Tim sent me this video yesterday and I just wanted to share with everyone. It is funny. The kids love it!
Enjoy!
http://www.doublesharpevideo.com:80/HomeSchool2/Homeschool2.html
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Gerber Christmas Letter 2007
Greetings from the Gerber family!
This has been a fairly quiet year for our family. I'll just try to update you on a few highlights.
TIM
Tim is still plugging away at Flavor Burst. It has now been 16 years! He continues to lead a mission trip to the Crow Creek Indian Reservation every summer. He is involved with several groups at church. He has helped coach the boys' baseball teams and wrestling squad. He played volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and flag football. He recently found out that he has torn his ACL in his knee. Sports are having to take a back seat for a while and surgery might be around the corner.
KATHERINE
Katherine continues to home-school the kids. She has relearned to sew this year, thanks to the boys. She continues to scrapbook a few times a year. She has been active with several small groups at church, including the drama troupe (her VBS performance will live on forever in her mind). She recently got braces to help prepare for TMJ surgery she will be having in 2009. She loves being at home with the kids. However, she hates the fact they are growing so quickly.
CHRISTIAN
Christian is now 9 and in the 4th grade. He loves the fact that he is home-schooled but doesn't enjoy school work. He has been involved with wrestling (placed in several tournaments), baseball (team won the league and tournament; he also won the sportsmanship award – 2 years in a row!), soccer, and basketball. He continues to take piano lessons and is going to start learning some guitar (Tim is going to teach him). He is also on a praise team for children's worship at church.
JOSHUA
Joshua is now 7 and in the 2nd grade. He also loves the fact that he is home-schooled however, he enjoys his school work. He also takes piano lessons and is showing some interest in the guitar also. He has also been involved with wrestling, baseball, soccer, and basketball. He is a very social boy.
The boys have been teaching themselves magic. They have gotten a job cat sitting for the neighbors and make great money (much more than they get for their commissions). They have learned to sew. The project have included pillows, pillow cases, and pajama pants. They recently completed 5 baby blankets for friends who had quints. They are also finishing quilts for their great-grandmothers! We are so proud of them!
EMMA ROSE
Emma is now 4. She enjoys doing preschool work. She wants to be doing school at all times! It's great but it is hard to keep up with her. She has taken swimming lessons this year. She did a nice job. She wants to start with team sports but we just aren't ready for that. We might put her in some sort of dance or gymnastics though. She loves enjoys playing with her friends. She is a social butterfly. She is a very funny girl so we never know what she is going to say or do next.
THE WILLIS FAMILY
Larry was unemployed earlier this year. He is starting a business with a friend and will be working out of the house. He has visited us several times this year. Jennifer has been dating someone for the past couple of years. She and the boys, Martin and Max, are doing well. Martin is now taller than Tim, at only 13! Max started Kindergarten this year. Jonathan and Erin are also well. Little Alison is now a year old and a cutie pie.
THE GERBER FAMILY
Tom and Rebecca bought a house about 5 minutes from the old one. She works for a day care and he still works at Flavor Burst. Wendy and Michael are always busy. She is on a praise team at church and gives piano lessons. He travels a lot with Flavor Burst and teaches at a local college. Their kids, Eli and Mikki, are active with church, friends, school, and other activities. Mikki and Scott are super busy. Mikki is still a labor delivery nurse. Scott started his own business this year. All four boys, Jordan, Keaton, Cameron, and Aidan, are active in soccer, church, and school. Angie and Steve are busy with Flavor Burst and all their nieces and nephews. Ginger and Dustin are graduating grad school in December. They are anxiously awaiting the birth of their daughter in the spring. Ben has spent the past year teaching in Korea. He has been traveling to various countries the past couple of months. Everyone is excited for his return sometime around Christmas. Jon and Ali are still in college at Harding. They visit often during the summer and breaks. Ernie and Sharon have been traveling the globe this past year. They are busy trying to keep up with all the kids, spouses, and grandkids.
TRAVEL
Our travels have been limited this year. We have gone to Knoxville to visit the family several times. The boys went to church camp at Camp Allendale over the summer. Christian went to Iowa to spend a few days with a buddy. Tim was gone for 17 days on his mission trip. We took our trip to Holiday World and went camping. We went to Cincinnati, OH in November for the National Missionary Conference. Tim and Katherine rented a cabin for a few days to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary. We are spending a couple of days at the Crow Creek Indian Reservation before Christmas. We will then spend Christmas in South Dakota this year.
We have had a wonderful year. God has blessed over the years and this year seems we are even more blessed than usual.
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!
God Bless!
Tim, Katherine, Christian, Joshua, and Emma Rose Gerber
ways to keep updated with our family:
www.myspace.com/krgerber or
www.facebook.com or
http://krgerber.blogspot.com
This has been a fairly quiet year for our family. I'll just try to update you on a few highlights.
TIM
Tim is still plugging away at Flavor Burst. It has now been 16 years! He continues to lead a mission trip to the Crow Creek Indian Reservation every summer. He is involved with several groups at church. He has helped coach the boys' baseball teams and wrestling squad. He played volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and flag football. He recently found out that he has torn his ACL in his knee. Sports are having to take a back seat for a while and surgery might be around the corner.
KATHERINE
Katherine continues to home-school the kids. She has relearned to sew this year, thanks to the boys. She continues to scrapbook a few times a year. She has been active with several small groups at church, including the drama troupe (her VBS performance will live on forever in her mind). She recently got braces to help prepare for TMJ surgery she will be having in 2009. She loves being at home with the kids. However, she hates the fact they are growing so quickly.
CHRISTIAN
Christian is now 9 and in the 4th grade. He loves the fact that he is home-schooled but doesn't enjoy school work. He has been involved with wrestling (placed in several tournaments), baseball (team won the league and tournament; he also won the sportsmanship award – 2 years in a row!), soccer, and basketball. He continues to take piano lessons and is going to start learning some guitar (Tim is going to teach him). He is also on a praise team for children's worship at church.
JOSHUA
Joshua is now 7 and in the 2nd grade. He also loves the fact that he is home-schooled however, he enjoys his school work. He also takes piano lessons and is showing some interest in the guitar also. He has also been involved with wrestling, baseball, soccer, and basketball. He is a very social boy.
The boys have been teaching themselves magic. They have gotten a job cat sitting for the neighbors and make great money (much more than they get for their commissions). They have learned to sew. The project have included pillows, pillow cases, and pajama pants. They recently completed 5 baby blankets for friends who had quints. They are also finishing quilts for their great-grandmothers! We are so proud of them!
EMMA ROSE
Emma is now 4. She enjoys doing preschool work. She wants to be doing school at all times! It's great but it is hard to keep up with her. She has taken swimming lessons this year. She did a nice job. She wants to start with team sports but we just aren't ready for that. We might put her in some sort of dance or gymnastics though. She loves enjoys playing with her friends. She is a social butterfly. She is a very funny girl so we never know what she is going to say or do next.
THE WILLIS FAMILY
Larry was unemployed earlier this year. He is starting a business with a friend and will be working out of the house. He has visited us several times this year. Jennifer has been dating someone for the past couple of years. She and the boys, Martin and Max, are doing well. Martin is now taller than Tim, at only 13! Max started Kindergarten this year. Jonathan and Erin are also well. Little Alison is now a year old and a cutie pie.
