05/31/10

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.
~Elmer Davis

On this Memorial Day, let us remember those who have given their lives for our freedom.

Many Americans today use this weekend as fun and relaxation and forget the real reason.

May we never forget the sacrifice that has been paid, and is still being paid, by brave men and women all around the world so that we may be free. Freedom is not really free.... there is always a price. I don't have words enough to say thank you to them all.

05/30/10

Psalm 37:4,5
Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

05/29/10

Seventeen... a lovely number don't you think?

Seventeen years of being married to my best friend.

Seventeen isn't a magical anniversary number like "15" or "20" but I have learned much through them all. Here are some thoughts I have about then and now.

Seventeen years ago today I was a blushing bride.
Today I am usually blushing because I tripped or said something wrong.

Seventeen years ago I looked like a baby.
Today... well, you get the picture.

Seventeen years ago I wore a borrowed wedding dress.
Today I would not fit into that borrowed wedding dress.

Seventeen years ago my favorite color was purple and my bridesmaid dresses were purple.
Today I still love purple but you add some green to that and I'm one happy camper.

Seventeen years ago we walked down to the aisle to Canon in D by Pachelbel.
Today Steve has a CD of that song where the music is played over and over. We stop and remember every time we hear it.

Seventeen years ago I had my Dad "give me away."
Today I realize he never gave me away because I live next door. He just gained another son.

Seventeen years ago I thought the pastor would never finish our 17 minute wedding ceremony.
Today I cannot believe how quickly these 17 years have flown.

Seventeen years ago I was homesick.... yes, there is a story.
Today I get homesick for him.

Seventeen years ago we didn't get to eat any of our food at the reception because someone took our basket.
Today I still remember that. I'm not bitter. Really.

Seventeen years ago I thought I had my life planned "perfectly."
Today I know that life can never be planned "perfectly" but you learn and grow through it.

Seventeen years ago I thought I knew what love was.
Today I know I was wrong.... I am still learning what love is each and every day with my precious Steve.

We have lived, learned, loved and laughed for 17 years of marriage. I pray that the Lord will give us many more years to grow in the love with which we have been blessed.

05/28/10

Here is a Red Wolf. I am always fond of these little guys because Kevin did some type of article on them being endangered when he was in college. I was always so proud of him for that. Not sure if it was ever published.
For this last day of school for me:

Report cards stuffed....
CHECK

Room packed up and cleaned....
CHECK

Last minute meetings and details....
CHECK

Being able to be home all summer with my kids and just be MOM....
PRICELESS :)

05/27/10

This is a Victoria Crowned Pigeon.....

... but for today we are going to pretend it is a "peacock!"

We are proud as a peacock around these parts today. It was the last day of school and a day of awarding those who have worked hard during the year. Wesley and Mikayla both received Perfect Attendance and A/B Honor Roll for the entire year. For Wesley, especially, this is an accomplishment because he works so hard to make the grades he makes. Miss Mikayla earned the top girl AR points in her class. I am so thankful for their abilities and how they daily try to live for Jesus. We always tell them to "Do your best and let God do the rest."

Tonight there will be more people "proud as a peacock" as we have High School Graduation. It has been a busy, but good day.

I AM NOW ON SUMMER BREAK.

Yes, I am a little excited. :)

05/26/10

Banana, banana, banana, ba-na-na, banana, banana, ba-na-na, banana.

Sorry... this pic reminded me of the song I used to sing to Wesley and Mikayla when they were little and needed to eat their banana. lol

Wish you could hear it in person.

I made it up.

As if you couldn't tell.

So, I "stole" this from my online bloggy friend Wendy. I seem to do that to her all of the time. I told her, though.... she knows about my kleptomaniac issues with these little questionnaires.

