July? Already??

Is it just me or is this year flying by with lightning speed??

We're having a fun, busy summer. We've really enjoyed spending time with friends, gardening, going to the creek, reading, and just generally enjoying our time together.

I'm realizing how short my time with Rebecca is getting to be. Not that I expect her to go anywhere right after graduation, but she's going to be in 11th grade this coming year....who knows what the Lord has in store for her. I want to soak up every minute with her...and her siblings, of course.

Rebecca and Mary were discussing how old each of them would be in "so many years". When Mary turns 16, Rebecca will be 26. If she's anything like me, Rebecca will have a couple of children by that time. Strange to think about it that way....

If she did follow me...Rebecca would be married in 5 short years..and a Mama in 7. Doesn't seem that far away....

Okay...I'm going to get all teary-eyed if I keep on...so I'll stop and just love the time NOW.

Rebecca and I taught Natalie and Mary how to play Dutch Blitz. We have two more girls who love to play this game! Mary is the Uno girl..but she likes the Dutch Blitz too! What fun we have playing. We should get another deck of cards, since there's only cards enough for 4 players....

We're all getting nice tans. I'm loving this weather. Could be cooler for my taste, but I'll take it. It's not overwhelmingly hot as it has been the last few years. The a/c isn't running non-stop. It's not unbearable outside. Most days, we've had a nice breeze which makes such a difference. It's warm enough to make me want to swim, yet not so warm that makes me want to stay indoors. I'm quite thankful for this weather!!!!

Honey is going to the dentist next week. He's lost one of his crowns for the 3rd time. The dentist told him if it comes off again, there was nothing he could do to put it back on. It started out with one pin holding it in place...he now has 3 pins...and it still comes off. So, he's going in so the dentist can remove the pins....one less tooth for my beloved. I feel badly for him. I so wish someone had taught him...and emphasised to him...the importance of taking care of your teeth.

We've done some organizing and re-arranging...with more to be done. I have a pile here in the office....quite the pile...of things to sell. I'm not sure I want to deal with the hassle of eBaying them...but then....I've done two book sales and am left with this pile. The pile was MUCH larger before the sales, so I've done pretty well at downsizing it...but I want it GONE altogether!

Guess that job won't do itself.....I should spend some computer time taking care of such things....

7-2-09 Up-date

Kristi was board earlier today and decided to play wii.  She played monopoly with Hope!  Hope is our soon to be 10 year old golden medical alert service dog.  We train the dog to all kinds of stuff some funny and silly but this is too much!

Titus is doing great in his service dog training.  We took him out for the first time to go shopping and he was wonderful.  If we stopped and looked or spoke to someone he would lay down with out being told to.  I thought it was odd, so I kept testing him.  I would walk and stop not look at him he would just lay down .  That is amazing for a six month old puppy to do on his first outing in stores.  I wonder if Kristi is going to teach Titus to play monopoly??

We start training them as soon as they are born.  Also having good parents helps too.  It took me two years to find his parents, to find the lines I was looking for.  Now we need one more female golden.  We might get one from Alex's breeder.

Blessings, Mj

Kristi and Mya's new adventure in pictures

Okay, Janet is in trouble she let Kristi and Mya run free on the mountain.  Worse yet with a camera .  Here are some pictures of the adventure.

1. Is Kristi finding out there are more than one of her:

2. Mya discover pine cones, do pine nuts come from pine cones??:

3. Is Kristi playing cars (she is the car)

4. Maybe I will be a better car sitting down??

5. Better yet I will play speed bump!! Did I send Kristi with her insuance card???

6. Mya discovers a cow and gives it a kiss !!

7. Milk comes from here ???? I know the poor thing , will she ever get over the shock???

8. Then they made friends with the locals:

JANET!!!!, we do not let the girls play speed bump in the middle of the Road!!! /.    We need to let the girls out of the house once in a while.  Poor Mya was so lost as to where milk comes from!! And did not know what a pine cone was!!!   Poor Kristi she thought there was more than one of her!!  Look at the locals nails on that local, see how long they are?? They could hurt the girls!!

Sorry but I had to write and show the pictures , they are so cute.  I will show more latter.

Blessings Mj

Simple Hospitality......It really can be simple!!

Simple Hospitality......It really can be simple!!

I have been reading the book written by Jane Jarrell, titled, "Simple Hospitality". I thought I might share a little of it with you.

I really enjoyed reading this one thing that she wrote about using the letters that spell out the word "hospitality". So today we look at the H.

H--Hospital for the Soul

Why does one go to the hospital? To visit, maybe, or to welcome a new person into the world. But oftentimes it's because our bodies are broken. A hospital can be a place to go for healing and repair.

So the word hospitable is taken from the word hospital, which means a charitable institution, a repair shop, a hospice, or a shelter. Hospitality is a shelter for the soul, healing for the spirit. So when we open our home in the true spirit of hospitality or when we bring our gifts of hospitality outside of our homes, we are offering hospitality!!

