tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41317331593271874912024-03-13T16:34:04.998-04:00Perfect By DesignJames 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.comBlogger523125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-52350436870901175182011-07-20T13:15:00.003-04:002011-07-20T13:20:00.288-04:00More about Logan...For any of you who may be interested, click <a href="http://cfbelleglade.wordpress.com/">here</a> for daily updates about Logan's missions trip. You will get to see some of the <i>crazy</i> pastors from our church, and learn a little about what is going on in the community where they are serving. Be sure to watch the video for the post titled 'We're on the News!'....watch carefully and you will see Logan in one of the clips. I also just got to see a photo of him doing crafts during VBS with a sweet little boy. He looks as if he is finding joy in serving.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-63106882551430435882011-07-19T10:44:00.003-04:002011-07-19T12:43:34.993-04:00My latest Goodwill findsThe hideous orange dog she just <i>had</i> to have....<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXxqhAtEKDI/TiWZS-t-dsI/AAAAAAAABXs/_QE-6O2E70k/s1600/IMG_0732.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXxqhAtEKDI/TiWZS-t-dsI/AAAAAAAABXs/_QE-6O2E70k/s400/IMG_0732.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631075460449203906" /></a>Some books for Corbin...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3H6_e4tcK0/TiWYzK8Ak0I/AAAAAAAABXk/y1Z9fccJm3M/s1600/IMG_0727.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3H6_e4tcK0/TiWYzK8Ak0I/AAAAAAAABXk/y1Z9fccJm3M/s400/IMG_0727.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631074913973474114" /></a>A grocery cart....we have one we bought for Emma but for $4.24 I couldn't pass this <i>Little Tikes</i> one up.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wmjprfmLsmw/TiWYy2Ux9OI/AAAAAAAABXc/YPoTQUOTwQU/s1600/IMG_0730.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wmjprfmLsmw/TiWYy2Ux9OI/AAAAAAAABXc/YPoTQUOTwQU/s400/IMG_0730.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631074908440229090" /></a>A desk for my corner.....hoping to reduce some clutter in the kitchen.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LsIPl6wH10E/TiWYyqtY8zI/AAAAAAAABXU/CR4vrffa8EE/s1600/IMG_0728.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LsIPl6wH10E/TiWYyqtY8zI/AAAAAAAABXU/CR4vrffa8EE/s400/IMG_0728.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631074905322222386" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vM2ShVQszTU/TiWYhTdV_pI/AAAAAAAABXM/A6ktxKi69yw/s1600/IMG_0729.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vM2ShVQszTU/TiWYhTdV_pI/AAAAAAAABXM/A6ktxKi69yw/s400/IMG_0729.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631074607023128210" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-24239951414849387142011-07-19T10:25:00.002-04:002011-07-19T10:30:34.931-04:00More about Autumn, and Logan's tripAutumn has gotten her 2nd tooth, and is now working on a 3rd (popping through now) this week. Guess where it is? On the <i>bottom right</i>.....<i>not</i> the top, which is where <i>all</i> of our others' (third tooth) came in. It's strange...guess she's not gonna be one to follow the crowd. Her birth was completely different, her personality was completely different, her development has been completely different....not sure why it still surprises me when she is not doing 'the norm'. =)<div><br /></div><div>Logan is on his 2nd day of his mission trip. We don't have any contact with him but I've been praying for him. We <i>are</i> allowed to send an email, but with the understanding that we won't get a response. They will print it out and give it to him. I think I will send him one today, just to let him know we miss him and are praying for him. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-63027538283496137252011-07-17T19:58:00.003-04:002011-07-17T20:00:37.528-04:00Logan's missions trip is tomorrow....We drop Logan off at 7:15 a.m. tomorrow for his local missions trip....6 days he will be gone. He will be helping with VBS, among other things, while there. Prayers for our boy are much appreciated. We will give an update once he returns. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-6250462718049291472011-07-16T20:04:00.002-04:002011-07-16T20:16:46.409-04:00Saturday Confessions #81. I went with my family to an <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ikea</span></i> store today...it blew my mind. I could <i>totally</i> spend a ton of $$$ in there....not that I have a ton to spend. Just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sayin</span>'.<div><br /></div><div>2. I took pictures while there...that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bloggin</span>' thing ya know, it's with me all the time.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. My husband and I decided we will need to get someone to keep the kids so we can go back to spend a day there deciding what to get....it's <i>that</i> amazing!</div><div><br /></div><div>4. The kids' play area <i>and</i> the restaurant were closed today....a boil water order or something. We were taunted throughout the store by signs showing delicious food and low prices. We <i>totally</i> would have eaten some $1.99 pasta! Next time.....