Photo Collage courtesy of Lindsey Richmond

Saturday was Melia's Fourth Birthday! Because her party isn't until Tuesday, we went blueberry picking with our friends Lindsey, Chase, Abby, and Grace. The kids had a blast, and us moms did pretty good too! Melia even got a free pint for her birthday! (I wonder how much they ate when we were in the field...)

If anyone is interested in picking, go to Sleepy Hollow Nursery-- the berries aren't cheaper than Costco, but it is a fun experience for the kiddos!

Phew!

Done! Probably a B, but I am done with my Spiritual Disciplines class.

I applaud all of you who take summer courses. This was so hard, and summer has just begun! Thank goodness we didn't schedule our Prophecy class till the August 18 one!

Sometimes I Just Can't Argue....

I am blond. I really really can't argue this point today.

I am trying to fill the chickens waterer. The one we got from my parents/brother had a crack, so I had to dig the one out of the cat house and fill it up. No problem, right?

Picture a chicken waterer in your head. It's gravity-fed.

Picture me, putting the bottom down on the ground.

Picture me flipping the full-of-water top part over to screw it on to the bottom.

Laughing yet?

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Let me help you-- all the water went everywhere. The chickens all gave me a thoughtful look before they went running to catch the water worms. (That's what water looks like on dust.)

And I realized I didn't quite think that through before I did it.

Way Too Funny Link

My friend Karalee posted about our playdate on her blog-- click and read to find out what Karston (her 4 yr old boy) thought of Melia and Kiera, aka, MaKiera ;-)

PS. He has a sister named Makaila....

(Edited: Karalee reminded me-- her blog is private, so I copied and pasted for you here! )

"What cracks me up more than anything is Karston today when ever he would refer to Kiera. He calls her Makiera. I never heard him say Melia and realized after everyone was gone he was rambling about who knows what and was something along the lines of the girls who sister, something about a twin. I was confused because neither myself, Brooke or Denaye have twins.
"I asked him if he was talking about Melia and Kiera. He replies "yea, that's their names" seeming puzzled that both their names were Makiera and they were twin sisters. :) It was rather cute. :)"

I am one of the distinct minority

Check this out:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20080623/us_time/christiansnoonepathtosalvation

Basics of poll:
70% of pollsters say that there is no one path to heaven (not suprising)
57% of "evangelical Christians" say theirs is not the only path to heaven (shocking, at least to me)

Wow. I guess I can be positive and say "Maranatha Lord Jesus! Come quickly!" because this is another strong indicator of the age in which we are living.

Me? I believe the Bible (GOD) says what He means, and means what He says.

Cleaning Update!

Well, due to our worthwhile getaway, I was a little behind, but yesterday I tried to play catch up. I finished most of the kitchen/dining area, one living room, and about 1/2 the laundry. So today, working on the girls' rooms, the other living room and more laundry!!!!

Motivation!!!

Happy Anniversary to Us! *8 Years*

Eight years ago I don't think we could have possibly fathomed how much we would grow together, but it has been a very, very blessed time. Thanks to Gabe's suprise planning, we had a very special time together reflecting on what God has done and being humbly grateful for everything.

Monday night, Gabe showed up as I was walking out from work. He kidnapped me (!) and we drove together to Leavenworth to spend the night at the Enzian Inn. Tuesday we played a round of mini golf at the Enzian's putting course, had lunch at the Baron Haus, enjoyed some Starbucks and a little shopping. We stopped at SleepyHollow Nursery on the way back to town and picked up some more mature blueberry plants and 4 grapes :-)

This was all a complete suprise-- I totally thought he was at work :-) Tricky fellow! But what a blessing-- the funny part was that all morning Monday I was feeling a little melancholy about him going back to work, and he was laughing inside, knowing how happy I would be later when he picked me up!

Thank you Lord. I know that everything we share is from You and not ourselves. Without You, we would never be so happy together, nor have such an exciting future to look forward to forever.

Cleaning Week!

Due to the stress and craziness of our lives, our house is a pit! Therefore, I am declaring this week cleaning week!

Please, keep me accountable!

Monday-- basic pick up, due to leaving for work at noon
Tuesday: Laundry and kitchen
Wednesday: Both living rooms
Thursday: Girls rooms and sort out too-small clothes
Friday: Bathrooms
Saturday: Catch-up

If I think about it, I will post pics (if I am not too embarassed!)

The "BOY" Experience

Do I really need to try for a boy? Am I afraid of missing the little boy experience?

No.

I am already emptying treasures out of Kiera's pockets before washing her clothes....

Tonight... It was rocks.

