Rumohr Has It!

Jan 2012

2012-02-14T17:35:00.000-08:00

The Oldest and Youngest "Tharp" Grandboys

Month in Pictures

The View from Our Deck

All the cousins at the belated Christmas dinner

Levi Fishin'

Abby with her ist splint post surgery.

Fiery Sunset

Taking a break for awhile

2011-09-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

I have been so frustrated with our computer. I don't know if it is our connection, the computer, or what but every time I try to download it takes forever!!! One of the reasons I began this blog in the first place was to keep long distance family and friends up-to-date on what we were doing and pictures of the kids as they grow. I'm not one of those bloggers who feels the need to journal or work on my literary skills on here. Because I don't have the time to wait for the down/uploading of pictures and videos, I've decided to sign off for now until something changes. If and when that does happen, I'll send out an email letting y'all know we're back on track..
Until then, all is a gift,

Cari

Been awhile!

2011-08-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Faithful Few. I know it's been awhile since I've posted. Summer hits and all goes helter-skelter here. If I can be patient enough for these darn downloads to happen, I'll be catchin' y'all up on the fun we've had this summer.
Stay tuned!

Freedom Facts for Friday!

2011-06-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

“…there is nothing you can want, there is nothing you can ask for,
there is nothing you can need in time or in eternity,
there is nothing living, nothing dying,
there is nothing in this world, nothing in the next world,
there is nothing now, nothing at the resurrection-morning,
nothing in heaven
which is not contained in this text —
“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
~Charles Spurgeon

Wordless Wednesday -Last Week in Pictures

2011-06-08T08:40:00.000-07:00


Abby's last choir performance

checking out our camping spot there's still a lot of snow!

Making cookies


A lifetime friend and his family visit


Enjoying a meal with old and new friends

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2011-06-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

When my oldest daughter was about 3 she noticed a daddy-long-leg spider on our sidewalk. She yelled for her daddy and said,

"Daddy, look there's your long legs."

Multitudes on Monday! June 6, 11

2011-06-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

360. peace retreats for oldest
361. self-parenting
362. being teachable
363. back-flips landed
364. sweet gymnastics teachers
365. great recital
366. little ones trying their best
367. working with friends
368.children helpers and blessings
370. Abs thinking of baby brother
373. beautiful weather
375. horrible weather
377. working in hail
378. exhaustion
379. warm fire
380. cozy bed
381. cuddling with Mim's
382. I's silly kisses
383. stranger seeing Jesus in me

Freedom Facts for Friday!

2011-06-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

Do not let your hearts be troubled.

Trust in God;

trust also in me.

John 14:1

Freedom Facts for Friday!

2011-05-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

"Effective spiritual, emotional, and social training in the lives of our children [has] to be both intentional and planned."
Susan Clarkson from her book The Ministry of Motherhood

Spring 2011 Piano and Gymnastics Recitals

2011-05-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

Abby nailed her back flip. She was the only one other than teenagers that could do a back flip. Mimi is the first one out of the tunnel and the smallest one in the group.

I'm very proud of how everyone ended the year!

Wordless Wednesday May 6-24

2011-05-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

I have A LOT of catching up to do with end-of-the-year field trips, recitals, etc.


Patiently waiting for their piano recital performance


Levi and "best fwend" that he's only met one other time

Mimi and Abby's finale at their gymnastics recital


A very Happy Mother's Day


A fun field trip to the zoo


Abby's choir performance

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2011-05-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

When my oldest was 5 this is what he told a firefighter who was telling the homeschool group about the importance of fire alarms,

"I know our batteries work in the fire alarm at home

because every time my mommy cooks

it goes off."

Everyone got a tremendous kick out of his very solemn and serious response.

A little disclaimer here, when the oven was on, it would smoke because of things burning in the bottom from overflowed dishes NOT because I was burning things. ; )

Multitudes on Monday! May 17-22

2011-05-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

328. fellowship and feasting

329. new, cheery plants

330. anticipation of a date

331. a thoughtful sister-in-law

332. love-words to nieces through children's books

333. glad for my marriage

334. happy to still be in love

335. family fellowship childcare

336. the greens in the new hostas

337. nothing stolen from left-behind purse

338. colors of spring

339. colors in pre-dawn light

346. Amy reading to the kids

350. creek's cascading cacophony

352. Royal Wedding church fun

354. kiss on the cheek from dear old one

358. last week of school

Freedom Facts for Friday!

2011-05-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

"The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One."

Can't remember where I saw this quote.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2011-05-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

Daddy pointed out the In-N-Out Burger palm trees that cross.

Levi's response,"Aw, they're lovin' each other Daddy."

He hugged himself as he said it.

Multitudes on Monday!

2011-05-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

309. Blessed Truths spoken to my soul through my uncle
310. Seeing ugly and being repentant
311. Look of Daddy-love from my brother to his first newborn girl
312. Newborn nursing
313. Full, dark head of hair
314. Easing into the day
315. Sustenance for a day absent of sleep the night before
318&19. A drive to get away and then having a home to come back to
321. Love-made gifts
322. Planting time
323. Pizza out
324. Rest and "time-off"
326. New plants to plant

Multitudes on Monday!

2011-05-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

281. rainbow colors on counter

282. walk/talk with a friend

283. A's tenderness to littles

285. better computer time management = more time

287. lunch outside

289. children singing to christian radio in the morn

295. quicker wait

296. grocery-unloading elves

297. I learning hard how to cook

298. grass cuttin', bird singin', sun sparklin', plant gardenin', morning

300. fresh insights in the Word

301. I's attentiveness and comprehension of Biblical Truths
302. a whole day outside
303. fun cousin time
304. Forks' burgers
305. plants given, livin' and plantin'
306. Strawberry Hill has begun
307. answered prayer- replacement chickens and a rooster gifted

All is a gift!

Freedom Facts for Friday!

2011-04-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

"The fullness of joy is in the choice."

Beth Moore

Justification defined simply is

God's forgiving sinners, and

treating them as if they had

never sinned.

Catechism for young children

Passion Week in Pictures

2011-04-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

Coloring Eggs

Seder Dinner

Sue reading Easter stories

Egg Hunting

Freedom Facts for Friday!

2011-04-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful song I heard on the radio. It is by Sidewalk Prophets and the lyrics are so perfect for this Good Friday

You Love Me Anyway

The question was raised
As my conscience fell
A silly, little lie
It didn’t mean much
But it lingers still
In the corners of my mind

Still you call me to walk
On the edge of this world
To spread my dreams and fly
But the future’s so far
My heart is so frail
I think I’d rather stay inside

But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me
How You love me

It took more than my strength
To simply be still
To seek but never find
All the reasons we change
The reasons I doubt
And why do loved ones have to die?

But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me

I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss

But You love me anyway
See now, I am the man that called out from the crowd
For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking ground
Yes then, I turned away with this smile on my face
With this sin in my heart tried to bury Your grace
And then alone in the night, I still called out for You
So ashamed of my life, my life, my life

But You love me anyway
Oh, God… how you love me
You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me

Cambria and Father/Daughter Ball

2011-04-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

April 11-17/11

Passion Week Activities

2011-04-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

e-warp-wife.blogspot.com">

To prepare our hearts further for the advent of Easter

we will be doing some extra activities.

Here's our list:

Sunday- We were out of town so missed an opportunity to do something. We had a time of visualizing

Christ's triumphant arrival into Jerusalem and discussed what we would've done if we had been there.

Monday- We try to "bless" Him through "blessing" those around us. We usually make a small inspirational craft

to give to our friends, family, and neighbors.

Tuesday- We will make Hot Cross Buns.

Wednesday- We will walk The Stations of The Cross, an Episcopal church nearby has a beautiful trail with

markers to "map out" each stage.

Thursday- We will host a Seder for my side of the family

Good Friday- We will have a foot washing ceremony and time of reflection and repentance.

