PAM

Roses are red
The hour is late
But I want you to meet
A woman who's great

I've known her for years
Twenty-four, in fact
Into that time
Much kindness she's packed

Cooked carrots for Ben
When he was a boy
Hosted my 16th party
Both a surprise and a joy

My mom's last Thanksgiving
At Pam's table was set
Her kindness that day
I'll never forget

For Beep and I
Pam was a rock
Both in practical ways
And when we needed to talk

She's kept in touch
Over the years
Pretty sure at our weddings
She shed some tears

Now we're grown up
Have kids of our own
And into their lives
Kindness she's shown

She tells us she's proud
Of the adults we've become
And praises the family
That we came from

This lady is special
I love her a lot
Lest she ever doubt that
This poem she's got

COUNTING SOME BLESSINGS

I'm sure many of you know the song Count Your Blessings. If you don't, then click on the link to read the lyrics. It's a great song! The chorus was going through my head this morning and I wanted to share some blessings with you.

Sickness - I woke up this morning with a temp just over 99 and aching all over. While I don't consider it a blessing to be sick, I am so thankful that I came down with this crud on a day that Tim was home. He took the kids to church and I posted a request for prayer on the forums. I have a really hard time napping, always have. Prayers were answered and I have napped a total of three hours today! My temp, which got over 101, is almost down to 99 again. I'm thankful for an opportunity to rest, even if feeling cruddy is what triggered it. I'm thankful that this happened on a day Tim was home (he could take over parenting) and there was church (the house was quiet for a few hours).

Finances - We have a lot of school debt. A lot. One small debt and one big one. It's the only debt we have, but it's very discouraging to me. If we pay it on the schedule we've been given, then we'll be paying it til we're 60 and nearly doubling the amount due to interest. We can't afford to pay any more each month than we already are. Have I mentioned it's discouraging?

Anyway, Tim and I made a commitment to put every extra dollar toward debt this year. That meant taking a huge chunk of our tax refund and applying it toward debt instead of renewing our zoo membership and going to family camp this summer. It felt great to send in a big check, but it's still a little hard to sacrifice some of the perks in life. But that's what they are. Just perks. They aren't necessary for survival or happiness.

Well, we just received a gift specifically for putting toward our school debt. Can you believe it?! The source of the gift had no idea that we've made a commitment to put all extra money toward school debt this year. No idea at all. So, tomorrow I'm going to be able to completely pay off the small debt and make a big payment toward the giant debt. The gift will pay off 10% of our debt and save us a truckload of interest. God is so good!!

Suddenly I don't care about zoo memberships or family camp. The gift was obviously a financial blessing, but it's been an emotional blessing too. I feel like the Lord honored our choice to sacrifice some pleasures (and we are NOT frivolous, instant gratification, keep up with the Joneses people to begin with) in order to get school debt paid off more quickly. I'm thankful that the Lord takes care of our needs.

Friends - Last Friday, like a week ago, Tim came home from work and told the boys to start packing. He had secretly arranged for them to be gone from Friday evening til Sunday morning. They had a blast!! Greg and Lisa kept them Friday night. The highlight of their time there was going to one of Greg and Lisa's son's lacrosse games and earning quarters by performing the macarena. Brandon and Becky kept them Saturday night and the highlight of that visit was riding the tram. They've been able to watch it from Doernbecher's when we're up on the hill for surgeries, so riding it was a real treat. Tim and I enjoyed some calm, quiet time at home, got to dote on Naomi, and ate at Noodles and Company. I'm thankful for friends who love our kids.

Other people's blessings - I'm sure many of you have heard or read about the semi that crashed into a train station in Chicago on Friday. If not, then here's an article. Andrea, a friend from the forums, was there when it happened. Had she not seen the truck coming, she's have been standing on the stairs that it plowed into. She blogged today with pictures of the scene and her injuries. She's a blessing and I'm thankful she's alive.

So, join me by counting your blessings today. Leave a comment about something you are thankful for.

SO GROWN UP

I had to run to Bi-Mart a few days ago and it struck me how grown up the little Ws are getting. This has been a hard week as a mom, but that morning totally blessed me. My kids may have been tough this week, but I love them like crazy!!

Starting with the youngest ...



