Our Glorious Days

Yeah, You've Heard It All Before... that proverbs 31 promise.

2012-02-02T23:16:00.005-06:00

I like it most when I'm up before the pitter patter of little feet. I like to sit and prepare before they come bounding, excited and ready to start a new day.

They usually start by telling me all about their dreams or informing me they're hungry.

While the house is quiet, I like to set the mood. My mood.

It's a peaceful thing, a quiet house. Before I begin the daily battle that wages deep within me, the battle of self and selflessness, it is best if I start in the quiet.

"She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls." but no servants found here. that's our days work we're planning-- and we begin in the quiet, begging God to help us get it all done.

"She is energetic and strong, a hard worker." because the Lord is her strength. He alone is [her] rock and her salvation. [Her] fortress where [She] will never be shaken.

"She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy." because she knows it's the only way her children will see, those people matter.

And my very favorite part...

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." because she realizes she cannot parent out of fear of their future, or of her past.

"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness." only because she pauses. Breathing quietly and deeply before she responds. (oh, how I needed to read that)

"She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness." because she runs one more time at the cry of help, bends down one more time to pick the little one up, and sits to read... just a little bit longer.

Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. because he knows, this job of being a mother---will keep her close to the heart of God.

So, they tip toe out, into the darkness of early morn one.by.one.

And then your sweeties little baby joins the two of you...

and the list goes on,
and on,
and on.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.

Loves today and always,

"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.

Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised."

Proverbs 31:10-30 NLT

It Goes A Little Like This...

2012-02-01T09:35:00.003-06:00

Sometimes we tattle with earrings on while playing a girly game with our sisters;

other times, we just laugh and giggle like crazy.

Sometimes we sit and have worship together;

other times, the day gets busy and we just worship however we can.

Sometimes we learn new things;

other times, we teach them.

Sometimes we do our favorite things;

Other times, we don't.

Sometimes we all enjoy coffee together;

other times, we enjoy it alone.

Sometimes we fix our hair;

other times, we don't.

Sometimes we plant in the garden;

other times, we harvest.

Sometimes we get to spend time with special friends;

other times, we don't.

Sometimes the front steps we visit on Thursdays look like this,

other times, they look like this.

Sometimes we read books;

other times, we give hair cuts.

Sometimes they go and do school all on their own;

other times, we make them.

Sometimes he cooks in the kitchen;

Other times, he doesn't.

Sometimes we get to do fun things and explore new places;

Other times we can't.

Sometimes we adore nature;

other times we play with it.

Sometimes the kids surprise us with breakfast;

other times we surprise them.

Sometimes we eat real healthy;

other times, not so much.

Sometimes she plays with it every day;

other times, we wonder why we even bought it.

Sometimes we hold one;

other times, we hold more.

When I finish this writing, I will get up and resume my motherly duties. I'll struggle with perfection all day long, expecting it from myself and my children; a perfection that is a lie and impossible to obtain. I will, over and over again, take my thoughts captive and my heart will sing, "He alone is my rock and my salvation my fortress where I will never be shaken."

I will wish I had new carpet and new cabinets forgetting all the things I do have. I'll dream of a fancy trip one moment and wish I could live in a hut in Haiti with lonely, poor, yet joyful people the next. Around two o'clock I'll dream of taking a nap.

I will stumble along falling often, getting back up again, asking for grace to do better next time.

Sometimes we do it well, sometimes we do it wrong. What matters is, we're doing it together. When It's hard, they see. When we fail, they see. When we struggle and lose, they see us try again. This is what our children, our spouse, our friends, this is what the Father sees.

This is what makes Him proud because people failing and trying again is the heart of the God story -- and sharing that truth is what introduces others to the God story.

"The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they may stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23 NLT Dear Friends, don't forget the messy, grace filled person who wrote that song. Yes, the murderer, deceiver, liar, David.

You may know him better by, "The man after God's own heart."

Oh, our God is so... unexplainable.

Loves today and always,

A Painful Memory--The Story of Grace.

2012-01-28T00:47:00.002-06:00

I can still remember how it felt. Walking from the gym into that bathroom stall, I felt like my world was crashing down.

Only four months into my seventeenth year, no place to call home and a baby on the way. I can still remember my thoughts.

I had just walked out of the Gym. I knew that was where I could find him, doing what he loved most, playing the game.

It was getting close, my stomach would soon show. Having taking vows to never speak to each other again, I felt I needed to share just one last thing. Finding him alone in there, I pleaded--

"You have to tell her."

His mom.

I don't know what I really expected in that moment. Two scared kids, thinking we had all the answers. Perhaps I thought he'd turn to me and say, "It's all going to be alright."

He replies, "I don't have to do anything."

Remembering my reaction, I can still feel that empty feeling; I felt like I would die.

Walking away, head hung in shame, world spinning. I found the nearest shelter, a place to hide.

It was the nearest place.

It was empty, nobody around. Falling faintly against the new green wall, sliding down with my hands pressing against my face, tears falling heavily against my cheeks. It was there, in that shameful place, between two walls with a door that latched, the question that haunted me: "Who do you think you are?"

I can remember the pain I felt that day.

"You have no home."

"You are a young girl whose future is gone."

"You are a joke."

"You are hated."

"You are unwanted."

"Look what you've done."

I remember shouting, "I know, I know!" "What am I thinking?!" "Who do I think I am?!" "I cannot do this, I just need to die."

It was there that I found grace.

I can remember it, even this day. I can remember what that broken, humbling moment felt like. I can still feel the scars. Me, just a young girl, alone. No comfort of a home to go to, no family to walk with through the hardest thing I had ever come to. No known hope, no known future, only grace.

I can still remember my sweet, sweet Jesus, "Yes. Yes, you can do this, you are not alone and I will help you."

Grace was there and I was unaware. Unaware of who He even was, who he

really was.

This thought I cannot escape--Grace is everywhere.

We still cross the bridge. The same bridge we passed two or three times per year, usually on holidays traveling home to visit family out of obligation. Now we pass it each week, sometimes more than once, but always on Thursdays. We cross it at the end of a long list of names, delivering sweet meals to lonely people in the town I grew up in.

Passing over that bridge, it all comes back to me--my heart song for so many years, "Please God, never send us here." Crossing that bridge during those years of visits home, I would ask Daniel, "Where is the one place you hope God never sends you?"

He would always reply: "Home."

Now, I cross that bridge just outside of our little town and think, "I can't beleive He brought me home." Then the thought comes again, Grace is everywhere.

Looking around I ponder. Where is this grace?

There is nothing like being in your hometown. NOTHING. There is nothing like seeing people you shared your life with, throwing it all away. Seeing people you loved, some you gave your heart to, some you thought you'd love forever, dying inside, missing grace. It's there, they are just unaware.

There is nothing like something as simple as going to the restroom at a basketball game and walking into a place where you once wept and wanted to die. A place you thought you would never come back to.

It makes me look around and ask myself, what grace am I unaware of now?

I look over at the kitchen table at two teenage boys and ask myself-- Is grace the boy who comes to dinner every chance he can just to sit and be a part of a family? A boy who would never sit here, pray here, share the highs and lows of his day here, if we had not said yes to take in someone from another country? Besides, if it weren't for Angus, we wouldn't even know that boy.

Or what about the girl, the one at the high-school who shared her love for the people of Africa with Angus? Who, when hearing her excitement came home to share with us what she said and now I am able to talk with her about Katie and her amazing work in Uganda. Or was it her parents, who thanked me tonight. Is that grace? Grace that a stranger encouraged their daughter?

Perhaps grace is sitting up into late hours of the night, listening to the terrible, frightening things someone from Taiwan has endured for the sake of pleasing "other gods" A conversation that makes me very afraid of the reality of hell. A conversation that makes my heart break even more for the ones who have never heard of the goodness of our sweet Jesus.

Then, of course, there is grace in his excitement as he starts to see a glimpse of what grace really is.

Could it be in the little old lady hugging me saying, "Thank you for making time for me." Is all the cost, all the time, all the preparation that goes into that one meal? Is that grace?

Is grace my girls going to visit with the grandparents who nobody wants to visit? Sitting and learning how to crochet? Listening closely to all the stories from the past wondering why their real grandchildren can't find the time to stop by, is that grace?

What about a bunch of home-school families gathering together for a field trip, some on their very first one, even after several years of homeschooling? Could it be grace? Just knowing it's because you finally said, "OK, I'll do it.

Is grace taking tonight's meal to a bunch of high-school basketball boys in the town you hoped you'd never return to, watching your husband, the grace filled love of your life, who once said, "I don't have to do anything" coach one of your little graces on the court of his favorite game, during half time, remembering a time when a conversation in that same gym sent you away ready to die? (yes, read it again... s.l.o.w and insert your graces)

Oh friends--

it.must.all.be.grace

Loves Always,

Grace

2011-12-30T02:08:00.001-06:00

When we got there, of course, it happened again. Looking around in amazement, I thought to myself, "Just get busy and get rid of some of this stuff."

She seemed to walk fine to me, playing with her little puppy outside. In fact, when we got there she was walking around her yard on her cell phone. Why does she need our help, I wondered.

I unloaded my four little children into the cold evening air expecting to finish in two hours only to reach the gate and know it would take much more than a cold evening, this would take another day.

She had replied to an ad we had placed in the local paper offering free leaf raking help to local people 55+ who either needed help or needed us to do the job for them. We were there to rake her yard. A simple task. After all, her yard needed major help, it had not been tended to for several years.

When you walked through the gate, you could see her life which once was. Play toys, flower gardens, sitting areas, and even a pool. At first glance someone would think...

"This person doesn't need help, she just needs to clean up her yard."

That is what I love about our Jesus. It's not always the person who needs help he's helping, it's usually me.

We worked hard that night, doing as much as we could. The kids we're having a blast, there were so many leaves to have fun in, making piles, running and jumping. Discovering treasures that had been buried under the mess of leaves for what looked like, years.

We all do it. We judge. We make excuses for why someone isn't worthy of our Graces. Why we don't have time to help. Why our help won't make a difference because we're just one person.

So, we never start.

As I worked that night, I couldn't stop thinking about Grace and how absolutely desperate I am for it's gift and how so many of us look like we don't need it.