Seven Things To Do Before I Die
1. Go to the Grand Canyon
2. Take a cruise to Alaska
3. Go to Europe
4. See my children get married
5. See my grandchildren (oh, goodness.... not ANY time soon, though!)
6. Pay off the debt
7. Retire at a ripe old age

Seven Things I Cannot Do
1. Floral arrangements.... just ask my Mom, Kevin and my best friend. It is sad... really.
2. See without my glasses or contacts. I'm way blind.
3. Exercise like all the people do at a gym
4. Decorate my house without some good help..... see #1.
5. Weed eat.... it would be more like "Kellie's leg eat"
6. Ski, on water or snow
7. Drive a stick shift.... there are stories there, too.

Seven Things That Attract Me to... Photography
1. It's a creative outlet
2. It's free therapy
3. I love to see how far I have come in my skills
4. I love making people happy with pictures of their loved ones
5. It helps me with stress
6. I can photograph my own children as much as I want
7. It is a challenge to learn something new and improve upon it.

Seven Things I Say Most Often
1. Honey
2. GOOD NIGHT!
3. What in the world!?
4. Oh, glory!
5. Oh. My. Word.
6. Nice.....
7. Wesley and Mikayla!

Seven Books That I Love
1. God's Word
2. Stonewycke Trilogy ~ Michael Phillips
3. AD Chronicles ~ Brock and Bodie Thoene
4. Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers
5. Secrets of the Rose series ~ Michael Phillips
6. Mark of the Lion series ~ Francine Rivers
7. Lineage of Grace ~ Francine Rivers

Seven Movies That I Watch Over and Over Again
1. The Narnia movies
2. Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2... sometimes 3 but we didn't like that one as well.
3. Cars
4. OK... pretty much all Disney movies, we have kids, remember
5. The Sound of Music
6. The Wizard of Oz
7. The Blind Side

Seven People I Want to See Complete This Here List
1. Kevin... my loving brother will probably do it on his blog anyway
2. KT.... who hopefully has her computer up and running again to read this.
3. "Mich"... just because I am getting to know her from her blog
4. Sandy... I think it would be fun to see her answers
5. Gretchen..... just cuz I want her to
6. Kelly L..... I want to see this on your blog!
7. Vonda - I want to see her Kentuckian answers.... in blue. :)

05/25/10

Scarlet Ibis'.... beautiful birds. :)
So, I missed that late last week (Friday, I do believe) was my 1,000th post.

I could do a list of 1,000 things I have learned or something like that.

I think that may take too long.

I could photograph something with "1,000" in it, like KT wanted me to do.

But... I just haven't had time for that.

I could have done an acronym with one thousand....

But, I just am not going there with brain power today.

Instead, I think I will just post my first post on this blog to "remember when".... I started this blog a little over 5 years ago. It was actually my second one as my first one had issues and I had to start over. I started blogging because it was therapy for me when my Mom became so sick and then it turned into stories about "life."

My blogging has changed through the years. I look back and read the earlier posts and chuckle at how different I am today. I have re-read some of them today and find it interesting what I shared then and what I share now. It just shows how growth comes through trials and joys the Lord allows in our lives and how those change us.

For those who have been here since the beginning, thanks for sticking with me all these years. For those of you who are newer... I hope you are enjoying "the ride."

Here is that first post. It is nothing spectacular, but it is all I have for this honor of my "1,000th" post. lol I had just gotten my first SLR digital camera. Wow, what I know now compared to what I knew then.... in so many ways.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

A nail. Yes, this is what I took a picture of on purpose. :o) This is in my Mom and Dad's yard and it is on one of the last fence posts remaining on the farm. I just thought it looked neat.

We began Christmas decorating after Thanksgiving! I have pictures but until I learn my camera a bit more I can't upload them yet. The kids are all excited about it this year. They even helped me decorate the Christmas tree last night and it actually turned out pretty well!! They loved it. I was excited for them for the traditions they will now experience more and more. I can't wait to show the pictures of ornaments I took on the tree. I hope they look as nice on here as they do on my camera. ha!

Well, off to work on more decorating. I just wanted to get this up and running. Have a great day everyone!

05/24/10

This was in one of my devotions yesterday and it so fit the way our day went! Read it as if Jesus is talking to you.