THE GERBER FAMILY
Tom and Rebecca bought a house about 5 minutes from the old one. She works for a day care and he still works at Flavor Burst. Wendy and Michael are always busy. She is on a praise team at church and gives piano lessons. He travels a lot with Flavor Burst and teaches at a local college. Their kids, Eli and Mikki, are active with church, friends, school, and other activities. Mikki and Scott are super busy. Mikki is still a labor delivery nurse. Scott started his own business this year. All four boys, Jordan, Keaton, Cameron, and Aidan, are active in soccer, church, and school. Angie and Steve are busy with Flavor Burst and all their nieces and nephews. Ginger and Dustin are graduating grad school in December. They are anxiously awaiting the birth of their daughter in the spring. Ben has spent the past year teaching in Korea. He has been traveling to various countries the past couple of months. Everyone is excited for his return sometime around Christmas. Jon and Ali are still in college at Harding. They visit often during the summer and breaks. Ernie and Sharon have been traveling the globe this past year. They are busy trying to keep up with all the kids, spouses, and grandkids.
TRAVEL
Our travels have been limited this year. We have gone to Knoxville to visit the family several times. The boys went to church camp at Camp Allendale over the summer. Christian went to Iowa to spend a few days with a buddy. Tim was gone for 17 days on his mission trip. We took our trip to Holiday World and went camping. We went to Cincinnati, OH in November for the National Missionary Conference. Tim and Katherine rented a cabin for a few days to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary. We are spending a couple of days at the Crow Creek Indian Reservation before Christmas. We will then spend Christmas in South Dakota this year.
We have had a wonderful year. God has blessed over the years and this year seems we are even more blessed than usual.
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!
God Bless!
Tim, Katherine, Christian, Joshua, and Emma Rose Gerber
ways to keep updated with our family:
www.myspace.com/krgerber or
www.facebook.com or
http://krgerber.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 13, 2007
A childhood innocence is now gone
Yesterday I had a frank talk with the boys. (On a side note, I sat them down and said "I need to have a frank talk you boys." Joshua's response was "can I be Frank?" What a jokester!)
Anyway, I sat them down and told them there was no Santa, Easter Bunny, or tooth fairy (sorry to all of you who still believe). They both admitted they didn't really think there was. Tim actually told Christian last Christmas and Christian did not believe him at all!
The boys have been asking us for over a year about getting baptized. Tim and I have discussed it many times. We did not feel it would be appropriate for them to be baptized if they still believed in these things. We didn't want them to come back to us one day and say "you told us Santa was real and then you said he wasn't, how is God any different?"
In my heart I know the boys believe what they should believe, especially for as young as they are. They have gone to church since they were born. They went to a Christian school and are now home schooled. They know! I am ready to let them but I think I might have to do some convincing on Tim.
I must that I was sad when I had the talk with them yesterday. I took away a childhood innocence that can never be given back.
They want to be baptized. This is something that all Christian parents want so why is it we struggle with this decision?
Anyway, I sat them down and told them there was no Santa, Easter Bunny, or tooth fairy (sorry to all of you who still believe). They both admitted they didn't really think there was. Tim actually told Christian last Christmas and Christian did not believe him at all!
The boys have been asking us for over a year about getting baptized. Tim and I have discussed it many times. We did not feel it would be appropriate for them to be baptized if they still believed in these things. We didn't want them to come back to us one day and say "you told us Santa was real and then you said he wasn't, how is God any different?"
In my heart I know the boys believe what they should believe, especially for as young as they are. They have gone to church since they were born. They went to a Christian school and are now home schooled. They know! I am ready to let them but I think I might have to do some convincing on Tim.
I must that I was sad when I had the talk with them yesterday. I took away a childhood innocence that can never be given back.
They want to be baptized. This is something that all Christian parents want so why is it we struggle with this decision?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Maintaining
Back in September and October I went through a "biggest loser" program at Kingsway. I was the winner (you can see a past post with all the details).
I have actually lost about 5 more since that ended. My goal has been to maintain that weightloss through Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
So far, so good! I just wanted to share with everyone that I have been maintaining. I hope to start losing again in January. I am hoping my body will see this time as a plateau and not struggle to lose another 25-40 pounds.
My motto: slow and steady!
I have actually lost about 5 more since that ended. My goal has been to maintain that weightloss through Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
So far, so good! I just wanted to share with everyone that I have been maintaining. I hope to start losing again in January. I am hoping my body will see this time as a plateau and not struggle to lose another 25-40 pounds.
My motto: slow and steady!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Made with love....in memory of....
As most of you know my mom passed away 2 years ago September. She loved to sew! She made everyone blankets and clothes. When we were home over thanksgiving I went through her sewing room. I brought back quite a bit of material. (The boys have been taking sewing classes. They now love to sew but we didn't have anything for them to sew).
Anyway, about 6 weeks ago we had friends who had quints (3 girls, 2 boys). They all seem to be doing fairly well but prayers could always be used. The boys wanted to make blankets for the babies. This weekend we have made 5 Christmas blankets for the Manley Quints. They are pretty cute. (I hope to get a picture posted soon.)
My mom had also started 2 quilts. I had to sew a top on one of them. Emma actually helped with that. She was so excited to be able to help! I have now pinned the binding on it. The boys are going to sew it either later tonight or tomorrow. We are going to send this one to my grandmother. She won't have a clue who it came from but it will be there next time we visit.
I have to pin the binding on one more. We are going to send this one to Tim's grandmother. She will love the fact that the kids helped to sew it. It will be fun for the kids to see it when we visit her at Christmas.
I told my dad what we were doing. He said that he knew mom would approve!
We have made these blankets with love, in memory of my mom.
Anyway, about 6 weeks ago we had friends who had quints (3 girls, 2 boys). They all seem to be doing fairly well but prayers could always be used. The boys wanted to make blankets for the babies. This weekend we have made 5 Christmas blankets for the Manley Quints. They are pretty cute. (I hope to get a picture posted soon.)
My mom had also started 2 quilts. I had to sew a top on one of them. Emma actually helped with that. She was so excited to be able to help! I have now pinned the binding on it. The boys are going to sew it either later tonight or tomorrow. We are going to send this one to my grandmother. She won't have a clue who it came from but it will be there next time we visit.
I have to pin the binding on one more. We are going to send this one to Tim's grandmother. She will love the fact that the kids helped to sew it. It will be fun for the kids to see it when we visit her at Christmas.
I told my dad what we were doing. He said that he knew mom would approve!
We have made these blankets with love, in memory of my mom.
Friday, December 7, 2007
The Ultimate Gift
Last night Tim and I watched the movie "The Ultimate Gift." I would recommend it! It was very heart touching. It is a faith based movie. The acting isn't always great but the message is loud and clear. There are a couple of "big" name actors - James Garner, Brian Dennehy.
Why is it that so many faith based movies just can't get "decent" actors? We watched "Amazing Grace" the night before. Same type of thing - great message but the acting wasn't. "Facing the Giants" is another one. Even the "Left Behind" series is very low budget acting (sorry Kirk).
Anyway, I was really inspired by the movie. I just wanted to share that with you. I don't think you will be disappointed should you decide to watch either of those movies.
Why is it that so many faith based movies just can't get "decent" actors? We watched "Amazing Grace" the night before. Same type of thing - great message but the acting wasn't. "Facing the Giants" is another one. Even the "Left Behind" series is very low budget acting (sorry Kirk).
Anyway, I was really inspired by the movie. I just wanted to share that with you. I don't think you will be disappointed should you decide to watch either of those movies.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
I thanked God for ground beef
I know this is going to seem pretty silly to some of you but I am going to write it anyway. It's your choice to read or not.
Most of you probably know that Tim and I live by a budget. It is a pretty tight budget and sometimes it isn't very fun. However, this was a decision we made about 3 years ago and have stuck to it. We are much better off because of it. In fact, in January we get to up the budget and I really am excited about that!
