Okay, so I'm still slow on the pictures. Our camera is just catching much these days, due to me misplacing it for a while.... But its back in action, only to have misplaced the card reader, AGAIN.
Anyhow...lovely day!
We are SO loving our Saturdays...just us, family, hanging out!
We all slept in (praise God) and then headed out to hit a garage sale or two, for no apparent reason. Cam scored some great Cincinnati Reds Jerseys for CHEAP and was thrilled!
Then off to a school playground to run, climb, laugh and swing
Stopped by a friends house
Home to watch the TREE (so dead) felled in the front yard! WAY COOL! We had a blast helping clean it up and watching the stump grinder in action.
To top it off: hotdogs over the open flame on the deck~
Wonderful day, and Emmy enjoyed the entire day in her cat costume. Oh, that girl. :)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
BOOK REVIEW ALERT...Saturdays With Stella
SATURDAYS WITH STELLA
BY: Allison Pittman
Okay, if you are a dog LOVER, this one is yours.
Its a cute book that connects dog ownership and lessons learned to our relationship with God. The caption on the cover says, "how I learned to sit, stay and come when God calls" and that pretty well sums up the book.
Its written in a very entertaining way, but really relates well to a pet owner (which I'm not)...so its not going to get the, "I was enraptured" review from me. However, I did glean a lot from it. It breaks down some things in our relationship to God into the simplest: offer a gift from your heart. It doesn't matter WHAT you're bringing God as long as its from your heart.
There are many other little tid bits ...I'd highly recommend this to a pet owner for a devotion book. Its easy to pick up and put down and you still get something out of it each time!
Comment to have me give it to you...
BY: Allison Pittman
Okay, if you are a dog LOVER, this one is yours.
Its a cute book that connects dog ownership and lessons learned to our relationship with God. The caption on the cover says, "how I learned to sit, stay and come when God calls" and that pretty well sums up the book.
Its written in a very entertaining way, but really relates well to a pet owner (which I'm not)...so its not going to get the, "I was enraptured" review from me. However, I did glean a lot from it. It breaks down some things in our relationship to God into the simplest: offer a gift from your heart. It doesn't matter WHAT you're bringing God as long as its from your heart.
There are many other little tid bits ...I'd highly recommend this to a pet owner for a devotion book. Its easy to pick up and put down and you still get something out of it each time!
Comment to have me give it to you...
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Crackin' up
Sis was talking to Daddy on the phone:
Daddy: Whatcha doin'?
Sis: Ummm, just hangin' out right now.
Daddy: Whatcha doin'?
Sis: Ummm, just hangin' out right now.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Oops, there IS going to be writing Tammy, sorry
So the school thing has been hard for me. Letting him go off into the great unknown. Trusting that he'll be watched over, protected, stretched, taught etc... I just really like control. I like knowing what's going on with him.
ANYHOW, he came home from school and was telling me that one of the kids in class had cried all thru lunch and most of the day, because he missed his mom. I asked Bu if he'd been able to help the kid. Nope, you can't just go over and talk to them during class MOM! Ahhhh, ofcourse. So, I asked, well what's something you CAN do, even if you can't go over and talk to him? What's something you can do no matter where or what that will help the situation?
His answer, "OH, I could pray for him! And God will help him out! He always says yes to that stuff"
And NO I did not burst his little 5 year old bubble about YES to prayers.... I figure the 5 year old probably has a better line on the heart of God than me, and perhaps his purity will lead him TO prayers that fit inline a bit with God. Well, until he prays for a puppy... :)
On the Sissy side of things, we started her memory verse this morning and its a RIOT. The girl cannot do it, UNLESS its a song...sooooo, well you know where I'm going. But DO NOT stop by in the 8 am breakfast hour, its verses sung by the two of us. And the beautiful part, she'll still not get it down, but I will. Hilarious!
There's my writing...
ANYHOW, he came home from school and was telling me that one of the kids in class had cried all thru lunch and most of the day, because he missed his mom. I asked Bu if he'd been able to help the kid. Nope, you can't just go over and talk to them during class MOM! Ahhhh, ofcourse. So, I asked, well what's something you CAN do, even if you can't go over and talk to him? What's something you can do no matter where or what that will help the situation?
