My Journey....

Cell phones more dangerous than smoking....

2008-04-02T12:11:00.001-05:00

Something to think about.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/mobile-phones-more-dangerous-than-smoking-or-asbestos-802602.html?r=RSS

The 59 Ingredients in a Fast Food Strawberry Milkshake

2008-03-10T08:27:00.001-05:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/food/Story/0,,1759910,00.html#article_continue

No, I am not kidding.

The phrase "artificial strawberry flavour" offers little hint of the scientific wizardry that can make a highly processed food taste like a strawberry. For example, if you wanted to make a strawberry milkshake at home, here's all you'd need: ice, cream, strawberries, sugar and a touch of vanilla.

Now take a look at the ingredients you might find in a fast-food strawberry milkshake: milkfat and nonfat milk, sugar, sweet whey, high-fructose corn syrup, guar gum, monoglycerides and diglycerides, cellulose gum, sodium phosphate, carrageenan, citric acid, E129 and artificial strawberry flavour.

And what does that "artificial strawberry flavour" contain?
Just these few yummy chemicals: amyl acetate, amyl butyrate, amyl valerate, anethol, anisyl formate, benzyl acetate, benzyl isobutyrate, butyric acid, cinnamyl isobutyrate, cinnamyl valerate, cognac essential oil, diacetyl, dipropyl ketone, ethyl butyrate, ethyl cinnamate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl heptylate, ethyl lactate, ethyl methylphenylglycidate, ethyl nitrate, ethyl propionate, ethyl valerate, heliotropin, hydroxyphrenyl- 2-butanone (10% solution in alcohol), ionone, isobutyl anthranilate, isobutyl butyrate, lemon essential oil, maltol, 4-methylacetophenone, methyl anthranilate, methyl benzoate, methyl cinnamate, methyl heptine carbonate, methyl naphthyl ketone, methyl salicylate, mint essential oil, neroli essential oil, nerolin, neryl isobutyrate, orris butter, phenethyl alcohol, rose, rum ether, undecalactone, vanillin and solvent.

Sky Angel

2008-03-10T07:06:00.001-05:00

Well, we ordered our SkyAngel. www.skyangel.com

We are really happy with it. We now can let the kids watch TV and not worry about the sleazy commericals anymore! Even when we were watching something appropriate for the kids we still were disgusted by the commercials and even some of the cartoons are horrible, even on Disney and especially Nick.
Anyways, if anyone decides they would like to try the SkyAngel it would be much appreicated if you gave them our refrenece because then we get a month free which is cool. RAF-6DRR Talk to you all later!

Facing the Giants

2008-02-25T06:55:00.004-06:00

Jason and I joined a Small Home Fellowship on Friday. They recommended a movie to us called Facing the Giants. I know I have seen it but it was a long time ago when it first came out and I honesly didn't remember a whole lot about it. I also think my walk with the Lord was at a different spot in my life so I don't think it meant as much to me then. Plus, it is a movie about FOOTBALL!! Don't get me wrong, I love sports but the only sports I truly love to watch are the ones I am watching in person. There is just something about watching it on TV that i can't get into. Anyway....back to the movie. We rented it last night because Jason really wanted to see it. I have to say this. It was the best movie I have ever seen. THE BEST! It would take a lot for me to say that. I never had really any movies stand out to much as being my favorite and one that I would watch over and over again. In fact, I think the only movies I have ever seen more than once are the kids movies we own. This movie however, I could watch a million times and never get tired of it. Even the kids liked it. I think some of it was a little over their head but they liked it because for once they were able to watch a adult movie with us where usually we don't let them because there is always something objectionable in it. Even PG movies are very crass and crude and many of the cartoons as well.

I found this movie to be very inspiring. It will appeal to men and women and also teenagers as well. I will tell you a little about it without ruining it for you in case you decide to watch it.

