1st Day of School

Welcome Home Mike!!!!!!

A disclaimer

As a new blogger, I'm learning as I go. But I have come to realize that even in "blogland" you can get junk mail. So I just wanted to give a little disclaimer that I do not condone any of the "anonymous" commenters that are touting their web-sites or products on my blog.

Anyways, I just wanted my friends to know that. And if I ever find a way to block these comments, I will.

Put this on your Christmas wish list!

Ooooooh, can't wait to hear this!

Selah Slated to Release New Hymns Album
Greatest Hymns, from multiple Dove Award-winning Curb recording artist Selah, will release August 23. The collection brings together performances of 12 hymns from their three previous studio recordings, including "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," "There Is Power In The Blood," "How Great Thou Art," "Amazing Grace" and "Bika Mono Ve (Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior)/It Is Well With My Soul."
In addition, Greatest Hymns includes three selections available for the first time on a Selah recording: "O Sacred Head Now Wounded," from the multi-artist Next Door Savior project; the trio's never-before-released rendition of "Be Thou My Vision"; and "Be Thou Near To Me," with Jim Brickman from his Grace recording.
"Be Thou My Vision," the first single from Greatest Hymns, is currently #10 on CRW's Inspirational chart for the week of August 15.
"This collection brings together the hymns we have recorded, along with the song we did with Jim Brickman," said Selah's Todd Smith. "These songs have so much depth we hope people will be able to listen, relax, and spend time worshipping."
"'I'm especially excited that listeners will be able to hear our version of 'Be Thou My Vision,'" said Selah's Allan Hall. "I think it represents 'vintage Selah' and is one of my favorite tracks we've recorded. I'm also pleased we could include 'O Sacred Head Now Wounded.' With the pictures it paints, I believe it is one of the best-written hymns."

Friday's Favorite Link - 8/26/05

Good morning!
I missed sharing a link last week. So here's an extra special blog that I came across recently called "Girl Talk" (sorry guys!) This is kept by author Carolyn Mahaney and her three grown daughters, Nicole, Kristin, and Janelle. It is full of lots of good, godly, and fun stuff. Check out their archives. I thought the articles on serving were really good. And make sure to read some of their "Friday Funnies" if you need a good laugh! Enjoy!

http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/

Happy Friday!!!

P.S. - Only two more days to get through until Daddy gets home!!!!! (Picture the little hoppy guy smiley here! Can't get those things to work!)

Catching up!

Well, as you can see by the date, I haven't posted anything for about a week and a half. I think you all know why! I've been just a tad busy! We all miss Mike a lot....but we are surviving!

On Monday, Mike called and said that things weren't going well and that he would need to stay in China until Saturday (He was supposed to come home tonight). That was extremely disappointing news but what can you do?

We really are doing okay. This morning was rough and the first time I cried. Noah was giving me a hard time and I was just feeling crabby. And poor Mike called in the middle of all of it. When everyone was finally dressed, I sent them all out to play. I think they all need to get some fresh air and stretch their legs! And it's finally cooled down some so it's not unbearable to be out.

I realized while we were outside that in the midst of all the chaos this morning that I never ate breakfast! Duh Jill!! No wonder I was feeling so crabby!

Anyways, Lord willing, Mike will be home Saturday night. Keep praying!!!

The kids are still outside. After lunch we will have "quiet time" and then go to hippotherapy.

God made you special and He loves you very much!

If you've been reading this blog at all, you know that I am into song lyrics. God uses the messages that are in songs a lot in my life. Well, this may be a kid's song, but the message can speak to all of us. I'm so glad that God still loves us even when we mess up!



My Day

In my bed I start to pray
And tell God all about my day

I woke up in my little bed
And put my hat upon my head
Cleaned my room
And cleared my dishes
Told mom breakfast was delicious
I went to school, learned something new
And tried to follow every rule
I studied my vocabulary
Had some fun with Bob and Larry

And so it's good to know
How much you love me…it's true
The bible says you do
You really love me
Your love was with me all throughout my day

I some how over looked my bed
Seems my dog is underfed
Forgot to change my underclothes
Watched one to many T.V. shows
I had some trouble sharing toys
And during rest time, made some noise
Walls are not for coloring
Sometimes I'm off key when I sing

And so, it's really good to know
How much you love me....it's true
The bible says you do
You really love me
You're love was with me all throughout my day.

In my bed so quietly
I rest in knowing God Loves Me!

"D" Day

Well, it finally came! Today was "D" Day.....Departure Day for Mike that is. He's is on his way to China! I wish I could say it was to bring home a cute little Chinese baby (No, that's NOT an announcement!), but it's just for a yucky, long business trip.

