from the Vine

I Have a Yellow Flower for you, Mommy

2009-07-10T23:10:00.001-07:00

Hidden Treasure

2009-05-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

So I was putting away a few random toys that had been left downstairs. I am just about to throw this little treasure chest into the bigger box of Playmobile toys when I think I hear something jingling around inside. Curious, I open the lid, and what do I find but a treasure chest full of golden kernels of corn and a chewed up piece of chicken. Pretty hilarious and creative I must say. And then, in horror, I think: what if I hadn't looked?

A Busy Saturday

2009-05-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

Busy day! We had baseball this morning. This afternoon, we ventured to Willows Beach again. (It's my new favorite local beach destination) The kids played in the sand. Ethan hung out with another boy amid the driftwood and built stuff. Here are some notable shots from our day.
Ethan prepares for a ground ball. Think legs like springs.
This is how you contain a 2 yr old during a baseball game.
The view from Willows Beach.
Malcolm drank all the gatorade.
Laurel builds a sandcastle
Ethan and driftwood. Laurel sneaks her way into the shot.
Malcolm shows off his work of art.

Malcolm shows the way to end things.

Spring in Victoria

2009-05-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

Today was a cool, rainy gloomy sort of day here in Victoria. But last week... glorious sunshine. Highs in the 60's. Seven days
that screamed out....BEACH!

Baseball

2009-05-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

Batting
Ethan looks at us; Pay attention Ethan.
Running to 1st base.
Oops!
Ready to throw
Great fielding!
Sideline Gang

Tower Bridge

2009-04-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Ethan was too excited when he got his birthday present in the mail from Benjamin the other day. We began working on it immediately. A wooden puzzle of Tower Bridge in London. For now it is the centerpiece for our dining room table. Thanks, Benjamin.

Human Anatomy People

2009-04-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

For the past two weeks, Ethan and Laurel have been coloring and cutting out various body parts/organs. Then they glued them onto their life-size body we traced and hung on the wall. The final part to adhere was the face. (Is it just me, or does Laurel's face resemble a zombie?) Aside from that, both of the kids had a great time with this project. I got to tell them about each organ as we covered it. And I can still quiz them on where all the parts are and what they do. Heard in my house last week, "Mom, my brain is telling my bladder I have to go pee." Now that's an education for you.

Dancing with the Daffodils

2009-04-16T19:56:00.001-07:00

Daffodils (1804)

I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the Milky Way,

They stretch'd in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

By William Wordsworth (1770-1850).

Easter Art

2009-04-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here are a few fun Easter art projects the kids worked on this week to send to some folks in Texas. I remember doing the tissue paper artwork when I was a kid. Malcolm is all about yellow these days so the yellow chick with his hands traced for tail feathers was perfect. And I thought it was neat that Ethan wanted to make a Legos Easter bunny for one of his crafts.

Books, Books, Books

2009-04-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, Canada Post came to the door and brought us two delightful boxes of books. We received an order from Amazon and Christianbooks on the same day. A book bonanza! Clint had placed an order of Frank Viola books and Gene Edward's The Divine Romance a couple of weeks ago, and I had finally used my gift certificate from my birthday at Christianbooks. (Thanks, Maria) Of course, I had such a hard time deciding what to buy, I ended up with a few more items than I had originally intended. But good books are so enticing to me, and now I can't wait to dig in. I am particularly excited about my Charlotte Mason Companion book and Books Children Love to Read. I've had my eye on these for some time now. They are homeschooling books for those of you who are wondering, "What in the world?" And I am hoping that Hints on Child Training by H. Clay Trumbull will inspire me to be a better parent. I've read raving reviews of this 19th century grandfather of Elisabeth Elliot. Hopefully I will get a few moments to browse through my little jewels this evening. Since I got them in the mail 2 days ago, I haven't had a free moment to peruse yet. I'm getting excited just thinking about it.

Happy 40th Clint

2009-03-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Last night we celebrated my husband's 40th birthday. His actual birth date was last Saturday on the 21st. We have not celebrated Clint's birthday in any official capacity since Ethan was born 7 years ago. But this was a landmark birthday which deserved a landmark kind of affair. This was the sort of event that required white linens and flowers and candles. I ran across these silver placecard frames at Michael's and put several of Clint's baby pictures, high school photos, and our engagement photo in them. And, ironically enough, I used the doily placemats that I bought in Victoria 10 years ago on our honeymoon, but had never had a fitting occasion to use during all these years.They were crisp and pristine. And to set off the place setting, I folded the napkins in a rosebud origami fold and set a teacup in the middle. I invited a few of our closest friends and cooked up a lot of food. We had pork tenderloin with raspberry chipotle sauce and tri-color potatoes (sweet, white, and red) Raspberry vinaigrette spinach salad, and carrots with lemon, butter, and nutmeg glaze. I also made a batch of deviled eggs. And for dessert, my first ever German Chocolate cake adorned with 40 candles. Ethan helped me make the icing for the cake on Friday night. So while all the kids were in the other room with a sitter, we drank wine and ate good food by candlelight. Afterwards everyone tried his best to match world events from the past 40 years with the correct year. Clint opened his gift from Aaron (Yes, it was a "business socks" t-shirt. And yes, I was surprised that over half of our guests knew what this was all about.) Pretty hysterical. Clint also read letters from our good friends Charley Cameron in Shreveport, and Thad Jennings from Waco. (And yes, he teared up when he read the sentiments from these two incredible brothers.)Thad and our friend Johnny had also videotaped a memory lane video that was sent earlier in the week. It was a nice evening. We ended by singing some songs together, though by this time, some of the smaller guests were busy turning into pumpkins, and had to be carted away to dreamland. Later that night, I found that our friend Adam, from Shreveport had also sent a letter for Clint's birthday and Greg and James had made a computer gaming video personalized for the big occasion. Both of us are so blessed to have such wonderful friends.

Birthday Party

2009-03-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Ethan's 7th birthday today with a catapult party. Ethan and Clint made 2 catapults this week for the event. We went to the park down the street and had the kids try to hit golf balls into the buckets in the center of the field. At the house we sang Happy Birthday to Ethan and had cake and ice cream. Some folks brought non-perishable food goods for a local food bank --the Mustard Seed. Ethan will get to take the items downtown with Clint sometime later this week. To go along with the catapult theme, Ethan picked out a shield cake that had a mace on top of it. And all of the treats on the table mimicked some type of ammunition that was used with catapults. There were baskets of snakes (gummy worms), heads from the enemy (tootsie roll pops with googlie eyes), piles of horse dung (really Crispex puppy chow),barrels of gooey toxic stuff (rolos candy), and lead balls (Whoppers)

Ethan is 7

2009-03-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that my little boy is 7 years today. He is such an affectionate little guy always taking the time to tell me that he loves me and initiating a big hug for no reason at all. His latest thing is to make a paper airplane and write a message on it such as "let me play x-box" and then fly it into my lap or Clint's lap for permission. As the week wore on, his messages got longer, and he thought funnier. But, 7 year old humor is a strange creature, especially when the same joke keeps getting repeated. I have to keep reminding myself how precious these days are. This week Ethan appeared with a straw contraption taped to his forehead. I told him he reminded me of one of those anglerfish that live in the ocean deep and have a suspended light to attract prey. Well, the next thing I know, he has this orange golf ball taped to his straw contraption. I had to take a picture. Who needs to buy Halloween costumes. Here's a list of a few things about Ethan that will hopefully help me to remember what he was all about, say 10 years from now when he's going off to college and I need to revisit this time.

Ethan
1. favorite things to do--play x-box, play board games, build stuff with Legos, etc, snowboard, go on hikes, swimming,making pillow mountain, going to Upside-down-Kingdom on Sundays
2. Favorite foods-- pancakes and bacon, stromboli, oranges, pizza,
3. favorite dessert-- brownies with ice cream
4. what he's learning/studying this year--his multiplication tables, Explode the Code level 4,Horizon math workbook 1st grade, how to sew a quilt, units about owls, weather, gingerbread men, quilts, bridges, the ocean, birds, plants, skyscrapers,
5. Favorite books -- King Midas and the Golden Touch, Animal Encyclopedia,
6. Favorite color --black
7. Favorite movies -- Indiana Jones and Star Wars
8. Best Friends -- Benjamin and cousin Josh
9. Favorite thing to wear -- Lansharx t-shirt and UT hoodie
10. What he wants to be when he grows up -- an engineer

Fun with Bridges

2009-03-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

Ethan and I are currently learning about bridges together. I didn't know much about these structures before we started. I can't say I have ever had a huge interest in them or really even noticed them except to make sure they were sturdy enough when I had to pass over one. So thus far, this has been a really neat study for the both of us. Last week, we started out by discussing the forces at work on a bridge Both kids enjoyed building bridges out of blocks. We also made various paper building structures like arches and tested how many paper clips the different ones could hold. I don't think I got any pictures of that. This weekend we went with Clint on a leadership retreat to Shawnigan Lake outside of Victoria. On Saturday, Clint accompanied Malcolm and Ethan along with some others from the retreat up to a trussle bridge. (Laurel and I had to turn back because her shoes were not snow worthy and we were having to walk most of the way in the snow.) So we missed out on this adventure, but by the pictures, it was way cool. So today, Ethan and I built a similar bridge from craft sticks. We also were finally able to make our Roman-like rock arch from play dough and rocks.

Gingerbread Friends

2009-02-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

Last month we used various versions of the Gingerbread Man story as our unit focus. This was too fun. Of course we had to bake gingerbread men. And I had promised them we would make a gingerbread house out of graham crackers and candies I had purchased on sale at Michael's after Christmas. Clint happened upon a gingerbread tree kit and so we built that too. We read a vast array of stories ranging from the Gingerbread Cowboy to the Gingerbread Girl to a story about an ice cube that runs away from a host of creatures only to be eaten by a whale. I had no idea there were so many versions of that story. We own 3 books ourselves, and the library had quite a few unusual renditions to add to our selection. It was great comparing all the stories and showing how they were alike and how they were different. So, I had the kids do something I probably would not do again. It might have been a good activity for a 6th grader, but perhaps a bit advanced for my kindergartner and 1st grader. I had them complete a chart that compared the various stories (their characters, title, author, and endings) I made them fill out the chart in their own handwriting. So, you can imagine that this took awhile for my budding scribes. However, it was a good lesson to build perseverance. And the English teacher in me wanted them to know what an author and character and illustrations were. They were quite proud of themselves when they finished their charts. (And for the record-- Ethan had to report on more stories and on more topics than Laurel. (my feeble attempt at being age appropriate) They enjoyed making their gingerbread puppets much more. Laurel made a gingerbread girl with blue yarn hair and Ethan made a Gingerbread boy. What I really liked was their own gingerbread story creations. Back at Christmas, I had purchased two booklets shaped like people from Mardel's with just this project in mind. I had the kids write a story and illustrate their story. Ethan came up with the idea of a Gingerbread man on vacation-- in Hawaii. This was so clever. His character basically came to be, because the cooks at a hotel tired of making seafood for breakfast and made a gingerbread man instead. After his escape, the cookie gets chased by a giant orchid, a seagull, a crab, a lava flow, and finally ends up being eaten by a chameleon that is hiding in the bushes and snaps him up with its long tongue. His book cover was quite fitting with a green grass skirt and a lei made of sequins. Laurel's gingerbread girl encounters more of the traditional story's enemies, but I loved the twist she made at the end. When the fox tries to persuade the girl to hop on its back, she spies a bridge over the river and refuses to accept his invitation, opting instead to use the bridge. I wanted her to end there, thinking it a perfect ending, but she insisted that something sinister happen to the villain and so the fox ends up being stung by a whole bunch of electric eels that happened to be hanging out in the river. How about that for an ending. I plan on treasuring those books for many years to come. Who knows. One day I may see their name on the spine of a book at Barnes and Noble.

Thoughts on Mary: Handmaiden of the Lord

2009-01-27T18:51:00.000-08:00

OK so back in early December I was asked to speak at a Ladies' Dessert at our church- Oaklands Chapel. It was such a blessing to me. At first,I had no idea what the Lord would have me present and so had to spend a lot of time in prayer and then in study. The following is a basic transcript of what I presented, except that I didn't read it verbatim and I can't even tell you what parts got left out or added to. Anyway, I intended to post this back in December, but the day after I printed out my copy to use at the upcoming event, our computer crashed and wasn't up and running again until a couple of weeks ago. Needless to say, I was so glad I had my printed copy before the crash. It may seem a little lengthy of a read,(I know my attention span for reading blog entries is limited) but I believe it has a lot of Truth (a lot of JESUS) in it so it may be worth breaking up into a couple of sessions.

Title was --Mary: Handmaiden of the Lord
First I read this scripture from Luke 1:26-38 from the Amplified
26Now in the sixth month [after that], the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth,

27To a girl never having been married and a [a]virgin engaged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28And he came to her and said, Hail, O favored one [[b]endued with grace]! The Lord is with you! [c]Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women!

29But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled and disturbed and confused at what he said and kept revolving in her mind what such a greeting might mean.

30And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace ([d]free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness) with God.

31And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus.

32He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David,

33And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages; and of His reign there will be no end.(A)

34And Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I have no [intimacy with any man as a] husband?

35Then the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God.(B)

36And listen! Your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is now the sixth month with her who was called barren.

37For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

38Then Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said. And the angel left her.