A football coach is coaching at a Christian Academy for 6 years and has never had a winning season. He has many personal and professional crises and is ready to throw in the towel on both accounts. Until someone shows him that God is good. No matter what. You need to praise him when you lose and praise him when you win. When you lean on God and only on God, He will provide for you and the blessings will come. Whether the blessings are big or small, they will come. You just have to be open to see them.

It is a good story with Third Day and Casting Crowns (Christian artists) having songs in the movie. Yes, I did cry. But, I cry at everything. Anyway, please, please, please,watch this movie and let me know what you think of it.

The Dirty Dozen--What is worth eating Organic and why

2008-02-14T17:05:00.002-06:00

http://green.msn.com/galleries/photos/photos.aspx?gid=164

There is an article on MSN's green website that talks about foods that are really worth eating organic and why. Let's put it this way....I won't be looking at fruit the same way again. GROSS!

I will post the info here in case you want it. I got it from a friend in an email so I figured I would pass this on.

Not all of us can afford to go 100% organic. The solution? Focus on just those foods that are laden with the highest amounts of pesticides, chemicals, additives and hormones and deploy your organic spending power on buying organic versions of these whenever possible. Can't find organic versions of these foods? We've listed safer alternatives that contain the same valuable vitamins and minerals.

Beef
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "meat contains higher levels of pesticides than any of the plant foods." Pesticides end up in the environment, then in the animal, and then in you. When eating organic beef you’ll know exactly what is—and what isn’t—getting into your system.

Milk
The fat in dairy products is another haven for pesticides, antibioltics, and bovine growth hormones. These get passed on to you through commercial milk, cheese, and butter. Organic dairies do not use chemicals or growth hormones like rGBH or rbST.

Coffee
Many of the beans you buy are grown in countries that don't regulate the use of chemicals and pesticides. Look for the Fair Trade Certified label on the coffee package or can; it will give you some assurance that chemicals and pesticides were not used on the plants. It will also mean that fair prices were paid for the end product in support of the farm that supplied the coffee, and that the farm workers are treated fairly.

Peaches
Forty-five different pesticides are regularly applied to these delicately skinned fruits in conventional orchards. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Watermelon, tangerines, oranges, and grapefruit.

Apples
Scrubbing and peeling a fruit doesn't eliminate chemical residue completely so it's best to buy organic when it comes to apples. Organic apples taste sweeter than conventionally grown, too. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Watermelon, bananas, and tangerines.

Sweet Bell Peppers
Peppers have thin skins that don't offer much of a barrier to pesticides. They're one of the most heavily sprayed vegetables out there and may be coated with nearly 40 commonly used pesticides meant to keep them insect-free. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Green peas, broccoli, and cabbage.

Celery
Celery has no protective skin, which makes it almost impossible to wash off the twenty-nine different chemicals that are used on conventional crops. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Broccoli, radishes, and onions.

Strawberries
On average, strawberries receive a dose of up to 500 pounds of pesticides per acre. If you buy strawberries out of season, they're most likely imported from countries that use less-than-stringent regulations for pesticide use. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Blueberries, kiwi, and pineapples.

Lettuces
Leafy greens are frequently contaminated with what are considered the most potent pesticides used on food. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

Grapes
Imported grapes run a much greater risk of contamination than those grown domestically. Vineyards can be sprayed with 35 different pesticides during different growth periods during the season and no amount of washing or peeling will eliminate contamination because of the grape's permeable thin skin. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Blueberries, kiwi, and raspberries.

Potatoes
America's popular spud ranks highest for pesticide residue. It may also be tainted by fungicides added to the soil for growing. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Eggplant, cabbage, and earthy mushrooms.

Tomatoes
The standard regimen of pesticides used on conventionally raised tomatoes numbers 30. Their easily punctured skins are no match for chemicals that will eventually permeate the whole tomato. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: Green peas, broccoli, and asparagus.
If the cost of buying all organics isn't within your budget, fear not. Check out The Daily Green's top ten list of fruit and vegetables you don't need to buy organic, with tips for buying, cleaning, storeing, and useing them in delicious recipes.

