Ringing in the New Year

Just a peak for the grandparents of the youngest out with friends on New Year's Eve.  Abigail spent the evening with friends from Metro Relief, hanging out, playing board games and eating.  Every teens dream night!  

 

One of the games they played was Pick 5.  One of they cards they drew was 'Pick Up Lines' and the team had to state 5 pick-up lines before the timer went off.  Here were their picks: 

• "Are you from Tennessee, 'cause you're the only Ten-I-See!" 
• "Is it hot in here? Or is that the Holy Spirit burning in you?" 
• "I like my girls like I like my Microsoft documents, SAVED!" 
• "So last night I was reading in the book of Numbers, and I realized... I don't have yours!" 
• "Is this the transfiguration? Because you are glowing."

Hysterical!!

Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you
    by the gazelles and by the does of the field:
Do not arouse or awaken love
    until it so desires.

Song of Solomon 2:7

North Texas Soup n' Bowl

We are just a few weeks away from North Texas Soup n' Bowl, an event to raise money for Metro Relief.  Great local chefs prepare soup and each ticket holder gets a great lunch and a hand painted bowl to take home to commemorate the afternoon.

 

Approximately 200 ceramic bowls were donated for the event, but they all need painted and fired before the end of January.  Abigail and I did our part to knock out a few bowls. 

 

In the upper right corner Abigail is painting an orange bowl with the Metro logo, the lower left photo is the fired version of her bowl. 

 

We were painting at Whimsey and Grace a logo paint and party shop.  The owners are big supporters of Metro Relief and have assisted in the Soup n' Bowl event for several years.  If you are in our area, please check out their shop, it is a great time.  Today we took a few friends from church with us to help paint! Everyone had a great time and it's kind of neat to think our art work will be in someone else's home.

 

with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze,  to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. Exodus 35:31-33

Christmas Morning

Christmas mornings look a little different now that the kids are older.  The days of them running down stairs at five in the morning have long passed.  This morning I turned on all the Christmas lights, started a Christmas CD, baked sausage balls & cinnamon rolls and still nothing.  No sign of children.  So, being ever resourceful I sent the 130 lb English Mastiff to go wake the kids.  As you see in the picture at the top of the stairs they were thrilled!

 

It turned out to be one of the best Christmases, just the five of us spending a lazy, stress free day together.  Most of the cooking I had finished yesterday so we just hung out opened gifts, snacked and enjoyed being together. 

 

Sissy finished a puzzle and there was a spirited game of War with Dr. Who Cards.  If you look carefully there was even a sighting of the Grinch on Christmas day.

  

We missed being with our family but as the possible last Christmas with Caleb home, I could not have asked for a more peaceful day. Blessed!

 

Surely you have granted him unending blessings
    and made him glad with the joy of your presence. Psalm 21:6

Picture Perfect

Christmas Eve, the fire crackling, hot cider and a family photo.  Seems simple enough, right?  I have only used my camera on a timer twice and I chose to try to get a Christmas Eve photo  tonight.  Between the timer, figuring out the flash and multiple sports shots I think I have about 40 pictures.

One time the flash kept reading the lights on the tree and wouldn't go off making the picture to dark.  Then sometimes I hit 'something' and it would take a series of 6-10 photos. 

 

See that look on Abigail's face in the upper left hand picture, that is her expression in every photo for the first four years of her life.  Nobody is picture perfect, but if we are given one shot in forty, every once in while we will get it right!

 

Every man is stupid and without knowledge. . .
for his images are false,
and there is no breath in them.

Jeremiah 10:14

College Vending Machines

I realize that as Caleb's senior year is flying past, that our family is in for a lot of changes and adjustments.  I'm already tired of answering the, "How do you think he will adjust to college after being home schooled?" question!  Today he finished turning in paperwork for the Psychology class he begins in the spring.  Because he's a minor I did have to go with him to sign paperwork. 

 

As we were leaving admissions he stopped to get a drink from the vending machine.  The look on his face was priceless when he realized the vending machine was filled with Scantron sheets, #2 pencils, erasers, etc.  I knew Mrs. Obama had taken over school lunch programs but this is ridiculous!  

