Captured by Sarah Photography ~ August 29, 2012

Monday, August 15, 2011

daybook 8/15/2011

 



FOR TODAY  
Monday, August 15, 2011
 
Happy Birthday to my childhood best friend, Marianne!
 
Marianne 2003 001
 
That photo is 8 years old!  But here’s an older one still…
 
Marianne David 1986 001
 
Wow!  and belated Happy 25th Anniversary, Marianne & David!  Aren’t they cute?!
Won’t she just love me for posting these??
 
 
Outside my window...

sunshine and a prairie breeze… The toolbar says 72F, I say “Ahhh” :D  The windows are open!

Sounds like the girls are visiting the cats/kittens again.  I think they are concerned about our brand-new-mama cat’s abilities.


 
I am thinking…

“Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly.”

Sooo, vacuuming 1/4 of the house this morning was better than nothing, right?  : )


 
I am thankful to God

for faithful preachers.

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…


Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ…
Philippians 1:2,3,6
It was a special blessing last night to have Missionaries Phil & Mary Ruth Taylor in our church.
 
And I’m so thankful for our assistant pastors who have faithfully preached the Word this summer as well.
 
This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
Psalm 119:50
 
 
I’m also very thankful for our great, quick trip to Missourah last week… Fun family time AND I got to meet in real life my good bloggy friend Conny  :D
 
Missouri Aug 2011 138
 
We were thankful it was not 100F, but it was still hot… thus our glowing faces  ;-)
 
 

I am praying for...
 
Amber & her family ~ her dad passed away recently after his battle with cancer. 
… Hiromi in Japan (near the Fukushima nuclear plant) lost her beloved boyfriend recently.  He died in his sleep.  Thankfully he is with his Savior.  Praying his family will see their own need of Jesus Christ.  Hiromi’s family runs a Christian campground, so they are busy in the midst of grief.  Hiromi is visiting Tomo’s parents today/tomorrow…

… Angie's niece 1yo Kaylee had surgery three weeks ago, putting in a life line port and a dialysis port.  It’s been a rough battle with e coli.  She came home from the hospital on Wednesday  : )

… Heather's mom is recovering well from surgery
… Ethan and his twin sister.  See Sara’s blog.  Such a sweet testimony of God’s goodness, and such a need for His provision of health.  Recently huge blessings of answers to prayer!  Still looking at a bone marrow transplant.
… Angela & Jared and family ~ one of their newborn twins was called to heaven on July 2.  Such heartache, but God is faithful.  The family has known much of God’s grace amidst their tears.   Read more here.
… 6mo Ruby (friends of friends in Wisc) ~ suffered a very serious head injury in June. 
... the Rettigs ~ headed back to Prague this week!

… the sale of my mother-in-law’s home ~ woot woot, someone looked at it recently!  Please let them have it, Lord!
… Grant S.
… people who live and work in Japan
Cinnamon ~ her Army hubby is HOME from Afghanistan, her Marine son is IN Afghanistan!
… Amy W., a young wife/mom with cancer
… Sarita & Jeff need visas for their return to Israel
… folks in Joplin, MO, and along the Missouri River ~ so hard hit with tornadoes and flooding this year
… the A Family, on furlough from their field of ministry ~ such a blessing to see them again!
Gina’s family ~ in their loss of Jason as he rescued his own children from drowning
Lea’s dad ~ in the midst of a serious health crisis
… Kari’s dad ~ had triple by-pass surgery in June 

Rachel ~ Please pray for her, and follow her blog ~ Finding Joy.  The name says it well.  But she's in major pain right now with an aggravated shoulder injury or something ~ The docs prescribed therapy for now.


 
… Laura
 

… and especially marriages ~ meant to last a lifetime

 
~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Lest you think that I spend all day on my knees in intercession, I’m telling you here that I don’t!  At some point I guess I’ve learned to pray “on the hoof” ~ so as God brings to mind any of these people during the day or night, I usually ask Him to provide their need… But I am not a Prayer Warrior.  Those are a special group of people that I am incredibly thankful for – and I stand in awe of their faithfulness!
 


