BZNEtiquette

Need God

2011-06-02T17:29:00.005-05:00

We need to spend time with God. If we don't bother praying or studying but once in a while we are not going to know Him or His plans for our lives. It's like you and a friend trying to toss popcorn back and forth. The farther you are away from each other the less you are going to make your mark. But as you step closer and closer to one another it becomes easier to accomplish the task. You get so close that you place the popcorn in the palm of the others hand.

As we spend time with God we learn His ways. Then we have to put them into practice. Throwing off the old ways. Renewing our minds to live like Christ.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! " ~2 Corinthians 5:17

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." ~Philippians 4:8-9

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." ~Romans 12:2

Study God's word. Pray daily for wisdom to know what He has for you. Memorize His words, store them in your heart. These are the things you need to rely on daily. The truth of His word.

Women of the Bible: Eve

2011-05-26T07:09:00.010-05:00

I was going to get up and go to work early today... but I had such a great time with the Lord yesterday, I decided not to let this time pass by without sharing it with you.

A friend and I decided to get to gather every now and again to have a Bible study. I shared this study I picked up a while back that I couldn't pass up,"Women of the Bible." It offers up 52 individual studies of the women of the Bible.... wow! Like I said I couldn't resist grabbing it. It could come in handy one day. So my friend agreed to do it with me. We of course began at the beginning with Eve.

The reading was Genesis 1-4. Yes, I have read this before... on more than one occasion, but this is classic God... He brings out new things for me every time! I saw thing that were speaking directly to me...

My Role as a Wife:
After the sin of eating the forbidden fruit occurred, God said, "Because you have done this,..." (Gen. 3:14) then handed out the consequences... He told Adam, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’
“Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, ..." (Gen. 3:17-19)

I know that this curse is already in effect, our men will toil and things will work against them... but I'm going to try to do my best to stay under the protection and authority of my husband as to not to cause any more grief. Yes, it is hard at times but we women can work at it, start anew each day. God set up a wonderful structure of authority to give us all freedom.!! He honestly did. Read Romans 13 & Ephesians 6!!

I know that I personally fail at this. Over and over! I don't think and then spout off my opinions and I sway him to follow my lead, when I should be following his. I'm bossy and feel that this is my home to run the way I want it. What happened to the man being the king of his castle? How can he be if I'm the one calling all the shots? Our job as wives is to RESPECT our husbands. His is to Love us... (Ephesians 5:33) but it's hard when we are bossy and pushy. As if he doesn't work hard enough to provide for us!

(Side note to this... it makes me think of The Taming of the Shrew! At the end she give a wonderful speech to her sister and another woman about the duties of a wife... you must see it. I wish I could get a recording for a pep talk to myself on a regular basis! This link is the best I could find. The text is under the pictures.)

My Anger Issues:
I spent too much time looking for "Taming of the Shrew" speech that I am now out of time! Ugh. But I will leave you on this. In Genesis 4, before Cain killed Able, God spoke with Cain. "Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” I need to take these words to heart. I am angry often! Typically for trying my best and not being appreciated or heard. But I do let my anger sway me to behave badly. I have to conquer the anger and not sin in it. Anger is not a sin... it's the behavior that I allow to take control of me.

Out of time. There was so much more... but I'll share later! Have a wonderful day!

Measure

2011-05-13T15:22:00.006-05:00

I have chosen to blog about what God is saying to me lately. So. Here is a little sample of scripture that is moving me this week. Two different translations.

"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." ~John 17:22-23 (NIV)

"I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me." ~John 17:22-23 (NLT)

What a great verse to pray for, "perfect, complete unity" with fellow Christians. Why let those little things get in the way? Don't judge, forgive! Allow people to see God's love in your relationships. Right now I need this in my own life. Some days the people around me seem like the enemy and they are not! I see them as "not measuring up" to my standards. Which is totally wrong of me. I'm expecting things that are not mine to expect. We allow ourselves privilages that should not be. Who am I? Not the Judge... that's for sure... but boy do I act like it!

I am soaking in the word "measured" in my own life...

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
" ~Matthew 7:2-3

Ugh... it is so easy to measure others. Lord, help me to get to a place where I don't feel I need to be the one to point out that speck!

Word of God Speak...

2011-05-12T08:08:00.001-05:00

I would like to point out a great verse that I have found lately.

"As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it."
~John 12:47

Hello! Believers! Did you see this?? If you are have accepted the sacrafice of Christ death on your behalf you are His. You hear His voice! Here are some verses about hearing His voice.

"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” ~John 10:1-5

We, believers are the sheep. Jesus is our shepard. Jesus knows us all by name, He is our guide, leading us to the good pastures.

"I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live." ~John 5:25

So back to the original verse... "but does not keep them" ... let's face it. We want to keep Christ commands, but it is tough. We all fail. We are all sinners. None of us are finished. This verses shows us that we don't have to worry about whether we will loose our salvation or not...

Once we are His.... once we believe in Him... we are saved. And along with that "salvation deal" is not being Judged by the One who will judge all in the end. When we stand before God we will have been washed clean of our sins by the work of Jesus. He has already taken the punishment for your sins past, present and future. AMAZING!

So stop beating yourself up about what ever it is. God is not standing over you ready to hit you with a lightning rod! Have you accepted God's gift to you through Jesus? If yes, stop judging yourself. Confess it and be done with it. Learn from it but move on. Every day is a NEW DAY, every moment is a NEW MOMENT. Begin again!

I'm not telling you there will not be human conseqenses. You do have to deal with that, but you are allowed to hold your head high and move forward.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ~Romans 8:28

HOPE

2010-05-24T15:11:00.003-05:00

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."