And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll Ezekiel 3:1

How We Spent Christmas Break

I've said numerous times that the purpose of my little blog is to keep our family in touch.  It has no pretense of being some inspirational guide on homeschooling, child rearing or any other noble undertaking.  It was started so that grandparents could read during the week what we were up to and then chat with the kids on the weekend phone calls.   With that said, I will probably get a scolding from Granny for this post.  

 

At our house Jon has a rental car with a trunk release lever inside the trunk; you know, in case you ever get abducted and thrown in the trunk. So this morning Abigail suggested we try it out before Jon left for work. I’m pretty sure the thought would have NEVER entered my other kid’s minds, but OK. Sure enough we both fit, and the latch glows in the dark for easy release! Abigail pointed out that realistically we should have our hands and feet tied, but that was the line! Frankie questioned my judgment but was quick to grab my camera to photograph the incident.

 

Sorry, Granny but we did have adult supervision and Jon was handy with the key just incase the lever was more difficult that we anticipated!

 

I may get in more trouble from my brother for posting the scripture below, so grossly out of context.  The scriptures I started adding to my posts as the kids got older, had their own laptops and visited the blog themselves to see what I had written about our adventures.  I wanted one more way to squeeze in why we do the things we do.  And obviously there wasn't a real good fit for why we closed ourselves up in the trunk!

They shall have linen turbans on their heads, and linen undergarments around their waists. They shall not bind themselves with anything that causes sweat. Ezekiel 44:18

Metro Relief Volunteers Christmas Party

 

Tonight Metro Relief celebrated the volunteers who come week after week.  It was a great time to review the work we've done and the people we have served.  In 2014 the pantry served 5,895 households representing 20,111 family members.  The number of households has increased by about 1,000 families annually since 2011.

 

Tonight after dinner one of the couples from Fort Worth that we serve in Unity Park on Fridays came back with the bus to be able to say thank you to our volunteers.  Gary and Tammy live in a tent along with a community of about 30 other homeless individuals.  It was very moving to hear them speak and humbling to hear their thank yous.

 

Austin and Jason finished off the evening with a rap version of 'The Wheels on the Bus,' that was the bomb!    We came home with lovely Metro Relief coffee cups as a thanks for our work.  Frankie made a promise to Ms. Stacy that we would pose Christmas morning with our mugs of hot cocoa.

 

Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks.  Nehemiah 12:31

A Gungan Christmas

After Bible Bowl we celebrated an early Christmas with the Gungans.  As the grandparents know, Abigail and Roy always exchange something piggish over the holidays.  This year, out of all the stores, all the pig stuff, both made their final selection for each other at Old Navy.  Old Navy only sold two pigs!  Abigail opened her pink Santa pig first and busted out laughing, knowing what was wrapped in Roy's package.  Then when he opened it every body had a good laugh!

 

Caleb came home with a fez and Richard went home with gloves for his animal husbandry classes!  Baa haa, best friends. 

 

I'm thinking there were silly socks, marshmallow shooters and chocolates in pretty packages! 

 

For he thought, “I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me.”

Genesis 32:20

Run Run Rudolph

This afternoon Caleb and Abigail along with their PEACH homeschool friends celebrated Christmas early.  The Drama Club meets every other Friday and today following an abbreviated practice they enjoyed some fun together. 

 

The kids have been practicing for several weeks to play some Christmas song for today parties.  Abigail's favorite was Chuck Berry's "Run, Run, Rudolph."  You can see her in the background on keyboard and Caleb is singing.

 

Following the kids musical performance the group exchanged gifts.  It was another gift exchange where gifts can be stolen.  I'm not sure how many times Caleb got to return to gifts after having his present stolen by a friend. 

People do not despise a thief if he steals    to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry
Proverbs 6:30

Ladies Bible Study Group

This is just one of those pictures that I look at and smile.  This is my ladies Bible study group. We meet together every other Monday.  We are made up of 2 newly weds, 2 brand new moms, 2 moms of elementary age kids, 2 moms of middle schoolers, 1 mom with a high schooler (that's me) and a grandmother! 