Have you ever imagined yourself in Mary’s place? I’ve never seen an angel, that I know of anyway. But meeting face to face with a direct messenger of God would most definitely be a breath-taking experience. Don’t you agree? I wonder how fast was Mary’s heart beating? The adrenaline flowing within. The fear of what was happening mixed with the awe and excitement of an encounter with an angel of God. Obviously, she was incredibly frightened and confused. And the angel addresses her astonishment and assures her that she does not need to be afraid because God is blessing her. And then Gabriel tells her what is about to happen to her. Mary is still confused because after all, she knew how babies were made. And she was a virgin. How could this be? And so Gabriel reveals to her “ The Holy Spirit will cause this child to be conceived within you”. “God’s power will come upon you” Next, Gabriel affirms the miracle in her older cousin Elizabeth’s life. The story of John the Baptist’s arrival is spectacular in its own right. See how God intertwines the lives of his saints into His story. Mary’s story becomes intricately woven with Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story, both rooted in the coming of the Savior. This is good stuff.

Gabriel completes his visit and his revelation to Mary by testifying to the power of God in accomplishing His purposes. 37For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.
Mary has just received a word from God. And Gabriel assures her that God is fully able to carry out what He has said. I wonder do we believe what God has spoken to our hearts. I wonder do we really believe the Promises we have recorded in the Bible about his plans for us.
But do you know what really blesses me in this passage? Mary’s deliberate obedience by faith in God. What Gabriel has foretold defies all that Mary knows of the natural world and its processes. Nevertheless, her response: “Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said.” Mary believes. She doesn’t question. She doesn’t ask for more signs. She simply trusts. She takes him for His word. God has spoken. And she puts it all on the line by her decision to believe what He has said. Now it’s out of her hands. It’s up to God to bring what He has spoken to pass.

And do we take it for granted that this was an easy decision for Mary to make? Think about the consequences for trusting God with this matter. I wonder what doubts assailed her? What would Joseph think? Would he believe her? Would he abandon her? What about her family? Her best friends? Surely this would ruin her good name , her reputation as a righteous woman. The shame that would be cast upon her family. What about the plans she had dreamed of since she was a little girl. What would happen to those? She would most assuredly become outcast.

I don’t know if any of those doubts entered her mind when she was talking to Gabriel. But I am almost certain as the days and months past, she must have been haunted with such thoughts. That’s how Satan works and he’s pretty good at stirring up doubts. I wonder, then, if she remembered her declaration of faith “I am the handmaiden of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to what you have said.”

And God did not abandon Mary. Though Joseph was planning to discreetly call off their engagement (after all, what choice did a righteous man have?) God intervened and sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to reveal His plan to him, and so Mary was not rejected by her husband. And Joseph, also making a choice to yield his own dreams to the plans of His God took Mary as His wife. You see, Joseph also had to decide if he was going to believe what had been spoken to him. He, too, made the choice to be obedient by faith in God.
Of course, sometimes God’s best for us is to allow us to bear a hardship. Mary would still have to endure the false rumors about her illegitimate son. I can’t imagine how those hurt her when she overheard an insinuation while shopping at the market. And those hateful rumors never really ended. Even as a grown man, people would take an opportunity to scorn Jesus if they could. John 8:41 As Jesus is being challenged by a group of Pharisees, They said to Him, “We are not illegitimate children and born out of fornication; we have one Father, even God.”

It’s been 30 years. You mean those hateful rumors are still making the rounds?
When Mary overheard one of those horrible lies about her child, the Son of God, I wonder did she recall her promise. “I am the handmaiden of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to what you have said.” I wonder did she whisper it as she raised her face at Calvary and looked upon her dying Son? Who’s to say? We can only speculate how her vow of faith influenced her walk with God as she watched a little boy grow up into the Savior of the World. I am just blessed by Mary’s choice to let God have His way with her life.

So what does this mean for us today? How can we apply Mary’s absolute availability to God to our lives? We don’t have our own personal angel visiting us to tell us what God’s will for our day is. But we have something just as marvelous—I think maybe more spectacular than a whole host of angels. We have The Holy Spirit of God indwelling us. And we are promised this spirit will teach us all things. John 16:13-15 Jesus says, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.”

This is no little thing that Jesus is promising us. He will guide us into all truth, not just little bits and fragments. He will speak to us directly what the Father says. How awesome is that? Do we believe that? And everything that the Spirit reveals to us will be by nature glorifying to the Son. We get to participate in glorifying Jesus.

Well, there must be something that is withheld from us. No. Jesus says All that belongs to the Father is mine. And he promises to make it known to us. How can we gloss over these words without getting pumped? This is good news!
And when we read 2nd Peter 1:3-4, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” God has equipped us with everything we need for life and godliness, and we can participate in the divine nature. Have you ever considered yourself royalty? Through Jesus, that is what you are.

Of course one thing remains to be done. We have to be willing to abandon our dreams for His, to make our ourselves available to God. We have to be willing just as Mary did, to take a deliberate step of obedience by faith.

So as we are going, getting up in the morning, making breakfast, going to work, driving our cars, dealing with our families, dealing with our friends, dealing with the lady at the checkout counter. (I think you get the point.) As we are going, we come to moments when we realize that God by His Spirit, has revealed His will to us. And we have a choice to make right then: to be the Lord’s handmaiden or to not be the Lord’s Handmaiden. Daily life is packed with these opportunities if we will but open our hearts to see them.

And when you know—When You really know that God has given you a step to take, it is a truly wonderful thing to embrace it and lean into it. But many times, sisters, we may not be able to do the thing at hand unless we face that it is only God that can do it in us.

Some of you may be familiar with Corrie ten Boom, a sister who was imprisoned many years in a concentration camp during WWII for hiding Jews. Once, after a speaking engagement several years after the war , Corrie ten Boom met face to face with one of the prison guards from the concentration camp where she had spent a good deal of time and where her sister died. And this man who had been her guard approached her and asked for her forgiveness. She hit a wall. She knew she couldn’t forgive him. It was a sheer impossibility. And so right there as she was standing before this man who had his hand extended to receive a handshake. Within the depths of her Being, she called out to God for love and forgiveness for this man. And she was not disappointed. Love and forgiveness flowed like a stream from within her, and she took his hand and it was not counterfeit. God loved that ex-natzi through Corrie ten Boom.

And whether it is a spectacular feat like this one with Corrie ten Boom or whether it is, “Lord, I can’t wash dishes just now, I have no strength to do it. But they need to get done and I know it’s your will for me “ You see, in whatever task you are given how trivial or grand, God will use His Holy Spirit to enable you to do it. You can be honest with God. “Father , I don’t really comprehend how the death of your Son and the blood He shed can cleanse my heart from sin and clear the record—but this is what you have said! I am your handmaiden. Let it be done to me according to what you have said. “ Or, God, I do not fully understand how you can come by your Holy Spirit to live in me, making me a partaker in your divine nature, in the very life of Jesus Christ Himself so that - He through me, - can reveal the invisible God to a visible world, but this is what you have said. I am your handmaiden, Lord. Let it be done to me according to what you have said.

Do that, and the burden is on God to keep the promise He has made and to do what He has said. You can’t –but He can! And I believe He will.

Laurel's first teeth

2009-01-24T15:24:00.000-08:00

Last week Laurel lost her second bottom front tooth. She lost the first one only a week before that when chewing on a piece of bread. And so she logically arrived at the conclusion that eating bread is the best way to make a lose tooth come out. She is now seriously contemplating how she can lose a few more teeth and so increase the funds in her piggy bank. Funny how after you get old, thinking reverses regarding the loss of one's teeth. Instead of the promise of gaining money, it becomes dread of being taken to the cleaners. So, anyway, here is sweet little Laurel with her new smile. I had to laugh a couple of weeks ago after she lost the first tooth. I caught her looking in the mirror at herself and smiling in a million different poses, admiring her missing tooth.

Santa's Workshop

2008-12-09T19:21:00.000-08:00

Ethan and Laurel practiced their letters last week and made the Santa's Workshop banner. We hung it from the valance behind our dining room table and voila-- instant Santa workshop. We have used the table this week to design and put together our Christmas crafts which included a stocking that was laced together with yarn. Laurel made hers into a lady. Ethan opted for alternating stripes of red and silver glitter. There were 3-D Christmas trees though we eventually gave up on having them stand on the table and pinned them to the curtain. And my favorite -- reindeer made from a footprint for the face and two handprints for antlers. Laurel gave her reindeer a pink nose and used those pink eyes we had left over from her monkey party a couple of years ago. Oh, and what reindeer would be complete without pink hooves and a pink tail? Ethan made a more traditional "Rudolph" for his reindeer. We also used the area to make Christmas cookies. I am impressed how Ethan and Laurel are mastering the whole "rolling out dough and cutting it" thing. I think that all of us are really learning how to do this at the same time. And of course, Malcolm had to be in on the action as well. He didn't do too bad at all cutting out his snowmen though he was a bit zealous with the cutter. What great helpers Santa has!

Laurel Can Read

2008-12-05T20:36:00.000-08:00

Here's my beautiful baby girl moments after completing her reading book of 100 lessons. I am so proud of Laurel. There were moments when both of us were challenged -- to be patient and to persevere (both with the material and with each other). We finished Lesson #100 on Friday. Now a whole world of literature awaits her discovery. How exciting!

Operation Christmas Child

2008-11-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

The kids and I went shopping this morning for Christmas presents to fill 2 shoeboxes to send to a couple of children via Samaritan's Purse. Our church is participating this year, but I have also done this with my kids at TCA in years past. It is a great way to give them a hands-on opportunity to love someone else, and to begin to understand a little about world poverty. It was a joy to see them choose items that they would like having and to see them get excited about sharing it with another kid. After we got home and packed the boxes, Ethan and Laurel each wrote a letter to the recipient of their box. I hope the children who receive them are as blessed by the boxes as we were in putting them together.

Scarecrows

2008-11-19T12:38:00.001-08:00

Ethan and Laurel made scarecrows yesterday. Clint made the frame. The kids and I stuffed a couple of pillowcases with leaves since we didn't have any straw on hand, and picked out some clothes from a few boxes in the garage that we had set aside to donate. All that was needed was a few finishing details-- a face and a hat. I think both look a lot like their inventor. (Just with incredibly big heads) And while Ethan disagreed, I think his scarecrow looks a lot like one of the Berenstain Bears.

Mr. Hanky Anyone?

2008-11-14T18:37:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Christmas, Mr. Hanky visits the McPhees. This is a Barbie BBQ pit that Laurel has in her dollhouse. Yesterday we discovered a little surprise sitting on the grill along with the steaks and hot dogs. Apparently Malcolm is going through a new stage. Dinner anyone? Howdy Ho!

Salmon Run 2008

2008-11-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

One very big plus of living in British Columbia is our access to really cool natural phenomena such as the salmon that swim upstream every fall to spawn in our backyard. Well, not literally our backyard, but within a 20 minute drive. A couple of weeks ago we took the kids to Goldstream Park to search for salmon. That wasn't a hard task because they were everywhere. Lots of them. Many of them already dead floating along the side of the stream or washed up on the bank. But there were plenty more still swimming toward their birth places and leaping over small rocky areas or digging holes so they could deposit their eggs. I planned a unit on fish to coincide with our in depth study of salmon and their intriguing life cycle. We made a poster of the salmon life cycle and each kid had to explain the cycle to their Daddy. I knew Ethan would retain a lot of the details. What surprised me was how much of the information Laurel remembered. Words like alevin and fry and yolk sacs. We also learned some basic fish anatomy and I have promised Ethan that we will order a preserved fish specimen so he can investigate the inside of a fish's body. Can't wait for that day. Ahh, the aroma of dead fish!

Weather

2008-11-06T16:55:00.000-08:00

Our highlights for studying weather included making clouds. We used cotton to create cumulus and cirrus clouds and then colored stratus clouds. The kids also painted clouds that looked like things(anything they wanted it to look like) using white paint on blue construction paper. My favorites were Ethan's gorilla and Laurel's castle. We made a weather vane and talked about North South East and West. We made a homemade rain gauge using a 2 liter bottle and marbles. We made an anemometer to measure wind speed using ping pong balls and a protractor, and we made a barometer to measure pressure using a glass jar, a balloon, and a straw/toothpick combination. So after we made all the weather station equipment, we had to take data. Luckily it rained on the day we made the rain gauge and a couple of days later it got really windy and so the anemometer and weather vane worked really well. We also recorded the type of clouds we saw in the sky. This was a very cool science unit.

Build a Bear or a Kitty

2008-11-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

This morning Laurel had a play date with her friend from church. She had gotten her a gift certificate to Build-a-Bear for her birthday. Since Laurel still had some of her own birthday money to use up, I thought it might be nice for the girls to go together and both build a stuffed animal. Laurel has been wanting to do this for some time. Oh my goodness! What can I say about that place? On some levels it is soooo wrong. I mean they have clothes for the stuffed animals in that store that cost the same thing as real clothes for my kids. And a lot of them are way nicer than what my kids wear. But, extravagance aside, it was really fun and Laurel had a ball. She knew instantly which shell she wanted. Apparently, she had seen one when we were briefly in the store to buy Riley's certificate. She named it Hearts because it has a heart-shaped nose. She picked out pink glass slippers for its feet, and she saw lots of cool clothes she would like to get later. It was a great experience and I think I know one place I will be picking up some stocking stuffers this Christmas.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-02T17:29:00.000-08:00

This year to celebrate Halloween, the kids and I walked one block to a church in our neighborhood that was hosting a Harvest Festival. The kids got to trick or treat there and play a lot of carnival style games. Ethan dressed up as Indiana Jones. Laurel was a princess. And Malcolm was an adorable puppy dog. It didn't take long for Malcolm to get the hang of the trick or treat thing. Other Halloween activities included:Laurel and I decorating cookies in the shapes of pumpkins, bats, and ghosts. And our good friend Nicholas helping the kids and I carve a pumpkin. We lit tea light candles in it and everyone thought it was really cool.