Saturday- We will dye eggs and make a Christ candle.

Sunday- After church, we will go to my folks' home and share a meal, we will hide the Resurrection Eggs and

rejoice that HE HAS RISEN!

Multitudes on Monday!

2011-04-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

213. Fun and time with friends

215. children playing tag

218. a runaway 13 y.o. back

221. In-N-Out

223. Everyone sharing

224. A beautiful beach day in Cambria

226. a teenager escaping waves

228. girls' dressed for a ball

229. handsome Daddy escort

230. Mommy +sons+teen time

232. generosity of strangers made family by marriage

235. just enough gas

239. Daddy calling back and saying,

"I see Christ in you".

First time EVER hearing those words

Freedom Facts for Friday!

2011-04-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

" It is not what happens to us

that matters

as much as

what happens in us."

"We do not always have the freedom to choose the roles we must play in life,

but we can choose how we are going to play the roles we have been given.

Choice is the key."

Gerald L. Sittser from

A Grace Disquised

Time4Learning 30 Day Trial

2011-04-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

I've been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. Time4Learning can be used for homeschool, afterschool and summer skill sharpening. Be sure to come back and read about my experience.

Thirsty Thursday

2011-04-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

Thirsty: 1. parched 2. desirous of something

Is there anything you are thirsty for today?

Something specific that ultimately would lead to a more spirit-filled you?

I am thirsty for time management advice

in regards to the good, bad, and sometimes ugly

time I spend on the computer.

I am so encouraged by many of the blogs and sites I read

yet i find myself spending wayyyy toooo much time on here.

If anyone has ideas or suggestions I would be so grateful

(I'll even list you as one of my thousand gifts : D).

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

Levi "measuring up" w/whale baby

Isaac and a penguin friend

Pictures taken b/t April 1-10, 2011

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Mimi LOVES turtles

Abby, Levi, and Mimi checkin' out flamingos

Our home school hosted a ballroom dance with lessons and all.

Mimi on her belated birthday tea w/Daddy.

My uncle and aunt had a pre-Easter egg hunt and potluck

because their granddaughter wouldn't be out for the official one.

Lent activities

2011-04-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

Titus 2 has long been a mantra in my heart. I so wish the Body saw what an important mandate it is for us all to be mentored and to mentor. When I happened on to this site and saw "Titus 2s Days" I was so excited at the possibility of hearing about and from other women who have this same desire. So, I will be trying to add this activity to my list on Tuesdays.
During this season of Lent, I will humbly offer things that our family is doing to enrich and prepare our hearts for Easter. I hope this will be helpful to others.

Every morning, during breakfast, we read through a couple of devotions.

The first one is called

"How Many- A Book of Daily Lenten Devotions for Children and Their Families" by Arden W. Mead

There is a "How many" question and scripture reference that leads to a part of the redemptive story.

We have also been doing
Ann Voskamp's "Trail to the Tree" Easter Devotion .
You can download it from here .
Finally, we have been memorizing
"The Catechism for Young Children with Cartoons" by Vic Lockman
His website is www.viclockman.com
May God bless your Tuesday.
Make it a great day!

Multitudes on Monday!

2011-04-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Turning the Ugly to Beautiful through perspective.

188. lessons in patience-stopping at every stoplight, road work, etc

189. seeing life and love instead of the mess

190. restlessness that forces a perspective change

191.siblings constant struggles forcing creative discipline

192. first time grace for dog's mess

202..disability embraced and accepted

204. losing Saturday to gain service

Freedom Facts for Friday!

2011-04-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

God doesn't love us because we are good,

but

God will make us good because he loves us.

C.S.Lewis

Our revelation of our cynicism [in and about the Church]

will be our revival

Beth Moore

The Joy of God's Presence

2011-04-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

A few thoughts from one of my Lenten Devotions by Henri Nouwen.

Verse: Is. 49:13

Joy and laughter

are the gifts

of living in the presence of God

and

trusting

that tomorrow is not worth worrying about.

Where there is much time

life can be celebrated.

...the problem is

the absence of free,

open

time

when God can be encountered in the present

and

life can be lifted up in its simple beauty and goodness.

AMEN?!

Blogiversary Give Away!

2011-04-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

My friend over at victoryrd.blogspot.com is doing a giveaway to celebrate 4 yrs. of blogging. She is a gifted writer and an encouragement to read. Good luck!

Wordless Wednesday for March

2011-04-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

The Hunt!

2011-04-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

I've said this to a few people lately, "If I wasn't looking for it, I would've missed it". That is how I feel about this pursuit of 1,000 thanks. There are days when the "hunt" really isn't that difficult. All I need do is open my eyes and they're all around me.
This last week my friend and I took the kids (all 4) to Monterey Bay Aquarium. All you have to do is have eyes to see and the blessings abound. I also was fortunate to attend a Beth Moore conference Friday night and Saturday morning. Being with 6500 other women learning about and praising God can really get the thankful juices flowing.
There are other days when I have to consciously direct my attention to the hunt. This Sunday, I awoke to the flu. Let me tell you, I'm not a very good sick person. I tend to feel sorry for myself, angry at what is NOT getting done, frustrated at the lost time and expectations I had for the day, well you get the picture. However, this time was slightly different. Because of "the hunt", blessings were everywhere.
Just a little insight into where my "list" originated this week.

153. a friend's distraction and then deferment of frustration at missed turn

154. warm sun cool ocean breeze

156. life-size images that strike awe in child gazes

160. child-like frivolity of sea otters

162. a "misplaced" child, reminder of my not-from-the-sea treasure

165. silky sensation of ray swimming by

169. toddler at the end of himself, reminders that I'm not "home" yet

170. April Fool's joke leading to time savored not wasted

172. voices of 6500 women lifted up to Him

175. the awesome, incredible, heart-felt beauty of the Lord in this place

177-179. get- well love-notes, banners, bouquets, and son helping to bring order out of chaos

180. a wonderful man who "runs" things so I can stop

POWER!!!

2011-03-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

Power can be something we strive to possess or it is something that "fuels" our life (as in electricity).

This last week I had neither.

I rarely have the first kind of power anyway but I (as well as most of my fellow Americans) have become quite dependent on electricity. This last week (from Sunday 3/20-Sunday 3/28) I experienced a life void of electricity.

Let me tell you, it was tough!

Add to that that we were displaced from our home because of the threat of falling trees as well as my third's 7th birthday and you can probably surmise the hectic, helter-skelter, scattered week we had.

A friend of mine asked how I felt being like Ma Ingalls; my response, " Ma Ingalls would never have had a freezer full of food to keep cool on top of all the other things."

All that to say, you'll understand where my "Multitudes on Mondays" list originated out of this past week.

125. wee hour evacuation

126. snow silent before cracking, splitting-wood sound of trees and branches falling all around

127. house spared

129. snow entertainment

134. shared mommy woes

137. outage at the end of the month rather than the beginning after monthly shopping trip

140. birthday blessings at Best Western

141. dear friend braving the storm to bless birthday girl

142. restored power!!!!!

Power

Chapter 6 What do you want? The place of seeing God

2011-03-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

Ann describes a time when she "ran after the moon" literally. She reminds me to look at creation to see the creator. Creation is NOT the Creator but it is a reflection of His beauty. Do I take time to notice?

I live in one of the most beautiful spots with National Forest at my backdoor. I have lived in this area most of my life. For the most part, I don't take it for granted.

I love the peace and serenity that comes with mountain life.

I love that we have four distinct seasons.

I love that my children can go outside and see tons of stars and name it "A night of Abraham".

I love that on any given clear night we see God's watercolor painting in the sunset from our deck.

I love that our "noise" is crows cawing,

doves cooing,

frogs croaking,

crickets chirping,

roosters crowing, and

dogs barking at the deer.

I have NEVER chased after the moon. I can't relate. I don't play well. I don't do childlike.

Therefore, I had a difficult time getting "into" this chapter.