Ephesians 1:18-19a

Cupcakes

2010-05-24T14:47:00.003-05:00

I'm on a cupcake craving. I'm going to try to make some yummy cupcakes this summer. It started with my love for CAKE! And there is a fun little shop in SF called Oh My Cupcakes. They close by 2:00pm. I never seem to make it before they close if I get there at all!
I've saved a few blogs on the topic. There are a few that share recipes... Elijah and I have picked out our first ones to try. I'm shooting for a Peanut Butter High Hat and she is going for a Strawberry High Hat. We are preparing them for a Dessert Auction to raise funds to support Cari Logan as she moves to Sierra Leone to work with The Raining Season. If they aren't good we won't be serving them.... so a sacraficial cupcake will need to be eaten prior to the auction! haha! YUM! We'll see!

Who Me?

2010-05-24T14:12:00.003-05:00

What do you mean, "Where have you been?"
I don't know what you are talking about! So I missed the last year. Left you hanging on with the Wild Wednesdays.... They were great!
The kids and I had a blast for the most part. We took day long trips to the wildlife reserve areas. At times the kids hated the bugs and the tall grasses. And there were even moments when I thought "I am TOTALLY unprepared if we meet a mountain lion!!" Still need to read up on that for this year. We lost the camera once at a beaver lodge. That was interesting, retracing your steps 3 times in tall grass and slew areas... It was a miracle it didn't disappear forever or end up in the water. It was close enough... But it was found. Woo Hoo.
There was a great day when we were walking and planned to picnic under the tree in the distance. The moans and groans from the kids was pathetic. "We'll get there, just keep walking." When we finally did the tree was infested with wasps! "OH OK... UM keep walking." We saw lots of great animals that day. There was a deer so close to us... We could only imagine what it was thinking seeing me with the kids both tucked up in my arms because they couldn't see over the grass. We were a 3 headed something alright!
I'm up for it again this year. Ebeni says "NO!" But I'm sure I'll win! Here are just a few highlight pics from last summer.

Let the Summer Begin!

2009-05-25T09:30:00.007-05:00

Well the kids got out of school on Thursday. And then there was the "gotta get my work done" on Friday.... Cleaned all weekend. I have yet to get ALL the snowmen out of the house. A thorough cleaning takes a while. We've already experienced the big black ants marching through the kitchen. So I started at the mud room door and have been systematically cleaning every inch of the house, and then spraying the perimeter of each room. All that work and I'm only done with 3 rooms. I have 3 1/2 rooms left on the main floor!

This being technically day one of my minds summer calendar I have designated Mondays as "Work" day. The kids must get their chores done before any of the fun to begin. Today their job is clean the living room and fold one basket of towels. Elijah has her own clothes to put away... a job left over from the weekend. Mondays will also be NO TV / COMPUTER day. In hopes of having no distractions from their work and having some quiet book time, homework for mom and just fresh air when play time does happen. Today the kids must get their work done by 2, because we have a birthday party this afternoon... Or they stay home. It won't be an empty threat, I have the tools to do it... and I will go without them! HAHA! Aw.. the power of putting your foot down.

Well wish me luck on DAY 1!!!

Have you ever?

2009-05-01T22:26:00.003-05:00

This is going around and thought it would be a easy blog post.
You BOLD the ones you HAVE done.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland/world

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang/played a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Gotten flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Made a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

Now if you do this let me know so I can visit yours, I have copied this from The Proverbs 31 Journey.

I'm A Bird Watcher

2009-04-27T22:22:00.004-05:00

I just love birds! I have been watching birds since we lived on the farm. Being at home there were times you just looked out the window at the birds. So you start to notice them. And feed them... and identify them with books.

Here in town I have a few feeders and we play with the variety of food and placement of that food. We have found the Starlings, Grackles and Blue Jays love dog food. So we offer it once and a while with the corn. The squirrels like corn you know... and lollipops! HAHA!!!

Yesturday we discovered the lollipop liking... Declan had one that got left behind by the feeders. A squirrel found it and was enjoying it. Along came another squirrel and the first one with lolly in it's mouth began to chase the other all over the neighborhood. Elijah and I just laughed. Then it retreated to it's own tree to enjoy it's new snack.

We have had the typical variety of sparrows, yellow finches, red house finches, an occasional cardinal, mourning doves,... Well these last few days we've spotted a few new birds... the first is the Hairy Woodpecker, we saw a female.

And this fun little White - Breasted Nuthatch

Last week I found this bird by the water. I couldn't wait to come home to find out what kind it was. It was perched on a tree looking down to the water. When it saw a fish it would dive right in and catch one and fly to a new branch. It did this all down the waters edge then it would fly back to the beginning tree. And repeat. It was so great to watch. It sounded like a kids machine gun. I had the library book for SD birds and looked as soon as I was home. The identity is a Belted Kingfisher.

Today I just had to ahve my own copy of the book from the library and our bookstore had a copy... Yee haw!!! I've been making notes in it already. There is a nice check list in the back.

The kids are into bird watching too. Everytime something is going on someone is calling someone to come look at something! The kids were even sitting by the feeders today in camo... Elijah was even bold enough and was able to pet a bird, ask her about it... she will go on and on! Well, I'll keep you updated on any new discoveries if we have any. Hope you all have a wonderful day watching God's creation!

(ps. bird pics are from the internet, not my own.)

Declan Lost 1st Tooth

2009-04-27T21:48:00.002-05:00

This little boy is so proud to announce that he has lost his first tooth! It has been wiggly for a while. Friday night we were out eating pizza and I shared a bite of my peach with him. In the process he bit down on that tooth and really made it bend. He proceeded to play with it until he yanked it out. All before the pizza arrived.