Sickened over the Election......

2008-02-09T11:25:00.001-06:00

I realize that what I say isn't going to make a bit of difference in anything that is going on but I have to express my disgust somewhere. I have always had faith in our government, the media and way things are run in this country. Not anymore. I have realized through this election that Americans are becoming a bunch of puppets that are controlled by the government and media.

Every election that has occurred in my lifetime I have never had an interest in because I always felt that every candidate was full of crap. They never answered any questions that were asked of them and always danced around the issues. EVERY time and every person. It was very annoying and none of them were ever worth voting for or being passionate about. This year was different for me.

By accident I discovered a candidate I am passionate about. For the first time I found a man that wasn't a politician that was controlled by lobbyists. He has the voting record to back up everything he stands for. There are many reasons I support this man. Now, most of the people that read this will know who I am talking about. (sad that when you talk about the only honest man in the election everyone knows who you are talking about and knows its not anyone else in the race) Dr. Ron Paul. I am not going to go into why I support him because this is not what this post is about. I might write a post on this later but right now my disgust is on a more serious matter.

My anger is with the way the media is deciding this election for us. What has happened to this country? We, as Americans have the RIGHT to decide this election for ourselves. We have the RIGHT to have fair reporting on EVERY candidate in this election because WE decide who gets in the white house, right? Wrong. Watch CNN or Fox news today. I am willing bet you any money that not once today will you see Dr. Ron Paul on there. Do people even realize he is still in this race? He has not dropped out. I don't care if he doesn't stand a chance, we still deserve to have the election reported accurately to us. No matter who you support, you should be mad over this. Mad because as Americans our freedoms are being taken away by the media corporations who feel they can decide who is important in this election. Whether you support McCain or Huckabee, Obama, or Clinton, you should still be mad. The thing is, they have been ignoring Dr. Paul since he started this race. Unfairly. He has valid support. He has a valid campaign. He has valid points on the issues. In fact he is the only one who accurately answers the questions to the issues. And yet, they REFUSE to report on him. Even if I didn't support him, I would still be ticked.

Who do they think they are anyway? And we should be ashamed of ourselves because we aren't paying more attention and watching CNN and FAUX news and assuming they are reporting accurately to you. America is going down the tubes people and it is OUR fault. People don't want to step out of their comfy little boxes and demand that we are treated with respect. Instead we just assume that the government and media will do it in our best interest.

Well wake up. They won't do it in our best interests and they never will. Here is a man who wants smaller government and wants the government to not be so involved in our lives and leave us alone and you can see what happens. The Government and the media corporations can't afford to report accurately on him because they are scared. Scared that if he did win, what would happen to them and their money.....all you hear is that he isn't reported on because he doesn't stand a chance. If they are so sure about that, I dare them to report on him. If they report on him, what difference would it make? But they won't because they want a candidate in office that THEY feel is the best.

Every person I have talked to about Dr. Ron Paul says, "well I like him and I like what he stands for but he doesn't stand a chance so I don't want to waste my vote" -- That is exactly my point. The media is deciding who stands a chance and who doesn't. If he doesn't stand a chance it is because he is being completely ignored. If he doesn't stand a chance it is because people that have no backbone are voting for who the media is saying stands a chance. If you are voting on someone because you feel he has the best chance, SHAME on you. You should be voting on someone who would run this country they way it should be run and was meant to be run and who would do the best job and who is closest to what you support. As Americans we have the responsibility to elect the best person for the job, not who the media feels is the best person for the job.

Because of the media, we now have John McCain in the lead who wants to "stay in Iraq for 100 years". How is it that 80% of Americans think we should be out of Iraq and yet this joker is leading. I wonder how many people actually know that he wants to stay in Iraq for 100 years because I bet that statement wasn't highly reported on and people don't bother to look for themselves.