:-) Someday, I am sure I will find frogs.

Long Weekend...

Just a quick note to say that you will not be hearing for me for a few days, unless I have something I just can't stand not sharing, which is entirely possible and likely....

This weekend is my dad's family "camp" (not really camp this year, due to...) and celebration for my grandparents' 60th anniversary and grandpa's 80th birthday!

I promise I will post pictures upon returning... pix of cousins playing, cousins chatting, celebrations, picnicing, the fabulous anniversary/birthday cakes that I am make(ing), and....

Gabe's new truck!

:-) Later!

Trusting God: Part One

My auntie Brenda posted a intro post over on her blog (see list at right) on what she is dealing with on trusting God.

Instead of commenting, ('cause long comments by me are a bore), I thought I would post a little here, (so then if you are reading it, it is your own fault! And you want to be here!)

Anyway, I really appreciate what she had to say-- Trusting God is huge, and the second you think you're ready, you'll be afraid again. At least that's how I feel. But each challenge is put before me to help me grow! Sometimes it is two steps forward, one step back... actually, it often is. But Baby steps is how we do it. Leaps of faith don't come until later :-) based on our trust in our past experiences that we can trust Him.

Here is one of my recent baby steps:

Last Monday at work, I entered the break room to find the occupants watching the evening news talk about the hows and whys of Tim Russert's death. Because my mouth is SOOO big, I piped up with "Maybe it was just his time." And the guy sitting next to me turned and said "Do you really believe that?"

Oops. But yes, I do. Why? I don't know. We talked some, and both left to do our respective jobs. While working in my dark little hole in the wall (literally... except the dark part), I prayed and talked to God about how sorry I was that I blew that opportunity that He placed in my path, and He gave me this
"For it is appointed unto men once to die..."
I wondered what the scripture was, and immediately Gabe called. He finished the verse for me
"... and after that is the judgement."
But no address. Over the course of the next hour or so, I really felt led to share this verse with my co-worker. I called my dad-in-law and got the reference (Hebrew 9:27). Then I was ready.

And then I was terrified. Frozen with fear. So I took a baby step.
"God, help me get to the break room." He did, but J wasn't there.
"God, help me find him." I went out on the floor (what we call the shopping area) and sure enough, the enemy was there with distractions of customers needing help... But He helped me finish those tasks, and keep looking. I had to walk all the way back to the freezer section before I found him. When I saw J, I nearly collapsed. I prayed "God, I am terrified. Help Me!"

I went to him, told him he might think I was crazy, but that I had prayed about our discussion and this was what God had given me. He was amazed, but didn't think I was crazy, because he had a grandfather who could quote Scripture for any situation. (Thank you Lord, for the legacy you give to Godly men!) He appreciated what I brought to him, and was not offended at all. I shared where I attended church, and we talked a bit more. And then I went back to work. It lasted 2-3 minutes, maybe, but seemed like longer!

God gave me strength to do what He was calling me to do. Baby steps. Next time, that won't be quite so difficult!

Stay tuned for my future leap of faith... regarding our family situation. (Hint: it includes the initials BRCA)

Which One: Encourage Creativity or Teach the Cold Hard Truth

A while ago I ended up with some kind of kid's meal toy, which has a Belle (disney princess) necklace in it along with some stickers.

I have Melia the necklace last Sunday, which she then was heartbroken over because she left it at Gramps' house. To help ease the pain, I let her open the stickers. In the package there is some little things, it looks like maybe the two pieces are supposed to be taped together and then they might make the magic mirror off Beauty and the Beast.

Anyway....

Melia brings me these two paper pieces and tells me something, and then has to tell me again because I just can't believe she is saying this....

"Momma, can I go outside and plant these in the garden so they will grow and grow and make me a necklace?"

So... Do I lie, or do I tell the truth? Hmmm????

Gabe is SOOO Lucky

Yesterday, the girls and I went out to see the chickens. Gabe has finished the building part of the chicken coop, so they can run around now.

I told them that I was going to fill up the water, and while I was gone it was ok for them to get some food and feed the chickens.

As I came back around the house, I chuckled to myself when I realized that the door had shut on them; it naturally swings shut. They were banging on the walls and sticking their arms out through the openings-- it was pretty funny.

I opened the door, took the water in, set it up. Turned around.....

And realized that the door had shut on me too.

**********************************************************
Why is he lucky? Two possiblities.

1. He has us blondies to rescue from situations such as this.
2. I don't hold a grudge.

My BeeYoutiful Order

I am so excited! I place a huge order today at beeyoutiful, with a few new products, plus our Miracle Salve that we love and our Super Vitamins.