The thing that I most related to was at the end, I just love her vulnerability to be real because I've written these very words in my heart.

" The world I live in is loud and blurring...

...these kids lean hard into me all day

to teach and raise and lead and

I fail hard and

there are real souls that are at stake and

how long do I really have to figure our how

to live full of grace,

full of joy--

before these beautiful children fly the coop

and my mothering days fold up quiet?

How do you open the eyes

to see how to take the daily, domestic workday vortex and

invert it into the dome of an everyday cathedral?

PRAYING WITH EYES WIDE OPEN

is the only way to pray."

Ugly-Beauty

2011-03-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

37. constant need for discipling
38. attitude adjustments
69. bagel with butter side down on clean floor
84. bad attitude at Bible time
93. dirtied floor from friendship's abundance
94. grouchy girl
95. uninvolved parents/grandparents
99. opportunities to choose forgiveness
100. opportunities to choose humility

Ch. 5 "What in the world, in all this world, is grace?

2011-03-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

One act of thanksgiving,

when things go wrong with us,

is worth a thousand thanks when things

are agreeable to our inclinations

St. John of Avila

This quote pretty well sums up this chapter. In Ann's words, this quote sums up the hard eucharisteo. In this chapter, Ann reveals the difficulty of giving thanks when the circumstances don't add up to a feeling of thanks. She relays a time one of her children is hurt and how she walks through that.

"...Satan prowls but he's a lion on a leash

and the God who governs all can be shouted at when I bruise,

and I can cry and I can howl and

He embraces the David- Hearts who pound hard on His heart with their grief

and I can moan deep that He did this-

and He did."

I have such difficulty in what/how I should be thankful in those dark times of pain, heartache, dreams dashing, and the day-to-day monotony.

".. new life comes out of the dark places."

Spring from Winter, baby from dark womb, seed to plant/flower, tomb to rising; all examples of this.

"Grace that chooses to bear the cross of suffering overcomes that suffering."

Oh to learn this lesson now, oh to radiate grace rather than rage and victim.

I come from a long line of "victims" and pessimism. I've had few examples of grace and true God-birthed joy. Oh Lord, break the chains, may my children see this in me and choose a different way. The hard eucharisteo.

"The hard discipline to lean into the ugly and

whisper thanks to transfigure it into beauty.

The hard discipline to give thanks for all things

at all times.

The hard discipline to number the griefs as grace because...

God chooses to cut into my ungrateful heart

to make it whole."

Make me whole!

Uninvolved Parents/Grandparents

2011-03-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Does anybody out there have them?
I do!
I can't tell you how it breaks my heart.
I know this is probably not the best place to air this and yet I'm not sure if many read this blog anyway and I need to vent! I can't tell you how many times I've invited them to birthdays for my kids or other events I've done here and they haven't come for purely selfish reasons. I can count on one hand the times they've watched my kids for me. When I've given birth or have had an emergency, I've always had to find someone (other than family) to watch my kids and not once did they come to the hospital to welcome their new grandchild.
I don't know why I expect anything from them. They were never really intentional with my brother, sister, and I. We were always pretty aware that many times we were a burden to my father and so he would go to the bars on the weekend. My mom is a very simple person and she loved us as best she could but she also gave off the impression that since we couldn't do things the way she wanted she would just do it herself and we often felt the effects of her exhaustion at "doing it all".
I read recently that expectations kill relationships and therein lies the problem. I try not to have them and yet every time I ask for a little help or there is some function I'd like them to be a part of and they don't, I get so upset! God has been faithful and provided for us many times through the body but there are times when I would like them to be there. As much as I know I'm to forgive them, obviously I have held on to these things.
In their defense, they are raising my sister's 4 kids (8-15y.o.). They are having major struggles with the 2 older ones and I'm sure they are at the end of themselves most of the time. I truly don't want to add any more stress to them and yet I so wish they were intentional with my kids. I wish I was worth it to them.
One thing I can say for sure, I'm definitely learning firsthand how I DON"T want to be when I'm a grandparent. If you can't relate, please know how blessed you are. Make sure you let them know how much you appreciate all they do and make sure your kids bless them too.

Ash Wednesday

2011-03-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

Today I burn these sins that come so easily for me.

As a symbolic gesture, I relinquish their control over me and actually relinquish me.

I acknowledge my humanness, that I am incapable of being perfect and clean enough for Him.

I recognize with humility that He died for me "while I was yet sinning".

I grapple with that selfless, no expectations love that He has for me.

Finally, I pray that this Lenten season I

"will grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know [intimately] [believe] this love that surpasses knowledge..." Eph. 3:18+19

Multitudes on Monday!

2011-03-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

31. bare silhouette of trees in early morn

32. angelic faces in sleep

36. the hope that springs from a transparent life (Thanks Ann)

39. leftovers

44. powdered-sugar snow

43. Mr.

52. full cupboards

53. last star holding onto bright

65. spring blossoms dressed in white and barely pink

67. pregnant bellies

Ch. 4 A Sanctuary of Time

2011-02-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

I just don't have enough time!

Have you ever uttered those words? I know I have. I've been angry, frustrated, resentful at everyone else around me who seem to have no problem having time to do what they want! I see the Duplos scattered across the living room floor, the freshly laundered clothes shoved under beds, the messy stove and piled dishes left for who...?

Everyone else seems to have their time, but I play catch up.

Ann addresses this very issue in this chapter. She begins with,

"#362. Suds...all color in the sun"

She reminds me that shouldn't I have all the time everlasting. I'm a believer with all of eternity to live.

Yet I'm addicted to speed as much as a race car driver. From the moment I awake I am trying to "live" faster than time. In the process, (as speed tends to do) I run over the small, I react and often leave devastation in my wake. I don't have time to just respond or to think.

"The hurry makes us [me] hurt."

"Hurry always empties the soul."

"I just want time to do my one life well."

What is the key to slowing down? Ann's answer to that is what this book is all about. When we choose to live in the moment (thanking God for all the minute details) we live present pregnant.

She points out that God is present [I AM] and that is the only "where" we can meet Him.

"Thanksgiving makes time."

"Life is NOT an emergency. Life is eucharisteo"

I too want to live my one life well and present pregnant. I will make the choice!

Multitudes on Monday!

2011-02-21T18:27:00.000-08:00

...4. Help in the kitchen

5. Baby Fabrics

6. winter's gray light

...14. cozy warmth of awakened babes

...16. pure, pristine beauty of winter white world

...18. teenage giggles

19. old friend making effort

20+21. loss of first tooth

gappy, grin girl

...28. brothers playing make-believe

...30 sewing projects accomplished

Chapter 3 "First Flight"

2011-02-17T17:42:00.000-08:00

Ann opens this chapter with a dialogue with a friend as she slices cucumbers. Her friend notices, "You've changed".
Boy, I would LOVE to hear those words, especially from the ones who are closest to me. I want to change, grow, be more loving, more at peace, more....happy/joyful.
She credits this "change" to "the list" but even more than that, to the daily discipline she is developing by "hunting" for thankfulness.
She reminds me that it is learned and learning doesn't come easy or quickly. I should know. As I home school my brood, I'm constantly reminded that some concepts need to continuously be practiced, drilled, monotonous, begrudging. And then it happens, the concept, the skill, the technique becomes second nature.

I want thankfulness to be ~~second~~ first nature.

It's more than just being thankful, it is naming the gifts. By naming, it's like we are receiving them personally from our good God. It is in the specific rather than the general.

"Slapping a sloppy brush of thanksgiving over everything in my life

leaves me deeply thankful

for very few things in life.

...life-changing gratitude does not fasten to a life

unless nailed through

with one very specific nail at a time."

Eucharisteo

2011-02-17T06:46:00.000-08:00

Chapter 2 leads to the real reason she wrote this book.

"Will I have lived fully--or just empty? ...How do we live fully so we are fully ready

to die?"