 

We share a love for the Lord and His Word; and a deep desire to please Him.  Together we have read and discussed 'Muscle & a Shovel', 'Adrift: Postmodernism in the Church' &  'Faith Built on Sand.' After the holidays we will begin 'Alive in the Spirit' written by Jimmy Jividen, who is the grandfather of one of our newly wed girls!

It has been a pure delight to see these young girls new in their walk with their hubbies and babies yet so eager to please God.  Many of the girls are the same age and actually younger than Frankie and it is so fulfilling to spend time with them.  It is also reassuring to know there are Godly women, products of good families and our Christian colleges as I look to Caleb's future!

 

encourage . . . women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. I Timothy 5:2

Ugly Sweaters and a Bat

 

 

Remember when I said last weekend was our last softball tournament of the season?  I'm sure you are wondering what we do with a weekend without softball? Oh well, spend the day at a three hour hitting clinic of course!

 

The clinic was with Texas A & M's Softball, Associate Head Coach Gerry Glasco.  Glasco is also the founder of Southern Force the association with which Abigail is playing ball.  Glasco's three daughters were also on hand for the clinic.   Tara is the assistant softball coach at UGA and played college ball at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Erin is now an assistant softball coach at Rockdale High School, and Geri Ann is a rising junior on the Bulldog softball team.

 

As for that teen age boy of mine, he spent four hours as a docent at the Sixth Floor Museum then went out with friends to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party!  The friends were the group of homeschoolers in the area who will be graduating in the spring.  Frankie got a picture with Caleb before he took off in his ugly sweater!

A disciple is not above his teacher,
but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Luke 6:40

Entertaining Angels

What does it mean if you gather almost thirty kids and their moms, feed them sugar and encourage them to bring weapons?  Well, it means it is the annual homeschool Christmas party! 

The kids have played the steal the Christmas present game, watched Charlie Brown's Christmas Special, eaten and shot Nerf guns for almost 12 years.  This year, Ms. Stacy was our brave hostess and everything was lovely. 

Even those big boys attended and goofed off with the little guys.  Ms. Stacy said next year they may have to schedule the party based on the boys college break!

 

Click HERE to look back at our 3rd Annual party back in 2007!  So cute!

 

The last several years the families have brought donations for our local food pantries.  Today they sent us home with lots of toilet paper, tooth paste, deodorant, tooth brushes, feminine hygiene products and tissues.  Such big hearts and a huge blessing to the community!

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Hebrews 13:2

A Visit With Santa

As hard as it is to be raising the kids away from all of our family, I really enjoy having our little blog to keep family updated on the daily things that happen in our lives.  Most of the things we do aren't big or grand, they are simply living every day.  But this little blog is a great way for our family in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Maryland and other states to watch the kids grow up.  It connects the kids to family we don't get to spend near enough time around.

 

Today was one of those simple days that I was unpacking all the Christmas knick-knacks.  As I unpacked the Santa photos I remarked, "here are our pics with Santa from each year."  My sweet, very literal child corrected me that we did not have pics from every year, in fact, last year I failed to take them to see Santa.

 

So today we head to see Santa.  The kids got their photos made and as we left Bass Pro the same child was still grumpy.  When I inquired about her mood, she explained that he wasn't a very good fake Santa because he forgot to ask what she wanted for Christmas.  Hhhmmm. . . maybe next year. 

Again, just a simple look at our day, but a fun story I wouldn't be able to share with our family if it wasn't for this fun forum.   Ho, ho, ho!

Blessed is the one who listens to me,
    watching daily at my gates,
    waiting beside my doors.

Proverbs 8:34

Southern Force Softball

Softball in December?  Yes, softball in December.  These girls seem to play year round.  If there is a tournament any where with in driving distance then these girl will be there. 

 

This weekend they played at Craig Ranch in Allen, TX.  The girls took a bit to get their game together but they did end up placing in the Silver bracket. 

 

One of the neat things about this tournament is most require an entry fee, but this one required a Toy for Tots donation.  