Malcolm Turns Two (3 Times)

2008-10-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

Malcolm has celebrated his 2nd birthday 3 times this year. Back in September my Mom baked him a Blues Clues cake and we had a small family celebration for him. The theme was of course, puppies.Sorry I don't have any pictures of that party, but my camera was on the blink. Last week on his actual birthday (which just so happened to be Clint's and my 10 year anniversary) I baked a simple chocolate cake, and we sang Happy Birthday and had cake and ice cream. So yesterday, we finally had the finale party. It was also a puppy party. We invited a real pooch --Charley the Poodle. Yes, I had a dog in my house for the party. Unbelievably, this dog had better manners than most of the kids there, including the birthday boy and his cohort Alegria who kept sneaking off with chips. The kids loved playing with a real dog. We invited his 2 friends from his Sunday school class --Kiana and Alegria. I made dog tags for them to wear, and the kids looked for bones I had scattered about and played in the cardboard doghouse. I apparently cannot throw a party without somehow incorporating a box into the decor. For the adults there was a match the pooch game with pics of 36 dog breeds and a list to match them with. I made a puppy cake using the blues clues cake pan my Mom used back in September but with brown shades of icing. That thing was finished at 3:30 am Saturday morning. And I made a few goodies with funny K-9 related names like Hot dogs, Puppy Chow, and Lap-it-up Puppy Punch. All the kids really liked the Puppy Jigglers which were blue and red jello jigglers in the shape of bones. Yea! my first successful jigglers. Malcolm had a lot of fun. His favorite present was the 3 level car garage that his daddy picked out. He loves the thing and wants us to play it with him all the time. Malcolm certainly has puppies on the brain and will continue this theme on Halloween. What else could he be, but a cute little puppy dog.

10

2008-10-17T08:26:00.001-07:00

10 things I remember about the day we were married 10 years ago.

1. We were married at Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas by Clint's former youth minister, Scott Tally.

2. There were intense thunderstorms and a tornadic weather system rumbling through the area on the evening of our wedding.

3. Clint surprised me by singing a Geoff Moore song "If You could see what I see" to me as I walked down the aisle.

4. Both cakes were incredible. The bride's cake was beautiful and made even more perfect by the way the table was decorated and the flower petals in the tuille were hanging overhead, making it a perfect bride's table. The groom's chocolate cakes with strawberries were "to die for." Clint talked about that cake for years after the event.

5. We bribed my nephew Josh who was just a little guy at the time by giving him a Star Wars At At in exchange for actually coming down the aisle as our ringbearer.

6. We have this picture of all these women trying to get my bussle attached. I can't remember if we ever figured it out or not.

7. The cake lady's helpers absconded with the monogrammed candy bars we had ordered for party favors. Shame on them!

8. Clint gave me a seiko watch as a wedding gift to me. He replaced this watch with an identical one a few years ago after the jewelry shop we left it at for a battery replacement closed for business and fled with all the merchandise, including my watch.

9. The reception food was incredible and none of it catered. My awesome family made and served it all. Clint and I got a big picnic basket with lots of goodies from the reception and we ate it on our way to Dallas.

10. We left the reception in a limo. This was my first and only limo ride and it was definitely an exciting trip to Dallas.

10 things i love about my husband on our 10-year anniversary

2008-10-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

If you've met Clint, you know what I mean when I say he is passionate about what he believes in, the people in his life, and any endeavor he undertakes. Using the acrostic PASSIONATE here are 10 things I love about my very passionate husband Clint McPhee.

P Provider. My husband is a wonderful provider for his family. Even more important
than bringing home funds to pay all the bills and put food on the
table, he provides for us spiritually.

A Adoration. My husband loves his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with whole-hearted
devotion. This passion defines who he is as a man. Clint also adores
his children and is a sensational father. His love for them is
manifest in the time he spends playing and reading and building
things with them.

S Savvy shopper. Before you get the wrong idea, Clint's shopping is mostly confined
to ebay purchases that have been researched, sometimes for many
months prior to the purchase. Sometimes he buys things for such a
steal he can't pass up the temptation to resell it at a higher
price to make a profit.

S Self learner. When my husband has a question about how something works, no
problem. He'll just Google it, do a little research on it, and
apply his newfound knowledge accordingly. And because he enjoys
learning, he knows a little about a lot of things. I never could
understand why he hates board games so much since he's one of the
smartest people I know, especially when it comes to general
knowledge.

I Intensity Whatever Clint attempts, he does it with intensity. Whether it be
a play in a football game, a paint ball war, or a simple assignment
from his wife like, "Would you build a space shuttle for Ethan's
birthday party?" he undertakes the task with full heart.

O Outdoors-kind-of-guy My husband loves being outdoors in nature. He loves to hike
and be in the mountains (preferably snow-capped), and he enjoys all
the recreational opportunities that come along with being outdoors.
He also finds beauty in birds, another outdoor passion that he
shares with me. I can just see us when we're old; we'll be those odd
binocular-toting birders you see who are traveling to Costa Rica for
a chance to see the Respendant Quetzal.

N No challenge is too big. One thing I really admire about Clint, is that he really
believes that anything is possible. It's just a matter of educating
oneself and finding available resources. So, if something needs to
be repaired or built, just google it or ask an expert.
Then proceed with caution, but by all means proceed. Has every
project always succeeded? Of course not. But things have been
accomplished that I never would have fathomed attempting. Let's
just say I have lived through 3 house remodels and there were plenty
of opportunities to put this adage to the test.

A Adventure. Clint thrives on adventure. This summer he undertook the adventure
of hiking the West Coast Trail. He loves exploring new places and
attempting new feats. Since we had kids, most of our adventures
consist of driving someone where we have never been before, hiking
to the top of the hill or mountain and enjoying the view.

T Thankful. My husband expresses his thanks in everyday acts of kindness. He
helps me with the dishes after we eat, and he verbally thanks me for
the stuff I do around the house. It is such a breath of fresh air to
hear a thank-you at the end of the day.

E Encourager. Clint is a great encourager to me and others. Recently, he
encouraged me to enter a race i wasn't sure I could complete. I've
also seen how he is able to love others through the gift of
encouragement.

My 1st Half Marathon

2008-10-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

This morning I got up at 5 am so I could get ready to put my body through the grueling task of running a half marathon (13.1 miles.) I must admit I was nervous and not really sure if my quickly aging body would cooperate. I've only been "training," if you want to call it that, for about a month now and the longest distance I completed prior to today was a 10k. I probably would have bowed out if it wasn't for my husband who often overestimates my athletic potential. He had confidence in my ability to do this, but I wasn't so sure. Well, he talked me into it, even taking care of all the registering business. Then the last two days I had the worst head cold pain imaginable and yesterday morning I was seriously questioning what I had gotten myself into. I stayed in bed yesterday all drugged up on cold medicine. Thankfully, when I woke up this morning, I felt so much better. We were able to wake the kids up without too many complaints, and after we bundled them up in gloves and caps, drove downtown to the starting line. The energy was incredible. It was surreal running past the Empress Hotel where only a week shy of 10 years to this day Clint and I honeymooned here in Victoria. Who would have thought I'd be running in the Royal Victoria Half Marathon back then. Not me. And there were so many people (thousands)We took a few family pictures, Clint prayed for my run, I kissed my babies good-bye and then it was time to run. I ran. And ran. And ran. It mas a Forest Gump experience for me, people. It was hard. By the last couple of km, my bones were aching and I did want to stop and walk. Of course that's just about the time everyone on the sidelines is telling you how close you are to the finish. I also realized how my posture deteriorates when I get really tired. Not a few people were encouraging me to stand taller, of which I am most appreciative because it looks really awkward to be running all hunched over. The best part was definitely the finish. To run across the timing pad and see your time. (mine was not bad for my first HM 2:32) An announcer even called my name as I ran across the line. And then a lady put a finishing medal around my neck. It was then I realized that I had actually accomplished my goal. I did it! I finished! I am glad I tried. This was a positive experience for me. I am thankful for my husband who encouraged me to try, and for Ethan, Laurel, and Malcolm who rooted me on from the sidelines. Now, where did I put that bottle of ibuprofin? I hear it calling my name.

I'm Diggin' the Library

2008-10-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

I rely heavily on library books for my homeschooling curriculum. We can't afford to buy every book we would need. Plus we would have no space to shelve them even if we could. And so, the library is my friend. Back in Waco I had friends tell me about ordering books for hold online and then going by to pick them up. I never made it around to doing that there, but after getting my new library card here in Victoria and reading about that option again, I thought I'd give it a try. And it's a wonderful, super-fantastic, incredibly awesome service. No more looking up call numbers only to find out that the book is misplaced. No more doing that with 3 kids complaining and whining and being way too loud. Instead you browse the catalogue in the comfort of your home and order the books to be picked up at the branch of your choice. They notify you when your books are in. You go by and pick them up from specially designated shelves and go about your business of checking them out. Books from all over the city right there at your fingertips. And yesterday I received an online notice that one particular book we had checked out was due back in 2 days. I wasn't aware of this book being due because we had already taken back that group of books so I went hunting around the house for it and sure enough it was under the bed in the guest bedroom. A notice before the due date? Could it be true? Not a notice that yells at me for having one overdue, but a friendly reminder to get it in before the due date. Libraries have sure changed a lot since I was a kid. Remember the card catalogue? Subject, title or Author anyone? Those days are over. Did I mention that I'm diggin' the library?

A Study of Owls

2008-09-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

The kids and I just completed our first unit. We studied owls. This was so much fun and yesterday morning I gave them an oral quiz to see what they remembered and they both recalled so much more than I ever expected. I have to say that most of these ideas came from a teacher in Texas (of all places)Mrs. Attaya. She had great ideas and plenty of pictures so I could really see them in action. Some of our highlights included dissecting owl pellets. For those of you who've never done this in a science class, owls swallow mice and other rodents whole and then cough up the bones and fur without it having to go all the way through their digestive tracts. So you simply soak the pellets in water and then carefully take them apart, removing all the bones and disgarding the fur. Then you can try to piece the skeleton back together and figure out what the owl ate. I was so impressed with Ethan's attention span with this. He worked for an entire hour until all of the pellet was examined. Then the next day worked until the whole thing was pieced together and glued. Not bad for a 1st grader.
The kids would say their favorite thing was making owl cookies, not to be confused with owl pellets. We used hershey kisses for their eyes and cashews for the beak. I think we have started a tradition for whenever we make peanut butter cookies from now on--they will be owl cookies. Both kids also had to create a storybook that involved owls complete with illustrations and a cover. Ethan had to make up a story problem about owls and show how to work it. And we also studied owl habitat, specifically trees and what kinds of creatures share the same tree space. They painted a tree and then we put animal stickers in the tree.
We concluded the unit by visiting a Nature House at Goldstream Provincial Park earlier this week. The kids had to tally how many birds of prey they saw (Thanks for this idea, Maria) and we concentrated only on the displays they had that concerned owls and other birds of prey. They had a really neat owl exhibit where you push buttons that turn on a light to showcase a particular species of owl. And push a button for the owl call. The kids had a great time and Clint watched Malcolm for me so he wouldn't be a distraction.

Can you tell how excited I am about this whole project? Of course, it doesn't take much for me to get excited about teaching a unit that showcases birds; we'll have to see how fun it is to talk about pulleys and levers in a few weeks.

A Prayer for the Veretts

2008-09-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

I strongly proclaim to you the truth of God our Father. It is by
grace that we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. How great is the
love of the Father that he has lavished upon us. Neither death nor
life, famine nor hardship, nor anything in this creation shall ever
separate us from the love of God in that is in Christ Jesus. He is good
and his love endures forever!
The righteous man has no fear of bad news. I will grieve deeply but not
without the love of God my Father.

Those are the words of Kevin Verett, earlier this week, shortly after he learned that his son Keller had been killed in a tragic accident. How is it possible to testify to the goodness of God after such a horrible tragedy? And that, two and half years after the death of his sweet wife Kathy. It is a mystery and a beautiful testimony that a risen Lord Jesus Christ is alive in this man of God. I am incredibly humbled and encouraged by his words.

Today there will be a memorial service and on Monday, the burial of a son, a brother, and a friend. Being so many miles away, I feel helpless to do anything to show my support for this precious family. But I will pray today, throughout the day, all day.

Lord, fold your arms around the Veretts today
and hold them securely to your breast.
Make yourself known to them today.
Be God to them!
And show yourself faithful.
Cry and moan with them
Share the misery, the loneliness, the hollowness, the hatred of death with them.
And tenderly wipe away their tears with your gentle touch
Be God to them!
And show yourself Faithful.
Look upon this holy man of God--He is your child
He continually shows himself faithful
Though his world crashes around him
He looks to You and speaks only of your goodness and kindness
Have mercy, Lord.
Speak love and healing on him and on his family.
Be God to them!
And show Yourself faithful.
The Body of Christ calls out to you
We are desperate for You.
Come now!

Laurel --5 Years Old

2008-09-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

I didn't choose 9-11 for my daughter's birth day. The day she was born is still freshly imprinted in my mind. I woke up in the wee hours of the morning and suspected that I was in labor; all the signs were there. It couldn't be. This was a horrible day for a child to be born. And my OB was off on Thursdays. No! No! Not today! Tomorrow would be fine. Tomorrow would be just perfect, but September 11th? That was not OK. Perhaps I was imagining the cramps. Maybe if I took enough deep breaths and pretended hard enough, I could successfully postpone the inevitable. I tried to hold off on going to the hospital as long as I could. I went to work and helped my sub get ready to finish off the novel we were in the process of covering. I managed to stay at school 'til lunch time and then Clint drove us to the hospital to have the baby. Sure enough, my water had already broken and Laurel would be born that day. No turning back now. She arrived at 5:23 that afternoon. And though I was disappointed at not having my OB, I was ecstatic to hold my new baby daughter. Clint's Mom later wrote in a card something to the extent that Laurel's birthday was a moment to redeem the tainted memory of that 9-11 date. I liked that thought, and I also must admit that having such a date virtually insures that I will never go blank when someone asks me for my child's birthday. If you know me well enough then you know that I am number-recollecting impaired.