</div><div><br /></div><div>5. After 'the store' we went to <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pollo</span> Tropical</i>....only Karl had been before. It was quite delicious and <i>we will</i> be frequenting the one right down the street from us. I love me some <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mojo</span> Roast Pork </i>in guava bbq sauce<i>, </i> with rice and beans. And yucca fries? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mmmmm</span>....</div><div><br /></div><div>6. I am <i>totally</i> in love with the video feature on my new phone and will be using it a lot.....probably annoyingly so. Emma is becoming quite skilled at performing for me. =)</div><div><br /></div><div>7. I am <i>so tired</i> tonight...should probably go to bed...but I won't. I never do what's best for me, even when I know what it is. (well, maybe not <i>never</i>, but often)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-86036799430368567212011-07-16T10:09:00.002-04:002011-07-16T10:14:42.779-04:00A Thank You From Logan...<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">We have been meaning to get this letter out to all of you who helped with Logan's SLU trip. He had a great time, learning a lot and meeting some goals...one of which was to ride the coasters at the amusement parks, which he had kind of avoided before. I'm posting it here for those of you who read our blog and I may send it to some of you via email. We are so grateful for your support and prayers!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Dear friends and family,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Thank you for helping with my expenses for the Student Leadership University. I had a lot of fun there, and I learned a lot, too! I’m going to tell you about the silly and serious parts of my trip.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>The trip begins in the bus. Almost to our hotel, we were now well acquainted with each other. We started dancing to the music on the radio and the van we were in shook a little. Then we organized a game.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i> We started shaking the van until it really started tipping. Then we saw the girl’s van in front of us shake. As you can see, even the bus ride was entertaining! Once we got to the hotel, my Pastor, Ryan, told us where to go to get to our rooms, and told us when to be at the conference room. My roommates were named Jim, Trey, and Erik. We went to our rooms and unpacked, and then Jim and I explored the hotel complex.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>We went back to our room to get our books and then it was time for the first conference.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>I knew one of the speakers, Brent, from a leadership thing I had at church a few months ago. A new speaker was named Dr. Jay Strack. </i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>The first session was about excellence, the Latin word meaning “to rise above”, and mediocrity, which means“to go halfway, and then stop”. Another point was “I’ll miss 100% of the shots that I never take”.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>That night, once the session was over and we finished a very, very fancy dinner, Pastor Andy and Bene took us to Target to get snacks and such.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Once that was finished, we returned to our rooms (it was 12:00 am), and slept.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>I woke up to a clock alarm and quickly shut it off. Then another alarm went off. Trey, Erik, and Jim woke up to that alarm. Trey tried to figure out which one was going off, and Erik discreetly left to the bathroom.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>He returned to Trey getting ready to throw the clock alarm. Erik pressed a button on his phone and the alarm stopped. We all laughed.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>We ate breakfast and got on a bus so we could go to Sea World! We learned about relationships that day. I rode on the Manta and Kraken roller coasters, and I was very glad I did. My life did not flash before my eyes. We were going so fast, my life flashed after them!</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Once we returned to the hotel, a speaker named Chuck Allen told us a generalization of people’s personalities. D was for dominance. I was for influence. S was for Steadiness. C was for correct. It’s called a DISC personality. Here is a DISC example.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>A D walks in a room to move chairs. If you ask him why he’d answer with “because I can.” A few I’s walk in and one says “Let’s everybody move chairs!!!” The rest reply with “Yeah!!!” Two S’s walk in and one says to the other, “I tried to tell them…”</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>One C walks in and starts directing them all to reason how best they could move chairs. </i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>I thought it was funny. You may not understand, because I’m not explaining it right, maybe.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>The next day we had an entire day to ride the coasters in Islands of Adventure. The first thing we did was to dare someone named Caleb to ask for a picture with Mickey Mouse. He did it!