 

This was her last tournament for the year but I think they start back up the second weekend in January!

let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us  Hebrews 12:1 

Giving Thanks

Last week may have been Thanksgiving Day, but today I was reminded how much I have to be thankful for.  With the cold weather many of the guest who come through our doors at Metro Relief find their incomes are drastically reduced.  So many of these families rely on lawn work, roofing, or other construction type jobs.  The cold weather means they may only work 3 days a week instead of 6. 

 

Today 78 families came through the doors for food assistance.  For the three days the pantry was open this week, Metro saw 173 families.  These numbers will continue to increase as winter continues.

 

It is almost unimaginable since we live in the wealthiest country, in one of the wealthiest counties in Texas.  Forbes magazine reports that the median family income for Denton county is $94,785, and yet there is so much poverty. 

 

As I sat in Intake today and visited with and prayed with our guest, so many of their stories are gut wrenching.  Listening to the circumstances that have led them to seek help for their families.  Many are embarrassed, sad, and hurting; it is comforting to know I can't 'fix it' but I have a Savior who can!  

 

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

A Visit to the George W. Bush Presidential Library

 

Today was our second visit to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum with our PEACH homeschool group. 

 

We choose to visit at this time of year because the Christmas exhibit it only open from Thanksgiving through mid January.

 

The museum's archivists and curators have re-created the 2002 White House holiday displays.  The theme Mrs. Laura Bush chose that year was All Creatures Great and Small.   The tree was never seen by the public because to the September 11th attack.

White House staffers crafted 25 paper-mache sculptures of America’s Presidential pets. The animals –included raccoons, sheep, and even an alligator – decorated mantles and tables throughout the White House.    The tree featured native bird ornaments that were handcrafted by artists in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

Family and friends that know my love for over the top Christmas decorations can truly appreciate how much I loved this exhibit!  If only my Christmas tree could be wired into the chandelier to avoid chords all over the place.

It was a great way to start up the holiday spirit!  The docent said there was a great announcement coming at the first of the year for their Spring exhibit, I have a feeling we will be back!

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15

Fun and Games

 

We are half way through the book of Luke!  The kids have worked hard to push through the first twelve chapters.  This week we took a break and played some wonderful review games. 

 

One of the kids favorite games I made was from one of our footnotes in chapter 4 which refers to the word 'Ha' which means, leave us alone.  If the kids get the answer correct they select a game board envelope.  That envelope will state if they get to keep their point, HA; or if their score or another teams score gets zapped. 

 

Just something fun to help review all the work they have put into studying.

 

Today was a great day because some of my former Bible Bowl kids, the Burrow family, were visiting from College Station! 

“Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 

 Luke 4:34

Thanksgiving Goodies

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After a wonderful holiday with Jon’s family we headed to see my mom for Thanksgiving.  If you know my mom, you know she puts out a spread of food like nobody’s business.   She had a spread with every possible snack food, dessert, and holiday goodie imaginable. 

There were family favorites like asparagus and sweet potatoes.  Michael even mixed up a little cherry cheesecake, using an old family recipe.  My mom and I snuck in a little holiday shopping while the family slept off the food coma from all the yummy goodness.

She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family

Proverbs 31:15

Thanksgiving with the Old Cousins

While we were in Oklahoma Frankie grew up with her cousin BJ, and they spent a lot of time together.  Jess is several years younger and is Caleb's age.  When they were young I baby sat the boys each summer until we moved to Texas.  So, anytime we return to Oklahoma my kids refer to is as going to see their 'old cousins.' 

 

They are the only cousins my children have, but when everything became old house, old job, old church the cousins too became 'old.'   The kids are a hoot when they are together, it's like they all revert back to being young children! 

 

We were all together at Granny's house for Thanksgiving including a lot of Jon's extended family.  At one point I heard Jon explaining second cousin, twice removed; I'm not even sure what that means!

 

Granny and Donnie had a house full of people and plenty of delicious food and Sport seemed to take it all in stride!