Approach each new day with desire to find Me. Before you get out of bed, I have already been working to prepare the path that will get you through this day. There are hidden treasures strategically placed along the way. Some of the treasures are trials, designed to shake you free from earth-shackles. Others are blessings that reveal My Presence: sunshine, flowers, birds, friendships, answered prayer. I have not abandoned this sin-wracked world; I am richly present in it.
Search for deep treasures as you go through this day. You will find Me all along the way.

Yesterday was definitely a day of treasures to be found. The storms came through in the morning and afternoon. His presence was greatly known. In between, another treasure was found: our mockingbird eggs had hatched.

The kids were so excited. At first, only two had hatched. I wanted to photograph them but we had to eat lunch. Another storm came up in the middle afternoon. When we looked out the window at the bush where the mockingbird nest was located we saw that bush being battered by the storm. Not only pelting rain but harsh wind. We were all concerned for those little babies that had just been hatched.

I remembered this verse:
Matthew 10:29 - Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
I told the kids that God was in control of the storm and in control of looking after those little birds. During a break in the storm, Steve ran out to check on them. He found the mother bird covering them and hanging on with all she had.

I will be the first to admit that it brought a tear to my eye to think of the protection of that mother. It reminded me of how God is covering us with His wings in the middle of storms in our lives.

Psalm 57:1 - Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

After the storm passed I was finally able to get outside and photograph the cute little things. The one egg was still intact, but I was able to capture these pics. They were hungry little things!

This one makes me smile. The birds were "passed out" but surrounding the other egg.

Wesley had found a worm and fed one of them. You can see the dirt mark in its mouth.

Later in the afternoon the other egg hatched! We were so excited to see this little guy! He kind of looks like he has a mohawk. :)

Now they were all wanting some food.

I was actually surprised the mother was not around and getting me. Mikayla was my lookout while I was photographing.

Sleep well, little ones... We decided to name them "Huey, Dewey, and Luey."

When the kids checked on them this morning.... they were gone. Knowing how the Lord protected them yesterday during that storm, I feel certain that they are safe. I just think the mother moved them to a different location because we were just getting too close for comfort. I am saddened that we will not get to watch them grow, but I know that God is watching over them just as He watches over us.

What a treasure we were given.....

05/23/10

You may want to click on this pic to see the droplet of water hanging.


Here is a "conversation" God had with Job in Job 38:33-38. I thought it fitting for today. We headed to church in a huge thunderstorm. Our God is all powerful!

Do you know the ordinances of the heavens,
Or fix their rule over the earth?
"Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
So that an abundance of water will cover you?
"Can you send forth lightnings that they may go
And say to you, 'Here we are'?
"Who has put wisdom in the innermost being
Or given understanding to the mind?
"Who can count the clouds by wisdom,
Or tip the water jars of the heavens,
When the dust hardens into a mass
And the clouds stick together?

05/22/10

This was taken at the Zoo.... just not as a "wild" animal in an enclosed area. :)


I had a student who was in my class last year come up to me on the playground the other day. She shared with me that she had won the top Accelerated Reader points in her class. This is a major accomplishment for her because she needed another year to grow when I had her so we decided to hold her back with me. I had the joy of teaching her for two years.

Well, that day she told me "Thank you for pushing me so hard in reading!"

I don't recall ever having a child tell me something like that before. There are some days where you wonder if the kids are really getting what you are teaching and if it matters as much. I have had parents through the years share with me but not a child in THAT way.... thanking me for pushing them.

That is something that will stick with me for always. When I have those days where I wonder if I am even making a difference I will remember those words.

I thank the Lord that He gives us those little boosts of what we need when we need them. Without Him I am nothing as a teacher.

05/21/10

This frog is how I feel some days. :)

The last full week of school is over.

Only one more FULL day of school and the other three are half days.

We are all ready.

Summer is comin!

05/20/10

When I was obsessing excited over photographing the flamingos at the Zoo, I was able to be there and capture a couple of them fighting. They were causing a ruckus for sure! It was quite neat as I had never seen that before.
We are growing musicians in this family.... we think.