In 5 years when our country is worse off than it is now with the economy, health-care, the war. You can sit back and know that you dutifully voted for the person who "had the best chance". I myself refuse to vote for someone I do not support. Not that 1 vote will make or break the election but at least I can say I stayed home and didn't contribute to the wasting away of America by voting in another politician who changes his story and views and is controlled by big money and big corporations.No matter who you support, do your homework and research for yourself. Don't vote based on what you hear on the news because it is inaccurate and biased.

Cancer drugs found in tap water.

2008-02-02T09:39:00.000-06:00

Traces of cancer and psychiatric drugs were found in Britain’s tap water, according to a 100-page report commissioned by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).Despite extensive purification treatments used by water companies, traces of bleomycin, a cancer chemotherapy drug, and diazepam, a sedative, have been found in the drinking water.Though experts say the drug levels are too low to pose a direct health risk, concerns have been raised about exposing pregnant women to the drugs, which could harm an unborn child.A separate study by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Wallingford, Oxfordshire also revealed that chemotherapy drugs are being washed into Britain’s rivers. The report estimated that an adult who drinks more than three pints of water a day would receive doses of the drugs between 300 and 30,000 times lower than recommended safety levels each week. Still, some experts are worried."There is not evidence to show that drinking water treatment removes all these drugs, so while we are not wanting to alarm people, it would be foolish to assume there is no risk,” said scientist Andrew Johnson, who led the Wallingford study.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/2/2/cancer-drugs-found-in-tap-water.aspx

Yes it is Britain but what is in the water in the United States? Scary stuff if you ask me.

Hacking Democracy

2008-01-18T08:37:00.000-06:00

By chance I came across a link for this video. You HAVE to see it. I always thought myself that people who were saying that the elections were rigged were conspiracy theorists but after watching this HBO documentary and see how this guy actually rigged a machine I was stunned and believe it or not, like the lady on the filmed, my first reaction was disbelief. My second was crying. I couldn't believe it. With my own eyes I saw how vulnerable or voting system is. Here is the link... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzPXer7946E This is the 1st of 9 videos, each is only 9 minutes or so. I was STUNNED! It's hard I guess to wonder if America is and has been getting duped. I have been paying a lot more attention to the mainstream media lately because of the elections. Let me tell you first of all. I have NEVER been interested in politics, EVER in my life. In fact I have always despised them because I have never got the feeling from any candidate ever that they were telling the truth or not spewing bull crap into our ears to get to sit in that chair. Until this year. More on that later. In the mean time, please, please watch this video. It is very important that we as Americans regain what we are losing.

Shortly after watching this video I read online that the New Hampshire primaries are being recounted. The Diebold machines they use there are the same as the one on the movie. Basically, you put your ballot into the machine, the machine reads it and it is printed on a piece of paper and that is what is reported. Nothing is actually ever counted by hand unless it is challenged. I can't say I really expected the results to be that different. I know that there would probably be one or two here or there that was missed but I am disgusted by what I am seeing on the Secretary of State of New Hampshire website. They are posting the results as they are counted. They have so far only recounted some Democratic votes in only a few counties but you would be very sickened to see just how "off" things really are. Here is the website. http://www.sos.nh.gov/recountresults.htm Now, if you really look at things and add them up, things are very wrong here. First of all in the recount Clinton lost 12 votes so far total. Edwards lost 12 votes so far, Obama lost 12 votes so far. They all really have 12 less votes so far then the original votes. Isn't that a little strange that all three have lost exactly 12? The republicans mostly all gained votes. McCain gained 44 votes, Romney gained 24 votes, Paul gained 13 votes. There are some other that have more or less as well but I am just picking some. The Republicans on here are only so far the votes that they have been written into on the democratic ballots. This is really starting to make me wonder. In the mean time the New Hampshire local news has run a story saying "so far nothing wrong with votes" okay.....what the heck? Think about it. I will go more into my thoughts about this years election later. I hope you watch that movie and please, please, let me know what you think of it. Watch it to the end because at the end is the best part.

