Here's the conversation after Kira got into trouble for hurting her sister.
Me: Kira, why do you keep hurting your brother and sisters?
Kira: I don't know. It's just what I do.
Me: You need to find something else to do.
Kira: But it's the only thing I'm good at. It's my special talent.
12.31.2009
12.23.2009
Another Selah-ism
After visiting my parents' church and seeing the new sanctuary that was built, Selah asked my mom, "Grandma, does your church have any debt?"
Oh, she's making her daddy proud! Living like no one else, so you can live like no one else!
Oh, she's making her daddy proud! Living like no one else, so you can live like no one else!
12.09.2009
Beautiful Sight
I saw the most beautiful sight tonight. I looked out our bedroom window planning to take in the beautiful view of our first snow this winter. Now, we don't have mountains in KC and we don't have the ocean, but I think our back yard is still a beautiful sight when it is all blanketed in snow. What I didn't expect to see, though, were 8 deer passing through from one neighbor's yard to the next. Magnificent!
12.08.2009
New Lunch Ideas
I'm always looking for something different to serve at lunchtime. I think we get tired of the same thing: sandwiches, Bagel Bites, chicken nuggets, corn dogs, etc...
So, here are a couple of ideas I've been making lately.
Egg and Cheese Sandwich.
For around $3 I picked up this little contraption at Wal-Mart out of the kitchen appliance aisle, right where the microwave accessories are located. It's called an Egg Muffin Cooker. You scramble an egg, mix in bacon pieces, ham, veggies, and/or whatever else, then "newk" it for a minute. Add a piece of cheese and serve it on toasted bagels, English muffins, biscuit or toast. Quite yummy, and it's something even the kids can make.
Sandwich Wrap.
This isn't a new invention, either, but it's one I rarely think about. I don't know about you all, but when I say we're having sandwiches, I hear a collective groan from my crew. But, I started putting the lunch meat on a tortilla and rolling it up like an enchilada and all the sudden you'd think I had created something better than sliced bread, literally!
So, here are a couple of ideas I've been making lately.
Egg and Cheese Sandwich.
For around $3 I picked up this little contraption at Wal-Mart out of the kitchen appliance aisle, right where the microwave accessories are located. It's called an Egg Muffin Cooker. You scramble an egg, mix in bacon pieces, ham, veggies, and/or whatever else, then "newk" it for a minute. Add a piece of cheese and serve it on toasted bagels, English muffins, biscuit or toast. Quite yummy, and it's something even the kids can make.
Sandwich Wrap.
This isn't a new invention, either, but it's one I rarely think about. I don't know about you all, but when I say we're having sandwiches, I hear a collective groan from my crew. But, I started putting the lunch meat on a tortilla and rolling it up like an enchilada and all the sudden you'd think I had created something better than sliced bread, literally!
Too Funny!
Recent Conversations with Selah
S: Mom, which tooth is my sweet tooth?
****
S: Has Daddy called today?
Mom: No
S: Ah man!
Mom: Why?
S: Because, when Daddy calls, I feel grounded...you know, in the good way.
Mom: Oh, really? And what is a good grounded?
S: You know. It's when I feel safe.
S: Mom, which tooth is my sweet tooth?
****
S: Has Daddy called today?
Mom: No
S: Ah man!
Mom: Why?
S: Because, when Daddy calls, I feel grounded...you know, in the good way.
Mom: Oh, really? And what is a good grounded?
S: You know. It's when I feel safe.
8.16.2009
Selah's 9 Today!
Selah's 9!
Last night, we went to Power Play in Shawnee, Ks. They have a Hurl-A-Whirl, I mean Tilt-A-Whirl. Lucky us, they gave us an extra long ride. I'm glad we rode this BEFORE we ate. I'm afraid it wouldn't have been pretty.
Kira and me playing Skeeball. 
They had lots of video games, and thanks to the all-famous ticket redemption center, I've been listening to whoopy cushions almost non-stop.
Selah opening her present today.
We'll wrap up her birthday next Saturday with a family dinner at our house.The menu will include homemade lasagna and chicken fettuccini alfredo.
6.05.2009
Homerun!