After a nightmare, God leads her to the passage of the last supper. It is here that she she breaks apart and defines "eucharisteo".

"It really might be the mystery to the fullest life..."

"Eucharisteo always precedes the miracle."

She goes on to sight several examples in scripture where this statement is played out.

And then, a profound statement,

"I would never experience the fullness of my salvation until I express the fullness of my thanks every day,

and eucharisteo is elemental to living the saved life."

There is hope for me. The pessimist. I want to see this life through different lenses. Is this the way? Not just having an attitude of gratitude but a mindset as well. Is this the way to make the head-heart connection and live the abundant life?

Chapter 1 "An Emptier, Fuller Life"

2011-02-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

Ann begins this book with loss. She writes of the things that "force" her to question God.

In Job-like fashion minus the pride, she questions God and wonders where is the promised "abundant life" we as believers are supposed to experience.

I find my heart resonating with her beautifully placed words. The emotions, questions, frustrations of my Christ-walk and how seemingly little has changed to bring me closer to a place of Christ-likeness.

She then goes on to explain how our true sin (the first sin of the Garden) was/is ingratitude.

"Our fall was, has always been, and always will be, that we aren't satisfied in God and what He gives."

I see my losses, inadequacies, failures as gigantic rifts in my life where God didn't meet me. No matter how many times I hear the "Footprints in the Sand" poem or retell verses I've memorized, I don't know how to make the head-heart connection. I know I don't fully say yes to what He gives, I pick and choose only the "good" and even then I'm picky.

"...we only see all that isn't: holes, lack, deficiency."

I'm not quite sure He is for my good.

Then, the startling realization of a scripture overlooked,

"His secret purpose framed from the very beginning [is] to bring us to our full glory" (I Cor. 2:7 NEB).

This has been and is His plan for us, despite sin.

She pens this profound statement,

"I wonder...if the rent in the canvas of our life backdrop, the losses that puncture our world, our own emptiness, might actually become places to see.

To see through to God.

That that which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond.

To Him:"

She ends with the question I have, "HOW?"

"How do I give up resentment for gratitude, gnawing anger for spilling joy? Self-focus for God -communion."

Thus begins her story.

"A dare to an emptier, fuller life."

1,000 Gifts

2011-02-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

Have you heard this? It's a book I've been turned on to. I believe that this little book (knowing full well that it can only be God that truly does this) just may change my life. A dear friend shared that this was a "must read" and with all my heart and mind have been spinning with I believe she is right. As of this post, I've finished the first chapter and my eyes are filled with tears and my heart is asking, "how did she know how to put words to my innermost questions and aches?" I plan on documenting this journey here because it may help someone else or at the very least, motivate them to get their hands on this treasure.

Community

2011-02-09T16:20:00.000-08:00

This blog has primarily been created for the purpose of keeping family and friends abroad, abreast to our family's goings on.
Every now and then,
I have a desire for it to be more;
        a chance for me to be vulnerable and share my heart;
                   an opportunity to bless and be blessed;
                          a cry into cyberspace to know and be fully known.

Even as I type this, I know that these desires are only filled by God. Yet, being a home school mom can be extremely isolating. There are days that I wonder,
                          "What am I doing and Why?" or
                           "Am I even making a difference?"
We were created to be in community, I wonder what it would have been like to have lived when the women would all go down to the river and wash their laundry together and be encouraged, admonished, mentored, and instructed. What was it like to have barn raises, extended family, and frequent church potlucks?

    I long to be assisted in this journey called Life,
                to be more loving,
           more giving,
       more selfless,
more Christ-like in what I do, say, and think.

I want to search for that kind of community.
Maybe it can be found through this medium.
Maybe not.
I want to look for it as if for buried treasure. I want to offer it as well as receive it.
I'll keep you posted (no pun intended : D) with my findings.

Isaac's Dec. 2010 Recital

2011-02-06T11:44:00.000-08:00

Isaac has begun his 3rd year of piano. He is really doing wonderful and enjoys practicing many different types of songs. He originally wanted to play "The Carol of the Bells" but another student had picked it first. He played that and this one for our Christmas Eve Service and did awesome.
He would much rather play by ear and so sometimes it is a challenge having him practice his actual lesson songs. We are really proud of how he seems to enjoy playing.

Abby's December 2010 Recital

2011-02-06T10:29:00.000-08:00

As of this post, Abby has now completed her first year of piano. She is wonderful about doing her lessons and seems to be progressing well. She also played during our Christmas Eve service. She practiced many Christmas carols on her own and it was a delight to hear her all throughout the season.

1st Time Skiing!!!

2011-01-17T19:01:00.000-08:00

I coordinate a home school group of about 30 families to ski at an extremely discounted price at the nearest ski resort here, Badger Pass. I tried to get Levi on skis last year but he would just sit on them and let them slide down. This year he was ready.
Our first day out it was beautiful and it had just snowed the night before. We have gotten record snow this year and there was quite a bit of powder which slowed things down a lot.
The instructors are wonderful and patient here and it is so fun to watch someone else teach my kids for once.

Really Awesome Jewelry

2010-11-19T14:55:00.000-08:00

Head over to lisaleonardonline.com for a giveaway she is having and look at her awesome and simple jewelry. Anything on her website would be a nice gift to get : )

October Recap!

2010-11-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

Here's my monthly post and I'm doing a little better, huh? October was a busy month. What month isn't these days? With 4 kiddos, life is sure full.
We are well into school and I just praise God that He is teaching me daily to be flexible and to let Him rule NOT my schedule. That is a hard lesson for this VERY task driven gal! I think after 5 years of home school I just may be getting it. I truly am enjoying this year so much more.

We are finally enjoying our patio after a very loooong summer of waiting. It is wonderful and I see many winter nights spent out by the fire pit.

Isaac has been in a Lego robotics club and is really enjoying it. He also has a soccer game every Sat. and he is still enjoying it and learning much. I have been helping a friend out by watching her two sons so she can have a break one Saturday a month. We've gone pumpkin picking, berry picking, and enjoyed spending time with our fellowship group especially over the last weekend where we had an old fashioned harvest celebration complete with chili eating, caramel apple making, pumpkin carving and watching "Charlie Brown and The Great Pumpkin".

I've been teaching a P.E. and anatomy class to some other home school families the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Fridays. I have a dear friend who is teaching my kids drama on my "off" Fridays so I have been getting a 3 hour break a couple times a month. That has been truly a blessing.

I've also been mentoring a dear young lady and leading a bible study, Beth Moore's "Jesus the One and Only" with a few gals. If you've never done any of her bible studies I highly recommend them. She is an anointed teacher and student of the Word.

Our big news is that we have joined with a dear couple from our fellowship group to help them out with their on-the-side bbq business at fairs and events. We worked two this last month and it was a lot of work but a blast and we are able to earn a little extra money considering the cuts John has had because of our state's (and his district's) financial situation. I usually take the orders and John makes the order with our friend Rae while her husband Joe is out at the smoker/grill. The food is amazing and they are wonderful and fun to work for. Unless we get a catering job we won't have another fair until Memorial Day. The last job we did was over this past weekend for "The Tarantula Festival" which the kids dressed up and had some fun activities for (a Lego block, ballerina, Tigger, and fireman).

God bless and may November be an especially full month of counting your blessings.

Prayer Request

2010-10-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

I know I rarely post on here as is but if there are a faithful few who still read, I ask for your prayers. I have 2 nieces (Tenaya, just turned 15 on the right and Shaylee turning 13 in Dec.) who are making incredibly bad choices. This picture is over a year old, they do not look like this today. Their hearts are becoming hard and their outward appearance reflects that. My heart aches and breaks and longs to see God "restore what the locusts have eaten". I don't know what part to play, I don't know how to pray, I don't know how to encourage and love without being harsh and wanting to shake them until they comply. I want God to do a miracle. I know He is God no matter what but I want these girls to experience Jesus' abundant life! I want it NOW not after they have a wake of consequences that they have to wade through.
Please pray for whatever the Lord leads on your heart to pray and please don't stop. I'll post any changes but until then, "don't grow weary in doing good" and pray, pray, pray! Thank you!