I stopped and chatted with Ms. Mary for a bit. She told me of her grand kids who once swam in the big pool now overtaken with weeds and how long she saved for that patio furniture nobody sits in anymore. She shared with me about all the pins in her back, the countless surgeries she had endured and how she was preparing for yet another one. She said thank you countless times. When we left, her eyes filled with tears and she said,

"Nobody ever helps."

She had experienced Grace. I don't know how it happened, I mean, all we did was rake some leaves. My goodness, the kids even argued a few times over the rakes.

How does grace show up looking like some crazy kids and a tired mom?

When we love people, no matter how big or small He does all the rest. He moves and stirs their hearts, He uses our crazy, messed up lives to love and help people.

It's how they know, He cares.

They know He cares because you came. Because you sat and chatted, because you touched them. Because you hugged them, cleaned their house, talked them away from their addiction one more time, took them into your home one more time, or perhaps forgave them once again.

I realized that night, for the first time, some people, just need to see Jesus.

Some people don't need to be taught about Jesus; they don't even need to hear the Sunday sermon. They've heard it all before; they know about Jesus, they've heard the stories. Some may even sit in a pew all their days and never really see Jesus.

I'd like to tell you it's always easy. I'd like to tell you loving on people always brings you contentment, always fills your voids. I'd like to tell you everyone we deliver meals to on Thursdays are always nice, and I'm totally fulfilled doing Eleos. I'd like to tell you I'm totally content where I am in serving others and I'd like to tell you I don't pray each time I read Katie's updates that He would send me there to help. I'd like to tell you, I don't question God and beg Him to let me do something more. I'd like to tell you I've never had to stop and pray before we leave on Thursdays asking God to forgive me for yelling at the kids or being impatient when we're trying to get out of the house.

But I can't

I can't because I am desperate. So, desperate for His Grace. I can't because I'm broken. I'm broken and only complete in Him.

Like so many, I didn't deserve grace. I was a liar and a thief. I was an unwed mother at 17. I was selfish, mean, and full of hate. I was broken.

I wonder why we look at that and say, Yes that person needs Jesus, they need our help. But we look at the people who are lazy, maybe spend their money in the wrong places and can't pay their bills, perhaps they don't make wise choices, maybe they gossip, or have been mean to us and we decide they deserve what they have, "what they've created for themselves."

I remember a question was once asked of me.

"What does the face of someone who has experienced grace look like?"

I think Katie Davis puts it best. She says, "People come up to her all the time saying:

"Wow, you are so lucky you have found what God wants you to do with your life." Katie says she always thinks, " Well, I didn't just find it... I read it in the Bible." She continues, "As someone who calls themselves Christ followers, it is made very apparent that as Christ followers we are to love others as we love ourselves. "Well", she continues, "myself doesn't want to be starving and so I don't want other people in the world to be starving."

Maybe it's all a little more simple than we thought. I wonder why we're worried to start doing something? Why don't we realize that if He demands it of us, He probably has a plan to see us through.

Loves,

Tip Toe Into Our Little World For Just a Moment...

2011-12-20T13:53:00.001-06:00

The days are fleeting. January will soon be here.

Busy as "santa's elves" here at the Gibson home. Each day brings something new, the calender is packed full. Try as I might, it still happens. So, just focusing on the moments that are not full and filling them with things that matter.

A couple Eleos updates have ran in our local paper and I have failed to update here. This is the latest one:

Eleos Outreach Update:
Tis the season to share LOVE! Actually, I suppose it's always the season for that, isn't it?

Some of you might recall our offered service last month of raking leaves. I just cannot explain how great that was! Having our children out and about loving people AND playing in leaves... well, that's the best of both worlds ; ) To those of you who called and allowed us to help, thank you.

Praise the Lord, Thursday meals are going great and we are so happy we don't have to take a Thursday off this month because Christmas falls on Sunday! Speaking of Christmas, that time is upon us and we are so excited! This time of the year more than any, people are in a giving spirit. Knowing this, I hope you are making every effort to get out and love on some people this holiday season! Here are a few ideas to help you get out and about this holiday season, maybe you'll make a new friend!

*Bake goodies for your neighbors.
*Have your children make a homemade craft for an elderly person on your street.
*Read to an elderly person for one hour a week or just visit them and ask them about their childhood Christmas memories.
*Ask your children about the kids at school, is there a family who is struggling that you could help?
*When you are eating dinner out, pick a random family to bless with a free dinner, catch their waitress and tell them you want the bill, but keep it a secret.
*Take goodies to your local businesses, thanking them for their services.
*Take time to get to know your mailman/lady. They are working hard this time of year, leave them a little treat in the mailbox.
*Go Christmas caroling.

We will be out and about Christmas Caroling for our Thursday meal people, Wednesday Dec 21st 6-8pm. If you or someone you know would like to have a little Christmas fun with us, feel free to come along! Afterward, we will gather at our home for hot cocoa and snacks. It's a church night and schedules are busy but we thought we'd put the offer out there anyway! If you'd like more info or you'd like to go, call us. I cannot tell you how much this little, simple thing brings joy to people! Remember, many of our area Seniors are shut in their home and unable to get out. What a great way to bring the joy of Christmas to them!

Blessings to you this Holiday Season and always!
The Gibson Family
Daniel, Kati & the other five =)

Our Alli, who started Public School last fall is returning home... whew! Glad that is over. Man, we miss that girl! I now value Homeschooling in a whole new way and at a much higher level. We are not political about homeschooling, we don't let the government or anything like that effect our decisions of school but now, knowing how blessed I am to give my children the education I feel is best AND be with them all day... it is absolutely priceless.

On a lighter note, she is having a little sleepover for her school friends and a few other girls tonight since she won't be going back. It's a Polar Express PJ Party. =)

Giggles will be filling our home tonight, folks.

This past weekend we had our annual "g-tribe hide and shop" That is where we all go to the mall and split up to do shopping. Daniel and I divide the kids between us and take them shopping for each other. Except, they only have 30-45 min and $10 of their own money to spend per person. They will buy a gift for Daniel and I and each other. It is so fun tucking in and out of stores, asking stores for empty bags so the other team doesn't know where you went shopping... After 30-45 min, we switch. It's a fun tradition.

Next year, we are doing Christmas a lot different. After several years of compromise about rather or not we should do gifts, we have decided to stop compromising and give all Christmas to other people and not to ourselves. It is something we have struggled with for a long time. This year, many of our close friends received a gift in their name of something special to World Vision.

After Thanksgiving this year, we all gathered around the fireplace one night and chose what we thought was best to get. Everyone voted and the final verdict was a share of an Ox, share of a Fresh Clean Water Well, and a share of a Donkey. But that just wasn't enough. We could have done more. Instead, we filled our tree with things for ourselves. =(

Really, in our home, we just explain it away...

"Well, we never by the kids toys."

"Hey, we never buy ourselves anything for fun."

"Oh, we really need that,"

After reading this post by Ann Voskamp, both Daniel and I finally broke. We had already shared with others, but it wasn't our best fruit. Our best fruit went under the tree.

It was fun during this years hide and shop, talking with each other about how great next year will be.

The kids were saying things like...

"What will we buy for others?"

"Oh, remember all those things we wanted to get from the catalog but didn't!?"

"Oh, think about all the things we can send our sponsored child, Jonnah in Zambia!"

I couldn't beleive, even the kids were excited!

Meanwhile, I was thinking...

"I won't be out and about stressing about buying gifts."

"We will have more time to focus on what really matters."

"Maybe we'll get through every day of our Advent Devotion next year."

I think it is just like all those other chains in our lives, once we finally let go... we are set free.

My chains are gone,
I've been set free.

Amazing Grace.

So Amazing,
it consumes us,
challenges us,
convicts us,
humbles us.

I'll write more soon!

Living To Love,

Because Thankfulness Must Remain

2011-11-24T15:20:00.002-06:00

When today is over and life has resumed, may thankfulness remain.

When the laundry piles and the dishes remain, may thankfulness remain.

When they are all asleep and your work remains, may thankfulness remain.

When the family who is nice to you today, is mean to you tomorrow, saying hurtful things; may thankfulness remain.

When it seems like you've just had enough and you feel like nobody cares, may thankfulness remain.

"We give thanks to God not because of how we feel – but because of Who He is."

- Ann Voskamp

Thankfull for Him, Thankfull for you.

"Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"

Ephesians 5:20

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:17

"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other."

2 Thessalonians 1:3

He lifts his head with joy and says "It sounds just like poetry!"

I say, "Yes, Yes! You're right, it is like a poem! It's an overflow of David's heart, to our Lord."

And my heart is filled with Joy and Thanksgiving.

May your thankfulness remain, my friend.

Happy giving thanks.

Living to Love,

Because Sometimes It's You Who Needs To Change

2011-11-22T11:40:00.001-06:00

Gen. V,24

Oh! for a closer walk with God,
A calm and heavenly frame;
A light to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb!

Where is the blessedness I knew
When first I saw the Lord?
Where is the soul-refershing view
Of Jesus and his word?

What peaceful hours I once enjoyed!
How sweet their memory still!
But they have left an aching void,
The world can never fill.

Return, O holy Dove, return!
Sweet the messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made thee mourn
And drove thee from my breast.

The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
And worship only thee.

So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.

William Cowper

May your eyes be open to the fullness of His grace and the vastness of this broken world.

May your thoughts be taken captive, and your words be as beautiful as ivory keys played on a cold Autumn morning.

May your walk with God be closer and closer each day.

Praying this for you today, my friend.

Only because it challenges me each and every day.

I'll write more soon. ; )

Living to Love,

Related Posts:
Grace
I Had A Person Ask Me Once
A New Resolution For Independence Day

She Spreads Her Wings to Fly

2011-10-10T22:32:00.000-05:00

... and one leaves for school.

Alli having her morning quiet time on the swing

There's not a reason really, not a big why or how come.

I only know, it was time and she'll do just fine.

One step at a time,

Related Posts:
Monday's Coming, Mommas
In The Garden
During Spring Break, We

Missing Home

2011-10-02T08:32:00.001-05:00

I would type more....

... If I could see the screen more clearly through my tears.

Mandy, Remember When?