He then brought it home in a napkin and Elijah helped with the "Toothfairy" preparations. And off to dreamland they went. In the morning he woke to find 3 boxes of Cracker Jacks, $1 in quarters and some a candy rope. He was a sweetie and shared his popcorn with the girls.

Sign Language

2009-04-21T22:49:00.004-05:00

I've been learning sign language for a while now. I've taken the beginners class 2 times. Nikki, my teacher, decided I need to help teach beginners this time around. So I'm helping teach. It's been really fun.

We meet weekly and have such a fun beginners class. Nikki and I both have 2 kids taking the class. Along with them there are 2 other children and a number of adults. I'm so pleased!!

But we HAVE to move on and do a "Sign 2" class as well!! So... A while back, Nikki and I were having McD's with our pastor's wife Beth when I was sharing that we used to come every week and practice our signing. She perked up and we found she has a real heart for signing too and that she had taken a class many years ago. We also have a fellow church member, Nick who knows sign and is so kind in coming along side Nikki, Beth and I as we learn the language. Sign 2 is challenging as we are learning more than words... How to actually communicate with one another. But it is fun for Nikki and I to try using "less words" and use our hands. We were ordering our breakfast in sign to eachother this morning and made our table mates "jealous" we were communicating without them. HA!

The following pictures are the 4 of us signing the song "Word of God Speak" for church one Sunday morning.

Fresh

2009-04-13T18:31:00.003-05:00

Well I'm sure you don't stop by as often as I do.. haha! But I keep this as my home page to remind me that it does exist... so I see it daily. I've been thinking.. "I've got to do something with it" and what's better than a good remodel to get back in business!

Easter brings NEW LIFE with the resurrected Christ. So I'm going with that theme for a while. I plan on a tiny diet... with some exercise... I'm getting chubby all the way around. HA... yeah it's not really funny anymore! Just a small diet! I have to give up on some candy in my diet! Ugh! I love candy! Ugh!

I don't know... things need to change for the better... I can't pin point alot down but just things. I really have backed out on a lot of computer time. Yeah me! So... with Spring here... who knows what will change.

Sorry for the long delay. Hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend!

Lighthouse

2008-09-18T07:54:00.004-05:00

I was challenged to make a lighthouse for Walt for a presentation/sermon... He's the key speaker.... So this is what was accomplished. It wasn't going well so I said, "God this is all yours, cuz I can't get it to work." I had the idea... but it just wouldn't come together. I delivered it last night and showed his wife how it worked and came apart. I'm greatful for the challenge and I am very proud of the outcome!

I hope this video works. If not HERE

Anatomy

2008-09-05T10:41:00.002-05:00

One morning this week, all the kids and I were getting ready for the day. All their clothes are in my room as you can't really have 3 children, all their toys, plus all their clothes in one tiny room.... Ok. So we are getting dressed and I'm standing with my back to them getting a shirt. Next thing I know Declan comes up behind me and grabs a roll of fat and so innocently asks "What's this??" (Like I don't remember this being on the body part list!) Oh it was great! I explained it was a nice roll of fat and that's what happens when you eat too much and lots of candy and sweets then don't excercise. Then I did a little dance to show off all the rolls! Ha poor kids! Let that be lesson to all!

GOALS!!!

2008-08-19T14:01:00.003-05:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah... you hear a lot of goals from my mouth and yet I can't get things accomplished, I plan and prep more than I do. Like craft/art shows. I want to, I really do! I would like to have a booth, but I'm so selfish I get nothing accomplished! With that being said, I've had enough "Talking" and am committed to doing one in November! I made a list of items I would like to get accomplished my then. I filled out the application for the booth and mailed my check out. So I am officially committed to this! I have a bunch of empty shelves in my dining room set up for all my work, so I have a daily reminder of what I am accomplishing or not accomplishing. I will have.. as my goal.... crocheted items (such as toys, rugs, bookmarks), painted items (ornaments, rosemaling) which will cover a wide range.... so wish me luck, pray for productivity!!

Another Artist

2008-08-19T13:47:00.004-05:00

My kids are so cute!! Ebi makes me smile with all her little pictures. She is such a details person... some days we can't get her out of the Sunday School craft room cause "I'm Not Done!" Today I come home to her drawing a picture. Watching and studying what she was trying to accomplish I found she was drawing it Dora's buddy "The Map" not only drawing it... but she was drawing it upside down. What a nut!

See short video HERE

TICKS!

2008-08-19T13:36:00.002-05:00

Ok... one thing I've said about my kids, they are like ticks..... A tick will get on you and just start climbing to the highest point.... and these pictures are proof....

MOM's do NOT leave a ladder next to the garage!!!

During the 4-H dog show Ebi and Declan ran off to have fun.... this is what Ebi chose to do.

Elijah's 4-H Achievement Days

2008-08-19T13:06:00.002-05:00

Elijah's 4-H Achievement Days went really well! Her projects turned in were a white squirrel in textiles, toffee scones in foods/drop cookie category, dog rally obedience and dog showmanship. The first night her group ran the concessions stand. She had an interview with the judge for her squirrel and came back with a blue ribbon. I was very proud of her and her squirrel. Friday was the dog show... man it took all morning 8am-2pm we were so tired!! Elijah received a white in rally obedience and a blue in showmanship. Her scones got a purple ribbon, they were yummy!

She was so excited about every one's exhibits and I told her to make a list of goals for next year, she can do it if she put some effort into it. That's what 4-H is about... your individual effort on your project, doing things to the best of their ability!

