tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29744748443666444312024-03-19T04:29:58.920-07:00Beyond Measure...This is my attempt to journal and capture our every day lives and memories, and to share our lives with our friends and family. It is a place for me to document my journey through life and those that travel with me.littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-83927320711186827192013-01-15T22:59:00.000-08:002013-01-15T22:59:03.241-08:00New MilestonesSmiling, <br />
Sitting Up,<br />
Standing,<br />
Crawling, <br />
1st Solid Food,<br />
Walking,<br />
Running,<br />
Falling,<br />
Talking....<br />
<br />
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SO many milestones when our kids are babies. They are new, and everything they do is new and exciting and "milestone" worthy. I snapped pictures, and wrote in baby books all the details of each cherished moment. I shared the "good news" with anyone that would listen and clapped and showed sheer bliss on my face so he would know how proud mommy was.<br />
<br />
However, I was recently hit hard with what I consider a new kind of milestone.... <br />
It was Christmas Eve and we were enjoying a fun filled visit Grandma's house and he got one of his terrible headaches. When I noticed just how bad he was feeling, I went to sweep him away to quiet and safety where he could recover. That is when it hit me....I could no longer carry or even remotely sweep this....this,.....young man anywhere! I made a valiant effort and moved a few steps, but it wasn't going to happen. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't carry my "baby" anymore!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I have to admit it made me feel a little lonely in a strange way. Why was this "milestone" making me a little sad instead of happy? Why did I feel it a moment to be dreaded instead of celebrated? What makes it different than crawling or smiling for the first time? <br />
<br />
It was a harsh reminder of how fast time is going. I looked back on the times such as the one in this picture when I would hardly let this little baby out of my arms. It reminded me that there will be less and less ways that I can step in, assist and make everything better. He had to walk himself over to where he could rest, he had to do the work. He wasn't alone, I stayed by his side, but the effort becomes his own. He secretly loves the fact that he is "too big to carry" and I think secretly I might as well. He is on his way to becoming a man who will have responsibilities of his own one day. I want that for him and desire for him to mature and be prepared for the day to"leave his mother and father." So, I decided to go ahead and mark this down, celebrate it, and share about it here because it is an important moment. I decided not to be sad at all, but to look forward to all he has to do with the life in front of him and enjoy my role each step of the way. <br />
<br />
But....I will continue to take what I can get...even the head turned the side, run into me kind of hugs and enjoy every minute that I have the pleasure and honor of preparing this guy for "that day."<br />
<br />
....And maybe I'll do more push-ups:)littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-36835378960110398422013-01-03T21:56:00.000-08:002013-01-03T21:56:32.670-08:00Thanksgiving in January...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't think it would be going out on a limb to say that personal handwritten thank you notes are becoming a "lost art" these days, and that makes me sad. I remember as a child being instructed to always send a thank you for any appropriate occasion including birthdays and Christmas. I'm sure I rolled my eyes and thought it was stupid sometimes, especially the older I got. However, I realize that it instilled in my heart a spirit of gratefulness that I want to pass on to my kids. Some say it could become routine, or mundane, but I believe it forces me to stop and think about what I received and the person who blessed me with that something. <br />
Now that I am older and more often a giver, I realize how much I enjoy receiving a thank you note too. I don't expect it and don't want to give for that reason, but it is nice to be thought of "back" in a way. I have given to many birthdays, graduations, and even weddings that have gone without acknowledgement or gratitude and that is ok, but sad. I believe each generation is being raised with a higher level of "entitlement" and I hate to see that too. <br />
So....my boys will write hand written thank you notes for a long time and so far they haven't rolled their eyes at me once. They don't know that "all kids" don't have to do this, I'm sure:) I have them make a list in their <a href="http://www.aplaninplace.net/">homeschool planner</a> in the notes section and I actually will put one a day on their <a href="http://www.aplaninplace.net/student-examples.html">weekly schedule page</a>. I'm sure I will love having these lists as well as memories of the year they got _____! If they have handwriting, I even let them have the day off, which they get excited about. Lately as you can see in the picture above, they have been getting very creative with their notes and I am enjoying seeing them really trying to hard to make them special for that special someone!littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-20423238499434324562012-10-08T20:44:00.000-07:002012-10-08T21:28:04.481-07:00Just Grace.....Grace is more than acceptance, more than unmerited favor....Grace is:<br />
<br />
<em>The lavish, opulent, raw, untamed, scandalous blessing of God - unearned, undeserved, illogical, disproportionate, poured out through Christ over every facet of your life, AND the living presence of the Creator God deep inside you, poured out through the Spirit, in a flood of euphoric joy, transcendent peace, and limitless power to be, and do, and live up to God's calling on your life</em>. - <strong>John Mark Comer, Grace and Peace Sermon at Solid Rock, A Jesus Church</strong><br />
<br />
Saturday night in church the concept of "Grace" fell on me like a ton of bricks during worship time. I don't remember the song, but all I remember is the part....."fall on your grace"...that got me thinking...or more accurately convicted my heart.<br />
<br />
I was transported back to my early 20's and the starting point of my decision to follow Jesus in my life. I remember the feeling of desparte need of God's Grace...I welcomed it fully, whole heartedly, depended on it, appreciated it, and wanted to pass that on to others. <br />
<br />
Sadly, I realized that feeling over time has been lost. The loss has been a slow one; like the draining of a bucket one drop at a time until I didn't even remember the bucket ever having been full. <br />
<br />
My life "before" was easy to analyze...easy to see my sin as it was so blatent. I was a selfish human being with a moral compass very far from how God's word directs us to be. Huge changes came fast and furious...at least I feel that they did. <br />
<br />
Now...many years later I find myself holding back Grace from others, having bitterness in my heart and unable to let go of hurts. I think it comes down to this word...GRACE. I don't see myself enough as a sinner in need of God's Grace. My sin has always been there and I am aware and repent of some of them...but there are others...subtle and dangerous...ones I dare to even justify. These are heavy on my heart...these I want God to free me from. <br />
<br />
Luckily, I am not saddened but only encouraged because I know He can!<br />
<br />
<strong>"Beautiful Things"</strong><br />
<div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;">
<!-- start of lyrics -->All this pain<br />I wonder if I’ll ever find my way<br />I wonder if my life could really change at all<br />All this earth<br />Could all that is lost ever be found<br />Could a garden come up from this ground at all<br /><br />You make beautiful things<br />You make beautiful things out of the dust<br />You make beautiful things<br />You make beautiful things out of us<br /><br />All around<br />Hope is springing up from this old ground<br />Out of chaos life is being found in You<br /><br />You make beautiful things<br />You make beautiful things out of the dust<br />You make beautiful things<br />You make beautiful things out of us<br /><br />You make beautiful things<br />You make beautiful things out of the dust<br />You make beautiful things<br />You make beautiful things out of us<br /><br />You make me new, You are making me new<br />You make me new, You are making me new<br /><br />You make beautiful things<br />You make beautiful things out of the dust<br />You make beautiful things<br />You make beautiful things out of us <!-- end of lyrics --></div>
<br /><br /><br /><br />littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-73884940155677685702012-10-01T17:31:00.000-07:002012-10-01T17:31:54.079-07:00Dear Brody,<em>I am so proud of you and the young man you are becoming. We have had a couple of rough weeks, you and I. Getting back to school this year has been tougher than ever. We are moving forward though and figuring things out as we go and together we are overcoming the obstacles. </em><br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>This past week was especially challenging and though the "ride" was a rocky one, I am so happy about the destination.</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>We were out running errands and one of those involved a trip to Wal Mart. You had some money burning a hole in your wallet and decided to buy an Angry Birds puzzle that you were very excited about. When we got home, we were outside playing some football and I encouraged you to bring Dusty (your bunny) out of his cage to play for a little while. I went down to check on his cage and how you were doing keeping up with his cage and your duties. I was very upset when I noticed that he only had some old hay in his buket that wasn't fit to feed him and when I questioned you, realized that you had not been giving him hay at all. I talked to you a little and you knew I wasn't happy and did everything you could to get him taken care of in other ways. However, it kept gnawing at my gut. I knew I had to do something, though it is always tough to walk your child down a rough road. I decided that you needed to return the puzzle and use the money to buy your rabbit the hay he needed. You were SO mad at me. I decided to just go through with it right there...7:00 at night because I didn't want to loose sight of the goal. The drive to Wal Mart was some of the hardest moments of my life. You wouldn't speak to me and when we got there I went to touch you and you pulled away from me. OUCH! That hurt my heart and I wanted so badly to change this path for you and make it easy...but I knew I couldn't. You stayed a few steps behind me down the looong walk to the pet aisle and back to the register. There I saw the first hint that everything was going to be ok. You smiled....just a little, but you did it. When we got home, I turned the car right onto the lawn to the barn and turned my high beams on so we could give him that hay right there. He was so excited and happy and I know that made you happy and my heart was overflowing. The rest of the night, you were right back to your old self and the next morning you said..."It felt good to give Dusty his hay again." </em><br />