</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>After that we rode the Harry Potter ride. It was fun. After more rides we rode the Hulk. My life did not flash before my eyes. My life did not flash after them. My life flashed before someone else’s eyes!</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>That night we went to the shop in the hotel complex to get food, and then we sat in the pavilion. Any time someone went by, we would yell “heeeyyy!!” Soon several more people gathered with us and we had lots of fun.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>And that was my trip to SLU!</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Best regards,</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Logan Woerner</i></p> <!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-38229073829961407472011-07-15T15:06:00.002-04:002011-07-15T15:08:26.010-04:00Mobile BloggingI don't know if I've mentioned here that I lost my<i> iPhone</i> recently. Yeah....not cool. We think I dropped it at the theater on Tuesday and someone found it. We were able to turn everything off, changed all our passwords (probably needed to be done anyway), and Karl went out the same afternoon to get me a new phone. So now I have the 4G. There are some cool features but I'm still getting familiar with them all. I tried to blog from my phone before...never could...don't know if it was the phone or just my lack of tech-savvy. But guess what I'm going right now? Yep, I'm blogging from my phone! While I could be using my computer....I mean I <i>am</i> literally sitting <i>right next to it</i>....I had to try this out. I'm just using a FREE, lite version of....well, whatever it's called....but I may pay the $2.99 if I find I like this. There are many times I would like to post something and have to wait until I'm home. Now, I won't have to. Really cool.<br /><br />And thanks darlin' for the replacement phone....I'll try to make sure I don't lose this one! :{Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-78868400180423595392011-07-14T00:16:00.004-04:002011-07-14T00:37:34.409-04:00An impromtu family night out....Tonight (well technically <i>last</i> night) we headed out to meet some friends at a local park to play sand volleyball. Even though I was not planning to play myself (could be a bit difficult with Autumn in tow in the baby wrap!), I was excited about watching everyone play. ...it's been many years since we used to go play/watch at the beach. However, upon arriving at the park our friends let us know that all 4 of the courts were taken....but we could go to a different location and play. Before we could actually get everyone back in the car and headed over to the new location though, they received a call from another family that was joining us....it was raining 'cats and dogs' at the dog park (heh heh). So, on to plan C, which was for our hosts just to say, "Come on over to our house, we'll do game night instead." Very gracious of them.....<div><br /></div><div>We weren't too sure how it would be. I mean, we were just starting our night out when the babies would <i>normally</i> be going to bed for the night. Plus, a trip to the park meant we brought completely different things with us for the little ones than we would have had we been planning to go to someone's house for a couple of hours. We decided to give it a try anyway, and I'm so glad we did! Autumn, once fed at our friends' home, played sweetly on her blanket on the floor for a while. Emma was given some toddler-friendly <i>Legos</i> to play with and a mesh trash can....she was kept busy with just that....well, and the 10 other kids' antics during the evening! She even sat on Hailey's lap and played one of the games with the big kids. Corbin and the youngest son of our hosts are the same age. When they tired of playing the 'big kid' games they went and started a game of <i>Monopoly</i>....8-year-old-style. When Autumn got bored playing on the floor I held her a while. Emma helped our hostess get snacks and water ready, colored a bit (and not even on the floor like I was worried she would!), and generally just wandered around inspecting everyone, making friends. She's a bit of a social butterfly. =) Autumn was perfectly content to hang out with me while I talked with the grownups. It was really nice to spend some time with friends, meet some new folks, and watch the kids in action with <i>their</i> friends.....</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm glad we gave it a try, and I think we've proven to ourselves now that we <i>can</i> be at least <i>a little bit</i> spontaneous.....what's the worst that could happen? Maybe the <i>real</i> question is, what's the best? I think we found that out tonight. </div><div><br /></div><div>Many thanks to Michelle and Tim for welcoming us into your home.