The Rangers
Colby and Adam
Adam up to bat
Serious competitor
That's more like it
Adam was a happy boy last night. He hit a homerun! The ironic thing? He wasn't suppose to play the game. At the previous game, he tried to trip someone from the other team as he ran by. In addition to apologizing to the other team, we also said he couldn't play the next game. I know. Kind of tough, but we're more about shaping his character than we are about making an athlete. So, the only way he could play was if someone got hurt. Well...someone got hurt. And what did Adam do at his first up-to-bat? Hit a solid grounder right down the middle and to the outfield. He showed us, huh?
5.23.2009
Jayhawk...done!
I started Adam's room back in, what, November? And I finally got the Jayhawk on the wall. Mike went to St. Louis this weekend with a couple of guys from church, so a couple of friends helped me with this project. It actually didn't take too long, thanks to the projector we used.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
5.15.2009
Afterlife?
I am truly saddened by what I heard on the View today. Before Tom Hanks and Ron Howard came out to promote their new movie, Angels and Demons, Whoopi, Joy, Sherri and Barbara had a discussion on whether or not there's an afterlife.
To sum it up = Whoopi believes in "Everything." (Whatever that means.) Sherri believes in heaven and hell, but was very vague on how to go to heaven and not hell. Barbara does not believe in afterlife, and yet she said she doesn't want to be cremated. Go figure. Finally, Joy said she doesn't believe in an afterlife. What you see is what you get. The idea of "just be a good person and take advantage of the time you have here" was mostly conveyed.
Soon, Tom and Ron came out and Barbara asked them the same question. They both said similar things - that they wouldn't be surprised if there is an afterlife but what that entails, they really don't know. Tom did say he found it really hard to believe that God would have us playing golf and eating all the pancakes we want in the afterlife.
I love the fact that they shared their opinions and even dared to bring up such a "personal" and tough question. What frustrated me most was the overlying idea that, hey, we think there might be an afterlife, but we just plan to live our life here on earth in the here and now. IF there is an afterlife, then we'll deal with that when it comes. I honestly don't think these people have given this much thought. Because if they had, they'd want to truly research and find out whether or not there is an afterlife and how to make the most of it.
This brings me back to the beginning - I'm truly saddened that they feel this way.
If you are one of those people who have given very little thought to life after death, I encourage you to begin researching. As a born again Christian, I do believe in heaven and hell, and that there's only one way to get to heaven - through Jesus Christ. Even if you have a hard time swallowing the idea of Jesus as a Savior, wouldn't it make sense to research one of the most influential men in history? And, while you're at it, why not research the Bible, one of the most carefully preserved and widely circulated pieces of literature in all of history.
This is the most important thing in the world. Doesn't it deserve a bit of your time?
To sum it up = Whoopi believes in "Everything." (Whatever that means.) Sherri believes in heaven and hell, but was very vague on how to go to heaven and not hell. Barbara does not believe in afterlife, and yet she said she doesn't want to be cremated. Go figure. Finally, Joy said she doesn't believe in an afterlife. What you see is what you get. The idea of "just be a good person and take advantage of the time you have here" was mostly conveyed.
Soon, Tom and Ron came out and Barbara asked them the same question. They both said similar things - that they wouldn't be surprised if there is an afterlife but what that entails, they really don't know. Tom did say he found it really hard to believe that God would have us playing golf and eating all the pancakes we want in the afterlife.
I love the fact that they shared their opinions and even dared to bring up such a "personal" and tough question. What frustrated me most was the overlying idea that, hey, we think there might be an afterlife, but we just plan to live our life here on earth in the here and now. IF there is an afterlife, then we'll deal with that when it comes. I honestly don't think these people have given this much thought. Because if they had, they'd want to truly research and find out whether or not there is an afterlife and how to make the most of it.
This brings me back to the beginning - I'm truly saddened that they feel this way.
If you are one of those people who have given very little thought to life after death, I encourage you to begin researching. As a born again Christian, I do believe in heaven and hell, and that there's only one way to get to heaven - through Jesus Christ. Even if you have a hard time swallowing the idea of Jesus as a Savior, wouldn't it make sense to research one of the most influential men in history? And, while you're at it, why not research the Bible, one of the most carefully preserved and widely circulated pieces of literature in all of history.
This is the most important thing in the world. Doesn't it deserve a bit of your time?
5.09.2009
Soccer Season - It's Almost Done!
We have just one more week. What a crazy season this has been. I have fully embraced the term "soccer mom" this season and wear it quite proudly. All three girls decided to play, so at 5:30 on Tuesdays I'd drop each girl off at the appropriate field, run Adam to his baseball practice about 10 minutes away, and then head back to the soccer fields.