Ask me in a few weeks how these are working:

Hair Shine Leave in Conditioner

Tummy TuneUp

Vanilla Dream Lotion Bar

Liquid Chlorophyll

Yeah!

Guess What I Saw!!!!

Tonight, at approximately 10:50 pm (?) I was driving down #2 Canyon, bringing the girls home after work.

I came around a corner, and saw a shape running across the road.

First thought: Deer

Second thought: Cat

Third thought: OH MY G**! A COUGAR just ran across the road 30 feet in front of my car!

Fourth thought: a jumble mix of expletives and exclamations (hey, you come across a cougar and see what runs through your mind!)

The Shack: Final Word

I received this morning the review that Ken recommended in the comments section of my "part two" post, and I agreed for the most part with what Dr. Daniel R. Lockwood was saying, although it was not the most in-depth review I had read.

But the best part was this: His recommendation--

"I would recommend The Shack with a warning: read it to deepen your sense of the overwhelming love of God, but keep your eye on the cross!"

Well put.

The Shack: Part Three... I take it back.

You are never going to read one of my reviews again! I am sorry about how long this has gone on, but I hope this helps in some way.

I don't remember any other individual occurance where I have been so dogged by the Spirit! After speaking to trusted mentors people about how and what I was thinking and feeling, I knew, above all that I needed to renounce my recommendation completely. I wasn't sure about the details, but I knew absolutely what I was being instructed to do.

Throughout today, I have come to many conclusions-- I kept praying at work that I would receive some kind of explanation to give as to why I would say, "Never mind, don't read this," and I was blessed by many examples of why this book does not match up to scripture. Over and over, He is faithful!...

Then, while listening to my week 5 course of my current class (Spiritual Disciplines), which just happened to be on the Holiness of Scripture.... (see how He works? Seek Him! He will answer!) It hit me-- this book is extremely similar in how the "emergent church" (which I do not claim to understand completely, just the basics) waters down and paraphrases the Bible. In fact, the book does not refer positively to it at all, that I can recall. So then I am even more confident in where God is leading.

Then I come home and read Ken's comment on here, and think "Duh! I should of course look to sound reviews for help!" And guess what! I found exactly the same things that God had been delivering to me all day long-- What validation! PLUS-- I even found a reference to the fact that this is completely a work of fiction, there is no friend of the writer who had this firsthand experience, this is all part of the story. This was the most freeing part of today--- here I was thinking that someone had been seriously mislead, by whom? But now I understand I was just duped.

My emotions clouded my discernment, but I am so grateful that the Spirit has been hard at work turning my heart back to where it needs to focus!

All in all, you have been witness to quite the personal journey. And it is very humbling to have been so.... blinded? Distracted? Anyway, I do take it back. I do not recommend this book, but if you choose to read it, please be aware that the Biblical principles are not sound, this is a work of fiction, you will probably be uncomfortable with the personifications of God (that was my first red flag!), and please please do not be misled. Other than that, the story is tremendous-- very very emotional and deep. This is why I do not recommend! Deep issues should be sought out in prayer and study, not in someone's fictional interpretation....

I talk too much. Sorry. :-)

Hot Tubbing and Pinatas

These are some fun pics from last weekend at our friend Karston's 4th birthday party...

Melia showing her glee over the candy-filled pinata...
"What do you have in there?"
My stash!

The wind was miserable, so the kids really enjoyed the hot tub instead of the pool!
She is definitely her mother's daughter :-)

I Can't Help You

Mommy: "We're missing one of Kiera's shoes. Melia, can you keep your eyes open for the missing shoe that looks like this?"

Melia: "But Mommy, if I keep my eyes open it will hurt."

Can't argue with that, can I? :-)

The Shack Review, Part Two (Possible Spoiler Warning)

The more I get away from the "just finished" perspective of reading this book, the more uncomfortable I get. While I still believe it has many good points, I keep thinking of many Biblical principles that I do not see in this book-- and considering which one is inspired... well, I cannot give a full recommendation without mentioning that this book needs to be read through the lens of Scripture, not the other way around.

Some issues I fail to see? A full understanding of the gospel-- if a non-Christian was reading this book, he may be profoundly touched, but what then? I don't see the perfect Holy God-- I see more of a happy, love everybody God, and where this is perfectly true, it is also lacking.

Now, all of this is fallible, being as it is from my own mind. But consider it possible that this is what the Spirit is showing me about this book as well. I would still consider this a very good book-- with much regard to our relationships and how we relate to our Father, it has changed from a book I would recommend to everyone to a book I would recommend to Bible-believing Christians.