2011-09-25T23:04:00.004-05:00

Remember when the boys stole the beer and left us hanging at the club?

Remember all those red lights we drove through?

Remember the ice blue eye liner?

Remember your Probe with the windows down "bumpin'" No Scrubs?

Remember Mr. Wantland?

Remember us all taking the Limousine to Chuck e Cheese on prom night and "Chuck e" singing Happy Birthday to me? It was so totally not my birthday.

Remember the canned cinnamon rolls you made me that morning I skipped school and Mr. Berry turned me in... remember I got suspended from school and you were totally excused because you were "sick" Yeah, I was dating Johnny then...

Remember Secondine, hiding next to the car trying to hide from the police?

Remember when you met Jon, what was the teachers name in that class again?

Remember when I would visit you folding laundry at the old people home? = ) Yeah, I almost forgot that one too.

Remember Mercedes?

Remember running from the cops and Robby threw it out the window?

Remember the woods at the new lake?

Remember the spook light?

Remember how I told you his lips were so soft?

Remember that lunch at El Charro after you got the news?

Remember the letter you wrote me telling me what happened?

Remember my news?

Remember when I found that note in your book?

Remember when you called me and said you missed me and I came that night too meet Jayden?

Remember when you met my Alli? The day she was born.

Remember you were the only true friend I saw that day?

Remember when I told you he had came back?

I remember the day,

the day you told me...

"Kati, I've been going to church."

And today, you surrendered.

"And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." --Apostle Paul, written to God's holy people in the city of Colosse, who were faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. Taken from Colossians 2:6-7

Now, you are my true sister.

God is so good to make all things new.

I love you.

A Silent Post

2011-09-25T02:02:00.001-05:00

Loves,

.

If Something Is Hurting You Might Just Be Doing Something Right.

2011-09-20T23:25:00.005-05:00

What does Eleos look like these days, that is the most common question.

Well, I feel our home is now adjusted to having five children, one a teenager. The one and only shower gets a work out, that's for sure ; )

Eleos is still a jewel, so precious.

We're well over thirty now and I stand in awe each week of how big God is because I just don't know how we do it. I've started praying, seriously for a big van for deliveries, food purchases; trips to the store. Also praying for a second oven. Hey, you never know! =)

Each week, some steps are hard to take. A long walk to the door, sometimes swallows me in sadness.

It always starts with the neighbors, Mrs. Jewel and Mrs Barbara. They are usually in good spirits, both in their eighties. Mrs. Jewel is a little thing, loves to talk about her kids who never come to visit. Mrs. Barbara always has such funny hair, the kids always like to see what it looks like this week. Sometimes she's having a panic attack, nothing a little prayer doesn't help. I've only known it to get serious once, which put her in the hospital for a week.

Next it's on to Mrs. Wanda, Mrs. Ruth, Mrs. Angie, and Mrs. Wilma. Mrs. Wanda is a quiet one, keeping mostly to herself. Mrs. Ruth was our first, she has been in and out of the hospital, some nights she feels sick and I take her dinner. I will be honest, I wonder each time I knock... will she answer.

Mrs. Angie is such a hoot, she is almost completely deaf. The kids LOVE it when I call her on Thursday mornings. I yell at her, "HI MRS. ANGIE, IT'S KATI WITH THURSDAY MEALS; I'M BRINGING YOU LUNCH TODAY!" she always says, "OH"... "OH, YEAH" ... "OK" We always chat for a bit while the children walk down the sidewalk to Gram Wilma's. Angie talks a lot about her kids and often about how terrible it was losing her husband.

Then of course, it's on to Gram Wilma's house. She has a special place in our hearts. You will see her when you drive up, sitting behind her glass door waiting for a shadow to walk up the way. She is almost totally blind. When the children take her drawings, she always holds them upside down, trying to make out what they are. She always says, "Oh it's beautiful" =) She hugs tight and waves goodbye through the glass door, watching the shadow drive away.

We stop next at Mrs. Mildred's home, she just celebrated her 90th birthday, the balloon we took her still hovers over her old broken living room furniture, walls telling stories of once upon a time. "My kids never visit me anymore", she says, "they're all too busy now." "All I have are these pictures to keep me company now."

Mr. Walter is just around the bend, he's new. One of our younger ones, just past 60. His body is broken and trying to raise two teen girls.

Mr. Clifford and Mrs. Wanda are next on the stop, along with their friends who are always there for lunch. Mr. Clifford is such a hoot, 90 years old; he gives the kids a hard time ; ) Mrs. Wanda is ever loving, always sweet. Sometimes they send us out the door with popcorn or even an ice cream bar. Jordan always wears a pretty dress for Mr. Clifford ; ) We take four meals here, so they can eat together with friends.

It's a drive back into town as we visit Mrs. Juanita, Mrs. Nell, her caregiver, Mrs. Brown, and Mrs. Virginia. All sweet ladies only two or three blocks from each other, neither one knowing the other. I can't really explain the sweet simple joy I have when we walk into these sweet ladies homes and see pictures of our family or pictures the kids have drawn tacked to their walls.

They think of us too.

Driving across town now to our perfect mid-way stop, Mr. Norman and Mrs. Joan. Lovely is the word we use to describe Mrs. Joan, sitting always in her chair looking out at the beautiful birds and trees; working her crossword puzzles. Stricken by stroke, she has no other choice. Ornery is the word we use to describe Mr. Norman, always making us smile. Absolutely crazy about them, is the phrase we use to explain the way we feel about those two.

We stop next at Mrs. Mary's home. I have never met Mary, only her caregivers and her son. Her son does many things for the community and called me because he thought it would be a nice change of pace, someone else cooking on Thursdays. Mrs. Mary has Alzheimer's.

From there it's on to Mrs. Doris and Mr. James' house. Mrs. Doris' son just had his leg amputated, so I take a meal for him as well. I've never met Mr. James, only talked with him on the phone. He never goes outside and when Mrs. Doris is leaving, I can't deliver lunch, because can't get to the door. He is always a joy to talk to on the phone and Mrs. Doris and I exchange conversation out on the porch, it's always nice.

We drive next, around the corner to our Granny Wilson's home. Always sitting at her table reading her bible, we tap on the window. She greets us with a hug and we usually talk about the birds and plan our Saturday breakfast together.

From that Grandma, it's on to another, my mom. Not always such a great encouragement and probably one of my biggest complainers, (yes there are complainers) I just get to love on her this day, it always takes a little extra Jesus ; )

From there, it's around the corner and up the road to Mr. Bill. Sitting in his wheel chair opening the door as we walk up the way, he always gives a smooch on the cheek. He is another, always talking about his wife and children. His wife passed thirteen years ago, he always shows me the picture. One of his sons died right before, he always talks about how he could have done things different.

There is a break in time as we drive the country roads to the next homes, four people total. Dodging pot holes, and racing against the time, it's starting to get late in the lunch hour. We stop and visit Mr. Phillip and Mrs. Connie, always sweets involved. ; ) Then it's a stretch over to our last two, Mrs. Carol and her husband. He makes things, like guns and knives, and loves to show and tell. They have been so very sweet to donate a bug collection and lots of old magazines to our little homeschool = )

Oh, there are some not mentioned and some no longer on our route. As we drive by, we are sad; they've died or moved to a care home. Just two weeks ago, I sat next to a dying woman, unable to eat or drink, prayed with her, tried to share with her a glimmer of hope. She passed two days later. Then there are the ones, who surprise us. They seem fine and then all of a sudden, they're gone either passed or to a care home.

I walk up most stairs with a heavy heart. As the list grows my heart gets heavier, wishing there was more time. Wishing I could do more for each one, spend more time, help more. It's like almost everything in my life, God keeps reminding me... you're doing enough, for now.

It's hard mentally sometimes, as it should be. When it gets that way, I remember something Daniel told me one day almost two years ago when I was, what felt like, completely broken...

"Investment sometimes hurts, that is why people don't do it. You will lose someone, or be hurt by someone, sometime. It is easier to keep everything on the surface. When you love someone, you are vulnerable to anything."

That is something I think of often as people are sick, lonely and wanting to talk just a bit longer; or even dying. When it hurts just a little, I remind myself it's because we're taking the time to care.

I say this not to pat myself on the back, my any means but to encourage you:

If something is hurting... you might just be doing something right.

Loves,

Related Posts:
A Snow Date
Eleos Update
Love Starts at Home
Making Sweet Love on a Bad Day

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My Missouri Ladies, HELP!

2011-09-16T10:26:00.000-05:00

Fall is in the air and we are dying to pick apples! Oh how I miss the good ol days of driving to Seymour for wheat and fruit = (

Here in Oklahoma, most are saying apples are no good this year due to the drought. A day trip to Missouri is in my future if someone can tell me where I can find lots of fresh apples for baking and canning. ; )

A sweet day at the park with families would be a nice addition to this trip.

Email me = )

We Never Thought It Would Be Any Different

2011-09-15T01:00:00.001-05:00

Young and crazy when they first met;

now their boys share the same excitement.

They were totally in love with Jesus, fishing for men...

...ready to take on the world.

Carpooling to early class, both sharing struggles and troubles.

Holding each other accountable, struggling through ministry, "stuff".

They ask each other then, "Why didn't we do this more when we were close?"

And they agree... "We never thought it would be any different."

... "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. "

1 Colossians 1:9-14

Blessed,

Wlll He Even Like Us?

2011-09-08T23:36:00.001-05:00

As I type a little update, Angus sits next to us on our bed, writing in his journal; Daniel has fallen asleep between us.

Before he came we wondered, will he even like us.

I ask, "Has anyone seen Angus? He has to get to school." "Yes", they say... "he's laying with Judah."

He asks, "Where do we live; can I put Taiwan on here?"

He quizzes me: "How do you know He loves you... because you read it in a book?"

God is so good.

Surely This is Enough

2011-09-01T00:18:00.017-05:00

Hitting the snooze this morning at 5:30, thinking of the day ahead; longing for just a few more moments of stillness, I question myself:

"How do I, in the mist of these busy days... fall deeply, madly, crazy in love with our magnificent Savior?"

Sneaking into the kitchen, starting a pot of coffee, thinking surely this will aid in my pondering...

little ones start to explore. Messy hair, open hearts, ready for a new day of adventure, care, love and nurture. I think to myself...

