As I said the other day I came home with four books from the library after well over two months of reading some non-fiction and just not reading much at all. I finished two of the books - can I say AMAZING!!??? And the best part? These two books are written by authors I had not read before. So, I now can find their other books - very exciting to this book worm!
The first: Ten Beach Road by Wendy Wax. Three strangers are forced to work together restoring an old house after all three lost their savings to a con-man. It's so refreshing to read a book that focuses on the relationships and the characters. Very enjoyable read!
The second is called Wednesday Letters by Jason Wright. It's about a husband who wrote a letter to his wife every Wednesday during their long marriage - and the children who find out what real love looks like. One of the best books I have EVER read! Very well done!
I'm looking forward to reading more by these authors...and looking forward to the other books I picked up - I'll let ya know if they are any good!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
More Kid Sayings...
Not too long again Benjamin and Drew was playing cards. Drew was not doing as well as Ben and Ben just had to say something. I reminded Ben that he shouldn't rub it in. His response? "I don't rub it in, I point out the obvious."
Oh, yes, he does....
This summer, sadly, Melissa and Ben have summer homework. Yesterday Ben was working on his just before dinner. When we asked him how it was going, he said he would have to re-do one part of it. Why, we all asked. "Well.....I was writing a poem and I forgot that I had to write about the book and so I need to go back and write one about the book"
"What did you write about if not about the book?"
" Bears and dogs"
Bears? Of course, there were bears! His favorite animal!
Now, don't think that it's just Ben that has blond moments! Melissa has her share as well. While we were on vacation, Melissa and I ended up in an elevator with one of my sister-in-laws. After standing there for several minutes, Melissa said, "This elevator is sooooo slow!"
Her Aunt Julie agreed.
Then Melissa realized that she didn't push the button for us to go anywhere! Oh, there's blond beneath that red!
Oh, yes, he does....
This summer, sadly, Melissa and Ben have summer homework. Yesterday Ben was working on his just before dinner. When we asked him how it was going, he said he would have to re-do one part of it. Why, we all asked. "Well.....I was writing a poem and I forgot that I had to write about the book and so I need to go back and write one about the book"
"What did you write about if not about the book?"
" Bears and dogs"
Bears? Of course, there were bears! His favorite animal!
Now, don't think that it's just Ben that has blond moments! Melissa has her share as well. While we were on vacation, Melissa and I ended up in an elevator with one of my sister-in-laws. After standing there for several minutes, Melissa said, "This elevator is sooooo slow!"
Her Aunt Julie agreed.
Then Melissa realized that she didn't push the button for us to go anywhere! Oh, there's blond beneath that red!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
More Books
I updated the list of books I have read on the book page....or at least the books I can remember. There may be one or two that I forgot. I really haven't read as much in the last few months as I did at the beginning of the year. Just was a little burned out I guess.
And the fact that all the traveling we've done this summer was with me driving since Drew wasn't with us. So....driving and reading just don't go together, you know?
Also, I just didn't see anything that really caught my eye at the library.
But today? I came home with four books! Very excited! Hopefully, they will be good and entertaining....not boring and nasty which will have me returning them to the library without finishing them.
And the fact that all the traveling we've done this summer was with me driving since Drew wasn't with us. So....driving and reading just don't go together, you know?
Also, I just didn't see anything that really caught my eye at the library.
But today? I came home with four books! Very excited! Hopefully, they will be good and entertaining....not boring and nasty which will have me returning them to the library without finishing them.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Just to Be Torn Down
Through different means both Drew & Melissa found out about a new White House being built in Bossier for a movie that is being filmed this week. Sunday we went in search of the famous building. And found it. While it was not complete, it did look like it's counterpart. What amazed me was the sidewalk. It really did look like concrete - but it was wood with a VERY thin layer of concrete or grey paint over it. They really did do a good job at fooling the eye.
Hopefully, the movie will be appropriate for the kids at view. I think they will get a kick out of seeing it in person then on the big screen.
Just needs the top to be finished
from the side view - basically a shell with just one room in the back
the guard shack looked real
me and the kids
Thursday, July 19, 2012
That Kid!!
Today as we were driving down town, Melissa pointed out a car with the University of Maryland car tag. I then made a comment that their mascot was a terrapin - a type of turtle.
Benjamin's comment??
"They must have a real slow football team."
Oh, how he makes me laugh!!
(Yes, he was serious!)
Benjamin's comment??
"They must have a real slow football team."
Oh, how he makes me laugh!!
(Yes, he was serious!)
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Quick Trip West
Monday and Tuesday the kids and I visited some friends in College Stations, TX - without Drew - again. I should rename this summer "The Summer of Single Parent Traveling".