<br />
<em>You grew up a lot that night and so did I. I was made fully aware that the challenges you will face will only get harder as you move forward in life. I was also made fully aware of my need for God's wisdom and the leading of the Holy Spirit to make good decisions as I lead you. I was made fully aware of how grateful I am for the partner I have in your dad as we walk this road together as he stood by my decision and helped you to understand. </em><br />
<br />
<em>I also feel that you know that I love you and truly want what is best for you. At least you can see that now and for that I am so grateful. </em><br />
<br />
<em>You would not be happy if you knew I snapped this picture, but I hope one day you can appreciate it. I didn't want to loose the memory:)</em><br />
<br />
<br />
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<em>Loving you Always,</em></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em>Mom</em></div>
littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-9549927603556350402012-09-20T13:58:00.001-07:002012-09-20T13:58:18.533-07:00Down the Trail....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
This summer our boys had the wonderful opportunity to attend day camp for a whole week at Canyonview Camp in Silverton. Up until this point, none of us had experienced anything quite like it...<br />
<br />
Reason 1: Being a homeschooler since day 1; I have not had to get up early in the morning on a regular basis AND get 3 people out the door to be somewhere at a specific time. It was not fun for me. Praise God that dad was home on vacation or we never would of made it without some serious frustration. He was instrumental in keeping us on the task at hand. We should practice this.<br />
<br />
Reason2: Being a homeschooler since day 1; I have not had to get up early in the morning on a regualar basis, get 3 people out the door, be somewhere at a specific time, AND leave 2 of those people in the hands of someone else. (or a group of someone's) This was a very new set of feelings and emotions for me. I know people do it all the time, but they have had time to get used to that which I'm sure they had to do too. There is a huge level of faith involved both to trust those in charge and trust with my boys. I survived, they survived and I know I will be practicing this as they get older so overall, it was good.<br />
<br />
Reason 3: Being a homeschooler since day 1; I have not had to get up early in the morning on a regular basis, get 3 people out the door, be somewhere at a specific time, leave 2 those of those people in the hands of someone else, AND miss out on so many "1st times". Some of which included: canoneing, kayaking, swinging off a rope swing, and swinging through the trees on a zip line. I am used to be there for all the 1st times! It was hard for me, but on the bright side made for some excellent converstations! They got to describe things to me in ways that neither one of us are used to since I am normally there;)<br />
<br />
Every morning I would watch them walk down that trail with a backback and their lunch sack off to enjoy the many adventures God had planned for them. The first day I could hardly breathe and was nervous. After that it got easier, and I was truly excited for them. What a big step for all of us. They are growing up. They have great memories from their week at Canyonview and I had some great learning experiences too. I am so glad that we were able to send them and they were able to enjoy such a special time. littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-66530948688612720262012-05-31T12:24:00.002-07:002012-05-31T12:24:49.565-07:00Dear Connor,<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>When you wanted to join little league baseball this year, I was a little nervous. I have heard horror stories of pushy parents, tired kids, and crazy schedules. However, your dad and I want you to have chances to experience all sorts of things in life and really wanted to give you this opportunity that you so desperately wanted. </em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Here we are coming to the end of the season, your first one. The AAA Angels don't have a great record at 3-9-1 with only a few games left, but there are a lot of great things about this team. I want to share with you a few things I have learned on this journey about you during these past few months.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>First of all...it IS a crazy schedule! I have no idea how any family pulls this off with working parents and/or kids in school. I have been so grateful for the life we live as a homeschooling family and feel extremely blessed. </em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>You really do LOVE sports. You love to play...winning is gravy, but you love to play. I am amazed that you have not let your teams "record" get you down. You have left almost every game with a smile on your face telling me how much fun it was. Good job. I believe with all my heart that God is showing you perspective on where in your life sports should be and how to keep important things in life first. People matter, and compassion for those people matter. This has been shown with both good examples and unfortunately some bad, but you have had the vision to know the difference. You have shown true sportsmanship and have risen to be a real part of a struggling team and still have a good time with those 10 other great young men. Trust me, it is easier to be on a winning team, but you have taken the high road all season. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><em></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Also, you can see and know what is true and right despite what you are being told. This is so important to me and will benefit you in too many ways to count throughout your lifetime. For you to know who you are, what you can do, and how you truly did, is such an amazing thing. To capture that at 10, makes my heart overflow with hope and gratitude for your future. You have accepted criticism where due, and shrugged off with amazing spirit what could be hurtful remarks knowing the truth in your heart. Your confidence has grown where it could easily have been broken and I am happy that I got to see this side of you. Honestly, for parents it is SO hard to see our kids go through something difficult, and though I want to pray for easy, but it is usually under trial that our character will really show. What a strong and amazing person you are becoming! You aren't playing this game to please others, just loving the game for what it is, and I couldn't be happier for you. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><em></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>So, I have LOVED being your biggest fan this season…turns out it has nothing to do with your ability or performance with a ball, bat, or glove though that has my heart cheering and screaming…”Way to go Connor”.</em></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em><span style="font-size: large;">I love you.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em><span style="font-size: large;">Love,</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em><span style="font-size: large;">Mom</span></em></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1Timothy 4:8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><em></em></span><br />littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-86662162698112261162012-02-24T16:13:00.001-08:002012-02-24T16:16:18.990-08:00Sacrifice....such a dirty word!Sacrifice....not something normal people want to think about. Sounds awful, not fun, and don't sign me up for that.<br />
<br />
Today in a sermon, I heard it is a synonym for worship. That sounds better.<br />
<br />
I became involved in Lent a few years ago when my best friend challenged me to think about it. Her husband was raised Catholic and as Protestants they both participate each and every year and I found it fascinating. Since then, I have accepted the challenge, but with small commitments that I felt I could live with. Truly, self-control and sacrifice have not ever a part of that.<br />
<br />
This year I felt God really speaking to me to use this time....really. I started researching and searching for what God wants for me, where He wants me to grow and what I am supposed to do this 40 days. If I am totally honest, I literally had a list trying to narrow down what would be the least painful ways for me to walk this 40 day journey until Easter. Not <strong>quite</strong> the point.<br />
<br />
Some scribbles from my notebook...<br />
<br />
<u>Fasting...</u>Through eating less we feel some of the hunger He feels for souls<br />
Grasp dependence for our VERY existence<br />
Remove attachments to things of this world<br />
What habits are destructive to my spiritual health?<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Praying...</u>something to bring me closer to God<br />
To what do I devote too much or not enough of my time?<br />
<br />
<u>Giving</u>....Thinking of others less fortunate<br />
<br />
<em>"Even the smallest act of self-denial has value in the eyes of God"</em><br />
<br />
As it came down to the day before, I knew what God wanted me to do, but saying it out loud was not something I wanted to admit. <br />
<br />
I have literally struggled with the concept of food fasting for years! I remember borrowing books from my friend Beth in California and seeking advice from anyone that would talk about it and researching online. I clearly felt God wanting me to do this and I had some very small success stories, but many more failures. I put it out of my mind. Every year for Lent, I have fasted "things" not food. This year God wants more. The thing I feel I can't ever give up is exactly what I need to give up. What has control of me? Where do I loose my self control? <br />
<br />
I knew I needed the fasting part of Lent for me to be around food now. So, I started another list...<br />
<br />
Coffee...just started back after 11 years, way too soon<br />
Chocolate....maybe, plenty of other desserts to eat like vanilla ice cream<br />
A whole meal....What? Give up a meal? Crazy...I need 3 a day<br />
Snacks...maybe<br />
Broccoli...I could do that<br />
Gluten....annoying, but very doable these days:)<br />
<br />
When I look at my list, I realized it HAS to be the one I didn't think possible. I decided on a whole meal. (without changing the timing, that would be too easy) I knew right away it had to be lunch...my favorite. I tried to convince myself that breakfast would mean the same sacrifice, but my heart knows it is not true. I could easily give up breakfast. Lunch however, I really love. I think about it a lot. When I am cooking dinner, I usually try to have a good amount leftover so I can have a hot lunch. I spend extra on ready meals I like and plan my lunch with as much details as I plan dinner. I love to go out to lunch the most. <br />
<br />
Lunch it is. <br />
<br />
Can I do it? I feel strength in numbers knowing there are people all around the world participating in this 40 days in some way with me. I feel a desire to finally prove that in my own strength I can do nothing, but I don't operate that way anymore.<br />