Laurel is such a special girl. She is reflective; I can see the wheels turning in her little mind as she tries to figure out her world. She is tender-hearted and can easily get her feelings hurt. She is a staunch defender of other's rights. She won't hesitate to point out if one of her brothers fails to get something she has gotten. She exudes joy and fervor for life. And just as God had the perfect time mapped out for her arrival, I am confident that He has many more wonderful plans for her life. I can't wait to watch them unfold.

Things Laurel loves to do at age 5
1. Pretend playing with her many stuffed animals, polly pockets and little pet shop creatures.
2. Jumping on the trampoline
3. Coloring and drawing. She loves to draw pictures on her magna doodle and color in coloring books.
4. dressing up in leotards
5. swimming in the pool close to our house
6. helping Mommy cook. Laurel likes to crack the eggs and stir up the batter when we make something sweet to eat.
7. Reading books. She loves the Fancy Nancy books her Pepere and Memere gave her.
8. Swinging as high as she can.
9. interacting with living creatures. Laurel loves frogs, snakes, rabbits, worms, kittens, ladybugs, butterflies, and even slugs.
10. Picking flowers to give her Mommy. She also likes to pick blackberries and apples from her backyard.

2008-08-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Summer Update

2008-08-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've blogged. There always seems to be something more pressing than creating a new post. So in an attempt to catch up, here are the highlights of the past month or so. I had trouble uploading pictures so I may try to do that at a later time.

1. In late July we all packed up and headed for the U.S. Our primary objective was meeting up with our close friends --the Taylors. This reunion was more than could be hoped for. We joined them in Gold Beach, Oregon and spent the next two days fellowshipping on the beach. We sang and prayed together and watched our sons fight with light sabers while our daughters danced in the sand. We strolled through a dinosaur-ladened roadway park, and we took lots and lots of pictures. Everything was beautiful--especially beautiful was the assembly of this portion of the Bride of Christ, and the hope of more times to come.

2. Also of note was our trip down the coast and back. To save money and because we're just weird and like to-- we camped out. My camping experiences have been limited and I was quite impressed at how nicely these campsites were--both in Oregon and Washington. Nice showers. Nice scenery. Clean and free of obnoxious drunk people. A definite plus in my book. On the first night down, we stayed in this way-cool structure called a yurt. It had power and bunkbeds--a big splurge for us. But then again, it was 10:30 when we arrived and we were all pretty wiped out by the time we made it there. The next night we arrived at our destination fairly early and had plenty of time to set up camp and explore. We also had a fire and made the traditional s'mores. After we ate, we took a walk from our campsite and ended up at the Great Sand Dunes. The kids loved running around in the sand. All along the Oregon coast there are tremendous rock formations and in Banden we were present at low tide and explored all these awesome tidal pools. We saw many many sea anemones and starfish. Unfortunately we saw no puffins. Sigh! Sniff, Sniff. This bird continues to allude me. One day. And also in Banden, the best chowder and fish and chips and fish tacos I can remember. A definite highlight for me on our return was a quick trip to Target. How I miss Target. And of course there were 2 ferry trips. We took the Coho to Port Angeles on our way to the States. Here, everyone refers to the US at "the States" Try it. It's pretty catchy. On our way back. The Coho was booked so we had to drive up to Bellingham which just takes longer.

3. We went to Family Camp at Camp Imadene. For me this week was uneventful as cold and rainy weather decided to set in for the entire week and made it pretty near impossible to enjoy the water. On a plus side, there were some very dear friendships made and I had a lot of fun teaching the younger kids.

4. I have been planning for the upcoming school year. I designed a word wall and plan to use it to introduce about 200 of the most common words in writing to Ethan and Laurel. Many of these words have to be learned as sight words as they don't follow the normal grammar rules. I'm also planning some fun themes. a few are fish, owls, quilts, insects, gingerbread man, harvest, and winter theme. I'm especially excited about the fish unit because in late October we have the salmon spawning right outside of Victoria. It's supposed to be something to see.

5. This past Friday Clint woke up with pain in his abdomen. He recognized it as kidney stones and directly went to the ER for pain medicine and a confirmed diagnosis. He has 2 stones (one is 4mm; the other is 2mm) He was sent home with meds and instructions to keep drinking. As of Monday night, no luck yet. Ironically, his body seems to make rocks every 4 years and it just so happens to correspond to election years.

6. This past week I also attempted with the help of Barb Horton, a dear lady at our church, to can peaches. We made 7 jars. I don't think these will last long, but I'm hoarding them for a while. It was pretty easy and I may also try to make some jelly.

7. Ethan found some blackberry vines in our backyard and has been picking berries the last week or so. We went down to a place where I had seen some massive vines and picked enough for a pie. The pie is now all gone. I guess we will have to go out and gather some more.

8. I am packing for our trip to Texas at the end of week. We are excited and anxious to visit with our family and friends. We will go to Fiesta Texas on Saturday and I made the mistake of showing Ethan the website. He keeps asking to look at all of the ride options and which ones he is tall enough to ride. The only downer is that Clint won't be able to come along. He is planning to hike the West Coast Trail while we are gone, that is, if he gets his little problem taken care of by then.

Sand Dollars, Crabs, and Sea Planes

2008-07-09T16:56:00.001-07:00

Last week, Clint was off at Camp Imadene, so the kids and I had an open schedule to do pretty much whatever we wanted. There were swimming lessons in the morning. But that left our afternoons free. One afternoon we ventured out an hour up island to Pat Bay. I was intrigued by the prospect of finding sand dollars during low tide. And we did. Ethan came up with the fantastic idea of skipping the sand dollars as one might skip a flat pebble across a lake. They skipped wonderfully and I even managed to get one to skip despite my being disadvantaged in the rock skipping department. The kids also loved picking up the tiny crabs that were everywhere during low tide. When the tide started to come in there were cool waves to jump in. It was nice finding a spot in the ocean that wasn't ridiculously frigid making swimming a real option. Malcolm had the most fun pointing at the sea planes coming in. He also liked the water and was way too proficient at mastering the rocks along the edge of the beach.

An outing with my babies

2008-06-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Clint was away on a camping trip so I had the kids by myself to entertain. I thought about going on a ferry to a new place. I even thought about making a quick trip to the states. I am missing the ol' U.S. of A. In the end we decided to take a trip downtown to Beacon Hill Park where there is a petting zoo everyone in town loves. The kids really liked it, but I was less than impressed. Come on, a few goats, a potbelly pig, some rabbits, a donkey and her baby, an aviary of finches, ducks, chickens, and probably the coolest -- a couple of alpacas. Oh yeah and there were peacocks everywhere. They were kind of nifty to look at. But really, it's nothing much more than a livestock show in Texas. There weren't even any horses or cows. The kids did love getting to pet the goats. Malcolm wanted to pull their tails. After we finished with the zoo, we strolled over to a park that also had a fountain for cooling off. It was only about 70 degrees so the "cooling off" wasn't all that necessary, but it was obvious that everyone wanted to welcome summer by playing in the water. Ethan watched a long time just yearning to get wet, but we hadn't worn our swimsuits. Finally, I relented and let him play a bit. He liked stepping on the spout and holding back the spray with his foot. I had a bit of trouble getting them away from the water area. Then we meandered through Beacon Hill Park in search of the legendary Beacon Hill Drive-In. We found it and ordered some chicken, fries and their famous ice cream cones. We ate outside and enjoyed our treats. Then we went home for a nap. Later, that day the kids got me back out to play in the sand at Beaver Lake. By the end of the day I was pooped. But we had a great day of fun.

A Ladies' Retreat

2008-06-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was able to go to a Ladies' Retreat on Thetis Island. It was held at the Torchbearers' Bible School Campus of Capernwray. It was pretty easy for me to get there since Thetis is right off of Vancouver Island. Many of the ladies came from the mainland and had to take 2 ferries. Some drove a long time before even getting to a ferry. I had a 1 1/2 hour drive up the island and a short ferry trip over. The speaker for the retreat was Bonnie Thomas, who, for those of you acquainted with Ian Thomas, is his daughter-in-law. It was very good. I got a chance to visit with some really neat ladies and get some "spend-alone" time too. As most of you know, our transition to Victoria has been tough for me and I was refreshed by hearing truth. I hope to share the MP3 I purchased at the retreat with other ladies both here and in Waco. Here are some shots of the Capernway campus, the beachlife, and the ferry arriving.

Ethan loses his first baby tooth

2008-05-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Ethan told me he had a loose tooth. By Sunday afternoon, he had managed to pull it out and was anxiously awaiting the tooth fairy. Oh the pressures associated with making sure this tradition is carried out.What if I can't find the tooth? What if he wakes up? How much loot do I give? Clint was up for the task and Ethan woke up the next morning to find 2 toonies and a loonie beneath his pillow. When I was growing up, I always got 1 crisp dollar bill from the tooth fairy, even the time I dropped my tooth down the drain and had to leave a note for the tooth fairy instead. One thing that hasn't changed is the excitement surrounding the whole event. I was relieved that this first tooth loss was not a drawn out affair. I was imagining this tooth hanging by a thread for several days and not knowing whether I should pull it and not being allowed to get anywhere near it. Fortunately, it was a painless event for me. Oh, but there are so many more teeth to go. And will I cry about all of them like I cried about this one? My baby Ethan is growing up.

A Cat and a Mouse

2008-04-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

Every day of homeschooling is unique. There is always the reading lesson (Ethan groans) and usually a time to read books, sing songs together and do some social study activity relating to our year-long exploration of the continents. The last couple of days Ethan has been bugging me to help him build a mouse-trap like device. Not a real mouse-trap mind you but like the game called Mousetrap, a contraption consisting of a multitude of small machines using a ball or some other object and a whole host of other materials like boxes and dominoes (You get the picture) I have been hedging a bit because this is not my forte in the least bit. But the glow in Ethan's eyes have softened my reserve and so today we headed for the library and found a book that showcases some physics related contraptions. Ethan chose a mousetrap catapult. So this afternoon we gathered materials, cut cardboard and built our device. And it actually works. You pull back on a rubberband that is connected to a ruler where the mouse sits. Let the rubber band fly and watch the mouse sail through the air. The tethered mouse is then reeled in to his mouse hole for another go. Apparently you can actually use this with a real live cat. While we were away playing with our mouse, Laurel began an art project. She painted a pink cat and then after it dried used the oil pencils for detail(whiskers and claws and beautiful green eyes). She did a great job! I didn't even realize until I started typing this blog that we were thematic in our studies today.

Snow in April?

2008-04-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Victoria and a greater portion of the Northwest got a lovely surprise of late-spring snow. Personally, I am soooo ready for some warmer weather, but apparently it is not yet to be. The kids and I built a couple of small snowmen with measuring cups for hats and the traditional carrot nose. Then we all went for a drive to higher elevation so the kids could play in the snow. We drove up a road called The Malahat to neat scenic overlook. The kids had a great time, mostly throwing snowballs at Dad. Surely summer is on the way.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2008-04-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

Ethan and Laurel are attempting to play Mousetrap. As usual, Laurel gets bored and says she is going upstairs to play. Ethan says, "OK suit yourself." Laurel huffs and puffs on over in tattle-tale stance. "Mom, Ethan just told me to go shoot myself."

We are watching a portion from the Perfect Storm when one of the fishermen gets pulled overboard with a giant fish hook in his hand. After the rescue, they have to extract the hook and then they give him a tetanus shot. During the whole scene Ethan's eyes are big, really big. I am agonizing over the hook myself. Ethan is agonizing over the tetanus shot. He turns to me and says, "Look! they had to give that man a health needle." Laurel chimes in, "I had to go to the doctor once and they gave me a bunch of health needles."

We were reading a book that went through the whole Creation and Adam/Eve story. At the end there are the angels guarding the gate to keep Adam and Eve out of the garden. Ethan says, "God should have put those angels around the tree instead."

I am cutting up carrots for dinner and deide to offer the tip of each carrot to the kids for a snack. Who wants a carrot? "I heard Ethan say "ME" I hear Laurel say "ME" Wait, that's not Laurel. Malcolm is standing at my heels and repeating "Me" This may not sound so funny to you, but this was such a surprise and and so adorable. And he was so proud of himself for doing something his older brother was doing.

A video from Victoria

2008-04-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Been awhile

2008-04-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, I haven't blogged for ages. Life has been crazy as we have spent the last month in transition from our warm Waco home to our new and substantially chillier home in Victoria, British Columbia. The Lord has been so good to us and wonderfully faithful. He kept us safe as we drove all those miles, He has provided Christians here to welcome us with a cupboard full of food, various gifts, hands to unload all our stuff, mouths to pray over us, and ears to listen to all the questions we have had getting settled into a new culture. I, personally, have had moments in which I have been incredibly excited about being here in this beautiful place that holds so many fond memories for me(Clint and I honeymooned here almost 10 years ago) followed by moments in which I have been terribly homesick for our family back home in Texas. I am ready to get off this emotional roller coaster as it were;it is not all that fun a place to be. One thing that I am thankful for-- being so emotional has left me with no recourse but to cling to Him and find shelter and safety in the presence of His wings. My family has been encouraged by all the mail we have gotten from the saints in Waco. I have also had numerous email correspondence with some saints there that has been so precious to me and my walk with our Lord. So I thought it fitting to rename my blog in honor of a fresh start in a new location. I want this blog to be a place where Jesus is lifted up and glorified. I am confident the Lord has many wonderful plans for his children both in Waco and in Victoria. And I want to share what He's doing in my life. I have been too busy to take many pictures. I promise to do better. Here are a few pics taken since we've been here. They include: Ethan's birthday cake on his actual birthday. A day trip to China Beach. Malcolm riding on Clint's back. Ethan learning to ride his bike. Laurel on her bike. Malcolm trying on a new oven mitt.
and the kids being silly

Top 10

2008-01-31T13:43:00.000-08:00

It goes without saying that my family and I will dearly miss our family, our church, and our friends as we move in a few weeks. So I didn't put any of those things on my list of things I will and things I will not miss about good ol' Waco, TX. Are there any things you can think of to add to either list?