Household products

2008-01-03T10:51:00.000-06:00

Did you know.....that according to a 15 year study presented at the Toronto Indoor Air Conference, women who work in the home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than those who work away from the home. The study concluded that this was a direct result of the increased exposure to toxic chemicals, many of which are found in common household products.

54%????? Wow, I am truly speechless (trust me, this doesn't happen much ).

An average home generates over 25 pounds of toxic hazardous waste each year. Most of it, household cleaning products.

Some more facts for you to ponder.....

Carpet cleaners are extremely toxic to children. The fumes given off by carpet cleaners can cause cancer and liver damage.

Cholrine-- the chemical most frequently involved in household poisonings in the US may cause reproductive, endocrine, and immune system disorders.

Degreasers may contain petroleum distillates and butyl cellosolve, which can cause damage lung tissues and dissolve fatty tissue surrounding nerve cells.

Drain cleaners are one of the most hazardous products in the home. Can contain lye, which is a strong caustic substance that causes severe corrosive damage to eyes, skin, mouth and stomach. can be fatal if swallowed.

Glass cleaners may contain ammonia. Fumes from ammonia can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

Oven cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners are among some of the most dangerous cleaning products. Toilet bowl cleaners can contain chlorine and hydrochloric acid.

This information is from a packet from the company Shaklee.

http://www.shaklee.com/

So... is it worth it to buy products from this company? This is what I wanted to find out so I got a catalog. I also found out some information from other places around the web and so forth. Sometimes you figure it will be more expensive to buy less toxic products but that would be exactly what the big money corps want you to believe when in fact the opposite is true.

Shaklee's Get Clean Starter kit I believe right now you can get for $89.60. BUT what that includes is amazing. It totals the same as if you were to buy:

60 Bottles of Fantastic
32 bottles of Mop & Glo
728 Bottles of Windex
1 Bottle of Woolite
1 container of Colorox Wipes
1 Bottle of Soft Scrub
2.5 Boxes of Cascade detergent
2 Boxes of 50 oz liquid Tide
3 Bottles of Downy Fabric Softener 64 oz
1 box of Bounce

Total that and it would cost you approx $3400.

NO I do not work or sell this product. I actually just got my first catalog in the mail yesterday and so far am very impressed especially at the information alone that they provide! Plus something I was really happy about is their 100% money back guarantee empty or not. Very interesting.

I will be looking into these products more that is for sure.

2007-12-27T11:16:00.000-06:00

These are the lyrics to Alicia Keys new song No one. Maybe she wrote them to or about another person but to me, they apply but only in regards to my relationship with Christ. This is how I feel about Jesus!

NO ONE
I just want you close
Where you can stay forever
You can be sure
That it will only get better
You and me together
Through the days and nights
I dont worry cause
Everythings gonna be alright

People keep talking
They can say what they like
But all I know is everything's gonna be alright
No one no one no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one no one no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for
you You you
Can get in the way of what I feel for you

When the rain is pouring down
And my heart is hurting
You will always be around
This I know for certain
You and me together
Through the days and nights
I dont worry cause
Everythings gonna be alright

People keep talking
They can say what they like
But all I know is everything's gonna be alright
No one no one no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one no one no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you
You you
Can get in the way of what I feel for you

I know some people search the world
To find something like what we have
I know people will try
Try to divide
Something so real
So till the end of time
Im telling you that
No one no one no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one no one no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you
Oh oh oh....

I heard something on Joyce Meyers the other day that stuck with me. If you are not a believer and you are wrong, you will have big problems when you die. If I am wrong and I die then I have nothing to lose. Think about it! I would rather be on the believing side.

Go Ron Paul!!!