<br />
God is real in my life and with Him I can do anything.littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-71327395399848068182012-02-19T15:34:00.000-08:002012-02-19T15:34:17.405-08:00Seems Appropriate....I miss blogging. I let it get too complicated which I tend to do with everything thinking that I couldn't put things out of order and I certainly didn't want to miss documenting something very important. In order to simplify, I have been using an online journal which allows me to put pictures directly from my phone with a short story to go along with it. However, I want to get back to using this as well. <br />
<br />
I felt it appropriate to have my first post back about our new family member since my last post was about losing our dog of 13 years. <br />
<br />
I have to admit I enjoyed some time without the responsibility of a dog. Jake was old for so long that I had to manage a schedule around how long we could be gone or make arrangements to have someone come out to let him outside. The freedom I thought I was enjoying didn't last long and quickly my heart began to ache for a new dog. I spent hours online searching for our next pet and researching breeds.<br />
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We fostered a dog for a month, a Great Pyreenes named Bailey. She was a beautiful dog, but it was very very hard having her here and in the end we decided she wasn't a match for us. That was a hard time. I felt nervous to make another "mistake" and once again spent hours watching craigslist ads, checking ebay classifieds, and pet finder for new postings. It seemed like a few dogs I would call about were gone by the time I called. We checked shelters too never feeling like we met "the one". <br />
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We decided to go back to what we know and get another lab. It felt like a very safe choice and helped narrow down the searach field which was a good thing. Motivated with direction, I was back to the computer to find our new family friend and looking at fewer dogs with the new "criteria".<br />
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Then one night I jumped onto the website of "The Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan. The boys and I really enjoy his show and have learned a lot. He had a section on adoption tips...I think there was 27 of them. Anyway...one really stuck out with me. He suggested NOT to limit to your search to a breed because temperment and energy were far more important. He also pointed out how many shelter dogs are overlooked because of a mix that is fearful such as Rott or Pit Bull. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Armed with this new idea....I went to petfinder and just searched....dogs within a 25 mile radius. On page 3...I saw this face. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOHUGLf64zhSVsQEIqb0YUIeh4TzdsgxMzXHnmIL4TXzYHcz_-2tPzczl8B9YuIXvhjQ1D9GRmRgrewUfxl1ob8jPmoir7HyHiR57sleruqTO4ZLqw7ior-C9zXIoig6AiLJg-YAL3bI/s1600/IMG_3850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOHUGLf64zhSVsQEIqb0YUIeh4TzdsgxMzXHnmIL4TXzYHcz_-2tPzczl8B9YuIXvhjQ1D9GRmRgrewUfxl1ob8jPmoir7HyHiR57sleruqTO4ZLqw7ior-C9zXIoig6AiLJg-YAL3bI/s320/IMG_3850.JPG" width="290" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I immediately "fell in love" with that face and their description of him as a "goofy dog" just made my heart leap! I sent the link to Bryan to look at without any confidence that he would be interested since he was still on board with our last plan of a pure bred labrador retreiver:)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">He surprised me when he told me call about him because he had a great face.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I contacted Willamette Animal Rescue turning in a 2 page application and waited. We could not meet him until our application had been approved. We were leaving the next week for California so I was unsure how it was going to all play out. It took forever for them to get back to me and made me sure that he had already been adopted. After I saw him though, I completely halted my search telling myself that if he wasn't the one, I would start again after the New Year.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We were leaving on Wednesday and late Monday afternoon I finally got a call. They arranged for us to meet him the next night since we were leaving. They agreed that if we wanted him they would keep him until we got back. We set out as a family and just adored everything about him when we met him. He is very unusual looking and with a name like Thurman, it just had to be a great match. He took right to the kids, was great with other people and showed loyalty by always being aware of where his foster mom was.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">He gave us something to look forward to on our long drive back from California and on New Years Eve 2011, he was brought to our home. He fit in instantly and is such a great addition to our family. He has amazing manners, is well trained, and has never destroyed a thing. He is leash trained, waits to be invited at doorways, loves to play ball, but is also very mellow inside. He is perfect for us. He filled a void left by Jake. He makes us smile. He is helping us to write a new chapter in the Doeren family history. He is a great friend for the kids and a good watch dog. Brody said it perfect in a report on Dogs he gave at FIGS....</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">"God answered our prayers when He brought us Thurman". </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you God for that.</div>littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-15514982631743999312011-07-15T12:33:00.000-07:002011-07-15T12:33:04.754-07:00All About Jake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFHxxcEkaeYI9mglFVnex8JSUwhR7gJQ5m_YM0JzQK79Qib6xed8R-sQYJdCQHV1bRnH9_Ot6ylXo_JtDCKW_a5AI-C0zH4y1VxOYSKwUlbIBYIwktHY8VuSaXIT8TZZjJEeYJ-Kn0Bc/s1600/IMG_2647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFHxxcEkaeYI9mglFVnex8JSUwhR7gJQ5m_YM0JzQK79Qib6xed8R-sQYJdCQHV1bRnH9_Ot6ylXo_JtDCKW_a5AI-C0zH4y1VxOYSKwUlbIBYIwktHY8VuSaXIT8TZZjJEeYJ-Kn0Bc/s320/IMG_2647.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We got Jake at four months old, we did not know at the time what an imipact he would have on our lives 13 years later.<br />
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He was a very happy lab as most are, but even our vet in California nicknamed him "Mr. Happy". He was always glad to see us and just to be with us. His favorite thing to do besides eating was playing Frisbee. He would play until he was ready to pass out. Before we had children he would sleep in our bed with us, then we had childrenhe spent more time outside as our priorities changed. He went on almost every family vacation and really became a member of our family.<br />
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I named him Big Jake after John Wayne, one of my favorite movies it just seemed to fit him. He was a fair weathered dog and did not care for cold, snow or rain. When we moved to Oregon he loved it because we kept him inside all the time. He had beds all over the house because next to eating he loved sleeping.<br />
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At age 13, not too long after his birthday, with lung failure, a swollen heart and his back legs going, we decided it was time. The whole family went to the vet, because that's what love does. We wanted to be with him to the end and not miss one part of his life. As I write this with tears in my eyes, I can tell you without a doubt, that he was "the best dog in the world."<br />
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Thank you God for the 13 awesome years with our friend Jake. You have a great dog with you now, just remember to play frisbee with him.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzpn7qzcpiXvsSwMHqPBUU6l7dTMi5cA2Bejx7joKWKvUdUMqQf8q_a1JYtDfP4LKuenpGLW5-7xsBcz9Ogjo47mBboDhSM40i-ze_nAs3aWeVpZ-SjC63ItmE-65y4W-6qhNDDShbac/s1600/IMG_6910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzpn7qzcpiXvsSwMHqPBUU6l7dTMi5cA2Bejx7joKWKvUdUMqQf8q_a1JYtDfP4LKuenpGLW5-7xsBcz9Ogjo47mBboDhSM40i-ze_nAs3aWeVpZ-SjC63ItmE-65y4W-6qhNDDShbac/s320/IMG_6910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
To: Jake From: Brody<br />
Jake was a great dog. I've had him for most of my life. Jake was a yellow lab. He was always shedding. He loved Beggin Strips. We gave him one when we had to go somewhere. He was really soft with big brown eyes. At the age of 13 the family agreed that we should put him to sleep. We had hated to see him suffer. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPcaGDfKKikJQ_mHVvbREf8JJcgrfTV9ha4zSFUeEmFLkC3ZhbCWcI26p92n6VlLbOOwn2yuR_mbdZ2JQM1rBUs7AxxTiarLpMkfm2ya4uWGqBdPe456FyvO5EZ2sIj770gme0CwXKgg/s1600/IMG_6914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPcaGDfKKikJQ_mHVvbREf8JJcgrfTV9ha4zSFUeEmFLkC3ZhbCWcI26p92n6VlLbOOwn2yuR_mbdZ2JQM1rBUs7AxxTiarLpMkfm2ya4uWGqBdPe456FyvO5EZ2sIj770gme0CwXKgg/s320/IMG_6914.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Our dog Big Jake died a couple of days ago. He was a yellow lab. He shedded tons of hair and loved food. He took sausage right off Brody's plate!<br />
He got his name from one of Daddy's favorite John Wayne movies, Big Jake. <br />
Mommy and Daddy got him when he was 4 months old. Daddy said he looked like a doofus with a small head and a big body. He loved food, and at the age of 12 he started eating his poop. <br />