Every month I use every penny of our grocery budget. Sometimes I go over and take from some place else. The grocery prices have risen with the gas prices but my money has stayed the same. Therefore, my grocery money doesn't stretch as far as it used to. I menu plan so I only buy food for what is on the menu (now I do keep some staples around but nothing like I used to).
I went for the first half of the month shopping on Monday. Kroger was having a decent sell so I marked which items I was buying from there on my list. (Groundbeef was on that list.) As I am walking into the meat department the butcher is moving down the "sell for less" packages. I look at my list and I have 5 packages on my list. Guess how many he has? 5! I thanked God right then and there.
The story gets better, I promise.
That evening I go to Wal-Mart and finish my shopping. Should I have had to buy the meat at regular price - I would have been over my budget!
I know this seems like such a small thing but December is a very tight month with all the entertaining we do and parties we attend. Our budget is the same in December as it is the rest of the month.
We are traveling to South Dakota this Christmas. The gas prices are going to be murder. (BTW, gas and utilities are the things we have no control over on our budget - we just roll with the punches). We are spending 2 nights on the Indian Reservation. We will be staying in the motel. We really don't want to sleep in the bunkhouse in late December - not a good idea. We will then be spending 2 more nights at a hotel in Sioux Falls.
December is an expensive month, especially on the years we go to SD. Thankfully I always have my shopping done so I normally use the "gift" money from December to help cover some of those other expenses.
Okay, so not one of my best blogs but I just thought it was interesting that when I am in the meat department at Kroger had had the desire to thank God for cheap meat!
Most of you probably know that Tim and I live by a budget. It is a pretty tight budget and sometimes it isn't very fun. However, this was a decision we made about 3 years ago and have stuck to it. We are much better off because of it. In fact, in January we get to up the budget and I really am excited about that!
Every month I use every penny of our grocery budget. Sometimes I go over and take from some place else. The grocery prices have risen with the gas prices but my money has stayed the same. Therefore, my grocery money doesn't stretch as far as it used to. I menu plan so I only buy food for what is on the menu (now I do keep some staples around but nothing like I used to).
I went for the first half of the month shopping on Monday. Kroger was having a decent sell so I marked which items I was buying from there on my list. (Groundbeef was on that list.) As I am walking into the meat department the butcher is moving down the "sell for less" packages. I look at my list and I have 5 packages on my list. Guess how many he has? 5! I thanked God right then and there.
The story gets better, I promise.
That evening I go to Wal-Mart and finish my shopping. Should I have had to buy the meat at regular price - I would have been over my budget!
I know this seems like such a small thing but December is a very tight month with all the entertaining we do and parties we attend. Our budget is the same in December as it is the rest of the month.
We are traveling to South Dakota this Christmas. The gas prices are going to be murder. (BTW, gas and utilities are the things we have no control over on our budget - we just roll with the punches). We are spending 2 nights on the Indian Reservation. We will be staying in the motel. We really don't want to sleep in the bunkhouse in late December - not a good idea. We will then be spending 2 more nights at a hotel in Sioux Falls.
December is an expensive month, especially on the years we go to SD. Thankfully I always have my shopping done so I normally use the "gift" money from December to help cover some of those other expenses.
Okay, so not one of my best blogs but I just thought it was interesting that when I am in the meat department at Kroger had had the desire to thank God for cheap meat!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
FREE holiday days in Indianapolis
Here is a list of FREE things to do around the Christmas holiday in Indy. Sorry to all of you who aren't here but I just wanted to spread the word to the locals.
FREE events in December
Thursday, Dec. 13
Mistletoe Music Festival at the Arts Garden
Friday, Dec. 14
Indiana Historical Society
Saturday, Dec. 15
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians
Sunday, Dec. 16
American Super Heroes Museum
Monday, Dec. 17
Indiana State Museum
Tuesday, Dec. 18
Indianapolis Museum of Art and Lily House
Wednesday, Dec. 19
James Whitcomb Riley House
Thursday, Dec. 20
President Benjamin Harrison Home
Friday, Dec. 21
Morris-Butler House
Saturday, Dec. 22
Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum
Sunday, Dec. 23
NCAA Hall of Champions/Colts Rally
Monday, Dec. 24
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Enjoy these FREE events! Hopefully we will see some of you there!
FREE events in December
Thursday, Dec. 13
Mistletoe Music Festival at the Arts Garden
Friday, Dec. 14
Indiana Historical Society
Saturday, Dec. 15
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians
Sunday, Dec. 16
American Super Heroes Museum
Monday, Dec. 17
Indiana State Museum
Tuesday, Dec. 18
Indianapolis Museum of Art and Lily House
Wednesday, Dec. 19
James Whitcomb Riley House
Thursday, Dec. 20
President Benjamin Harrison Home
Friday, Dec. 21
Morris-Butler House
Saturday, Dec. 22
Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum
Sunday, Dec. 23
NCAA Hall of Champions/Colts Rally
Monday, Dec. 24
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Enjoy these FREE events! Hopefully we will see some of you there!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
A Time of Thanks
Things I am thankful for:
God! and His ability to love and forgive me
Tim! for those same reasons
Kids! I am so blessed to be the mom to Christian, Joshua, and Emma Rose
Family! The Gerber clan is wonderful (not without their problems but I couldn't have asked for a better family to marry into). The Willis family has plenty of struggles over the past 4 years. We are still family and that tie holds strong but there are just a few knots that some are trying to get undone.
Church family! We are so blessed to be involved with Kingsway. We made a great decision 6 years ago!
Friends! I am so thankful for the "old" friends I have been able to reconnect with on facebook and myspace. My BF, Kelly, who has been there for me the past 11 years! There are to many others to mention.
Work! I have been blessed with the ability to stay at home with the kids. Flavor Burst has been a wonderful opportunity for Tim and the rest of the extended family. Who knew 16 years ago when Tim, Ernie, and Wayne kicked it off that it would be as successful as it has been?
To many other things to mention! I know that God has been good to our family. There have been times of struggles but we have remained faithful. I believe that God has blessed us because of that.
God is good!
God! and His ability to love and forgive me
Tim! for those same reasons
Kids! I am so blessed to be the mom to Christian, Joshua, and Emma Rose
Family! The Gerber clan is wonderful (not without their problems but I couldn't have asked for a better family to marry into). The Willis family has plenty of struggles over the past 4 years. We are still family and that tie holds strong but there are just a few knots that some are trying to get undone.
Church family! We are so blessed to be involved with Kingsway. We made a great decision 6 years ago!
Friends! I am so thankful for the "old" friends I have been able to reconnect with on facebook and myspace. My BF, Kelly, who has been there for me the past 11 years! There are to many others to mention.
Work! I have been blessed with the ability to stay at home with the kids. Flavor Burst has been a wonderful opportunity for Tim and the rest of the extended family. Who knew 16 years ago when Tim, Ernie, and Wayne kicked it off that it would be as successful as it has been?
To many other things to mention! I know that God has been good to our family. There have been times of struggles but we have remained faithful. I believe that God has blessed us because of that.
God is good!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Please pray for Christian
Please pray for Christian. He has really had a rough day. He even took a nap this afternoon! He's 9, so you know he must be "off."
I'm not going to go into specifics but he just really had it bad. Nothing to cause him to be in trouble - just inner turmoil.
For example: he took out the trash today (good thing!). However, he took the bag of dirty clothes from this weekend (oops). It was in a trash bag but it was in front of the washer. I lost my Colts shirt, both the boys lost their Colts shirts. I lost my Kingsway shirt and Tim lost a Diamond Willow shirt. All of these are replaceable but he feels horrible! The good thing is that we thought his pj bottoms (the ones he just made over the past 2 weeks) were in there. They weren't! I was already thinking that I was going to have to make him a new pair of pants!
This was just one of the things causing him problems. Silly, I know but heavy burden to a 9 year old.
