Friday, January 8, 2010

Snow Day

Well, not exactly snow. Not even much ice, except for the ditches (which the kids thought was really cool). But it was really, really cold (for us), so schools closed. Freezing temps never last past daylight here.

So here we are, inside needing something to do. Valentine's crafts! It's never too early to celebrate kisses and chocolate.



After our crafting, we went to the library and to visit Granny.
She passed on a great idea that her Mom used to do. Homeade "ice cream".
We will mix milk, sugar, and vanilla - put them in containers outside - and see if we have ice cream in the morning!

And how about that collage! YAY!
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Thursday, January 7, 2010

In Anticipation...

...of SPRING!



Grow little seeds! Oh, please won't you grow?

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Prayer Requests For Our Country

I received this email today from Family Research Council, an excellent organization run by Tony Perkins, our former Representative. Please take a few minutes to read what is going on in our country, and even more time to pray, email, make phone calls. (If you are local to me, contact info is on the right.)

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...Hebrews 12:1-2


Dear Praying Friends,

Every new year, pastors urge their flocks to rise above setbacks and discouragement to embrace the future with wholehearted Biblical faith. But Americans face extreme uncertainty. Few understood just how radical the new President and liberal Congress would be! Few believed the President could appoint the kinds of extremists he has chosen to impose his agenda of change upon the people. Never have our values been subjected to such a frontal assault by those in government. Please read "The Year America Lurched Left" (Investors Business Daily). 2010 will be pivotal. If God-fearing Americans arise to use every legal means to resist, there is still hope. Christians cannot be bystanders. We must find strength and grace to pray persistently and take obedient action to resist every decision that smacks of tyranny.

Health Care Takeover at a Crossroads - The House of Representatives will reconvene on January 12 and the Senate on January 19. Atop their agendas will be merging the health care bills, and passing a single bill to give the federal government control over the health care system and the health care options of every American. All citizens will be required to participate or be subject to fines and prosecution. Scholars say the bills are unconstitutional on their face. Thirteen state attorneys general are threatening to sue, saying the bill and process are "constitutionally flawed." The Senate bill, brokered in private meetings with the White House wildly violated Election Year promises of a more open government. Democrat leaders will forgo the Conference process, which would subject the reconciliation to scrutiny and debate, and will continue to hammer out their bill in private. The final bill will require 60 votes for Senate passage. The Senate plan still includes abortion coverage and insufficient conscience protections for health care workers. Pro-lifers are angry with Senator Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) for compromising his stand on life and casting the 60th vote needed to pass the bill in exchange for his state's exemption from unfunded mandates. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) continues to insist that he and pro-life House Democrats will defeat the bill if it does not include his pro-life provisions (Get Insured or Else, Questions of Legality, Pro-lifers and Nelson, 13 State AG's, Dems to Bypass Conference, Bills Unconstitutional, Behind Closed Doors, Secrecy).

May God breathe upon God-fearing Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and all pro-life, pro-family and conservative activists and churches to create a massive coalition of Americans who will stand up and fight for their faith, their families, their homes and their historic American liberties! May this radical "lurch to the left" be met with effective resistance! May this unconstitutional health care takeover be soundly defeated! (Dt 30:19; 1 Sam 8:7-22; Pr 6:16-19; 28:4-5; Ps 94:15-18; Is 10:1-3; 33:22)

The Homosexual Agenda - On January 11, a non-jury federal trial will begin in San Francisco to decide Perry v. Schwarzenegger. Former U.S. Solicitor General Ted Olson (under President George W. Bush) and trial lawyer David Boies (who represented Vice President Al Gore in the 2000 election dispute) believe they can overturn the California constitutional provision that passed as Proposition 8, and persuade the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the will of the people in 31 states that have voted to keep marriage between a man and woman. Judge Vaughn Walker, whose previous rulings favored homosexual activists, hopes to televise the proceedings.

Meanwhile, John Berry, the homosexual activist appointed by President Obama to head the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has outlined the President's plan to pass the entire LGBT agenda before the "sun sets" on his administration: 1. Passage of Hate Crimes legislation (accomplished), 2. ENDA, 3. Don't Ask, Don't Tell (allow open homosexual behavior in the armed forces), 4. Repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). President Obama has named his first "transgender" appointment. Amanda Simpson, who underwent sex change surgery a decade ago, is now Senior Technical Advisor to the Commerce Department. Simpson said, "I hope that I will soon be one of hundreds, and that this appointment opens future opportunities for many others" (see California, Circus, John Berry, Transgender).

Praise God for California and 30 other states who have taken a stand for traditional marriage. May God burden His people to contend, endure and prevail in prayer and citizen action in this sphere of public policy at the national, state and local levels. And may God help us to reach those caught up in this sad lifestyle so plainly condemned in Scripture (Gen 18:17-33; Lev 19:15; Ps 9:7-10; Mt 19:4-6; 2 Tim 4:2-5; 2 Pet 2:4-10; Jude 7, 21-23).