The Bible states it this way: Romans 12:9-13, "Let love be without dissimulation.....v10, Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;. .vs12, Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; vs13, Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."

So real Christian hospitality isn't an option, it is what God commands.

O-Obedience

Some may think focusing on hospitality is frivolous or a waste of time. But in reality it is nothing less than obeying God's clear command in Scripture. Hospitality was not Martha Stewart's invention; it was God's!! Romans 12 paints an incredible picture of what it means to truly give our lives to God......In these selfless acts, we serve not only those in need but Christ Himself. Hospitality is obeying God by cheerfully serving others.

S-Simplicity

If we don't approach hospitality simply, most of us won't do it at all. When we exchange the harried hoopla for the heartfelt, everyone is blessed. Can we be comfortable when everything is not perfect, or do we always need to put on a show for people? As one lady states "I don't want to buy your house, I just want to visit." Simplicity brings us closer to having authentic relationships. Our focus is on our guests, not on the "stuff" that surrounds us.

P--Prayer

Hospitality involves prayer. Ask God to show you who and how to show hospitality to. God will show you the when, the how, and what that someone might need. I may not know what a person needs at the time but God knows!! You should always ask God for His blessing on the gathering you are about to have with someone, no matter how small or large the number will be.

I--Intimacy

Intimacy is sharing who you are and what you are to others. You need this type of relationship with your husband, your family and your friends, but nurturing genuine intimacy takes time and effort.

Cell phones and emails are nice, but we need to take time to sit quietly with a friend sometimes. You never know where they are at or what they may need.. Time plus realness plus genuine caring equals intimacy.

Simple Hospitality......It really can be simple!!

T--To Go

Are you ready to take your kindness on the road? Do you have a plan or list of ideas that will work in a hurry?

Keep a few recipes with the ingredients on hand so that you can prepare a meal or a welcoming treat for someone in need.

There is something extra-special about busy people who take the time to reach out and help others.

A--Acknowledge and Appreciate

We all have our own gifts, but what about those who are known for the hospitality? They also need a "dose" of hospitality sometimes. They need to be acknowledged for their kindness, appreciated for the efforts and recipients of the hospitality of others.

Most of us are "takers' by nature and unless we make a conscious effort, we’ll always take and forget to give back. Those who are more "givers", either by nature or intent, often get taken for granted.

In our busy lives, gratitude is often felt yet not expressed.

L--Lifestyle

Hospitality is a lifestyle, a ministry lifestyle. God weaves it into our hearts. We all need each other to make the body of Christ its best. You are making the commitment to a lifestyle of opening up your heart to others on a regular basis.

You will need to start small, perhaps by committing to one act of hospitality each month. Gradually you will see how easy it is and move towards once a week and before you know it you will be asking God to show you someone in need every day!!

Take time to ask God to show you how He might use you today, this week or this month. You are allowing God to work through you and when He is working, we cannot fail.

I--Ideas

When looking for ideas for hospitality, scan your favorite magazines, talk with your friends or keep a simple notebook or card file with your favorite recipes, holiday decorating ideas, party themes, or anything else that spurs your hospitality thinking. Just keep it simple, and honest. Let God's love show through you and that will be all that you need to make any time a good time to visit.

T--Time

We are all short on time for the things that we want to do or need to do. That is why hospitality is such a valuable gift to others. It means we gave them our most precious resource: our time.

Think of things to do for hospitality for others when you are doing for your family. Double a casserole for dinner one night and freeze the one for a family that may be in need, or a mother who may be sick at the time.

When baking cookies for your family, bake a few more to brighten someone's day. Out buying groceries? Cut back on one thing or two for snacks and make up a meal for a new mom.

If your time is limited, begin your quest to hospitality with small things and think about other ways that you will want to show it when your time allows for it.

Y--You

To show hospitality to others, you must first love yourself so that you are capable of loving others. This means taking care of yourself so that you are able to take care of others. When we've taken the time to put our own hearts in order, we are freed to reach beyond ourselves to meet others where they are.

The new Transformers Movie.

Lilli and I went to see the new Transformers movie yesterday.  It was really really good and we both enjoyed it.  When it was over, she said, "Optimus Prime is my favorite Transformer".  I had to agree, that he is my favorite too.

It was very cool watching them transform on the big screen.  I know that makes me a dork, but I really did enjoy it ;)  Of course, I used to watch the cartoon when I was younger, so to see it on the big screen...well, it was cool.

From a mom's perspective...be warned that there is a lot (LOT) of bad language and more sexual references than in the first Transformers movie. 

Avocado Salsa...I could eat this all by my self

Avocado Salsa
Yield: 4 Servings
Sort of a combination of salsa and guacamole, this dip is sure to please lovers of both. If you like your salsa hotter, add another jalapeno or a few drops of Tabasco sauce.