Naomi sat up in the shopping cart seat and gave huge grins to anyone who looked her way.



Devon pushed the cart through the store, maneuvering through the aisles and making his sister giggle.

As we were leaving the store Silas saw some balls he liked. So, I waited with the other two kids on a bench by the door while he took a ball and his money back to the counter. He made the purchase on his own and did it all (eye contact, counting out money, good manners) perfectly. By the way, Silas is wearing one of Naomi's bibs in the pic because he was goofing off while doing laundry with me. I assure you that he's as masculine as an almost six year old can be.

TO LOVE THEIR HUSBANDS - #4

Over the last four weeks I've been able to attend a study, taught by Judy Slaughter, called "To Love Their Husbands". It's been both challenging and encouraging. I don't think I gained any new insights about what my weaknesses as a wife are, as they're pretty obvious. However, it was great to be reminded of the importance of my role as a wife, the significant influence I have in my home, and the consequences, both positive and negative, of the choices I make in my relationship with Tim. I'm going to share some highlights in the hopes that they'll encourage or challenge some of you.


FOURTH CLASS

* Proverbs 14:1a The wise woman builds her house.

* Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. When I can't choose to serve Tim, I must choose to obey the Lord. I can be a godly wife as unto the Lord when I don't have the strength to do it unto Tim.

* Choose the home you want. Who are couples I admire? Do I realize their marriages took time and work to develop? Is our marriage one that inspires others to have a godly marriage?

* Consider the cost. The things I want in my home will come at an expense to me. If I want a godly home, then I need to be a godly wife. If I want cheerful and obedient children, then I must have a cheerful attitude and train my children.

* Conceive a plan with the Lord. Take a chunk of time to seek the Lord and His will for me as a wife and for our home. Ask Him the questions and then quietly wait for the answers. Have a journal ready to write down the verses and thoughts He brings to your mind.

* Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

* Choose the builder. God wants to communicate with us. He truly cares about the homes we're building.

* Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.

* Choose the site. Do I want to build my house on biblical principles or worldly viewpoints?

* Matthew 7: 24-27 ... built his house on a rock ... it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock ...

* Choose the foundation. I need to center my home on God.

* Isaiah 33:6 He will be the sure foundation for your times.

* Choose the furnishings. My home will be filled with beautiful treasures when I apply biblical knowledge and wisdom to my life.

* Proverbs 24:3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.

* Ask the Lord to give me the big picture when I'm overwhelmed or discouraged with the daily struggle. View the monotony and daily struggles of running a home not as laying bricks, but as building a mighty cathedral. My perspective has a huge influence on how I respond to my situation.

* Who would pray for Tim more than me? If I'm not praying for him, then who is?

TO LOVE THEIR HUSBANDS - #3

Over the last four weeks I've been able to attend a study, taught by Judy Slaughter, called "To Love Their Husbands". It's been both challenging and encouraging. I don't think I gained any new insights about what my weaknesses as a wife are, as they're pretty obvious. However, it was great to be reminded of the importance of my role as a wife, the significant influence I have in my home, and the consequences, both positive and negative, of the choices I make in my relationship with Tim. I'm going to share some highlights in the hopes that they'll encourage or challenge some of you.


THIRD CLASS

* Proverbs 14:1b But with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

* Slothfulness - laziness, procrastination, not giving value to my calling

* Proverbs 18:9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

* If Tim worked at his job the way that I work at mine, would he still bring home a paycheck?

* Anger - tearing things or people down, can be physical or verbal

* Anger is a complete indulgence of the flesh. It shows no respect and seeks its own satisfaction.

* Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

* Absence from the home - running errands, shuttling kids all over the place, working outside the home

* I need to spend most of my time at home, making it a place that Tim and the kids like to be.

* Discontent - focusing on what I want, rather than what I have

* Philippians 4:12 ... I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation ...

* Realize that your husband is working hard to give you what you do have.

* Live within your means.

* A husband who always hears your wants will never have the satisfaction of knowing he's met your needs.