2007-12-27T07:36:00.001-06:00

http://www.ronpaul2008.com/

Did you know??

2007-12-15T09:45:00.001-06:00

That the typical tube of toothpaste has enough fluoride in it to kill a small child? There are many good articles on Mercola.com. I am going to start posting the links to some of the ones I think are really good to read.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/12/15/is-your-toothpaste-really-quot-natural-quot.aspx

Twas the month before Christmas

2007-12-09T09:21:00.000-06:00

T'was the month before Christmas

When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday ".

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an XBOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there a rose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holidays!

A Christmas Prompting

2007-12-07T14:46:00.000-06:00

I recieved this from a friend today in an email. I am keeping out the name for privacy reasons. This really helped me remember what Christmas is truly all about. Hope it makes you think. I have copied and pasted part of the email with his permission.

"Most of all this time of year is the complete abomination of the Christmas season that the world has imposed on all of us. With Christmas time coming up most people have turned to cramming into stores on black Friday or frantically looking online on "cyber Monday", or worse yet going into debt to please everyone on Christmas time. Don't go to the check into cash places to finance your holiday or take a loan against your 401K or a second on your house. By doing these things we all feed the evil one and he is delighting in our bold disregard for what the season is celebrating in the first place.
* Rom 13:8 //Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
In all of the hub bub we are not honoring God with the things that we should be. We worry about Christmas lists, and will little Johnny cry if he doesn't get what he wants, and will little Suzie be broken hearted if she gets a good book rather than an electronic computer pen? If in fact we are Christ followers and we strive to seek his face in all we do, then why do we succumb to what the world has told us is good and just? The tradition of gift giving came from the idea that the Magi brought Jesus gifts on his birthday. They gave 3 gifts only and they were very significant in that day of the transformation that they had. So we celebrate the holiday by doing the same with our loved ones on that day.
The story of the bible is much different. While the Magi did give the Christ child gifts, it was because they were convicted by God that was what they were to do. They were not even believers when they were looking for him. Truth is that the Magi were sent by Herod to find Jesus so that he could come and kill him because he threatened his throne.
I would say, why don't we honor Jesus the way that the Magi did? They werecompelled by God to fall down and honor Him. Does it honor God because we have so many gifts under the tree that we have to push things to the side to just plug the tree in at night? Does it honor Him that we have put money into a Christmas account all year long, and not done our tithing, /(Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. *Dueteronomy 14:22*)/so that we could afford what the season compels us to do? What we should be doing is be in prayer for people around the world that have nothing. Those that are faithful to God even though they could honestly say they don't know what an I pod is or a Wii. Those that are living in the jungles of Sri Lanka and are excited about getting a new pair of shoes, when we here have a different pairfor every outfit. Put into perspective what Christmas means to you, and convey that to others.
* Acts 4:2 "Now Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." Everything that takes away from God is evil. So if you are indulging your human wants versus your spiritual needs you should pray that God would interceded in your life. We need to honor God in everything that we do and not just when it fits OUR schedule. * Matthew 12:35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. In closing please remember that if God's people will not honor Jesus, itdoes not mean that He stops working. It just means that those that do not know Him right now will come to know Him and His kingdom will come and His will be done, on both earth as it is in heaven. I love you all and I pray for you as well as I ask for your prayers for me and my family this year. Jesus is the reason for the season. Let's all celebrate Christmas with a capitol C. The world is trying to take that away by using terms like "holiday party", or "family trees", I say NO we will not fall for the deceptions of the evil one and we will overcome and build ourselves up in the Lord's image, the way that He wants it to be.P.S. Just a couple of tidbits 41% or Americans can't remember whattheir favorite gift for Christmas was last year, worse yet 30% ofspouses don't even know what the other spouse got them.

A Poem that really made me think....