He was definitely the best dog in the world.littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-82709664640482063852011-07-15T12:09:00.000-07:002011-07-15T12:09:47.375-07:00A Special Gift<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6weDaDJapXyDSnoQRbUllifEzWmRIVbzCINSVI4lR-CJ5ILt2asVtiw7-MRGmwjNuNm0p0gmY_DB10BHeFZnLThIIMOB47nSUMgYUJJ-uu9q1i8wsYBzcUeTXtavkrwgs9CTsXyMgYM/s1600/IMG_2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6weDaDJapXyDSnoQRbUllifEzWmRIVbzCINSVI4lR-CJ5ILt2asVtiw7-MRGmwjNuNm0p0gmY_DB10BHeFZnLThIIMOB47nSUMgYUJJ-uu9q1i8wsYBzcUeTXtavkrwgs9CTsXyMgYM/s320/IMG_2634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Almost 13 years ago when I was a sales rep for The Iams Company, I received a special gift, that made an huge impact on my life. I was making my rounds in the L.A. area and found my to Peggy Woods Pet Emporium, one of my favorite customers. When I parked, I saw a pretty big puppy in an outdoor cage which I had never seen before. I asked Ira, the owner, and he told me that he was a "return". He sells puppies, and someone had purchased this yellow lab and got more than they bargained for. It was hard to sell him again because most people wanted the itsy bitsy tiny puppies. He said these words to me..."Do you want him"? I am pretty sure that I laughed it off, finished a meeting, and went about the rest of my work there. But something happened to get me thinking. It could of been just the darn cuteness of that animal, or the fact that I felt sorry for him and it broke my heart that no one wanted him...whatever it was...I was slowly changing my mind. I called Bryan at his job at Petsmart where he agreed that we had room and the love for one more dog. That was that...I loaded him up in my car, left work early, and met Bryan at work to meet our new pet. Jake was then 4 months old. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This past Monday, on July 11th, we had to make the very hard decision to help that beloved pet die peacefully because he just wouldn't give up and leave us on his own. He had arthritis in his back legs so bad that sitting and standing were very hard and I could see that it was hard for him to get comfortable, though he was not a complainer. He also lost control of his bowels which was not fun for either of us, had partial paralysis in his throat, and an enlarged heart that was making it harder and harder to breathe. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In the middle were 13 years with that dog which was a huge part of this family. That is a long time to have someone by your side....and I do mean that literally. When I was home, Jake was pretty much at my feet. He came into the bathroom when I showered, laid at my feet when I was in the office, was on his bed in the family room or living room when I was in there, laid right at the kitchen sink when I was cooking, and slept next to my side of the bed. I miss that. He was a great, and loyal companion. Before his hearing and eyesight went bad, he was a good guard dog too. I felt safe with him around. I miss that. He always greeted us at the door, tail wagging, and happy to see us. I miss that. He LOVED to play frisbee and when he was able, would play until we had to stop him. I miss that too.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Jake went on family vacations whenever we could take him, cheered us up when we were sad or lonely, and loved on our kids too when they came along. He never acted jealous, even though he got thrown outside during the day for a few years;) When we moved to Oregon, he got what he always wanted...a permanent indoor position as an active member of the family. We think he lived out his last few years in luxury:)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here are some pictures we captured of us with Jake and his last few days here on earth...I will always be grateful for these memories.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPMjA1B9AFQohnrRDtct35Cdiw83BjeB8nOkGhyphenhyphenEW0gmEHiggU3QMiY4t56N4CEzBR3SWrkgHtK-0widmZtx51uMnnuDmhVo4Hm8TXwnLMwHFtCNf6CteSwh-2c3KJpXFyfoB3PYQH3Y/s1600/IMG_2644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPMjA1B9AFQohnrRDtct35Cdiw83BjeB8nOkGhyphenhyphenEW0gmEHiggU3QMiY4t56N4CEzBR3SWrkgHtK-0widmZtx51uMnnuDmhVo4Hm8TXwnLMwHFtCNf6CteSwh-2c3KJpXFyfoB3PYQH3Y/s320/IMG_2644.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaePnE7wWbxCDHxqe5xImSgwxy7KYYVr14EZXXTj_4pfpJGttahSskuUIuPiDa0oOCcpY0OngBnlwm7uQkzsiGODlMt1_lX0T6oW_lIeZ0SI-b0fi3XtiPokGqFb8kxnMAarvkrIdD8A/s1600/IMG_2624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaePnE7wWbxCDHxqe5xImSgwxy7KYYVr14EZXXTj_4pfpJGttahSskuUIuPiDa0oOCcpY0OngBnlwm7uQkzsiGODlMt1_lX0T6oW_lIeZ0SI-b0fi3XtiPokGqFb8kxnMAarvkrIdD8A/s320/IMG_2624.JPG" width="217" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuDNLilwdSTVbuQ6nJlZtjHipMZetHVy5__u6-hP2hYmf7YiDiQW7d-h0xuo7IDJX-1l8vtzbatdYSOqXYNSwj8wlTk3VUtWIgjEzKvBV8K5f6UGTCqAgqvGX5g0U3byzqBt986BzwO0/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuDNLilwdSTVbuQ6nJlZtjHipMZetHVy5__u6-hP2hYmf7YiDiQW7d-h0xuo7IDJX-1l8vtzbatdYSOqXYNSwj8wlTk3VUtWIgjEzKvBV8K5f6UGTCqAgqvGX5g0U3byzqBt986BzwO0/s320/IMG_2611.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We are all adjusting to live without Jake and it is hard. Going to bed the first night without him there was hard, waking up without having "Jake duty" was hard, leaving the house without taking him out and giving him a treat was hard, vacuuming up the last ton of dog hair aound the house was hard, even sitting in silence without his panting by me is still hard. Brody cried the first day he did his chores and didn't have to get him water and Connor was sad when there was no one to throw his crust to. We miss him a lot but each day does get easier.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We were lucky to have him as long as we did and are grateful for that. He leaves a large hole in the hearts of all of us here and always will.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-42107329656150987652011-06-23T20:51:00.000-07:002011-06-23T20:51:49.677-07:00Where have I been? Part III!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">At the rate I am going...my whole summer will be full of "Where Have I Been" postings!:) Anyway, on to part III!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This year the boys took the stage at our homeschool groups "Delight Night" (variety show)! I was very excited about that. Brody put this presentation together all by himself titled "Bunnies at Home". He designed the poster, what to put on it, and did all the writing and drawing. I was very proud of him. He got to take Dusty to the show which helped him get over any nervous feelings he might have had. He also recited a short poem. Way to go Brody!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy19iBWHWbI0iYLZaVhPBAIgSd_0qeAL2-gTm_bb73dYATmBi5pEbW-KuzAazjiNpAUvEX3k4CYJEUTCOToVAcxcvyN1zgkeLklLfeB_m4PcmbC0mLNuTVslAM6qq0TlBTxOublETimI/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy19iBWHWbI0iYLZaVhPBAIgSd_0qeAL2-gTm_bb73dYATmBi5pEbW-KuzAazjiNpAUvEX3k4CYJEUTCOToVAcxcvyN1zgkeLklLfeB_m4PcmbC0mLNuTVslAM6qq0TlBTxOublETimI/s320/IMG_2176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8nU4bKGFFElwodHXAF6RKDs9zWxjkUkwrnuraekHN4_Pu-MKOHUWYOWa6Fyu0jezHVvrF56GBbxUqT3h03XYUJdrnrsAb0FOkCHS08_vmTtQd6bFNEN6JBWhzrfC9baUXF3egZJpHNM/s1600/IMG_2177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8nU4bKGFFElwodHXAF6RKDs9zWxjkUkwrnuraekHN4_Pu-MKOHUWYOWa6Fyu0jezHVvrF56GBbxUqT3h03XYUJdrnrsAb0FOkCHS08_vmTtQd6bFNEN6JBWhzrfC9baUXF3egZJpHNM/s320/IMG_2177.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At "Delight Night" Connor did two things. He played three pieces on the piano and did a great job and also introduced all the families to Sport Stacking. He had a lot of fun and even got one of his new high records during the demonstration which really excited him. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Brody participated in a local race called the Awesome 3000. He ran 1 mile and really enjoyed it. There were a lot of kids there....see him in the group shot in the orange? I was grateful for that as I fought to keep track of him in all the frenzy. It was so funny at the start because he laid ALL the way back and let all the crazy kids run off when they shot the starting fire. He literally took off DEAD last. I guess I should of emphasized the word "race" more, but he really doesn't like crowds and I heard some kids got knocked down, so it seems he made a smart choice! He did real well, moved way up, finished the race and said...."I'm not even tired"!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChfB2rvKqxVRfYpMgd90DT49gU4qz_IjlwPlOFp06JTmnpbZ7RHwUCf2KkOwtwHozoc6rZIM5nP-0gB2_STvHQx86vQQE-NjLdBiTOrqvnVuMUQ-iZoqfDZjIDNGwWxgTHjjlQY0xrA4/s1600/IMG_2146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChfB2rvKqxVRfYpMgd90DT49gU4qz_IjlwPlOFp06JTmnpbZ7RHwUCf2KkOwtwHozoc6rZIM5nP-0gB2_STvHQx86vQQE-NjLdBiTOrqvnVuMUQ-iZoqfDZjIDNGwWxgTHjjlQY0xrA4/s320/IMG_2146.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpwLLkUVDlF1uRmcDj5id01t2U7lD8N-ae7kW861lzG_7MwmUSqynDHogr9LvngRPdJs5Ms-WRvVdAcwEI6EOeU3znaMiMCqRAWL8ObaaHu1EPkMSW8vDw0lcX4GXRcgEDlYXFMU6A54/s1600/IMG_2140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85N3Ax2Y4Dc8T5PryF9kTfAsKT4Y_htRpMU_EC76J3YlGdCoWk44SLgTawn_6m1zenURa5Ih5oeo1WRZb3RAq7BMtvx1W1mKvnJygcHgSrPpLXg6L3-ZdexLhHliG_26UPPPiP7n2f24/s1600/IMG_2147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85N3Ax2Y4Dc8T5PryF9kTfAsKT4Y_htRpMU_EC76J3YlGdCoWk44SLgTawn_6m1zenURa5Ih5oeo1WRZb3RAq7BMtvx1W1mKvnJygcHgSrPpLXg6L3-ZdexLhHliG_26UPPPiP7n2f24/s320/IMG_2147.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5gls_0ZmjWeGbfhocOTrijCau8u4YroWq_jfSFjqF_yNZWsJ3QdMRDVgRJ79D2cQ2LAsXcUtAhst2453GompG7YwYc9PxxQfTxl3lC3wFmG_c1xMr65kBfEK2v4ou5b90yAZOCzXwjY/s1600/IMG_2135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5gls_0ZmjWeGbfhocOTrijCau8u4YroWq_jfSFjqF_yNZWsJ3QdMRDVgRJ79D2cQ2LAsXcUtAhst2453GompG7YwYc9PxxQfTxl3lC3wFmG_c1xMr65kBfEK2v4ou5b90yAZOCzXwjY/s320/IMG_2135.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The day before Brody's big race, Connor participated in Teen Pact. This was a one day leadership training class in the government. He even had homework to do ahead of time which involved writing a bill. We did a prayer walk for all the leaders, a scavenger hunt, and learned all about the legislative process. As you can see, he had to dress for the event. I could hardly stand how grown up he looked in that tie;) It was a terrific experience and we both enjoyed it very much!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpwLLkUVDlF1uRmcDj5id01t2U7lD8N-ae7kW861lzG_7MwmUSqynDHogr9LvngRPdJs5Ms-WRvVdAcwEI6EOeU3znaMiMCqRAWL8ObaaHu1EPkMSW8vDw0lcX4GXRcgEDlYXFMU6A54/s1600/IMG_2140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpwLLkUVDlF1uRmcDj5id01t2U7lD8N-ae7kW861lzG_7MwmUSqynDHogr9LvngRPdJs5Ms-WRvVdAcwEI6EOeU3znaMiMCqRAWL8ObaaHu1EPkMSW8vDw0lcX4GXRcgEDlYXFMU6A54/s320/IMG_2140.JPG" width="193" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-22770259192059586322011-06-16T21:57:00.000-07:002011-06-16T22:00:48.353-07:00Where Have I been....Part II<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmGvvRfjVJmEuywTWz0rLebSW4e7NRbqFGAmIY-swqSLCUeX6leBfselPk2jUz9Mtv1d19gQ1hyP8Zt5HD6ihIE9nsru6eV4MMKvN0HKGqbvJd2J13XEy2Q_4Ki6F1Ew5gkiVYNCFdi4/s1600/IMG_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmGvvRfjVJmEuywTWz0rLebSW4e7NRbqFGAmIY-swqSLCUeX6leBfselPk2jUz9Mtv1d19gQ1hyP8Zt5HD6ihIE9nsru6eV4MMKvN0HKGqbvJd2J13XEy2Q_4Ki6F1Ew5gkiVYNCFdi4/s320/IMG_1994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When there was a dry day we tried to get out and get some work done. Here, the boys are loading up firewood....well....one is loading up anyway?:) I just love this picture. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEurCnBJ7QCC2eCUFQP3iSCDDSrrH8LQv_N83k-H__c8VnDOj8_DgS_11LcJeYrbqesp16Uakspq8e1m4dckB3IJrtTEdv-YrQrwJo9TYk1uUgTT7h0tJtFeE6663TX2ZBTPqAkZ58OM/s1600/IMG_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEurCnBJ7QCC2eCUFQP3iSCDDSrrH8LQv_N83k-H__c8VnDOj8_DgS_11LcJeYrbqesp16Uakspq8e1m4dckB3IJrtTEdv-YrQrwJo9TYk1uUgTT7h0tJtFeE6663TX2ZBTPqAkZ58OM/s320/IMG_2006.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><br />