So please pray for Christian. He's a good kid with a big heart that is a little heavy right now.
Thanks a bunch!
I'm not going to go into specifics but he just really had it bad. Nothing to cause him to be in trouble - just inner turmoil.
For example: he took out the trash today (good thing!). However, he took the bag of dirty clothes from this weekend (oops). It was in a trash bag but it was in front of the washer. I lost my Colts shirt, both the boys lost their Colts shirts. I lost my Kingsway shirt and Tim lost a Diamond Willow shirt. All of these are replaceable but he feels horrible! The good thing is that we thought his pj bottoms (the ones he just made over the past 2 weeks) were in there. They weren't! I was already thinking that I was going to have to make him a new pair of pants!
This was just one of the things causing him problems. Silly, I know but heavy burden to a 9 year old.
So please pray for Christian. He's a good kid with a big heart that is a little heavy right now.
Thanks a bunch!
Monday, November 19, 2007
National Missionary Conference
This past weekend, Tim and I, along with the kids headed to Cincinati. We attended the National Missionary Conference. They have wonderful programing for the kids, classes for the adults and all types of exhibits.
Tim basically worked at the Diamond Willow booth the entire weekend. This is the place where he has done mission work the past 5 years. He has a passion for the Native American people right now! He was there to answer questions and get people interested in going out there for missions or even just donating money (seems missionaries always need money), and praying for the work at Diamond Willow. He loved it!
I went to several of the classes they had available. Most were pretty interesting. Sometimes it was hard to choose a class to go to and others times I "just knew" which one I was supposed to attend. I would also just hang out at the DW booth and answer questions the best I could.
The kid programming was wonderful! They offered classes for all ages of kids. The boys went on 2 different field trips (bounce zone and children's museum). The got to play all types of video games and have Bible lessons. They had a great time. Emma even enjoyed her classes. I almost felt a little guilty because she had to go by herself but at 4 she doesn't have any problems making friends.
There were TONS of exhibits! Everything from Christian colleges, insurance, bookstores, and so many mission trip opportunities! There were 150 commitments this weekend to go into full-time mission work!
There is something wonderful and draining about being around 5,000+ missionary minded people. I have so much respect for those that are willing to pack up and go to the farthest remote areas of Africa or try to go into "closed" countries. It almost makes me feel inadequate! However, I do know that God is using me here.
At some point down the road Tim and I are hoping to go into some sort of full-time or part-time mission work. We would like to be self-supporting so we have some time before that could become a reality. Right now, I could see us on the Indian Reservation or off to Germany, in the inner city of Indy - who knows! I just know that you can't "tell God your plans" because He knows the plans He has for us we just have to be patient, quiet, and listen. We are willing to go where he wants us to go - all in His timing.
We are already planning on attending next year. It will be in Tulsa, OK. It is the weekend before Thanksgiving should any of you be interested in going. We would love to see you there!
Also, you can check out Diamond Willow at: http://www.d-w-m.org/index.asp
Tim basically worked at the Diamond Willow booth the entire weekend. This is the place where he has done mission work the past 5 years. He has a passion for the Native American people right now! He was there to answer questions and get people interested in going out there for missions or even just donating money (seems missionaries always need money), and praying for the work at Diamond Willow. He loved it!
I went to several of the classes they had available. Most were pretty interesting. Sometimes it was hard to choose a class to go to and others times I "just knew" which one I was supposed to attend. I would also just hang out at the DW booth and answer questions the best I could.
The kid programming was wonderful! They offered classes for all ages of kids. The boys went on 2 different field trips (bounce zone and children's museum). The got to play all types of video games and have Bible lessons. They had a great time. Emma even enjoyed her classes. I almost felt a little guilty because she had to go by herself but at 4 she doesn't have any problems making friends.
There were TONS of exhibits! Everything from Christian colleges, insurance, bookstores, and so many mission trip opportunities! There were 150 commitments this weekend to go into full-time mission work!
There is something wonderful and draining about being around 5,000+ missionary minded people. I have so much respect for those that are willing to pack up and go to the farthest remote areas of Africa or try to go into "closed" countries. It almost makes me feel inadequate! However, I do know that God is using me here.
At some point down the road Tim and I are hoping to go into some sort of full-time or part-time mission work. We would like to be self-supporting so we have some time before that could become a reality. Right now, I could see us on the Indian Reservation or off to Germany, in the inner city of Indy - who knows! I just know that you can't "tell God your plans" because He knows the plans He has for us we just have to be patient, quiet, and listen. We are willing to go where he wants us to go - all in His timing.
We are already planning on attending next year. It will be in Tulsa, OK. It is the weekend before Thanksgiving should any of you be interested in going. We would love to see you there!
Also, you can check out Diamond Willow at: http://www.d-w-m.org/index.asp
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Spread the Word
There is a movie coming out at Christmastime aimed toward children. It is very anti-God. We need to stand up and let our voice be heard!
Please spread this to everyone you know so that this film will flop! Let's let Hollywood know that we will not stand for this type of garbage!
I really like Nicole Kidman but my opinion of her, as the star in this movie, is now really tainted.
http://snopes.com:80/politics/religion/compass.asp
Please spread this to everyone you know so that this film will flop! Let's let Hollywood know that we will not stand for this type of garbage!
I really like Nicole Kidman but my opinion of her, as the star in this movie, is now really tainted.
http://snopes.com:80/politics/religion/compass.asp
Saturday, October 20, 2007
I Am the Biggest Loser!
The past 6 weeks I have been involved with a "Biggest Loser" program at church.
Basically I got up at 5:15 a.m. 3 mornings a week and went and sweated - hard! I started watching my portion control. I am trying to make some positive changes in my life.
My SIL told me about a FREE online site that you can input what you eat and your exercises and it will keep track for you. I have been using this for the past 6 weeks. You can find it at www.sparkpeople.com. I am a person who needs accountability in this area! This website really helps me out in that area.
The sad thing is that the program is done until spring. The good - most of us are still going to get together 3 mornings a week. We might not get as hard a workout because we won't have a leader but we will be there, sweating, encouraging one another, and keeping up the changes we have started. Our leader does 2 aerobics classes a week so I hope to make some of those.
When I started the program I only wanted to workout 3-4 days a week. Realistically that is something I can keep up. I am not at a place in my life where I can workout 6 days a week and I don't want to! I LOATHE exercising! My attitude has gotten better but I still have a long way to go.
I have struggled with my weight and body issues for over 20 years! I have finally decided to do something about it! I guess I am a very slow learner!
Anyway, without going into too much detail....
I lost 15 pounds.
My body fat decreased by 4%.
I lost 3 inches in my waist and 2 on my hips.
My BMI is now in the "overweight category" not "obese"! (BTW, I can't believe I am so excited to be overweight!)
My body fat is now in the "acceptable" category.
I still have a long way to go but I have gotten a pretty good jump start!
Please pray for me as I continue this journey. I don't want to weigh 120 pounds (not realistically anyway) but I do want to be healthy and feel good about myself. I will know that spot when I get there so please pray that I get there.
Basically I got up at 5:15 a.m. 3 mornings a week and went and sweated - hard! I started watching my portion control. I am trying to make some positive changes in my life.
My SIL told me about a FREE online site that you can input what you eat and your exercises and it will keep track for you. I have been using this for the past 6 weeks. You can find it at www.sparkpeople.com. I am a person who needs accountability in this area! This website really helps me out in that area.
The sad thing is that the program is done until spring. The good - most of us are still going to get together 3 mornings a week. We might not get as hard a workout because we won't have a leader but we will be there, sweating, encouraging one another, and keeping up the changes we have started. Our leader does 2 aerobics classes a week so I hope to make some of those.