TO LOVE THEIR HUSBANDS - #2

Over the last four weeks I've been able to attend a study, taught by Judy Slaughter, called "To Love Their Husbands". It's been both challenging and encouraging. I don't think I gained any new insights about what my weaknesses as a wife are, as they're pretty obvious. However, it was great to be reminded of the importance of my role as a wife, the significant influence I have in my home, and the consequences, both positive and negative, of the choices I make in my relationship with Tim. I'm going to share some highlights in the hopes that they'll encourage or challenge some of you.


SECOND CLASS

* Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. I must purpose to not accept the world's philosophy on marriage. Our society endorses a critical spirit and applauds an independent one.

* Critical Spirit - Michal II Samuel 6:12-23 ... Michal watched from a window ... she despised him in her heart ... David returned home to bless his household ... (Michal) said, "How the kind of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!" ... And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.

* Michal's critical spirit brought contempt, not respect. It eventually caused separation and a virtual end to her marriage to David.

* When Tim or I are spiritually blessed, Satan will work to bring strife between us.

* What is my response to Tim when he attempts to bless our family?

* Psalm 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

* Independent Spirit - Vashti Esther 1:9-22 ... King Xerxes / commanded the seven eunuchs / to bring before him Queen Vashti ... Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger ... For the queen's conduct will become known to all the women all the women, and so they will despise their husbands ... There will be no end of disrespect and discord ... Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Also let the king give the royal position to someone else who is better than she.

* Vashti chose to do things her own way, to disobey her king, and to refuse to submit to her husband. The consequence of that choice was the end of her marriage and the end of her job as queen.

* The ramifications of a public conflict always make things more complicated.

* Christ-like Spirit Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

* Rather than fearing the loss of my own identity in marriage, I should focus on the fulfillment that comes from God making Tim and I one.

* Why would I willfully do anything, such as criticism or independence, that would cause separation?

TO LOVE THEIR HUSBANDS - #1

Over the last four weeks I've been able to attend a study, taught by Judy Slaughter, called "To Love Their Husbands". It's been both challenging and encouraging. I don't think I gained any new insights about what my weaknesses as a wife are, as they're pretty obvious. However, it was great to be reminded of the importance of my role as a wife, the significant influence I have in my home, and the consequences, both positive and negative, of the choices I make in my relationship with Tim. I'm going to share some highlights in the hopes that they'll encourage or challenge some of you.


FIRST CLASS

* Titus 2:4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children. No matter how old you are or how long you've been married, you are an older woman to someone. There will always be women younger than us, chronologically, spiritually, or maritally, who are watching what we do.

* Ephesians 5:22, 33b Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. The wife must respect her husband. God has placed Tim in a position of headship in my life. Do I submit to his leadership? Do I respect the position of headship that he holds? When submission and respect are hard to demonstrate, do I find myself adapting God's word to my life or seeking to adapt my life to God's word?

* My motive for working on my marriage needs to be to bless God, to be obedient to His word, and to bring glory to Him.

SEVEN DAYS ....

.... til the BFM!! The what? The Big Fat Meetup!! Last year a bunch of women on the Sonlight forums decided to have a meetup in Williamsburg, VA that lasted all weekend. Needless to say, they all had a blast. So, it's become an annual thing, moving to a different part of the country each year.

There are small meetups going on all over the country all the time, and I've been able to go to several of those. But this is the Big. Fat. Meetup. People come from all over the country and last year an international even made it. This year it's in California and I get to go!!!

Now, let me just say that this trip is a total financial miracle. The Lord used someone to bless me with a free airline ticket and the money for food and lodging came when I least expected it.

I am so excited to spend a four days hanging out with friends, some I've met and others I only know online, laughing, talking, eating, laughing, talking, eating ....

Did I mention we'll be at the Hilton's Waterfront Beach Resort?

Oh, I can't wait!!!

IRONY .... AND STRATEGY

I realized today that my most recent advertising post came right after the one on overspending. Ironic. You know what though? Good money management isn't about not spending, but about spending wisely.

So, in light of the juxtaposition of those two posts I'll give you a little tip. Plan ahead!! Don't bust out the Visa in mid-December for Christmas purchases. Don't dip into savings to cover the month filled with baby showers and birthday parties. Plan ahead!! Budget a portion of your money each month for gifts. Then stay in your budget. Buy items on clearance after Christmas. Watch for sales all year long. Support individuals through purchasing handmade gifts. Look on Freecycle and Craigslist for gifts. Buy when you see something you can use as a gift at a price you can afford, then save it for the appropriate time to give it to someone. Plan ahead!! Birthdays, mother's day, father's day, Christmas, baby showers, weddings and numerous other gift giving occasions happen all year. Be prepared!