 

Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family,
because I have shown kindness to you.  Joshua 2:12

 

English Country Dancing Christmas Ball

Ever wonder how a couple hundred homeschoolers celebrate the upcoming Christmas holiday season?  Well, they put on early 1900's dress clothing and head to a lovely 1899 restored farmhouse for an evening of dancing.  They danced all evening with friends doing the English Country Dances they have practiced all year. 

 

The farmhouse is used for parties and wedding venues, so it was absolutely lovely with the Christmas lights and decorations. 

 

One of my favorite things about events like this is that the entire family can participate.  If younger siblings want to dance, they are welcomed. Check out the picture in the lower right hand corner of Caleb dancing with the little girl in the pink dress!  

 

So if you've wondered how homeschoolers spend a Friday night, well, they spend it out dancing and celebrating 'til midnight with a large group of friends.  Not really different from any other teens . . . OK, maybe a little different.  But I'm OK with that!

  

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.  II Peter 3:1

PEACH Recital

This was one of those evenings I wish we had family that live closer to us.  It was the PEACH Recital.  The kids took turns singing, playing instruments, reciting poetry, etc. 

 

The recital also includes an art competition and a baking competition.  This gives all the kids an opportunity to display their talents. 

 

Caleb and Abigail played Australian Waterfall on the keyboard.  Caleb was going to do an improve piece but Abigail wanted him to play a duet with her, especially since it would be his last performance.  And being the kind soul he is, he agreed!

 

Caleb helped out judging the tasty desserts, the winner was Virginia’s fudge.  He said it was really good; it reminded him of his Granny’s fudge. Virginia later told him it was nothing special, just the recipe on the side of the marshmallow crème bottle. We laughed because that IS Granny’s recipe!!

He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.  I Samuel 14:27

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

It's that wonderful time of the year when we are reminded of all our blessings.  Each year we spend Thanksgiving at the Gungan's celebrating pilgrims, history and all things Thanksgiving. 

Ms. Donna gives the kids an overview of the history of Thanksgiving and then a quiz!  The kids played Bingo and made crafts.  But of course the highlight is the Charlie Brown luncheon and watching the Charlie Brown cartoon special.   

 

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

Road Trip

Yesterday Caleb and Richard headed off to Lubbock Christian University.  The two are exploring their options for college.  Richard is sold on LCU because it has the major he wants, and I think he's working on selling Caleb on the idea. 

 

It is crazy to think they are even old enough to be looking at colleges but apparently 17 years have passed.  The two are a good pair and seem to make better decisions when they're together. We loaded them up with snacks, including Twinkies for the road trip and sent them on their way. 

 

Together they toured the campus, went to chapel, met with an admissions counselor and most importantly ate in the cafeteria.

 

Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.  I Samuel 20:42

'Smart' Kids

 

Best day of the week!!  These are pictures of this years Texas Bible Bowl crew.  Do you see how much fun they are having?  I have covered the first ten chapters of Luke and today we were reviewing the chapter location for each story.  It is a tedious process, but the kids are having fun and enjoying learning.  This is my happy place! 

 

How will this serve them in life, well a year ago when Caleb was talking to a friend about the importance of baptism, Caleb was able to direct the friend to the account of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts and other scriptures.  The amount of knowledge they retain is incredible, once they've learned this material they can process it faster than any 'smart' device!

 

the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. Acts 8:36-38

Glenn Beck Taping

 

 

Today was another afternoon spent at Stage 19 on Glenn Beck's program. It was a show wrapping up the weeks events including Glenn's discussion of health issues.  He also recapped the History House and the stop animation programming.

 

He is building family friendly programming more in line of the old CBS where you have news, but also really good entertainment, not the dark, 'reality' programming that now passes as entertainment. 

 

I love this man's heart.  He is very passionate about what is happening in the world around us but even more passionate about God, doing the right thing.  Each show begins and ends with prayer, what a powerful statement.

 

It was an emotional moment today chatting with Glenn between breaks about his illness and how he shared that with his older special needs child.  Mary is high functioning like Frankie, and as I listened to him talk about the serious nature of his illness, my first thought was, 'how did he explain it to his daughter.'  I can't imagine.  The conversation left us both teary. 