From the learning rooms...
  
I think the Cowgirl is working with the Spanish books/dvd at this moment; the Computer Geek is finishing another chapter of geometry; Miss Artist might be reading about Patrick Henry for her research paper; the Popper is working on penmanship; I found the Cattleman enjoying a reading book…
 
 
             
 
 
                     
 
 
                           
 
 

 

On Friday we experienced a re-enactment of the battle at Wilson’s Creek near Springfield, Missouri…

 

 

Missouri Aug 2011 150

(I’ll put more pictures in another post… another day)


 


From the kitchen...

So far today… bread, Cookie Mama Cookies, and fresh peach pie with peaches fresh from Missouri!  :D

Missouri Aug 2011 176   Missouri Aug 2011 174

Missouri Aug 2011 177   Missouri Aug 2011 178

Missouri Aug 2011 179

For tonight… taco rice casserole  (peach pie for dessert!)

More menu decisions needed before I buy groceries tomorrow!

 

I am creating...

a grocery list?

 

I am going...

Crazy.  Well, no, I think it will actually work – It will just be a really long day away running to and from home tomorrow.

Deliver four kids to church by 7:30am to go with the youth group to the IA State Fair; take a fifth child along, stopping at Sears and Fareway on our way to her doctor appt to remove the rest of a tick :p  Home for lunch, then take two kids to the chiropractor and pick up the four Fair-goers from church, then home to collapse have supper.  And maybe see our friends visiting from out-of-town  :D

I’m thinking I might be worthless Wednesday  ;-)   … which would be a little different than a Wordless Wednesday, yah?

 

I am reading...
 
for a summer Sunday school class ~ Choosing Forgiveness by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
                                         

 
 
Thursday while traveling I read a couple other books…

    


 
I am hoping...  wishing

it wasn’t so far to Osceola, Missouri ~ I would love another box of peaches from Gordon’s Orchard Farm Market.  Their watermelon was delicious too.


 
I am hearing...

the air conditioner ~ I gave in at lunchtime and turned it back on.  The oven had the place headed for hot.


  
Around the house...

it’s pretty quiet ~ I guess it’s time for Mom Patrol.

 

One of my favorite things...

fresh Missouri peaches ~ yum  : )

folks willing to make a sale 15 minutes after closing time… like the couple at Gordons Orchard did at 6:15 Friday night.

meeting so many friendly people along the way… like the helpful waitress at Ma & Pa’s Kettle in Cameron, MO; Conny’s family who were willing to stand in the sun and chat; the re-enactors from Tennessee who stayed at our hotel; and the couple from Texas who took our picture for us during our tour of the battlefield.

 

 
Pondering these words...

Missouri Aug 2011 006
“The BUCK STOPS here!”

Truman Presidential Library, Independence, MO


 

A few plans for the rest of the week: 
 
Tuesday ~ see “I am going crazy” line above
Wednesday ~ Miss MusicBox has a couple pre-employment appointments in town
Thursday ~ annual farm picnic
 
School!
Not seeing the butter cow at the Iowa State Fair  :-(
Stocking up on food before Kayleb comes to help us again next week!  ;-)
 
DSC01555   DSC01527
 

Here is a picture for thought... 

Missouri Aug 2011 008
 
Also from the Truman Presidential Library… a letter from a feed company in Des Moines, IA, concerned about “compulsory health insurance” ( or ‘socialized medicine’ according to Truman’s note)… written January 4, 1946.
 
“This bill is definitely not the will of the people, and is more of a job planning scheme and we ask you to do all in your power to defeat it.”
 
Interesting?
 
 


  ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 
Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,
that thou fulfil it.
Colossians 4:17
  ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 


 

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

daybook 8/9/2011

 



FOR TODAY  
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
 
Happy Birthday to my sister, Marcia!  : )
  
end of 2008 034
Her cute grandbaby turns 3 tomorrow!
 