2007-12-02T02:22:00.000-06:00

"When Jesus Called That Christmas Week"

"When Jesus called that Christmas week I wasn't at my best;
And the house was much too cluttered to entertain a guest.
He seemed to notice everything, the cards still unaddressed;
The gifts piled high awaiting wraps, the baking and the rest.
His eyes fell on the evergreen and the presents 'neath the tree,
It's my birthday that you celebrate-what are you giving me?
'What am I giving him?' I thought; ashamed no words I found.
So many costly things I'd bought, he looked at me and frowned.
I prayed he'd let the question pass, but when he did persist,
I blurted out the truth at last, you were not on my list."
(Louise Teisberg)

Educational Decisions

2007-11-27T21:51:00.000-06:00

I don't homeschool Abigail right now but am still looking into homeschooling Gavin and I found an interesting blog about how homeschoolers are “blind” to how homeschooling can ruin their kids, because, well, they are homeschoolers. And how parents with strong personalities can make their kids basket cases.

Ok. So, let’s turn that around. Public school parents/administrators/teachers are “blind” to how school can ruin their kids, because, well, they are public schoolers. And how parents and teachers and other kids with strong personalities can make their kids basket cases.
I’m not saying that homeschooling is better. What I am saying is that homeschooling is not worse because there are some that “fail” or have a hard time as adults. Homeshcooling is only “worse” because most people haven’t experienced it, and don’t get it. So they see it that way. And because people make the choice to homeschool, instead of choosing their preferred educational choice, it is treated with some kind of higher expectation than anything else. That if a kid doesn’t live up to society’s expectation of what they are supposed to do, it’s an indication that homeschooling is a problem, and should be questioned, monitored and otherwise messed with. That if homeschooling “fails” a kid, then some huge horrible thing has happened. Yet, when kids in school come out of it with many, many adults who have let them get screwed up on the way, it’s just, well, the natural way of things. And, let’s slap on another rule, regulation or test that still doesn’t change the results all that much.

Many kids have problems in schools. In fact, a much higher percentage of kids come out of schools with various problems, issues and struggles. Yet, few question the validity of whether the schools are the best place for kids to grow up. Well, except for the people who leave school to homeschool. Every year we pump through a graduating class of children that absolutely know for sure will produce at least a certain percentage of unhappy and unready almost-adults, yet we keep doing it year after year after year. How is that any different, or BETTER, than a few homeschooling students coming through the process with some unreadiness issues? How is it that homeschooling “failures” are worse than public school failures?

Here’s a way to explain this what one person considers to be the “best” place to grow up differs from the next. Yet, in the end, none of them are the best for everyone. No state is the best state, no city is the best city, no religion is the best. Everything is determined by the individual making the assessment. The same is true with education. We’re OK with the idea of different people wanting to live in different states. But we (as a society) are not OK with the idea of different people wanting to live a different educational life.
It’s the current state of thing that in this country, most people believe from their point of view that public school is the best place for all. Doesn’t mean it is actually the best. It means that’s what our culture knows. What we understand.

Where we sit is limited by our experiences. To say that someone else’s position is “wrong” simply because it isn’t the same seat we are in is myopic. It’s the very thing our culture says that public school is supposed to teach us not to do—instead we’re supposed to understand where other people from different backgrounds and places are coming from.
Yet, those who are the most adamantly opposed to homeschooling have very little understanding. And create a concrete opinion based on limited personal experience and media exposure.

Even those IN the community do that. Homeschoolers who don’t approve of other homeschoolers. If homeschoolers themselves can’t find common ground, how can we expect non-homeschoolers to even come close to understanding where we are coming from?
What are some of the reasons homeschoolers choose to homeschool? The many different viewpoints. The alternate ideas. To question things, and be free to say, “I want to know more about this and really understand it.” And have time to do that. To be able to explore the world - even the stuff that nobody wants anyone to know. To see that their view is not privileged. Nobody’s view is privileged. And that in any society, the majority opinion is not “right”. There is no such thing as “right”. There are only trends in thought. Can you imagine a school that taught that? A school that really allowed its students to see that the school is just a system that everyone has agreed upon, and that’s why it works. It doesn’t work the way it does because it’s right. But because all the participants have tacitly agreed to follow the rules, even if they don’t make sense.