Top 10 Things I will not miss about Waco
10. New Road from Valley Mills Drive through Franklin Ave.
9. All the big trucks that take up more than one parking space.
8. Hearing gun shots at night, then helicopters flying overhead
7. The lack of pedestrian friendly streets and no sidewalks
6. hearing about how Baylor lost another football game.
5. All the molds and weeds that make allergies unbearable
4. Interstate 35
3. Outrageous health care costs (though this is countrywide)
2. The 100 degree heat 9 months out of the year
1. My husband's demeanor as he experiences the 100 degree heat 9 months out of the year.

Top 10 Things I will miss the most about Waco
10. Mardel's (has been my treasured source of homeschooling materials)
9. Tex-Mex food(I'm lamenting fajitas at Ninfas and Rosas. sigh)
8. Target (there is no better/cleaner place to shop)
7. Wooded Acres HEB (back to sub-par grocery shopping)
6. Cameron Park Area including the zoo as well as the park itself
5. Barbecue (with onions, pickles and lots of sauce)
4. Iced Tea (not instant garbage on ice, I'm talking freshly brewed)
3. Getting free refills on beverages when eating out (in other places this is not a given)
2. The Y (I can't believe we didn't join sooner)
1. Being able to walk to all of our friends' houses. Talk about convenience.

Guys don't "sleep over" we hang out for the night...

2007-12-29T15:53:00.002-08:00

Guest post by Clint

The McPhees and the Taylors had a kidswap last evening. We exchanged Laurel for Ben. See Laurel and Annie's post at Maria's site here. The boys had high expectations and I think I delivered on our first outing:

We went straight to Peter Pipers after leaving the Taylors. After filling their pockets with tokens they wanted to play "House of the Dead II." Against my better judgment I let them play. Just thinking how Maria would cringe on seeing Ben playing a game using a gun made for shooting bloody zombies I just couldn't resist! (writhing hands while laughing)

Skeet ball....

Some Tekken 4 action. Ben was a bear and Ethan was a robot.

Bumper cars

Fast and Furious

After all of that fun, we went to the house and ate some of Sandy's homemade Chicken Spaghetti, and played more games. I believe they played some board games, checked out some of Ethan's new toys. Then imagine this: Played more video games! Afterwards they got ready for bed and set up camp by the fireplace in the den. The evening was ended by watching Star Wars III Revenge of the Sith.

Even after staying up well past midnight they both were up by 7AM ready for a fun-filled morning.

The smell of Cinnamon rolls was in the air. That'll get you up!

By 8:45 we were at Cameron Park playing the front 9 in Disc Golf. Yes, Maria it was 0 degrees Celsius! (that's 32 for you Americans)

I got to play the bad guy at Anniversary Park. They were Jedi's. I never had a chance.

Best Friends

Malcolm

2007-12-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

He's a terror! What has happened to my adorable laid back little Malcolm who would so patiently sit in my lap and take in the world? Well, he's turned into an obstinate little tornado and he's not even walking proficiently yet. For the past 3 or 4 days the McPhee household has been engaging in a battle of the wills with Malcolm. Malcolm insists upon climbing onto the dining room table (one incident that wasn't caught in time resulting in an unauthorized painting experiment) He also insists on climbing beneath the kitchen sink and pulling on the plumbing apparatus. And perhaps the most daring of all recalcitrance involves him climbing up the ladder to Ethan's bunk bed. Again and again. I remove him and say NO! He fusses and cries. He repeats behavior. I remove him again with a small spank. He yells vehemently and the world is coming to an end. This has been my life lately. And I'm supposed to be homeschooling Ethan. How can I when we are constantly keeping Malcolm out of mischief. I'm not exagerrating. It's been crazy!

Santa

2007-12-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

Ethan still believes in Santa Claus. He asked me one day if Santa were real, and I avoided answering the question directly because I knew he would blab to Laurel if he found out differently. So he decided the best way to make sure he got everything on his x-mas list was to tell Santa himself. We have never taken the kids to have their picture made with Santa. I have shuddered at seeing terrified and screaming kids forced to sit in a strange man's lap. And so we've never asked the kids before if they wanted to see Santa because we figured they wouldn't care to see the giant red man. This year Ethan had not stopped bugging us about it. We chose a Monday morning to go so as to avoid long lines. That was a wise choice; we were the only customers the whole time. The only complication to our 1st visit with Santa was getting (who of all the kids, but Ethan the instigator for the whole event) to smile naturally. He has this camera issue as of late, and it is soooo! frustrating. He squirms and smiles awkwardly or not at all, and contorts his body, etc. The Santa photo was no exception. Laurel sat beautifully smiling the entire sitting, and unfortunately, the photo we had to choose doesn't reflect her photogenic efforts. Malcolm did great too, smiling and laughing at the assistant's stuffed toy. We were relieved to finish our visit with Santa and go enjoy a giant lemonade and pretzel.

What should we feed our children?

2007-11-30T07:34:00.000-08:00

A few months ago after reading a Dennis Rainey Book The Tribute, I was convicted to write one for my Dad for Father's Day in which I told him all the things I was thankful for. I did a lot of thinking about what traits he had shown me by example--behaviors I had incorporated into my life because he modeled them in his life. For example, I think one of the reasons I hate to be late is because my Dad was always on time, if not early. I am thankful for that because it is a considerate thing to show up when you are supposed to. This is just one example, but one thing I took away from the whole experience was how much I was a product of my father. What he did and didn't do really did make a difference in who I am today. Of course, I know that God is very gracious and does do miraculous things in the natures of those who are the product of very poor parenting. I have a few friends who I can't believe are the people they are today after having spent some time with their parents. But still, the gravity of how my choices will affect my children compels me to give some soul-searching to what I am feeding them. Am I feeding them more junkfood than fruits and vegetables? So what kind of legacy do you hope to leave your children? What are the most important things we can teach them?

Victoria 101

2007-11-25T13:04:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture from our recent trip to Victoria. We are on top of a scenic lookout called Mt. Douglas. It was quite cloudy and cool on this day. Doesn't Malcolm look adorable in his gloves and touk? Our family will be relocating to Victoria, B.C. later this winter as Clint will be going back into full-time youth ministry work. We are excited about getting to know the brothers and sisters at Oaklands Chapel in Victoria and being partners with them as servants of Christ. Below is a picture of the building where a lot of the meetings take place. Of course there are so many things to do beforehand and we are really treasuring the time we have remaining in Waco with our family and friends here. That said, here are a few points of interest for those who are curious about where we are headed.

1. Victoria, which is the capital city of British Columbia, is located on an island -- Vancouver Island. It is 74 mi from Seattle and 24 mi from Vancouver though you do have to drive about 20 minutes from downtown Victoria to get on that ferry. It is only 22.5 mi from Port Angeles, Washington where Clint lived a few years back.
2. Vancouver Island is 50 miles across and 286 miles long and is the largest island in the North American Pacific. It takes about 8 hours to drive from one end to the other.
3. Greater Victoria which includes Victoria and all its surrounding areas has a population of over 330,000.
4. Victoria has been influenced by Great Britain and is named after the famous Queen Victoria. It was established as Fort Victoria in 1843 by Hudson's Bay Company. Afternoon tea is a popular pastime in many places and much of the architecture has a distinct British mark.
5. Clint and I honeymooned in Victoria. We spent part of our time here at the Empress Hotel.
7. Victoria is known as the "City of Gardens" and we especially like the Butchart Gardens. In the mild temperate weather, flowers bloom year-round. Victoria hangs baskets of flowers on its downtown lampposts as well. 8. We are excited about the vast outdoor recreational activities the area has to offer-- sea kayaking, biking, skiing, birdwatching to name a few. There are bike paths everywhere. Many folks ride their bikes to work even miles away because the trails are so awesome. Notable points of interest include Mt. Washington, Pacific Rim National Park, and Strathcoma Provincial Park. And yes, our home is open for any Waco vacationers. Please come see us!

Eight Little Indians

2007-11-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

Eight Little Indians converged at our house today for a Native American Feast. We made feathered headbands and bracelets, and the kids introduced themselves with their creative indian names. (Ethan was Striking Tiger and Laurel was Dancing Rabbit) We read a story called Little Runner of the Longhouse, examined authentic arrowheads, danced to native american music, and tasted a variety of native american foods. Yum! Yum! There was roasted corn, fruit pemmican, Hopi Sunflower Bread, and maple syrup on fried bread to name a few of the frumjous entrees. After lunch the kids went outside and played in and around the Longhouse. Yes, once again I decided to make a box creation. Thankfully, I still had the barn box from Malcolm's party. And with a little scissorwork, and a few pillows, the longhouse came together quite nicely. And most rewarding---kids played in it a lot. That makes it all worth it. Of course, when 8 little indians come together it can only be expected that there will naturally be a little horseplay. And it can only be expected that a few wounds would ensue from said encounters. Jacob had one such encounter with Dancing Rabbit's swinging feet, and nearly repeated the incident at least a half dozen times. Dancing Rabbit got an arrow in her eye-- or was it Big Bison's pointer? Luckily, no one was permanently maimed and all the little indians had a great time--as did all the Indian mothers who got a chance to chat and catch up on news in the nice autumn weather. Dancing Rabbit and Little Kitty pose in their native attire.

Trip to the Birthplace of Texas: Washington-on-the-Brazos

2007-10-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

On Friday our family took a trip to Washington-on-the-Brazos. This is the site where Texians met and first declared their independence from Mexico. There is an incredible museum on the property with artifacts of various kinds, Independence Hall- a replica of the meeting place where all the delegates met to sign the declaration of Independence, and Barrington Living History Farm, that operates using period tools and materials from the mid-19th century. We all agreed that the farm was the best part of the program. Ethan loved playing with the ring from a barrel. He discovered them propped up on the side of the house when one of the ladies was giving us information. I was excited because we had read about common toys children used earlier in the week from a library book. Both Ethan and Laurel had fun trying to wash clothes on a washboard using lye soap. Then they had an opportunity to hang them up on a washline with wooden hangers. They got to feed some pigs too (back then, their most important source of sustenance) and learned that back then, the hair from a pig's back was used for toothbrush bristles. Ethan also had a great time using the tool to carve wood. He had to wait a long time for all the older kids to try first before he finally got an opportunity at the sawing horse with the drawing saw. Here the kids pose in front of a scarecrow in the cotton field. Excessive rains have left the cotton fields lacking. We ate lunch down by the Brazos River at a picnic area. The kids loved playing on the playground. (built c. 1870?) After lunch Ethan and Laurel listened to a museum presentation of life during the mid-19th century for kids. I was so proud of them as they sat still and paid attention for at least 45 minutes. They fashioned some homemade games and then we were able to self-tour the museum. Ethan really enjoyed the paddle wheel on the riverboat exhibit. As you steer, you were able to simulate going up and down the Brazos River. Finally we went for a stroll to Independence Hall and saw the place where the Texas declaration was signed.

First Birthday

2007-10-18T01:34:00.000-07:00

Last evening we celebrated Malcolm's first birthday with dear friends and family. We sang, ate cake, and fellowshipped. It's hard to believe it's been a year.

Malcolm enjoys his chocolate icing

Malcolm in the barn his Mommy made for him and his friends

Malcolm and his Papa play with bottles

Malcolm plays with some musical toys

Update for September and October

2007-10-13T09:47:00.001-07:00

Yes, it has been awhile since I have been able to update my blog. It has been a busy couple of months.

Homeschooling
Homeschooling has been going very well. I think we have a nice routine in place, but there is still enough flexibility in our schedule to make adjustments. Sometimes I try to get us started early so we can get ahead for the day just in case something comes up and we need to alter our normal day. We started out working around a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom theme. This was so fun. We made alphabet cookies together and opened up a coconut. Ethan insisted on trying some of the coconut milk from the shell using a straw. I think he must have seen this technique on a cartoon. I tried to warn him but he insisted. Needless to say, it was hilarious to see his expression when he tasted the coconut milk. He is learning to read really well. When we went to the library last week, he picked out this enormous book called The Way Things Work. It was a daunting choice as far as I was concerned. Again, I tried to persuade him to make another selection, but he thumbed through it and was hooked. So I relented and he has been bugging me ever since to buy it from the library. I guess we have found a possible Christmas gift for him already. Maybe one day he can explain all that stuff to his mother. He and Clint built a mechanical beetle that avoids objects one day. Again, I was duly impressed and thankful that Clint could do this with him, since building a motor from scratch is something I have never done. We have begun our unit on The continents and will be looking at North America first. This coincides perfectly with Columbus, pilgrims, the colonial time,thanksgiving, etc. I am learning some art right alongside the kids as we work through an art curriculum together. Our favorite projects thus far have been sketching Waco's historic Alico building, and making a crayon etching picture of a fish. One of our most enjoyable times each morning is when we sing various songs and go over our bible memory work. Sometimes it gets a little wild; we sing,dance and bang our homemade musical instruments as we march around the house, but the praise is unrivaled. On Friday we are taking a field trip to Washington-on-the-Brazos. I will update you on that trip when we return.