 

Outside my window...

the sun has set.  It is COOL outside!  I cannot believe it.  The toolbar says 75F (24C) ~ lovely!  I would really like to open the windows.  The cows must be in heaven!  ;-)

Meanwhile the kids are riding their bikes instead of getting ready for bed…

 
I am thinking…

I should be calling about hotel reservations  :o   Done!  So I can be done thinking for today, right? 


 
I am thankful to God
 
for safety with our student drivers



I am praying for...
 
Amber & her family ~ her dad passed away recently after his battle with cancer. 
… Hiromi in Japan (near the Fukushima nuclear plant) lost her beloved boyfriend recently.  He died in his sleep.  Thankfully he is with his Savior.  Praying his family will see their own need of Jesus Christ.  Hiromi’s family runs a Christian campground ~ I think they were getting ready for campers this week.
… Angie's niece 1yo Kaylee had surgery two weeks ago, putting in a life line port and a dialysis port.  It’s been a rough battle.  Current report is that she might get to come home this week!

… Heather's mom is recovering well from surgery
… Ethan and his twin sister.  See Sara’s blog.  Such a sweet testimony of God’s goodness, and such a need for His provision of health.  Recently huge blessings of answers to prayer!  Still looking at a bone marrow transplant.
… Angela & Jared and family ~ one of their newborn twins was called to heaven on July 2.  Such heartache, but God is faithful.  The family has known much of God’s grace amidst their tears.   Read more here.
… 6mo Ruby (friends of friends in Wisc) ~ suffered a very serious head injury in June. 
... the Rettigs and the church in Prague ~ on furlough just another ten days ~ It was a joy to be with them for a Sunday!  :-)
… the sale of my mother-in-law’s home ~ woot woot, someone looked at it recently!  Please let them have it, Lord!
… Grant S.
… people who live and work in Japan
Cinnamon ~ her Army hubby is HOME from Afghanistan, her Marine son is IN Afghanistan!
… Amy W., a young wife/mom with cancer
… Sarita & Jeff need visas for their return to Israel
… folks in Joplin, MO, and along the Missouri River ~ so hard hit with tornadoes and flooding this year
… the A Family, on furlough from their field of ministry ~ such a blessing to see them again!
Gina’s family ~ in their loss of Jason as he rescued his own children from drowning
Lea’s dad ~ in the midst of a serious health crisis
… Kari’s dad ~ had triple by-pass surgery in June 

Rachel ~ Please pray for her, and follow her blog ~ Finding Joy.  The name says it well.  But she's in major pain right now with an aggravated shoulder injury or something ~ docs are still determining how to help her.
 
… Laura
 

… and especially marriages ~ meant to last a lifetime

 
~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Lest you think that I spend all day on my knees in intercession, I’m telling you here that I don’t!  At some point I guess I’ve learned to pray “on the hoof” ~ so as God brings to mind any of these people during the day or night, I usually ask Him to provide their need… But I am not a Prayer Warrior.  Those are a special group of people that I am incredibly thankful for – and I stand in awe of their faithfulness!

 
From the learning rooms...
  
woot woot ~ We (I) finished reading for Ancient Rome!  Started into the Middle Ages this morning. 

 

From the kitchen...

This line is supposed to make you hungry, right?

002 003

How about a really big muskmelon from the grocery store, a very green smoothie,…

 

           073     078

a birthday cake for the Computer Geek, and bread for his requested homemade subs (picture is just the dough… guess I don’t have a good pic of the baked product)

 

080

 


 

    079

 

So far, I’ve put five roma tomatoes in the freezer to make salsa later…

022   Exciting, yah?

 

Tonight’s Menu:  LO turkey tenderloins (Thanks, Dad!), LO corn-on-the-cob, LO taco soup, and boiled Yukon gold potatoes fresh from the garden  : ) 

And lots of cucs for refrigerator/freezer pickles.