So Handsome!

2008-07-23T21:26:00.002-05:00

Just a handsome little boy! Elijah's been playing with her brother and sister as if they are dolls sometimes. Declan come downstairs hair dripping wet but so excited... he was telling me what Elijah was doing to him, just so animated! I couldn't miss getting him this adorable!

Excuse me?

2008-07-23T21:09:00.001-05:00

WHAT IS WRONG with this image?

ROSEMALING!

2008-07-16T21:54:00.004-05:00

Eek!!! A dream come true! I have wanted to learn Rosemaling forever! I am now officially a Rosemaler!

For those who need help, rosemaling is Norwegian rose painting. It's handed down from the "old masters" when they used to decorate everything dull and boring in their homes. My Mother used to do it and has painted beautiful works of art!

It's not exactly the easiest thing... my Mother, bless her heart, gave me a nice box full of supplies and even some of her old books for me to get started. Eek! Well I couldn't just pull it all out and just go with it... I have never painted with oils before and didn't have a clue what all the little bottles were for. So I asked around for someone who was in town who could teach me... A lady I contacted said there would be a class in June in SF. So I signed up and drove down Monday - Thursday the first week in June and spend the days learning. OH how fun!!!

I made a plate (the blue one) in class and since then painted part of a box for my paint brushes. I've been looking at rummages for anything wood with possibility. I've sanded and sanded and have dreams of one day owning an electric sander and a better drummel tool! hahahaha! I have my first batch of items basecoated finally ready for rosemaling. I started a small bread board yesterday and hope to finish by this weekend.. I know it shouldn't take too long but busy life. And I'm still learning how everything blends... The design/pattern and color placement is very important and does take a long time (for a beginner at least) and the sad thing is the painting, which is the funnest is so brief.

Well I hope to continue to be ambitious... I'll share more when I can.

I Haven't DIED!

2008-07-16T21:52:00.002-05:00

Oh man I totally apologize... (you will see this frequently)
It just has been a really great summer and my computer addition is doing pretty well... so if you don't see me take that as a good thing.

Elijah Joins 4-H

2008-05-23T14:11:00.003-05:00

Elijah has joined 4-H. We meet weekly for the dog project. She's training Lilly, so far "heal," "sit," "down," and is now learning "stay." It's been great so far and Elijah is so excited!

Bicycle Safety

2008-05-23T13:47:00.002-05:00

Every year some of our local businesses put on a bicycle safety day... the bikes get inspected, you can register your bike with the police department, we watch bike safety videos, have a question/answer time with an officer, goodie bags and prizes, and a fun exercise coarse.

We all registered our bikes, they were new last year. This was the first year Ebeni could make the bike ride across town on her bike. We had a great time. They drew for prizes and there weren't a lot of kids there so not many went home empty handed. They first drew the names for the bikes but didn't tell anyone, saving it for last. Then they did helmets and misc. prizes. All our kids had their names drawn. Elijah got a new helmet, she won last year too. Declan got a Dairy Queen treat. His friend won a helmet and didn't want it and she was nice and gave it to Declan. How sweet!

The very last prize was the little girls bike and Ebeni WON! She bawled... she was mad! haha! She wanted a helmet! I had to console her... YOU WON A BIKE!! Everyone came by and said, "I hope those are tears of joy." I'm like, "nope, she's pissed." After a while I told her we could go buy her a helmet! Then she warmed up and had her picture taken for the paper. The bike mind you is HUGE and she won't be able to ride it for 2 years... but she's proud of it!

Dog Eats Million!

2008-05-23T13:23:00.008-05:00

It's not everyday that you have a $1,000,000 bill in your possession!
I had a small cow when I saw her eating money...
Oh... it's only a million. You can eat it!

Flower Garden

2008-05-20T14:52:00.002-05:00

Elijah is just BURSTING at the seams to have a garden... so we are giving her the privilege. I kill everything... so I'm helping her but hoping she has a green thumb. We've gone to almost every "nursery" building in town and even caught a few out of towners. I made most of the selections, I was trying to be "artsy" about it.. well it didn't really end up that way, colors got a way from me.

There is a small flower bed in our front yard. I chose lots of violas and pansies, such fun faces on those flowers. I also have two mini yellow roses, they are supposed to come back so that is my hope for next year. We also have some moss roses, hen & chicks, and a few others I really don't have a clue what they are without getting there "sticks."

Silly Lilly (Cabbage)

2008-05-20T14:36:00.002-05:00

One night we had corned beef and cabbage stew. The kids were loving the cabbage and Lilly wanted in on the good stuff... What an odd dog! She just chomped away and the kids fed her piece after piece... Ryan thought she should try potato peels ... she was eager but quickly spit them back out.

If it's good enough for the guinea pigs and kids, it is good enough for her!

Construction Complete

2008-05-20T14:23:00.004-05:00

Yeah... for the time being. It's OK... Now that I'm done it's TOO pink... Now that I know what I'm doing... and I feel confident I have a good grasp on it... I will be making another change as soon as I find the perfect combination... maybe something summery!

Under Construction

2008-05-15T17:29:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone.
Please be patient, I'm making some visual changes around here. I don't know exactly what I am doing but I'm enjoying the trial and error! It may be a mess for a while until I truly figure it out. I know what I want it to look like... just have to get it there!! See you all in a while!

Happy Birthday Grandma Jenny!!!

2008-04-22T22:33:00.002-05:00

We hope that you had a great day celebrating another year of God's blessings!
Love you!
Ryan, Brandize, Elijah, Declan & Ebeni

Giggle, Giggle, Squeel!