When I started the program I only wanted to workout 3-4 days a week. Realistically that is something I can keep up. I am not at a place in my life where I can workout 6 days a week and I don't want to! I LOATHE exercising! My attitude has gotten better but I still have a long way to go.
I have struggled with my weight and body issues for over 20 years! I have finally decided to do something about it! I guess I am a very slow learner!
Anyway, without going into too much detail....
I lost 15 pounds.
My body fat decreased by 4%.
I lost 3 inches in my waist and 2 on my hips.
My BMI is now in the "overweight category" not "obese"! (BTW, I can't believe I am so excited to be overweight!)
My body fat is now in the "acceptable" category.
I still have a long way to go but I have gotten a pretty good jump start!
Please pray for me as I continue this journey. I don't want to weigh 120 pounds (not realistically anyway) but I do want to be healthy and feel good about myself. I will know that spot when I get there so please pray that I get there.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
What about socialization?
I laugh when I get that question in regard to our decision to homeschool.
When you think about some of the socialization that takes place on the bus or at school - there are MANY conversations and situations I do want to shield my kids from. For example, my friend whose 8 year old son got a very graphic description of the birds and the bees on the way to school. The 6 year old who walked in the door asking what "french kissing" was because some of the kids were talking about it. The boy standing at the bus stop, in our neighborhood, crying because some of the kids were teasing him and calling him names.
My kids are only young once. Childhood innocence is such a special quality. Let the kids be kids for as long as they can. Once you have a knowledge (ready for it or not) you can never go back.
*Sorry, didn't mean to get on a high horse there. Time passes so quickly and while I know it is my job to prepare my children to become adults and survive "in the real world" - I want to cherish every day they are young! I love to see them discover new things; figure out answers to question; play; enjoy life!*
We have always been good at making sure our kids are involved in activities. We are very active at church. We belong to a small group bible study. We do belong to a homeschool group even though we really only do fieldtrips and some projects with them - not the every week get togethers or play dates they have scheduled. Our kids play soccer, baseball, and wrestling with the Danville clubs. They are about to play some YMCA basketball and tennis. So as you can see they have no interaction with other children or adults! HA!
I decided to do this quick blog because tonight when I called the boys in to dinner we had 4 other neighborhood kids playing in our yard. They had been inside watching Tim install some shelving so they were asking some questions and helping with that also but decided to play some baseball and soccer while it was still light outside. Those 4 kids hung around in our yard waiting for Christian and Joshua to get done eating so they could continue to play.
So I ask you...are my kids lacking in socialization? interaction with other children? learning opportunities? NO! and they would answer the same way.
BTW, there are days when I do want to pinch their little heads off but those are very rare!
When you think about some of the socialization that takes place on the bus or at school - there are MANY conversations and situations I do want to shield my kids from. For example, my friend whose 8 year old son got a very graphic description of the birds and the bees on the way to school. The 6 year old who walked in the door asking what "french kissing" was because some of the kids were talking about it. The boy standing at the bus stop, in our neighborhood, crying because some of the kids were teasing him and calling him names.
My kids are only young once. Childhood innocence is such a special quality. Let the kids be kids for as long as they can. Once you have a knowledge (ready for it or not) you can never go back.
*Sorry, didn't mean to get on a high horse there. Time passes so quickly and while I know it is my job to prepare my children to become adults and survive "in the real world" - I want to cherish every day they are young! I love to see them discover new things; figure out answers to question; play; enjoy life!*
We have always been good at making sure our kids are involved in activities. We are very active at church. We belong to a small group bible study. We do belong to a homeschool group even though we really only do fieldtrips and some projects with them - not the every week get togethers or play dates they have scheduled. Our kids play soccer, baseball, and wrestling with the Danville clubs. They are about to play some YMCA basketball and tennis. So as you can see they have no interaction with other children or adults! HA!
I decided to do this quick blog because tonight when I called the boys in to dinner we had 4 other neighborhood kids playing in our yard. They had been inside watching Tim install some shelving so they were asking some questions and helping with that also but decided to play some baseball and soccer while it was still light outside. Those 4 kids hung around in our yard waiting for Christian and Joshua to get done eating so they could continue to play.
So I ask you...are my kids lacking in socialization? interaction with other children? learning opportunities? NO! and they would answer the same way.
BTW, there are days when I do want to pinch their little heads off but those are very rare!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Little Miss Emma Rose
My little Emma Rose is a character! She is so funny! She has these facial expressions that can crack you up (apparently, I was just like that as a little girl.) Anyway, we never know what to expect from her.
This week there are 2 memorable occurrences that I have to share.
Kohl's was having a sale - I know, shock shock! Anyway, we had $20 of free money given to us by Kohl's so I just had to go spend it. Anyway, I pretty much only shop the clearance racks at any store or Goodwill (saves us a bunch of money! especially when your kids are growing like weeds and they might only get to wear the clothes a few times before they outgrow them.) Anyway, Emma was in need of a new swim suit. She is taking lessons right now and she has out grown her current suit. Well, I got her 2, a one-piece and then a bikini. They are both very cute but I'm afraid the 1 piece is only going to make it through the winter because she is so long! She got the bikini home and wanted to wear it for lessons on Monday.
"Look Mom! This one comes with boobs!"
When I got done explaining that the top wasn't "boobs" she then replied: "oh, I got a bra"
What am I to do with my little 3 year old?
Then there was Tuesday night.....
I was headed to bed and stopped at the computer to check my e-mail, myspace and facebook accounts. I heard one of the kids up and I thought it was one of the boys going to the bathroom. I turn around and out comes Emma from her room. She walks over to a free-standing cabinet (holds all sorts of computer stuff so it is desent sized) we have in our loft that is right next to the computer desk and file cabinet. She opens both of the doors and then pulls down her pants.
"Emma what are you doing?" I ask her.
"I need to go potty" she replied and then tried to step up in the cabinet.
"Emma sweety, that is not the bathroom."
"But I need to go."
I then picked her up and took 3 steps to the bathroom. I am rolling! Apparently she was sleepwalking!
My sweet little baby girl! She keeps us in stitches! We never know what she is going to say or do - the JOYS of parenthood!
This week there are 2 memorable occurrences that I have to share.
Kohl's was having a sale - I know, shock shock! Anyway, we had $20 of free money given to us by Kohl's so I just had to go spend it. Anyway, I pretty much only shop the clearance racks at any store or Goodwill (saves us a bunch of money! especially when your kids are growing like weeds and they might only get to wear the clothes a few times before they outgrow them.) Anyway, Emma was in need of a new swim suit. She is taking lessons right now and she has out grown her current suit. Well, I got her 2, a one-piece and then a bikini. They are both very cute but I'm afraid the 1 piece is only going to make it through the winter because she is so long! She got the bikini home and wanted to wear it for lessons on Monday.
"Look Mom! This one comes with boobs!"
When I got done explaining that the top wasn't "boobs" she then replied: "oh, I got a bra"
What am I to do with my little 3 year old?
Then there was Tuesday night.....
I was headed to bed and stopped at the computer to check my e-mail, myspace and facebook accounts. I heard one of the kids up and I thought it was one of the boys going to the bathroom. I turn around and out comes Emma from her room. She walks over to a free-standing cabinet (holds all sorts of computer stuff so it is desent sized) we have in our loft that is right next to the computer desk and file cabinet. She opens both of the doors and then pulls down her pants.
"Emma what are you doing?" I ask her.
"I need to go potty" she replied and then tried to step up in the cabinet.
"Emma sweety, that is not the bathroom."
"But I need to go."
I then picked her up and took 3 steps to the bathroom. I am rolling! Apparently she was sleepwalking!