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-44017917734831597902011-07-11T10:38:00.004-04:002011-07-11T10:45:58.421-04:00Autumn's 9-month checkupYesterday was Autumn's 9-month birthday, so today she had her 9-month checkup. Thankfully, she only had to have one shot and was happy for most of the visit, really only crying when they stuck her with the needle. Her weight is 18 lbs. 13 oz and she is 29" tall. The doctor says "She's gonna be a tall girl." Her 2nd tooth finally popped through the gum yesterday and I was told by the doctor today that "the top ones will come through soon." By the end of the visit she was pretty tired so I put her right to bed when we got home. She is sleeping somewhat fitfully, but otherwise is doing well. Next checkup......after her 1st birthday. I can't believe it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-74053432231489206192011-07-09T21:58:00.004-04:002011-07-09T22:16:30.056-04:00Our breakfast treatSince my waffle iron broke, Saturday mornings have become a <i>special-request breakfast day</i>, a kind of what-can-we-think-up-next sort of thing. We've done Everything Bagels...our own version of the ones they serve at the cafe of the church we attended when we lived in Central Florida.....which includes scrambled eggs, bacon, tomato, green onions, and cream cheese all thrown between everything bagels.......delicious! We've had pancakes, plain and with fruit or chocolate chips mixed in (or both). We've had omelets. I promised the kids donuts for breakfast today. Yes, they were thrilled! Little did they know I had 'healthy' donuts in mind. ;) <div><br /></div><div>I followed a recipe from <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/">here</a>, where I have found several yummy things lately. I even substituted almond milk and vegan butter for regular, so they would be diet-friendly for Corbin and Emma. We will have to tweak the oil temperature next time we make them, as they turned out a little too dark. I'm not sure if the oil was too hot, or something that just occurred to me, could that be from the above-mentioned substitutions? Anyway, they turned out quite good....the kids loved them....but I want to improve their color and crispiness (maybe a little softer). I served them with powdered sugar and chocolate icing on the side.....letting the kids choose their topping......and milk and coffee for drinks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some photos of my efforts.</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OucQtUyB5CM/ThkKxmZ9JTI/AAAAAAAABV8/Zuf7DX9Nmbw/s1600/IMG_1315.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OucQtUyB5CM/ThkKxmZ9JTI/AAAAAAAABV8/Zuf7DX9Nmbw/s400/IMG_1315.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627541056615425330" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3M6VQJcXbo/ThkKxWpdAhI/AAAAAAAABV0/eSgJIVXvhsM/s1600/IMG_1314.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3M6VQJcXbo/ThkKxWpdAhI/AAAAAAAABV0/eSgJIVXvhsM/s400/IMG_1314.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627541052385460754" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-PnwTuKmWo/ThkKxK9a6-I/AAAAAAAABVs/dGG0Xy3MJKI/s1600/IMG_1317.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-PnwTuKmWo/ThkKxK9a6-I/AAAAAAAABVs/dGG0Xy3MJKI/s400/IMG_1317.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627541049247984610" /></a>I think the donut holes were actually <i>my</i> favorites!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_iupaYYbK4/ThkKxNHdlcI/AAAAAAAABVk/SZvjLNmNtcU/s1600/IMG_1316.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_iupaYYbK4/ThkKxNHdlcI/AAAAAAAABVk/SZvjLNmNtcU/s400/IMG_1316.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627541049826973122" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-45653531602706111512011-07-09T21:27:00.005-04:002011-07-10T19:10:04.133-04:00Saturday Confessions #7<ol><li>I have been baking bread today, competing with my husband who is also baking bread, though a different kind. Is it wrong for me to want mine to be better than his? </li><li>I <i>love</i> that my older children are learning how to care for and enjoy their younger siblings. It will be such great preparation for the future. It makes me want to keep having babies so each child will have that experience under their belt.....well, that's not <i>really</i> (<i>the only</i>) my reason but it sounds good, right?</li><li>I need to get my hair cut, it has absolutely no style, but I'm not sure what to do......I may start with highlights and go from there.</li><li>I've been wishing for some land, a farm house, and a bunch of kids to fill it all. One out of three ain't bad, I guess. ;)</li><li>My baby will be 9 months old tomorrow and that overwhelms me. The time has flown by and she will be crawling, walking, talking......Sadness.</li><li>I'm getting really tired of all the media hype about a certain 'case' in our state. </li><li>Well, it <i>is</i> my 7th confession, so you <i>had to know</i> I would end here.</li></ol><div>Have you linked up with Melissa yet?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://afamiliarpath.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j323/Melissa_Stover/satconf.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-33001376214340855142011-07-09T10:51:00.012-04:002011-07-09T21:23:01.710-04:00Mango Envy<div style="text-align: center; ">Our neighbor has mango trees, with big, beautiful mangoes hanging from the branches. When the branches are filled with mangoes, they hang over our fence.......just <i>dripping</i> with mangoes.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCToeuDkfb4/ThieHNxMvGI/AAAAAAAABUc/XQFGq3k8_bI/s1600/IMG_7497.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCToeuDkfb4/ThieHNxMvGI/AAAAAAAABUc/XQFGq3k8_bI/s400/IMG_7497.