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.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
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.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Breaking Out the Sewing Machine
Yesterday Melissa was bored. The two girls that she hung out with most of last summer are no longer talking to her (she's still not sure why - but that's another post for another time). So, she started to look at dresses on the internet and that lead to looking at purses.
Such a girl thing.
She found a purse that she really liked & that had a pattern. Luckily for her, she has a mother with a stash of fabric.
A few hours later, she had a new purse. So cute! While I helped in a few places, she did the work. She's getting better & better!
Such a girl thing.
She found a purse that she really liked & that had a pattern. Luckily for her, she has a mother with a stash of fabric.
A few hours later, she had a new purse. So cute! While I helped in a few places, she did the work. She's getting better & better!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Correct Answers/Wrong Answer
When you ask Benjamin when his birthday is, he gives you the correct answer.
When you ask Benjamin when William's birthday is, he gives you the correct answer.
When you ask Benjamin when Melissa's birthday is, he gives you the correct answer.
When you ask Benjamin when Drew's
birthday is, he gives you the correct answer.
When you ask Benjamin when my birthday is, he gives you the WRONG answer. Every. Time.
When you ask Benjamin when William's birthday is, he gives you the correct answer.
When you ask Benjamin when Melissa's birthday is, he gives you the correct answer.
When you ask Benjamin when Drew's
birthday is, he gives you the correct answer.
When you ask Benjamin when my birthday is, he gives you the WRONG answer. Every. Time.
Monday, June 25, 2012
The Van
Last week the kids and I spent on the coast enjoying the cooler temperatures and the beach. Very nice. I do miss the beach.....one of the best things about living on a tropical island was the beaches. But, hopefully, the next time I go Drew will come along as well instead of having to work.
About Tuesday my van started to make a noise....admittedly, I ignored it for a few days. Yes, I love to bury my head in the sand. I finally got my father-in-law to look into it. We both thought the sound stopped when I turned off the A/C. I felt like I could make it back home without any trouble.
And I did. Thank the good Lord.
Drew took the van in this morning. Yea. Not the A/C. At first they said it was a belt and pulley - could be fixed for $300. Not too bad - could be worse.
Then they called back and said it was worse. Now the price is closer to three times that amount. Hopefully, they won't be calling back with another "worse" problem.
About Tuesday my van started to make a noise....admittedly, I ignored it for a few days. Yes, I love to bury my head in the sand. I finally got my father-in-law to look into it. We both thought the sound stopped when I turned off the A/C. I felt like I could make it back home without any trouble.
And I did. Thank the good Lord.
Drew took the van in this morning. Yea. Not the A/C. At first they said it was a belt and pulley - could be fixed for $300. Not too bad - could be worse.
Then they called back and said it was worse. Now the price is closer to three times that amount. Hopefully, they won't be calling back with another "worse" problem.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Money, Money!!
One of our goals as parents is to instill a sense of respect for money into our children. For many years now we have given them an allowance with the purpose to help them to learn to how spend and save it wisely. William and Benjamin has really shown a desire to save. Melissa? Yea...not so much...more like a hole is in her pocket.
At any point in time, William usually has more many than any of the three. He has bought one large item since in the last few years - a portable video game devise (a DSi), but mostly saves. He talks about buying a lap-top and even though he probably has enough money between his bank savings account and what is in his wallet, he has yet to do the research and pick one out. He, also, has the greatest opportunity to make money as he is old enough and big enough to mow the grass for us at times.
Benjamin, also, has had one large purchase - a portable video game devise as well (but one different than William's, I think). He enjoys buying "Poke-mon" cards...so much so that we now do not let him buy any more. He has plenty! And the fact that he doesn't really play with them all that much any more.
Then there's Melissa....yea....I guess it's the girl in her. There's so much to buy!! Clothes! Jewelry! Clothes! Make-up! Clothes! Did I say clothes?? CLOTHES! Yes, she's the girly-girl that wants it all.
Last week William and Melissa went church camp -and had a ball, I might add! William accidentally left his wallet at home, so all he had was the $20 I gave him for meals traveling to and from camp. He spent it all on food and entrance in to some type of water-slide thing, but said even if he had his wallet (with probably over a $100) he didn't see anything else he wanted. But Melissa? She went through all her money. The $20 I gave her for food as well as I think $30/35 of her own money. She bought a shirt, snacks, entrance to the water-slide thing...oh, she had fun!
But came home late Friday night broke.
Saturday she was slightly ill and spent most of the day in bed, but Sunday after church when she was all better? She was looking around the house looking for ways to make money for our vacation next week. So far she has done seven loads of laundry, dusted the base-boards, cleaned off all the doors in the house (lots of scuff marks are now gone! - yea! that makes ME very happy!), and she even mowed some of the yard and used the electric blower to blow off the driveway. She even got to baby-sit the little boy across the street for a little while last night.
Her little nest egg is growing. But I'm interested in seeing how she spends the money next week....will she be a little more discerning over what she buys or will she give in to immediate gratification and buys the first things she sees??
At any point in time, William usually has more many than any of the three. He has bought one large item since in the last few years - a portable video game devise (a DSi), but mostly saves. He talks about buying a lap-top and even though he probably has enough money between his bank savings account and what is in his wallet, he has yet to do the research and pick one out. He, also, has the greatest opportunity to make money as he is old enough and big enough to mow the grass for us at times.
Benjamin, also, has had one large purchase - a portable video game devise as well (but one different than William's, I think). He enjoys buying "Poke-mon" cards...so much so that we now do not let him buy any more. He has plenty! And the fact that he doesn't really play with them all that much any more.
Then there's Melissa....yea....I guess it's the girl in her. There's so much to buy!! Clothes! Jewelry! Clothes! Make-up! Clothes! Did I say clothes?? CLOTHES! Yes, she's the girly-girl that wants it all.
Last week William and Melissa went church camp -and had a ball, I might add! William accidentally left his wallet at home, so all he had was the $20 I gave him for meals traveling to and from camp. He spent it all on food and entrance in to some type of water-slide thing, but said even if he had his wallet (with probably over a $100) he didn't see anything else he wanted. But Melissa? She went through all her money. The $20 I gave her for food as well as I think $30/35 of her own money. She bought a shirt, snacks, entrance to the water-slide thing...oh, she had fun!
But came home late Friday night broke.
Saturday she was slightly ill and spent most of the day in bed, but Sunday after church when she was all better? She was looking around the house looking for ways to make money for our vacation next week. So far she has done seven loads of laundry, dusted the base-boards, cleaned off all the doors in the house (lots of scuff marks are now gone! - yea! that makes ME very happy!), and she even mowed some of the yard and used the electric blower to blow off the driveway. She even got to baby-sit the little boy across the street for a little while last night.
Her little nest egg is growing. But I'm interested in seeing how she spends the money next week....will she be a little more discerning over what she buys or will she give in to immediate gratification and buys the first things she sees??
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