So far, we've had a good day. It helped that it was Grandma Day and the kids have only been home since 5:00! LOL! But they have been very well-behaved since they got home and we actually had a fairly civilized dinner...only one hotdog thrown across the room. They are currently playing their Clifford game on the computer and that will keep them busy until bed time.

We have an appointment or something going on every day that Mike is gone. So we will busy and hopefully these 10 days will speed by.

Pray for Mike. This trip is not a picnic for him either. The project that he is going to China for has been a real headache with one problem after another. Pray that things will go smoothly while he is there and pray for his safety.

Thanks a bunch!

This can't wait until Friday!

Hey! I just discovered this website called Gas Buddy and with gas prices going up and up and up and up.....I thought someone might find it helpful. You click on your state and then you can click on your local site and find the lowest....and highest...gas prices in your area.

http://www.gasbuddy.com/

Hope it helps somebody!

Friday's Favorite Link - 8/12/05

Today's link is for a new place I've discovered called My Girlfriend's Kitchen. This is a really cool concept. Basically, you go to make 6 or 12 entrees. They have all the ingredients prepared (washed, chopped, etc.) and you just show up and put everything together. You then take your entrees home and freeze them to use later.

Mom and I went last night and now I have 12 yummy meals to look forward to this month. And the best part of it is there is less work for me!!

It's really a lot of fun....especially if you go with a good friend!

http://secure.mygirlfriendskitchen.com/index.php

Bon Appetit!!

It's me!

Mike posted this picture. Thanks Honey!!!

"Be Still My Soul" or More Hymns

This morning I found myself overwhelmed by all that lies ahead in the next few weeks. The thought of Mike being away for 10 days and caring for our children alone is very daunting to me. As much as I love them, I am just not looking forward to these days without Mike here. And even though I have peace about the boys starting school, I still am overwhelmed by the changes that will bring to our schedule. As I was feeding the kids breakfast I was wallowing in self-pity and worry. I realized too, that I was being a very impatient and crabby Mommy because I wanted to be alone in my personal thoughts and worries.

But as I've shared before, we have been listening to Amy Grant's hymn CDs at breakfast time. Just as I was about to lose it because of Grace's never-ending string of questions and Noah clammering for more waffles, the song Be Still My Soul came on. "In every change He faithful will remain" was what really got my attention.

After breakfast, I quickly went to our hymnbook to take a closer look at the words to this song. The first two verses were especially what I needed this morning.

Be Still, My Soul

Be still, my soul! the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul! thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul! the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Words by Katharine von Schlegal
Music by Jean Sibelious


Then, a few pages over, I found another hymn that is one of my favorites, Trusting Jesus. Allow me to share the first three verses:

Trusting Jesus

Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus - that is all.

Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine.
While He leads I cannot fall,
Trusting Jesus - that is all.

Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call,
Trusting Jesus - that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus - that is all.

Words by Edgar P. Stites
Music by Ira D. Sankey


I'm so thankful that I have a God who is so faithful in caring for me. And that every little detail of my life and my concerns are important to Him. It's so easy to get hung up with the worries of this life, but this song gives a clear answer of what I need to be doing....Trusting Jesus -that is all!

Have a good day!

Our Wednesday morning

This morning we went out to Angel Acres for hippotherapy. Both Noah and Samuel receive this therapy weekly. We've been doing it on and off for about a year and a half. Both boys love it! I meant to take the camera today so I could post some pictures, but I forgot. :o(

"What is hippotherapy?" you ask? Well, first of all, it has nothing to do with HIPPOS!! (Wait until you hear about "spider therapy"....that's on Fridays.) Here's some information about hippotherapy:

"What is Hippotherapy?

The term hippotherapy literally means "treatment with the help of the horse". Specially trained occupational, physical, and speech therapists use this medical treatment for patients with physical and movement disorders; such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, stroke, autism and learning or language disabilities.

What Are the Potential Benefits?

· Improved posture, balance, mobility, development of righting and equilibrium reactions
· Normalization of muscle tone
· Tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular input
· Peer and animal interaction, as well as socialization
· Motivating for the client

Hippotherapy uses activities that directly affect the body while the rider sits passively on the saddle pad. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic riding), but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can then be generalized to a wide range of daily activities.