That was nothing compared to what Thursdays would bring. Since there are only two game times - 5:30 and 6:15 - and three girls playing...well, you can guess where I'm going with this. Lesa and Selah would always play at the same time. Thankfully their games were usually right next to each other, so I was the crazy mom standing in between the two fields yelling encouraging words to one player, then turning to the other field and doing the same for the other daughter. When Mike would arrive after work, we'd often tag-team it. He'd watch one while I watched the other, and we'd both text each other updates. I'm sure we were a sight!
Kira always played at the opposite time, which worked out well since her field was on the opposite side of the complex. Very convenient!
Here are some pictures of the girls in action...
Kira's First Season
This one cracks me up. She's the one in the middle who's so excited!
Trying to steal away from the pack.
Fancy footwork.
At one point in the game I had to explain that it's not OK to grab the other players by the shirt to get them out of her way. Granted, it's an effective technique, but illegal, nonetheless.
Trying to steal away from the pack.
Fancy footwork.
At one point in the game I had to explain that it's not OK to grab the other players by the shirt to get them out of her way. Granted, it's an effective technique, but illegal, nonetheless.
She missed this one, but later scored a goal.Kids Spring Photos
I've been needing to update our photos of the kids, so here you go.
What a way to enjoy the beautiful day!
4.16.2009
Easter and All Dressed Up
They were all dressed up and couldn't wait to change into play clothes. I can soooo relate! Give me jeans and a sweatshirt any day.
classic pose:
What a family!
LESA
Ten going on twenty!
KIRA
wouldn't stand still long enough:
ADAM
ready to preach:
SELAH
model pose:
classic pose:
What a family!4.15.2009
Royals Game
We went to our first game of the season, thanks to some free tickets Mike secured from work. Gotta love free level 1 tickets and free parking!!! The renovated stadium was pretty spiffy, too!
As you'll notice, we're missing a couple of kids. Selah and Kira really didn't want to go...something about not liking the loud fireworks. So, they spent the afternoon with another homeschool family from church, and everyone was happy.
Here's a great picture of Mike, Lesa and Adam.
This one cracks me up. Despite appearances, Adam is not licking Lesa's hair. He's sticking out his tongue, which he also did when the camera guy came over and put them on the huge screen. I've wanted to be on the "megatron" my whole life, and I still haven't made it! I'm kicking myself for not grabbing my camera and trying to get a picture of them up on the screen, though!
Adam, ready to play ball...
Not that you wanted to know, but we played the Cleveland Indians and lost 4-5. It was a good game, though, with the Royals rallying back a couple of times.
Good times were had by all...
As you'll notice, we're missing a couple of kids. Selah and Kira really didn't want to go...something about not liking the loud fireworks. So, they spent the afternoon with another homeschool family from church, and everyone was happy.
Here's a great picture of Mike, Lesa and Adam.
This one cracks me up. Despite appearances, Adam is not licking Lesa's hair. He's sticking out his tongue, which he also did when the camera guy came over and put them on the huge screen. I've wanted to be on the "megatron" my whole life, and I still haven't made it! I'm kicking myself for not grabbing my camera and trying to get a picture of them up on the screen, though!
Adam, ready to play ball...
Not that you wanted to know, but we played the Cleveland Indians and lost 4-5. It was a good game, though, with the Royals rallying back a couple of times.
Highlight: Definitely the megatron experience.
Low: Adam - "I didn't get to catch the flying hot dogs, and now I don't get a flying T-shirt!!!!"
Good times were had by all...
4.09.2009
A Prophecy Fulfilled
"See, my servant will prosper; he will be highly exalted. Many were amazed when they saw him beaten and bloodied, so disfigured one would scarcely know he was a person. And he will again startle many nations. Kings will stand speechless in his presence. For they will see what they had not previously been told about; they will understand what they had not heard about.Who has believed our message? To whom will the Lord reveal his saving power? My servant grew up in the Lord's presence like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.
He was despised and rejected - a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care.Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed!
All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. From prison and trial they led him away to h is death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins that he was suffering their punishment? He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave.
But it was the Lord's good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord's plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners." Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 (NLT)
He was despised and rejected - a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care.Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed!
All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. From prison and trial they led him away to h is death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins that he was suffering their punishment? He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave.