FREE ADVERTISING #2

I've done a "free advertising" post once already and I know at least one person received business because of it. So, I'm going to do them periodically. If you want to see who else I've advertised, then just click on the label that says "advertising" at the end of the post or on the right of the screen and it will show you all other advertising posts. The links are all in bold print. Happy browsing ... and probable shopping!


Thinking of moving to the Portland area? Check out my friend Jess' historical house in Oregon City. They just put it on the market and it's as cute as can be!

Do you knit or crochet? Or do you just love using things that other people create out of yarn? Lona's family raises sheep and sells wool products, such as rag rugs, yarn, socks, and dish cloths. She is giving away a $15 gift certificate to her Etsy store right now. Check it out right here!

Merry is known for her wise counsel to the moms on the Sonlight forums. Here is a poster she's created to help train your kiddos to respond to instruction in a timely and respectful manner. She also has some fun caterpillar bookmarks for the avid readers in your life.

Love to wear silver jewelry? If so, then you need to check out Tanya's site. She has some really cute handcrafted items!

THE SPENDING POLL

I am really pleased with the results of my poll on spending habits. Only a few people are relying on credit to maintain their lifestyle. That's fantastic! I'd encourage those three and anyone else who is spending more than they're earning to do whatever it takes to live at or below their means. Debt stinks. It really does. You can't undo past financial decisions, but you can decide to choose wisely from this moment on. Here are a few verses that are helpful in shifting from a mindset of instant gratification and discontentment to one of gratefulness and contentment.

Proverbs 30:8b-9 Give me neither poverty no riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, "Who is the Lord?" Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.

I Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Philippians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Matthew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Acts 20:35b It is more blessed to give than to receive.

I encourage everyone to regularly evaluate the way they manage their finances. It is said that the best way to know a person's priorities is to look at their checkbook. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having quantity or quality of possessions. There is, however, a problem with selfishness, greed, discontentment, and pride. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being broke. There is, however, a problem with discontentment, fear, and trusting Visa rather than God to meet your needs.

My challenge for everyone is to look at where your money is going, honestly evaluate your motives in financial decisions, and make any necessary adjustments.

STRUGGLING?

Seems so many are struggling with various things right now - finances, infertility, parenting, marriage, depression, health issues. I just wanted to share one of my favorite poems in the hopes that it encourages someone.



THE WEAVER
Author Unknown

My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow
And I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the under side.

Not 'til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

MORE ICE CREAM ADVENTURES

Becky and I were at it again yesterday. Maybe we should just start our own ice cream sandwich cookie company. Yesterday's recipe? Cherry chip cookies and Tillamook's Oregon Black Cherry ice cream. Another successful combination.

POWER VERSES

My attitude forecast for today is as follows: chance of tears and/or snippy words in the morning; tiredness, discomfort and discouragement in parenting causing probable outbursts in the afternoon; honkin' beam of sunshine arriving in the evening when I head to Judy's study on loving our husbands.

I'm not really looking forward to today. I just want to stay in bed and alternate between napping and reading all day. Due to the fact that I'm the mom of three little Ws, that fantasy is not going to be fulfilled. So, I'm trying to change my attitude. The following verses are going to be repeated multiple times today. Perhaps they'll encourage you too.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

II Corinthians 12:9a,10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

YUMMY

We have a new favorite meal around here and I thought I'd share it with you. We ate it for dinner last night and I intended on having some pics of it to show you. Alas, starvation won over photography. That's just they way it works sometimes.

OK, here goes ... banana crumb muffins, sausage balls, fruit salad or fruit smoothies. I love having breakfast for dinner anyway, but this is a fantastic combination. I recommend making the muffins first. While they bake, make the sausage balls. Cover the muffins when they finish baking and pop the balls in the oven. While they bake, set the table and prepare the fruit salad or smoothies. Then feed your face!!!!