Thoughts?

The Shack, by William P. Young

If you are reading this, please read my further reviews:
Shack: Part Two
Shack: Part Three
Shack: Final Word

Hmmm. Bought at Costco, $8.49

Worth every penny.

My thoughts? This was an extremely difficult read. Not because of it's language or style or writing, but because of it's depth. We have so many preconcieved notions of the hows, whats, whys, etc. about God, that to read a book like this which explores far beyond our misconceptions is intimidating to say the least.

I found myself squirming-- many topics addressed and situations encountered were challenging to believe and understand. Examining my own perceptions, comparing them to this book, and then challenging either of them to line up against Scripture.... it is painful! I would have to say that while my perceptions are not wrong, they don't go far enough right. I struggle with almost all of the questions that Mack (main character) had-- different degrees, but same struggle, and to have my own doubts and shadows lightened... Amazing book. Simply amazing.

Is it true? I tend to believe more to the yes-side. I have heard stories from people I trust that only can be called miraculous-- in our small reality, they are impossible, yet they occurred. And who am I to limit God? We should be so blessed that He would reach in to our existence and grow us beyond ourselves! (Note: This is fiction. Not real. I was unaware of this-- so I believed it to be true.)

Note/Warning. I cried. A lot. More than a lot. I told Gabe he had to read this book, and he said he wasn't sure he wanted to because I cried. But crying is healing too-- I don't remember a single time when God spoke to me that I wasn't moved to tears. This is a life-changing, relationship-changing, heart-changing book.

My recommendation? READ IT. Everyone. You. Read it~

Wow...

I just started a new book that I bought at Costco today.

All I can say is Wow. I am about halfway through, and am pained that I can't sit down right now and finish it. I bought it thinking... Hm. Painful and emotional, just what I am not in the mood for... And yet bought it anyway, and I very, very rarely buy books brand new.

It's called The Shack, by William P. Young.

Any one read it yet? Impressions? I am not sure even what to say, but I will do a review when I am done.

Spiritual Prompting

This weekend I was listening to my class and Dan (instructor) was leading into a personal experience with the following scripture:

Deu 17:18-20 (in reference to the king)

"And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites:
And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left: to the end that he may prolong [his] days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel."

Before Dan had even started in on his story, I knew this is something God wanted me to do. It was so logical! In high school/college, to study I would write things over and over until I knew it all by heart. One of my heart's cries lately has been for guidance in how to study. I know I need to, but wasn't sure which route to take, and God has undoubtly answered that prayer.

Thank you Lord, for You are Faithful to answer us and lead us along the paths You have laid out for us.

What I Wish For...

A clinic where you get to set the prices for your visit. Sure, a recommended fee would be great, but take a look at my experience today.

Last night at Gma and Gpa's house, Kiera stuck a pea up her nose. Normal, believe me. Not the first time. But it is the first time (for either child) that we have not been able to get it out. I called the office today to ask if I should bring her in or wait until tomorrow morning when we already have both of their well-child check ups scheduled. The nurse was adamant; "Oh! Bring her in! You don't want it to get in any further!"

Ok, scheduled the appointment.. went in... asked if we could do the well-child today and just cancel the Kiera portion of tomorrow's appointment. Nope, he's too busy today to fit in a well-child, even if we aren't vaccinating. OK, fine, just trying to avoid another co-pay.

The outcome? "No big deal." She doesn't have any issues eating or breathing, and after looking up her nose (no differently than we did!) he says she must have swallowed it during the night. Just watch for continuous discharge (aka snotty nose) on one side, and if that occurs we will look closer. There really isn't anywhere for it to go-- peas are bigger than any of the sinus cavity openings.

This was NOT the impression the nurse gave me! No questions about symptoms -- just bring her in!

My opinion? Parenting is hard enough without worrying about money! I just blew a $20 co-pay to hear someone do nothing different that what four people had previously done to her, and tell me it's fine. No worries.

Did I tell you about our Nursemaid's elbow visit? It was on a weekend, so we took her into the ER... Total bill? $650 for a minor adjustment to her arm. The first time she did it after that Gabe Googled it and we fixed ourselves, and have again since then. A whole chiropractor's visit is $35 if we pay out of pocket.... compared to $650...

I know the arguments, their time is worth money. But how much time? And how much money? $650 for less than 5 minutes with a nurse, and less than 5 minutes with a doc? How do you gauge your child's well-being compared to the bill that might come later? I understand when it is a more serious condition, and thankfully we have yet to experience that, but for minor situations where really, just a reassuring "she'll be fine"would suffice, these should be a *little* cheaper.