Birthdays
September and October are busy birthday months around here. Laurel had a princess dress-up party this year for her 4th birthday. We made a castle from the swingset. Her cakes were a castle decorated with various candies and a dragon. Said dragon was later demolished during the pinata affair. This year, Clint bought Laurel her first flowers. They came in a really sweet vase that had a daisy on it. Isn't she adorable ?Malcolm is turning one this week. I cannot believe my little baby is going to be a year old. And then again, it is hard to remember a time when he was not a part of our family. He is getting ready to walk and has already had 2 haircuts. See the pic of his first haircut with Erica at Smartypants. We are having friends, family, and church over on Wednesday for cake, songs, and baby games. Family is coming back over on Saturday for a fiesta. I made tamales this week and we will cook up some fajitas too.

Malcolm's 1st haircut

Laurel with her Daddy and her 1st flowers

Malcolm in his ducky tub
"What a darling!"

Soccer
We have been pretty busy with soccer games and practices too. It has been a great learning experience for us all --both child and parents. I had no idea how much I would want Ethan to excel at athletics. I have had to learn to start each game by asking the Lord to let me see Ethan as He sees him and not as a mother who wants her child to be the best on the team, or even what one would call a good player. Ethan had thoroughly enjoyed playing and has learned so much about how to play a game on a team with others. He's also learned some soccer basics along the way. Next week is our last game.

Soccer playmates --Benjamin, Ben, and Ethan

Church
The past 6 weeks or so, our church has been meeting every other Wednesday evening to pray and wait on the Lord to see what he has to share with us. It has been a powerful unifying factor. This past week, Clint went and the church prayed for our upcoming trip to B.C. We will leave next Wednesday for Victoria to visit and meet with Oaklands Chapel. Clint and I are excited about this prospect and the kids ask about our move to Canada every day. Last week Ethan had what I thought a brilliant idea. He thought we should have a moving van drive all of our things up there while we all fly up in an airplane. Sounds good to me, Son. This morning at our fellowship, we discussed the need for dependence upon Christ and upon each other. Thad shared about his recent trip to New Mexico and climbing Mt. Wheeler. He found out a year ago that he has MS and to mark the occasion he went with two brothers from the church to New Mexico to climb this peak. He relayed how much of a physical challenge this was for him and how he had to call on Jesus continually. I am so blessed by this brother. He is such an encouragement to our church. Isn't the view on the peak of Wheeler breathtaking?

First Days

2007-08-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

This week was monumental for my oldest son Ethan. On Saturday he played his first soccer game. Though a bit distracted, he had a lot of fun despite the near 100 degree weather. He was honored to have his Pepere, Nanny and Papa, his cousins Josh and Miranda, and Uncle John and Aunt Herlinda come watch. Today was Ethan's first day of kindergarten. He celebrated the day with his good friends Benjamin and Anabeth who were also starting kindergarten today. Siblings Laurel, Jacob, and Annie came to join the festivities too. There was a school bus to play in, songs to sing, and a school supply scavenger hunt that culminated in discovering a lunch box on top of the swing bridge. Ethan had a Spiderman box; so did Benjamin. After eating their lunches, everyone had a piece of school bus cake made by Mary. It was a fabulous first day.

Brain Overload: The Emerging What?

2007-08-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of weeks, my husband and I have spent a significant amount of time doing homework. The topic? What is this emerging/emergent/postmodern Christianity movement all about? And let me tell you, it's not easy finding straight answers. All this started a couple of weeks ago when a friend from our church fellowship encouraged us all to visit a local church (ubc, where David Crowder leads worship) for the purpose of hearing noted author/pastor Brian McClaren. We were instantly on board; after all, Crowder has blessed up exponentially with his music. But who were we going to hear speak? Now Clint is the official internet guru. Truly it is an art. Most of what he read from McClaren's own articles and interviews seemed right to us. There were a few questions he seemed to skirt around, but nothing really major. I totally support reaching out into communities to reach the lost in fresh ways. I don't have a problem with making spiritual encounters less "churchy" or reaching people where they are. And I must confess that I haven't read his books for myself so a lot of this is coming at me secondhand. Now, we have several friends who have been reading McClaren and some other notables associated with the movement. You can tell because of the common threads and common verbiage that run through conversations with them. There, I did it too; apparently, the word "conversation" is specific to this movement. Some of those I have had discourse with and some of the criticism I have read on the net ( disclaimer: I am not saying all of my friends who have been blessed by McClaren or I can't think of the other dude's name, believe this way.) centers around the idea of throwing scripture out the door, or let me tweak that -- considering scripture purely as narrative. It's just a story. And it must be biased since it was written by a group a people who would naturally want it slanted in their favor. The author of every book, being imperfect, naturally allowed their own misunderstandings to sneak into their writings. This is what I am hearing anyway. At this point, the validity of what Jesus said about Himself is not pertinent to our "conversation." What I am getting at, is that Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6. But if scripture is not something we can both agree upon as an authority, I am at a lack for what so say. And some of the messy discussions that ensue regarding atonement and universalism are frustrating to say the least. The other thing that I have not heard much talk about is the role of the Holy Spirit. Reaching out to the world is nothing but empty dead works if they are not being fueled by that in-dwelling expression of Jesus. Again, please correct me about this if you know differently. I am hearing very little of relationship to Jesus ,though His name is not banned or anything, and a whole lot about reaching out to the world (in a "missional" quest to realize heaven on earth.) Again, scripture addresses all this, but if we don't agree to consult it, the discussion's dead. Of course, I am referring to believers who I used to assume would be on this same page. Not necessarily in 2007. I watched a video clip on youtube in which Mark Driscoll, one of the original thinkers of the movement though no longer associated specifically with the "emergent" group, attempts to explain what this is all about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcbnGXSYxuI Go and watch for yourself. Also, I pasted wikipedia's definition for the emerging church if anyone is interested.
All that said, I am excited about going to hear Brian McClaren this Sunday. I am not going to pick apart what he says. Actually, I am looking forward to hearing what he has to say for himself instead of what others have to say about him. My initial thought is that there are a lot of really good qualities associated with this movement, but a huge span of opinions operating within the confines of the group name. I will have a difficult time embracing much of the good stuff unless I can work out the authority of scripture issue. Looking forward to sorting out all the ambiguities with you!

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The emerging church is a controversial^[1] 21st-century Protestant Christian movement whose participants seek to be like the Christians mentioned in Revelation 3:16 and to engage postmodern people, especially the unchurched and post-churched. To accomplish this, "emerging Christians" seek to deconstruct and reconstruct Christian beliefs, standards, and methods to accommodate postmodern culture. Proponents of this movement call it a "conversation" to emphasize its developing and decentralized nature. The predominantly young participants in this movement prefer narrative presentations drawn from their own experiences narratives over propositional, Bible exposition. Emergent methodology includes frequent use of new technologies such as multimedia and the Internet. Emergents communicate in open dialogue rather than the dogmatic proclamation found in historic Christianity. and biblical

Critics of the movement are often conservative, evangelical theologians and pastors who disagree with the movement's embrace of postmodernist philosophy, believing such a worldview unorthodox theology, relativism, antinomianism, universalism, and syncretism. These critics frequently associate emergent theology with the liberal theology that has historically been at odds with Christian fundamentalism and Evangelicalism. Emergent Christians often see themselves as bridging the divide between conservative evangelical mainline Christianity. The label "Emergents" to describe people who identify with the emerging church is generally used by critics of the movement in an attempt to domesticate the diversity of the movement. This makes mounting critique easier despite the reality that those within the broad emerging church phenomenon do not label themselves as "emergent". leads emergents to Christianity and liberal

4 is not enough

2007-08-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

So I guess I have sort of been tagged to do this 4 blog thing. I have titled the entry "4 is not enough" because I found it difficult to narrow down 4 foods I like the best and I have had more than 4 jobs and vacationed in more than 4 really exceptional locales. However, I have painstakingly selected my favorites for this exercise. Here goes.

4 jobs I have held
1. waitress at Marlin's local Dairy Palace
2. a cotton pollinator
3. a cashier at good ol' Walmart
4. high school and junior high science and English teacher

4 Places I have lived
1. Marlin, TX
2. Waco, TX (now and in college)
3. downtown Crawford (pre- President Bush)
4. Shreveport, LA

4 TV shows I like to watch
1. The Office (despite being appalled at the 1st episode I watched thanks to Rishi and Amanda)
2. Man vs. Wild
3. ER
4. Law and Order

4 Places I have vacationed
1. England
2. Victoria, B.C.
3. Banff, Alberta
4. San Francisco

4 of my Favorite Foods
1. a steak cooked medium rare
2. California rolls and Philadelphia Rolls
3. Panang Curry and other Thai entrees
4. various foods that have a combination of onions and cheese

4 Places I'd rather be right now
1. hiking in Jasper or Yoho NP
2. getting a massage at The Spa at Canyon Oaks
3. on a bookstore date with Clint sipping a latte
4. anywhere cooler than Texas

4 Places I like to shop
1. REI
2. Target
3. Pottery Barn (mostly window shopping $$$)
4. Smarty Pants ( a kids' resale shop)

4 People who might respond to this blog
Since all of my blogging friends have already participated, I tag their husbands and mine (Clint, Rishi, Chris, and Aaron.) You can compose it under comments if you are up to the challenge.

On weakness of all kinds

2007-06-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

This week I was reminded that I am spiritually limited by this body of flesh. Can anyone relate to being physically exhausted or sick (my husband might add being hungry to the list) and when in said condition, just not being able to take in the Lord's goodness? Intellectually, I know His goodness is never fleeting, but in that moment of physical weakness, there is a temptation to despair. I don't think that is too harsh a word for the moment. A couple of evenings ago, I had some much cherished and rare time after the kids went to bed. I spent a couple of hours reading Unspoken Sermons by George MacDonald. I was really encouraged and went to sleep dreaming of the Lord's embrace. Silly to think this time of refreshment would nourish me throughout the week. (And that the manna would last past the day of gathering) Last night, I was incredibly tired from the day and worn out from the baby and feeling a bit under the weather. Then after Clint came home late, also exhausted, and we became a bit irritated with each for who knows what reason (probably just because we were both tired) I sat on the couch and sifted depressing thoughts, more hopeless than hopeful; more critical than thankful. Nothing truly bad had happened all day; I was just worn out and weary. This morning, I got up refreshed from a full night's sleep and realized how silly it was for me to vacillate this way. But, I think maybe it is a good thing. My experience serves as a reminder that I am not created for this world, but a heavenly kingdom. One day I will not be hindered by this frail body or be sad to leave this world. How I long for the day!

And I am greatly encouraged by Paul's words
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (II Corinthians 12:9)
I am speculating that there is a wonderful lesson waiting to be revealed each time I court physical illness or exhaustion or weakness of any kind. There is an opportunity to allow Christ's power to rest on me to carry me through the weakness.

Lord, You only can rescue me from the pit I sometimes find myself trapped in when I have had a long day or when I muddle a relationship or encounter with one of your children and feel guilty and unworthy of You. When knowledge of You seems mere textbook and unreal and I doubt your love for me. Forgive me Lord for turning my back on You instead of running to your sweet embrace. Do what you will with my life and do not keep me from your consuming fire of purification even though I cringe from the mere thought of what that might look like. You know best and will only operate on me as you know best for me. Amen.

Up rock walls, down water slides

2007-05-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

Ethan goes up the climbing wall.

Next goes Laurel

"Not sure about this 'getting my head wet' thing"

"Let me show you how it's done, Ethan."

"Where did you go Lol'?"

Big Fun! We love the playset Daddy built for us!

It sure is a long way down! Did Amy really climb all the way to the top?

Green Beans

2007-05-19T13:20:00.001-07:00

A bowl of fresh green beans for baby Malcolm

Ice cube trays filled with fresh green beans for baby Malcolm

Malcolm's first bite of yummy green beans

"Why, I say, green beans are yummy, Mom."

Malcolm is messy.

Malcolm tried his first real food, not counting rice cereal (which I do not really count) when he turned 6 months. He liked it OK, but after a couple of bites decided Mommy milk was still his top cuisine of choice.

Refreshed by a dear saint

2007-05-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I got an opportunity to get some much-needed exercise. I was excited about trying out some new running shoes I bought last week and Clint offered to watch the kids while I took a run around the neighborhood. More important than the cardio workout was the nourishment and sustenance my soul got as I listened to several of Rich Mullins songs on my mp3 player. It's hard to describe the absolute abandonment to the Lord that is conveyed by his music. I was reminded that all we really need in this world is Jesus, that it's OK to be lonely as long as we're free.. really? Yes, it really is. Not that I desire loneliness, but if He is there in it with me, then it really will be OK. At least after I have had my time to grieve my lonely state and throw a fit or two. I was reminded, too, that stuff is not important. Oops, maybe I didn't really need those new shoes after all. To get to the point of not batting an eyelash when something expensive gets broken or trashed, that will be a day of celebration indeed. I think giving us kids may be God's funny idea to exercise breaking us of this. But that's another story. And then, there was all the praise. Deep and passionate. Oh, so good. No one jams to the Lord better than Rich! It was so refreshing to be reminded of truth. It seems my recent experiences have been tainted by doubts of God's goodness. It can be discouraging and contagious. Sometimes I hesitate to express truths because I am afraid I will be labeled naive or self-righteous. I don't want to offend anyone. Shame on me! Our God is good and faithful. We are His people and we should be excited and passionate and on fire. Frankly, I need brothers and sisters to share this fire with me. I have always been a "glass half empty" type. Before, you start lining my head up on the chopping block, I understand that we all go through times in our life when we allow unbelief to creep into our thoughts. That is just normal; And we do need to be sensitive with each other because that is what love calls for, but my hope is that more Christians (myself included) will be more bold in expressing truths with each other. That we would help carry each other's burdens by pointing out the cross one to another as we suffer through all the garbage of daily living. The truth is...that amidst all the rubbish of life, there is good news. The best. We have a Savior who is victorious over everything bad, tainted, rotten, and spoiled that this world has to throw at us. It is time that His people believe that He is who He has said He is. John 12:44-46;16:33

That Rascally Robin

2007-04-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

Is this the robin that has been "decorating" Clint's truck for the past month? No, this is not that bird.