[LO = LeftOvers  ;D]

 

I am creating...

two girly baby blankets this afternoon (done!)  : )  But more to do for the baby boys…

 
I am going...

to stir the potatoes again… before they boil over!

to find the top of this desk… again.


 
I am reading...
 
for a summer Sunday school class ~ Choosing Forgiveness by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
                                         

 
 

 

I am hoping...

we find an affordable place to stay… with a few beds (not just our tent and sleeping bags!)

Yep ~ Done!  : D

And looking forward to meeting Conny & her family In Real Life… if we can find them in So.Missourah!  : )


 
I am hearing...
  
espanol, the dehumidifier (must be time to shut that off)

kids laughing and yelling outside… maybe it’s a game of football in the dark or Grizzly Bear now?

 

Around the house...

Hmmm, my camera is AWOL… so is the girl in charge of washing supper dishes…  No wonder they’re sounding so goofy out there.

 

One of my favorite things...

almost winning a game of Settlers of Catan… without any great strategy.  ha ha  : )

 
Pondering these words...
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
 

A few plans for the rest of the week: 
 
Monday ~ chiropractor
Tuesday ~ repair/replace windshield/rear window in Suburban/truck
Wednesday ~ chiropractor, church
Thursday-Friday ~ Field Trip!
Saturday ~ Iowa GOP Straw Poll  - yee haw!  Still don’t know who I should vote for… but it won’t be anyone named Mitt.


 
Here is a picture for thought... 


075


  ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 
Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,
that thou fulfil it.
Colossians 4:17
  ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 



 

the Computer Geek (Professor) through the years


Happy 15th Birthday, Daniel Louis!


August 1996

He was born Wednesday, August 7, 1996, in Wisconsin ~ our first home birth!



Well, I was going to add a few more old photos here, but the scanner just decided to take a vacation from working...  : -\




(note the book in hand also)



2005 ~ with the Cattleman in Grandma F's yard


2006 ~ riding the train at Boone Scenic Valley



2007 ~ singing in the Christmas program



2008 ~ with the short-lived eye glasses 
(piano recital and Henry Dorlas Zoo)





2009 ~ July 4th fun...


Yes, he really likes cucumbers!


...climbing a Harvestore...

...mixing and pouring a pad for the outdoor wood stove...



2010 ~ enjoying Nick's old snowmobile for an afternoon in February


...helping move furniture with his strong back (???)


...Okay, here he is obviously putting those muscles to work!

Happy 14th Birthday!



~2011~

Happy 15th Birthday!

 

      

Friday, August 5, 2011

this week's read

For Girls Only: A Loving Appeal for Modesty in an Immodest World by Sheila Stewart Doom from Revival Literature of Asheville, NC









If you are a King’s daughter . . . if you have been created to bring glory, not to yourself, but to Him . . . if you have been purchased by His precious blood at great cost and now are His and His alone . . . if your whole goal in life is to please Him with a desire to do what He says . . . THEN you are ready to look into the Word of God to see His will for you in the area of your clothing. 
~Sheila Stewart Doom

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

daybook 8/1/2011

 


FOR TODAY  
Monday, August 1, 2011
 
Soon to be Tuesday, August 2… 

maybe we should call this a NIGHTbook?
 
  
 
Outside my window... 
 
it’s very dark
there are sure to be many, many flying insects
the cattle are probably sleeping ~ It’s past my bedtime too!

 
I am thinking…

about how soon it will be midnight, and Kate’s FREE photo book from Shutterfly will expire if she doesn’t move a bit faster…

 
I am thankful to God
 
for air conditioning.  Oh yes!  And thankful He will provide the $$$ to pay for it.
for permission to apply for a Discover Card… that gave us 3600 swag bucks!  That will equal $40 from Amazon.  For Free.  I swag bucks!  (and I like ordering books from Amazon for free!  I suppose they sell chocolate too?)


I am praying for...
 
