peanut, peanut butter!!!!!

Yesterday when trying to make my treasured chocolate treats you know who woke up from his nap and immediately figured he needed to assist.  Ha - gave him an empty peanut butter container and it bought me at least 15 minutes of peace!  Of course I had to stop what I was doing to take pictures - and then eventually clean him up so by the time I finished all that it was back to square 1.

momma's little baker

Allie is a super helper in the kitchen.  I am amazed at how well she does for 4 years old!  She helped me bake peppernuts, gingerbread cookies, chocolate candies, and prepare two lasagna dishes over the holiday!  I love baking in our big kitchen with her!  Madison is more of an independent spirit these days.  Instead of opting to bake with us - she likes to do her own projects like making cookies from scratch or creating a beautiful lunch plate.  I am blessed!

Counter Surfer #1 and #2

I can't be in the kitchen without Mr. Helpful - aka - Mr. into everything - aka - Mr. Counter Surfer #1  -aka - Jonathan.  I have never had a toddler this busy (I am not kidding).  Jonathan is always dragging the stool up to where ever he'd like to be and "surfing" for what is up there. He is very resourceful and will get what he desires in whatever way he can.  I did not realize that what he did (taking food off the counter whenever he likes) had a name - counter surfing. 

When we were looking into adopting Aslan we were warned that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are unstoppable "counter surfers".  Well that was no understatement.  So far we have lost a dozen tortillas, a cinnamon roll, the neighbor's sugar cookies, 1/4th of a lasagna, and various tidbits off of plates.  Between these two I am on my toes when in the kitchen - or when I step away from the kitchen more like it!  These two are always looking for a way to outsmart me!

Side note:  No - the stove was not on and we weren't using it.  Also the black mark on Jonathan's head was his own coloring on himself!  So hold your calls to Child Protective Services!

merry christmas!

No - I don't expect anyone to be checking my blog on Christmas Day!  It is just 4:30 am and I am wide awake!  Jonathan was up at 4 and I couldn't go back to sleep.  Just cherishing the quiet.  I never got to the rest of our Christmas traditions here - maybe next year.  I was having computer difficulties, spent time baking, etc.  

I spent Christmas eve attempting to bake cinnamon rolls for the breakfast on Christmas and to send with my mom for her guests.  My timing got a bit crunched so I was still trying to manage their baking during dinner which meant abandoning eating and worrying about whether they were too soft and then over baking the second batch!  Once I stopped stressing about their final condition I had to spend the next 15 minutes figuring out how to keep them from being gobbled up off the counter by Aslan the expert counter surfing dog!  

Finally I was at peace in the pew at church.  What a relief.....4 kids dressed and spiffy, presents  wrapped, out of the house not on time but we still got to church on time!  I think I have been to Christmas Eve service every year of my life.  That is definitely a rich tradition I absolutely love.  It really helps me get focused and slow down.  It is reflective, emotional, and good family time.  Not everyone has the blessing of great family to spend time with at Christmas.  I am thankful for what the Lord has given me!  I don't know what is coming in 2009.  My grandma passed away Tuesday - causing me to be even more reflective and urgent about the time here in this part of eternity.  This life is not just a 30, 50, or 90 year stint and then it is over.  If that was the case there would be no Christmas.  Christ came to offer us grace and eternity with Him  if we will accept who He is.  Eternity awaits us whether we know him or not.  I have lived some of my life separate from Christ.  It was a self-centered time with struggles.  In Christ now I still am selfish and have struggles and pain - but I do have the promise of peace and eternal life.  There is purpose in this life.  Thank you Jesus for humbling yourself as a baby to carry out your Father's grand plan.  I am blessed to be included in it.

......thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins. MATTHEW 1:21

Christmas is coming!  Thought I would share a few family traditions over the next few days......they have helped us focus on our Savior.  Our nativity has grown over the years as we chose one that has a lot of pieces we can add over the years - they are non-breakable (key).  Last year Merl's oldest brother Loren made us this stable!  It is just plain cool.  I love keeping old pictures the kids have drawn of the nativity over the years.  Madison sketched this one during church last week (click on it to enlarge).....

let me assure you

Let me assure you - if you think you are losing your mind......you probably are.  However, let me assure you - you are not the only one and you most likely have not lost as many brain cells as I have!  I can't justifiably state the "Christmas rush" is an excuse.....we've actually had a nice relaxed pace here.  I can't say it is school - I called that more than a week ago.  I could plead the I have 4 kids thing but I seem to still be losing brain cells and the labor has long since been over!  So maybe you have done some crazy things lately - made some silly mistakes......but I'll bet you haven't backed straight into your garage door!  Bet you haven't!  Oh no, I am not so insane that I backed into it completely closed, I still have perfectly good eyesight.  The kids had left the door about 1/4th of the way down, you know, who knows why?  Later husband asks patiently......"You didn't notice it when you were loading up the van?"  Well noticing is one thing - in fact Madison said to me "Mom you'd better fix the garage door before you back out".  OK - file that in my mind.......that is request number 1,000,001  today.  Proceed into the house 3 more times to get my keys, sippy cup, and change a diaper.  Mind is now completely a blank slate.  Fire up the van and back out!  Crash!!!!!  What in the world?  Oh yes - request #1,000,001 flashes through my mind.  Put the van in drive - back into the garage  while watching the weather strip attachment rip completely off the garage door.  Kid's are yelling in the back seat - "Mom!!!!!!"  Mom gets out of the van thinking to herself, this cannot be happening, tell me this is not happening.  Mom says a few things she has to apologize to the kids for later......inspects the long metal/weather strip thing and deducts she can't put it back on.......notices the garage door is a little bent - no major damage.  Still thinking...."I can't believe this is happening....."  Mom gets back into the van still flustered as all get out and starts the van again.  (Yes, Merl I did remember to turn the van off so we would not die of carbon dioxide poisoning in the midst of it all.)  Mother then proceeds to BACK THE VAN into the door AGAIN!  Yes - you read it right!  I forgot in my fume to put the door up!  Mom gets out of the van again and sees that now the garage door is more significantly bent......hmmm will it actually work now?  Thankfully the garage door goes up and we successfully back out.

So.....what do we learn from this?  1)  We are blessed - the garage door is not a living God created animal or human 2)  anyone who "looks" like they are happily delivering Christmas gifts, shopping, and has all their little children in control is a fraud - they probably just smashed into their garage door 3) I have justifiably lost my mind and it appears that coffee, chocolate, adequate sleep, etc. is still not regenerating the necessary brain cells to keep me out of trouble!  4) The Lord has blessed me with an exceptionally patient and forgiving husband! 

the Christmas letter that didn't happen this year.....

I began this blog over the summer because I enjoyed reading other friends' blogs so much - and thought it would be a nice way to keep people up to date on our family.  I was mostly thinking of our friends and family out of state - but really I wanted to keep in fellowship with all our friends near and far.  I've enjoyed "journaling" so to speak here - it is my link to the "outside world!"  Not everyone is into reading blogs so that is fine - if you are one of those people I guess you will not read this - or you'll read this post and not be back.  That's cool - but it is a nice way to only write things one time!

So I took the easy way out on the Christmas letter gig this year......I think that most of our year is fairly well represented in the archives here....though there are just a few things I haven't blogged about I could mention:  

1)  I am still married to Merl despite the fact that I have hardly mentioned him here!  I guess for the most part I decided that he should speak for himself - or that I'd better not say too much without his permission.....maybe I could get him to write sometime.....

2)  The Lord has really blessed Merl's employment situation in ways we could never fathom.  After so many years of working 2 and 3 jobs at one time to keep me at home - his now 1 job has been fulfilling, challenging, enjoyable, and given us financial stability.  We are so thankful - as are those he works with.  He has received much encouragement and acknowledgment for his work which is a first in many, many years.  I know it is because of his character - honest, trustworthy, approachable, sensitive, hardworking, determined, thorough, and dependable.