His answer, "OH, I could pray for him! And God will help him out! He always says yes to that stuff"
And NO I did not burst his little 5 year old bubble about YES to prayers.... I figure the 5 year old probably has a better line on the heart of God than me, and perhaps his purity will lead him TO prayers that fit inline a bit with God. Well, until he prays for a puppy... :)
On the Sissy side of things, we started her memory verse this morning and its a RIOT. The girl cannot do it, UNLESS its a song...sooooo, well you know where I'm going. But DO NOT stop by in the 8 am breakfast hour, its verses sung by the two of us. And the beautiful part, she'll still not get it down, but I will. Hilarious!
There's my writing...
LOOK OUT BELOW!
I found a card reader (well stuart did) soooo, uploaded a ton of pics. So NO WORDS MISS TAMMY...
Peruse at your leisure.
Peruse at your leisure.
What do we do with Bu not around?
Welllllll, Bu is in school all day.
That leaves Sissy asking ALL DAY LONG, "where's Bu?"
She misses him SO much, she jumps up and down and yells "BU BU" as we wait to pick him up each day.
He comes out ready to play and with all kinds of PLANS for the two of them. Needless to say, Sis is NOT getting the naps she needs, but she IS getting brother time.
Which, other than the obvious behavior issues at hand, I'll take. I love to see the two of them play.
MEANWHILE, when he's gone we: take walks to the pond, find stuff, "TALK" all kinds of animals/dolls etc...., build lego stuff, paint, draw, "TALK" more animals and such (this is a big one right now. the talking thing and it cracks me UP), dress up as a cat and go out and about (too cute), playdough, and the horrid one: run errands like the grocery, ugg.
Momma's Little Helper
The chore, the dreaded chore, has been officially passed down.
Its now Sissy's job...SILVERWARE!
Julia's Outfit
I scammed this off Julia, I believe it was her 3rd birthday party and I saw this unwrapped. True to my understated nature, I asked Lins for it right away, something along the lines of, "I WANT that when you're done with it! I'll even pass it back if you need!" (she does).
And Lins, in really GREAT memory and great friend mode, remembered and set it aside for me (em). Its a wee bit big, but I plan on getting a LOT of wear out of this one...LOVE IT.
The First Day of School
...and MY CAMERA HAS JUNK ON IT!!!!
UGG, now you may want to know what pictures were on the memory card right before this shoot. Lets just say I did NOT take a picture of MY lego creation. HMMMMM, Cam?
Oh well, it cleaned up now.
And here's the kindergarten boy...so big...with sissy.
So sweet!
I do love how she can barely stand to wait in line to pick him up...jumping, yelling, "BU!"
And he bubbles over for about 30 mins with all sorts of information, none what I'm looking for, but he's talking!
So there it is...the worst first day of school pics ever.
I'm gonna take some later this week in the same outfit and pretend...with a CLEAN lens.
VACATION - the respective gangs
Kids...parents...families...
it was a beautiful week! Thank you...(the card is NEAR the mailing point...written, sitting awaiting a stamp...so next year sometime it will arrive!)
VACATION - fishin' and bluberries
The blueberries were UNBELIEVABLE! I picked about 10 lbs in less than an hour...the bushes were LOADED and all I could think of was BLUEBERRIES FOR SAL...ahhhh...
Cam actually enjoyed picking them, Em managed...
Shea and I got away alone and went for an hour, it was WONDERFUL!
And the obligatory lake fish! Stu only went fishin' once, the water was calling "kneeboard, kneeboard" and who are we to deny it?
VACATION
Oh yes, Cam also enjoyed the thrill of the kneeboard, totally impressed that he did it!
Emmy went Tubing!! Wow! (Cam too)
Love Em and Daddy having a "dance" in the water!
This last pic of Em makes me think of Aleah, I think I've seen this expression before....
VACATION
We headed up to Michigan for vacation...on the lake with the Hanna fam.
It was ... bliss!
Here's the evidence of our two water bugs...and let me just say that Stuart and I discovered the joy of knee boarding. Even with my "spectacular" wipeout, I still LOVED it!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
The Reaction
So, he did well in school.