Treatment can also improve psychological, cognitive, and behavioral and communication functions for children of all ages. It is a therapeutic exercise that is viewed by patients as pleasurable, fun and challenging. Positioned high on a horse without crutches or wheelchairs, children with disabilities have the opportunity to interact with their peers on an equal level. In addition, Hippotherapy teaches responsibility and appropriate behavior, while stimulating motivation in the "therapy tired" child."

Is this a good thing?

I just realized that Grace has discovered how to whistle! How, I have no idea. ( Mike will say, "She probably learned it from Grandma." Grandma and Grandpa always get credit for teaching our kids creative things like this.)

But anyways, back to the whistling.....I have yet to determine if this is a good thing. Maybe the whistling will cut down on the talking. Hmmm....that would be a good thing! On the other hand, if whistling takes over, it could get really annoying. And that would be bad.

I'll let you know what happens. And by the way, Grace is also learning to skip! It's fun to see your kids learn new things.

Don't be alarmed.....

If you're at all creatively-minded like me, you've probably been wondering why all of the sudden there is all this blank space at the top of my blog. It's really been bothering me because, well, it just doesn't look pretty. But I think I figured out that it is due to the long links that were in the previous music post. I tried to fix it but then the links don't work. So....things SHOULD be back to normal after that post scrolls off the screen after 7 days. Okay, so now you know!

* I'm editing this to say that I couldn't wait for 7 days for this to be resolved. (Yes, it was bugging me THAT much!) So I've changed the format on the page so that only one day's posts are displayed at a time. So if you miss a day, don't forget to check the archives. I'll change things back at the end of the week.

What's For Dinner??

Good Morning!

Company is coming for dinner! A co-worker of Mike's has offered to help Mike install the lift into our new van and Mike invited him to dinner. I'm going to make a really easy crock-pot recipe....great for company because it's REALLY good and it's also VERY easy! I'm going to make cheesy potatoes to go with it and a salad.

Becky Jane's French Dip Sandwiches

3-4 lb. roast
1 can beef consomme
1 envelope Au Jus mix (dry)
1 envelope Good Seasons Italian Dressing mix (dry)

Place roast in crock pot. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour over roast. Cook on low for about 10 hours. Slice or shred meat and serve on rolls.

*** I have learned from my sweet Mother-in-law that if you get a roast that is English cut that this is the best for shredding.

Try it...it's really good!!

In My Life/If We Never Meet Again

In My Life/If We Never Meet Again (4:11)

In My Life (John Lennon, Paul McCartney)

There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever and not for better
Some are gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With people and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
But in my life, I loved them all
But of all these friends and loved ones
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and friends that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
But in my life I loved you more

If We Never Meet Again (Albert E. Brumley)

Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey
And perhaps we'll never meet anymore
Till we gather in heaven's bright city
Far away on that beautiful shore
If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the beautiful river of life
Where the charming roses bloom forever
And separations come no more
If we never meet again this side of heaven
I will meet you on that beautiful shore

© 1965 (renewed) Sony/ATV Songs LLC. All rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, 8 Music Square West, Nashville, TN 37203. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission./© 1945 Renewed 1973 Stamps Quartet Music (BMI) (admin. by ICG). All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.

My music

Here are the CDs I've been listening to lately in case you're interested. If you click on the links to CBD, you can listen to audio clips of some of the songs.

Selah - I just love their sound! And they seem to sing with so much passion and emotion. Check out track #3 on Press On, "In My Life/If We Never Meet Again". It helps to hear the whole song....maybe I will post the lyrics.... but it made me bawl like a baby the first time I heard it!

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product/218426446?item_no=CD3420&event=1002RNF#curr

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=cd87132&event=1002ART9219871002

Amy Grant's Hymns CDs - Well, first of all, I have loved Amy Grant since I was in Jr. High so I pretty much like whatever she puts out. But these hymn CDs are great. The kids and I listen to one of them every morning as we get going and eat breakfast. All three kids have come to recognize some of the hymns. It's cool to hear Noah humming "This Is My Father's World" while he's playing. Grace will say, "We sang that in 'Big Church'. And if you ask Samuel what his favorite hymn is, he will say "Oly, Oly, Oly!" (Holy, Holy, Holy)

It also helps that Amy's husband and my favorite singer, Vince Gill, sings and plays on these albums too. I've been a fan of Vince's since he was skinny! Ha!
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=CD44788&netp_id=256681&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=CD39129&netp_id=376395&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW

Big thanks to my wonderful friend Tina for turning me on to all these CDs!

"What Happened Here Today?"

I've read this little story a couple times and it always makes me smile.....and wonder what would happen if I really did this one day!


“What Happened Here Today?”