Finally, in this new year, most employed Americans stand to lose income compared with 2009. While the House passed a bill to extend Bush era tax rates, the Senate failed to do so. Most Americans have thus received a substantial tax increase and can expect even more. May God help us to repent from our willful blindness, stir us from our lethargy and grant us power to prevail in prayer for our families and fellow countrymen in 2010. Thank you for praying!

P.S. Late breaking: Tomorrow at 2 p.m. Eastern, the New Jersey Senate will vote on their same-sex marriage bill. Please pray that it is overwhelmingly defeated.

Sincerely,
Rev. Pierre Bynum
National Prayer Director
Email: pbynum@frc.org

Family Research Council
801 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-2100
Fax: 202-393-2134
Web: http://www.frc.org/

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

These Two



Are almost ready for school after being home for 2 weeks!

Erin was beside herself and could not wait to go back, armed with her gingerbread star cookies we made last night. She was also super excited because we got to bring a certain Mr Wilson to school today too!

And - I have to say I am SUPER proud of Luke for wearing his big boy undies to school today and he didn't have any accidents! One small step for Mom, one giant step away from diapers! (Yes, as a matter of fact, that is a spider on his head.)

Possessing The New Year



Some people may go through this new year and not possess it. Not claim it for Jesus. We need to desire God's provision. We should want God's best in our life. He wants His best in our life. Don't all parents want the best for their children? It was not God's will for His children to dwell in the wilderness. It was God's will for them to dwell in the promised land.

Deuteronomy 11:10 - 12
For the land you are about to enter and occupy is not like the land of Egypt from which you came, where you planted your seed and dug out irrigation ditches with your foot as in a vegetable garden. It is a land of hills and valleys with plenty of rain - a land that the Lord your God cares for. He watches over it day after day throughout the year!

We must depend on God's promises. Everything you need in the coming year, God has already given to you! It is a matter of faith to enjoy that which God had blessed us with. Our families, our homes, our jobs. Christians have already been given the hope and promise of tomorrow. He has given us the victory!

We need to delight in God's presence. God is the God of present tense. He is the God of yesterday, today, and forever! No matter what is happening in the world, He is still in control of all things. Even when things are at their worst and there is fear all around - know that nothing would be happening if God did not allow it to.

We should discern God's providence. If you belong to God, you are his precious possession. His eyes are always on us, caring for us. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me!

What is your desire for the new year? Do you desire Jesus? If you do, you will be filled with Him!

Monday, January 4, 2010

Home Improvement

I have realized, that next month, we will have lived in our house for 10 years! Only 18 more and it will be all ours! Hooray!

Anyway - In this time, I have painted the living room, Erin's room, and kids bath (although I should have thought twice about doing that and will someday change it to a little calmer pallette.)

I decided to finally do something with our bathroom. We had a small water spot on the ceiling from the last hurricane, so I got the ceiling painted. It looked so nice & clean...why stop there? I originally purchased Behr Beachwalk. It did not match my greeny/gray doors at all. (So if any of you would like a gallon of yellowish paint, let me know.) In a hurry, I went to Wal Mart the 2nd time and got their Colorplace Creamware. The color is very neutral, although the paint is almost colored water. I wouldn't recommend it.

My budget is mini, for most projects I do, so I found an old, large, black frame from the closet & decided to frame a pretty damask fabric to hang over the tub. I had seen something of the sort on HGTV. I also found an 8x10 frame that I spray painted black and framed a smaller version of the fabric to hang behind the toilet. The candleholders and candles were 50% off from Hobby Lobby (thank goodness) as well as the fabric and greenery. The "new" soap dish came from Goodwill.

But alas, the bathroom is done. I am pleased with it. My husband is happy it's over :)






Friday, January 1, 2010

New Years

Due to the extreme firework activity around our house on New Years Eve, and the lack of sleep Patrick & I always seem to get, we decided to spend a quiet night at the camp.

And (gasp) we actually purchased fireworks of our own for the first time in our nearly 11 years together. Yes-sir-ree, a whole $10 worth. We were, of course, extra careful to buy fireworks with no report. Who knew that meant they don't make the booming sound my children are petrified of? Apparently, my knowledgable husband does.

So here they are, full of fear & nervousness anticipation.





ooooh - ahhhh



This morning, although very cold, it was at last daylight, and we could wander.



This girl loves to walk in the woods & hear the crack of breaking branches beneath her very pink boots. She says "I am very good at walking in the forest." Yes, yes she is. This lady would be proud.



This little guy, prefers the road, scouting for big rocks for me to carry.

We had a good time, and as always, are happy to be back in our comfy beds. Listening to our dear neighbors - pop more fireworks - after 11:00 pm

Good Night - and Happy New Year!