The official word when I picked him up was, "I liked it a little bit"
Now, at prayer time last night I asked him what he wanted to thank God for and it was school, so that's a good sign.
However, this morning he was "too sick to go"
And Emmy informed daddy that "bu does not go to school today. He goes on Thursdays and Sundays"
Its good they love each other!
Its also good that Cam loves to be at home and misses us a bit. Makes me feel good and yet, he DID enjoy school, so that's good too!
All in all, the getting up early is the hardest part...
The official word when I picked him up was, "I liked it a little bit"
Now, at prayer time last night I asked him what he wanted to thank God for and it was school, so that's a good sign.
However, this morning he was "too sick to go"
And Emmy informed daddy that "bu does not go to school today. He goes on Thursdays and Sundays"
Its good they love each other!
Its also good that Cam loves to be at home and misses us a bit. Makes me feel good and yet, he DID enjoy school, so that's good too!
All in all, the getting up early is the hardest part...
Monday, August 04, 2008
How to tell is you're lazy
This is how I know I'm lazy:
Em begins to "lose her breakfast" this morning and I hold out my hands for her to "spew" into.
WHY?
Because the thought ACTUALLY ran thru my head, "I don't want to clean the floor"
That my friends, is Laziness.
Em begins to "lose her breakfast" this morning and I hold out my hands for her to "spew" into.
WHY?
Because the thought ACTUALLY ran thru my head, "I don't want to clean the floor"
That my friends, is Laziness.
Kindergarten begins.
It starts tomorrow.
Bright and early.
We are NOT excited.
I am nervous.
HE is nervous.
But, the beautiful...
...tears tonight at bedtime led to a wonderful snuggle, a heart to heart chat and a serious prayer time with my boy.
It hurts this letting go.
And this is the tip of the iceberg.
So, I will pray.
God made him.
He belongs to God anyhow.
I will pray and TELL God to take care of my little boy.
God will smile and say, "I know, I know"
He will give me a peace. A peace that surpasses any understanding I have.
And kindergarten will begin. And kindergarten will end.
And so will jr. high, high school, college, etc.... And someday life here will end.
I know I sound morbid, and like I'm reading WAY too much into all this.
But here's the thing...all these beginnings lead to endings.
And there is one big ending here.
And then there is an amazing beginning...
and then there will be NO letting go...and that is a beautiful thing.
So selfishly I'm having to think a bit long term :)
Meanwhile, tomorrow awaits my boy. And it WILL be wonderful and exciting! Doors will open to him, he will learn things, meet friends and love more!
Bright and early.
We are NOT excited.
I am nervous.
HE is nervous.
But, the beautiful...
...tears tonight at bedtime led to a wonderful snuggle, a heart to heart chat and a serious prayer time with my boy.
It hurts this letting go.
And this is the tip of the iceberg.
So, I will pray.
God made him.
He belongs to God anyhow.
I will pray and TELL God to take care of my little boy.
God will smile and say, "I know, I know"
He will give me a peace. A peace that surpasses any understanding I have.
And kindergarten will begin. And kindergarten will end.
And so will jr. high, high school, college, etc.... And someday life here will end.
I know I sound morbid, and like I'm reading WAY too much into all this.
But here's the thing...all these beginnings lead to endings.
And there is one big ending here.
And then there is an amazing beginning...
and then there will be NO letting go...and that is a beautiful thing.
So selfishly I'm having to think a bit long term :)
Meanwhile, tomorrow awaits my boy. And it WILL be wonderful and exciting! Doors will open to him, he will learn things, meet friends and love more!
Saturday, August 02, 2008
THE HEALING CHOICE By: Brenda Stoeker and Susan Allen
Another book review you say??? Yup, and a give away as well!
This book is about the power of God to help you heal, specifically it is geared towards women who have experienced betrayal in the husband area, whether thru an affair or porn. However, the first section of this book is Brenda's story of her mother's death and how it affected her relationship with God. This first part of the book anyone can identify with and it was EXTREMELY insightful! There was a specific part where she talked about having a skewed view of God and life. She tackled the mindset of if I follow God and obey, then ... perfect life. I loved the way she gave steps to overcome this kind of thinking and the practical advice she gave. Plus her story was very intriguing and this section of the book was SO easy to read. I gained so much from this part!