One afternoon a man came home from work to find total mayhem in his house. His three children were outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife’s car was open, as was the front door to the house.

Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink. Breakfast food was spilled on the counter, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.

He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she may be ill, or that something serious had happened. He found her lounging in the bedroom, still curled in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.

He looked at her bewildered and asked, “What happened here today?”

She again smiled and answered “You know every day when you come home from work and ask me what in the world I did today?”

“Yes,” was his incredulous reply.

She answered, “Well, today I didn’t do it.”


Have a great day!!

T.G.I.F.

http://www.stpaulirishdancers.com/dancingb.html

Okay, it's still fairly early in the afternoon and I can already say that it's been one of those days!

Click on this if you need a pick me up too!

Friday's Favorite Links - 8/5/05

Happy Friday!

I've decided that on Fridays I will share a link or two....or three.... to some of my favorite websites. For today, I'd like to share three adoption-related websites that I like.

The first is Dillon International's website. Dillon is the adoption agency we used for all three of our adoptions.

http://www.dillonadopt.com

The next website is Adopting.com. This site contains info and links to just about anything you would want to know about adoption. Adoption agencies, photo listings, lawyers, birth parent letters....you name it Adopting.com has it.

http://www.adopting.com

The last link is to Forever Families. This site was started by our friend Suzanne Faske. Suzanne and her husband Jay have 12 children, 10 of them adopted. They started an adoption support group in their community in Texas and this website came from that. They have since started an orphan ministry called Here I Am Orphan Ministries.

http://www.angelfire.com/az3/foreverfamilies/

Have a great day!

More Veggie photos

We're back!

Well......we're back from the Veggie Tales show. I think everyone had fun....although it didn't generate quite the enthusiasm as I though it would. Silly me...why did I take the girl who is scared to death of loud noises???? DUH!!!!! Grace kept her fingers in her ears the whole time. But she must have taken some of it in because she was pretending to be one of the characters, Jesse, on the way home. So I admit that I sulked all the way home because I felt like no one cared that I had tried to arrange this special, fun day that I hoped would make a special memory for us all. But when I was getting Noah out of the van at home he said, "Tanks going a Veggie Tale show Mom." Okay, so it was worth it and I feel better.
The show was pretty cool....very high energy and the Veggies are bigger than life!

It's Time For Veggie Tales!!!!

Okay, I hate to admit. I don't know who is more excited....me or the kids! We are going to see Veggie Tales Live today and I can hardly wait!!!! Since we didn't know when this show might return to our area, we decided to splurge and get tickets in lieu of a mini-vacation. I got the tickets about two months ago and so I've been working up my anticipation ever since. I just told the kids yesterday that we were going so they haven't had time to work themselves into a frenzy yet. But they were excited. Hopefully everyone will be on their best behavior and we will all enjoy it. I'll report back later! :o)

http://www.bigidea.com/

My how the time flies!

Wow! It's already been a week and a half since I last wrote anything. As the life goes...so goes the blog! (Or something like that!)

We HAVE been busy! On the 23rd we had a wedding to attend. It was the wedding of a young couple from our church. It was really beautiful...both the service and the reception. We had a lot of fun!

Last Thursday, Samuel's new power wheelchair was delivered. Two techs from our provider came out to the house and custom fit the seat and a nice tray for him. It was an exciting day. He's a fairly good "driver", but I have felt a little bit like the mother of a 16 year old who is learning to drive over the last few days. The first day he banged into a lot of furniture and pinned Grandma to the couch (YIKES!), but he has improved greatly over the last couple of days.

It is amazing to see Samuel just GO. It's hard to imagine that he's never had the ability to just move somewhere quickly on his own. I take so much for granted! He really loves the independence.

We bought a full-size conversion van (off ebay). Last Friday Mike flew to Philadelphia to pick it up and drive it back home. It was a long day for him! We have had a used wheelchair lift donated to us and as I sit here and type, Mike is picking it up. A friend from work who is also in a wheelchair and works on cars has offered to help Mike install it. So hopefully in the next week or so, Samuel will be able to travel in the new chair.

Found out today that Mike will be traveling to China on a business trip. We knew it was coming, but didn't know for sure when it would be. He leaves on the 15th and returns on the 24th. I'm not excited about him going, but if he has to go, this will be a good time. His cousin is getting married on the 13th so he won't miss that. And our vacation (to Emerald Isle, NC) is the week of Labor Day. So he'll have a week and a half back at home before we go and hopefully he'll be able to get some things accomplished at work before we go. And he'll also be home in time for the big first day of school!

Well, I better get! Just needed to catch up I guess.