2008-04-22T22:17:00.002-05:00

Declan is reading!
I love it!

I want him to read everything!

Spiders!

2008-04-22T22:09:00.003-05:00

You know how kids have their little theories... and you try and try to tell them the truth and it doesn't matter, they need to figure it out on their own. Well the latest science project is WATER SPIDERS! Umm, no, there aren't any water spiders... OH YES THERE ARE MOM! Whatever!

The kids have been collecting water spiders and making habitats out of crates and saran wrap... (mom just rolls her eyes and walks away). I caught Declan with a new water spider and he promptly put it in my coffee pot.. NO!! Then he put it in my large skillet.. NO!! But MOM! So we butted heads, me trying to explain that my good kitchen things are NO place for his spiders. And him saying they need a home! I pointed out all the plastics and wow was that an insult! I think it ended up in the saran wrap home and I know they aren't there without going to look.

But today Declan comes to me with the end result. "Mom" the spider died. I'm like DUH! I keep trying to tell you spiders don't belong in water! So I told him next time he finds a spider in the water he needs to "Rescue" it! haha! Whatever!

License to Sing

2008-04-22T21:58:00.003-05:00

On Thursday the girls were watching our Worship Director/Associate Pastor practicing the keyboard for Sunday. The girls were in the balcony singing along. He noticed them and asked them to come down and practice with him, then he got the idea of having the girls open Agnus Dei on Sunday. I thought he was crazy, but agreed. They practiced off and on, Saturday night Elijah wanted out but I told her she made a commitment and they were all ready for Sunday.

The first service they went up there and Elijah sung and coxed Ebeni too but she didn't sing much at all. When they were finished we went home and got the boys... Had Sunday school then it was time for second service. The girls sat in the front pew. We were sitting half way back, I go to sit down and I see Elijah walking to the front with two pieces of cake... mom made an interception and got disappointed faces... That would be a hoot... two adorable little girls covered in frosting singing to the Lord! ha! NO! They got up when it was their turn and they were WONDERFUL! I had tears in my eyes! haha! They both sang loud and just adorable!

Elijah has a big head now... and they both sing all the time.. I have had to tell them no singing in the library and the grocery store! ha! Elijah wants to do it again, which is amazing because she is a chicken! She has now written 2 songs. What a little encouragement will do!

Happy Birthday Grandma Sandy!!!

2008-04-06T16:14:00.002-05:00

We all want to wish you a wonderful day!

Hope it is a good one!

Love you much!

Ryan, Brandize, Elijah, Declan & Ebeni

Can we go to the car place

2008-03-06T14:33:00.002-06:00

We are driving down the road and coming up to a stop when out of the back seat I hear Declan, "Mom can we stop at the car place?" I instantly smile... typical guy! "Why?" "So I can eat the icecubes off the buffalo's face." OH how could I resist!!! Oh yeah! I had my camera and everything! What a great adventure!

Yes I know.... But kids will be kids! Gotta love 'em!!!

Another One Gone

2008-03-06T14:25:00.002-06:00

Elijah purchases a betta the last time we were in SF. She bought it with her own money. She did the best she could, taking care of it daily. She even took it to Awana to show it off to all her friends... Well it didn't make it. 13 days after purchase it was gone. The store had a 15 replacement policy but there was no way we could justify driving all that way to replace a fish. I could, but Ryan wouldn't! haha! I didn't bother bringing it up. We did ask some friends but no one was going. Too bad.

Here are some photos Elijah took... such a brilliant blue!

Sweetheart Banquet

2008-03-06T13:33:00.004-06:00

February 23 was MCS' annual Sweetheart Banquet. Ryan took Elijah and Uncle Craig took Ebeni. On arrival they took a photo. (Which I will post as soon as scanning is possible.) They had beef, corn and potatoes for supper with a variety of treats for dessert. They were entertained by a speaker and the music teacher and some MCS girls. The mom's and teachers served the event.

Elijah modeling her new dress.
"Are you done yet??"

Ryan & Elijah

Craig & Ebeni (snitched from Tess' blog)

Ebeni's brand new dress broke in!

HAIR!!

2008-03-06T07:18:00.002-06:00

Well I have actually been dreaming about hair! How odd. It's been on my mind lately so I'm not surprised.

I typically always do the girls' bangs, no problem. But Declan has taken it upon himself to "fix" his own bangs. Which ended with a gouge out of the front. So I tried to blend it in... he looked a little funny but it's his own fault. That FINALLY grew out long enough so yesterday I took another whack at it to make it look a little better. Then by the afternoon the brat dug the scissors out himself and did it again! GRR! Now there is a nice almost bare spot right up front. So here I am blending it in again.... and another funny looking boy.

I'm trying to think of ways not to be spending money... and cutting hair would be one of those ways... Boys need their hair cut constantly. And how hard could it be to trim a little girls hair?? I mean if I screw up they can always be blamed, right? haha!

Ryan actually asked me last night if I have ever cut hair and I was wondering if he's been eavesdropping on my thoughts. I'm all for it. So if you don't see him without a hat for the next month or so... I'm sure I'm to blame! hahaha! Oh I can't wait!

And on a side note... no I would "never" cut my own. That is too scary! I know there are a few of you out there and I totally applaud your work! I just don't think I have the hand manipulation it requires.... Scary!!

It's Back

2008-03-05T08:09:00.003-06:00

Hey,
Here is a delayed update on the computer, yes it's back.
That was a HUGE waste of my time and trips to SF to get it fixed. I had a list of things that I needed fixed. They only changed my broken cd drive and did a spyware scan/removal. That's it. Got it home and all those details that I asked them to fix ("No problem") are still there. Still issues!