BANANA CRUMB MUFFINS
Laura Bodine

1 ½ c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
½ t. salt
3 bananas, mashed
¾ c. sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 c. butter, melted
1/3 c. brown sugar, packed
2 T. flour
1/8 t. cinnamon
1 T. butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease or line 10 muffin cups. Mix flour, soda, powder, and salt. In separate bowl mix bananas, sugar, egg, and butter. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients just until moistened. Spoon into cups. In third bowl mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until coarse. Sprinkle over muffins. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.

Notes: You could add jam to these, but they have so much butter already and are super tasty eaten plain, straight out of the oven.

SAUSAGE BALLS
Louise – Sonlight Forums

1 lb. sausage
2 c. Bisquick
3 c. grated cheddar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients and shape into 1-inch balls. Bake for 15 minutes.

Notes: These are good plain or dipped in syrup.

LINKS I LIKE #1

I've decided to copy Jess and occasionally give a list of links that I like for one reason or another.

Earth's Birthday - We bought caterpillars from this site and were able to watch the transformation into butterflies, eventually releasing them in our front yard. They have a bunch of other products and activities on their site.

Holidays for Everyday - Did you know that April is National Grilled Cheese Month? Or that today is Barbershop Quartet Day? This site has every holiday you could imagine. It's perfect for finding some random fun in an otherwise boring day. I think I'll have to make more ice cream sandwiches on the 30th to celebrate National Oatmeal Cookie Day.

Children of God for Life - When it comes to medical decisions, I think it's important for people to know what they are doing and why they are doing it. One specific area that I think too many people blindly follow whatever their doctor has told them to do is vaccinations. They don't understand the diseases they are vaccinating for or what the vaccines are made of. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm not anti-medical establishment. Not at all. I love our pediatrician and he's very pro-vaccination. I just want people to make educated medical decisions. This site lets you know which vaccinations are derived from the cell lines of aborted babies and if there are ethical alternatives. Do your research and make the decision that is best for your family, which may not be the best for the next family on the block.

Tim Hawkins - I keep seeing clips from this guy everywhere lately! Some of them are pretty stinkin' funny. He has stuff on corporations taking over churches, Christianese, homeschoolers, and a bunch of other stuff. As you watch the stuff on youtube you'll see more of his stuff on the right.

My Bargain Buddy - If you scroll to the bottom of this site you'll find freebies. I've scored samples of toiletries to let guests or our family use and snacks that I'd never buy because they're ridiculously overpriced.

Water 4 Gas - I was recently shown this site by someone who has converted their vehicles. Very interesting, financially and environmentally.


Ok, I think that's it for today. The boys just got up from naps and I need to go invest my treasure in them.

MATTHEW 6:21

We're going through the book of Matthew at church right now and something struck me on Sunday. Now, I'm sure most of you are going to think this is a no-brainer, but I'm not always master of the obvious. So, I'm going to share my little light bulb moment with you. First, the verse.

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

I've always thought of this verse as saying that I can tell where my heart is by where my treasure is, by the things I pour myself into, the way I invest my time, money, and energy. So, when I've found myself with my priorities out of whack, I've asked the Lord to change my heart.

Now, I think it's totally appropriate to ask God to work on our hearts. However, and here's my light bulb moment, sometimes I just need to move my treasure. What I wrote in my notes on Sunday was "Our heart follows our treasure. The treasure, the place we invest ourselves, is the leader and the heart follows". I can't sit around waiting for my heart to change. Instead, I need to choose to invest wisely, knowing that my heart will eventually change.

Perhaps I already knew this without realizing I knew it. Maybe that's why I try to force myself to smile on days where the kiddos are driving me batty. It's hard to yell at someone with a grin on your face. Maybe that's why I had to take a whole month off of the forums. Asking God to change my heart toward my family while I spent a big part of the day chatting online was a little hypocritical.

Even if I unknowingly grasped this concept on some level, I never had looked at Matthew 6:21 in this way. So, what's the practical application? When I can see that my heart is not right in some area (marriage, parenting, friendships, contentment, etc), I will choose to put my treasure in that very area. I won't want to do it. I won't feel like doing it. But I will choose to do it. And I'll blow it sometimes. In fact, I'll probably blow it often. But I will choose to keep making the effort.

