Pride Comes Before. . .

(Mr. A.)

Our yearly tradition continues. . . January - March swim lessons. Hard to think of getting in a pool when it's freezing out. (Unless, of course it's a warm whirlpool!) Nevertheless, mommy and daddy feel the boys need to become more equipped swimmers, especially living in an area of many lakes and lots of exposure to the water during the summer months. Soooo, dragging their feet, the boys and I were off to the local high school this morning for swim lessons. At 4, almost 5, this was Mr. A's first time for lessons.

Mr. Z kindly helped Mr. A in the boys locker room as I headed up the stairs to the bleacher area. I can see Mr. A in the group of preschoolers as he's waving with a smile and I'm thinking. . . "Isn't it great that I can sit up here comfortably in the bleachers, smile and wave at my child while some of the other moms have kids who are so fearful and won't let go of mommy's hand? By the fifth child, this swim lesson thing is no big deal."

Uh, Oh, I know what you're going to teach me Lord after a thought like that is ringing in my ears!

Sure enough, not two minutes later I can read his lips. . . "Mom, I have to go to the bathroom!"

OK. . . head down the stairs, in through the locker room, tip toe through the flooded showers, take him to the bathroom and expect to wave good-bye poolside and head up to my spot upstairs. N O P E!

Now I hear in my ears and see with my eyes, while tears start running down his cheeks, "Mom, I don't want to do this!"

At first, I won't give in. "This is what we've decided to do. You need to be strong, listen to your teacher, sit at the side of the pool and I'll be right up in the bleachers watching you." I turn to walk away and then look back one more time. . .

The crying increases. OK, come sit by mom at the side of the pool. I'll wrap you in a towel, put my arm around you, warm you up a bit, encourage you, and then . . . he gives it a second try . . . enters the pool . . . goes "swimming" with his teacher. . . and feels VERY proud of himself. I cheer poolside alongside the "other" moms.

Sooo, mom learns her lesson. . . It may not be a big deal for ME. But to a 4 year old who has never been in the big pool and who never liked to take a bath in the bathtub until last year!. . . this was a BIG deal.

And the fact that he's timid and scared of the water is OK. That's why we're here for lessons.

BUT, watch out, MOM. . . When pride enters in and I start c o m p a r i n g my child to another, I'm bound to fall face first. I've learned it over and over again.

PROVERBS 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

Thank you Lord, for another teachable moment.

Happy Saturday!
Heather

Interesting. . .

While reading the January 2009 Real Simple magazine, I came upon the results to a survey:

3 things that the happiest women do:

1. They cancel appointments to get more time alone.
2. They don't always answer the phone.
3. They know how to say no.

Interesting. Sometimes it seems I need permission to do any of those. I might offend someone. Yet really, it's about taking charge of your own time, isn't it? Simplifying can be satisfying.

Here's a look out the window to our backyard. A beautiful, sunshiny, blue sky, yet c o l d, winter day.

Hope you had a fabulous Friday!
Heather

Joy!

I enjoy peeking in at Julie Rivera's photography blog HERE. This week I Heart Faces has a theme of JOY! It's always fun to see the entries for the week and the one that Julie posted reminded me of this one of Mr. A.:

I am not able to enter this in the contest because I did not take this photo. This was taken in August of 2007. I was in the hospital after giving birth to Miss A. and the kids went down to the cafeteria for lunch with Grandpa and Daddy. The kids think the best part of visiting mom and the new baby is being able to eat at the hospital cafeteria buffet! Isn't that a riot?! With their own tray and being able to survey all the possibilities. . . it just doesn't get better than that!

So the next time you're wondering where to grab a bite? There's always the local hospital cafeteria! he he!

Happy Wednesday!

Heather

Bananas!

What to do with those brown bananas no one wants to eat? Try this "Best Ever Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting". While my "treat" was attending a fun Pampered Chef party this evening, I made this cake for everyone at home to have a treat after dinner. They all gave me a positive, 5 star, thumbs-up, so I thought I'd share the recipe with you. I found it on recipezaar.com.

BEST EVER BANANA CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1 1/2 C bananas, mashed, ripe

2 tsp lemon juice

Mix mashed bananas with the lemon juice and set aside.