I asked them for more memory and a back up disk... nope... nothing. The guy was even charging me for it, so I know that they got the message!

I could have had my computer scanned here in town and probably had it back sooner! What crap! Awefull service! Never going back!
Brandize

3 - 5 Days...

2008-02-19T08:57:00.003-06:00

No computer yet.
I took it in on Saturday the 9th and they said... "3-5 days."

So Wednesday I called them and they had a price quote for things I had asked them to do. Getting rid of spyware was one of them. I was informed... "3-5 days."

So last night I went to SF and they looked at me with no feeling and stated "3-5 days."
So I questioned... and I was then informed... "3-5 days per user account."

SCREAM!!! Are you serious?????!!!!!

We have 6 users on this computer! Hmm... "3-5 days per user" would mean 18-30 days!!!

That would have so changed my opinions as to handing over my computer. I have a project deadline for Declan's school for Friday and I have no home computer to do it on. Last night I layed in bed and aggonized over how this hindered my plans for the project. I had 3 different designs in my head and now I'm sure I will only have the option of one as I will not be working on programs I am fluent in. I'll have to come into work on the off hours to get it done.

The guy at the store said, "You could come in tomorrow and see," but didn't give me any impression that it would be done. Unless I want a computer full of viruses.

SCREAM!
Lord give me strength! I know this stupid computer is my idol.

No Home Computer

2008-02-12T10:08:00.000-06:00

Just an FYI for all those who contact me. I took my computer in to be worked on. Please contact me via home phone, work phone, work email or my hotmail account.
Thanks!

I hope to be back up by this weekend... but who knows!
Brandize

Sick Kids

2008-01-30T11:05:00.000-06:00

Monday the Declan got sick... and with in the hour Elijah joined him. They spent Tuesday home and Elijah was only sick once in the morning. I kept Ebi home just for good measure. So today I sent them off to school. Declan said he was going to be sick and I told him "no." When I dropped him off I mentioned it to the teacher and said "he's fine." I dropped Elijah off and got to work and there had already been a phone call. Declan's got sick at school. MAN! So back out I went... So day two of hanging at home. I really hope the rest of us will be ok and get through without getting sick. I have things to do at work!!!! Last night when Ryan got home I left and stayed at work til 10... good thing I got some time. I'm going to take them with me this afternoon to work. We have Awana tonight but I won't take Declan to that. I know it could be worse!

Face Lotion

2008-01-19T14:52:00.000-06:00

I assume most of you ladies will totally feel for the situation!!

I've been beating the last of my face lotion out of the bottle for a while now so I've been looking for more cheap face lotion. I don't like spending money on most things so I will NOT spend $14 for a tube of anything!! I've been looking everywhere and if there is an option at all it's spendy. Well Thursday I finally found what I was looking for... CHEAP wannabe oil of olay! GOODIE! I snatched it up....

NOW... I typically smell everything I purchase... lotion, body wash... hand soap... dish soap! But this was in a box... and I didn't... So after my bath I removed it from the box and put some on my face... To my horror it smells EXACTLY like a tampon!!!! You know the overpowering "scented" kind. haha! I'm thinking "Yeah Right!" I am so not going to walk around smelling like a tampon everyday....

So I go to bed and I'm laying there with my husband appologizing for my face smelling like my....... He just laughed.... I told him I was not joking and I would be happy to go to the bathroom and grab one for him to compare! hahaha!

So I'm telling the ladies in chat last night and they insisted on knowing the name of the product.... It's Dollar General's brand "Beauty Lotion" $2 a bottle... The box states.. "100% Satisfaction Guaranteed! Or Your Money Back! We Promise." HAHA! Oh I can't wait! I've called the number but they are only open "Monday through Friday.. blah, blah .. blah... Goodbye"

I hope this will brighten any boring, sad... cold day that you are having! "Goodbye!" hahaha!!!

Sledding Fun

2008-01-14T11:07:00.000-06:00

The kids got sleds for Christmas. So we went out for some fun!

Prayer is Powerful!

2008-01-14T10:26:00.000-06:00

Christmas night we were driving home and stopped in Watertown for some gas station food because we forgot to make sure the kids eat before leaving grandma's and it was almost 10:00pm. When we got back on our way we found we were following a drunk driver.
We don't have a cell phone so all we could do was pray. I was freaked out, I had my scarf in my hand covering my panicked "Oh God!!!". The car was swerving back and forth and more than once I was sure we would be pulling the car out of the ditch or witnessing an accident. They weren't speeding. I was preparing mentally for an accident. We brought my CERT bag so I was confident in caring for any injuries. And Ryan too was preparing by grabbing up the flashlight. I was praying so hard for these people and all who would meet us on the road that night. "Lord HELP, Lord Safety!"
We got to a town exit and the road divided into 3 lanes.... traffic was coming toward us and the car took the outside lane like it should.. but when it was supposed to curve back straight to two lanes it didn't... it headed straight for the car in it's way.... I screamed and prayed for them to stay in their own lane. They were taking the car head on... and only by the miracle of God they did not hit the car.... next thing we saw were flashing lights!! "OH THANK GOD!!!" Total answer to prayers!!!!! The car that was almost hit was a Highway Patrol. They whipped around and we slowed and pulled over. We stayed back but stayed there as witness to the incident.
The car pulled over IN THE DITCH! We watched the lady stumble and fumble to get herself up to the HP car while the officer waited. After speaking with her, he flagged us up and spoke with us. He asked what we witness and said she was taking him head on... he was pretty shook up. I told him he was an answer to our prayers and she wasn't even speeding. We waited around for some other officers and they decided she was enough of a mess that our statement on the incident was not needed... she was in the ditch after all and reeked of alcohol.
There was NO WAY any of this was coincidence! God's hands were so in every part of this!! We didn't need to stop at that gas station. She wasn't speeding and there was no other reason for him to pull her over. I'm so thankful there wasn't an accident. God is good! I still get emotional when I think of it! Prayer is powerful! Pray first in any tough situation!