3)  Merl is halfway through his first year as teaching leader in the men's BSF class here in the Phoenix area.  There was no question in our minds whether or not he should do it when he received the Lord's call.  After almost 15 years of serving in and being fed by such a reputable and fine organization - it was a privilege to be asked.  He has handled the responsibility of the class with I think great success - through the Lord's help and much prayer.  We are learning as a family to adjust to his "study and preparation" schedule and how to prioritize our activities and other responsibilities.  

4)  We have been at our new church home almost one year now.   Of course now looking back we can see God's providence and wisdom in prompting us to make a change.  We prayed for a smaller fellowship closer to home - and have been graciously and warmly accepted.  The kids love it and have made many new friends - just as we have.  We appreciate the preaching from God's word every week as well as the commitment to relationships.  We do miss our friends we don't see anymore at Faith - but believe it was the necessary thing to do.

5)  I am still long winded as you can see!  I have struggled to keep my posts short.  Most of you do not care about my ramblings!  So maybe I should work on being short and sweet in 2009.  Hmmm......well I might be able to work on being less wordy - but "sweet"?  I don't believe anyone has ever described me as sweet.  

6)  It would be a blessing to stay in contact with all our dear friends and family - it seems each year we hear from less and less!  Keep us in the loop!  We are privileged and blessed to have you in our lives.......

it's coming......

This year I was a little lazy - I skipped writing a Christmas letter and sent people here to read up on the family news.......I intend to write an update soon - for one thing I have neglected writing much about my dear husband on this blog!  So I'll add a few things, but for those new to the blog you can check out the archives on the left there to catch up on our year!

priorities

We interrupt this school day for making and eating the finer things in life!  (Bet you won't believe no sugar or trans fats either!)

"tea with mr. tumnus"

Saturday Madison hosted her 10th birthday party - with the theme of "Tea with Mr. Tumnus". The kids have been very into the Chronicles of Narnia - so she cleverly planned activities for the party following that idea. The 10 girls plus siblings played "statue" where the White Witch was it and if frozen, someone had to blow on you to get you thawed. Next the girls had their "tea" with tea sandwiches, chex mix, fruit, jello, and then birthday cupcakes. Next they played "pin the tail on Aslan". Madison drew a huge lion for that. It cracks me up how even 10 year olds still love this game! Madison is blessed with very thoughtful and creative friends who showered her with gifts of books, a knitting circle, and crafts to do. After the gifts it was out to the backyard for the pinata! (Sidestory: we had worked ahead to make sure the pinata had lots of paper mache coats of flour and water. The day before the party I finished the last layer and set it out in the sun to dry. Not 5 minutes later Aslan came sauntering in the house with a white nose........yep - he had eaten the pinata - no filling in it yet thankfully!) So back to our account - what you see in the photo is "plan B" for a pinata......aka carboard box. The kids had a great time beating the White Witch to a pulp. I am sorry people - I know this is violent but give me a break - I thought it was a pretty good idea. After the pinata the girls decorated little photo albums to take home with a picture of Madison and each girl. You've got to love digital!

It was neat to see that Madison has so many lovely friends of great character - we actually had to limit the number that came and left out still some she greatly enjoys. Every year after doing Allie's party, Thanksgiving, and then Madison's party I think no more! But then after the parties are over and the kids have such a great time it is all worth it. One time a year each child gets to have a party individually their own - fun.