First, Mikayla began piano. We are enjoying hearing her come so far in just 10 months. I am amazed when I hear her play.

Next, Wesley has decided he wants to be in band next year at school. Can we say "tweet/womp/tweet/fliff"???? Those are some sounds I'll be hearing as he tries out the flute, clarinet, trombone and trumpet next year.

He'll be practicing in his room.

With the door closed.

While I step outside.

What does Wes think he wants to play after he goes through them all???

The flute.

I'm honestly just not seeing that, but we'll see what the Lord decides. :) He is quite excited about learning something where he has to practice like Mikayla. lol (We'll see how long that lasts.) I am proud of him for stepping out into a world that was never comfortable for me. Music is not in my blood as far as playing an instrument.

Yesterday, Mikayla comes home telling me she wants to play the viola next year.

Hmmm..... I like a viola.

She already practices 45 minutes a day for piano. This would require a little more practice time, too.

She will miss 3 recesses one week and 2 the next, etc... as the year progresses.

It will be another commitment to which we will hold her for one year.

Her response, "SIGN ME UP!"

That's my girl. :)

05/19/10

Picture a night of homework.

Picture a mother trying desperately to help her children with their Math homework corrections, Language test they had the next day and the Vocabulary test for Friday.

Picture two children not being so interested in studying.

Picture a mother who would really like to take a NAP.

Picture what came out of a bedroom when the mother was trying to finish up homework:

Picture a room full of laughter.

Picture the other child running to get the Mother's camera bag.

Picture that Mother remembering when SHE used to do the same thing.

Picture a great memory!

05/18/10

I love flamingos.

I had a friend in college that collected them and had them everywhere she could put them. I always think of her when I see them.

I now have a fascination with photographing them. I probably could have stayed in that one area and took a hundred pictures of them. I am sure some of the people around their area thought I was a bit obsessive overjoyed at seeing them.

Their shape is so interesting to me.

They are so graceful and beautiful.

I was visited by my very own KT today. :) It was a surprise and a wonderful one at that. She has just finished her first year of photography school. I am mighty proud of her.... I knew she'd do great. Today was one of those moments where I was able to have a wonderful conversation with someone who eleven years ago was a student in my classroom. To watch her grow up and mature in ways that even SHE didn't think she would is such a blessing to see. I am also glad to know she still loves me after all of these years. hee hee

05/17/10

The giraffe and the bison... what a combination. Of course, they are not in the same area, just decided to put them together today. Could you imagine seeing one of those bison out on the plains as the settlers and Native Americans did long ago? I definitely wouldn't want to get in the way of THEM.

Today the teachers at the lunch table got on the topic of lying.

It is funny that we should get on that topic when our Sunday School lesson yesterday was on that very thing.

Our SS teacher brought up the fact that the real "first" sin in the world was not Adam and Eve eating the fruit... it was of Eve telling a lie. I had taught this many times, and even talked about Eve lying, but never thought of it as where sin all began before eating the fruit. Here is the "story behind the story:"

• God had told Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:16-17 "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." When Satan tempted Eve he asked her if she couldn't eat of every tree of the garden. Eve's reply? "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die."

God didn't say if they touched the fruit they would die. This was Eve adding a little spin... a lie.. on to what God had said.

In Proverbs 6 we can read the seven sins that the Lord hates. Did you realize lying is spoken of twice and is right behind "a proud look?" It is the only sin like that is mentioned twice. God HATES lying.

We were discussing lying at lunch today because we are seeing children who will stand right before an authority figure and lie without blinking an eye. It is quite disheartening to see children who are not afraid of authority and can lie at the drop of a hat. It can also be very hard for the adult in charge when you have two children saying the opposite thing about a situation and you have no idea who to believe!

Lying is a heart issue.

As we were talking about it I couldn't help but think that lying also goes back to that "PRIDE" factor. It shows that a person doesn't want to admit to doing something wrong. The person would rather cover it up instead of admitting a wrong and taking the consequences. The person may even think they are "too good" and should not have to abide by whatever is asked.