3 C flour

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

Mix flour, baking soda & salt in medium bowl; set aside

3/4 C butter, softened

2 1/8 C sugar

(I cut the sugar in half and it was still sweet & tasty)

3 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 C buttermilk

In a large bowl, cream 3/4 C butter and 2 1/8 C sugar until light & fluffy

Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in 2 tsp vanilla

Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk

Stir in banana mixture

Pour batter into 9 X 13, greased & floured pan

Bake 1 hour at 275 or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Remove from oven and place directly into the freezer for 45 minutes. This will make the cake very moist.

FROSTING:

1/2 C butter, softened

1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened

1 tsp. vanilla

3 1/2 C powdered sugar

Cream butter & cream cheese until smooth

Beat in 1 tsp vanilla

Add sugar and beat on low until combined then on high until frosting is smooth.

Spread on cooled cake.

Sprinkle chopped walnuts over top, if desired

Now for a few banana health benefits from bananasweb.com. Did you know?

Bananas consist mainly of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and fiber, which makes them ideal for an immediate and slightly prolonged source of energy

Reducing Depression:
Bananas contain tryptophan, an aminoacid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to improved mood

Anemia :
Bananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body's hemoglobin function

Constipation and Diarrhea:
Due to their content in fiber, they help restore a normal bowel function. In addition, diarrhea usually depletes your body of important electrolytes (of which the most important is potassium, contained in high amounts in bananas). They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber (hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract.

Eyesight Protection :
Research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology has proven that adults consuming at least 3 servings of fruit per day have a reduced risk (by 36%) of developing age-related macular degeneration(ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.

Healthy Bones:
Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of fructooligosaccharide, a compound that nourishes probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria produce enzymes that increase our digestive ability and protect us from unhealthy bacteria infections. Thanks to fructooligosaccharides, probiotic bacteria can increase both in number and functionality, increasing our body's ability to absorb calcium.In addition, green bananas contain indigestible short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are very nutrient to the cells that make up the mucosa of the stomach. These cells, when healthy, absorb calcium much more efficiently .

Healthy Kidney:
About 190,000 cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed each year.Research published in the International Journal of Cancer has shown that daily consumption of whole fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, is highly protective to kidney health. The results show that, over a long timeframe (13.4 years), women eating more than 2.5 servings of fruits and vegetable per day cut their risk of kidney cancer by 40%. Among the fruits, bananas were especially protective. Women eating bananas four to six times a week halved their risk of developing the disease compared to those who did not eat this fruit. The conclusion of the study is that frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, cabbage and root vegetables, may reduce risk of kidney cancer. This is because bananas and many root vegetables contain especially high amounts of antioxidant phenolic compounds, while cabbage is rich in sulfur, necessary for effective detoxification of potential carcinogens.

Blood Pressure :
Bananas are extremely high in potassium (about 4673mg), yet very low in sodium (1mg), thus having a perfect ratio for preventing high blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Heartburn :
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness :
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood-sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. They contain vitamins B6 and B12 they contain, as well as potassium and magnesium: these substances help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Ulcers :
This is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicle cases. It also helps reduce acidity and reduces irritation. Bananas stimulate the cells on the internal stomach lining to produce a thicker mucus (which protects against acid). Additionally, bananas contain protease inhibitors that help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that have been pinpointed as a primary cause of ulcers.

Nerves :
Bananas are high in B vitamins that have been shows to improve nerve function .

Mosquito Bites :
Many people report that rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite is very effective in reducing itching and swelling .

Stress Relief:
Bananas are high in potassium, which helps normalize the hearthbeat and regulate the body's water balance. During periods of high stress, our body's potassium levels tend to be rapidly depleted: eating bananas is a healthy way to rebalance them without using drugs.

Stroke Risk :
According to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can reduce the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40% .

So grab a banana and have a terrific Tuesday!

Heather

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, Monday, January 26, 2009

Outside my window... The sun is shining and it's -6. We're gettin' warmer! It was -15 when I woke up!

I am thinking...I need to get out the carpet cleaner for the toothpaste disaster by Miss A yesterday!

I am thankful ...that Miss A. is still taking a morning nap.