"How do I, in the mist of these busy days... fall deeply, madly, crazy in love with these precious children God has entrusted me with each and every day- all day? "

A quick pause in between the to do list of the day, I scribble a cry out to my big God:

"I confess the Spirit is not leading my actions- my worries and fears are."

Quickly moving on to the next thing, I know He hears my heart.

Then I sit, for just a moment in the still of the evening, children all tucked and loved after a full day, the house boasting of tonight's wonderful company; enjoying, finally, that pot of coffee I started early this morning, the kitchen full of signs of tomorrow's Eleos...

I pray this song, and think...

"Surely, sometimes my cries are enough. Surely, God is pleased by my constant thought of Him. "

My hands are searching for You
My arms are outstretched towards You
I feel You on my fingertips
My tongue dances behind my lips for You

This fire rising through my being
Burning, I'm not used to seeing You

I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

My hands float up above me
And You whisper You love me
And I begin to fade
Into our secret place

The music makes me sway
The angels singing say we are alone with You
I am alone and they are too with You

And so I cry
The light is white
And I see You

I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive

Take my hand, I give it to you
Now you own me, all I am
You said You would never leave me
I believe You, I believe

-David Crowder Band, Flyleaf Cover

Finally, I draw the conclusion, yes it is enough.

..."People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions." 1 Samuel 16:7

Which brings me such joy knowing He sees the most important part, and He cares.

He is so very good,

Tomorrow, She's 2

2011-08-30T23:18:00.000-05:00

And believe me, she knows it.

Loves,

We've Walked Into a New World...

2011-08-28T22:01:00.004-05:00

...and we have a feeling we'll never be the same again.

A necklace, Angus brought everyone gifts. Beautiful gifts.

At the BBQ, everyone had lots of questions. He was so nice to answer everyone even after a 20 hr flight and no sleep.

Look at my Audrey ; )

You know... I have to give him back in one year; that's gonna be hard on this momma. But we met his family today, they seem so wonderful.

Loves,

Welcome To Our Home...

2011-08-27T03:32:00.002-05:00

Well, it's 3:00 am and I'm headed to bed, I'll be waking in about three hours to do a few things outside before we all head to the air port to pick up Angus! Believe me, I will not be as tired as he will be... he's been flying for almost 24 hours.

sheesh!

We have a little BBQ planned with some friends coming over, thanks to our all big and grown up (little) Audrey. She studied abroad in Italy this past year and has had so much great advice for me. My Aunt Val sent a very encouraging email with her experience, my friend Karen wrote and re-assured me we will not be teaching him math, because Asians are very proficient in Math. Thank God! I am sooo bad at math. AND so many of you have wrote to congratulate and encourage us! Thank you! We really are excited.

Here is a little peek at his welcome packet. Our rep said we should write out rules for him so he can always refer back to them. Well, you can't have a book of just rules. So I tried to make it fun.

Oh, You should see the boy room, it's so stinkin' cute. (can I say that about a teenager boys room?) Well, it is. He has a white board, coat hooks, places for pictures, he even has his own trash can.

I know, I'm a nerd. But, hey... I had to work some magic to fit all seven of us into this three bedroom house. =)

Magic baby, magic.

Soon, I'll do a post with some foreign exchange process questions (although we're just beginning!!) But I've had so many. Maybe I'll just tag a few on at the end of posts...

Q1: Have we ever talked with his parents?

A1: No, we received a letter with his packet but that has been all so far.

Q2: Do you get paid to host a foreign exchange students.

A2: I don't know about all companies, but in this one... NO. You get a $50/per month tax break though. We are going through Forte; again, we're just starting... I'll let you know how it all goes. So far, so good though.

Yes, we will get back to life/posts as normal someday soon, sorry!

Loves,

There Are Just Times...

2011-08-23T23:19:00.001-05:00

When you feel so small.

This was grace - short film from Andrew Laparra on Vimeo.

This video was on Ann's page, someone I've taken a bit of a liking to as of late. May it encourage and change you today.

like.a.real.change.

Loves,

Yes, I'll Teach You English

2011-08-21T21:53:00.001-05:00

When we received our first email from Angus, our new student arriving next Friday...

"Dear my best Host mom and dad :
How are you ?
I'm Angus,I recieved message at the moment ,I'm very glad to be your family.
I probably take the plane from TAIWAN to USA on 26,
I'm expect to be able with you this year!
My English grammar is poor, I'm learning please teach me more,thanks"

.... I couldn't help but think,

"Yes, I'll teach you English along with my toddler."

God is SO GREAT! He's so great because He actually thinks we can do this.

Excited!

Related Posts:
Well, Because We're Crazy: Here's an Exciting Announcement.

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Well, Because We're Crazy: Here is an Exciting Announcement!

2011-08-19T09:21:00.002-05:00

When they sat down at our lunch table during camp and asked if we'd ever thought about being foreign exchange "parents" we never would have dreamed he'd be living in our home less than two weeks later.

So this morning when I received the email that read:

"The school has everything now except for an updated transcript. The placement has been confirmed so now we are waiting for Taiwan to finish their paperwork and give us a travel date!"

...my tummy did a little nervous sick feeling, like I was jumping off a bridge or something. A feeling I've had lots of times considering any time God does something in our lives, it is SUPER quick. We usually look back and say, "Who would have thought..."

I just keep thinking about how we almost didn't go to camp and how I almost didn't go to the mom meeting at camp where the lady met me and thought "Hey, they would be a great host home." and then I think about how I prayed and prayed God would bring something more than just a fun family time out of that trip to camp. So, I have to just rest in knowing, "He knew all along."

Something He keeps reminding me.

When I pictured my life, a few years ago... it looked nothing like it does today. But God could see it all and one can only hope, having surrendered my life to Him, He prepares me for each step I take every day.

So, this step takes me into the school I just left ten years ago and enroll him into classes. I'll become a "mom" to a High School Boy from Taiwan. He'll share our rules and be introduced to our values. We'll stumble through language barriers and math problems. Kind of exciting, acutally really exciting.

This morning, when I told Alli it was a done deal, she said, "What about Grandma, what will she say... you know mom sometimes she says things that aren't really nice." I said, "Grandma?" "I'm not worried about Grandma, what if he doesn't like us?"

Alli said, "Yeah we are a pretty crazy family." =)

Be parying for us, that we'll be a good home for him. That God has a bigger plan than just him learning about America. Pray we can honor his family by doing a good job and making it the best experience possible. During their free time at his home, they mountain bike up the mountains in Taiwan. Ummmm, yeah... not so much here. =)

We need to get a bunk bed, twin over full; among other things, that is the most important. If you know of anyone who has a good wooden one for sale, we sure could use it... we've been looking and looking and looking with no luck. All three girls already share a room and they have a twin over twin, Jordan and Emmyn on bottom. We've been looking for a twin over full for the girls room and we'll put the twin over twin in Judah's room. Well, now we need to get it within the next few days.

I'm always a little fearful to share announcements like this. We'll see, you never know... it could fall through but I suppose we need to get ready!

Thanks for praying, it's not a big deal but something we're new at so prayers are appreciated.

Loves,

We're Home! It Was So Great!

2011-08-17T23:33:00.005-05:00

Well, we're home! I thought camp was until Thursday, it was actually until Wednesday. Good for us, we had a ton on things to do here to catch up.

Upon returning home, the garden looked like a wild jungle, the yard green like spring! The rains have been very good to us. Tomatoes are turning red, okra is still putting out, and we enjoyed our first cantaloupe of the season today! Finally, fruits of our labor. There were plenty of zinnias for a fresh flower bouquet on our kitchen table tonight at dinner. *sigh*

I.love.home.

We had a FANTASTIC, AMAZING, UNFORGETTABLE time at camp! Seriously, this is a top of the line place. Not fancy, and such; just seriously staff led, people lovin' , God loving, wanna serve ya to the fullest, be like Jesus kind of place. They were so great.

Here is how it would work:

We'd wake up and have breakfast, 8:00am. After breakfast, we'd have two hours of learning initiatives, (remember, homeschool camp) We had six initiatives total. The ones we chose were:

primitive fire building
horse sense
rope making
archery
target shooting
fossils (little ones) horse trail rides (Daniel and Alli)

Every initiative would have spiritual teaching to go along with it. So great. They would just slip it in there without it being a big deal, yet planting little seeds in our little peoples hearts.

They had nursery for two and under during those times, so helpful. I'm not big on nursery stuff, but this was so helpful; especially since we where shooting guns, making fire, and playing with bow and arrows ; )

alli and daniel were able to go on a trail ride, the other children were too young, I did fossils with them instead.

archery

rope making with two other families

jump roping with the rope we made.

a little gun shooting ; )

I'll have you know, I shot the best out of our whole group, twice. I even beat Daniel both times. Oh, yeah... I'm a natural.

After learning initatives, it was time for lunch, 12:00. After lunch, it was free time. During free time, you had the choice of SEVERAL activities.

ropes corse

zip line

creek play

bugie jumping type things

tight ropes

rock climbing

canoeing

kayaking

basketball

pool

volleyball

and much more.

I totally zip lined! No big deal really, considering, my girls did everything known to man! They were trying to kill themselves, I think. Either that, or kill me by way of heart attack.

that is me up there! second from the left, scared out of my mind!

It was so great though. Do you know how much it cost to zip line? Yeah! There was no way I was going to pass up this deal. It was totally free at our camp. Everything was, we had to take advantage of it. Now, my girls going upside-down? Hmmm, I don't know about that; but they did it anyway. =)

That video is Jordan. She is sort of in the middle; dark blue shirt and yellow hat. She throws out a peace sign at the end. ; ) Cute Jordi-Pie.