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We celebrated Easter. Here are Connor's amazing eggs. He did a great job and even though decorating eggs is a lot of fun...it was clear that he knew we were celebrating something big! We also went to a wonderful service on Good Friday. Connor was happy to hear some of the same songs that we have been learning at home. We also enjoyed a great story called "Amon's Adventure" written just for Lent. It was a great way to keep us focused on the death, burial, and of course the Resurrection of Jesus!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57jHNDdw2O1iEh5ZnChBADYIRIZARVWWy2mGsBplWkuE7fmQ6_lTUF392K35fvdQ-2x4JjpHib0t_g7njYFBRJjjE5YLJtrYmZrJZtmYRWT9_xSBU7my3JJ9F_ORHLUkU4SZCBJEr_ss/s1600/IMG_2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57jHNDdw2O1iEh5ZnChBADYIRIZARVWWy2mGsBplWkuE7fmQ6_lTUF392K35fvdQ-2x4JjpHib0t_g7njYFBRJjjE5YLJtrYmZrJZtmYRWT9_xSBU7my3JJ9F_ORHLUkU4SZCBJEr_ss/s320/IMG_2007.JPG" t8="true" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Here are the eggs that Brody decorated. We found a neat kit this year, with little rollers. It made the eggs very sticky, but fun and very bright. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oaLVBfdtRpZAwKyZ1PxiDtypqycR6FIyiRPsqtgw-y1LWI8C-drXNxFIMsJc4_dsmcRLXCSPm_Xz9tkjstFGrJsg-sdNwmY2PEYy-1hRSprikC1i7Qx2E8D7mW5e2f_BT8Uy2rbRXHw/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oaLVBfdtRpZAwKyZ1PxiDtypqycR6FIyiRPsqtgw-y1LWI8C-drXNxFIMsJc4_dsmcRLXCSPm_Xz9tkjstFGrJsg-sdNwmY2PEYy-1hRSprikC1i7Qx2E8D7mW5e2f_BT8Uy2rbRXHw/s320/IMG_2011.JPG" t8="true" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This year Brody got a very special bible. I looked and looked and decided on this NIV version. He is always commenting on the small print in Connor's backpack bible in a negative way so I found a large print bible just for him. He seemed very excited about it!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWpq0FtACkp8pPS46SR4yRdyF3Qrmza6a77PZuTeUiqN14vH00xgxeSmk2YZ_VHCTiA4nYw1X7hQ61j3qIKXWhWrIutpgyjHZVM5JHbASdalqiIIYLjThRVLNg6lAr4LBNPatG5GfOJk/s1600/IMG_2030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614948237572788754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWpq0FtACkp8pPS46SR4yRdyF3Qrmza6a77PZuTeUiqN14vH00xgxeSmk2YZ_VHCTiA4nYw1X7hQ61j3qIKXWhWrIutpgyjHZVM5JHbASdalqiIIYLjThRVLNg6lAr4LBNPatG5GfOJk/s320/IMG_2030.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; display: block; height: 320px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 239px;" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
Brody celebrated his big 7 1/2 birthday! Wow...is time flying. They are both very excited to do the decorating all on their own. I'm not sure what this was, but I have an idea. See the grass at the bottom?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUJuHpJ72mezTjHFEbOn7yo0mYMZcOpMXoR2uSHbaxsM_FOnA59xDeeB-FL_5OAHISQhDt09t8K9kz99zOyn25m7P9kvKz1EERf607W1CIMqJ4QpDFAGiCBJGcwWI9kwZn9li5GbpocA/s1600/IMG_2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUJuHpJ72mezTjHFEbOn7yo0mYMZcOpMXoR2uSHbaxsM_FOnA59xDeeB-FL_5OAHISQhDt09t8K9kz99zOyn25m7P9kvKz1EERf607W1CIMqJ4QpDFAGiCBJGcwWI9kwZn9li5GbpocA/s320/IMG_2063.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited a Buffalo Ranch with our FIGS group and it was a great field trip. The best part was that earlier that morning, we picked up Aunt Lara from the airport!<br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TxUaBSB2EswfH1_ly2y2yaazvlqG6D6O5iOMCaMFpYYOQEjKPVQSkcVdK_6xBp4s8pb0X6vE8ngOOXd88jh1myN1qQuXbx7JZDANBZj9eYnOtj_xmT3_zVs3Cu7Yn7UnPz8kppeo0fw/s1600/IMG_2071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TxUaBSB2EswfH1_ly2y2yaazvlqG6D6O5iOMCaMFpYYOQEjKPVQSkcVdK_6xBp4s8pb0X6vE8ngOOXd88jh1myN1qQuXbx7JZDANBZj9eYnOtj_xmT3_zVs3Cu7Yn7UnPz8kppeo0fw/s320/IMG_2071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> We decided to take Aunt Lara to the coast to see the ocean! We ended up with a room in a little town called Seaside. Along the way, we just had to stop at the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ejnNulPArae4e93K6MuXcBpQZ6U5hkJvEEGT6lSxCwuHxBLvukpO9E5RMy9Bx7fMkgVdZakUoaQVt0rZUkhUZLOA2eRTjL4cGC-xHppfqEhiw9RPDGK6WaB-n5oId7m0okcwsJpYwBE/s1600/IMG_2079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ejnNulPArae4e93K6MuXcBpQZ6U5hkJvEEGT6lSxCwuHxBLvukpO9E5RMy9Bx7fMkgVdZakUoaQVt0rZUkhUZLOA2eRTjL4cGC-xHppfqEhiw9RPDGK6WaB-n5oId7m0okcwsJpYwBE/s320/IMG_2079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Did I mention they have ice cream? YUM!!! Aunt Lara and I enjoyed some real Marionberry ice cream....life is good!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClC0dtnXoDA3D1_Hz9dFbjVEr49w9JevGbypVw8eRQVp1MLOVG6qkuAqKFCu4IlazYYH7mz2pGRe0yFPs2-6czWnUtUAlgNK0qCpeVo1OhBp0vKSMunMrhqmmLlqCSNmcsjrce02Q20A/s1600/IMG_2080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClC0dtnXoDA3D1_Hz9dFbjVEr49w9JevGbypVw8eRQVp1MLOVG6qkuAqKFCu4IlazYYH7mz2pGRe0yFPs2-6czWnUtUAlgNK0qCpeVo1OhBp0vKSMunMrhqmmLlqCSNmcsjrce02Q20A/s320/IMG_2080.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>We just had to show Aunt Lara Flamingo Jim's outside of Rockaway. We always stop by when see the LeVesque's on their annual visit, what a fun place!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIWjjnrBd4cz46SkyolDatYt6ODbrj-boa2KvpJ35NunydqV2XqoZkn-PR15KyqkCkJP3GfzcT36Ld-K3NzYpR2OU9A35YTulGT0qOASIMXWKRmyRjrRCxdMdLWPsIHRSi-Jte225mLU/s1600/IMG_2095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIWjjnrBd4cz46SkyolDatYt6ODbrj-boa2KvpJ35NunydqV2XqoZkn-PR15KyqkCkJP3GfzcT36Ld-K3NzYpR2OU9A35YTulGT0qOASIMXWKRmyRjrRCxdMdLWPsIHRSi-Jte225mLU/s320/IMG_2095.JPG" width="239" /></a></div> Aunt Lara was VERY surprised to see people at the "beach" in sweatshirts!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQX_Va4M1HSL9Kmlt-wfIuGoa8QpRfYW2za_DkHrovlACMqzEdjChM0Bz46BUUjcECsujO_ge-WpAEIxw2vNsRIjiyrXQ_HMXJMK3TbKH9cRVtzJm_vYgDK5O1nWubJnd-Ypu6I3ey1_U/s1600/IMG_2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQX_Va4M1HSL9Kmlt-wfIuGoa8QpRfYW2za_DkHrovlACMqzEdjChM0Bz46BUUjcECsujO_ge-WpAEIxw2vNsRIjiyrXQ_HMXJMK3TbKH9cRVtzJm_vYgDK5O1nWubJnd-Ypu6I3ey1_U/s320/IMG_2106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Connor and Brody had their first bumper car experience and boy was that a blast! It was Aunt Lara and Brody against mommy and Connor. I'm pretty sure it was a tie!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHyz6SKW9LNxpd_FrwnLBAPjnIsjbmuC2gkN2XPcOttBa-_4J0ZLc7z_QBjRP8OJFPAfpsZBJivaAM6p6GG67kNuP5dV1w-2V4OR5y7g_CPv2Jv8pN_153TV3EYKR2-jXylFS64lXwDA/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHyz6SKW9LNxpd_FrwnLBAPjnIsjbmuC2gkN2XPcOttBa-_4J0ZLc7z_QBjRP8OJFPAfpsZBJivaAM6p6GG67kNuP5dV1w-2V4OR5y7g_CPv2Jv8pN_153TV3EYKR2-jXylFS64lXwDA/s320/IMG_2108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We stayed at the Shilo Inn and they enjoyed many hours in the pool swimming. We also let them go into the sauna which reminded me so much of Grandma and Grandpa's condo in Florida!<br />
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We really enjoyed our visit. After Aunt Lara left things kept up at that pace for a while....more to come in Part III!<br />
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</div>littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-20986808353326529262011-06-05T20:00:00.000-07:002011-06-05T20:31:51.804-07:00Where Have I been? Part 1I think this is by far my longest "dry spell" since starting my blog. Wow...April 16th...what have I been doing since then? <br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The first place I have been is using an online journal called Cozi. This is so handy, and I can upload pictures and quick stories to go with them in a matter of minutes. I have found it to be a huge shortcut of keeping people informed and it even sends out a monthly newsletter to people that want that much information on my family:) However, I do realize it only does a few pictures and a small part of "the story" so I really do want to get back to my blog. After all I am three years behind on my photo albums, and I don't want that to happen here!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>April and May were quite the blur...I have decided to keep this short and full of pictures then try to back into the swing of things.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In April I jumped on the chance to go to California for a week of "spring break" for us. I had a business opportunity to work a vendor fair for two days and the boys and I really needed some sunshine, some time with family and friends, and a break from school. (not necessarily in that order) We had a great time!</div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614939413430384578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysFuWrRL4DWEvpb1zFaUCDA7WQEIV9phUmzeoQQPVWtPDezzRVwUQYpzw4_TdLflZUbdpoCnQq7-qn6RDGUax29gNAr-DReBocl_r-cKH5kuIYYwxqLRiiSRp5rLADbnL2Dbzg1EBVXU/s320/IMG_1798.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Shorts, sunglasses and sunscreen are pretty unheard of in April in Oregon, so it was a real treat to enjoy some beautiful weather. There was actually snow the day before we arrived and it knocked some branches of some of the palms...made for great toys!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614939415859091410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYU8y4EXntvTVTciisns-KTgiRegBR5LvidOixJewC0nQgFaNdEzWGkJyz08Nx8Y3KuWWrWzKlZ-ERUPdRsmmlbdELgQCN7nv9az_-U87OQxdLybG24lWhS0xmMNtYpV5KjZrGiX7PV8/s320/IMG_1821.JPG" />A lot of hours were spent with Grandma & Pa watching movies, playing outside, and Yahtzee!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614939430818429810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYeCco21joHe7kXHdyjC8wR2Le3GHGunge3fPPXUQgNIHb1UtwZ7PCbZaLwJ1CbJuaachD6n9rW4GRPynolrv3OF7ZdpvHK3nxqjZgs1K9FWvlPfKE30WbuiSUyVYfy9Sn8jY0InQucQ/s320/IMG_1818.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Of course some good times were had with Zack....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614939422166321202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3jy4z871MUOmibDkxCFy7tDlbAF_yyhT5Idxf2J9Ee6xxIPVaJ_gwvzfolCXw43PehhYtjErzcdM5wThtX2GCRgleL98xmJnGNCsQX0tN9xyatWqUGBZfBTkgV_BI_Q3aHC1xQVgZSw/s320/IMG_1829.JPG" />and the Barker clan at the park!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614939434603135154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwueD8RtarCOTuNhxoFGOF2bYY-hzyPqiaO3sMzPQd6kCwBfzbD9S2-QByISBmdcwb-730WHK19f2AIyOXD6LFGPsHs-aCa0BCjclTD4mLTHmqM14zK7u6rEQ5xenN2S_o9dM1k1m4XlY/s320/IMG_1835.JPG" /> We got see one of best buds Caleb play baseball...sorry no picture of that...but I did get to play a lot of "bear" with one of my most favorite little people on the planet...Ms. Lillie!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614940610140182962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY2_0EYMk5WyfWYMWDyrrFIqNEst5QX83jD3MzZr650gqtjzBILxCseBa68BXxItgzdWP2vpXJVp9oVPZMJ2cuhHRX0bAsFApfT4UdUcrRuO-wZGbVrjy4ckbdOGZICMu6U-A2jR5I38/s320/IMG_1918.JPG" />We were very excited to meet our friends pony....I mean dog...Macy! What a beautiful dog! We enjoyed some play time with Morgan, Ryanne, and the whole Loomis clan!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614940617130828418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnveG6YW1x4HikYaR_OYLG0UQA5psDzz_uFg_EcAK5Tu1XagEHMBOQ7FVDnh7HIsrXKInzClpP9r7BCU65QR-zM4iBYuB_UfoUrRZ9Ih0DezUadigKrT_384yb2cXW1uSfa6q8d7UXa5s/s320/IMG_1924.JPG" /><br />It ended with a passel of kids on the couch watching "Tangled". </div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Fun, fun times. I am so grateful to for trips "home". </em></div><br /><div align="center"><em><br /></div></em><br /><div>Stay tuned for part II coming soon to a blog near you:)</div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-70896298905161754472011-04-16T19:49:00.000-07:002011-04-19T22:17:42.618-07:00Hands Free Mom<div>Last week, the boys and I took a trip to California. It was the first time we flew there for a spring break and it was a blast! However, details of our trip will come in a future post. <br /><div><br /><br /><div>I realized as I went through the airport that it was the first time my hands were totally free as we traveled. Connor and Brody are both growing up so fast and were extremely responsible on the trip. They almost packed all by themselves, they carried their own booster seats, and even insisted on carting around my backpack the whole way. After we checked in our bags, I literally had only my purse. It was such a great feeling and I loved seeing my boys rise up to being independent and even to serving me in that way. I was really on Cloud 9, then we got to Oakland.