The second half of the book is much more specific to betrayed women. It is PACKED with resources for the hurting woman. Most importantly this part offers real HOPE to any woman in a betrayal situation or any situation where she feels worth less than God's design.
This book and workbook combination are, I believe, a starting place for so many women trapped in a place where they feel alone. Its a way out.
This book is about the power of God to help you heal, specifically it is geared towards women who have experienced betrayal in the husband area, whether thru an affair or porn. However, the first section of this book is Brenda's story of her mother's death and how it affected her relationship with God. This first part of the book anyone can identify with and it was EXTREMELY insightful! There was a specific part where she talked about having a skewed view of God and life. She tackled the mindset of if I follow God and obey, then ... perfect life. I loved the way she gave steps to overcome this kind of thinking and the practical advice she gave. Plus her story was very intriguing and this section of the book was SO easy to read. I gained so much from this part!
The second half of the book is much more specific to betrayed women. It is PACKED with resources for the hurting woman. Most importantly this part offers real HOPE to any woman in a betrayal situation or any situation where she feels worth less than God's design.
This book and workbook combination are, I believe, a starting place for so many women trapped in a place where they feel alone. Its a way out.
Friday, July 25, 2008
LOVE AS A WAY OF LIFE By: Gary Chapman
Book review ahead!
This book is from the guy who wrote the 5 languages of love thing. He talked about the 5 ways we want to be loved: acts of service, gifts, quality time, words of affirmation and physical touch. In this book he is doing a sort of "prequel" to the 5 languages. He said that in counseling people he found that the 5 languages was a great revelation, but it did not push people to want to act. They were, in fact, sometimes put off by the fact that they discovered their husband/wife's love language was acts of service. They still weren't going to DO any of that stuff. This book discusses the 7 traits of a loving person, habits we need to cultivate in order to become loving people. Its not enough to KNOW what love language someone desires, we must BE a loving person in order to put that knowledge into action.
The first premise is a relief for me: love is an action, not a feeling. An action can be put into practice, or practiced. Feelings are fleeting and ever changing. I've always heard that love is a decision, you decide to love and this book explains that statement very well.
The seven secrets are: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity and honesty. Its easy to read that list and think, "well, yeah" but Chapman gives such practical advice mixed with illustrations that you find yourself learning without meaning to.
This is the book that will give you the proper motivation to love others (Christ) and the tools to pull it off better than you are currently. It will give you the tools to being a better parent, co-worker, spouse, friend. Most of all, its a simple reminder that your job here on earth is to love.
So, want a free copy???
Comment below, or check facebook and leave a comment and I'll randomly pick someone (I can mail this one to you easy!)
This book is from the guy who wrote the 5 languages of love thing. He talked about the 5 ways we want to be loved: acts of service, gifts, quality time, words of affirmation and physical touch. In this book he is doing a sort of "prequel" to the 5 languages. He said that in counseling people he found that the 5 languages was a great revelation, but it did not push people to want to act. They were, in fact, sometimes put off by the fact that they discovered their husband/wife's love language was acts of service. They still weren't going to DO any of that stuff. This book discusses the 7 traits of a loving person, habits we need to cultivate in order to become loving people. Its not enough to KNOW what love language someone desires, we must BE a loving person in order to put that knowledge into action.
The first premise is a relief for me: love is an action, not a feeling. An action can be put into practice, or practiced. Feelings are fleeting and ever changing. I've always heard that love is a decision, you decide to love and this book explains that statement very well.
The seven secrets are: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity and honesty. Its easy to read that list and think, "well, yeah" but Chapman gives such practical advice mixed with illustrations that you find yourself learning without meaning to.
This is the book that will give you the proper motivation to love others (Christ) and the tools to pull it off better than you are currently. It will give you the tools to being a better parent, co-worker, spouse, friend. Most of all, its a simple reminder that your job here on earth is to love.
So, want a free copy???
Comment below, or check facebook and leave a comment and I'll randomly pick someone (I can mail this one to you easy!)
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