAAAAAAAFg/pJxe_YZy8SI/s320/Reese+close.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-6312370675519456382011-04-06T21:11:00.000-07:002011-04-06T21:11:16.245-07:00Parenting is....Depending on what day of the week it is or, sometimes, even what hour of the day it is, I could complete that sentence many different ways. It's fun, joyous, maddening, frustrating, confusing, disappointing, exhilarating, scary, sweet, beautiful....I could go on and on! <br />
<br />
I've heard it said that kids don't come with an instruction manual. Situations arise and you just hope you are saying the right things, doing the right things for your child and their current situation.<br />
<br />
This past week has been one where I've certainly felt many of the emotions listed above and also wished I had an instruction manual to help me out. I've had to navigate my way through a tricky parenting situation. It's been frustrating for me and I hope I'm helping my child through this in the best way I can. Because I don't have the previously-mentioned instruction manual, however, I've had to rely heavily on my mother's example (and it's a great one) and lots of prayer!! That hasn't made it easy but it has been easier. <br />
<br />
As my kids grow older, I know there will be many more situations that arise where I will feel as if I'm flying blind. I hope that I guide them and help them navigate the trickiest parts of growing up. And thankfully I know God will guide me through the crazy job of parenting.Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-69574007793754289542011-03-27T20:39:00.000-07:002011-03-27T20:39:42.000-07:00Joyful DayAs a parent, one of my prayers for my children has been that one day they will make the decision to become followers of Christ. Not because Mom and Dad say they have to or because their friends are doing it but because they felt God calling them to follow Him.<br />
<br />
R-man made the decision 3 years ago and was baptized 2 years ago. Princess asked Jesus into her heart two years (a very special moment for me while we were on the walking trail). We told her that she would eventually need to be baptized but we would let her decide when she was ready. Right before Christmas she decided she was ready to be "bapnitized" as she called it. <br />
<br />
We said we would talk to the pastor but apparently we didn't do it fast enough for her liking because one Sunday after church she approached him herself and said she was ready.<br />
<br />
So we set today up as the big day. She was very excited, not only because she was being baptized but because she was singing a solo with her children's choir AND with the adult choir. Wow! She was a little nervous about the adult choir solo but I told her it was OK to be nervous--I still get nervous sometimes when I sing. I gave her a little tip. "If it bothers you to look at the people, look at the wall in the back. That way it seems like you're looking at the people when you're really not" She told me after church that she used my tip! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KD2pRyPERow/TZACZ3YcGvI/AAAAAAAAAFI/J0TT4coKfGA/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KD2pRyPERow/TZACZ3YcGvI/AAAAAAAAAFI/J0TT4coKfGA/s320/group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My parents and grandparents. They came for Princess's big day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_NSHPNWi8M/TZACcrzAwHI/AAAAAAAAAFM/xjd3FAgqLX8/s1600/Kinley+Ella+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_NSHPNWi8M/TZACcrzAwHI/AAAAAAAAAFM/xjd3FAgqLX8/s320/Kinley+Ella+close.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Two sweet girls!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAwh11YI8mY/TZACergnkKI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/ZtSEbGZwcrg/s1600/Kinley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAwh11YI8mY/TZACergnkKI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/ZtSEbGZwcrg/s320/Kinley.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">She was so earnest and sincere during her baptism. It was a very special and sweet day for me. Her good friend was also baptized today. It was extra special because her parents are some of our best friends. Two sweet girls giving their lives to Christ. What could be better than that?</div>Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-73261089464672245402011-03-17T17:10:00.000-07:002011-03-17T17:10:01.822-07:00Why can't I get a camera that works??Oh the frustration! About a month ago I posted that the viewfinder in my Canon Xsi was not working properly. I sent it in for repair and opted to trade up to a refurbished T2i. I received that camera exactly one week ago and was loving it.....until......that's right, boys and girls, today the viewfinder on the T2i started messing up. There is a piece that is trying to break off inside the camera and it won't show the picture to be focused, although it is. <br />
<br />