But it was the Lord's good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord's plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners." Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 (NLT)
3.01.2009
So, as you've noticed it's been a long time since I've been on the blog. The following video is just one example of what's been keeping me so busy.
As you may recall from a previous blog, this song has really had an impact on our pastor and many people at our church. Since our pastor is celebrating 13 years at our church this week, I put together the following video for our Personnel Committee to present to Matt. Even though I listened to the song over and over and over again as I worked on it, I still got chills when I watched the final edition. Our God is amazing, and there is the hope that "Greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done here!"
1.11.2009
God in This City
Something really exciting is happening in our church. Our pastor planned to resign today. I know -- that's probably the last thing you expected me to say, but once you hear the whole story, I think it will make more sense.
He had received a call several months ago from another church that is closer to his wife's family, and after a lot of wrestling with the decision, they decided to pursue this opportunity. Everything from a human perspective told them to make this move...bigger church, better pay, nicer home, brand new congregation. On paper, it made sense. But as most Christians know, what's on paper doesn't always equal the right decision.
He finally started to look at his motives for wanting this change, and realized that his motives were not Godly. From the beginning, his heart told him this was not the direction God wanted him to go, and that was confirmed on Friday evening when he was driving toward downtown during rush hour traffic. As he was going south on the highway, he saw the bumper to bumper traffic that was driving north toward our community - the Northland. God layed upon his heart this verse - "Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" (John 4:35). As he and his wife saw the endless trail of white headlights, they were reminded of how many people there are in the Northland who don't know Jesus as their Savior.
Can I tell you how excited I am about the way our church embraced our pastor and his wife? At the end of our service this morning, there were close to 200 people gathered around them, laying their hands on each other and praying for God's revival in our church and in the Northland. It is our prayer that God will use this weekend as a life-changing moment.
I just want to share a song that has kind of become our "theme." I pray God will use it in your life, too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk
He had received a call several months ago from another church that is closer to his wife's family, and after a lot of wrestling with the decision, they decided to pursue this opportunity. Everything from a human perspective told them to make this move...bigger church, better pay, nicer home, brand new congregation. On paper, it made sense. But as most Christians know, what's on paper doesn't always equal the right decision.
He finally started to look at his motives for wanting this change, and realized that his motives were not Godly. From the beginning, his heart told him this was not the direction God wanted him to go, and that was confirmed on Friday evening when he was driving toward downtown during rush hour traffic. As he was going south on the highway, he saw the bumper to bumper traffic that was driving north toward our community - the Northland. God layed upon his heart this verse - "Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" (John 4:35). As he and his wife saw the endless trail of white headlights, they were reminded of how many people there are in the Northland who don't know Jesus as their Savior.
Can I tell you how excited I am about the way our church embraced our pastor and his wife? At the end of our service this morning, there were close to 200 people gathered around them, laying their hands on each other and praying for God's revival in our church and in the Northland. It is our prayer that God will use this weekend as a life-changing moment.
I just want to share a song that has kind of become our "theme." I pray God will use it in your life, too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk
1.06.2009
Happy Birthday to Lesa
What a fun night! Lesa's birthday is tomorrow, so for her birthday dinner she chose "China Wok" much to the dismay of the other kids. Mike and I had to chuckle at the many cultural "faux pas" they made.
The first was an honest mistake when Adam called the restaurant Polar Express (confusing it with Panda Express, a fast food Chinese restuarant that seems to pop up on every corner here in KC).
The next came when we went to order soup. "I'd like to have egg nog soup," one of them said. Later, they referred to chop sticks as "pork chops" and "chap sticks. "
Here are some photos of our fun evening.
Note to self: we ordered egg drop soup for the girls, sweet and sour chicken for kids to share and fried rice. Plenty of food, and everyone walked away full.
The first was an honest mistake when Adam called the restaurant Polar Express (confusing it with Panda Express, a fast food Chinese restuarant that seems to pop up on every corner here in KC).
The next came when we went to order soup. "I'd like to have egg nog soup," one of them said. Later, they referred to chop sticks as "pork chops" and "chap sticks. "
Here are some photos of our fun evening.
Mike's meal came with a flower made out of a turnip. I was shocked when all three girls practically devoured the whole thing.
Happy Birthday to you!
Note to self: we ordered egg drop soup for the girls, sweet and sour chicken for kids to share and fried rice. Plenty of food, and everyone walked away full.
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