You can go HERE to see Alli. She is the one in pink. Every time you see a girl in the zip line in a pink shirt, that is her. They were camera happy with her. ;) She's such a brave soul. Speaking of brave souls, if you scroll towards the end of the pictures, (on that link) you will see me on the zip line, hands off, being silly. I was so brave. I tell my kids all the time... "I'm such a cool mom." They don't think cool moms say that. = (

After fun time, it was dinner time. After dinner was family worship and teaching. After worship was fun time. They would have a hay ride, pool party, organized game, etc. A little bit of something for everyone. I usually headed back to the cabin to sleep with Emmyn. One night, Alli and I did some goofy stuff with the camera while Emmyn slept.

starting out normal

I said, "let's be silly"

Alli said, "let's be snobby" she couldn't hang. =)

then we thought we'd do a little teenager move. =)

It was so nice, being there. It was like a little peace of heaven for a few days. The kids felt normal. Everyone got a long, there were no clicks, no adult clicks or kid clicks. Everyone dressed appropriately, they all giggled like little children and the parents encouraged one another, some in word, others in deed. When worship time came, the voices filled the little chapel. It wasn't anything fancy or a big show. Just simple and good. It was a very nice change of pace.

All in all, it was such a great tip. We've already planned to start saving for next year and just so you know... I think you should too ; )

Related Posts:
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To All These Special People

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Get This Cuteness!

2011-08-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

No, no, I'm not home or even around internet... I just did some future dated posts before I left. ; )

CLICK HERE and enjoy this total sweetness for free!

Loves,

Happy Birthday To My Man...

2011-08-13T23:00:00.001-05:00

I love you because you don't love me most, and that's why it all works.

"...But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes."

1 Corinthians 8:3

song finding compliments to my friend, Ginny... because she knows me so well. ; )

Taking a Break... Eleos Update

2011-08-13T01:35:00.004-05:00

Well, I have to say... I cannot beleive all the sweet emails I received about my sassy new cut! I must say, I really love it. I go through these little "mid twenties crisis" every now and again. *sigh* They won't be mid twenties much longer, well a couple more years yet. ; ) Needless to say, thank you SO much for the kind words!

Now, for a question to tackle, "Have we really taken out our TV?" HA! Yes, we have. I suppose that is a post for another day ; )

Next question on the docket, Eleos update. I know, I'm so bad! Here is the update that ran in our local paper this week:

click to enlarge picture

Well, we're taking a little break, leaving tomorrow. Well today (Saturday) for Homeschool Camp. Doesn't that sound so "1980's big hair in a bun'ish"? I think so ; )

Anyhow, we are headin' out for five days to New Life Ranch in Colcord, OK to attend their annual homeschool family camp. I don't know much about the camp, and I have never heard of this little town but we're sure to know all about those little details by this time next week ; )We've just struggled to find people around us who homeschool, so we thought this would be a fun way to meet some families. Hopefully we can attend each year to see the people we meet and reconnect.

I don't expect to have email and I'm unsure about cell phone coverage. In fact, I don't even know if we will be able to store milk for my little Emmyn. I sort of didn't think we would actually get to go on this trip, so I didn't bother to get much info. Now, here we are. Hmmmmmm.... I should probably be packing. =)

Speaking of friends, I did sort of leave you hanging with my little play date last week. Well, it was super. In fact, they even came the very next day ; ) They have four children, like us, a tad bit older; youngest being seven; still the children did wonderful. We had a splended time and have even decided to do some school stuff together bi-weekly. We're going to do a state and President's club. So fun! (again, I've got the big bun feelin')

My Loves birthday is Sunday, we celebrated tonight.

Whew! enjoy all those typos...it's late = )

For Those Of You...

2011-08-11T19:08:00.001-05:00

For those of you who care, I got a new hair cut. Not to mention, I also bought a pretty little dress; compliments of the half price number at Goodwill, lucky number 30.

I sip a lot of tea, read a lot, and I'm feelin' a little fine tuning going on from my Father. So, I'm not writing much, just thinking. But I'll write soon, for those of you who care ; )

Loves,

To All My Homeschool Mommas...

2011-08-05T16:11:00.000-05:00

This place is amazing. I called today to see if they had this, and this. They had both... which is totally crazy! Not to mention, the cost is a quarter of the original sales price and they gladly ship. Just call them to see if they have what you need.

Super nice ladies, I've met them both... but I'm sure you knew I'd just have to meet them =) I'm a meeting kind of gal!

BUSY, busy here getting ready for this school year. So excited, God is so good, teaching me new things every day.

A picture of what is going on in my home right now: Jordan and Judah on the piano, Judah just burped, everyone exploded in laughter. Alli painting next to me and Emmyn playing legos, fully clothed... that's a big deal. Just read Katie's blog, we're going to start a "go visit Katie jar." I have to meet her. Actually, I have to move and help her, just pack up my little family and go. However, *sigh* God just doesn't see things my way, how come?

Judah and Jordan are now kicking a ball in the kitchen; they're talking about "double-bedding". Oh, they've moved to the hallway and Emmyn has joined them, leaving legos behind.

I digress.

Loves,

The Beauty of Being Made New

2011-08-02T22:31:00.001-05:00

I'd like to tell you it's because we fell in love at first sight or because we've always been friends.

I'd like to tell you it was the most perfect thing from start til now, that it started with a white dress and a sweet vows.

I'd like to tell you it's because we fell in love and then decided to start a family, and I'd like to tell you we've never repaired holes in our walls or even in our hearts.

But I simply I can't.

However, what I am able to tell you is this:

God is so very good and makes all things new.

So, tonight when I found a little note on my computer that read...

"Check out OUR new song! 10 years baby we have been stuck together!!!

Yippee...

Be sure and turn the music up loud!!!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q9Gou6d9Uo

...my little heart melted and I cried like a baby while we danced in our living room.

He isn't the boy I married, rather the man I fell in love with.

God is so good.

Happy 10 years to the man I love most on this Earth.

I love you,

Related Posts:
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Living Our Cinderella Story

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A Random Day in The Life of a Simple Chelsea Girl

2011-07-29T23:59:00.006-05:00

I'm not even going to lie, I still can't beleive I live here. Nothing wrong with it, I just can't beleive it. It's a totally random, nothing I ever planned, completely crazy kind of thing!

I like to wear pretty dresses, I think I'll start to wear only pretty dresses. I need to go to some garage sales to find some. Found one today, when I stopped at a local garage sale. The man saw I was wearing a dress, he says, "You like pretty dresses, I have some pretty dresses over here for $5." I walk over to the man, drenched from sweat, shirtless, wearing high top tennis shoes and knee high socks. After telling him the dresses are a little too fancy for my type, he turns me on to a brown sun dress, not really my style, but he insists I buy it, "It's White Stag" he says. My mind turns toward my early childhood when my mother would tell me those.exact.words as we shopped the Goodwill racks. All I would think back then was, "Why can't it be Tommy Hilfiger." The man, still dripping in sweat, proceeded to sell me a "good winter coat."

I bought the dress. The man worked hard for that dollar.

Afterward, I went to the local drug store where another man was sitting in the 105 degree weather selling watermelon and cantaloupe. I stood for a chat, asking him how to tell when I should pick our cantaloupe. He had great information.

We finished up our Friday morning Summer Library program. That little library did such a great job. It's hard getting use to a little library. On a low day at our wonderful, fantastic, unbeatable, love until the day I die, library... The Library Center in Springfield, MO there were so many people at the programs, I wouldn't go! Oh, those are special memories, the children and I sharing a muffin at the Library Coffee Shop and stopping at the little store inside to buy something from the 50% off table. Now, before the library, we go see Mr. Adam at the local Donut Shop. You know, he and the Donut Baker Man just bought the donut shop and Mr. Adam's girlfriend just opened up a dance studio here in town. We're pretty happy for them.

We met our first Homeschool family today! Locals! It's been nine months, almost to the day, since we moved here and have yet to meet any Homeschool family in our own town. It really has been strange, I am asked more here than ever before, "Why do you Homeschool?" "What made you Homeschool; do you hate the government?" "Do your kids get interaction with other kids? "How will they be socially?" I always want to say, Have you ever met my children? they are not lacking in the social realm of things.

We are SUPER excited to meet some other crazy people like us; hope it all works out. They have four children, just like us. My kids have already planned a theatrical play for them all to act out. I hope we don't scare them off too soon. They're coming to play Monday; let's hope they stick around ; )

I have been on a reconstruction mode here at the house. It started with a closet. Isn't that the way it goes?

I painted and rearranged the closet, I moved the bookcase, I moved another bookcase, I sorted books, I hung all the pictures that were left, I sorted the homeschool materials, I got rid of the desk, I got rid of the island, I rearranged our closet, I cleaned out the garage, got rid of junk from outside the house, I created new discovery corners and today, we took out the TV. I love reconstruction. Reconstruction of the mind, body, and soul. So good.

Tonight we explored a new play ground at one of the schools here in town. The kids have been dying to try it out. So, we had dinner at the new play ground. It was lots of fun.

The girls and I went afterward to clean the little church we clean. Thursday's is our night. The girls and I go clean and then do girly things together. We might go to the truck stop down the road from the church (the only place around there) and have coffee or share a piece of pie while playing cards or a dice game. We may come home and do nails; tonight we did massages. Tonight is Friday, Thursday night didn't work out this week.

Now I sit. Think about my day and all the little ins and outs. Reflect on Katie's Blog Post I read earlier today, it always draws me to my knees. Working on memorizing a passage of scripture, read a little, drink my cup of milk which always makes me think of my friend, Darie, with her big glass of milk and organic peanut butter cookies each night. Soon, I'm going to chat with my favorite person ever, Our Maker, and then go to rest.

a few peeks at our garden, one of our favorite places.

Such a random life.

Loves,

I've Got a Job for You!

2011-07-29T12:33:00.001-05:00

Well, something that we had planned for Eleos Outreach this summer was a back to school thing. But after talking with several people, that is pretty much taken care of for our little town.

However, after talking with our local school today to see how we can help with the big thing they have planned for the community... they informed me that they have only one person doing hair cuts. =(

Well, I'm not a hair cuttin' type of girl and if you have seen our Jordan's hair, you know our Alli isn't a hair cutting type of girl. ; ) eek!! But, we have two options... we can cover a hair lady for $20 an hour to come out and do haircuts, or someone can be so kind as to do it for free ; )

If you or someone you know may be interested in helping, Saturday, August 6th from 9-1pm here in our little town. Please contact me!

Thanks so much! =)

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Once Upon A Time...

2011-07-17T23:36:00.001-05:00

...we almost ran away with them.

Because we thought they were just something special.