From the learning rooms...We're working on AWANA, homonyms, antonyms, synonyms, mathmatic equations, and a spelling test.

From the kitchen...I forgot to thaw the meat last night. Tomato soup for lunch.

I am wearing...my pajamas! Yes, it is 11:00am and getting dressed is next on the agenda.

I am creating...Birthday cards for my niece and brother-in-law.

I am going...nowhere, I hope.

I am reading..."Living the God Life" by John Ortberg

I am hoping...these body aches are not a sign of things to come.

I am hearing...Mr. H. proclaiming that he made his bed nicely!

Around the house...I cleaned out the pantry yesterday. What a difference!

One of my favorite things...is hearing the kids laughter in the background.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . A Pampered Chef party and the start of swimming lessons for 5 kids.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Sillyness! And just think. . . someone, somewhere is lounging by the pool and basking in the warmth of the sunshine. I can dream!

You can check out other daybooks, or make one of your own simply by going HERE.

Tagged!

It's a first! I was tagged by Cassie over at Mageenme. So I need to post the sixth picture in my sixth folder of my picture file. So here we go. . . let's see what I find. . .

Oh boy, exciting, uh ladies? ha! This is my brother-in-law. This photo was taken on Sept. 21st 2008. I remember because that was my birthday. We had been out to dinner and my husband was so excited to hear that his brother shot a bear that he made a bee-line for the woods and took a bunch of pictures. No, I did not go along. Pictures are sufficient for me, when it comes to hunting!

Happy Sunday!

Heather

A Funny Story

If you want stories which make you laugh, you must tune in to Angie at The Arthur Clan. She is a great story teller. After laughing once again at one of Angie's stories, my husband and I are recalling a funny story which happened to him. . . one day. . . many years ago. The year was 1980 and my husband was a high school freshman (I wanted to post a yearbook picture but he wouldn't let me. . . "I looked like a dork!"). Not anymore, he's one handsome dude, if I do say so myself. :)

So here the story goes. . .

" My mother picked me up in the middle of the day for an apt. to have two wisdom teeth removed in preparation for getting braces. After she dropped me off, I proceeded into the office and directed to "the chair". At this time the Dr. explained that the shots he was about to give me were to numb the pain which was about to occur from removing the two wisdom teeth. And it indeed worked. . . my entire mouth including my lips were totally numb. I could feel. . . nothing. . . nada. . . zilch. The procedure went well and at the conclusion the Dr. instructed me to bite on a big wad of gauze in order to contain the bleeding from the extractions.

Shortly after, my mom picked me up to bring me back to school! That's right. . . directly back to school. No reason to miss . . . my parents intended for me to get my complete education!

However, through clenched teeth, I asked my mom if she'd stop at the bookstore so I could purchase a book.

She obliged and parked in front of the store. I quickly found what I was looking for and headed to the check-out. Upon approaching the counter, I thought it rather strange that the check-out lady had a very surprised look upon her face and her eyes kept getting bigger and BIGGER! So much so, that I looked behind me to see what she could possibly be looking at. Seeing no one behind me, I payed for my book and headed out the door.

As I got into the car and looked at my mom I now saw her eyes getting bigger and BIGGER! She quickly yelled, "WIPE YOUR MOUTH OFF!" Startled, I wiped the back of my wrist against my mouth and it was then that I realized the reason for all the LARGE eyes looking at me. . . My very dapper high school self had a loooooong bloody string of saliva that hung from the bottom of my lip and connected 12" down onto my shirt!

I can only imagine what the check-out lady thought when she saw this rabid, blood drooling, teenager staring her in the face!"

THE END

There you have it . . . a funny, "most embarrassing moment" story from my husband.

I spent 9 hours in the car today. . . so a good laugh is just what I needed! And now I need a good night's sleep!

Happy Friday!

Heather

Some people say. . .

"God will never ask me to do something I can't do." I have come to the place in my life that, if the assignment I sense God is giving me is something that I know I can handle, I know it is probably not from God. The kind of assignments God gives in the Bible are always God-sized. They are always beyond what people can do, because He wants to demonstrate His nature, His strength, His provision, and His kindness to His people and to a watching world. This is the only way the world will come to know Him. Henry Blackaby

Climbing a mountain in your life which seems pretty steep? Like the daily HUGE job of parenting?. . . or a new job?. . . or illness? . . . or financial pressures? . . . or. . . the list is endless in this life, isn't it? Beyond what people can do . . . this brings me to surrendering, and ultimately. . . His peace and bringing Him the glory. It's all about Him. (not me :))

Happy Thursday!