Reading, Writing, and Rithmetic (that's not even a word)!

2010-09-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, with the end of Labor Day Weekend comes the beginning of our school year! Here's how we started the school year this week...

"Class Pictures" was the first order of business.

That was followed by Alphabet Pancakes (the first letter of each child's name is all this Mom/Teacher could accomplish). Each student also received a little "goody" folder with new school supplies.
After that we proceeded to establish our schedule. It is always difficult to get back into the swing of things but I think this week went pretty well. The subjects for this year are Bible, Math, Language Arts, Writing, World History, Spanish, Geography, Atronomy, Anatomy, P.E., Drama, Art, and Piano (Isaac and Abby).
Let the 2010-2011 school year begin!!!!

Summer Fun!

2010-09-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well, is there anyone still out there wondering if I'm going to post anything any time soon? Sorry for the LOOOOONG absence of posts. This summer has been a little crazy and uncertain at times. We spent most of it waiting to see if we would get to go back to see our family on the east coast. It was not to be (Lord willing next summer for sure :D). We still managed to pack A LOT into this summer ie. building a patio, camping, swimming, road tripping up north to see family and friends, VBSing, entertaining, visiting, riding, and just enjoying all being together. Here's a few pictures to recap.

Gymnastics Recital

2010-05-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

Abby and Mimi had their recital. This year they were able to be in the same class which was VERY nice for me. They did a good job and I'm so proud of them. I especially love to see how very close they are getting. They really are best friends. I took this video during the dress rehearsal, they did even better the next night.

Talent Show Night

2010-05-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

My older 3 helped another couple of families do a rendition of a couple of songs from Sound of Music. We were only able to practice twice together but I think they did pretty well. Here it is....
Enjoy!

Spring 2010 Piano Recital

2010-05-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

Isaac and Abby had their spring recital Friday night (May 14,10). They did GREAT!!! Isaac is finishing his 2nd yr. and I think he's doing awesome. Abby began taking lessons in January 2010 and I'm so proud of her for attempting hands together on "Honey Bee". Here's the videos.

March & April's Events

2010-05-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

I just can't seem to find the time to keep up on this. Here's the cheater version. Hope y'all enjoy the pictures.

Scrapbooking design customized with Smilebox

Happy Birthday John!!!!!!

2010-02-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was John's birthday. He had to work, which was a bummer. We usually get him home because of a holiday break but not this year. That didn't matter to the kids, we all tried to do our best to make it special when he got home.
Mimi made him a "Happy Birthday" banner and card and Abby made him a card and pop-up gift. Isaac was sick but still helped record a message for his recordable birthday card they picked out at the store.
He requested hamburgers for his dinner so we fixed that and some other fun things to eat and put them on the Birthday plate that everyone gets to eat off of on their birthdays. He opened his gift and then we made his favorite dessert, brownies with ice cream and hot chocolate pudding on top while he talked to his sister Adele on the phone.
He must of had a pretty good birthday experience because he left this on the mirror this morning, which really made the kids happy.

Connection

2010-02-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

Do you ever long to connect with another, to be "seen" by someone on a deep level?
I've felt disconnected especially since homeschooling.
I'm so consumed with the education of my children and the running of my home that I don't connect with others. I've tried to pseudo-connect through email, doing this blog, and facebook.

Hey, it seems to be working for others!

It's not my style though. I love to be one- on- one and share deeply. I love to mentor and be mentored. I love to be held accountable. I love to be loved and I love to love.

These other avenues have been so shallow and (in many cases) one-sided.

It's not all my fault, many of my dear friends are in the same boat. We are too "consumed" to connect or be connected.

Yet the longing is still there.

I was really wrestling with this yesterday.

Several years back after Miriam was born, I had begun to disconnect from John. I don't really know why. I began to pray that God would give me a desire/passion for John. Well, God completely and totally answered that prayer and now I can't hardly stand to be away from him.

I decided to pray that same prayer for God and I.

What has apparently come from that prayer is a full realization of how alone I feel. A friend posted a verse today, Matt. 11:28. What struck me was the first 3 words, "Come to me..." Jesus called us to him, he said to come and he would give me rest. I don't feel the need for "rest" but I do feel the need to "come". He is calling to me and He will supply and fill me.

I want to be special to someone, He says, "Come."
I want to be connected with someone, He says, "Come."
I want to be worthy of love and time spent, He says, "Come."
I'm coming Lord Jesus!

Is this worth it?

2010-01-31T15:32:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure this blog is worth the time when I finally do something on it. I originally started it thinking that this would be a great way for me to connect with friends and family that we don't see very often (especially those who live states away). To keep everyone up on what we were doing and see pictures of the kids as they are growing. I don't get many comments and I am wondering if anyone is really keeping up with us. If I don't hear back from anyone, I will just stop posting. Believe me, with homeschooling 4 kids, potty training an almost 3 y.o., leading a bible study, and coordinating skiing for a homeschool group, I have plenty to keep me busy without adding anything more. That said, if this is something viable than I'll keep it up.

Addendum to last post

2009-12-29T21:30:00.000-08:00

This year has been full and I'm disappointed I didn't do a better job keeping up towards the end.
One of the events of this year has been a new fellowship group. We meet every other Sunday and share a potluck-style meal, singing, an activity that corresponds to a short message and prayer. We've incorporated this same thing with the time we spend with my family. It has truly been a blessing.
Isaac has continued to play soccer and is in his 2nd year of piano. He also had a Lego robotics class he took this fall. He has had a buddy for school this fall as I home schooled a friend's son. You'll notice on one of the pictures, he had the opportunity to feed a hawk who was being trained by a novice falconer.
Abby and Mimi continue to do gymnastics and this year Abby is taking a class and learning how to play a recorder. Mimi is officially in Kindergarten and loving it and can't wait to read.
Levi is growing so much and is energetic, fun, and a hand full. He can get into his car seat by himself and does so much better on road trips.
All of us are growing and allowing God to build and reshape us into His will. Looking forward to what God has in store for us all. Praying for an abundant dose of his Spirit to fill our lives.
God bless you all and have a blessed New Year!

2009 At a Glance

2009-12-29T21:24:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The Big 40!!

2009-09-27T21:49:00.001-07:00

Yes, this post is a little late in coming. I have to admit, this birthday hit me a little harder than in the past.
John and my friends and family really tried to make it special.
My family had a fun Sunday celebration for me. John and the kids gave me a very special day filled with gifts and adoration. Our dear friends the Wests watched the kids for 24hrs. so John and I could "get away".
My dear friend Kim took me on an overnight camping trip complete with surprise party and gift of a horse (my biggest dream). I still have friends taking me out for coffee and dessert and lunch. John says I'm having the birthday that keeps on giving and I'm loving and appreciating every bit of it.

School Days, School Days Good Old Golden Rule Days....

2009-09-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

Yep, here are my annual "first-day-of-school" pictures. I am home schooling a friend's son who is the same age as Isaac. He was sick today so I'll have to have "make-up" picture day for him :D
We started the year off with my kitchen, living room, family room, and hallway floors torn up to make room for solid, recycled pine floors. Needless to say, I do NOT do well with chaos and upheaval.
The kids have all handled it in stride especially since we are just doing the bare minimum of math, language arts, and reading.
This year my goal is to RELAX!!! Not literally mind you. Although, I would if I could. I just feel the Lord is calling me to take a step back, look at everyday through His lenses (not my checklists/lesson plans) and delight in these kids.
God is trying to get it through my head that it is my head (thoughts) that get/s me into soooo much trouble. If I want to have a good day than I need to Phil 4:8 think instead of my habitual, glass 1/2 empty thinking.
If God places me on your heart, please pray this for me this year. I want to see a difference and I especially want my kids to reap that difference.