Are we keeping our children accountable?

Are we using God's Word to get to the HEART of the matter?

Is a situation taken lightly and brushed aside with the thought of "My child would NEVER lie!"

All people (including our children!) CAN and do lie... they can "stretch the truth," as some people like to call it, to make things sound good for them. I have seen it in my own children and in adults!

Satan is the author of confusion and lies. We must be careful as adults to ask the Lord for discernment and make sure that we are setting the right example in front of our children. That example should be from our own lips, but also setting the example of giving consequences or supporting those in authority over our children when lying has been revealed.

I find it interesting when I hear some parents say "Oh, that teacher (or authority figure) is just out to get my child."

As a teacher, and one that sees these behaviors, I disagree with that thought process. We have a heavy responsibility when teaching and guiding these children each day. That responsibility is not always the "Readin', Writin' and 'Rithmetic".... it is character building so that one day they can be a trustworthy and dependable adult!

Psalm 119:29
Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.

Psalm 120:2
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

Psalm 40:4
Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

05/16/10

It's been 46 years today.

Forty-six years of love.

Forty-six years of devotion and commitment.

Forty-six years of an example of what a marriage should be.

Mom and Dad have sacrificed much, become best friends, loved through sickness and health, dealt with hard blows from life as well as enjoyed the crazy moments that have come.

Through it all they have remained together and grew closer.

That picture above was taken a couple of years ago but it is something I see every time we are around them. They always take time to show love to the other whether in word or deed. Their "arguments" are about who will do what for the other one. It is most hilarious to watch.

Theirs is a selfless and constant love. One that is based on the love of the Lord being the center of their marriage and home.

Their marriage was one I always wanted.

I know Steve and I are getting there but we have many more years to catch up with what they have.

I am just thankful and blessed for the example they have been to me and Kevin through our growing up years and now for my own family.

They never want much said about their special day.

In fact, Mom would NOT like that I have put this on here simply because they are not people who want to "show off."

However, I do not see it as "showing off".... I just see it as a major thing in this day and time where marriages are falling apart left and right and people are only out for number one - themselves. They fail to see that true love and marriage is the act of dying to ones own desires to fulfill something for the other.

I've witnessed that time and time again with Mom and Dad.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM and DAD! We love you MUCH!

05/15/10

I believe these are Pekin Robins found in Asia. I love the Aviary at the Zoo... if you take your time and wander through you will find many surprises waiting! Wesley found these two beautiful birds silently perched on a branch near the ground. They had much foliage around them so it was difficult to capture them entirely, but I thought this one turned out well considering the obstacles.

We've been outside a lot today. Steve has been in the garden, Mikayla and Wesley have cleaned out the garage and I mowed the lawn. It is just nice to be HOME together and not have to go anywhere. We won't have another Saturday like this for a bit so it's been nice.

Hope your Saturday has been great! :)

05/14/10

I am ready for a QUIET weekend.


Enough said. :)

05/13/10

This isn't an animal from the Zoo but it was taken at the Zoo! It's beautiful nonetheless. :)

We now are watching a mockingbird's nest. Wesley found it earlier this week.

The nest now has four eggs ... I was a bit excited to photograph the eggs and probably should have waited till we thought she was through laying them. I believe she'll only have four because there have been no changes in two days. Mockingbird's can be a bit feisty so we have to be careful when we go out there... especially when she starts sitting on the eggs, but I am hoping to capture some pics of the babies when they hatch.

I just love viewing God's creation in such a way. It is also exciting for the kids to see that new life. :)

05/12/10

The African Elephant.... my brother's favorite animal. He should be giddy over these pictures today... well, as giddy as he could be.

Here is a great quote I found today:

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen. Not only because I see it, but because I see everything by it.
- C.S. Lewis

05/11/10

Baboons... they were the cutest things. Well... the babies were. The adults were quite interesting to look at and you just had to be there to understand.

Don't mess with me!