Amber & her family ~ her dad passed away recently after his battle with cancer.  Makes me weep again just to think of her as I type. 
… Hiromi in Japan (near the Fukushima nuclear plant) lost her beloved boyfriend last week.  He died in his sleep.  Thankfully he is with his Savior.  Praying his family will see their own need of Jesus Christ.
… Angie's niece 1yo Kaylee had surgery last week, putting in a life line port and a dialysis port.  Yesterday’s report: she was not doing well.  Kidneys were still not functioning…
… same Angie’s aunt Bea has been moved to hospice.  So sad.  She had hip surgery last week followed by complications and went downhill very fast.
… Heather's mom is recovering well from surgery
… Ethan and his twin sister.  See Sara’s blog.  Such a sweet testimony of God’s goodness, and such a need for His provision of health.
… the K family ~ Mr. K passed away last week
… Mrs. Freyermuth's husband Virgil passed away  ~ So thankful for these two dear saints who began the Joy Club children's ministry many years ago.
… Angela & Jared and family ~ one of their newborn twins was called to heaven on July 2.  Such heartache, but God is faithful.  The family has known much of God’s grace amidst their tears.   Read more here.
… 6mo Ruby (friends of friends in Wisc) ~ suffered a very serious head injury in June. 
... the Rettigs and the church in Prague ~ on furlough for a few more weeks ~ It was a joy to be with them for a Sunday!  :-)
… the sale of my mother-in-law’s home ~ woot woot, someone looked at it recently!  Please let them have it, Lord!
… Grant S.
… people who live and work in Japan
Cinnamon ~ her Army hubby is HOME from Afghanistan, her Marine son is IN Afghanistan!
… Amy W., a young wife/mom with cancer
… Sarita & Jeff need visas for their return to Israel
… folks in Joplin, MO, and along the Missouri River ~ so hard hit with tornadoes and flooding this year
… the A Family, on furlough from their field of ministry ~ such a blessing to see them again!
Gina’s family ~ in their loss of Jason as he rescued his own children from drowning
Lea’s dad ~ in the midst of a serious health crisis
… Kari’s dad ~ had triple by-pass surgery in June 
 
… Laura
 
… and especially marriages ~ meant to last a lifetime 

 
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ 

Lest you think that I spend all day on my knees in intercession, I’m telling you here that I don’t!  At some point I guess I’ve learned to pray “on the hoof” ~ so as God brings to mind any of these people during the day or night, I usually ask Him to provide their need… But I am not a Prayer Warrior.  Those are a special group of people that I am incredibly thankful for and in awe of their faithfulness! 

 
From the learning rooms...
 
I still need to finish with Ancient Rome, so we are ready to move on to the next era. 
Whittling, whittling away at the remains of last year… still.
Looking forward to a Civil War lesson in a couple weeks.  I’ll be the one sitting inside the van with the engine running the cool air…  : o

 

From the kitchen...

I had the oven on entirely too much today.  My poor air conditioner.  My poor husband when he gets the electric bill!
The Popper wanted to make bread for Vickie.  And I had a pile of chicken in the fridge that needed to be cooked.  Oh, and we were out of Cookie Mama Cookies!  And when I decided to bake them, it wasn’t even 80F outside.  That quickly changed of course.  But they are too entirely delicious! 
So, guess what?  Supper was roasted chicken (Can you say 10 pounds of hind quarters for $3.90?  You wouldn’t have said no either.)  And I have a bowl of cooked white meat for chicken salad or enchiladas or egg rolls (if I can ever remember to buy skins ~ and am willing to cook in hot oil). A little cooked bacon leftover from last night’s BLT’s.  And a few grilled marinated turkey tenderloins.  Tomorrow’s menu says Haystack.
And all the fruit I bought last Friday needs to be eaten…now! (okay, at breakfast in a few hours.)  Or it will have to go in a smoothie.

 
I am creating... 
 

a strong desire for a crisp fall day.  After the tomatoes ripen so we can make salsa!