My sweet little baby girl! She keeps us in stitches! We never know what she is going to say or do - the JOYS of parenthood!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Some days you just have to have a breaking point
There are some days that it seems like you must have a breaking point before you can move forward. I wonder why this is.
Yesterday was that day for me. I cried all day. I was just a basket case! It was not a pretty site!
After I got it all talked out, and reassurance from Tim, that things are going to be fine - I relaxed. I also realized a very important thing......I was trying to do it all my self! My focus should have been on God and what He is doing for me and what He can do for me. Boy did I have it all wrong!
God was really showing me some things yesterday and the biggest was that I was not relying on Him! WOW!
I'm so sorry Lord for not trusting in you! For relying on my own selfish deeds and not trusting in you! Thank you for humbling me yesterday and bringing out of the pit of self pity and self doubt that was so rampant in my life yesterday! I need you! I want you!
Thanks also to Tim for being the best husband a woman could ever wish for! I love you sweety! As I said earlier today, there have only been a handful of days in our 15 years of marriage that were like yesterday. We are so blessed!
Yesterday was that day for me. I cried all day. I was just a basket case! It was not a pretty site!
After I got it all talked out, and reassurance from Tim, that things are going to be fine - I relaxed. I also realized a very important thing......I was trying to do it all my self! My focus should have been on God and what He is doing for me and what He can do for me. Boy did I have it all wrong!
God was really showing me some things yesterday and the biggest was that I was not relying on Him! WOW!
I'm so sorry Lord for not trusting in you! For relying on my own selfish deeds and not trusting in you! Thank you for humbling me yesterday and bringing out of the pit of self pity and self doubt that was so rampant in my life yesterday! I need you! I want you!
Thanks also to Tim for being the best husband a woman could ever wish for! I love you sweety! As I said earlier today, there have only been a handful of days in our 15 years of marriage that were like yesterday. We are so blessed!
Monday, September 3, 2007
What a wonderful weekend!
For "Labor Day" we have done very little laboring this weekend! What a treat!
Friday night we went to an Indian's Baseball game. I thought this was my first one but my BF pointed out that we went with the hubby's when we were pregnant! So it has only been 9-10 years! It was a great night! The weather was perfect - free tickets - great company - what more could you ask for?
Saturday - college football! Tim's teams: ND lost, NE won; Mine: UT lost. Overall it was still a great day! The family took a bike ride to Ellis Park - round trip is about 5 miles. It was hard (for me) but I did it!
Sunday - wonderful worship at church. The boys went fishing at a friends house. Tim and Emma took a nap - I got some quality quiet time! Tim and I then curled up and watched a movie.
Monday - Tim and Emma are currently out at Lowe's buying materials to build a birdhouse. While the kids and Tim are doing that, I get to go grocery shopping. I hate to grocery shop but I get to go alone - woohoo!
What does the rest of the day hold in store for us? Doesn't matter - been wonderful!
Hope you all have enjoyed your weekend and had some great family time!
Friday night we went to an Indian's Baseball game. I thought this was my first one but my BF pointed out that we went with the hubby's when we were pregnant! So it has only been 9-10 years! It was a great night! The weather was perfect - free tickets - great company - what more could you ask for?
Saturday - college football! Tim's teams: ND lost, NE won; Mine: UT lost. Overall it was still a great day! The family took a bike ride to Ellis Park - round trip is about 5 miles. It was hard (for me) but I did it!
Sunday - wonderful worship at church. The boys went fishing at a friends house. Tim and Emma took a nap - I got some quality quiet time! Tim and I then curled up and watched a movie.
Monday - Tim and Emma are currently out at Lowe's buying materials to build a birdhouse. While the kids and Tim are doing that, I get to go grocery shopping. I hate to grocery shop but I get to go alone - woohoo!
What does the rest of the day hold in store for us? Doesn't matter - been wonderful!
Hope you all have enjoyed your weekend and had some great family time!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
"Mom, what's gay?"
On Wednesday night Christian and I were in the car driving home from church. He had tried out for the praise team in the elementary worship department (did a good job if I do say so myself).
Tim's car has this defect that the radio station will change when the car is turned off. It doesn't happen every time but many times. We had been listening to either Radio Disney or K-Love on the way to church. When we got back in the car, talk radio was on. Before I had a chance to change the channel the news announcer said, "Senator Craig says he is not gay."
switch channel
From the backseat, "Mom, what's gay?"
GULP!
Me: "Do you really want to know?" (hoping he wouldn't but glad that he would actually ask me when he didn't know something.)
"yep"
GULP! Where's Tim during all this??????
Me: "Many years ago gay used to mean 'happy' but in more recent times, people use it to talk about homosexual people. Do you know what homosexual means?"
"nope"
Me: "You sure you really want to know?"
"yep"
Me: "Homosexual means when boys have romantic feelings for boys and girls have romantic feelings girls." (thinking to myself am I doing this right?)
"gross" (of course this coming from the boy who still thinks girls are 'gross')
sigh of relief
Me: "People tend to call boy homosexuals gay and girl homosexuals lesbians. Don't ask me why because I really don't know."
Me: "Anymore questions?" (did I really just ask that?)
"nope"
GULP! (thank goodness!)
This really wasn't the talk I thought I would have with my 9 year old son on the way home from the church building! It makes me very aware that the "facts of life" talk isn't really that far behind. I am really praying that Tim is around for that discussion. I guess I really need to start preparing for what I am going to say.
Tim's car has this defect that the radio station will change when the car is turned off. It doesn't happen every time but many times. We had been listening to either Radio Disney or K-Love on the way to church. When we got back in the car, talk radio was on. Before I had a chance to change the channel the news announcer said, "Senator Craig says he is not gay."
switch channel
From the backseat, "Mom, what's gay?"
GULP!
Me: "Do you really want to know?" (hoping he wouldn't but glad that he would actually ask me when he didn't know something.)
"yep"
GULP! Where's Tim during all this??????
Me: "Many years ago gay used to mean 'happy' but in more recent times, people use it to talk about homosexual people. Do you know what homosexual means?"
"nope"
Me: "You sure you really want to know?"
"yep"
Me: "Homosexual means when boys have romantic feelings for boys and girls have romantic feelings girls." (thinking to myself am I doing this right?)
"gross" (of course this coming from the boy who still thinks girls are 'gross')
sigh of relief
Me: "People tend to call boy homosexuals gay and girl homosexuals lesbians. Don't ask me why because I really don't know."
Me: "Anymore questions?" (did I really just ask that?)
"nope"
GULP! (thank goodness!)
This really wasn't the talk I thought I would have with my 9 year old son on the way home from the church building! It makes me very aware that the "facts of life" talk isn't really that far behind. I am really praying that Tim is around for that discussion. I guess I really need to start preparing for what I am going to say.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
What would you have done?
Tonight on my way home from church, (We have a Saturday evening service. The choir is singing this weekend and I am a part of the choir.) I saw a lady carrying a gas can walking down the road. The temp right now is 80 and I didn't see a car just up the road.
I stopped and asked if she needed a ride. She said yes and she hopped in. She was a little hesitant but came willingly pretty quickly. She said that a man had stopped and offered her a ride but she turned him down.
I drove her a couple of miles to the trailer park (she was going to mow her lawn - hence the need for gas).
One of the surprising things is that I didn't even hesitate to pick her up. Lots of times I will see someone that seems like they need help and pass them by but not this time. Maybe I was supposed to pick her up, I don't know. I don't know her name and she doesn't know mine. So why would I feel the need to pick her up?
Lots of times I will use my kids as my excuse because "I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to them." However, what kind of example am I setting when I just pass on by?