</div><br /><br /><div>While we were sitting at the gate waiting to board munching down some Annie's pretzels in the airport, I found I could not take my eyes off a young man and his parents seated directly across from us. He was probably about 15 and loved football, trust me, I could tell. It dawned on me how fast it will come for me to be sitting somewhere with teenagers! It made me a little sad in a way. It seemed like just yesterday I was in an airport struggling my way through with two little ones in car seats and diapers watching a mom with older kids, thinking how much easier it would be one day. It was an incredibly surreal moment for me.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>So, I came down from Cloud 9 and remained a little stunned (for lack of a better word) for a while. Luckily, it didn't last too long. I decided to just enjoy the moment I was in appreciate this stage of parenting without dwelling on the future....sounds funny, huh? Don't we normally dwell on the past? I know the future will come fast enough and one day before I know it one of them will be driving me to the airport! I want to look forward to it, and embrace the process God has designed. I love being a mom, I can't imagine not having them around all day every day, but I am raising adults and that is what I pray they become; adults who can get themselves through an airport one day, and maybe help someone along the way. I have to admit, it is looking great so far!</div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597529143680809170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgRuVCnn419hRb2ydoscPCIeKc8bVPTVSlr6Q1epcK8HcPJx-NpHXhVLfIZNXhrd0UKK0TXbG-AdlF3WAi2syL2iSOfA1rqG7mQP80bdXDtF2hpoztTi6Eec1rPgCT-iv9DerFZD6glk/s320/IMG_1947.JPG" />Waiting to go through security with all the "stuff"!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597529153358401474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9v_kZC6_l9jRoV1hK4QZVWUV7WxMrVSsdiXvXR7r2qv9FObG6khvzu8q6btiN64CyLx21DoJJy_w2wflkt1T6J4k9yITGETVMQLcXxOph9uaUtHyubi-UkEoX9YlbwR9RxNxNmRSmWI/s320/IMG_1953.JPG" />They wouldn't even let me help them carry them up two flights of stairs! The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">escalators</span> were not working anymore and without the stroller, we can't use the elevator anymore!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597529156082607122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeOLQUBPMxNbIlZtY5oN1gyaGktaIKx1YrXOxqH9qL_MZGb3yp_mQacS2Cw9xexIzBYSAg_NOjslKS7ZbnnQsLDELe0ivESUSHBvbANFEMFqOO8p4rINaDJ_iUOgre1PBPOby4Ll39jA/s320/IMG_1954.JPG" /><br /><br /><div></div>Hanging out in an airport....I just LOVE the looks on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> faces in this picture!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-33376711532344315692011-04-07T21:00:00.000-07:002011-04-08T10:18:19.832-07:00The Apple Pie ExperienceOne of the many things I love about our co op is that Connor and Brody are exposed to so many things that I would most likely not do on our own! A prime example of this was Apple Pie Day that took place last week. For our community service project one of the moms had the idea for the kids to work together to make apple pies to take to "Apple Pie Day" at the capital. The purpose of this day is for homeschoolers to gather at the capital to show our desire for freedom in home education and to take each member of legislature an apple pie. I had never been before and wasn't sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a great day. The event is sponsored by OCEAN Network which we are a member of, and who works hard to protect homeschooling freedom here in Oregon. It started on our regular co op day which was Wednesday. My friend Kim gave a great class and presentation on the basics of the process a bill takes through the House of Representatives, the Senate and on to the Governor. Then we broke the kids up into groups. There were three groups of pie makers... <br /><div align="center">Connor went with the kids that worked on the dough...</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593215993210812226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSNHLbWLLena7ztu-Cj5tIGv3fwO3juiDsovXnli8koJihQcQ0iF3L9EqF_YHgcQ0C5evm9hyphenhyphenrJVPc_MbrCm668QLPp2-XzR6sNnkeeBbfUV_gAtR4KPxfrV42ymIwUEUPFq7Su6hUKQ/s320/IMG_1725.JPG" /> <br /><div align="center">Brody got to be an apple slicer!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593215996475787682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhMHp-FjNq8KZl4TMNNT-vdNl_8H7HxIG8hKZhW1GOUABABQ4FXst6yBaCBBRaXhCz8oLme4CfVxbK6G_sMJdNXxZ1ZtYWr16s0ERoWeDrwHAsu6YMOMTe7IIxPUZ7Rus3C5YIsu-Sko/s320/IMG_1726.JPG" /> When they weren't in the kitchen working, they were busy writing letters to their Representatives and Senators. I am pretty impressed that Connor can tell you the names of the people holding those titles in our district. I couldn't do that before last Wednesday! They told them a little bit about themselves, something they like about homeschooling, and asked them to support our freedom that we currently enjoy. It was such a great thing and I am grateful to my friends Tera and Kim for organizing it all! Then the next day we were off to the capital! We went with our friends Kim, Sam, and Grace. We didn't have much to do until our tour time, but we had fun. The tour included a walk up over 100 stairs to the top of the capital which Brody decided not to do. I stayed with him, and luckily Kim took Connor with them, because he was thrilled! Older homeschooled kids had an opportunity to be volunteer pages for the day and a lot of people had appointments with their representatives and senators, which we just might do next time. Then there was a rally at 12:00 which included children performing and a special speaker that is with HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) and it was very informative and encouraging! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593215975054333394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTGPi89fo3VCD2nGla5WEZfzBFIGMQdsP8KHl-ygGMR1bs80a7TQ1mfrxRdNOQ0EK0uoKwdevEIaxOG2juBM4So6MUfG1Bf-HTVXdYXyrdH3Jt_KTB3OvcUmfYJ0DOPyT5w24MfLlbNQ/s320/IMG_1733.JPG" /> <br /><p align="center">I tried so hard to get the golden man in the shot...oh well, the kids are much cuter anyway!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593215987016450194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwCgLyUoa-AfHfWF_CaUq_NaED_6tzaXVYicMl1qA-uyQ3s5VkLKcLg8uj2SuMqBm2WVtv8b-HP3YONtn0J5X_4HmlQMKALAO5mxQDPWdQLmRlOW6ySodMMcy5-9GMFkoi_bg7rclSZY/s320/IMG_1735.JPG" /> <br /><p align="center">I don't know how many people were there, but it was a lot! Here is just a piece of the crowd that we were in...what a great thing! The rain even held off for us!</p><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593215976939984114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv_gtL1C-FsSEwDHRuKZRdTQgWbrTHVMAvbO9IfV5hyphenhyphenaAbEy0k4Uo-eHtPdGmieRMV5yl9JZ0goMX53arExSYNYjWZoB89p4lc4PO5pxZh6hDMRJ4cuCpO3jMxQg0C7eGLKwRcX6XUTQ/s320/IMG_1734.JPG" />Oh....and there were baskets and baskets of the yummiest, juiciest apples;) Here is Connor's journal entry about the whole thing....</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><em>For Apple Pie Day, we went to the capital! There, we went (or I went) to the top of the building! That was really cool. We learned how a law is made and about the legislature. OCEAN Network supports homeschooling. If someone wants a law, a bill is taken to the House of Representatives. If it passes it goes to the Senate. From there, it goes to the Governor. The Governor can like, or dislike, and it will pass either way. If the Governor hates it, he or she can veto it and it goes through a process I don't know about. Our trip to the capital was really fun!</em></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Turns out all this interested Connor a great deal and now he even wants to participate in an event coming up in May called Teen Pact. They offer a one day "class" for 8-12 year olds where they can learn more about the legislative process, which I am looking into!</div>littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-64386336441196021782011-04-04T07:06:00.001-07:002011-04-04T07:23:48.177-07:00Ugghhh....the "classics"After reading the book, "A Thomas Jefferson Education", I was impacted in a number of ways. One of those was an encouragement to continue to pursue my own education particularly in one area. I really want my kids to be thinkers. I want them to read or learn something and be able to discuss it rather than "parrot" back some details. In order to teach that, I have to learn to do that myself to be able to teach them and participate with them. I am such a classic example of a "typical" public education. I didn't even take advantage of the education I did receive. I memorized what they told me to, read really fast, and just happened to be a great test taker (then forgot all those pesky little details)! I was real good at finding the "answers" and got great grades all through school. Every day as I teach my kids I am embarrassed at what I didn't retain, but excited to be learning along with them. Part of me thinks that every almost 40 year old mom should take an elementary history class;) So...I threw the idea of a book club out to some friends and we have quite the little group going. We have committed to pick books from the reading list and get together once a month to discuss these books. We just finished "A Tale of Two Cities" and I will admit, it was quite painful for me. I read it out of duty and accountability more than desire, but it turned out to be a great experience for me. I have to re-train my brain as I read and learn and it was a good first step. We had some great discussions and it made it worthwhile. Our next assignment is "Jane Eyre" and although I was dreading that a little bit as well, I am loving it so far! I also realized that as much as I embrace most of the new technology, I just can't get excited reading a book on screen yet. I had to go get the hard copy after downloading it for free to two different apps. I thought it would be so convenient, but it just isn't the same. Bryan teases me because he reminds me how much I was opposed to the digital camera saying that I would <em>never</em> make that switch;)littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-16446361675394300942011-03-26T19:24:00.000-07:002011-03-26T19:44:07.441-07:00Weather WoesA few years ago when I would tell people that we were moving to Oregon, the only feedback I ever got about it was the weather and it was all negative. The truth is...it is a huge topic of conversation to those who live here as well. <br /><br />I truly enjoy the fall season and the winter is very tolerable, as far as winters go! Summer is beautiful, although I am more used to hotter days that last much longer, it is a very enjoyable summer as well. <br /><br />Spring is a MUCH different story for me. It is really only the time of year that I have a hard time. I know spring is here, as there are many signs. The birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and trees are starting to bud. I guess it is a little warmer and the grass is starting to shoot up.