We met one night and were ready to pack up and move across country by the next day, to love on people in a sweet little town they had been called to.

We had one thing in common. We were CRAZY in love with Jesus and wanted everyone else to be too.

We spent our days getting ready to go, cooking, playing, and drinking sweet tea.

Then it just never happened...

Now we miss them so.

Sometimes, most.

I'll write more soon,

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While We Were Gone

2011-07-01T00:03:00.001-05:00

Picture taken from the post: If You Give a Boy a Pocket

While we were in Colorado, Alli sent us this email:

"JUDAH BENJAMEN DANIEL GIBSON
AGE: 4
JUMPED OFF A DIVING BOARD 15 FEET ABOVE WATER!
I am very plesed to have such a brave brother."

Notice the way she spelled, "Benjamen and plesed".

So great...

Loves ; )

Dear Alli, Jordan, Judah, and Emmyn... We're Coming Home

2011-06-28T20:39:00.000-05:00

Here we are, sitting in the Denver Airport anxiously awaiting to board the plane home. We'll be kissing your sweet cheeks so very soon... I can't wait!

By now, you're home and Nana is tucking you into bed. You're there in your beds, in our home. How blessed we are.

Tomorrow, if the Lord allows, we will celebrate being together again! We'll go shopping for Eleos and buy precious ingredients to for our Thursday lunch deliveries. We'll go get little Jada, and look at pictures from Colorado. We'll do chores, because I'm sure there are some; and we might have to go searching for three little run away kitties. =( We'll work in the garden and play in the pool.

Sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday ; )

Yesterday, the family here in Colorado surprised me with a happy birthday song, a piece of cake, and homemade ice cream. How special that was! Before we left, Aunt Vickie gave me a card that all the aunts and uncles had signed. I tell you what... it was such a special week!

But, like they say... there is no place like home and I can't wait to be there.

See you soon.

Praising God!

Momma and Daddy.

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Dear Alli, Jordan, Judah, and Emmyn, We're Ready!

2011-06-27T11:41:00.000-05:00

Well, tomorrow is the day! We are ready to come home! The days are lazy here in Colorado now that the Big Day is over =) Yesterday we went out to Clayton and Petra's breakfast then walked down to a big pond to do a little floating. It was nice to sit quiet between the mountains just talking and enjoying God's creation. Afterward, Daddy and I came back to an empty Hostel and rested a bit.

Later that night, we went out with a group to the Hot Springs. We have never seen anything like that. We didn't have the camera but we'll tell you all about it when we get home. Last night, it was just Rick, Ginger and us here at the Hostel. We played a mean game of Pitch... it was fun! Of course, the boys won... stinky boys.

This morning, we took Rick and Ginger to the Airport, we wished we were flying out too ; ) Can't wait to see you guys!

We have had such a wonderful trip though; it has been something we will never forget. Clayton and Petra's wedding was so beautiful, everyone has been so generous and kind to us, and let us not forget...he mountains are such a huge testament to Gods vastness, (how big God is)!

Something momma has been challenged this week with is, faith. God's word says we can move mountains. Well, the other day while climbing the mountain, my faith could hardly get me up the mountain let alone move it. I've been praying a lot while here, praying God would test and grow my faith. Reading 1 Samuel and sitting alone with God has been a real treasure during our time here.

There are other things too that Daddy and I have been able to talk about while here. Things like our foods, and our habits... I know you kids always love it when we have those great Family Meetings =)

Well, enough about all that. We are missing you guys and can't wait to see you! Can't wait for Alli to totally tear up, can't wait for a Jordi hug; can't wait for Judah to say the word "actually", and can't wait to hear little Emmyn say, "Hi Charlie" in her sweet little voice.

Here are some pictures we've received while we've been here... it's kept us happy =)

momma trained her right, except the naked part ; )

Love this!

We suppose it's Helen Keller dress up time = )

Emmyn doing what Emmyn loves to do... wear shoes and be naked.

look at my BIG boy!

cutie pie pepper in there!

love picnics on the sidewalk, waiting to go have fun... this is SO me!

Look at my beautiful girls.

See you soon!

Love,
Momma and Daddy

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Dear Alli, Jordan, Judah, and Emmyn, Day 4...The Big Day!

2011-06-26T11:42:00.000-05:00

Momma and Daddy on the shuttle headed to the wedding. Alli, the dress worked out great!

The beautiful center pieces on the tables. Isn't that sooooo us! Look at the jars!

Guest seating ; ) What a great idea, huh!

During the ceremony, Petra's Dad lit this candle in memory of her mother who passes away last year.

A shot of the house from a distance.

Aunt Val and I before the ceremony started.


THERE SHE IS! (Momma and Aunt Val were totally crying by this point, she looked so beautiful.)

I took this video for my girls, I knew you'd love to see... the kiss!

A picture of momma after they walked out. See my face? Yup, I'd been crying...

The beautiful cake. Daddy said it was really good.

The food, we ate Paella. It was a crazy mix of all kinds of stuff.

This is a video of momma eating something new, a muscle. Ummmm, it was different. = )

Silly, Daddy.

This is Petra's Dad and Brother. Being from Austria, Petra's Dad cannot speak much English. So her brother, Sasha, translated his toast.

Everyone took pictures for Petra and Clayton with a little note on the white board. All the girl cousins got together for a silly one. It was such a hoot.

Look at TJ with her baby belly ; )


It was such a fun night. They played the "Cha-Cha" song and "Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Good Night" We thought of you crazy kids as we danced like crazy people ; )

I asked Daddy yesterday at the wedding if he missed the kids. He said, "Yeah." I said, what do you miss most about them? He thought for a while... then he answered, "The hugs."

Can't wait to hug you soon!

Love,
Momma and Daddy

Dear Alli, Jordan, Judah, and Emmyn, Day 3...

2011-06-25T10:39:00.001-05:00

Good morning my little ones!

I am so sorry it has been a while since I wrote, our days have been so full and sometimes I feel a little rude for sneaking off to the computer to write. But even thought I'm not always writing, I am always thinking of my littles.

Yesterday, Daddy and I started the day with a walk downtown. We stopped at a little cafe for breakfast. It was the biggest breakfast we’ve ever seen in our lives! We brought a ton of it back to the Hostel there was so much!

Is that huge or what!?

After breakfast, we walked around some of the shops. We wanted to buy it all! We thought that probably wasn’t a great idea so we thought we’d take some pictures of what we wanted so you could see.

Momma found this hat, isn’t it super cute?

Daddy found the bowls he’s been looking for forever. They totally collapse for easy storage. Ben had these on the Discovery Wilderness trip Daddy did with the High Schoolers, he has been looking for them ever since!

Clayton recommended these shoes, they are called fivefingers. They are suppose to be much better for your body. Not to mention, they look and feel so cool! You can use them for anything. Running, walking, work, or play. They are great.

And of course, you know we’re a sucker for a good book store. ; ) So we had to stop. Daddy wanted to get this book. We’re going to check online for a better deal.

But we did find a few things for some special little people in that bookstore. =) But I'm not going to show you pictures of those things.... (he, he)

After the bookstore, we headed over to Clayton and Petra’s Cafe of Life for an adjustment. It felt sooo good.

Can you believe they took a morning out of their busy wedding week to take care of us? What a great example of being a servant!

After Cafe of Life, we headed back to the Hostel for some lunch and rest. Daddy and I ate some yummy sandwiches and visited with Grandma Flo. We were waiting on a group to get back from town so we could go visit some historical sights together. After lunch, we just sat and read in the living room, relaxing and waiting on them. It was nice to take a break.

Soon after, Rick, Aunt Ginger, TJ, Chris, and Lisa returned home from town and we headed out to Mesa Verde National Park The Mesa Verde is where the Anasazi Indians lived between apx 550 to 1330 AD. The Anasazi were mainly subsistence farmers; they grew crops on nearby mesas. Their primary crop was corn, which was also was the major part of their diet. Men were also hunters which further increased their food supply. The women of the Anasazi were famous for the elegant basket weaving. Anasazi pottery is just as famous as their baskets; their artifacts, even today, are highly prized. Since the Anasazi kept no written records, their artifacts are the only link to understanding their interesting culture.

You see the people of Mesa Verde use to live on top of the mountain but after living in those harsh environments for several years, they discovered areas under the mountain tops. They slowly made what are called cliff dwellings there, basically little apartments, and rooms made for worship, after several years they had made what was like a town. They moved down below to be better protected from the summer sun and the winter cold. In the summer, it is much cooler down below, tucked into the mountain; and in the Winter the mountain covering helped hold in heat and protect them from snow fall.

Well, my, oh, my! I'll tell you more when we get home... sorry that was so long! = ) Back to our day ; )


Jordi, we did a peace sign for you! =)

We got to go down underground to one of the rooms. Most rooms were above ground, but few were below.

After the Mesa Verde momma was starting to feel very tired and a little home sick. I missed my littles on this trip. Learning history all alone is not something I am use to. I wished you guys were here with us learning. BUT, Daddy says we'll be sure to try and make it back when all the kiddos are big enough to climb down the mountain and understand the teaching. Yippee!

Silly Daddy, took a picture of Momma sleeping. Look! I'm in the back seat you don't see that everyday! =)

After my little nap =) We arrived at the Hostel. Dinner was already ready! JC had cooked burgers on the grill. After my dinner, I cleaned up a bit and headed to the laundry mat to do laundry. The laundry mat was quiet and I was the only one there. I thought of you guys and the book, A Pocket for Corduroy. I got to use the big baskets and everything!