deck the halls

It is our tradition to drag the Christmas tree and various other Christmas items out the weekend after Thanksgiving.  I love it because then we get to enjoy a full 25 days of the Christmas season.  I thought I would share a little from our evening.  Most years it is Merl and the kids that put up all the decorations and tree and I take them down.  This year it didn't work out that way.  Madison, Ryan and I did the honors.  We set up the nativity and hung up our homemade advent calendar which is based on one of my childhood family traditions.  We also got out the advent wreath with candles and the various household decorations.  While trimming the Christmas tree we drank hot chocolate and ate peppernuts (a traditional cookie the Miller family always has at Christmas).  Madison and Ryan did most of the arranging on the tree and worked together fairly well - though at one point when Ryan thought Madison was being a little too bossy he said "You sound like a professional tree decorater!"  The kids kept going outside to see how the tree looked from the street.  It leans terribly to the left.  That may be its way of saying it is tired of being stored in a 120 degree attic every year.  The tree by the way is my parent's old tree and is probably about 40 years old!

After we were ready to be done the kids decided they wanted Aslan in the final picture.  He of course did not want to budge from his slumber - so the kids were trying to drag him on his bed over to the tree - all 80+ pounds of him! 

So we are ready to celebrate the season of Christ's birth - are you?

Happy Birthday, Dear Madison......

I am a day late with this post - should have been Nov. 29 - but better late than never!  Yesterday we celebrated 10 amazing years of Madison's life.  It is sobering to think that over half of her time in our home could be gone......not to rush her out or anything.....just the reality.  Ten years ago we were beginning our journey as parents and had not a clue what we were doing.  Luckily - we had the textbook infant.....little Madison who slept through the night in like a month, sat quietly in her seat and watched what was going on around her, and seemed to just be - well - an easy baby!  The other day I was looking through the old pictures of when she was born and remembering how very quiet our home was then.  Quiet, tranquil ...... HELLO!  That was then and this is now!  Wow what a change!  Madison has grown into such a lovely girl.  In the last few years she has become so capable, thoughtful, responsible, loving, articulate, helpful.....she is amazing!  I appreciate so much how dependable she is - it is difficult not to take advantage of that!  The next ten years I hope to spend time continuing to equip and encourage Madison - making the most of every moment......because I see now how little time I have left.  Oh Lord help me to slow down and worry less about the little things.  Madison has brought much joy and laughter to our home - praise God for her heart and talents.  When Maddie was born her dad and I decided to choose Romans 15:13 as her "birthday verse".

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

our new addition

Well I have been waiting to post about this for awhile but now the time has come!  Meet the newest "member" of the household - Aslan.  After about 3 months of research, decision making, and waiting we picked Aslan up on Friday.  I will try to give the short version....(OK so maybe there is no "short version" for me but I'll try).  Aslan is a 4 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback who belonged to a single young man in our church.  Several months ago the man went on the mission field and placed Aslan with a friend.  A few months after that we found out Aslan needed another home and met him.  After the meeting we thought it would be like putting a wild horse in our house!  We were in love with him but not sure he was the right dog for us.  So......he went to a "Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue" group - into foster care.  I know ......  bare with me ..... I have not switched from being passionate about children in foster care and adoption to dogs......only briefly!  While in foster care he was neutered, received a heavy dose of daily exercise, and attention.  We researched Rhodesian Ridgebacks, had a home visit with the rescue group, and waited to hear if we were "the best family for Aslan."  Yes.....this is humorous that me - the adoption social worker who did this for years had the tables turned on her!  

Insert strong statement: "I am in NO WAY comparing this the the grueling and emotional process of adopting a precious child." End of statement and back to the story.....

Finally a few weeks ago we were asked if we wanted him - even though he is proficient at escaping from a crate and at counter surfing......we decided we could still love him despite these things.....

So here we are......yes I know some of you are shaking your heads - "Goodness girl - you have your hands full enough" or "My that is a big mouth to feed!" or "Whoa!  He is a big dog!"  or "We are never coming to visit you again!" But so it is.....Aslan is a different dog from the one we met three months ago!  Wow has he mellowed out - and has just a sweet disposition!  Don't worry - I haven't forgotten my schooling.  I realize we are in the "honeymoon period!"  Either way our first weekend has been fun.