Christmas Photos

2008-01-14T08:58:00.001-06:00

Wow, has everyone's holiday been so long? I think it's finally stopped! Ha!
Well we had a great Christmas season. We spent the weekend before Christmas in Nebraska with the in-laws. Great company and wonderful food! As usual it was over before you knew it.

We spent Monday having Christmas at home.

Christmas day was spent with my side of the family. That too was a very short visit up and back in one day.

Well Elijah has more family, so her uncle stopped by Thursday after Christmas with a pile of presents from her dad.

We enjoyed seeing everyone over the holiday and miss you! Thank you for all the gifts we recieved and I hope you too had a wonderful Christmas!!!

*I didn't share extra photos as I don't know the internet views of extended family members.

Gingerbread

2007-12-21T02:30:00.000-06:00

Well... Elijah told her teacher that we would make gingerbread men for her class... WHAT? How do you suppose that is going to happen?... me of course! We finally found a gingerbread man cookie cutter in SF. I only had enough of the right ingredients for one batch...and there was NO way I was going to get "19" men out of that one batch... so I made another suggestion. Lets make gingerbread snowflakes instead and make sugar cookie men instead. Trust me... more kids would appreciate sugar cookies instead of crunchy gingerbread. This way they can taste gingerbread and not throw a huge cookie away.... Elijah helped cut the cookies and I baked and decorated them. They are all ready for her party tomorrow...

Thursday Craft

2007-12-21T02:09:00.000-06:00

Declan's school is a small school and they have the ability to invite the parents of the students to come during this holiday season and share an activity with the whole school. What activity was up to the families choosing... Well!! For me that would have to be crafts! So I hunted for just the right thing. My personal requirement was it had to be baby Jesus based... and something that would keep as a reminder of Him... I searched the Internet and found the perfect image... "I can make that!"

So Tuesday and Wednesday, me and the kids painted and prepared so that we could take it to the school and let the kids assemble it.

While the kids assembled we talked about our Christmas trees at home and how there are ornaments the remind us of things... memories of the past....

I wanted this ornament to be a visual reminder of God's Gift to us (Jesus).... Christ is the light of the world... and we need to let that light shine (Star).... Jesus was placed in a manger..... and that we need to accept the gift of Jesus with our heart... we need to love one another.... And "For God so LOVED the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life!!!" MAN! When I started that verse ... "For God so loved..." and those kids just took off reciting the verse... it is the sweetest thing! How precious it is when we take God's word and share it! I encouraged them to use the ornament as a reminder... but also as a gift.... We can't keep Jesus all to ourselves we have to share God's gift with others.... It was a great experience and I thank the school for giving me the opportunity to come in!

Awana Wednesday

2007-12-21T01:56:00.000-06:00

Our church offers Awana for children on Wednesday night. Kids all work hard learning Bible verses and truths about God. The kids each have goals they are working for and are awarded with patches, jewels and Awana bucks. Well for Awana this Wednesday the kids had to dress up like Christmas to win an Awana buck. They earn bucks many different ways and then are able to spend them on prizes at the Awana store...

Earlier in the week Elijah had a Mary costume all ready... but when it came down to it she waned to be a reindeer.

Declan wanted to be an elf... we couldn't find the hat until we got home!

And Ebeni was all silly and wanted to be a Christmas tree.

My Christmas Tour

2007-12-15T12:05:00.000-06:00

Well I got my camera (used) yesturday. A little disappointed... there is obviously something wrong with it... I can only get one clear picture then I have to turn it off then turn it back on to get my next picture. I'm wondering if I threw my old one away... we could maybe use it for parts and get one camera to work... who knows.

Well I know I'm late for Heidi's contest... but I still want to show off!

Here are some pictures....

This is my favorite!!! It's a cookie jar!

I saw it this week at Loopy's and could NOT walk away without it! It's my table center peice.

This is one of my dining room windows.

I have 3 cactus plants... all in the dining room windows. I found these wonderful little tin buckets at Loopy's for $1, so they all have one for the winter!

This is the big picture window display...

We also have a shelves full of decor.. but I don't want to drown you with pictures!

I couldn't get a good picture of the tree... Maybe later...

but we have a few celebrities on our tree... Dora, SpongeBob, Pooh Bear, The CareBears, Cinderella, Barbie, Cabbage Patch... And of course SANTA!

This is one of my favorites!

Spiderman even stopped by to help us hang ornaments on the tree!

I'm Done!!! ... maybe.