2009-08-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

2009-08-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Less than a decade and he could be gone!!!

2009-06-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

Isaac is 9!!!
I can't believe how fast the time goes. There are days when it seems to dragggg on and then there are times (like birthdays) when you realize how quickly it passes.
John took the day off and we spent it pampering our eldest.
He is such a wonderful boy.
I love how he is so spiritually sensitive. He is caring and devoted. He is artistic and bright. He is gentle and tender and he is very human as well. Here are some picts.

Isaac and all his "loot"
Isaac wanted me to make a fighter plane cake (LOL!!!!) He drew his own on the cake because otherwise mine would have been an UFO :D
Hot Air in action!!!I don't have any pictures of the combined birthday party of Isaac and his cousin David at my folks house. The wonderful Mommy forgot the camera :( They all had a blast though and it is always good to get together with the family.

2009-05-15T16:38:00.001-07:00

2009-05-15T15:51:00.001-07:00

Five is Alive!!!

2009-04-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

That would pretty well sum up the newest 5 yr. old to the family. Mimi turned "5" on Mar. 26. Yeah, I know, I'm a little behind the 8 ball getting it posted.
She knows that her day comes after Levi's so EVERYDAY after his I had to answer, "So, how many more days until my birthday?" Very difficult to explain time to a child who still doesn't quite have the concept. Since we do have 2 birthdays in Mar., there was a lot of celebrating going on.
We tried to get together with family Sunday the 22 but my folks decided against it due to weather. So, at the suggestion of my awesome uncle and aunt, we headed down to Fresno and celebrated at Chuck E. Cheese. (I forgot my camera but hopefully will get picts from my uncle).
Then, her day FINALLY came on Thursday and I crammed it full of fun. First, I took her to Time for Tea, a very Victorian tea house, for the first time. We went to a friend's house where she let the girls ride her horses. After Daddy got home, she opened her presents, ate her special dinner, and had cupcakes and ice cream.
The following Saturday (Mar. 28) we had a small picnic and bike ride at Woodward Park with some dear friends who have adopted my kids for grandkids :D.
Mimi deserved every bit of the fun and attention. She is such a gentle, giving, sweet-spirited little lady. In true "Mimi-fashion" she readily shared her new doll and color wonder pages with Abby and Leapster with Isaac.
She is such a joy and I'm soooo glad I homeschool because I couldn't bear sending that sweet little peanut to public school.

April Fools Dinner!

2009-04-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

I'm not big on April Fool's. Maybe it's cause I've only heard of people playing kind of "mean" tricks on others. Maybe it's because I'm just too serious for my own good.
Well, last night I tried to break out of my mold (a little). I made a fun April Fool's dinner and I think I will continue this as a tradition in the Rumohr home.
We had meatloaf* "cupcakes" "frosted" with mashed potatoes, apple "cole slaw", and sugar cookie "french fries" with raspberry "ketchup". Needless to say, it was a big hit.
*Just a little disclaimer on the meatloaf for those of you who think gross. This is the BEST recipe I've ever had, I got it from my paternal grandma who had gotten it from her aunt. It's cheesy and moist and delicious.
Just look at those faces.

My Baby is 2!!!!!!

2009-03-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

Levi turned 2 on March 13. I am still in a fog. The signs of his age are very evident so I can't deny it any longer. He talks up a storm, he is EVERYWHERE, he plays "ledos" (legos) with his brother and loves "big trucks", he loves to have "Dada ree" (Daddy read) and he constantly calls for Abby. He and Mimi are even beginning to play better and better together.
He reminds me a lot of Abby and yet he is uniquely his own. He tests the limits far more than any of the others have, still takes WONDERFUL naps, and shows his mommy lots of love and "tisses" (kisses). Sometimes I think how easy life would be if Mimi was our baby, but there is no question the life this little guy has brought to this family.

Stoned!!

2009-03-18T15:54:00.001-07:00

Wait a minute, it's not what you think!!! For those of you who don't know or haven't heard, I have kidney stones on my left side. I found out March 2 and yep, it's been 2 weeks Monday!!!
We found out that one of the stones was close to 1cm and blocking the ureter so I went in on 03-12-09 to have Lithrotripsy done (they try to blast the stone using sonic waves). I had to be put out and the procedure lasted about 1 1/2 hours. The doctor ended up putting a plastic tube (stint) in that goes from the kidney to the bladder and he could not tell if the stone had submitted to the blasting.
All that to say that as of today, I haven't passed anything substantial. I'm supposed to go back in a couple of weeks and if nothing has happened then I don't know what the next step is. Please pray that I pass them!!! I am managing the pain but have to take some pretty heavy duty pain meds that make me sleepy and out of it. The kids are enjoying their very loopy and laid-back mommy I'm sure. I just want to feel better.
I'll try to post more later about my sweet little baby turning 2!!!

Kitchen Remodel

2009-02-28T22:15:00.000-08:00

Here are the picts from our kitchen remodel. I'm sooo blessed. I LOVE it!

These are before (right after Dave tore out the coat closet/pantry) that you can just barely see behind John and I at Thanksgiving
Here is the after.

Ski Days!!

2009-01-31T21:43:00.000-08:00

I coordinate skiing for a homeschool coop that I'm a part of. My sole purpose for doing this is so that my kids can ski at a discounted price. They are all doing amazingly well. Miriam went on her first lift this last time and she is soooo adorable. Isaac is a little speed demon and you can hear me saying (more than once) "It's not how fast that determines how good a skier you are but how in control!" Abby is awesome and she is gracious enough to let me tag a long with her as she gives me all kinds of encouragement, "Good job Mom, you can do it, try to go a little faster." Yep, thanks Abs for not making me feel like an idiot. I have to take lessons just to try to catch up to them. It is a blast though. Here's little Mimi and Abby on the beginner hill "Turtle"

There Miriam goes with her instructors down Bruin. Her first time on a lift! This is Isaac going under our lift. I didn't get any of him on the bigger hills because I was concentrating soo hard on getting myself down in one piece. :D

Abby, Isaac, and I are on the chairlift to the 2nd hardest hill "Rabbit"

This is what it looks like when you first get going down the hill. :O
Wasn't it a gorgeous day? The resort had gotten snow over the weekend as well as a couple of inches the night before. Hope we have more of those days and I hope I can keep up!

PLEASE PRAY!!

2009-01-26T21:28:00.000-08:00

Last week we were informed of something that pretty well rocked our world. I'm afraid I can't go into any details. I could really use some prayer, though. I'm needing to not allow fear to take over. I'm needing to remember God is God no matter what circumstances take place in our lives. I'm also needing to guard my heart from anger, bitterness, and hate. I'm needing wisdom as to where to go from here.
I was at church on Sunday and broke down. I'm able to keep very busy in the day-to-day and not deal with things, but on Sunday... well that's a different story. Sunday is our Sabbath, it is a day where we intentionally slow down to honor, reference, obey and fellowship with God. As I sat in church and sang, all that has happened came rushing in like a flood and I was faced with all the above mentioned struggles. As I sat in my Father's lap, lifting up praise to Him out of obedience alone (void of positive emotion), I wrestled and chose to try to surrender.
Please pray w/ and for me that this "thing which Satan intended for evil, God would use for good."

Christmas Break 2008

2009-01-15T16:54:00.001-08:00

Let's see if this works!

2009-01-15T16:46:00.000-08:00

My dear sweet cousin from VA suggested I try a slide show to save a little time in posting. So, now after about an hour of trying to figure this all out, get my email verified, download and write this, we'll see if it works! Here goes...

How To Find Time?!

2009-01-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

Any suggestions on how to find time to post? I can't seem to do it and sooo much time goes by and then there is sooo much to post. Maybe tonight I'll have some time to post about the holidays and New Year. Could use any suggestions. :D

Our First Recital and First Snow!!!