BUT!!
Even without the love of my life, we had a good time. One of our first stops was the Presidential Library for George Bush. We all really enjoyed it (especially the free part for military!). It was our first presidential library - and I think we will be trying to add more to our list in the future.
We, also, got a tour of Texas A&M. While we were in the bookstore, Melissa tried on a tutu - we tried to get Emma (the daughter of the friends we visited, same age as Melissa) to join in on the fun, but she quickly disappeared - apparently, we were embarrassing her.
Go figure!
...in front of the library...
...Melissa trying on some new colors.... I still think red & blue are her colors!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Another Week Gone By
Melissa spent this last week with one set of grandparents - I think she had a great time. She enjoys being the only child - without any brothers around. She got some cousin time in as well as shopping, of course! She came back with so cute sandals. She claims they are red...I think they are more orange than red, but hey! Whatever. They are cute.
The boys enjoyed the week as well. William had soccer two nights and conditioning three mornings. (I'm really, really tired of those 6 AM workouts....two more weeks...I can do it!) We, also, spent one morning at the soup kitchen...where Ben has a close encounter with some peanut butter in a pan of banana bread.... We did ask about nuts - "no nuts!" Yeah! Then a few minutes later I heard something about peanut butter. I ran to Ben "DON'T EAT THE BREAD!!!" But he had already eaten several bites.
While he had stomach cramps and some itching in his throat, he never got sick. A few weeks ago when he was staying at my mom's while I was in Virginia, he mistakenly ate a yogurt covered peanut thinking it was a yogurt covered raisin. That day he ended up with throwing up several times.
Fun times, fun times...not.
That's about it for this week.... I did get to enjoy a nice lunch with my parents and in-laws when I meet the in-laws to get Melissa back. On the way home Melissa and I stopped off at a friend's house - nice visit, but way to short! I'm sure she and I will get together for a nice meal soon - a long meal!
The boys and I did list a few things on ebay to sell - thankfully, they all have bids! Of course, we're hoping the price goes up as the bidding ends Sunday afternoon. We're now looking for more boxes, so we can sell more things! (So, far it's all books.)
Next week we have a few things....a short trip to Texas to visit friends...our first trip to a Presidential Library.....Melissa getting bottom braces....back to the soup kitchen (no peanut butter this time, I hope)...and sadly, the start of shopping for school uniforms. School starts in a month...it'll be here soon!
The boys enjoyed the week as well. William had soccer two nights and conditioning three mornings. (I'm really, really tired of those 6 AM workouts....two more weeks...I can do it!) We, also, spent one morning at the soup kitchen...where Ben has a close encounter with some peanut butter in a pan of banana bread.... We did ask about nuts - "no nuts!" Yeah! Then a few minutes later I heard something about peanut butter. I ran to Ben "DON'T EAT THE BREAD!!!" But he had already eaten several bites.
While he had stomach cramps and some itching in his throat, he never got sick. A few weeks ago when he was staying at my mom's while I was in Virginia, he mistakenly ate a yogurt covered peanut thinking it was a yogurt covered raisin. That day he ended up with throwing up several times.
Fun times, fun times...not.
That's about it for this week.... I did get to enjoy a nice lunch with my parents and in-laws when I meet the in-laws to get Melissa back. On the way home Melissa and I stopped off at a friend's house - nice visit, but way to short! I'm sure she and I will get together for a nice meal soon - a long meal!
The boys and I did list a few things on ebay to sell - thankfully, they all have bids! Of course, we're hoping the price goes up as the bidding ends Sunday afternoon. We're now looking for more boxes, so we can sell more things! (So, far it's all books.)
Next week we have a few things....a short trip to Texas to visit friends...our first trip to a Presidential Library.....Melissa getting bottom braces....back to the soup kitchen (no peanut butter this time, I hope)...and sadly, the start of shopping for school uniforms. School starts in a month...it'll be here soon!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Books, Books & Books!
Yesterday I took William to the library for the first time in ages. He came home with 13 books. He's already on the fourth one. He has read two, one didn't hold his interest & so he's one the fourth. That boy does love to read!
The kids also went through their books and came up with the ones they are done with. We now have three different lots on sale at eBay. Last year they each made over thirty dollars selling books on eBay. I don't think they'll make that much this summer, but they'll get some play money.
The kids also went through their books and came up with the ones they are done with. We now have three different lots on sale at eBay. Last year they each made over thirty dollars selling books on eBay. I don't think they'll make that much this summer, but they'll get some play money.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
DMV Times Three
First time at DMV: forgot driver Ed paperwork.
Second time at DMV: forgot social security card.