JFK Living History with Eugene Boone

 

As the last Living History program for 2014, The Sixth Floor Museum hosted Eugene Boone, former deputy sheriff. Boone described walking through the sixth floor in the Texas School Book Depository, searching around the stack of books with battery-powered flashlights for "anything that didn't belong." Between two stacks of books in a crevice, that's where he found the rifle used to shoot the President.

Mr. Boone was the youngest Deputy Sheriff that worked in the Dallas Sheriff’s office in 1962 and was recognized as “Rookie of the Year.”   The conversation with Mr. Boone was hosted by Museum Associate curator, Stephen Fagin.  Caleb and other members of the Museum’s Youth Advisory Committee served as docents for the event.

Prior to joining the Sherriff’s Department, Mr. Boone worked at the Dallas Times Herald and had contact with Jack Ruby.  In the conversation Mr. Boone said his impression of Jack Ruby was that Ruby killed Oswald to drum up business for his club.  He thought Ms. Ruby felt no one would convict him for killing Oswald because ‘everyone wanted to do it.’ 

If you are in the area and have the opportunity to check out the Museum's Living History series, please do!  It is amazing to hear these first hand stories from those who witnessed history!  Caleb has loved serving for the past five years on the Youth Advisory Committee.  So many fascinating stories! 

Lord, I have heard of your fame;
    I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.
Repeat them in our day,
    in our time make them known;
    in wrath remember mercy.

Habakkuk 3:2 

C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce On-Stage

Tonight Jon and I had a date night that I have been looking forward to for months!  Max McLean's stage production of The Great Divorce!

The Great Divorce takes audiences on a fabulous bus ride from a suburb in Hell to a celestial new world on the outskirts of Heaven.  You meet passengers, ghosts and celestial bodies along the ride.  It's a great tale of the often ridiculous explanations we give as to why we choose not to obey God.

Max McLean is the genius behind this stage production.  Several years ago he put on C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters.  It was such a spectacular show we have watched for more of his work to come to Dallas.

Mr. McLean has this wonderful voice that almost sounds like the character Snape from Harry Potter.  He also put together an audio ESV Bible that the kids listen too for Bible Bowl. 

 

C.S. Lewis wrote, “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, in the end, “Thy will be done.”

 

If this performance is coming to your area, don't miss it!  In the Spring it will be in New York.  McLean's next project will be to put Martin Luther on trial! Can't wait!

Click HERE for a peek at our visit to see Screwtape on stage in 2011.

Swinging for the Fence

Abigail's home school softball team had their last two games for the fall season tonight.  The girls played a double header with a game at 6:00pm and 8:00pm.  They won both games with a sizable margin.  Meaning for the season they only lost one game, the game I watched!

 

CHANT's games are on Monday nights, which is my Ladies Bible Study night.  I skipped last week to watch the girls play and it was the only game of the season they lost.   I'm hoping for better odds when we go into the spring season.

 

Abigail had several at bats, swinging at two and bunting on the third.  She scored twice and had a great time.  She hasn't played catcher in a game yet, because they are a high school team and there are several more experienced catchers on the team.  In practice she gets to play with the other catchers and loves every minute of it. 

Whoever pursues righteousness and love    finds life, prosperity and honor.
Proverbs 21:21

A Time to See Granny!

 

This was one of those rare days when we did not have softball, or service project or church event!  We were able to drive up to Atoka and meet up with Granny, Donnie and Sport.  It was a beautiful day, not too hot or too chilly.   We met up for Mexican food with lots of guacamole and then took on one of the antique malls of Atoka. 

 

The kids played with Sport, Abigail taught Granny how to take a selfie, and we shared a Dairy Queen blizzard at the end of the day!  It was a very full day!  We are so grateful Granny and Donnie made the trip and are willing to drive almost three hours each way to see us!  Those grandbabies love seeing Granny and Donnie.  I think Sport was glad to see the kids too!

Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
    and parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 17:6

Quite the Characters

After pantry today our Metro Relief volunteers had a potluck luncheon.  Many dressed up in costume to serve the guest who came through the doors today. 