2008-12-16T16:35:00.000-08:00

Couldn't pass this up for a post.
Isaac had his Christmas recital Sat. He played Away in a Manger and Silent Night. We were so proud. I'm so excited to have him take piano and hope to glean from his experience.

We had our first snow on Sunday. It has been cooold but I love it. We've had to call a couple "snow days" sticking to our math and L.A. schedule but enjoyingthe snow while it lasts.

Oh There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays!!!

2008-12-12T14:35:00.000-08:00

With the:
undefeated soccer season ending,

the field trip to the MET Museum,

the Christmas party with our home school coop,

the tree trimming,

and hand made Christmas gifts and letter to get done.

There's simply no time to be here!
So, we'll see you in the New Year!!
May you have a blessed Christmas full of Christ!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-12-03T13:05:00.000-08:00

This year I hosted Thanksgiving for the first time. Whew, what a lot of work. We had about 17 people (counting kids) and I believe we maxed out my new table. It was so nice to have everyone in our home. I pray all felt blessed, were able to relax and be refreshed. I know my kids definitely enjoyed having everyone over. There's just something about their family coming to see them in their environment that is soo special.
We had the Wallaces over (friends of ours and their youngest son plays soccer with Isaac), my sister, and my folks and 3 nieces.

CATCH UP!

2008-11-17T13:03:00.000-08:00

Hey, it's been awhile since I've posted. Mostly because I like posting things when I have pictures to share. However, our camera decided to take a dump right after our return from the cruise. On one hand that was great yet the other side was I've missed the kids dressing up for Halloween and decorating their pumpkins and our Fall pictures in general.
So, here is a boring post to "catch up":
First, we are still attending our church as we wrestle with how God would use us as a light and a fighting force for Truth. Our church is doing the same and with that in mind we feel we are to remain there until further notice.
Second, Isaac has been in full soccer swing. I will try to get some picts of the last 2 games to post. He is doing really well and more importantly, has a GREAT time.
Third, we have been leading several small groups through a wonderful 13 week DVD series put out by Focus on the Family called The Truth Project. It truly is transformational!!! If you haven't heard about it check out the website truthproject.org, if you have the opportunity to go through it as a small group, DO IT!!! It is soo exciting and I'd love to hear what y'all think.
Well, hope to be posting pictures soon. God bless until next time. :D

10 years ago today!!!

2008-10-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

10 years ago today I was getting ready to embark on THE greatest adventure in my life. I had looked forward to that day for as long as I could remember. I can't explain all the emotions that I was experiencing, yet I remember them as if it were yesterday. If you knew me then you know what I'm talking about. There had been several long, difficult times but it all came together on that day.
We have had plenty of ups and downs. We have had plenty of challenges and changes. One thing is for sure, God is GREAT and His timing is perfect. I couldn't have imagined what a wonderful gift I'd be given in John. He is an amazing husband, hands-on Daddy, and the most consistent friend I've ever had.
I am especially contemplative about not only my marriage but marriage in general as we head into this election. For those of you who may not know this, California has a proposition on the ballot that if not passed could alter the way we define marriage. My heart aches over this blatant attack on one of God's "beautiful mysteries" that is such an amazing picture of His love for the church and even the relationship He has within the Trinity. Please join with us and others in CA that are praying that Proposition 8 will pass.

The Cruise

2008-10-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

John and I treated ourselves to a 4-day cruise for our anniversary. We left Long Beach Mon. evening, went to Catalina for the day on Tues., Ensenada, Mexico for the day on Wed., and were "out to sea" for Thurs. We arrived back at Long Beach on Fri. morning. Without going into too much detail ( :D ), we had a great time. A few highlights: 1) Not having to use a watch to do anything or be anywhere. 2) Being able to complete an entire thought or conversation without interruption. 3) Meeting 3 very wonderful christian couples at different stages of this life than ours. 4) My children makin' bonds/memories, being loved, adored, spoiled (a little), and poured into by such a dear family to us. 5) Enjoying the feeling of missing my kids sooo much I couldn't wait to get back to them (at the end of the trip :) ). 6) Remembering that we are each others best friends and realizing how much we have missed each other).

Our Room w/a View.

This has quite a "funny" story. We decided to rent beach cruisers on our Catalina Island stop. We had a map that showed a loop that seemed like it would be nice and scenic. So we went up this humongous "hill" (of which the town sits humbly below) and were very proud of ourselves and looking forward to the downhill ride back to town. However, the road along the beach was closed off so we had to go all the way back up this hill. This pict was taken BEFORE we had realized this (notice how I am still smiling).

This was one of the two times we just sat in the sun and lounged.
With our busy lives we had all but forgotten what these kind of chairs were for.

This was our last sunset on the Paradise. As John and I looked
over the fairly placid water, I told him how cool it would be if we
saw a whale or something. I had no sooner finished my sentence
when we saw a couple splashes and then as we looked out in front of the boat the water teemed with at least a hundred or more dolphins! It was sooo amazing.

Every night when our steward would turn down the bed. He would leave mints and a cute "towel animal" on display. This was a big and little walrus, can you tell?

Here is an almost complete view of the Paradise. Our van full again of our precious treasures as well as Aunt Jeannie tryin' to prolong the goodbyes.

A very difficult last couple of weeks.

2008-10-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Well, this will not be a "fun" post. I have no pictures to show at this time (not for lack of them mind you but for lack of knowledge as to how to download them from the camera). My heart is aching. John and I have really been wrestling with what we should do in response to some decisions our denomination has made. Let me preface all this by saying I LOVE the church we attend. The people are sooo dear to my heart and truly show Jesus in their words and deeds. Our church is a Presbyterian Church-USA. For those of you who don't know all that that stands for, you're blessed. I, on the other hand, have gleaned way too much information of what this means. And, with this knowledge, John has felt compelled at this time that we should no longer attend. Had we known all that we know now when we first began attending 15 years ago, I don't know if we would have attended. It has nothing to do with our little church but what a large part of the leadership in the denomination of that church is/has been doing.
As you can imagine this is heartbreaking to say the least. This is the church where we call "home". This is where my babes have been welcomed into this world. This is where I have cried out and been heard and where I've received countless help. I don't know what to do and quite frankly don't know where we will attend now. I would really apprectiate all your prayers at this time for us.
John and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary with a 4 day cruise next week and it really couldn't have come at a better time. We both need time away to sort through things, reconnect, and pray uninterrupted. I have felt so down and heavy-hearted and pray that will be a thing of the past after this time with my loves (God and John). Thanks for your prayers.

School Days are here again!!!

2008-09-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

My tradition for our homeschool is to begin school (officially) the day after Labor Day and end Memorial Day.
I "borrowed" the idea of making our "1st"day of school memorable from a fellow homeschooler and friend at Keeping up with the Joneses.
We have a special breakfast (alphabet pancakes; I had to forgo in lieu of my arm so we had gel icinged letters on pancakes Daddy made the day before). I usually make a back-to-school banner and have some new school supplies "wrapped" up. We also take school pictures (individual and class : D ). I think the kids enjoy it and although it means the end of lazy summer days, they look forward to it.

Continued...

2008-09-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

So, another "big event" that happened in August was my birthday.
It was bad enough that I thought my injury was partially due to the fact I was turning ..... but everyone made me feel very special. My aunt threw a pool party at her house on Sat., John made me this AWESOME 8' x 3.5' kitchen table (which I covered w/heavy duty plastic) that was graced with a beautiful flower arrangement my Aunt Barbara wired to me from VA, the kids all lavished me with drawings and love, and a friend took me out to lunch and gifted me with a pedicure.

August Daze!!

2008-09-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture journal of our crazy end of July and August.

2 Days before I broke my arm we sent this precious soldier off to Africa (Nairobe, Kenya). Amy is very dear to our family and she has embarked on a most incredible journey. She will be teaching kids at a school for at least this year and possibly a second. We miss her all ready.