Thanks for the vent time. I am just frustrated with the medical costs... I don't mind paying for a birth or broken arm, or medicine when appropriate. But the ratio should be a little more scaled, in my opinion.

A specialty "Quick Solutions" clinic. That's going to make my million, off charging $5 a visit :-)

Melia's Parenting Style

This morning Melia and Kiera were playing with all my old Beanie Babies. I was trying to treat some stains, and I overheard the following:

Melia: This bear does not listen to my words. So I am going to give it away.
Kiera: Oh.. Kay.
Melia: And this bear does not listen to what I say. So I am going to give it away.
(On a few more times....)
Kiera gets up to walk away....
Melia: Wait Doctor! Are you going to fix my bears?

(Can you tell what she has been having trouble with lately?!)

It's Not Just Me!

So, here in this little town we live in, there is this sign. I drive by it a few times per week, maybe 3.

This is what it says:

ProCPAP Solutions

I have no idea what this means or what the business is. But I always look twice. And although this is terribly illegal and disgusting and offensive and rude, I had to laugh when I saw that someone had vandalized this sign. Now it said:

ProCRAP Solutions

Terribly illegal. Offensive. Rude.

And downright hilarious! Because that is exactly what I read every time I see that sign.

Every Single Time.

Convicting Quote for Today

"Spiritual growth is an uphill journey; if you are coasting, you're in trouble."

Dan Stolebarger
Spiritual Disciplines
Koinonia Institute

Candle? Or Chapstick?

So, for some reason... I have no idea why.... Melia seems to think that "chapstick" which you would use your finger in, such as Carmex, is like... lotion? OHHHH! I just realized why! Ha, you just witnessed a mommy revelation!


OK, so let me start over. Because the Miracle Salve I use on Melia's bottom for her eczema and on Kiera's cheeks for her baby acne comes like this....

Melia seems to think that chapstick which looks the same belong in the same "use your finger, rub it on" catagory. So she always is putting lip gloss/chapstick on her cheeks.

This morning-- Kiera finds a pink tealight candle which looks suspiciously like chapstick. So guess what she does? Rubs candle wax all over her face and in her hair... along with a little soot from the wick.

I just wonder if I had splurged for the beeswax if it might have actually been good for her.

PS-- I totally recommend the Miracle Salve-- it works better than anything else at keeping the eczema at bay.

Why I Desperately Want to Grow Corn

Everybody likes corn at our house.

Non-Commercial Micro Popcorn

This is sooo funny. Our friends Ben and Molly tried it one time when we were at their house-- but just kernels in a bowl with a paper towel over the top-- it worked, but not very "clean." Popcorn doesn't seem to be intimidated by a paper towel for some strange reason.

So when I saw THIS linked on Tammy's Kitchen Tip Tuesdays for making micro popcorn in brown paper bags, I knew I had to check it out. I will update you when I try it! Pretty exciting, considering Costco sells popcorn in a big bag that would be MUCH cheaper than buying the little bags.

Yeah! :-)

My Week!

So I would like to explain why I will probably not be around a whole lot this week!

Monday I worked.
Tuesday I traveled with Mom and Dad over to the coast for Shaun's BLEA graduation. (GO SHAUN!!!)
Wednesday (today) I am helping out at work -- splitting and filling graduation cakes. (yea... :-)
Thursday, grad cakes again.
Friday appointment and softball games.
Saturday Karston's Bday party.
Sunday work.

I am feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. We are busy anyway, but to add two extra days of work in and a whole day of being away from home-- boy, I salute the full time working moms! But No Thank You, count me out! :-)

I do hope to do some simple kiddo pix posts to keep you all entertained :-)

Play Catch Up

To bring everyone up to speed, Melia is doing better today. Yesterday she had a fever, and as she usually does, had a tendency to spike (103.6!) Today she has a mild one, which is exactly what Kiera had Wed-Thurs. Unlike Kiera, Melia's ear(s) did not hurt, so Kiera might have had a pending infection that we were able to ward off.

I am fine. My heart is not broken-- it is just that Gabe won't dance anymore. We used to dance together, and had so much fun. Now we don't, and to me it is the deeply personal pain of rejection. But rejection is not the underlying issue, it is just the resulting symptom. I need to learn to put him above myself, and not value my own desires above those of my husband.

This is a good example of how love is a choice. We as humans with our selfish nature put ourselves first. I wanted to dance, and to be turned down hurt. In the future, I need to consider his feelings before expecting my needs to be met.

I can't wait for the dancing there will be in heaven!