I will not wait for my heart to give me the desire to put my treasure in the right place. I will choose to put my treasure where my heart should be.

CUTIE PATOOTIES

Just wanted to share a couple places that pics of the boys have turned up lately. Click away on all the links!

Silas, having a great time in his class, makes the cut on Athey's Easter blog.

Devon, sulking about a missing ball, makes the cut on Mindy's pics of Josh's party.

And these aren't as recent, but I don't want Naomi to feel left out of the limelight. So here are a bunch of pics Becky took of her a couple months ago.

What? That's not enough? You need more pics of my kids? Well, I totally understand. That's why I have a link to our Webshots page, which is updated weekly, over on your right.

FREE ADVERTISING #1

Remember Linda? My friend who makes the awesome and affordable jewerly? Well, she's offering free shipping all weekend!! Go shop ... for yourself, for Mother's Day, for someone's birthday. Here is her store site.

And since I'm doing some free advertising, I'll show a few other sites I've discovered recently.

Paint The Word - Laura, a friend from church, has the ability to brighten up your house with verses, words, and pictures she's painted on walls.

Weddings By Dani - Dani, another person from church, just started a wedding consulting business.

Violetto Designs Photography & Violetto Designs Capturing Art - Two sites from my friend Rachelle.


And that's that. Off to hang with Naomi while the male Ws are at Home Depot's class for kids.

PERFECT RECIPE

Homemade oatmeal cookies

Plus ...

Tillamook's Oregon Strawberry ice cream

Plus ...

One fabulous friend named Becky to help assemble and wrap ice cream sandwiches

Equals ...

A fabulous afternoon!!

DAD - ANOTHER VIEWPOINT

My sister sent me an e-mail after reading yesterday's post about our dad and granted my request to post it here. We really do have the most fabulous dad!!


Not too mention......

He bought all Daisy and Ally's diapers because he wanted to help our young family.

He supports us in our choice to be missionaries - both with money and with only, always encouraging words

He's not clingy or needy, but enjoys watching his kids take off and soar

He's a good communicator. He is consistent in writing, calling, visiting, etc.

He is totally approachable and easy to talk to - both about light and heavy stuff

He does what God wants him to do without whining or complaining

He sends my kids presents

He sends my kids pictures

He sends me pictures of my childhood and reminds me that that is still important to him

When we were teenagers and the pastor made a joke about how horrible teenagers are, he is the only parent who didn't laugh along with everyone else

He's funny

He taught us to enjoy working in the yard

He's nice to my husband

He says 'I love you'

And on and on and on and on

DAD

Today is my dad's birthday. I know that I frequently say that he's the greatest dad, but I thought I'd make a list of some of the things that make him great. I'm sure I'll think of other things as the day goes on, but at least this will give you an idea of why he's great.

He creates and keeps traditions. He respects my opinion, even if he disagrees, and tries to understand my perspective. He has unique musical abilities – to change the words of a well-known song to fit entirely different circumstances (What’s the Matter With My Bladder), to take a song and sing/play it to the tune of a variety of other songs (Silent Night), and to write songs about random topics (Come On, Let’s Dance). He verbalizes his love for his kids. He worked hard to provide for us when we were growing up. He taught his kids how to use sarcasm, the love language of our family. He is resourceful and creative when a problem arises. He calls to check in when he knows I’m struggling emotionally. He pinched pennies to take us on vacations as kids. He’s very flexible and goes with the flow. He doesn’t complain. He does magic tricks for my boys. He’s a practical joker. He prays for his kids. He asks questions that challenge me to choose wisely in marriage and motherhood. He eagerly and willingly serves his family.

And because I wouldn't want everyone to get all serious and sappy, I'm going to include the lyrics to one of his famous songs. I've shared it with the SL crew and many others over time, but it's always good for a rerun.


WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH MY BLADDER
(to the tune of "Hello Muddah Hello Fadduh")

What's the matter
With my bladder
I think my Pepsi
Made it fatter
In a minute
I'll be sadder
Cause I think my
Fatter bladder's
Going to splatter

Take me to
A service station
To relieve
My situation
If you wonder
Why I squirm and dance
It's so
I will not wet my pants