2007-12-10T22:20:00.000-06:00

Well I think I've finished my decorating!
Yahoo! The tree is so covered.... with everything, even a Spiderman action figure holding on with one hand! ha! What isn't covered with an ornament is shining with tinsel. I'm so trilled that I believe this year will be the year of the balanced tree... you all know what I'm talking about... there are either NO ornaments on the bottom or ALL of the orniments are on the bottom!!!
I have a nice window setup.. And my husband (a little slow) just now noticed my dinning room shelves all decked out with Christmas. I was blessed with some sleigh bell wreaths this summer and I'm just thrilled to have them as decor!!!
I have gathered the boxes and taken them to the basement. Still have to clean surfaces but I'm pretty much satisfied with what has been accomplished!
I only wish I weren't so lazy!! I have all these wonderful Christmas projects I would like to do.... like painting a few more ornaments, painting a nativity and I have this awesome window that I have great plans for! Please pray for me in that! ha! But I am serious... I want to be ambitious!!
Here is another wish.... I'm hoping I can add pictures to this post so I can enter Heidi Jo's holiday home tour. So check back... maybe just maybe! ha! Deadline is Wednesday!
Brandize

Decorating

2007-12-07T07:33:00.000-06:00

It's not going so hot!
I've been cleaning and cleaning... surfaces and ornaments. The counter in the kitchen is covered with shiny bulbs. The tree we found to be too tall for the spot we picked... but we are going to leave it there anyway. It's fake so I bent the top down as best I could and wedged the angel up on top. You have to be close to the tree to see her because there is a beam that prevents you from the living room. Ha!
Well I wanted to get the lights up but my progress was interrupted by a migraine. So when I was back in the game after 4 hours... I looked for my lights and only found a "freshly" broken snow globe! (KIDS!) So I had to clean out that box! NO lights... I dug through the other boxes.... no lights. MAN! I don't know if we threw them out in May or not. So I have Ryan assigned to go hunting for yet another Christmas box, if not then I'm going shopping! Got to have lights!
How's your decorating going?
Brandize

Awww Panda!

2007-12-03T17:00:00.000-06:00

Man I laughed my butt off!!
Enjoy a good laugh!

Cardamom

2007-12-01T08:45:00.000-06:00

OK... How many of you have pulled out the recipe book to find a recipe but you are missing that one "who ever heard of" spice. Well I rummaged through my Norwegian cookbook for something new... found Fattigman. Hmm sounds interesting. So I went to the store with my list and found the cardamom spice. Getting home all ready for a new taste experience I made the little buggers... The spice is pretty boring! ha! Of course.. now what am I going to do with this bottle. I'm sure it will be the one that sits for the next 30 yrs. in the same spot. HA!
The recipe says to sprinkle the fattigman with white sugar... so since they were boring I added cinnamon to the sugar. Now they have some fun to them. I think it would be yummy to make up some white cinnamon roll glaze for dipping... but probably not this time.
I served these last night with some of my toffee scones. They are yummy this morning with a nice cup of coffee made with the left over cream also purchased for the fattigman.
I love to bake!

It's a Girl!

2007-12-01T08:31:00.000-06:00

Congrats to Elijah's aunt on the new bundle of joy.

A baby girl 9lb. 4oz. was born on Nov. 29th by C-section.

Decorating Church

2007-12-01T08:07:00.000-06:00

Decorating the church went great!
There was a wonderful bunch of helpers there! Thank you for your help!!!
We got it done at a decent time and had some goodies.
I still need to go back and put all the bags and boxes away. And pack up the fall decorations. It's snowing pretty good so I should get it done this morning so I can hide the rest of the day here in the warm house.

Decorating WCB

2007-11-30T07:33:00.001-06:00

Just a little invite for the WCB family.

We will be decorating the church tonight at 6:30.

Snacks afterward!

Brandize

Want to be...

2007-11-29T07:44:00.000-06:00

I honestly want to be in the holiday spirit. Decorating that is.
I have so much normal everyday sludge to go through. Even though for the last month my floors and dishes have stayed clean (thanks to my dad,) the piles still appear on every usable surface. I hate these piles.
The largest piles of course now that it's not my dishes, is the laundry. I haven't touched it since last Thursday.. ugh! I don't want too!!! I need too!
I just want to decorate! But decorating is going to take a bunch of cleaning of the ornaments. The tree has officially had a nice soak and scrub in the bathtub with Lysol. (For those who don't know, our basement got 14 inchs of flood water this May.) I've avoided the Christmas boxes that were effected other than to just dry them out. I have to deal with the broken / ruined pile. See what is worth salvaging. And here... I have so many other immediate issues like once I get it cleaned what surface is it going to go on....
Yeah.... Big sigh.
Brandize

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

2007-11-27T18:28:00.000-06:00

Kids Say...

2007-11-27T18:18:00.000-06:00

I was just at Lori's blog... referring me over to another blog about Tiny talk, which reminds me....

Declan was so mad at me today. I had the kids with me at work so I could work on the report that is due tomorrow. So I stopped at Taco Johns for dinner. I told the kids they had to sit at my table and eat. They could not take it downstairs and make a mess down there with it. I was not going to clean a table downstairs when they can mess up my table in my office.

Declan argued and argued... Arms crossed, big fat lip sticking out... "You Never..." Finally he come out and said, "When Elijah and I get older we are going to move out!!!! And before we do we are going to Taco Johns and get what we want!"

I'm like.. Well good! haha! And you can pay for it too! haha!
Had to be there!
Brandize

Tired Addict

2007-11-27T18:12:00.000-06:00

For those that don't know me.. I'm such a computer addict.
I started this blog last night.. and then was up till 1 or 2 trying to manipulate the code... well I'll have to stick to these premades until I can get the hang of it. Code doesn't scare me... it's just figuring out what is what in the first place. I had a few different things going.. but there were peices missing.
Anyway... the result is me exhausted now.

I have to make supper. I don't want to make supper.
Brandize

Welcome to BZNEtiquette

2007-11-26T22:32:00.000-06:00

HEY!
Well I thought I would join you all.
Now this by no means is "proper etiquette" it's mine!
There will be bad spelling,
there will be things I'm sure I should not have said.
There will be silence...

There will be rambling!

With that... thanks for stopping by!
Hope you enjoy your time here.
Brandize