The sad thing - if I were walking and she had stopped I'm not sure I would have gotten in her car! She was missing most of her teeth, she was carrying her cigarettes, and not dressed in clean clothes. How horrible of me to judge - and I am judging - her on her appearance!
So I am wondering, what would you have done? Picked her up? Would you get in her car? My heart is actually pretty heavy over this!
I stopped and asked if she needed a ride. She said yes and she hopped in. She was a little hesitant but came willingly pretty quickly. She said that a man had stopped and offered her a ride but she turned him down.
I drove her a couple of miles to the trailer park (she was going to mow her lawn - hence the need for gas).
One of the surprising things is that I didn't even hesitate to pick her up. Lots of times I will see someone that seems like they need help and pass them by but not this time. Maybe I was supposed to pick her up, I don't know. I don't know her name and she doesn't know mine. So why would I feel the need to pick her up?
Lots of times I will use my kids as my excuse because "I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to them." However, what kind of example am I setting when I just pass on by?
The sad thing - if I were walking and she had stopped I'm not sure I would have gotten in her car! She was missing most of her teeth, she was carrying her cigarettes, and not dressed in clean clothes. How horrible of me to judge - and I am judging - her on her appearance!
So I am wondering, what would you have done? Picked her up? Would you get in her car? My heart is actually pretty heavy over this!
Bowling
Last night Tim and I went bowling with friends. It was date night! Woo Hoo! (Always a good thing!). Anyway, we met 2 other couples for dinner and then headed to the bowling alley and met up with another couple and their child.
We had 2 lanes reserved. We put the guys on one lane and girls on the other. It was great fun! Tim said that the last time we had been bowling was in the Wisconsin Dells and that was 3 years ago!
We bowled 2 games. I got a 115 and then a 125 - WOW! I hope to make 100 when we go so this was a big deal. Tim bowled 94 and a 119. I beat him! (BTW, I do have pictures to back up the score. I just don't know how to get them off the camera). I was actually the high bowler of the night with 240! That includes both men and women!
The kids were a little bummed that they didn't get to go bowling. They spent the night with Tim's folks so they had a good time too.
We haven't told the kids yet that I won! Tim will say that he let me when because "men can't beat their wife" - plus it was date night so he was trying to be nice. However, don't believe him!
We had 2 lanes reserved. We put the guys on one lane and girls on the other. It was great fun! Tim said that the last time we had been bowling was in the Wisconsin Dells and that was 3 years ago!
We bowled 2 games. I got a 115 and then a 125 - WOW! I hope to make 100 when we go so this was a big deal. Tim bowled 94 and a 119. I beat him! (BTW, I do have pictures to back up the score. I just don't know how to get them off the camera). I was actually the high bowler of the night with 240! That includes both men and women!
The kids were a little bummed that they didn't get to go bowling. They spent the night with Tim's folks so they had a good time too.
We haven't told the kids yet that I won! Tim will say that he let me when because "men can't beat their wife" - plus it was date night so he was trying to be nice. However, don't believe him!
Friday, August 24, 2007
The Crowsons
We were blessed last week to have some "old" college friends and their children come stay with us for 4 nights and 5 days.
Murphy, Christine, Stephen, and Matthew Crowson are in the states on furlow right now. They have spent the past 9 years serving in Togo, Africa. They will go back in January before they head to Rwanda in January 2009.
What a great family!
We put the poor kids in over-stimulation mode I'm afraid! We had very little down time while they were here.
Wednesday: They arrive from IA. They head straight to Keystone to the Apple store because the computer has crashed. We meet them for dinner at Fridays. Murphy gets a birthday ice cream and sung to even though it wasn't his birthday. :)
Thursday: Sleep in! Boy that was good. Tim went to work but we all joined him there later. We took them on a tour of the office and warehouse at Flavor Burst. It's not that big but we were there for over an hour. They watched our kids for us in the afternoon while Tim and I met with our lawyer (see previous blog about that). Nice relaxing afternoon and a good dinner (if I do say so myself). Tom and Rebecca also joined us.
Friday: Off to the Indiana State Fair. We were there for hours! It was great fun but expensive! and we even brought in water and some snack food. Attending a state fair was "an American experience" they wanted for the kids and we were able to help mark that off their list. We then met Tom and Rebecca downtown and the Spaghetti Factory. We then walked around downtown for a little while. Christine and I brought the kids home and put them to bed while Tim and Murphy went to go pick up his computer. They fixed it - yeah!
Saturday: We went to the Indiana Motor Speedway. We took the 15 minute bus ride around the track. We had never done that before. It was very cool. Then we headed to the Children's Museum. We were there for hours! (*For those of you not familiar with the museum it is the largest in the country and ranked either 1 or 2 for children's museum.) I must admit that I got museumed out! I normally take the kids for about 2 hours and leave - the beauty of having a pass. We returned home just in time for a cookout we had planned in the Crowson's honor. We had more "old" friends, Marianne (Sassi) and Heath Mathias along with their girls, and met a new friend, Jana Treadway, who had been in Togo with them. What a great night!
Sunday: Church. It was a good day! Lunch at Moe's - poor Murphy had so many goosebumps because it was cold in there. They left on Sunday afternoon. We did get a few pictures. Once I learn how to take them off the camera and on the computer, I'll put a few up on her.
We stayed up way to late every night! Poor Murphy and Christine were cold most of the time. Their body temperatures are not used to our weather. BTW, it was 85+ degrees and they were cold. We laughed at them - all in love of course!
Great Times!
Their boys are so well behaved! Our boys had a great time making new friends. We are going to try to keep in touch with them (good writing experience for my boys and homeschooling).
Anyway, this was their visit in a nutshell. It was wonderful to reconnect with them we are blessed to able to call them friends.
Please pray for them as they are adopting from China. What a wonderful outcome it will be but the in between is a long drawn out process.
On a side note: everyone is always welcome in our home! I tease and tell people that I can feed you (might only be peanut butter sandwiches) and give you a place to sleep. However, I can't promise that my house will be clean! We love to have house guests! We've been blessed with a nice size house and enjoy using it! So, if you are ever in the Indy area and need a quick PB&J sandwich, a place to sleep, and a quick shower - look us up but please ignore my housekeeping abilities (or inabilities as the case may be).
Murphy, Christine, Stephen, and Matthew Crowson are in the states on furlow right now. They have spent the past 9 years serving in Togo, Africa. They will go back in January before they head to Rwanda in January 2009.
What a great family!
We put the poor kids in over-stimulation mode I'm afraid! We had very little down time while they were here.
Wednesday: They arrive from IA. They head straight to Keystone to the Apple store because the computer has crashed. We meet them for dinner at Fridays. Murphy gets a birthday ice cream and sung to even though it wasn't his birthday. :)
Thursday: Sleep in! Boy that was good. Tim went to work but we all joined him there later. We took them on a tour of the office and warehouse at Flavor Burst. It's not that big but we were there for over an hour. They watched our kids for us in the afternoon while Tim and I met with our lawyer (see previous blog about that). Nice relaxing afternoon and a good dinner (if I do say so myself). Tom and Rebecca also joined us.
Friday: Off to the Indiana State Fair. We were there for hours! It was great fun but expensive! and we even brought in water and some snack food. Attending a state fair was "an American experience" they wanted for the kids and we were able to help mark that off their list. We then met Tom and Rebecca downtown and the Spaghetti Factory. We then walked around downtown for a little while. Christine and I brought the kids home and put them to bed while Tim and Murphy went to go pick up his computer. They fixed it - yeah!