My nieces Shaylee and Tenaya came to help me out the week after my surgery. We got a lot of special attention and people visiting and bringing food that I think my children secretly hope I will injure myself again soon.

Not to let a broken arm stop all the summer fun, we went camping for a few days up the road. I figured as long as I'm not sleeping anyway, I might as well not be sleeping at home. John was very gracious and I was able to come home and be alone a couple of times. It really was pretty relaxing and Levi took such great naps that we all were able to have some real down time.

To Be Continued.....

Back from Land w/One Hand!!!

2008-09-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, It's about time I updated my Blog. I have to take the girls to gymnastics and then I will try to gather the picts and write a little to update since The Surgery. Needless to say it has been quite interesting and I'm sooo very thankful for all my appendages. Here is a picture of me the day after surgery. I pretty much looked like this for the next 6wks. (maybe a little less drugged).

SURGERY!!! 07-25-08

2008-07-24T23:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, I will be having surgery on my left wrist this Fri. This will be my first time on the operating table and I'm a little nervous to say the least.
It all started when I thought I'd get a quick bike ride in before dinner & bible study Tues. I was just starting to go uphill when the bike slipped a gear. It all happened in slow motion. The bike began to lean left so I kicked my left foot out of the toe clip. I put my foot down on the pavement and when the metal of the toe clip made contact with the pavement it "skated" out from under me. I fell on my knee first and then reactively put my hand out and felt a "clunk" and a lot of pressure in my wrist. When I looked at it, I thought I had dislocated it. I immediately raised my hand above my head, took my shoes off, moved the bike to the side of the road, & proceeded down the hill as quickly as I could tolerate. When I got home, I got some ice in a bag and rushed everyone into the car. PTL that it is summer & John was/is home. When we got to the ER, the nurse got me right in. After the xrays, I expected the Dr. to come in and "pop" it back in. Unfortunately, he came over with the films and said I had done quite a number on it and I would probably need surgery. That caught me off guard and I started to cry a little.
Today I met with the surgeon and he confirmed that I had "shattered" my radius (the bone on the thumb side). I have a piece of bone chipped off the Ulna, a transverse, anteriorly displaced fracture to the distal radius(I broke a piece of the bone on the thumb side and that is on top of the main bone) and that fractured piece of the radius has several fractures. He said he will do his best to fit all the pieces back together and put a titanium plate in there but there is no way it will be the same again. I will most likely lose about 50% of my range of motion and will battle arthritis as well.
I praise God that John is home and can be here for the kids and I. I praise God it is my left arm and not my right. I praise Him for my surgeon who specializes in hand & wrist surgeries and (from some of the things he said about God) I think he is a believer.
Please keep me and this situation in your prayers. Isaac came up to me yesterday and said, "Mommy, I know God allowed this to happen to you because He has something good planned. Maybe part of it is that you work so hard around here and He is telling you to take some time to rest." Out of the mouth of babes, huh? Thank you for your thoughts & prayers,

Vacation Part III

2008-07-24T21:39:00.000-07:00

Well, my ability to type has been considerably hampered(more on that later) so (as the saying goes) since a picture is worth 1000 words, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

My dear Jen and I with Miriam, Ruthie, & Levi

Abby & Levi playing at the park. Miriam & Ruthie havin' fun.

Aunt Jen's backyard is soooo fun!

On the ferry to Friday Harbor. A blind, fat seal waiting for us to take pity on him.Miriam & Ben ridin' Seal. The whole gang (except Dirk) havin' a pic nic, & a little face painting to round out the day.

Dirk, Jen, Ben, & Ruthie. Thanks for an awesome week of fun, fellowship, & food.

On to Shelton and the Perry Resort....

John & John getting a little R&R. Isaac & Jamin in the kayak.

Abby's turn.

What a spot, huh? The hospitality on the inside was every bit as awesome as the beauty on the outside.

That's my girl!!!

Back at home and playing with Aunt Tiffany!

Vacation Part II

2008-07-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

We got off the train in Portland and rented a car because of the train schedule and wanting to visit others on the way to our dear friend, Jenny, decided to drive the rest of the way up to Bayview.

We stopped at one of the visitor centers for Mt. St. Helen's. We watched a film documentary, it was amazing. God's power is frightening.

Outside the visitor center was a little nature walk, it was too cloudy to see the Mt. but the foliage and wild flowers and birds were amazing.
We arrived at Jen's just in time for a wonderful dinner. Jenny's 2 children (Ben-almost 4 and Ruthie-almost 2) welcomed us warmly and we had a hard time saying goodnight (not just because the sun stays up until 10pm).

More adventures to come.

We're Back!!!

2008-07-16T23:01:00.001-07:00

We got back from our trip to Washington yesterday. What can I say, it was an awesome vacation. I have sooo much to blog and some great picts to post.
I'll start with the train. Okay, hands down this is the BEST way to travel with children. Make sure you bust out and get a sleeper car, though. It is well worth it.

Here we are waiting for the train at the Fresno depot. It was 4th of July so we tried to be very patriotic (Thanks Aunt Jeanne for the great T-Shirts). The kids all packed one "carry on" bag with things that would help to keep them entertained. I also had them take a journal and Isaac and Abby had a little bit of schoolwork.

Here's a little bit of what the sleeper car looks like. You get your own cabin. Everyone had a bed (Levi shared), the food was pretty good, we had access to the showers, and you could walk around or just have some privacy (great for naps).
Stay tuned, more to come.

MIRIAM'S BIG NEWS!!!

2008-06-24T14:07:00.001-07:00

REJOICE WITH US!!!!

Miriam accepted Jesus into her heart last night before bed!!! I have been praying for this since she was born (as I've done with each of our children ). It was such a sweet prayer. She asked Him to come into her heart and live and to help her be a good girl and she loved Him. Afterwards, I told her how exciting that was and how the angels in heaven were having a big party celebrating her new birth. She thought that was quite funny and couldn't stop giggling everytime she said the angels were having a party. To the best of my ability this day (June 23, 2008) will always be remembered and celebrated.

Have a party with the angels today!!!!

Happy Father's Day!!!

2008-06-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

John is the most amazing dad. He is sooo hands-on with the kids and really is intentional about his time with them. He never misses a teachable moment and he rarely gets riled ( I do enough of that for the both of us :) ). For Father's Day all he wanted was to go camping with all of us. Like I said, he just can't seem to get enough of us. We all had a horrible flu the week before but everyone was pretty well over it except Levi and I. He took the 3 older kids and went up to a great spot just 20min. up the road (one of the perks of living near national forest). They camped Fri. night and then Levi and I joined them for dinner and camping Sat. night. I think he really enjoyed his time not to mention the awesome books we got him to enjoy for his summer vacation.

Birthday Boy!!

2008-06-19T21:49:00.001-07:00

My sweet "big boy" turned 8 last Wed.
We both had the flu : ( !!!!!! He handled it pretty well. We both layed around all day and when Daddy got home he opened his gifts had a little of his birthday dinner and cake. We didn't get to have a big birthday day but he handled it in stride. He was soo grateful for his gifts and it meant so much to us that he is learning to have a heart of thankfulness in all circumstances (well beyond his mother in that realm).

Isaac is such a great boy. It just hit me a couple of months ago that we are very close to the "1/2 way mark" with him and my heart wanted to stop. I'm not ready for that!!! I don't feel I've done a good job at showing him Jesus. He often times does a better job of that than me.

I also realized that he will remember these days and how I am with him. I sooo don't want him to remember a grouchy, frustrated mom that never smiled, always barked orders and generally seemed unhappy about life. He has such a loving heart and usually tries to make things better when I'm on a rampage. It should be the other way around. Oh dear Lord, may I do a better job of reflecting you and living in the Spirit for his next 10 (at least) than I've done at his first 8. May my children remember you from their childhood and not my mistakes. They deserve it and so do you.