Here he is. Note his arrogance and pride. Don't underestimate him; He is persistent, feisty, and and ever-determined to claim his territory. "Where is that 'upstart crow," anyway," my feathered foe wonders.

Bumbo

2007-04-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

Malcolm tries out his new seat--a Bumbo. I wish these were available for my other two. It is great. And we can take it anywhere.

Happy Easter

2007-04-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Time to color eggs for Easter

Ethan and Laurel decorate an Easter basket cake with green coconut grass, purple bunnies and malted Easter eggs.
Coloring eggs. Oh the smell of boiled eggs and vinegar! Notice the tulips Daddy bought Mommy in the background. How lovely!

More Easter eggs.

And last but not least. A perfect gift for Easter(for Clint that is) SNOW!

A Space Adventure

2007-03-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we celebrated Ethan's 5th birthday. Sometimes, I affectionately call him "my sonshine." So, fittingly, we decided to have a space birthday

party for him this year. (Though I didn't really think of the correlation until right now:) About a month ago I started making papier mache helmets. I had never worked with this medium before and it was a lot of fun. I also collected cereal boxes and water bottles, spray painting them silver to create jet packs. The jet packs then served as a container for prizes as well as part of the astronaut costume. I had Clint build a model of a space shuttle. I promise I did not force him to make one as elaborate as our eventual product. But I am glad he spent so much time on the details. It was incredible and a whole 18 ft long. We are donating it to a local school for use in their science program. We kept the party kind of small this year, though with 15 relatives it still filled up Lansharx. But having a smaller number of children made the activities much more manageable and Ethan had a wonderful time which was what we were hoping to achieve. Can you believe Ethan is 5?

Affections Gone Awry

2007-03-04T17:49:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I took my two oldest children to the pet store. I had promised to do so yesterday when our tour of Walmart's fish dept. ended in disappointment. Apparently, they are eliminating selling fish. So here we are, looking at the guinnea pigs and large rats, snakes, birds, turtles, fish, and doggie Valentine cards...yep, you read correctly. They had them discounted since the illustrious day has come and passed. A good bargain for those of you who want to shop early for next year. Are there some dogs out there who would actually appreciate the sentiments of a card? Does doggie etiquette require you mail such a token or is it OK to leave it next to their rhinestone studded dog bowl? By the way, a few rows over were pet gift cards. Please tell me these are intended for pet owners and not the pets themselves. I've included some pictures of a few ridiculous if I may be so bold pet items. You judge for yourselves. And don't delay. Those Valentine cards are disappearing fast. Hurry, while supplies last.Here we have a cat bjorn(just kidding; it's not called that) and a fashionable necklace for your prized pooch. Give me a break!

A duel between friends

2007-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

O calm, dishonourable vile submission! Alla stoccata carries it away!

Who began this bloody fray?

Come,sir, your passado.

Christmas Pictures 2006

2006-12-29T07:39:00.000-08:00

Ethan with presents at Nana and Papa's

Laurel is dwarfed by her gift--the biggest present ever!

Laurel shows off her dollhouse--the best present ever (for a little girl)

Laurel, Ethan, Miranda, and Josh get together for a picture right before opening gifts

Baby Malcolm on Christmas morning. See his personalized stocking at right.

Malcolm looks up at his daddy.

The stockings were hung...you know the rest. It's Christmas morning at the McPhees

The Big Apple; Also pretzal, pizza, building, etc.

2006-12-24T13:36:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics from Clint and Ethan's recent trip to New York City. They flew up to Pennsylvania to pick up a car Clint had purchased on (you guessed it) Ebay. After picking up the truck they drove on up to NY. This was Ethan's first time to fly, first time to ride on a subway, and the first time to see skyscrapers up close (Previously, he had been impressed with the Alico building) I'm not sure how we will ever be able to top a trip to NY, but Ethan has definitely acquired a taste for exploring new places.

This is a picture taken by a fellow tourist. Clint was disappointed with it since he had been meticulous in taking their picture, and this lady took theirs without much care.
.
Here's the famous Statue of Liberty. Clint said he actually teared up when they passed her on the ferry, and for those of you who know him, American patriotism is not usually his strong point.:)

Ethan aboard the Staten Island Ferry. (one of several)

Where is David Letterman? Is it too late to get tickets?

Looking at the skaters below the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

Ethan and the GIANT PRETZAL. Also, taxis in the background.

I love the Subway. DAD, are you sure that we are going in the right direction?

This building is a lot taller than the Alico building! (The Rockefeller Center's GE building)

The Greatest Anniversary Gift Ever

2006-11-10T12:53:00.000-08:00

Eight years ago on October 17, 1998 Clint and I exchanged vows at Crestview Church of Christ. In the limo on the way to our honeymoon in Victoria, British Columbia, we exchanged gifts. Clint bought me a beautiful watch. A perfect token of his love for me. This October we celebrated 8 years of marriage with a mutual gift of another sort -- we welcomed our 3rd child, Malcolm Henry into this world. Malcolm was born at 10:55 am and weighed 7lbs 7oz. He was 20 and 1/2 inches long. We are all elated with our newest addition and in awe once again with the miracle of creation and the love of our Creator.

My Week --a Battle with MRSA

2006-10-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

What a crazy time the last week has been. During my routine OB appointment last Wednesday, I very FYI ishly asked about a couple of boils (staph infections) I had beneath my arm. I knew that with the baby coming soon, it could perhaps be of concern and I wanted to be as informative and forthcoming as possible. Dr. Wang told me to consult the doctor who normally handles these affairs of mine. (I have had a total of 3 episodes this year) So I very casually texted our good friend Jackson to see what he thought. It was, of course, MRSA (Methicillan resistant Staphylococcus aureus) a nasty bacterium that doesn't respond to most of the antibiotics once used to treat staph infections. One of the boils was serious enough to drain and because I am pregnant, our arsenal of available antibiotics was quite limited. To make a long story a little shorter, the antibiotic we tried did not prove effective and my infection worsened causing me to suffer chills and a slight fever. I ended up in the hospital for the weekend to receive intravenous antibiotics which were safe for the baby and more effective than the oral ones we were limited to.
I am so not used to being confined to a tiny cubicle of a room so by the second day, I was getting a bit stir crazy. Sunday night, I was fortunate to have several guests which was very refreshing to my spirit. I banked with a bag of my favorite candy--Heath bars-- from James and Mary and a Cheddar's Cookie dessert from Thad and Mendy. I had thought I would have been home by then, but some questionable bloodwork kept me in another day.
While I was in the hospital, Clint decided to nest. (He will confess to having an uncontrollable urge to keep working on the garage) We got new garage doors on Tuesday and there was sooo much to do before they could actually put up the doors. He worked until 3 or 4 in the morning every day of the weekend to get the project completed. They are very nice and now we can drive into the garage when the baby arrives.
A couple of things that did bless me during this ordeal:
When I was waiting to get my hospital admission papers, I was blessed by hearing how Jackson related to some of the other patients he was overseeing. Let's admit it, most doctors don't give a flip about the person; it's just a job and most of the the time you get treated condescendingly. I could tell that Jackson's portion of Christ was being manifest in the way he related to patients at his job, which by the number of patients at the clinic, could easily cause one to rush and forget about the "person" being treated.
Another encounter that blessed me involved a cleaning lady at the hospital. Here she was scrubbing the floors in my restroom and I could hear her singing. I think it was a type of hymn but I couldn't be for sure. There was something about the way she was singing that made me think she was completely fulfilled in life and I instantly thought to myself, "I wonder if she is a believer?" After all, cleaning disgusting surfaces and collecting trash in a place where you are surrounded by mostly arrogant professionals would not be conducive to worker satisfaction. A few moments later, we struck up a conversation about kids (she obviously noting my pending condition) and she shared how the Lord had blessed her with a baby granddaughter just a week earlier) My suspicions were confirmed. I was most blessed by her joy in the Lord amidst such humbling circumstances as well as how she referred often to the Lord blessing her. I appreciated her boldness in giving Him credit for her blessings.
So despite my weekend trials, I can look back on the time and be thankful for the pictures the Lord showed me of His people at work. I am now over the hump with the MRSA infection and am awaiting labor. If nothing happens between now and Tuesday, I am scheduled to be induced Tuesday morning. If the baby comes then, it will be on Clint's and my anniversary, as well as the day that the US is expecting the 300,000,000 baby to be born. Wouldn't that be a trip? My hunch is that Malcolm will come sooner than that. We can't wait to meet him.

Laurel is 3 today

2006-09-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

Today is Laurel's 3rd birthday. I can't get over how she has changed in such a short span of time from our pudgy baby to our little princess. I cannot imagine our family without her. What a blessing is my beautiful Laurel Adeline-- a most precious lamb of God.

Our little monkey at her 3rd birthday party.

Laurel with her Nana in the hospital.

Laurel with her Papa at Easter --6 months

Laurel at her 1st birthday party.

And now age 3, blowing out her candles Opening up pretty presents

Happy Birthday Laurel. We love you and can't wait to see how you will grow and what you will become.

Vacation 2006 --Concan and Sea World

2006-06-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, Clint, Ethan, Laurel, and I went on a joint vacation with my Mom and Dad and my brother John and his wife Herlinda as well as their children Josh and Miranda. We went to Sea World for two days and then spent the rest of the week playing in the water on the Frio River in Concan, Texas. It was a great trip, though hot and humid at Sea World. Ethan enjoyed being in the water more than he ever has in the past. He especially liked using his new orange goggles. Of course we had to buy Laurel some goggles too--pink ones per her request. Both kids got to ride a roller coaster for the first time -- and loved it. It was their first time to see Killer Whales too! They also loved feeding the dolphins and looking at all the Mexican Fruit Bats as they exited their cave. They did not enjoy the trek Clint and I took them on one morning down a gravel road near our cabin. And then again, there were only red ants, cactus, and rocks to look at, so how can I blame them for not getting excited about that. This morning Ethan asked if we could go to Sea World again today. To live with a mindset of no limitations--ahh!! He also asked if the tank we passed in Elm Mott was the Frio River. Now that is funny!

The Mass Exodus

2006-06-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

These are not birds; it's not downtown Waco, and these are not grackles and cowbirds. No, this is a pic of the mass exodus of Mexican Fruit bats that occurs at sunset each evening. They kept coming, and we finally left when it started getting dark. It apparently takes 2 hours for them all to leave the cave. Red-tailed hawks like to cull a few for their supper as well.

Bat Cave

2006-06-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

One evening we all went to the cave where the 2nd largest population of Mexican Fruit Bats resides. Here is the entrance to the cave, but it supposedly goes back for over a mile. At sunset, all the bats leave to go hunting while swallows take their place to get some shut-eye while the bats are out.

Chow Time

2006-06-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

Everyone gathers for a picnic lunch-- including bees and ants.

Big Smiles

2006-06-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

Miranda, Laurel, Ethan, and Josh sit on a rock near the banks of the Frio.

Nanny and Laurel on the Frio

2006-06-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

Nanny and Laurel have fun in the cool shallow waters of the Frio River.

Tubin with PaPa

2006-06-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Ethan and PaPa test out the waters as they float in a tube on the Frio River.

Tubin' on the Frio

2006-06-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

Clint and Ethan are enjoying floating on the waters of the Frio River. Notice Ethan's groovy orange goggles. Looking underwater became his favorite river pastime.

Relaxing in the Cabin

2006-06-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

After a long day of swimming and floating, the McPhees rest on the comfy leather couch in the cabin, a rare moment indeed when all four are sitting still.

Laurel and the Shamu Express

2006-06-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

Laurel got to go on the Shamu Express later in the day, though technically she wasn't tall enough. The operator said she could go and boy did she have a good time. Wait till she gets old enough to ride the big coasters--Watch out Six Flags!

Humpty Dumpty

2006-06-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

Daddy takes Ethan and Laurel on a kiddie ride ferris wheel.

Mesmerized by Majesty

2006-06-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

Laurel intently watches the Killer Whale show.

Believe

2006-06-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

The new Killer Whale show -- Believe-- was spectacular, though we all wished we had chosen seats in the splash zone. Boy, was it hot! These are amazing creatures.

The Log Ride

2006-06-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

We finally arrived and boarded. Both kids had a blast and we even got a little wet as we plummeted down the flume. And now, hurry to the Killer Whale show.

Ethan and Daddy

2006-06-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Here is another pic as we waited to board the log ride. Ethan loved sitting on Clint's shoulders. Would you best describe these expressions as mean, silly, or apelike?

Laurel and Momm y

2006-06-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

To bide time as we waited in line for the log ride, Clint snapped this pic of Laurel and me.

Happy Harbor

2006-06-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Miranda and Laurel pause as they climb the nets of Happy Harbor. They could have stayed here all day, but we pried them away to go watch the Sea Lion show.

The Shamu Express

2006-06-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

Here is Ethan on his first roller coaster ride. He loved it and wanted to ride it over and over again. Nanny had fun too!

2006-02-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

I was excited when I realized Clint's laptop which I am using has all of our vacation photos. . In the first one, Ethan is causing women joggers to trip over rocks because they were taking their eyes off of the trail to watch him. The second picture is an adorable shot in Rocky Mountain National Park on a day when we took a hike together.