Yesterday one of Wesley's friends brought him some tadpoles and minnows. They were in a pickle jar and stayed on my desk all day. Wesley knew about them and couldn't keep his mind on his work all day. lol

As soon as we got home he and Mikayla decided the critters needed a bigger place. They poured them into this bucket and then added more water. I am so scientist or Amphibiologist (made that one up, can you tell?) but I didn't think that was the best things for our new friends.

So, what do I do? Oh, yes, we call UNCLE KEVIN because he knows all about critters and such.

He agreed.... not good for our friends to be put in this bucket with more fresh water without all of the much needed "other stuff" they need. He suggested that we take them to a local pond or something and let them go.

Before this happened, though, I just HAD to try and photograph the little things. It was challenging and I am still not sure they are the greatest, but it is more that what I had before! Wesley, of course, volunteered to model them for me.

This little guy is starting to grow his legs. It was the neatest thing to see up close.

I then got as close as I could to capture the following two pics. That was challenging because I was hand holding my macro lens while Wesley's hand was moving and the tadpole was moving so I am pretty stinkin' proud of the pics.

Click on this one to see its eye and breathing holes. (So, Kev... would they be considered a nose or what???) Again, I may teach about these but I do not know all of the details. I tried to look it up but did not gather any more information.

His back legs are not in focus, but you can still see them.

Wesley was not at all afraid of sticking his hand in the bucket and finding his friends.

He also wanted me to photograph a minnow... didn't want me to leave it out.

Kevin decided the area next to a lake near us would be the best area for these new friends. It is a wetland area that was made and they should have no real predators in this shallow water.

The only problem? It is on a VERY busy road and near a bridge over the lake. He said we should walk. I wasn't so sure but I figured I could leave the kids with Mom and Dad and Kevin and I could go do the sendoff to our friends.

After supper we traipse up to Mom and Dad's house with me carrying the 5 gallon bucket across the pasture. Nice. Graceful moments there.

Then, Mom, Dad and Kevin all walk out with shoes ready to begin the trek down to the lake.

Hmmm....... I thought the kids were staying in a SAFE area and not walking on the BUSY road.

Nope. I was wrong.

We begin the walk and quickly find out that the road we grew up on has become the Indy 500. We used to walk and leisurely ride our bikes on this road when I was growing up. NOT SO ANYMORE!!

Wesley was holding my hand, Mikayla was holding Mom's, Daddy was leading the way with the bucket and Kevin was somewhere in between just keeping us all in line.

Can we say FEAR?

We finally made it across the bridge and to our destination. We straddle the guardrail laughing as we do so knowing that passersby are wondering what in the WORLD we are doing.

Daddy pours out our friends into the wetland slough. (pronounced "slew" if you didn't know that... cause I always thought it was like "sloff" ... leave it to me to think that. My loving brother corrected me while trying not to laugh hysterically.)

We waited. We wanted to see our friends squirming around and being so excited they were in a new home.

We had visions of them growing happily there and building a new home.

We didn't see them. They probably swam away from the crazy people who sloshed them across a pasture and down a major road.

We made our way back home, this time through the subdivision nearby to avoid some of the traffic. We had enough of that for one day.

We waved to our little friends this morning as we drove by that area on the way to school.

No one can say we had a boring evening at home!

05/10/10

Here is the first installment of animals at the Zoo. :) My mother-in-law has been anxiously awaiting these pictures and I told her Saturday I would start sharing them today.

Our weekend was busy but good. We got to celebrate Steve's Mom on Saturday where we took her out to eat and did some things for her around the house. It was nice to visit and enjoy the day.

Yesterday we enjoyed church and then we took my Mom out to eat. It was much cooler yesterday but a beautiful day. We enjoyed walking around her yard and then going for a family walk later in the afternoon.

A weekend of family was very nice. :)

05/09/10

Happy Mother's Day!

Proverbs 31:30
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

A mother laughs our laughter,
Sheds our tears,
Returns our love,
Fears our fears.
She lives our joys,
Cares our cares,
And all our hopes and dreams she shares.
- Julia Summers