 
I am going...
 
to bed soon.  I told my dd that we weren’t staying up until midnight.  Yeah, right.

 
I am reading... 
 
for a summer Sunday school class ~ Choosing Forgiveness by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
                                         
 

I recently started Bruchko by Bruce Olson

  

But I didn’t get very far.  Driver’s Ed is done.  No more sitting in the van for a couple hours every day.  They passed with flying colors by the skin of their teeth, by the way!  : )

And I got sidetracked with those Grandma’s Attic books  ;-)

We are almost done with the book of Acts.  And Proverbs is always a good read!

 

I am hoping...
 
we are not staying up this late only to miss out on her free photo book.  I should double check the time, but I’m not sure how since it’s not a code for everyone…

 
I am hearing...
 
the fridge, the air conditioner … still!  
 
 

Around the house...
 
lots of “opportunities” …still
most people are sleeping!


One of my favorite things... 

a good night’s sleep…
Do you sense a theme??

Pondering these words...
Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.  ~ Peter Marshall (borrowed from Mrs. Santos ~ Thank you!)
A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow. ~ George Patton

I guess I’m still thinking on these, so there they are again!  : )
I would like to give you a great quote or ten from Mr. Stonestreet (Summit Ministries), but I don’t have anything written down.  He has some really interesting thoughts to share though!  So remind me if I forget to share…  Wish I could send you the CDs!


A few plans for the rest of the week:  

Today ~  We’ve been to the chiropractor for the Popper, Fareway to reclaim my lost bag of groceries (I guess I should have bought more brats to go with the replaced kraut?), and Wally world for chocolate and a few other items  : )
Wednesday ~ Back to the chiro… and then lots of shopping.  I can hardly wait [sarcasm]  Although I do have a bookstore on my list  : )
Friday-Saturday ~ Tax-free holiday, so I’ll be stocking up on jeans for my boys hopefully.  The Computer Geek’s birthday is Sunday.  15 years ago it was really hot, and I had nothing to offer my friends/midwife but room temp water...  I think I have a post already in the works ~ I’d better work on it some more, or it’ll post without me… Don’t hold your breath tho’!
OH yes, I’m cleaning, organizing, sewing, grinding that beef I’ve forgotten about in the freezer…. ha ha ha ha ha ha
Well, you get the picture…  and remember what time of day night it is here!  I’m a bit bleary in the brain. 

 
Here is a picture for thought...  


024   028
pizza ~ Brazilian style


  ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ 
 
Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,
that thou fulfil it.
Colossians 4:17
  ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 



Ack! ~ Shutterfly does run on Pacific Time.  It’s only 10:30pm there…  So Kate is reviewing her book and editing a bit more……
……………….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……………….

But it’s definitely Tuesday in Iowa.  I’m ready to expire.


-----------------------------------
Tuesday morning [as in DAYLIGHT] edit... I went to bed and remembered Rachel ~ Please pray for her too, and follow her blog ~ Finding Joy.  The name says it well.  But she's in major pain right now with an aggravated shoulder injury or something ~ docs are still determining how to help her.

And I guess I should be praying earnestly for an end to this heat.  My hubby is plumb worn out!  He continues to work and work and work ...  And we plan to go to even-hotter So.MO for our little vaca??  Are we nuts?  Yep, espec when it comes to history.


Tuesday, July 26, 2011

prayer requests


Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.


Wow, I cannot believe how many people have such major trials in their lives right now.  I have a long list of prayer needs in my daybook, but please add these ~


  • Hiromi in Japan (near the Fukushima nuclear plant) lost her beloved boyfriend just this week.  He died in his sleep I guess.  Thankfully he is with his Savior.
  • Angie's niece 1yo Kaylee is having surgery this morning, putting in a life line port and a dialysis port.
  • Heather's mom is having a mastectomy today. 
  • Mrs. Freyermuth's husband Virgil passed away last Thursday ~ So thankful for these two dear saints who began the Joy Club children's ministry many years ago.

 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.  I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.