Atomic Bomb

2006-02-21T14:14:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt like this?

10 Random or not so Random Questions

2006-02-21T13:41:00.000-08:00

Question: Did you know that rats like apples?
Question: Did you know that they can carry them from your dining room table to a more
preferred dining location elsewhere in their (I mean your) home?
Question: Does anyone really care when the church doesn't meet? Or does it just make life easier?
Question: When are kids able to pick up their own messes?
Question: What's wrong with pink?
Question: Can an almost 4 year old learn to read?
Question: How do you convince a 4 year old that reading is fun?
Question: How do you decide whom to invite to your child's birthday party these days? Everyone
is just so many now.
Question: Why does Ethan believe a tiny hole in his pants means he has to tear it wide open and
all the way across the seam?(This has happened twice.)
Question: Why do kids like to play trashman? And what about all those pillow piles? Yikes!

The Living Stone

2006-02-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

The Living Stone

Charge to wives (1 Peter 3:1-6)

2005-12-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

1IN LIKE manner, you married women, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate yourselves as being secondary to and dependent on them, and adapt yourselves to them], so that even if any do not obey the Word [of God], they may be won over not by discussion but by the [godly] lives of their wives,
2When they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your [a] reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him--to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband].
3Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] [b] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes;
4But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.
5For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were [accustomed] to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands [adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them].
6It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].

I wonder....
Do I really treat my husband with reverence, admiration, and devotion?
How often do I honor him in word and deed?
Do I praise him enough?
Do I do my chores and housework knowing by these things I am loving him? Or I am mostly about complaining or nagging or being discouraged by his imperfections?
Do I cover over his imperfections or do I make him well aware that I know each and every one of them by name?

I can tell you that I only sometimes treat Clint the way I should treat him. Ladies, our husbands have been given to us so that we may encourage and love and respect them. We have the wonderful honor of serving them which can include so many different things: encouraging them by our words (instead of criticizing them), supporting them in the decisions they make, praying over them, pointing them to the Lord, even cleaning our houses, taking care of the kids, and yes, even doing the dreaded laundry, can all be acts of love to our spouses. Those chores can also be dreaded obstacles in our day that we hold over their head. Anyone ever been there? Let's spur each other on to be the wives that God designed us to be.

Walking in the Light Together

2005-12-05T14:10:00.000-08:00

Last week I read a chapter from Tramp for the Lord by Corrie ten Boom. For those of you who have had even one significant conversation with me in the last 2 years, you know how much I respect and appreciate the words of admonishment this sister has to offer. Well, I was reading through the chapter titled, "Walking in the Light". Corrie had sorted through both her own luggage as well as the luggage of her companion, Conny, due to weight restrictions on the baggage they were trying to ship to their next destination. They had to decide what was essential to take, and what could be shipped back home. Conny felt her own feelings infringed upon when Corrie jumped in and sorted her stuff, but did not say anything to Corrie for a week. She kept being reminded that she had promised Corrie several weeks earlier to always walk in the light together. I guess she knew she hadn't been doing that by keeping what was bothering her to herself. Finally, after confiding her mind to Corrie, and after Corrie apologized for her thoughtlessness over the luggage, Corrie had to confront Connie with something that was nagging at her: She was troubled that Conny had not told her the problem right away so that it could have been settled on the spot and that darkness would not have been carried around for a whole week. She urged Conny to never again let the sun go down with a misunderstanding between them. Corrie says that from that moment on they walked in the light together and were always frank with each other.

What I was thinking after reading this was that I am so like Conny when it comes to confronting pretty much anyone in the church. I don't feel moved to bring up something I am struggling with concerning a brother or sister. Sometimes the reason is simply that I want to avoid conflict at all costs. It doesn't seem worth the grief I know will most likely arise. I have plenty of past examples of failures to spur this lie on. Not to mention, I am fearful of severing friendships and creating awkward situations in the face of conflict.

Other times, I convince myself that I must surely be too sensitive and that the only reason I am struggling with whatever, is because my own flesh is bleeding through and I am not being tolerant nor striving toward peace with the particular person. I tell myself, what I really need to do is pray for a heart for this person and ask the Lord to give me love and patience, and to take away all the selfishness that is creating this "hurt" in me. This lie has gained impetus lately as my awareness of flesh increases.

Then, there is the hypocritical, the "who do you think you are?" argument in which I tell myself I have done the same thing a million times and have no right bringing that one up to a brother or sister. Let's be honest, if we lived according to the rules of that game, there would only be those rebuking in arrogance because they haven't struggled with the particular thing while everyone else who has struggled with it would be shut up tighter than a clam. That can't be right.

And finally, as in Conny's situation, I sometimes feel that the person I am having an "issue" with is much more godly than me and the relationship of "iron sharpening iron" does not exist between us. I don't have a right to butt in and question them. Whatever my rationale of the moment, (and I am pretty good at convincing myself when the time comes) I believe it is most always not the Lord, but myself fueling my desire to flee from conflict.

Lord, only you know how I hate confrontation, how I would choose any other way than to bring up a struggle with one of your children. You know how I have run from your gentle urgings in the past. You know my rationalizations, how clever they are. And you know all of the times I pushed you aside in fear of the consequences. Show me how to trust you and how to consider the cross when I need to approach another person. Give me a heart of humility and unconditional love in all of my dealings with your people. Show me how to look on your face to find the words. Fill me with boldness to obey you and give me a Spirit that is willing to go wherever you lead..no matter the consequences. Amen!

A Craving Gone Awry

2005-12-02T14:08:00.000-08:00

Just one more
They're only m&m's
The craving is more than I can bear
A handful more
No one will know
I'll hide them from the kids
I'll run the calories off tomorrow
But right now all I need
Is a mouthful of chocolaty goodness
My holiday m&m's.

for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 2 Peter 2:19

Blessings From My Visit With Kathy

2005-11-26T13:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Clint and I went to Temple to see Kathy Verett. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I was a little nervous since I had heard how the cancer had advanced. I had toyed with what I could and could not talk about; it seems some topics don't really matter when one is facing this issue of life and death. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to think of anything to say. Ironically, though I hoped my visit would be an encouragement to her, in the end, I believe I was the one who came out being encouraged. (Maybe we were both equally blessed.) At the begginning of the visit, Clint and I mainly chatted with Nancy and Eileen. Kevin had gone home to rest for a few hours and Nancy and Eileen had wanted to spend some "girl time" with Kathy. I think they had had a really pleasant time before Clint and I arrived, taking Kathy outside to take in some fresh air and to pray. Kathy had prayed that she would be able to act and be as God intended her to be during this trial.

While we sat there and talked, Kathy was dozing in and out due to her pain medication. We hadn't seen Nancy and Eileen for some time and there was all the business of catching up on the details of life, and some of the details that involved my ex-sister-in-law, Shannon, were, I can definitely say in hindsight, devoid of life. It probably wasn't all that bad as far as "bad" goes, but if there is no life in it, then it's death and has nothing to offer anyone. I so wanted to somehow change the subject in midstream, but what would I talk about?

The Lord is Faithful! Who walks in, but the most darling couple. It turns out it is one of the elders at Highland, along with his wife. The Owens are very close to Kevin and Kathy. You know how it is when you meet someone and you like them at once? That was how it was with this couple. Before I knew it, she was singing over Kathy, "Jesus loves Kathy, this I know... And Kathy is weak, but Jesus is strong." It was so simple, but oh how profound. Her husband shared an awesome testimony about a man who had been given a 5% chance of surviving his cancer and how he had decided that he would be in that 5% and sure enough had been living 15 or 20 years since the diagnosis. All of a sudden, the 30% figure I had heard about regarding Kathy's treatment didn't seem so daunting anymore. And the next thing I knew we were asked to join them in prayer over Kathy. He annointed Kathy with oil, and prayed with authority and in the Spirit that Kathy might be healed. He prayed that Satan's voice that sounds out fear and doubt might be cast far away from Kathy and her family. There was so much more, but this prayer was definitely said in faith that Kathy would be healed. During our prayer, the Wausons had walked in and so there was much joy in seeing them for the first time since they have returned from Alaska. Audry and Mrs. Owen sang another song over Kathy. This song (I believe Psalm 121) was a song Mrs. Owen had sung over Audry when Larry was in the hospital with brain cancer. What a blessing it was to see these two sisters singing over Kathy! And Larry standing there as testimony of God's healing power.

I have had a hard time sleeping and keeping my mind off all that I took in yesterday. I felt I was privy to matters of such eternal significance, I cannot even comprehend the import of. Of course, there was sadness, for the pain and suffering that Kathy is experiencing, but at the same time, this indescribable joy and hope. When I left room 654, I felt a definite peace and confidence that Kathy is loved and kept by Jesus. In His keeping, there is nothing to fear. I was thankful for the bold faith the Owens had shown me as they sang and prayed over this dear sister. I was thankful that I had heard that Kevin (Kathy's husband) is walking in grace just trusting the Lord in each step. And that he knew the Lord had prepared him physically(through some exercise and diet changes) and spiritually (by revealing some scriptures to him to show him he was going to undergo some fiery trials) And so the Lord planned that Clint and I would be at the hospital at this particular time to experience the tremendous faith that we experienced. Thank you Lord, for your perfect timing. And thank you, that you love and care for the Verett family with your perfect love.

Steps of Faith

2005-11-05T14:01:00.000-08:00

Over the past week, I've been imagining how I would respond to some of the tragedies I have seen others face-- the widow of a local pastor whose 33 yr old husband was electrocuted during a baptism; the parents of a former co-worker who just lost their premature baby after having suffered two previous miscarriages; a husband and wife we saw at Jason's Deli whose 18 yr old son tragically died in a car accident. Tragedies are all around us. I tend to live in a bubble hoping those horrible things will never happen to me. I would like to go through life with everyone in my family healthy and successful. I want the people I love to live to a ripe old age of 90+ and die peacefully while sleeping in their warm beds at home. I want my children to grow up rooted in the Lord. But in my paradigm, it would be good for them to also have successful careers, marry godly spouses and get opportunities to travel, have beautiful families, and perfectly blissful lives. What is wrong with this picture? Doesn't it sound wonderful? It does to me. The trouble is that this picture totally contradicts what the Lord says a Christian's life will be like. (2 Tim 3:12; Jn 16:33) Instead we are admonished to accept our hardships with joy (James 1:2) I, like so many Christians I know, would like to have a deeply intimate relationship with the Lord -- one filled with joy and peace and spiritual fruit of many varieties; while at the same time, enjoy a life with few hardships or trials. As long as things are going great, I believe this fantasy may actually be possible, but as soon as trouble starts to brew, I dig my heels into the sand, put my hands on my hips in protest, and throw daggers with my eyes and thoughts to the One who created me. I quip back with, "This is not fair!" and "How can a loving God do this to me?" I hold out in my obstinacy until the crisis is over or the hurt has been assuaged by time and I forget the pain. Yep, that pretty much describes the cycle. In really dissecting this paradigm, I see a couple of major problems. The first one is that it is totally based on just that--fantasy. I know of no life that has been untouched by hardship. It does not exist. So why do I hold out hope to win the lottery when there is no reason to believe it will come true. The second thought I have is this: Do I really want it to come true? Deep inside, don't we all know that the Lord has shown us the importance of trials in developing godliness and perseverence. Could we really know Him as we were intended to know Him if we went through life with no problems and never had to come face to face with the testing of our faith? I don't think so. From my very limited personal experience, I've already discovered that it's not for a toddler's best interest to give them candy everytime they ask for it, Or to buy them a toy everytime we go to the store. Children who always get everything they want turn into spoiled brats. Now, as much as I hate the thought of my children ending up as brats, I'm sure the Lord has some similar views about us. He has plans for us that surpass and dwarf the ones we set for ourselves in the moment. I am glad He does; He knows what is best for me. But the hard part is making the decision to take a step of faith and trust that He is God and knows what He's doing. My flesh cries out in the moment, "He's doing it to you again!" "Don't trust Him!" "You have a right to feel imposed upon!" But if we are children of God, we have the Holy Spirit who cries out with Jesus, "I will never leave you or forsake you!" "Trust me" "I am bread of life" I have begun to see that I have a choice to make every time I am faced with whether to doubt and put on a pout or to trust and embrace Him. I can either take a step of faith and trust him because I know in my heart that He can be trusted (He said that about Himself and His testimony is reliable) or I can choose to distrust Him because that is what my flesh wants and it feeds my flesh in the moment. I had to realize that I had grown accustomed to doing just that; Feeding my flesh had become a habit. I didn't even have to think about it anymore --it was almost second nature. But Jesus is so good to guide us back to Him. He is the Good Shepherd! I have started to spend a lot of time in his word, pouring over scriptures of truth about who He is and what our legacy is as His precious children. He did not leave us helpless to Satan's accusations. He filled us with His Spirit and equipped us with everything we need. But ultimately, we still have the choice to take a step of faith to believe Him when all evidence points against His love. By His mercy, He has shown me that the only way for me to trust Him and take these very important steps of faith, is by asking Him to do it for me. And these steps of faith are not reserved for the tragic moments in life, but for every single situation we face daily. When my son wet his bed the other day, and I wanted to get frustrated, I had an opportunity for a step of faith with Him. When I was battling a horrible headache and laryngitis at school on Friday, the choice was there for me to make. Earlier today, when Satan starting randomly filling my mind with complaints about my right to a kitchen today, I was given a perfect opportunity to take a little step of faith. Lord, show us how to do this in all of the many details of our lives! Give us truth to combat the Accuser's lies. Fill us with your Life. We so desperately need You, Lord. Amen.