Third time at DMV: SUCCESS!
Second time at DMV: forgot social security card.
Third time at DMV: SUCCESS!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Fourth of July: Past, Present, Future
Last night we celebrated our county's Independence at a festival our church held. There was plenty of food and fun for all - ending with a very nice professional fireworks show. We were close to the set off point, so it seemed as if they were right over us - raining down on us at times.
For both Drew and I it brought back memories of our first married 4th of July. We grilled out with friends...made home-made ice cream. That night ended with an amazing fireworks show as well. We were seated just behind center-field at the local high school's baseball field with the community symphony playing to the right of us. They shot the fireworks off at pitcher's mound. It was the first time I had ever been so close to the fireworks! It seemed almost magical - just a wonderful night - a great memory!
Over the years we have celebrated the 4th in many locations...some with fireworks right over our heads (with our dear friends, Dan & Cindy, in Colorado & again in New Jersey)...a few watching fireworks off our balcony with a dark Mt. Fiji in the distance (that would be at Yokota Air Base, Tokyo). A few bundled up against the cold! (with Gregg & Melinda in Lompoc, CA where the summer is colder than the winter!)...and sadly a few apart (when Drew was deployed to Iraq and again when the kids & I came home from Guam to the States without him). Also, two years ago tonight was the first night in our current home - it felt so good to be home after being "homeless" for almost a month. Most are great memories - I would rather Drew and I to be together!
My dream 4th of July would be to spend it on the Mall in Washington, DC for the concert and fireworks they have at the Capitol steps each year. In 2007 we actually made plans to attend. Six months out we sent out invitations to family and friends to join us. We even had a few hotel rooms reserved close by so we could just relax afterwards and not fight the traffic home. But just a few months shy of the holiday, we were informed of our move to Guam - so we cancelled all our plans, packed up and moved to Paradise Lane.
This year we were invited to spend the celebration with both sets of family, but we elected to stay home. Due to a delivery we have schedule for tomorrow, we were not able to stay the night and also, we had a few things here we needed to accomplish. Which we did. It's been a quiet day, but enjoyable.
One friend is heavy on my mind and heart today on this our nation's birthday, though. A dear friend from Guam will be taking her husband to the airport in a few hours for a year apart....and she's nine months pregnant with their third child. I remember taking my husband to the airport for a year part...it's so hard. And I remember how I felt just a few weeks before I gave birth to my third child. To do both of those together? My heart breaks for her. As you read this, please, say a prayer for Erika...I know she will appreciate them.
For both Drew and I it brought back memories of our first married 4th of July. We grilled out with friends...made home-made ice cream. That night ended with an amazing fireworks show as well. We were seated just behind center-field at the local high school's baseball field with the community symphony playing to the right of us. They shot the fireworks off at pitcher's mound. It was the first time I had ever been so close to the fireworks! It seemed almost magical - just a wonderful night - a great memory!
Over the years we have celebrated the 4th in many locations...some with fireworks right over our heads (with our dear friends, Dan & Cindy, in Colorado & again in New Jersey)...a few watching fireworks off our balcony with a dark Mt. Fiji in the distance (that would be at Yokota Air Base, Tokyo). A few bundled up against the cold! (with Gregg & Melinda in Lompoc, CA where the summer is colder than the winter!)...and sadly a few apart (when Drew was deployed to Iraq and again when the kids & I came home from Guam to the States without him). Also, two years ago tonight was the first night in our current home - it felt so good to be home after being "homeless" for almost a month. Most are great memories - I would rather Drew and I to be together!
My dream 4th of July would be to spend it on the Mall in Washington, DC for the concert and fireworks they have at the Capitol steps each year. In 2007 we actually made plans to attend. Six months out we sent out invitations to family and friends to join us. We even had a few hotel rooms reserved close by so we could just relax afterwards and not fight the traffic home. But just a few months shy of the holiday, we were informed of our move to Guam - so we cancelled all our plans, packed up and moved to Paradise Lane.
This year we were invited to spend the celebration with both sets of family, but we elected to stay home. Due to a delivery we have schedule for tomorrow, we were not able to stay the night and also, we had a few things here we needed to accomplish. Which we did. It's been a quiet day, but enjoyable.
One friend is heavy on my mind and heart today on this our nation's birthday, though. A dear friend from Guam will be taking her husband to the airport in a few hours for a year apart....and she's nine months pregnant with their third child. I remember taking my husband to the airport for a year part...it's so hard. And I remember how I felt just a few weeks before I gave birth to my third child. To do both of those together? My heart breaks for her. As you read this, please, say a prayer for Erika...I know she will appreciate them.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Yea...That Movie and That Book
Lately, I have heard a lot about being holy - one preacher said we are 'to
chase holiness'. After all
I Peter 1:16 says to "be holy as I am holy" (which is a quote from Leviticus). You can't get more direct than that.