I am not a very happy photographer! I know you do take these chances with refurbs but still. It does have a 90 day warranty so I'm trading it for another T2i. I hopefully will have better luck with that one. If not, I'm not sure what I'll do. I wouldn't mind trying a Nikon except that all my lenses and my flash are Canon. <br />
<br />
I hope that this camera works better than the least two (or at least longer!)Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-80563784095527357692011-03-03T19:24:00.000-08:002011-03-03T19:24:45.514-08:00Names have been changed to protect the innocentI've been having so much fun blogging. Even if no one reads it but me, I know in a year's time I'll enjoy looking back and reliving my life through these posts. <br />
<br />
However, just as there are many positives in blogging, there are some dangers that I need to be aware of. I had been using all of our real names--mine, Hubby's, the kids....until I read some articles about online predators using that information to endanger bloggers or their loved ones. <br />
<br />
I know I'm probably just being overly cautious--the likelihood of something bad happening is remote--but so be it. From now on, I'll be using nicknames for everyone. Maybe I'll change my mind later, maybe not.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I hope you'll continue to enjoy the posts, even without "real" names!Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7877472535790031158.post-8635391728311138212011-02-28T20:24:00.000-08:002011-03-03T12:16:54.921-08:00Puff the Magic Dragon and other sad songsPrincess has started listening to <em>Puff the Magic Dragon.</em> And when I say "listen", I mean put it in her CD player on repeat and listen to it over and over and over.....you get my drift. She listens to it going to sleep at night and it is still playing when I wake her up in the morning. <br />
<br />
That gives me plenty of time to hear it. The other day I started really thinking about the words. OK....big mistake. Have you ever thought about the words? It's basically about a little boy who plays with his magic dragon friend. Then one day the little boy outgrows the magic and the pretend play. Puff the Dragon is so sad and goes into his cave never to be heard from again.<br />
<br />
Now I don't know about you, but as a mother of a little boy that is about to turn 10 and growing up way too fast, this song is incredibly sad! It makes me think of all the things that R man has loved but has now outgrown.<br />
<br />
It started out with his little red car.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9-dfg3Wr6WU/TWxstuOLNqI/AAAAAAAAAE4/zn7h6e-J6aw/s1600/car+cutie+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9-dfg3Wr6WU/TWxstuOLNqI/AAAAAAAAAE4/zn7h6e-J6aw/s320/car+cutie+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a>He loved being pushed around in this. He also liked to watch the wheels turn and fell out on his noggin a time or two. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next phase was "The Wiggles". He could watch this show for hours and pretended to be Captain Feathersword. I had to pretend to blow and he would fall down. Oh to be able to play that game again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6i0HlbGpkkc/TWxxey2BwmI/AAAAAAAAAE8/5gRZWVSxHA0/s1600/DSC01280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6i0HlbGpkkc/TWxxey2BwmI/AAAAAAAAAE8/5gRZWVSxHA0/s320/DSC01280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next came Thomas the Tank Engine. He had a train set that got us through potty training. I used it as "incentive" (read--a bribe). This was the train table and boxes of trains that used to be in the dining room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">He has also loved Hot Wheels, "Dukes of Hazzard", "Star Wars", and "Indiana Jones". And Legos, we can't forget the love affair he still has with the Legos! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-euuqo6KodcU/TWxyqYuQkqI/AAAAAAAAAFA/6ZrcXgh5mkg/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-euuqo6KodcU/TWxyqYuQkqI/AAAAAAAAAFA/6ZrcXgh5mkg/s320/IMG_0612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">All of these little boys things are passing much too quickly for me. And try as I might to seize the moment, I find myself bogged down with worrying about cleaning or errands or twenty million other things that need to be done. I only hope that I will take the time to treasure these moments before they are gone! The laundry, the dirt, the errands will still be here when he's gone...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nANkhnrie3U/TWx0EDsVVpI/AAAAAAAAAFE/p8VlE8laEss/s1600/Reese+Belle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nANkhnrie3U/TWx0EDsVVpI/AAAAAAAAAFE/p8VlE8laEss/s320/Reese+Belle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I love you! Mom.</div>Diahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010552394720797266noreply@blogger.com0