Our lunch was trick or treat style, you didn't know what you find in the dish!  Fun, right?!  It was Mr. Arvid's idea, it made for a fun afternoon. 

 

The girls and I dressed in superhero costumes, Caleb wasn't able to join us.  He is still recovery from the dental surgery.

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
    than a house full of feasting, with strife

Proverbs 17:1

Glenn Beck: Clothed in Strength & Dignity

This afternoon the boy is resting comfortably after his surgery, so Mrs. Gungan and I headed to Glenn Beck's Mercury Studios.  Glenn brought in a panel of women, feminine activist including a Professor from the University of Victoria, a senior writer for Newsweek, and a mom-blogger who also writes for the Huffington Post.  Obviously, not a panel of Glenn Beck fans, nevertheless, they all came together with the common ground of the growing sexualiztion of little girls. 

One of the illustrations Glenn gave was little boys police costume included pants, long sleeve shirt, hat, and a hand held walkie talkie.  But the little girl's police costume was a shirt and short skirt, both with leather trim; lace leggings, lace fingerless gloves and the accessory was handcuffs!  This was a costume for 8 year olds!

One of my favorite guest was Stephanie Giese who writes a blog Binkies and Briefcases.  She recently wrote a post showing the shorts Target sells with a 7" inseam and the girls shorts were 1".  She writes in a post, "I care because, with any luck, my kids will be adults for four times longer than they are children.  I care because I am not raising girls; I am raising women.  I care because my bible says that women are “clothed in strength and dignity” (Proverbs 31:25)"

Here is a snippet from the show: 

She is clothed with strength and dignity
Proverbs 31:25

If Anyone Lacks Wisdom . . .

 

Today my little man had five wisdom teeth removed, yes five.  It's a bit of joke at our house because I only had three wisdom teeth. 

 

Caleb had five, only two had broke the surface and none were impacted, etc.  He said I couldn't post pictures of his groggy nature after the surgery unless I posted one of mine.  So, here you go, Caleb post-op at 17 and me post-op at 40 in 2008! 

 

After both surgeries the Gungan's took care of us.  Today the boys brought Caleb creamy cheese cake!  He didn't have any drug induced humor, he just wanted to go home. 

 

He's healing great, but with in about four hours of the surgery his cheeks were pretty plump!

 

For the grandparents, he's doing great!  Yes, he's eating and drinking lots of fluids. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you.  James 1:5

Dr. Who Day



Ah, Sunday afternoon.  We have worshipped on the Lord's Day, and spent an hour and half studying the book of Luke for Texas Bible Bowl.  I guess at this point we could go home and each get lost in a book, game, video, text, social media any number of things.  But there has been this little note on our calendar for months, 'Dr. Who Day.' 

The kids, all three of them love Dr. Who.  Jon remembers watching the show as a child and me, well it makes for great back ground noise to naps.  It is sci-fi fun, complete with blasters and danger, but never to scary or threatening. 

 

Dr. Who Day is an event sponsored by the British Emporium in Grapevine, which is a mom and pop, all things British, store.  They offer biscuits (cookies): Dark Chocolate HobNobs, Caramel Digestives; Jaffa Cakes, perfect with your cuppa!  There is also a wonderful selection of British memorabilia, if you are in the market for Prince George commemorative plate or Downton Abbey tea, this is your store!

 

Today's event include a trivia contest, Best Doctor Costume, Best Companion Costume, and a Weeping Angel Starring Contest.  We had a great time, Sissy bought a Dalek plush toy and Caleb bought himself a Sonic Screwdriver.

 

Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
Colossians 4:14

Trunk or Treat

Today Caleb took Sissy and Abigail to a trunk or treat event.  Frankie loves dressing up in costume and collecting candy! 

The girls collected handfuls of candy, everyone oohhed and aaahhed at their super hero costumes, with Sissy grinning from ear to ear. 

As soon as they got home Sis began counting and sorting her haul.  Cracks me up! 

 

finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.  II Corinthians 9:4