1 avocado, peeled and diced
1/2 c Tomato, Chopped
1/2 c Red Onion, Chopped
1/4 c Green Bell Peppers, Chopped
1 Jalapeño, Finely Chopped
1/2 t Garlic, Minced
2 T red wine vinegar
1 T olive oil

Combine the vegetables in a medium bowl. Mash the garlic with salt in a cup or small bowl. Add the vinegar and oil to the garlic. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine the ingredients. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Biggest Kitchen Table Simple Home Audit

Starting on Friday, I'll be participating in the Biggest Kitchen Table Simple Home Audit at down---to---earth.  Any one else want to join in?  Stop by the down---to---earth blog and add your name to the list! 

This is an excellent time for a home audit as we go into the 2nd half of 2009.  It is good to see where we're at, and how far we've come in the simple living journey...and if we need to "begin again" in some areas.

The fridge is coming home!

Your heavenly Father knows your needs. He will always give you all you need from day to day. ~ Luke 12:30-31

Our breakfast:

So Lauren and I are sitting at the table eating breakfast (Lilli spent the night with my parents). 

Cheerios, toast and water.

Lauren then drops a piece of her toast into her cereal bowl, so tries to get it out, knocking over her cereal/milk.  While trying to upright the bowl, spills her glass of water.

All in a matter of seconds.

I give her my bowl of cereal while I clean up, and she says it's too mushy.

So I pour her another bowl and we start all over.  LOL

I seriously love days like this.  My life must have been so boring before I had my girls ;)

A long over-due update on us...

Sorry I've been MIA lately.  I've been posting snippets on Facebook about what we are up to, but haven't been on to blog.

Lilli is out of school, and had her dance recital in June.  She was beautiful and did a great job.  There was such an improvement over last year.  She smiled and really enjoyed herself this year.  It was a joy to watch and I cried ;)  She danced ballet, tap, and jazz. 

We plan to homeschool this next year, so we are doing a little schoolwork over the summer just to keep her from forgetting anything important.  She really enjoys reading and I find her reading to Lauren quite often.

Lauren is doing great and really keeps us hopping.  Her personality is all her own and she is such a joy.  She is probably ready to potty train, but I'm happy to change diapers instead of running for a potty every so often.  We'll wait until she asks ;)

We've been spending our summer (so far) with playdates, gardening, caring for those blasted meat chickens (I'm so ready for them to be processed!), and just enjoying each other's company.

Lance and I are attending Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class.  We are almost done with it now, it was a 13 week class, and we have one more week, plus a party to celebrate the end.

I cannot say enough about the class.  We have really learned a lot and it has brought us closer as a couple.  We talk more about budgetting and spending and at least TRY to understand each other's reasoning.  ;)

Lance is doing good, though his work has been slow lately.  He had two days off last week.  That's really the first time in 13 years that he's been off due to lack of work.  There is another job starting in August, but I think it may be slow until then.  We'll see.

He went fishing in Canada a couple weeks ago, and brought back some fish for our freezer.  He said everybody with a boat was checked at the border this year.  They have to leave the skins on the fish so the border can see what kind of fish you are bringing back.  There is no limit on panfish, but they have to be able to SEE that they ARE panfish.  They were checked, but had no problems.

I didn't really have such a great week while he was in Canada.  The day he left our hot water heater wasn't working, so we started up the woodstove to heat water that way while he was gone.  So I had to keep the fire going while he was gone.  Not a really big deal, but added with gardening, caring for the cows, chickens, guineas and dogs...it was a long week.  Then on Thursday night we had a huge storm that knocked the power out.  No electricity, no water.  That sucked.  It was still out on Saturday and I was beginning to worry about getting water to the animals.  I called Lance to ask him what I should do, as everybody need water by then, and he said he'd be home in a couple hours and he'd start the generator.

Of course, the power came  back on an hour later, so I had everybody watered by the time he got home ;)  All the critters were happy to see me...LOL.

Oh, the hot water heater is fine...it had a reset button on the thermostat that we didn't know about, so all is well with that now.

Lilli just turned 8 years old last week, and we had a skating party for her on Sunday this last week.

She attended Vacation Bible School at a Methodist Church in Lawrence last week and absolutely LOVED it.  We plan to try that church this coming Sunday.  I was very happy with how they ran the VBS and we are in the market for a church.  I grew up Baptist, so I'm not sure how that goes along with Methodist, but I reckon I'll find out.  I figure we are all there to worship God, each in our own way I guess.

Ok, I'm off to do chores and then head to South Haven.  I told Lilli I'd take her to the new Transformer movie.  She just watched the first one on DVD the other night and LOVED it.  I'm not so sure I'm excited about sitting at the theater for 2 1/2 hours, but it does look like a good movie.  That last Pirate movie was that long and that didn't bother me at all!  LOL.