Saturday: We went to the Indiana Motor Speedway. We took the 15 minute bus ride around the track. We had never done that before. It was very cool. Then we headed to the Children's Museum. We were there for hours! (*For those of you not familiar with the museum it is the largest in the country and ranked either 1 or 2 for children's museum.) I must admit that I got museumed out! I normally take the kids for about 2 hours and leave - the beauty of having a pass. We returned home just in time for a cookout we had planned in the Crowson's honor. We had more "old" friends, Marianne (Sassi) and Heath Mathias along with their girls, and met a new friend, Jana Treadway, who had been in Togo with them. What a great night!
Sunday: Church. It was a good day! Lunch at Moe's - poor Murphy had so many goosebumps because it was cold in there. They left on Sunday afternoon. We did get a few pictures. Once I learn how to take them off the camera and on the computer, I'll put a few up on her.
We stayed up way to late every night! Poor Murphy and Christine were cold most of the time. Their body temperatures are not used to our weather. BTW, it was 85+ degrees and they were cold. We laughed at them - all in love of course!
Great Times!
Their boys are so well behaved! Our boys had a great time making new friends. We are going to try to keep in touch with them (good writing experience for my boys and homeschooling).
Anyway, this was their visit in a nutshell. It was wonderful to reconnect with them we are blessed to able to call them friends.
Please pray for them as they are adopting from China. What a wonderful outcome it will be but the in between is a long drawn out process.
On a side note: everyone is always welcome in our home! I tease and tell people that I can feed you (might only be peanut butter sandwiches) and give you a place to sleep. However, I can't promise that my house will be clean! We love to have house guests! We've been blessed with a nice size house and enjoy using it! So, if you are ever in the Indy area and need a quick PB&J sandwich, a place to sleep, and a quick shower - look us up but please ignore my housekeeping abilities (or inabilities as the case may be).
FREE National Museum Day
I am trying to spread the word about National Museum Day. If you print a pass you can get in tons of museums that day for FREE! This is also available in every state!
National Museum Day is Saturday, September 29!
Go to: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/articles/venues.php Click on your state and you will find what museums are available for free that day.
Go to: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/articles/card.php To fill out and print your "admission" card. Do 2 per household or 1 per e-mail address and then most families should be able to get in for FREE!
Spread the word! What a great way to visit some museums that you normally don't get to!
National Museum Day is Saturday, September 29!
Go to: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/articles/venues.php Click on your state and you will find what museums are available for free that day.
Go to: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/articles/card.php To fill out and print your "admission" card. Do 2 per household or 1 per e-mail address and then most families should be able to get in for FREE!
Spread the word! What a great way to visit some museums that you normally don't get to!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Our Calendar
I added the calendar feature to facebook. I have spent the past little while putting in all the things we have to do for August and September. WOW! The sad thing is that not everything is listed on the calendar. I will have my EPIC (drama) practices. Tim has his accountability group every other Thursday but we will have to adjust those just a bit. I will be starting a biggest loser group in September that will be added also. (I'll blog about that another day so people can pray for me). We are very busy! In the midst of these things, we have school!
I like the calendar feature but it doesn't just show it on my profile. I really thought that it might. If anyone knows how to get it to show it, please let me know. As of right now, you have to click on the calendar and it will show what you have going on.
Anyway, all this reminds me that we MUST slow down and take it easy when we can. Enjoy our lives because they are on full speed ahead!
I like the calendar feature but it doesn't just show it on my profile. I really thought that it might. If anyone knows how to get it to show it, please let me know. As of right now, you have to click on the calendar and it will show what you have going on.
Anyway, all this reminds me that we MUST slow down and take it easy when we can. Enjoy our lives because they are on full speed ahead!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Finally, after 11 years.....
Back in Feb. 1996 I was in a car wreck. It was very minor however, it gave me TMJ.
Tim and I tried for almost 3 years to deal with their insurance company but they wouldn't have it. We had to break down and hire a lawyer and we had to sue. I never thought I would be in that position!
While we were trying to settle it we asked the insurance company to put the money into an escrow account and when we were ready for the treatment, we would just withdraw the money. We were only asking for cost of the treatment and the expenses for medical and loss of wages that had been incurred - nothing else. At the time of the wreck Tim and I were trying to get pregnant and then in 1997 started fertility treatments. So, needless to say, we were not ready to just stop everything for 3 years (yes this treatment is that long). We couldn't even think about starting TMJ treatment until we were down with our family.
To make a long story even longer - hopefully you are sort of following what I am saying.
Our family is complete - 6 pregnancies with only 3 children - was very stressful. However, I am glad that we did not start that treatment because who knows how our family would be.
We went to mediation yesterday in hopes of getting it all settled. Should our mediation not have been successful, we were going to court in November. Thankfully, we settled. Our lawyer said that we did better than he would have hoped. Going to trial was very risky! The good news is that we got enough to cover the treatment and pay our lawyer - which is what we had asked for 11 years ago!
God is good!
One day I will write about the mediation process. It was very interesting.
Tim and I tried for almost 3 years to deal with their insurance company but they wouldn't have it. We had to break down and hire a lawyer and we had to sue. I never thought I would be in that position!
While we were trying to settle it we asked the insurance company to put the money into an escrow account and when we were ready for the treatment, we would just withdraw the money. We were only asking for cost of the treatment and the expenses for medical and loss of wages that had been incurred - nothing else. At the time of the wreck Tim and I were trying to get pregnant and then in 1997 started fertility treatments. So, needless to say, we were not ready to just stop everything for 3 years (yes this treatment is that long). We couldn't even think about starting TMJ treatment until we were down with our family.
To make a long story even longer - hopefully you are sort of following what I am saying.
Our family is complete - 6 pregnancies with only 3 children - was very stressful. However, I am glad that we did not start that treatment because who knows how our family would be.
We went to mediation yesterday in hopes of getting it all settled. Should our mediation not have been successful, we were going to court in November. Thankfully, we settled. Our lawyer said that we did better than he would have hoped. Going to trial was very risky! The good news is that we got enough to cover the treatment and pay our lawyer - which is what we had asked for 11 years ago!
God is good!
One day I will write about the mediation process. It was very interesting.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Our Summer
This summer has been so busy that I find it hard to believe that it is over already. School starts next week here locally. Since we home school we can start when we want - never really finish - but for official "school" it will be at least another week.
Here is a brief summary of our summer:
free movies - woo hoo, so hard to beat! Tuesdays and Wednesdays of most weeks
swimming - several pool parties, Tom and Rebecca's new house has a community pool
travels - not much except for Tim to SD for his mission trip
camping - gotta love Holiday World
baby-sitting - had 2 extra kids for a few weeks this summer - paid for Holiday World!
parks - our area has so many parks that we love to visit them
company - we have had lots of visitors this summer with more to come next week
bible study - our big group doesn't meet during the summer but the ladies did
VBS - kids attended several
kids - baseball, church camp, friends
Anyway, just a quick overview of our summer.
I am learning how to use blogspot and importing it to facebook and myspace. Bear with me while I learn.
Here is a brief summary of our summer:
free movies - woo hoo, so hard to beat! Tuesdays and Wednesdays of most weeks
swimming - several pool parties, Tom and Rebecca's new house has a community pool
travels - not much except for Tim to SD for his mission trip
camping - gotta love Holiday World
baby-sitting - had 2 extra kids for a few weeks this summer - paid for Holiday World!
parks - our area has so many parks that we love to visit them
company - we have had lots of visitors this summer with more to come next week
bible study - our big group doesn't meet during the summer but the ladies did
VBS - kids attended several
kids - baseball, church camp, friends
Anyway, just a quick overview of our summer.
I am learning how to use blogspot and importing it to facebook and myspace. Bear with me while I learn.
This is a test
I have set up an outside blog. I am going to try to import it into my facebook and myspace accounts. This will save me from trying to blog on different sites. Please bear with me while I try this out.
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