Heather

(The above Henry Blackaby quote was an excerpt from "Living the God Life" by John Ortberg)

I Heart Faces- Week 2

I Y Faces was a raging success for their grand opening last week. Week 2 is Anything Goes and I'm submitting a favorite photo I took last summer of Miss A. and Mr. J.

If you haven't already done so, go HERE and check out this site to submit your own photo or simply have fun seeing the photos others have taken and which ones win each week.

A Special Dinner

My mother-in-law (I guess she would be Mrs. E. Sr. :)) was recently hosting a dinner party at her home. Knowing my husband was willing to watch the kids for the day I thought it would be fun to head over to her place and help get ready. And fun it was . . . dipping strawberries in chocolate, getting out the pretty china, painting names onto place setting cards, setting out the gift bags, making the dessert and chicken main dish. (I must get that recipe and then I'll pass it on).

It was so great to do something I enjoy, help her out and simply revel in a "different" sort of day; a change of pace from the normal routine. Here are a few photos I took:

















Happy Tuesday!

Heather

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, January 19, 2009

Outside my window... It's 12 degrees and snowing

I am thinking... I'd like to go on a walk before my in-laws come this afternoon

I am thankful for... the time we've had together as a family since my husband has been without a job as well as the new job he will begin tomorrow.

From the learning rooms. . . we're working on contractions, equations, synonyms & antonyms.

From the kitchen...my mom brought us soup. Yummy!

I am wearing...My black sport pants and a brown sweater. All ready to go on a walk.

I am creating... a wishlist of things I'd like my husband to do on his last full day at home.

I am going...to really miss my husband being home during the day.

I am reading...a Martha Stewart magazine

I am hoping... this wellness streak in our home, LASTS.

I am hearing...my husband asking me to fix him some lunch. He's being very patient.:)

Around the house...Laundry is in, soup is on, Miss A. is in her high chair & Mr. C. is doing his math work.

One of my favorite things... is when my kids listen and obey without delay!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Meals, laundry, cleaning and the beginning of a new session of our homeschool co-op.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The kids sure love playing out in that snow!

You can go HERE to read other Daybooks or create one of your own.

Powerful

I thought you would find this as powerful as I did. May you be blessed by the awesome promises of our God.

Heather

Dear Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Psalm 139:1)

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)

I am familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139:3)

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31)

For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27)

In me you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:28)

For you are my offspring (Acts 17:28)

I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)

I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139:15-16)

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)

I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)

And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6)

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. (John 8:41-44)

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16)

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (1 John 3:1)

Simply because you are my child and I am your father. (1 John 3:1)

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11)

For I am the perfect father. (Matthew 5:48)

Every good gift that you received comes from my hand. (James 1:17)

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33)

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:1)

Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalms 139:17-18)

And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40)

For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41)

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3)

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29)

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13)

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Ephesians3:20)

For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18)

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. (Isaiah 40:11)

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. (Revelation 21:3-4)

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. (Revelation 21:3-4)

I am your father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. (John 17:23)

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (John 17:23)

He is the exact representation of my being. (Hebrews 1:3)

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. (Romans 8:31)

And to tell you I am not counting your sins. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. (1 John 4:10)

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:31-32)

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (1 John 2:33)

and nothing will ever separate you from my love again. (Romans 8:38-39)

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7)
I have always been Father, and I always will be Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15)

My question is...will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)

I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)

Your Heavenly Father

I read this on a blog called A Little Bird Told Me So. She found this on the back page of Hillsong's Colour Your World brochure.

A Classic!

Since we are having a lazy Saturday morning, the kids asked "Can we watch an I Love Lucy?" The I Love Lucy series on DVD was a Christmas gift this year. The kids (and adults) have had such a fun time laughing at this classic comedian. The family friendly choices on TV have grown so slim that this has been a wonderful option for family entertainment during these extremely cold housebound winter days. You can go to Amazon HERE to check it out or your local video store probably has a season to rent. You'll be glad you did. . . LAUGHTER is good for the soul!