As soon as Aslan got into the van when we picked him up, he curled up into the front seat and went to sleep!  We took him on a walk as soon as we got home and found out he seems to know how to "heel" fairly well - pleasant surprise!  Allison kept walking around the house saying "he is fixed now (meaning neutered)."  I spent a lot of time watching my back in the kitchen paranoid he'd snatch something but actually he settled on his bed and slept most of the night.  Saturday morning was a bit more of a challenge since Merl was gone but we managed.....took him for a walk and gave him a bath!  He was a pro - stood nice and still in the bath tub like a gentleman.  I don't think it is high on his list for favorite activities but he was good.  Later I was busy doing something with Aslan when I heard swishing in the laundry room.....hmmmm....and there was Jonathan crouched over Aslan's bowl drinking his water just like a dog!   Aargh!  Later that night we actually (the kids and I and Aslan) picked mom and dad up from the airport! Aslan seemed happy to meet his new grandparents and they liked him I think!  As I type right now he is sleeping like a king on his bed in the girls' room.  I am sure he is pooped because he went running with Merl this morning and roller blading with the family tonight!  He should have a full stomach too....because while I was gawking at my new nephew on the computer screen, Alsan gulped down an unidentified number of tortillas off the counter!  Merl thought the package was almost full, but Madison thought it might only have had a few in it.  Either way there was 1/4th of a tortilla left when Madison wrestled it away from him!  All in all it was a calm and fun day for all - he seems to be a nice addition to our life.  We are shocked at how mellow he is and his disposition is patient and fun with the kids.  S0 - no doubt there will be future posts about Aslan and his adventures in the Miller family!

one more cousin!

Lots of news to report this weekend - but I have to start with the most exciting......and that is my one and only little brother became a daddy!  I can hardly believe it.....but it is true!  While our kids have 7 cousins on the Merl's side we had none on mine until yesterday (11/22)!  I wish I could post the pictures  - but I need to get the parents' permission to plaster him on my blog......anyway Archer Callisto (yes, that is his name - first and middle) was 2 weeks early but a healthy 8.1 lbs!  And I have to say......he is the cutest!  And now that is saying something considering I was quite confident we had 4 of the best looking kids ever!  But this guy makes me really have babyitis!  Anyway - several issues caused an early C-section which was not the original hope or plan - but all came out well and for that I am so thankful to the Lord.  I can't wait to hold him - but will be awhile before we are in Albuquerque I think.  Rats!  I admit Steve and Sarah - this boy is GOOD LOOKIN - I am so thrilled for you!

Happy Birthday, Dear Allie.....

Happy Birthday to sweet Allison today! What joy and happiness she brings to our life!  Why does time move so quickly?  It feels like you are strapped into a roller coaster and can't slow down.  It has only been 4 years and I can hardly remember holding this little sweet bundle.  We had a fun low key day.  Madison made a birthday sign and wrapped presents, we went to pick up the fruit and vegetables at coop, watched Ryan's flag football game and then ended the day at Joe's Real BBQ for dinner with grandma and grandpa Spence - where we are traditionally beginning to celebrate birthdays.  It is one of our favorite restaurants for 2 reasons:  1) free dinner on your birthday and 2)  a grass area outside where the kids can run and play!  After finishing her macaroni and cheese and corn Allie declared, "What a nice dinner!"  We all agreed (though we actually enjoyed the BBQ meat too!).  A few presents were opened then home for ice cream and the day was done.  So....thank you Lord for such a precious little girl who brightens our days!