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627421581191724130" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> We have longingly gazed at those trees each year, wishing </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">we</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">had</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> a mango tree. We have watched our neighbor prune, water, and pamper her trees. We have </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">discussed</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> mangoes together.....most recently learning that mangoes do well in Florida because they "thrive on austerity". We got that tidbit from a radio </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">show</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> that Karl was listening to on his way to Miami and kindly shared with us. He also learned, and shared, that there are over 500 different types of mangoes. Occasionally, our sweet neighbor has given a mango or two to our kids to bring inside and several times has rang our doorbell with gift in hand. She did that again just this week, and I think we ate it all in one sitting. They are just so delicious! Yesterday afternoon our doorbell rang. It was our neighbor again, this time with </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">a basket of mangoes</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">.</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCToeuDkfb4/ThieHNxMvGI/AAAAAAAABUc/XQFGq3k8_bI/s1600/IMG_7497.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MkkdL-LDnE/ThieGiddLdI/AAAAAAAABUU/JJ6ZppRPGHg/s1600/IMG_1319.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MkkdL-LDnE/ThieGiddLdI/AAAAAAAABUU/JJ6ZppRPGHg/s400/IMG_1319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627421569566191058" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">When Logan brought them in, we discovered two lovely avocados nestled in, as well. We were so thrilled to receive such a gift (we love mangoes here!) and tried to convey to her our thanks.......<i>really</i>, we are so grateful to be the recipients of such bounty. We have bought them from the store, when on sale, but they are <i>nowhere near</i> as good as her homegrown ones! We love them so much, that we have recently acquired a <i>Pampered Chef Mango Slicer</i> (thanks Erin!). </div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iCUD4yZn8g/ThieFd4WDuI/AAAAAAAABUM/CiEjEURA6_0/s1600/IMG_1323.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iCUD4yZn8g/ThieFd4WDuI/AAAAAAAABUM/CiEjEURA6_0/s400/IMG_1323.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627421551156924130" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Funny, but Karl confided in me recently that when I bought it he thought it would be an item we never used. Now it's one for 'the list', you know, of those other things he thought were useless and now loves! (= Our well-used <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bumbo</span></i> is one of them....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the delicious lunch I made with the homegrown fruit she brought to us yesterday. That is a homemade, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sun dried</span> tomato tortilla that Karl made with the pasta attachment for our KitchenAid. Doesn't it look tasty?</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dL51Y57NBm8/ThieFNffIYI/AAAAAAAABUE/XbHcqkdMbl8/s1600/IMG_1322.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dL51Y57NBm8/ThieFNffIYI/AAAAAAAABUE/XbHcqkdMbl8/s400/IMG_1322.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627421546757693826" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-66119244783126950502011-07-08T16:41:00.005-04:002011-07-08T17:06:19.122-04:00Family FunKarl had today off, so he was able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast with us. Once Autumn went down for her nap, he and I even went for a short walk in the neighborhood. Later, he took Hailey to her lesson so he could watch her and try to get some good pictures. Those are coming soon. Now we are preparing for <i>Family Fun Night</i>. I'm really not sure yet what we're doing except that it will definitely be an inside activity. It just started raining pretty hard! Karl is making dinner...homemade fettuccine with some sort of chicken/lime/something sauce. I'm sure it will be quite tasty! :) I will prepare the salad and we'll serve it alongside the rye bread Karl made on Wednesday. (Yes, he's become quite the bread maker!) Maybe it's a good game night. We'll have to wait and see.<div><br /></div><div>Karl will be off on Fridays for the next 7 weeks, due to 'summer hours' at work. It was the same when we were in NY and has just started here this year. I'm hoping to fit in some fun field trips on a few of those days off.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-5417315753875426822011-07-06T14:06:00.006-04:002011-07-06T14:19:52.868-04:00Pondering this and that...I still have not found out the best way to 'fix' my labels up top...sorry. It is annoying, I know. One day there will be something there....just too much gong on right now. Plus, honestly, I just haven't thought more about it.<div><br /></div><div>I'm reading another book by Jodi Picoult, <i>Harvesting the Heart</i>. It's pretty interesting, but I'm not that far along with it yet. Next is <i>Mercy</i>, by the same author. </div><div><br /></div><div>I began anew my vegetarian diet, for weight loss this time. So far I've lost 2.4 pounds.....just started yesterday. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and minimizing everything else really makes a difference. I hope to see a change in the fit of my clothes soon! Then on to getting in some exercise on a regular basis....again.