But at the same time I see from many friends on Facebook comments about things that are not holy; the two latest items being a book (Fifty Shades of Gray) and a movie (Magic Mike). I'm shocked and saddened at the friends who have posted about reading this book and attending this movie.
I am NO WHERE near perfect. I constantly struggle with how much of the world to let into my life...or rather how much I need to get rid of the world in my life. It seems to be a never-ending process. (Of course, the reality of it IS a never-ending process on this side of heaven.) I have enjoyed some books and movies only to be convicted afterwards. I am constantly trying to view things through God's eyes before I partake. Sometimes I fail - as I posted awhile ago about walking out of a movie.
I have to admit: some things in the entertainment world seem innocent....harmless...but it seems to me that many things are out-right beyond distasteful. God is my standard. Not the world. Not what is the latest "must see/read". I shuddered to think of having my Savior seeing me read a book or watch a movie that trivialize and cheapens an act He deemed beautiful. I'm also fully aware of three sets of eyes on me at all times....watching to see if I really believe and live what my words say I do. It cuts me to the core to think that I will ever give any of my children a reason to doubt the goodness and the reality of the Lord.
So, I call to all my fellow Christians:
Leviticus 19:2 "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.
As I said, I'm not perfect. I struggle with sin just like every other person I know. But God and His holiness need to be our standard in EVERY PART of our life. Not just when it's convenient.
I Peter 1:16 says to "be holy as I am holy" (which is a quote from Leviticus). You can't get more direct than that.
But at the same time I see from many friends on Facebook comments about things that are not holy; the two latest items being a book (Fifty Shades of Gray) and a movie (Magic Mike). I'm shocked and saddened at the friends who have posted about reading this book and attending this movie.
I am NO WHERE near perfect. I constantly struggle with how much of the world to let into my life...or rather how much I need to get rid of the world in my life. It seems to be a never-ending process. (Of course, the reality of it IS a never-ending process on this side of heaven.) I have enjoyed some books and movies only to be convicted afterwards. I am constantly trying to view things through God's eyes before I partake. Sometimes I fail - as I posted awhile ago about walking out of a movie.
I have to admit: some things in the entertainment world seem innocent....harmless...but it seems to me that many things are out-right beyond distasteful. God is my standard. Not the world. Not what is the latest "must see/read". I shuddered to think of having my Savior seeing me read a book or watch a movie that trivialize and cheapens an act He deemed beautiful. I'm also fully aware of three sets of eyes on me at all times....watching to see if I really believe and live what my words say I do. It cuts me to the core to think that I will ever give any of my children a reason to doubt the goodness and the reality of the Lord.
So, I call to all my fellow Christians:
Leviticus 19:2 "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.
As I said, I'm not perfect. I struggle with sin just like every other person I know. But God and His holiness need to be our standard in EVERY PART of our life. Not just when it's convenient.
Summer Homework
I'm being the mean mom today and making the kids work on summer homework. Both Melissa and Bemjamin are in honor and advance classes this fall - classes that assign summer homework. Both have to read two books and then complete two written projects for each book - which we have had to deal with for the last two summers. But this summer math work was assigned as well.
Benjamin finished his math work within an hour or so - he loves math! He has completed reading the first book and is about half way done with the first written project. So, he still has a ways to go!
Melissa is only about a third way through the fist book. Thankfully, she can knock out the written part pretty fast since she's use to these kinds of projects. But she has even further of a ways to go before school starts August 10th.
Yep - it'll be here soon.
William being in high school has avoided summer homework - for now. Rumor has it, it'll be assigned next year. But he's working on another project: driver's ed. Today (and maybe tomorrow as well) he will be driving around town getting his required hours in with the driver's ed teacher.
Not sure what driver ed teachers get paid, but I bet it's not enough.
Benjamin finished his math work within an hour or so - he loves math! He has completed reading the first book and is about half way done with the first written project. So, he still has a ways to go!
Melissa is only about a third way through the fist book. Thankfully, she can knock out the written part pretty fast since she's use to these kinds of projects. But she has even further of a ways to go before school starts August 10th.
Yep - it'll be here soon.
William being in high school has avoided summer homework - for now. Rumor has it, it'll be assigned next year. But he's working on another project: driver's ed. Today (and maybe tomorrow as well) he will be driving around town getting his required hours in with the driver's ed teacher.
Not sure what driver ed teachers get paid, but I bet it's not enough.
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