birthday party

How can it be?  Allison 4 yrs. old?  Well not for one more week - but this year I decided to have her party a week early so there was a little more space between Birthday #1, Thanksgiving, and Birthday #2!.  "Flowers" was the theme - and I think a good time was had by all.  One thing that did my heart real good this year was the participation of all Allie's siblings.  Madison helped extensively with the planning and the games.  She drew and facilitated "Pin the bee on the flower" (while even sliding in a short science lesson about pollen on her own!), made up a very cute treasure hunt and walked the kids through it, and decorated the table!  She is a gem for sure.  Ryan helped to make the pinata and assisted Allison in decorating it.  He desperately wanted to help whack it to smithereens but patiently allowed the girls to do it.  Well - ok we gave Jonathan several whacks which he throughly enjoyed!  My mom made the "cake".  Notice the purple flower pot with flowers in the middle of the table (before candles).....it is filled with a pudding and crushed cookie mixture and gummy worms.  Looks like real dirt with flowers in it!  It was beautiful - the kids were worried when I said we were eating dirt for the cake!  So we had a fun time - hope all the guests did!  We are blessed to have so many to share our lives with.  The Lord is good and abundantly rich.  

Each year at our kids' birthdays we share the bible verse we chose for them when they were born.  This is for Allison Grace:  "May the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:4

rest vs. trust

OK - it is 12:15 am here and I guess I have to say that I am not "resting" in the sovereignty of God yet.  I will be working on that.  The first step would be going to bed!  I CAN say that I am "trusting and believing" in the sovereignty of God.  I CAN say that God is still on the throne.  And I CAN say that after tonight (or I guess last night) I will be praying even more fervently for the souls, lives, and courage of my children.  I have a lot of growing to do.  I have a lot of "resting" to do in the arms of the Lord.  And I will continue to strive to "not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own!" (Matthew 6:34) Onward  and upward.

dress up

So here are the cuties.......just a few notes to share:  notice the absence of Jonathan.  He screamed bloody murder when I tried to put on a furry "bear suit" that someone loaned us.  OK fine. 

 Then there is "Sarah Palin".  OK - I know just the name makes some cheer and some sick - let's put that aside folks - she did look good (thank you Jeannie for doing the hair!) This was not my favorite picture (can't see how good her hair looked), but it was Madison's so there you are.  She was a real hit.  Everyone wanted their picture with her and she was glowing.  One 10 year old male friend from church was dumbfounded:  "Wow, Madison - you look - wow - so different - so grown up!"  She had a lot of fun.  Of course she doesn't know all the details of the fierce debates going on about "Sarah" - just that she is a vice presidential candidate - and some people agree with her and some don't.  Ok and well, maybe her own mother gets a little bit too riled up about it all.  Aargh.  

Then we have Allison the "fairy".  She just kept saying all night at the festival.  "This is so much more fun than cleaning up the house!"  I have no idea what she is talking about.....no we have never tried cleaning the house as a fun Halloween alternative!  

Finally we have Davy Crockett and his sidekick (friend Amanda).  He was lovin that authentic coon skin cap (sorry animal people) and western rifle (ok - also sorry anti-gun people)!  That boy just LOVES the pioneer characters from history like Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett just to mention a few.  Don't worry we have not skinned any animals and the gun was for the costume!

So that wraps it up.  Fun costumes, lots of candy, and lots of fun. 

Happy Reformation Day!

 For ten years (hubby and I) have discussed/debated the holiday of Halloween.  We have never felt comfortable "celebrating" this tradition but could not come up with a good alternative.  We've tried it all.....trying to run away from the house, turning the lights off and being "grouchy neighbors", handing out candy but not letting our kids dress up, having a special family night ourselves......nothing seemed to be "quite right".  

It was last year that we realized however that there was something of eternal value that could be celebrated on October 31st!  The date was October 31st, 1517.  The place, Wittenberg, Germany.  It was the day Martin Luther tacked up his 95 Thesis on the church doors of Wittenburg.  Luther may not have had plans of leaving the church, or starting a public dispute with the church - he probably never dreamed those 95 points would spawn a revolution of thinking in Germany and across Europe.  It seems Luther simply wanted to express his newly-discovered views of the bible. He wanted to discuss them with other church leaders.  Without Luther's knowledge, someone printed copies of his message on the newly-invented Gutenberg press and distributed them all over Germany.  Within weeks, Luther found that he was the subject of everyone's thoughts.  The chief debate was the matter of salvation - how man could have his sins forgiven and be restored to a right relationship with his Creator-God.  The church taught that people could buy forgiveness for their sins.  Luther and other reformers taught that God alone could grant forgiveness.  The reformers also taught that religion and good deeds could not save people.  They taught that salvation came only through faith in God's Son, Jesus Christ.  "Through faith alone in Christ alone...."(No we didn't just realize there was a Reformation, just that the dates coincided)!  