</div><div><br /></div><div>I broke out the juicer yesterday. I've been talking about making juice for Emma and the baby, instead of buying it. Bottled juice is so high in sugar, preservatives, etc. Making it when we need it, from fresh ingredients......just what I want to do. I made some for myself yesterday, then Emma, Corbin, Hailey and I had carrot-apple juice this morning. Everyone liked it....Karl even tried it and thought it was kind of good. I made <i>him</i> a small glass of his very own pineapple juice from part of a fresh pineapple we had in the fridge. Planning to continue trying different juices. They are very good for you, and tasty I think. Hailey is excited about it too. Hopefully it won't be too expensive, but I guess the better health benefits are worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hailey and I are <i>way</i> overdue for another pedicure.....just sayin'.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-4014013615309683592011-07-05T13:48:00.002-04:002011-07-05T13:54:57.757-04:00The 4th of July....Our July 4th celebration was fairly quiet, but good. We stayed home, smoked ribs, ate a late lunch together. Karl and I hung out outside with Emma for a while.....she was funny. When she heard any fireworks, she would say, "We gotta wun....we gotta hide!" She's really not a fan of loud noises, though she didn't cry or anything. Those were just the little ones....the loud ones that went off after she was in bed? Not a peep out of her. <div><br /></div><div>Karl took the oldest three out to see the real fireworks put on by a nearby city......launched off a barge. They were right up front, dangling their legs off the pier. Karl says the best part for him was getting in and out of there without having to wait in traffic. I don't know how he did it, but they were home by 10 p.m., after a 9:00 p.m show. He's awesome. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>I stayed home with the babies and enjoyed a quiet evening to myself. I caught up on some reading, watched a <i>Lifetime</i> movie I had already seen, had some snacks <i>that I did not have to share! </i>Life is good. </div><div><br /></div><div>How was your 4th?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-66448273987216015372011-07-02T20:20:00.005-04:002011-07-02T20:42:07.122-04:00Saturday Confessions #61. I have been thinking all week that I had missed <a href="http://afamiliarpath.com/">Melissa's</a> <i>Saturday Confessions</i> link-up.....since I did mine early last week. Then I would remember....and promptly forget again. I'm glad the day is here for the next one and I can get back 'on schedule'.<div><br /></div><div>2. I was up until 5 a.m. this morning (don't ask, you don't want to know). I got almost 2 hours of sleep before the babies woke me up. I had to take a nap at 4 p.m. after falling asleep in my chair while holding the baby. I actually went up to my room and <i>crawled under the covers</i>. It was awesome! I feel better now, but still plan to go to bed early to catch-up.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. My daughter is becoming quite the little cookie-maker. Now on to meals, and soon I won't have to cook! Actually, I love to cook, but it <i>will </i>be nice to have someone to share duties with.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. My children argue. Often. Surprised?</div><div><br /></div><div>5. Emma has suffered from eczema since she was about 6 months old. We have taken her off of dairy and peanut butter. That seems to help a lot. But, she still gets things sometimes that she's not supposed to have......and it shows up quickly with those scaly, cracking, bleeding spots on the insides of her elbows and knees again. </div><div><br /></div><div>6. Corbin had eczema as a baby as well...we took him off dairy and it went away. He seemed fine when we re-introduced milk and cheese later......but we had him tested when he was about 4 and discovered he has lots of other allergies.........to things like trees, dust mites, etc. But, I noticed this week that he has discoloration on the insides of his elbows, but no cracked or bleeding areas. When I asked him if his elbows had been itching, this was his response: "Well, <i>I</i> have been itching <i>them</i>."( hee hee) I think we're going to switch him back to 'no dairy' and be more strict with him <i>and</i> Emma to see if things improve. Tips from some of my readers would be great. I <i>know</i> some of you have dealt with this issue.</div><div><br /></div><div>7. I came across <a href="http://www.familiesontheroad.com/life.html">this site</a> a couple of days ago....and I am intrigued. I want to buy an RV and hit the road. Would we survive?</div><div><br /></div><div>Link up with us.....click below.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://afamiliarpath.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j323/Melissa_Stover/satconf.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-1923825922264372072011-07-01T10:29:00.003-04:002011-07-01T10:32:37.172-04:00Logan's missions trip...Logan leaves for his missions trip on the 18th. The month of June flew by and I can't believe his second week away is rapidly approaching! He's excited about going away to spend time with his friends and serving the community. I am praying for a life-changing experience for him. He should get a good picture of exactly how fortunate he is compared to lots of others. I need to begin working through the checklist for his 'camp' supplies to be sure we have all the necessities ready to go. Special prayer for our family would be awesome during the week of July 18-23. Thanks so much!