<br /><br />I on the other hand, am still lighting a fire every morning in the stove to take the chill out and feeling like without the sun shining, it just doesn't feel like spring to me. I am surprised to admit that I don't mind the rain and even enjoy some of the rainy days, especially when I get to be home. I have hit my limit though for now!<br /><br />I know the sun is coming...I know things are going to get better which is one of the best things about living with the seasons. There is so much more to living here than the weather, but I most likely won't blog about those until summer.<br /><br />Right now, I am drowning not only in the rain, but in a little bit of the rainy day blues too.littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-44291072439627400602011-03-15T16:26:00.000-07:002011-03-15T16:55:12.016-07:00They can look that up!I read the best article the other day from the owner and creator of my favorite homeschool curriculum; Sonlight. Sarita Holzman shared a great story about a conversation she had with a friend that went like this.<br /><br /><em>Cheryl was mortified, she said, when "someone asked my children what the capital of France was, and they didn't know!"</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>I told her: "Kids can look that up anytime. In the total scheme of things, it is not important for our kids to know what the capital of France is. How much better that they learn to get along with one another."</em><br /><br />I can't get that out of my head. I am so grateful to have that little gem in my "arsenal" as I homeschool day in and day out. What a blessing to be reminded of one of my goals in this journey.<br /><br /><div>I thought of this last night as my boys spent close to 20 minutes agreeing on a movie to watch. Connor had a little sore throat so it was a treat for a school night which they did not want to lose by arguing. To make everyone happy they ended up watching an episode on 2 different Magic School Bus videos and an episode of Shawn the Sheep. All those together totaled the time of a movie....trust me, they did the math! It was a little agonizing to watch, but they did it. Sure, I could of let one of them watch on a laptop, but what lesson would there be in that? I tell them all the time that these skills of comprise they are learning will really come in handy when they get older! I am thrilled that they have each other as brothers, friends, and classmates. They have a lot of other friends and I often wonder who will be in their lives when they are older, but I know they will have each other. </div><div></div><br />I am currently STILL in the process of writing out my homeschool mission statement, and you can be sure that family relationships will be a part of it. I say every year that I am going to do it, but I never quite get it done. However, things are a little different now. I shared that goal with a friend who encouraged me even to the point of having a deadline for a first draft! (you know who you are, my friend and I thank you) I happen to work well with deadlines and accountability so I have high hopes on getting this done!littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-78123584785326593122011-03-10T10:58:00.001-08:002011-03-18T22:38:41.249-07:00Contest EntriesWe heard of a contest that the Humane Society in Portland was running. It is the, "Be Kind to Animals Poster and Photo/Story Event." They assign a theme for different grades and both Connor and Brody wanted to participate this year. They made a lot of different entries, but decided on a few in the end. It was a lot of fun for them to do and we mailed them off earlier this week. I had to catch a couple of pictures before sending them!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q3WNjVpNvBZthWGkH4QfjwUaIOditc4masd9zEnH4mjzRixIB8RQMDRuGo5edAh-QI0A5QkQO8xlsGCY1f2yzSX7acnsumV8oyoy0lKhPkRp_UiwEicnvZR0419L9zabamOm6DIIbAY/s1600/photo5.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585650924464172594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q3WNjVpNvBZthWGkH4QfjwUaIOditc4masd9zEnH4mjzRixIB8RQMDRuGo5edAh-QI0A5QkQO8xlsGCY1f2yzSX7acnsumV8oyoy0lKhPkRp_UiwEicnvZR0419L9zabamOm6DIIbAY/s320/photo5.JPG" /></a> Brody has been practicing drawing rabbits a lot lately! His theme for the posters was, "Be a good friend to a pet."<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX7189zMru4hEqhIzsnVJBqnXhhMfdI1IRlQfhvx1XttGt_yulD8grnPgUbWs3F5MwMZIpHf4N3lS3kWO9YNMAOml_GqEJu2oLdOaQrI3kV1Hp2H0jy1Odvnw-aNoik_tgje0qnUCZsQ/s1600/photo6.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585650916912326482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX7189zMru4hEqhIzsnVJBqnXhhMfdI1IRlQfhvx1XttGt_yulD8grnPgUbWs3F5MwMZIpHf4N3lS3kWO9YNMAOml_GqEJu2oLdOaQrI3kV1Hp2H0jy1Odvnw-aNoik_tgje0qnUCZsQ/s320/photo6.JPG" /></a> Here are the two posters that Connor decided on. His theme was, "All Pets Need Love and Care their Whole Lives."<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnLQIExlzNWG0fs3_y5TiOe8ADi9hBPrRi83B3aZ7IvKBzfC84Y23eHKVbSFynMVJmzBF5a-RjkfmlTKuzoGvuF7pebZ_iIt-Yo4z8JSyJYoi375aPUIYHjuz2JkBfPDSfq0gOdemQCA/s1600/photo4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585650907793004178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnLQIExlzNWG0fs3_y5TiOe8ADi9hBPrRi83B3aZ7IvKBzfC84Y23eHKVbSFynMVJmzBF5a-RjkfmlTKuzoGvuF7pebZ_iIt-Yo4z8JSyJYoi375aPUIYHjuz2JkBfPDSfq0gOdemQCA/s320/photo4.JPG" /></a><br />Brody also decided to enter a story which I was real excited about. He wrote this all on his own about when Dusty broke his leg, and the goal was to write a story about how you love your pet. I think he did a great job and don't worry...I checked...a grammar lesson on commas is coming up;)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7iNf7nG4wRZ5hFjYQFQRXKmKbjSCUP4aDndI5Bj40hSOPD2wqnOz9T3xWYNiq-GW1uKtqkgh3hSnnsDvYzFDm0j89lFeo8txF0oBIyvgsJc-fy_9ZlnfTc9jtc0CqDZjdjAiGD2Li7s/s1600/Dusty%2527s+broken+leg+report.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582528613651066626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7iNf7nG4wRZ5hFjYQFQRXKmKbjSCUP4aDndI5Bj40hSOPD2wqnOz9T3xWYNiq-GW1uKtqkgh3hSnnsDvYzFDm0j89lFeo8txF0oBIyvgsJc-fy_9ZlnfTc9jtc0CqDZjdjAiGD2Li7s/s320/Dusty%2527s+broken+leg+report.JPG" /></a><br />It was fun to see them participate in their first contest of this kind, they really enjoyed it. Of course I would give them my vote, but I'm not on the judging panel..darn!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mK8WBAe8Ez9AjuQMnrGqljax8_oc6oZnvpqcYjtpfFR0x-tCdRGJ6NbJ6trcqdqBg41RE0V4u2ziMfrPiv3YbV-2oM9xn3aalIyhOxLdBYkPBeSMrHCCTIpbbdXRrUoRPAyiClPOXOg/s1600/Dusty%2527s+broken+leg+report.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-39239537237935854972011-03-09T06:02:00.000-08:002011-03-09T11:01:23.182-08:00Bye Bye Busy-ness!Today is a special day....it marks the start of Lent, 40 days before the celebration of Easter. I have decided to participate in Lent really for the first time. I think I might have "given up" something in the past for 40 days, but realize that is not what the season of Lent is all about. I know my words will do a poor job explaining it, but I think now for me that it is supposed to be a time of redirection, of reflection, and focus on Christ and what Easter represents. Going 40 days without something is a discipline in self control for sure, but it has ended there for me. I believe that if I search my heart and find something that replaces God in my life, then give that up, and give that time back to God, I can truly participate in Lent.<br /><br /><br /><br />I have also done some very basic surface skimming into the history of Lent trying to figure out why more Christian churches don't participate and it is one complicated topic that I know very little about. It seems to come down to rituals and routine and trying to avoid anything that promotes it. Bryan and I have decided that anything that helps turn your heart to God is not a bad thing and we are doing this together.<br /><br /><br /><br />In the last month, God has brought two "classes" my way on Spiritual Discipline and I think He might be trying to tell me something. They were completely different in what they taught, but I took a l ot from both of them. So...I'm sure you are wondering what I am letting go of. In a way it is my fancy iphone. Sounds cheesy, right...feels cheesy anyway. I absolutely love my iphone and it has been such a blessing to me in so many ways. It keeps me organized, and has so many great things that I use every day. Some of those things are good things like a calendar, a shopping list and even my daily devotion by Greg Laurie which I really enjoy. But then, there are some things that aren't so good; facebook, scrabble, even access to e-mail. These things aren't bad in themselves, but having so much access to them, has occupied many little "free moment" minutes to really add up during the day. Also, I have been communicating less because I check messages quickly and don't respond because it is not fun to type on my phone long messages back. So, my plan is to use my phone for the basics and not for fun in a way, but more importantly...it is the busy-ness that I have fallen victim to. It is the inability to sit still and enjoy some peace that I long for. I remember hearing this and I loved it though I have not lived it...<br /><br />"We all say we SEEK peace but we avoid silence." (As I type this I have a piano lesson and a guitar lesson going on in the background...hee...hee:)<br /><br />So..to replace my wasted moments with my "play toy", I have been creating prayer cards to truly spend time praying for things that are close to my heart and for people that I love and care about. They will be on nifty flip rings and almost as accessible as the touch of a screen;) I also have a book that I really want to get through called "Respectable Sins" by Jerry Bridges. I believe it will be a great tool for me to focus on sin in my life that I easily overlook. <br /><br />There you have it...my 40 day plan. So far this morning, I am still alive without playing scrabble, or checking all the irresistible online specials like woot and groupon. I feel good. I have to admit, slightly anxious, but good.<br /><br />I guess that my focus on self control certainly won't hurt, I wish I was a little more experienced there, but I guess I am getting a crash practice course!littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-6542221202658190562011-03-01T22:01:00.000-08:002011-03-03T22:11:01.547-08:00Our Annual Trek to OSU Lambing BarnI am sure this will be a family annual event around here for awhile. Every year during lambing season the Sheep Research Center at OSU opens up the facility for visitors to see all the babies. It is such a good opportunity for our Brody to be around a whole lot of sheep. The rest of us pretty much tolerate it for his sake. It was freezing cold in there this year but Brody didn't mind one bit. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepOsbhwEmYOcK7Zj3mJiMbtjudRezFG74eRcOZYhCme6ns1D3ZUS6JFV_ANUvtjxmiCrtOnFxvYJ7tUwc5NufUxbyLZ0lW2UeBpMALF4Yy7W__xQNbX0yf2oR0ECpmdj5zhHVxQQ1Pdg/s1600/IMG_6782.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579363868288993602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepOsbhwEmYOcK7Zj3mJiMbtjudRezFG74eRcOZYhCme6ns1D3ZUS6JFV_ANUvtjxmiCrtOnFxvYJ7tUwc5NufUxbyLZ0lW2UeBpMALF4Yy7W__xQNbX0yf2oR0ECpmdj5zhHVxQQ1Pdg/s320/IMG_6782.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7Zc-t-Lfrahyphenhyphenehc42dhdNp07LObvlRqXZxku9qyICxc2veFnJcELChvuqib0gHRZGCnYCsJY4OFnXBL2CvYP6bP0jxjmRbkRzQI1SZkyKnJ1nU3DwHh60tzl2innrH0vWjTXivgQECc/s1600/IMG_6768.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579363861555566370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7Zc-t-Lfrahyphenhyphenehc42dhdNp07LObvlRqXZxku9qyICxc2veFnJcELChvuqib0gHRZGCnYCsJY4OFnXBL2CvYP6bP0jxjmRbkRzQI1SZkyKnJ1nU3DwHh60tzl2innrH0vWjTXivgQECc/s320/IMG_6768.JPG" /></a> He has always had a special love for the black sheep and this year there was plenty of them to see when we were there. They are darn cute little things though, aren't they?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4TaXHvh2KHWEjFTC6GDn3LyyG2Lzr_XeSyIbeEmRkPKfE2RloQCgJQwfd_N7pL2IseBOVq1rqV5cxd4yJjtzt-TaR9KJIJC05DkxBfhqDYcUy7H1dJCvmCL703NWQKX9f8j4ntcEwEE/s1600/IMG_6757.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579363858431444066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4TaXHvh2KHWEjFTC6GDn3LyyG2Lzr_XeSyIbeEmRkPKfE2RloQCgJQwfd_N7pL2IseBOVq1rqV5cxd4yJjtzt-TaR9KJIJC05DkxBfhqDYcUy7H1dJCvmCL703NWQKX9f8j4ntcEwEE/s320/IMG_6757.JPG" /></a> Even Grandma Louise flew out from Missouri to brave the cold and stinky barn to witness Brody in a state of pure happiness!</div><div> </div><div>So little lambs, grow up and big and strong and we will see you all again next year!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_OZXnDCkw3dkBPQMzFbNmlx5hRZym0OqB1PEtvDxdvI8CwAG4DMJL1XOjRUEnkk17YbJSFdvHaImR2U7BhlKuafPLdnLw3lqL0yToiAgyckSr4ggAXGYdZvadaDBo731zZ_uoGJI5ZI/s1600/IMG_1534.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4y033AmxHON2_qUEUubONsp_b_ginvsxTssTxT_tciY1O4A31iA4jgZg5626lRFRHNC_EoKeub-PCRfbf51pWZGnjc6YcnDRiqfZAaIql6mlDk8UqoFJyWbVb4Nx3_f943hPO2J78MQ/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZcxUJL1EYxlamE4YvB50_s3I9OLWOxMmqHhtZmb-U7F8nLJ9l4eu7w_JoLg54HhD_JLm_NydrGjXIgOogqg5YMhHB-AEkNLg3ICSG85bm9ZOcekpfhhyphenhyphenAajZ9dQ8Y-4sRbBrhjO5vV8/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-47117824783558689682011-02-24T19:09:00.000-08:002011-02-24T19:27:24.516-08:00Just the facts mam....<div><div>I have often commented on the fact that I can see Connor with a future as a wikipedia writer or something similar. He loves to report the facts! He does not really enjoy creative writing assignments unless the idea is totally his. When he does have an idea that is not a school assignment, he gets excited for a little while then fizzles out. I think he currently has 5 or 6 "books" in the works;) </div><div></div><br /><div>This past week a new opportunity came up. Sam, one of the kids from our co op, had a brilliant idea to start a newsletter for our group. I am excited to see what happens with it and think it can be a really good experience for the kids that get involved in it. I know Connor thinks it is a great idea and he decided to do a restaurant review for his first submission. He loves to go out to eat and felt this a perfect fit for him. He did this today, all on his own, with only a little help setting up the initial document. I think he did a terrific job and may even give him a "free pass" on Language Arts for tomorrow:)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577463123949986930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKk-n6qD45HRst0NSn1Gjfl-o7O8sbtrejFxQtmk5az0rC2BLGW6kHT4kupQOiEqrgCTZbOqNnXsdfoVIeB1XJrLS3f5wGhoEaTDqtGr_5vtj4AxdvZ5ncX19l6npH6nYAUE9cOGRc9yI/s400/Original+Pancake+House.JPG" /></div></div>littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-80887192269099290742011-02-16T06:39:00.001-08:002011-02-17T09:24:36.630-08:00A Whole Lotta Love!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSQftHrtziJuWtN6qdv4VV66coBCc1IZU58yZrgL8VFPolC0fcCcjc2_w060XP30IcFAHYzkpAsC8WsvkuM2BXLmT2atp293pMwhYoo0Khr2B3RNsfvsgOgxa5mx_HqtZz11IOwxdo9o/s1600/vday.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574298083328545202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSQftHrtziJuWtN6qdv4VV66coBCc1IZU58yZrgL8VFPolC0fcCcjc2_w060XP30IcFAHYzkpAsC8WsvkuM2BXLmT2atp293pMwhYoo0Khr2B3RNsfvsgOgxa5mx_HqtZz11IOwxdo9o/s320/vday.jpg" /></a> I just love our co op group. Last week we had a Valentine's party and we all had such a great time. God has brought together some amazing families and it is so neat to see the kids gather each week developing friendships and learning things together. I am grateful that we have an opportunity to participate in such things as a Valentine exchange even though we do not participate in traditional school. It is one of those things that I would not want them to miss. They went through each one when we went home and were excited to have treasures from their friends at "class" (okay and some candy too).<br /><br /><br />Daddy had some cards waiting for them witha HUGE sucker attached and I showed my love to them by slaving over banana chocolate chip muffins which is their favorite breakfast...or at least one of them. By request I also made them some chocolate goodies they love, AND we enjoyed a nice day at home with no errands which is always one of their favorite "treats"!littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-770860102634840742011-02-15T07:33:00.001-08:002011-02-15T07:58:23.921-08:00BIG Smiles :)It seems that Connor and Brody have a lot to smile about lately;)<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 274px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 362px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573941294842148514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ4GbpPToffKkoIaZKgfe5k48HsAX6h0aRBgeKgX55-4PX4ajWzrTGb3qage2DL1d0K1NNu9SB3r1-fXaqY1N1uwj_a-W7upzusBCNgJ7YJkq9TAnmEPkRCke9HSagfIk_E1PRSYTNf8/s400/photo+3.JPG" />Connor got his braces off after just a few months and what a difference in that smile! I am so happy we went ahead with the partial set now and feel it was totally worth it. He was so happy to get them off and kept saying how much older he felt. I remember driving home almost going off the road looking in the rear view mirror at that handsome boy! This is my new favorite picture of him even though the quality isn't that great! (indoor at night with my iphone...what do you expect?)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 348px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573941301853965602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFGvEW7FojFzr9NU3NblDehovC5Q_xWopWGysNJ8X76C9cZtaevMfhxTIVSpzzG5Fe1XIamwm8AQnbkjSeH-SPqabWnvE4MYraDBB435NMyaD5gvC7uasGMhcOTM11EJ1TtogUe74hRY/s400/brody+4h.JPG" />Brody and I went to his first 4-H meeting on Saturday and he really enjoyed it. Some of the older kids were working with him to pick up Dusty by himself and he is so excited to learn to do that. He also learned how to clip his nails and do quarter turns for showing. Not the greatest picture either, but the smile was SO precious!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573943379435381426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8goQ66ON89fmeI1D8RboMSVfcpLrTtgffSCipMMTSMuguGpRUIBS91KX95nNy6zVfS8wNL93sjDkvxzr-CLPAxW-xVSB1cAkBI8Wx2FcgFz8brDOesJnSLjt25CldL-EwnTw_LhLM3U/s400/boys+beach.JPG" />Any time you can go to the Oregon coast without huge gusts of winds and a parka puts a smile on my face! On Sunday, daddy took us along with Grandma Louise visiting from Missouri, out to Newport where he has been working. It was a great time for a run around in the sand and I just love this picture I grabbed of the boys together having fun.<br /><br /><br /><br />After that we headed to a great old fashioned diner for lunch and real ice cream malts and shakes. Big smiles there too, but no pictures!<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974474844366644431.post-1666101609728399332011-02-09T22:33:00.000-08:002011-02-09T23:06:05.058-08:00Separate WaysI LOVE having two boys and love even more them being so close in age. When I was still pregnant and shared that the baby I was carrying was a boy, just about everyone would comment on how they were going to fight and bicker. If I didn't know better, I would say that people almost felt the need to offer me some sort of sympathy. I have never needed it. Yes....they do bicker once in a while, but the good times FAR outweigh that. They are best friends and playmates and I love that they have each other.<br /><br />Parenting them has been quite easy. Since they are so close in age, they like pretty much the same things. Since they are both boys...clothes and toys have been shared, and interests have been similar. They want to play the same games, watch the same shows, and go the same places. I even teach them together in Bible, History, Geography, and Science and it works quite well for us.<br /><br />However...I sense that I won't be getting off so easy for long. In many ways, I see them going separate ways. I am beginning to see the age gap seem to grow just a little between them. In our co op, Connor is now considered one of the "big kids" and sometimes they are separated for activities.<br /><br />This Saturday Brody will attend his first 4-H meeting and he can't wait. We have signed him up with his bunny Dusty and he is so anxious to get involved with anything animal! He is not sure if he wants to play flag football again and says that he just "doesn't like sports." He can't wait to be done with piano and has no interest in learning a different instrument.<br /><br />Connor is chomping at the bit for flag football to start again and is wanting to play baseball too. I think he would play anything involving a ball. He has wanted for years to play the guitar and is now finishing up his piano books and can't wait to get going with his new instrument of choice. <br /><br />I see Brody working to search out his identity apart from Connor which is a good thing. I also think Connor is seeking some time to himself and realizes that he is getting older, which is also a good thing.<br /><br />On the practical side, it will be a little tougher for mom. I am already dreading the day when I have to be two places at once on a Saturday morning. I am already preparing them to support each other in their different activities, even if it means some sitting around for them at a practice or a meeting. <br /><br />However, my possible inconveniences and calendar concerns are quite trivial and I know that. God has created them different and unique with their own gifts, and talents, and interests. I am truly more excited to see those things develop and grow into who and what GOD wants them to be. I am just honored to be along for the ride.littlecbsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228810210630515578noreply@blogger.com2