A Treasured Gift

I was looking back at Christmas photo memories . . . (didn't take many due to the flu bug goin' around). . . and one very special gift stood out. . . that from my 10 year old nephew. My husband lost his job last October and the prayers of many have carried us to this point where we look forward to a new job beginning next week. One of our prayer warriors was my nephew, Jim. On Christmas Eve he presented our family with a gift that he had made. He said he wanted to encourage us during a difficult time and that he read through the Psalms for scripture that would specifically lift us up! We were blessed beyond words. He made us this card with the scriptures he chose. . .

I know the Lord is blessed when we encourage one another, and at 10 years old I think my nephew get's it!

Making a Christmas collage with Picasa 3:

Happy Thursday!

Heather

A Playdate with. . .

Corel Painter Essentials 4! I've had a fun afternoon "playing" with the free trial. You can too. . . Just go HERE.

Now, a few photos to show you. . .

Meanwhile. . . while I've been "playing", my kitchen counters look like. . .

THIS!

AND THIS!

Even the floor has not escaped the hurricane. . .

Do you see why I'd rather be at the "puter"? But now the time has come. Dinner hour. REALITY! I best go face it!

(P.S. This isn't the result of a typical grocery run. My grandpa has entered an assisted living home and I am the beneficiary of the kitchen goods. I really am thankful and my kids are ecstatic. . . .LOOK at all of this food that mom never lets us eat!! Pop-Tarts for snack-time! YEAH!)

Happy Wednesday!

Heather

I Heart Faces!

Look! There is a new fun blog on the street! You must go check it out at I Heart Faces. I do love learning about photography. . . I specifically enjoy taking pictures of people. . . And I have a lot to learn. It's a great site to learn techniques and oh! so fun to look at pictures others have taken.

I decided to enter the "Anything Goes" kids contest with a couple photos of Miss A. She was my first girl after five boys and this was her first Sunday church dress. So after church last May, I snapped these. . .

Well, it's 1:00 and those boys are anxious to eat lunch and mommy has been having fun on the "puter". Time to get busy!

Happy Tuesday!

Heather

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Monday, January 12, 2009

Outside my window... Clear skies and a frigid 1 degree on the thermometer.

I am thinking...I need patience as I have already heard arguing amongst the brothers .

I am thankful for...A good nights sleep.

From the learning rooms...The boys are beginning their day with quiet bible reading.

From the kitchen...After two trips to the grocery store yesterday, I should be able to come up with something for lunch and dinner.

I am wearing...My pajamas while typing fast cause I'm cold!

I am creating...Bookmarks for a baby shower next weekend.

I am going...to church tonight.

I am reading...a home organization book my sister gave me.

Help!Around the House - A Mother's Guide to Getting the Family to Pitch in and Clean Up

by Don Aslett

I am hoping...we can figure out our computer "issues" today.

I am hearing...Nothing! As I sent everyone to their rooms for some quiet time!

Around the house...I'll be cleaning a bathroom and vacuuming carpeted areas today.

One of my favorite things...A nice warm shower!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

To follow other Daybooks, or create your own, you can go HERE.

Happy Monday Everybody!
Heather

A Family Devotional

I was in the church library recently and look what I found! Growing up my dad would read this at the dinner table. This is a great family devotional by Allan Hart Hahsmann & Martin P. Simon. The kids really seem to be enjoying it. Every meditation has a short story, scripture to read and a prayer. You can find it at Amazon.com and it looks like this. . .

The older version which I am familiar with and which was first copyrighted in 1957, looks like this. . .
I am always on the look-out for recommended devotionals or books for my kids and I would definitely recommend this one. If you read One of Those Mornings, you'll understand how God brought something good out of our library time!

Show and Tell Friday

Kelly over at NoPlaceLikeHome is hosting "Show and Tell Friday". I'm joining the fun today and showing a favorite piece of pottery. This is a MA Hadley pitcher I received from my mom at one of my bridal showers. Growing up, my mom had one and I loved it because when you get to the bottom it says. . .