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-35201121463069955912011-06-29T20:42:00.004-04:002011-06-29T20:49:35.147-04:00Out of the mouths of babesYesterday, after work, Karl was playing with Emma. She asked him to have a tea party with her. They tried sitting at her little table with her little chairs....sorry, but Karl is not quite small enough to fit in toddler-sized chairs! So, he proceeded to sit on the bottom step of our stairs that lead to the second story, since it was right next to the table. Well, Emma then proceeded to get her tea cup, walk over to the other side of the stairs, and sit down to 'tea'. It was too funny...we had to tell her to come back to the table and explain why Daddy was on the step. :) <div><br /></div><div>Moments later, never having had a 'tea party' before (and not realizing this was poor tea party etiquette), Karl was playing with the Velcro on the wooden apple Emma had given him as a snack. Emma looks up quickly and says, "<i>No</i> Daddy, <i>don't</i> play with your <i>food</i>!" I wonder if maybe she's heard that before?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-25892896737664965192011-06-28T17:07:00.004-04:002011-06-28T17:36:15.872-04:00Our house-cleaning adventures...Our weekend was great! Well, after a rough start it was....I traveled up the turnpike, as we usually do, but was unaware that it had been closed for a 14 mile stretch due to a fire. So, about half-way to our exit we came to a standstill. We got to sit in traffic for about an hour, traveling about 2 miles in that time. It was quite stressful, mostly because other drivers get impatient, go around on the right....then cut back in up ahead when they find out they <i>can't</i> actually get around....thus causing <i>me</i> to have to wait that much longer. Overall, it wasn't too bad. I had a migraine by the time we arrived at Karl's parents' home, but <i>Excedrin</i> <i>Migraine</i> took care of that pretty quickly. The kids did well.....though we did have to make a stop at the first rest area we came to after exiting, for a potty break. :) Once we got to my in-laws' house, we were able to have dinner, get the kids settled in, then Karl and I headed to our house to clean up. We met with the realtor at 10 am on Saturday, had the house listed immediately, and got our first 'lookers' that afternoon. We did some touch-up painting, sweeping and mopping, some minor repairs, and a few light bulb replacements. We also ordered a new dishwasher, since the old one is <i>really old</i> and does not work. It will be installed on Wednesday. Saturday evening we had a nice dinner out, then went to a movie. It was great to be able to do that, knowing the kids were well-cared-for and having a great time with their grandparents. Sunday morning we had a late breakfast at our favorite pancake house, picked up a few groceries, and then heard from the realtor that we had another potential buyer stopping in at 2 pm. We were still working at the house but stepped outside when they arrived, to allow them to look at their leisure and in private. We traveled back home Sunday evening (the kids and I...Karl had to work there on Monday and pick up some things from the house). Karl got another call Monday from the realtor......yep, 2 more showings that day. And an offer. <div><br /></div><div>We were discussing this morning how we wanted to handle the offer....when Karl spoke with the realtor and learned that we had a second offer. <i>Let the bidding wars begin!</i> Actually, we have already accepted an offer (we ended up with asking price when the first family found out there was another offer on the table) and signed paperwork, so as long as nothing happens we will close in about a month. I am amazed at how quickly it all happened. We priced the house aggressively....and it paid off! We will only have to make one, maybe two, of our mortgage payments before the new family takes over. That is a <i>huge</i> blessing! I am so thankful for God's provision. I am a little sad to be selling.....we have 8 years of memories in that house......but I <i>do</i> realize it is best.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-69284160856016852872011-06-24T09:25:00.004-04:002011-06-24T09:29:19.866-04:00A weekend to ourselves...We're packing today. The kids will be staying with their grandparents while Karl and I head to our house in Palm Bay. The renters moved out while we were on vacation so we're gonna go clean up, do repairs, etc. We are meeting a realtor on Saturday morning so he/she can look at the house, we can set a price, and hopefully get it sold quickly. Please pray for my in-laws. They are very capable and I'm sure they will have a great time with the kids, but 5 children is a lot and extra prayer is always helpful! :) Thank you Ron and Pearl for being willing to have them in your home so we can go do this. It will be a working weekend, but it will also be some very welcome time away.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-34396166675416944462011-06-23T07:28:00.003-04:002011-06-23T07:40:16.963-04:00Saturday Confessions......51. I'm doing<i> Saturday Confessions</i> <i>early</i> because I won't have Internet access on Saturday.