Being in the laundry mat made momma a little sad. I missed my littles a lot. It was strange just folding Momma and Daddy's clothes and not yours. After the laundry was finished, I headed back to the Hostel. All the grown ups were playing a silly game at the table. I went to my bunk and put the laundry away. Uncle Mitch was in there, we chatted a bit about missing home. Then Aunt Val and Adrian came in and asked if I was going to come out and join the fun. I told them I was probably going to head to bed and I shared with them that I was missing my kiddos. =)

Well, little did I know that they were planning a big surprise for Daddy and me! A few minutes later, Mitch came in and said that Grandma Flo wanted everyone to come out to the living area. When we walked out, EVERYONE was out there, some holding cameras... they started singing "Happy Anniversary" to us. They changed the words from Happy Birthday to Happy Anniversary. I couldn't beleive it! Of course, momma started to cry. They handed me a cake and I almost dropped it! It was so nice. Mackayla, Mitch and Val's daughter gave a little speech saying "We are so happy you guys are here and want to thank you for your great example to all the cousins by being married for 10 years." Then they made Daddy and I kiss = )

This was a very special thing to momma for a lot of different reasons. It just shows us how big God is and how good he is to make all things new. Remember, Momma didn't even know any of these people from my family when Daddy and I were married; none of them were there when we said, "I do". But wouldn't it be a sad thing if all I thought of was what they weren't there for instead of thinking about what they are here for now? How wonderful it is that we have found another part of family to celebrate the joys of life with! Now, when we're together it's like we've always been. I think that is how God would want it to be. =) Of course, Grandpa isn't here... I'm sure he would have loved to have been here last night, we all have missed him on this trip.

Well, today is the BIG DAY! The wedding day! I just can't wait. Then it's home in just a few short days! I hope each of you are doing good. Being helpful and loving each other. Today is Mrs. Judi's BIRTHDAY!!! Be extra good and give her extra love. The Huelat home is one of my favorite places to be, HAVE LOTS OF FUN FOR ME!

Love and miss you,

Momma and Daddy

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Dear Alli, Jordan, Judah, and Emmyn, Day 2...

2011-06-22T23:59:00.001-05:00

Hey Guys!

I bet you're snoozin' sweetly on your pillows by now, it's 12:10 where you are. It's 11:10 where we are. Today was a full day.

Remember I told you we were going to visit Clayton and see him adjust some horses? Well, that was so special! Daddy and I just couldn't beleive the horses were so good while he adjusted them. These horses were special, they run long distance races, 100 miles! So, they have to be in good shape. Here is a short video of Clayton taking care of one.

Look at cute Baby Eric. He watched too!

After adjusting the horses, we went for breakfast. Petra and Uncle Dick met Daddy, Aunt Vickie, Adrian, Baby Eric and I at a very neat little restaurant. It was a Costa Rica Restaurant... recognize that sign? YES! It says Pura Vida, "Pure Life" Remember? Daddy learned that in Costa Rica.

After breakfast, you'll never guess what we did next! Daddy and I HIKED UP A MOUNTAIN! Yup! The others had things to do back in town so Daddy and I went up the road from the restaurant to hike. We never made it to the tip top but we were very high. It was so beautiful.

It was so very beautiful, we just couldn't beleive it. We were so high up! You could hear the river raging below us during the whole hike.

After hiking, we were a little hungry so we stopped for a little snack on our way back to town. Look at that crazy snack!

Those big brown things are banana's fried in coconut oil

I don't know which is more funny, momma's face or her crazy hair!


We kept the tradition! Daddy brought change for all of our little treats, just like we did in San Antonio!

After our snack, we headed back into town to get cleaned up and take a rest. After a shower and a little nap, we headed out to dinner with the people who had arrived today.

Tonight we are not staying in the cabin with Uncle Dick and Aunt Vickie, we're staying in a Hostel. A Hostel is a large place where several people can stay. Since so many people stay, it keeps the cost down per person. There will be 26 people in this house, I think is the number. We are all sleeping in bunk beds! Daddy is on the bottom and I am on the top. How fun, huh!?

here is the house

the kitchen

a living room where anyone can gather

Tomorrow we are going rafting on the river, can you beleive that?! Daddy is a little scared and I'm a lot scared! The water is SUPER cold. I know you kiddos wouldn't be afraid, you're not afraid of anything!

Well it sure is late and I'm getting a little sleepy. I hope you're having fun and being good to others.

Love you so much,

Momma and Daddy

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Dear Alli, Jordan, Judah, and Emmyn, Day 1...

2011-06-22T09:16:00.003-05:00

Well, our first night at home without you sure was different! After I dropped you off, Momma went home and cleaned our crazy house so we won’t have to do anything on the day we return! Daddy came home from work around 6:30. After Daddy came home, we went out and swam in the pool! Well, daddy vacuumed it out and I floated around in a floatie. =) Guess what, when we finished it was 8:45 and we had not even had dinner! So we got some meat from the fridge and daddy grilled. Momma got to just sit outside with Daddy, drinking tea talking while he grilled. We didn’t eat dinner until 9:30! Is that crazy or what?!

You will never guess what we did next! We watched a movie! Daddy didn’t even fall asleep! (I think he was secretly super excited!) We were like crazy kids! We still needed to pack but we decided to watch a movie first! After the movie was over, we thought we’d better pack for our big trip. But guess WHAT? There I was, sitting at the computer checking on some storms in the area and I heard Daddy scream. Then, I turned to see him jumping into the air! THERE WAS A HUGE Tarantula in the house! Patches was playing with it! Daddy was a little scared… actually, I think he was a lot scared. You tell me…

Like I said before, mommy was checking the computer for storms in our town. There was huge thunder, lots of strong wind, and heavy rain. We were worried about the garden and fruit trees, but it’s all OK; even the pool is OK! Praise the Lord! Alli, be glad you weren't here... you would have been up all night. ; )

The next morning, we woke up to sunshine! After we finished some things around the house, Papa came to pick us up and take us to the Airport. BUT, before we could go to the Airport, we had to stop and drop off our little Jada at the vets office. Daddy thinks they'll take real good care of her. I almost cried taking her in there. I think I'm in love with that little sweetie =) I'm sure she'll be alright. We will all go pick her up together next Wednesday.

So, after we dropped off Little Ms. Jada it was off to the AIRPORT! Here is a picture Mr. Dan took of Daddy and I arriving.

Papa and Mr. Dan didn’t stay at the airport, they just dropped us off. Daddy and I went to the check in counter and told them we were here for our flight. The next place we went was security. They make you take off your shoes, your belt, your jewlery, and empty all of your pockets. Then you stand in an xray tube with your hands up and they scan your whole body to make sure you don’t have any bad wepons on your body. It sure is a lot of work, but they are trying hard to keep everyone safe while they are up in the air.

After they do the security check, you are free to do whatever you’d like to do before your plane arrives. Daddy and I walked around a little bit, shared a sub sandwich, and read the newspaper. Then they called our flight number to come board the plane.

Guess what! We had a whale plane! “Shamu the Whale” It’s is their biggest plane, it was fully booked. Not one more seat was available. We didn’t get to sit by a window so we couldn’t see much of the outside. We sat next to a man named Mr. Chenning. He was flying home to California. He had just visited Tulsa to attend his grandfathers funeral =(

Well, I must say, he was probably the most interesting man on the whole plane. He worked for the circus in Asia, Europe, and all over the world! He plays the Piano, Bass, Chello, Trombone, and various other instruments. He writes the music for the circus! Now, here is another interesting fact… while Mr. Chenning is traveling with his circus, they only take boats and bicycles! Big bikes that are two bikes tall. He said he would send us pictures! I hope he does, wouldn’t that be so fun?!

Mr. Chenning was really a lot of fun. Daddy and he was able to talk about Jesus too, that was great! I should have taken a picture of us, silly mommy.

After this flight we were in Denver, Colorado but still needed to get to Durango. So, we had one more flight to go! The Denver airport is SO HUGE! I would like to visit there even when I’m not flying. Listen to this, when we arrived at Denver airport we were in building C, the very last building. We needed to get to building A. So, guess what we had to do? TAKE AN UNDERGROUND TRAIN TO BUILDING A! We felt like we lived in New York City! It was so neat. Daddy took a video of it, we’ll look at it when we get home, it’s so neat!

The next flight we were on was a little plane, really little. I liked it a lot better. The first airplane was scary going up because it was so big. I felt like I was in a rocket. I almost threw up and even thought I was going to cry. I squeezed Daddy really tight, he was laughing at me, that silly Daddy. On this plane, we got to walk outside to load it. Oh, and guess what?! Adrian and baby Eric from Nebraska were on the same flight! They were headed to Durango the same day we were. We didn’t get to sit by each other but it sure was fun seeing each other before and after the flight.

This plane ride was so beautiful, we were flying over the mountains. We would be on top of the clouds and then all of a sudden the clouds would break and you could see the mountains. It was breathtaking. God is such a beautiful designer, his creation is so full of different beautiful shapes and colors.

When the Captain was landing the plane, it was a little scarry. It shook a whole bunch and even popped me out of my seat once. I kept my head down and held daddy again. He said, “It’s just a few bumps in the road” That helped me, I just imagined I was driving on a highway and there were lots of bumps. Before I knew it we had landed!

When we arrived at the airport guess who was there, Uncle Dick and Aunt Vickie! They were there to pick up Adrian and Baby Eric. We followed them to their cabin, where we would stay for one night. After dropping off our stuff, we headed out to Clayton and Petra’s farm in the mountains for dinner. We didn’t get any pictures but we will. They asked about you guys and said they can’t wait to see you this Thanksmas! =)

Today, we are headed over to Clayton’s to watch him adjust some horses on his Ranch. Then we are going to breakfast. Daddy and I are going to be sure we get some great pictures for you ; ) AND maybe a little treat, if you’re good. (he, he)

We love you all so much and can’t wait to hear about your AWESOME time with your friends. Help Mrs. Jenny, be good and share. Don’t forget, Mrs. Judi’s birthday is coming up, you’ll be there… make her something special. Don't forget, you're on vacation too!

We love you,

Momma and Daddy =)

Eleos Update

2011-06-08T08:00:00.007-05:00

Thank you to those of you who have asked for an update on ELEOS, sorry it's been so long!

Here is a copy of what is going into the local paper this week, they are so good to do updates for us.

click picture to enlarge

We are averaging 26 meals per week. This week we have 28 = ) It's just great, really that is all I can say. I can't beleive it. We are blessed with the opportunity to do this, that's all I can say, just blessed. It's just a testimony to God's glory. If you just do it, he'll help you do it.

Here is a copy of the current menu.

click picture to enlarge

Hmmm, OK, after looking at that, it's not the current menu! I guess I didn't save the current one when I updated it... oops! Well, there's the menu before the current one. ; )

As I mentioned in THIS post, the SHARE was absolutely amazing! Here are some pictures of that:

There was so much stuff. Can you beleive this was all in my GARAGE?? Yeah, me either!