Anyway - last year we began to teach our kids about the history of the date.  We were all excited but of course the kids were like - hmmm.....interesting, when do we get to dress up?  We are attending a new church now and it has been celebrating Reformation Day all week and ended with a "Reformation Harvest Festival" on the 31st.  While the festival was not Reformation themed - the kids finally got their wish: to dress up.  I would have liked to see a little Reformation theme in the festival - but sure appreciate the hard work of the youth who put the festival on for the kids.  It was not unique to other "alternative" celebrations in function really......but for us the difference this year was what we focused on during the week prior and it was nice to end it with our community of friends and family.  

So for us personally we are relieved that now we have decided on a way we can truly CELEBRATE Oct. 31st.  We hope to add new traditions, neighbors, and more friends in years to come. 

it's been awhile

Well I know it has been a real long time since I have blogged much at all.......why is this?  I have been examining it and thinking it over for some time.  When I started the blog I did it for several reasons:  1) to keep family and friends updated, 2) spend a little time journaling (an outlet for me), 3) and just have some fun.  I personally read all kinds  of blogs - personal, political, some that follow famous people, etc.  I didn't want mine to be negative, divisive, etc.  So I tried to keep it to our family news, some of my thoughts and observations and great pictures of our daily life.  Over the last month or two though I have been pouring over political information - trying to read all I can about candidates, propositions, and the implications of election results, etc.  I have transformed from a complete political illiterate (when I was in my 20's) to someone who is really passionate about most of the issues out there.  

Sooo......I have strongly been resisting the unending urge to blog about the issues at stake in our country this election.  I know that many of you fall on completely different sides of the fence......some the same as I and some different.  I still love you all - please believe me!  But it has been painful and driving me crazy not to blog!  You know me - Miss passionate, give her opinion even when not asked - but I am realizing that I really don't think I would be able to persuade or increase anyone's knowledge.  And I definitely did not want to hurt anyone with not well thought out words.  (Something I struggle with in real life conversations).

Honestly I am really just stumped.   I have a hard time understanding sometimes why people believe the way they do.  I am NOT saying people should just think like me - I am honestly saying I wish I understood the rationale behind their thoughts or where they were coming from.   I am realizing that no matter who is elected Nov. 4 - we are a country divided on what America should be.  That grieves me.  I am grieved mostly for my children.  But.....

The whole political scene has been a real distraction for me away from Kingdom endeavors (Matthew 6:33).  "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. "  As one blog I read said:  "Life is too short and the gospel too important to be carping back and forth in ways that do not persuade or are not increasing knowledge." Hmmm....I have been doing a lot of carping back and forth with various ones, but I have spared you....Oh blog readers!  You can thank me anytime.  

Just know this - I will not stop being passionate about what I believe.  No surprise there probably.  I will not stop trying to be informed.  I will be a nut case until after the decisions have been made Nov.4.....then I will finally rest in the sovereignty of God - and try to put in practice Matthew 6:34.."Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Maybe then my mind will be clear enough to resume life as usual!

private viewing

Merl's family lives just a few miles from the balloon take-off site.  You can walk right out the door in your pajamas and wave to the balloonists!  Well I was taking pictures in my pajamas.....It is amazing.  Do you see Ryan chasing the balloons there on the ditch bank and then right on Merl's street?!  Fun.  Well - maybe next year the skies will be blue and the wind calm again.

shapes......

These are some of the "special shapes" that you might see each year.