"The End" . . . I just always got a kick out of that as a kid. And now, it's one of those childhood warm fuzzy things. The boys will probably not care much but maybe Miss A will enjoy my love for dishes one day too.

Happy Friday!

Heather

The Eagles Nest

I've enjoyed my winter walks. My route brings me by a huge eagle nest. I took a picture of it today. . .
Did you know? . . .

• The largest nest ever found was in Ohio. It was nearly nine feet wide and twelve feet deep!
• Most nests are as big as your bed.
• Records show that some nest sites have been used for over thirty years.
• An eagle can see a rabbit two miles away!

Here's a familiar verse from scripture:

Isaiah 40:31 ". . . but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

• Eagles have a seven-foot wingspan. Once in flight, the long broad wings are ideal for hours of soaring over the countryside. Eagles use moving air currents to make travel effortless and quick. During a good journey, they will seldom flap their wings.

I've had times in my life when God carried me through some tough situations. When I read this verse I thought of those times. My strength was renewed, God carried me; I soared on wings like eagles. God is indeed faithful to His promises.

Happy Thursday!

Heather

(Eagle facts from Eagles For Kids by Charlene Gieck)

My Own Spot

You've heard it said "Everyone needs their own spot". . . Well, I think I've found mine. This Christmas I received a devotional which I'm really excited about. Here it is . . Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire.
























Although it sounds wonderful to wake up and have my devotion time while all is still quiet in the house, it seems I am always too late and the interruptions become way too distracting. And if I simply disappear during the day. . . you know a secret, silent, solitary moment. . . The kids think I'm playing hide and seek! Because in 20 seconds. . . Ready or not here we come! . . .They have all found me! So, today I tried another manuever . . .and hence found my own spot. Guess where?
























Yep, the bathroom! I made an announcement -- I'm heading to the bathroom . . . I'll be back in 10-15 minutes! I yell this for all to hear, ask an older one to watch little Miss A., head to my bathroom where they all know mom needs her privacy, lock the door, and what do you know? It worked! I brought this lovely little chair into my lovely little bathroom and there was silence. I LOVE silence. And my time with the Lord always spurs me on to live for Him and behave more like He wants me to. So there it is for all to see. . . my own little corner! :)

Hope it was a Happy Tuesday!
Heather

Puzzle Time!

I've spent the weekend taking down Christmas decorations, organizing "stuff" and trying to prepare myself for school and the weekly routine to begin again on Monday. It always feels good to get everything back in its place but what a chore, huh? And since it's January and the dead of winter in our neck of the woods, it's a great time to set up the puzzle table. Here's a look at the first one we put together last night. . .

It's a picture! My mom had this made at Walgreen's. Isn't this a great gift idea? Maybe with a favorite Christmas photo.

Our next puzzle is 1000 pieces. . . it'll take a bit longer!

Happy Sunday!

Heather

Year in Pictures

I was inspired by Donna over at QuietLife when I saw her Year in Pictures. So I've had fun the last two days reviewing our pictures and picking one, or two for every month of 2008. If you want to join in the fun or see other Year in Pictures, you can go HERE .

January: Mr. C and Mr. H join the cast of Rumpelstiltskin from the traveling MissoulaChildren'sTheatre (It becomes apparent that the acting bug has not bitten.)






















February: Happy 1st Valentine's Day Miss A!

























March:
Mr. Z builds a snowman with all our new snow!


























April: We head to Orlando and join Oma & Papa for Florida fun! Yes, we all wore neon chartreuse green t-shirts so we could easily see one another. And it worked!! Apologize for the glare :)


























May: My husband is ecstatic to bag his first turkey. Yes, we ate it. . . it was good.


























June: The princess and Mr. J enjoy the warm summer sunshine!


























July: This was the last time I saw my Grandma. She passed away 3 months later at the age of 88. She is especially missed by my Grandpa. They were married 67 years!



















August: My sister and family came to visit and we decided to have some family pictures taken. My friend Lisa came over and took many treasured shots. These are some of my favorites. Thanks again, Lisa!



























































































September: Kayaking on the river at a friends' home.

October: Happy 40th Kathy!

Fun, friends, flowers and a friendship quilt!


























November: My handsome husband at our family Thanksgiving gathering.






















December: We love having a fire in our fireplace during these cold winter months.