Not to mention, we couldn't set any of it up or bring it to the building until the morning of the SHARE!

And it was the Saturday after I was so sick! Can you beleive that? God is sooo good!


My little Alli, doing what Alli loves to do.

My little Emmyn doing what she does best, look stinkin' cute!

Judah working hard loading the John 3:16 truck.


Jordan feeling useful and important.

Watching the truck drive off with all the left overs. John 3:16 in Tulsa, OK.

All I can say is this. If you feel Him tugging at your heart to do something. Just do it.

Jude 1:2: "May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love." -- Eleos

Loves,

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Three AM Wake Up Call

2011-06-08T05:43:00.005-05:00

Talking with a friend the other day, I mentioned to her that I was so sad at how quickly my life is flying by. It seems like the weeks just soar right past. For some reason, this is by far, the busiest summer of my life. I am just sure of it! It's busy in a good way, sort of...? Ha! We still have adequate family time and every time something gets marked off the calender I think, "Oh, that wasn't so bad." But let me tell you, the calender is full. Which is crazy, I think, because just this winter, we were saying to ourselves... "What is our purpose."

I know this for sure, God was totally in our decision to take our first Summer break from school. We don't usually take a summer break but we thought since this was our first summer in Oklahoma in a new home, we should take off because we knew we'd have lots of projects we'd like to get done without the pressures of school. Of course, I was all worried about how we'd fill our days, HA! So far... no problemo!

The first weekend of summer we had the kids final gymnastics celebration. We all got to go and see what all they had learned during the past semester. That was a lot of fun, they were real proud of themselves.

They'll love this when they're grown. Nothing like a hot sweaty gymnastics picture =)

Of course, Emmyn had to get in on the fun. Man, she is so cute.

Gymnastics was on a Saturday morning followed by our Ten Year High School Reunion. That was nice. It was fun catching up with people from so long ago. (So, long ago... ha!) I felt old, we all had children running around and everyone was all grown up. Reunions are a little weird, I think... but the stories were the same and we had lots of nice laughs. I haven't been around anyone from High School for so many years that when I see people or get together with anyone, I forget they remember the same things I do. Does that make sense? It's like "Oh, yeah... you were there too." I find that coming up more often now that we live in my hometown.

Last weekend we had a End of the School Year Bash at church. The kids have been learning about fear so they did a Fear Factor Party. Yeah, it was completely gross. That was the idea. Get real gross and don't be afraid to do it. Well, our little Jordi wasn't afraid to take a whole ketchup bottle to the eyeball. If you ask me, she deserves the "Most Brave" award.

We finally went yesterday to the pediatrician, they sent us to the eye doctor. They scanned her eye for abrasions. Sure enough, a big scratch over the pupil. Obviously, not from ketchup but most likely from the night of screaming and rubbing after it "incident" happened. ; ) Now she's on an antibiotic eye drop and we're hoping it heals quickly. But as far as Jordi, she is so super good with it. She's such a trooper.

One of the things we were sure to miss was the awesome pool in Ozark. In Missouri, we were a walk through the park away from an amazing outdoor pool with a big splash pad, huge water guns, buckets, slides and more. Yeah, not so much here. So, the kids were already mapping out how to keep cool this summer. Then it happened. We walked into Atwoods and their marketing ploy totally got us.

Yup, they had the biggest self set up blue pool with the ring set up INSIDE right when you walk in to the store. OK, even I was in love... not just the kids. It was huge! After googling over the pool for several minutes and thinking about how to talk Daniel into it, the kids were ready to go home and count their fun money...

They sat outside counting for over an hour; every dime, every dollar. We told them we would pay $100 of it; the same cost as a season pass to the public pool for a family our size. Well, between their $150.00, their nice Papa, and our $100 we have a new pool... still in a box. =)

Oh, not by choice, of course. The kids ask every day when the pool is going to get put up and we always say the same thing, after the new lateral lines get put in. Yeah, that's another story. ; ) You would never beleive the little home repairs going on over at our little home. First off, we had crazy hail that deemed a new roof and almost took out my little garden. = (

Yes, that is all hail!

Then, we had crazy, crazy, crazy, rain that suggested, very strongly I might add; we have new lateral lines installed. Well, only IF we ever want to flush when it rains. Not to mention, do the laundry or dishes, or hey... even take a shower ; ) Well, the trucks came yesterday and the lines are done. Which we are so very happy because we've been waiting since Easter. The yard now looks like this:

It might be a while before the pool goes up ; ) I have never been so happy to see dirt. There is a lot of work a head of us considering Oklahoma is like 90% ROCKS. But we are so very glad to have that work finished.

Now, here is the kicker... most of you know, we moved real fast, too fast to close on a house. Well, this house just so happened to be at the top of the hill from where Daniel's parent's live and they just so happened to stumble upon it the day after we had told them we had THOUGHT about possibly moving home. It just so happened to be for sale, the owner just so happened to let us rent it since we were moving so quickly. Well, of course, it just so happened to be a house we absolutely love, and we just so happened to make an offer on it for purchase... three days before the lateral lines went out and the hail came. We just so happened to get a new roof and new lines laid for FREE before we settled on a purchase price. Seriously, ummmm. All I can say is, Thanks God. Thanks a whole bunch.

Of course, I sit and talk about our cutsie garden, dirt yard, and new roof and I am gently reminded and yet haunted by the deafening sights of Joplin not only during the day but during the night. A place that words just can't describe. And yet, my garden thrives and my children play in the hot summer sun and I can't quite wrap my mind around all of that.

Huh, this post worked out totally different in my mind. Now, all of a sudden my 3am rise and shine this morning, with to-do lists running through my head; and my thought of blogging about it to get my mind off of everything, seems trivial.

Writing about things going on or things coming up, like leaving for a family reunion in NE early this Friday morning, right after a day of Eleos, packing, and cleaning the church. Or talking about how the next three months of Saturdays are full of Fostering classes or even sharing that we're crazy for going to NE now and then heading for a big trip to CO one week later and every little thing in between... I think it was more of a wake up call instead. God is so good.

It's not that big of a deal. Other than the fact that we get to do all of it.

The sun is rising, it's time to worship. Hmmmm, perhaps I'll start a pot of coffee too. =)

Good Morning.

Loves,

People I Miss

2011-06-07T15:33:00.002-05:00

Most of you probably know that I'm on a year long "Facebook fast" that started Feb 1st. Hmmm...well, actually I guess it's not really a fast anymore because I don't even think about Facebook now and I don't even know if I'll ever get back on. However, I do miss a lot of sweet peoples updates. Like when Emmyn clicks around in her sweet shoes from Michelle G.... I miss Michelle.

I'm always missing Ryan and Kristi W. I often think of Landis and his Gang and we're always missing the Simpson's. Of course, there's the crazy Hong and Phipps family who our kids talk about every day.

We're always missing the Andrew family and Huelat home not to mention all those crazy Fairview people. Every time we walk into cedar point and get lost in the crowd, we miss the Aglers.

Then there's the Estill crew who we think about all the time, there's DeAnna who I think of every time I pull out my vanilla from Mexico; and Bobby, who I think about every time I watch a sports show. ; ) There's the Adams family who we think of every time we listen to "Ive Got a Feeling" and lots, and lots of others.

*sigh* I digress.

In other news... look at how big my boy is.

Oh, Man... *sigh* I digress again.

Loves,

In The Garden

2011-06-01T23:16:00.001-05:00

Well, it's that time of the year when blogging comes to a screeching halt and we head outside. I can only hope you are so busy with life's treasures that you don't have time to read our silly little blog. ; )

We've been in the garden.

Meanwhile, my house seems to always look like this...

at least it's quiet and still.

(well, sometimes ; )

Loves,

Related Posts:
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Sweet Learning
A Trip to the Garden

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TEAM HEADED TO JOPLIN, ANYONE WELCOME

2011-05-25T11:50:00.001-05:00

Photo: Roger Nomer/AP

Below is an email I received from our church, Cedar Point. I won't be able to go tomorrow because of ELEOS Thursday Meals. I don't know if Daniel will be going or not. BUT so many of you have asked me how you can help. If any of you are needing an outlet to serve, let me know and I'll get you connected.

Email me at kathleangibson@gmail.com or call 417-350-7860. Anyone from MO could meet them there and of course, if Daniel is able to go, he'll be there.

"Pastor Rick & Ron Lillie will be taking another team out THURSDAY (tomorrow) to JOPLIN. They will be clearing debris, unloading supplies etc...

Needs: HARD WORKERS, transportation & drivers, tools, chain saws... gift cards, donations, H20

Bring: sturdy shoes, work clothes, rain gear, snacks...

Please share with co-workers, other churches, organizations - WE WILL WORK WITH ANY RESPONSIBLE ABLE BODY!!!!

Love People - Love God - Serve our World"

Loves,

Related Posts:
A Quote To Ponder
This Place Was Once Home
Help A Gram Out!

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This Place Was Once Home

2011-05-23T22:21:00.002-05:00

Please just pray, pray, pray for the sweet people of Joplin, MO.

Joplin has a very special place in our hearts, having moved from OK to Joplin for Daniel to attend Ozark Christian College in 2004.

Now, the Wal-Mart we bought our little Jordi's diapers at and the hardware store we shopped at is completely gone. The Memorial Hall where Alli and Daniel attended Father Daughter Date Night each year for Valentines Day, is now being used as a hospital.

SEE VIDEO HERE

My sweet friend, Ginny knows several people who have lost everything. Other friends of ours have loved ones in hospitals all over the area.

I was working in my garden, watching the children play in the water hose, taking a break to play in the sandbox with my little Emmyn, totally unaware of such pain and suffering taking place. Oh friends, how unaware we are of so much in the world.

God is so big, so good, may he hold and comfort the afflicted. May those confused, weak, weary, and tired, lean on Him.

Please pray.

Book It Over and Sign Up!

2011-05-20T08:10:00.001-05:00

May will be gone before you know it! Don't forget to enroll your little Homeschool in Pizza Hut's BOOK IT Program!

CLICK HERE

PS: This post was made possible by my children still being asleep at 8:08 on this rainy Friday morning. God Bless them. =)

Loves,