<div><br /></div><div>2. <i>I'm</i> stressing over <i>my husband's</i> job....is that weird?</div><div><br /></div><div>3. I do not enjoy getting up before 7 a.m., yet it is the only time I get <i>completely</i> to myself so I do <i>kind of</i> like it.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Today I read <i>Proverbs 23</i>......it was enlightening.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. I am reading <i>House Rules</i> by Jodi Picoult....it's really good.......I'm almost done and really don't want to be. Do you ever feel that way about a book?</div><div><br /></div><div>6. My baby is in 9 month sizes now....I really don't know where the time went....how can she be approaching 1 year already?</div><div><br /></div><div>7. I almost always end my 'confessions' on #7......why is that, ya think?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-28093398531203896642011-06-22T08:40:00.003-04:002011-06-22T08:52:57.428-04:00Showing compassion....As you may have noticed, I have an 'ad' for <a href="http://www.compassion.com/default.htm">Compassion </a><a href="http://www.compassion.com/default.htm">Internationa</a><a href="http://www.compassion.com/default.htm">l</a> on my sidebar. In February, we began sponsoring a child through them. He is 7 and lives in Nicaragua. For $38 I help provide for him....schooling, meals, etc. I have already received 2 letters from him, which I <i>love</i>! I have been able to write to him as well, and a great thing about their site is that sponsors have the option to send a letter via email. The translators still print it out and then hand write the translation, but it is so easy to just write it up online and press send. I have done that twice, and I also make my payments online......you can set it up to be an automated debit if you like. Please check out the <a href="http://www.compassion.com/default.htm">web site</a>. It really is a worthy cause, truly helping so many children. You will be able to choose which child you would like to sponsor.....there are pictures with their names and information about them to help you decide. It has been a very rewarding experience for me already, being able to show the love of Christ and meeting some of his practical needs as well. <a href="http://www.compassion.com/default.htm">Take a look.</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-52636734197745111352011-06-20T10:35:00.002-04:002011-06-20T10:36:33.085-04:00More pictures are up....Most of our vacation pictures are <a href="http://woernerfamilyacademy.blogspot.com/">over here</a>. Take a look, if you want.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-49172407072711816202011-06-18T14:57:00.003-04:002011-06-18T15:10:23.763-04:00Saturday Confessions...41. I'm very proud of Logan for how he conducted himself while at leadership camp. He did not miss a single bus, meeting, or meal the entire time! And according to him, he and his group (4 boys including him) were <i>early</i> at most of the sessions, meals, and to leave for the parks. Yay!<div><br /></div><div>2. Along with that 'pride' is the humble realization that I only have a few short years left with him at home....and that we are very blessed to have a 13-year-old son who is talking to us, and even enjoys it!</div><div><br /></div><div>3. I realized again today how very blessed I am to have <i>5 children</i> when I heard another mother talking about how she and her husband hadn't wanted to stop at 2 but that it hadn't been in God's plan for them. Thank you, Jesus.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. I was so pleased to receive a special gift this week, and it wasn't even my birthday or anything. Thank you Aunt Sandra for the bread booklet! I'm hoping to use it this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. I still have not kicked my <i>Coca-Cola</i> habit that I allowed to flourish while we were on vacation....it's getting the best of me. :{</div><div><br /></div><div>6. I'm going to really miss having the boys from Logan's <i>Life Group</i> come by each week.....we had our end-0f-year party at the park today. Complete with a water balloon toss, tug-of-war, and some good food....everyone had fun. It was nice to spend some real time with some of the parents too. I can't wait until it starts up again in the fall! </div><div><br /></div><div>7. I'm feeling tired but extra-blessed today.</div><div><br /></div><div>Link up with <a href="http://afamiliarpath.com/2011/06/saturday-confessions-11/">Melissa</a> today....it's good for the soul, ya know. ;) </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131733159327187491.post-85438278186444241432011-06-16T17:32:00.004-04:002011-06-16T17:42:44.568-04:00Logan is coming home!Logan is coming home tonight, after 4 days away! I can't wait to hear how it all went and I plan to have him write an update himself so you can all hear (read), too. It has been odd not having him here. We've missed his presence....even though he may be in his room sometimes and we don't see him...it's strange. I know his siblings missed him a great deal, and of course, I did. His dad even commented the first night about how weird it was not to be able to talk to him. Update coming soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16881121619059472292noreply@blogger.com0