The only kinds of things homeschoolers shield their kids from are things like the idea that in order to be worth something, someone else has to say that you’re good enough. That’s the biggest lie that our students in school are taught. That if they don’t do the right thing, don’t get good grades, don’t live up to everyone’s expectations, they’ve failed. Another is the idea that children have to spend their entire lives performing to get that prize that never arrives. Sure, everyone gets judged in “real life” and we have people who we need to please in order to get what we want. But not everyday. Not every single piece of work we produce. And man, we don’t need to have to “practice” that all the time in order to be able to deal with it. Plus, anyone who has that in everyday life is living a pretty crappy life in my opinion. Adults choosing that kind of crappy job is one thing. That’s their choice. But children who don’t have a choice, that’s just mean.
These are some of my personal reasons. This doesn’t mean it’s right or that anyone else should agree with me. I respect those who don’t agree with that and make different life choices for their children based on different values of what’s important in life. But just because I don’t agree with how school should educate children, and Imay choose not to be a part of it, doesn’t mean that I need some sense slapped into me. I’m free to choose. And so long as we are free to choose in this country, I will choose. Take away choice for people to have their own opinions and do things their way, even if it seems a “disservice” to kids, is not freedom. It’s forcing people to bend to the current social point of view. Which, if we look at history, has *never* been right. Why, is right now, in the time we just happen to live in, the “right” opinion? In 50 years, we’ll look back at today and see just how wrong we were.
And who knows, maybe homeschooling is actually better, but because 99% of the country has never tried it, they’re all missing out.
Or maybe homeschoolers actually are missing out. But, if I have to make a wager, I’ll bet on homeschooling. There’s always time for kids to go to school if they want. Once that window of childhood freedom is over, it’s rare that we get a chance to be this free again. I’m betting that we’ll miss out on less if we homeschool. And, if it does turn out all homeschooelrs have screwed up, we’re only 1% of the population, remember? Why is that even interesting to public schoolers? Even if we were 5%, that’s still far less than the percentage of kids who come through the school system braindead, burned out or lost.
As a conclusion, homeschooling is better than school if you think it is. It’s not better if you don’t. Simple as that. Not worth fighting about. It’s like fighting over which is better - apples or bananas.

Things... tagged from Tanya!

2007-11-19T08:43:00.000-06:00

10 THINGS I DID THIS WEEKEND

1. Went to Jason's basketball game (scrimmage).
2. Get caught up on all the laundry.
3. Read an entire book called "Drowing Ruth"
4. Colored with Abbie
5. Laid in bed most of Sunday with a horrible migraine.
6. Schoolwork with Abbie
7. Did lessons of Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons with Gavin.
8. Cleaned out fridge and freezer.
9. Prayed for our Pastor who was injured in hunting accident this weekend.
10. Joined our church volleyball team.

9 things on my agenda this week:

1. Go to doctor today
2. Keep up with laundry.
3. Go to Jason's basketball game.
4. Go to Awana's praise and pie on Wed.
5. Take kids to eye doctor tomorrow.
6. Get floors done.
7. Read more of the book I am reading "More Natural Cures they don't want you to know about."
8. Get list made up for Black Friday sales.
9. Make important phone calls.

8 shows (I am adding movies) I watched last week.
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Laugh your way to a better marriage by Mark Gungor (hilarious!!)
3. Football (not by choice)
4. Joyce Meyers
5. Oprah
6.
7.
8.

7 things I cooked last week:
1. Green Bean casserole
2. Shrimp
3. Mac & cheese
4. Hashbrowns
5. Chicken
6. Eggs
7. Pancakes and waffles

6 things I read this week

1. My bible
2. Blogs
3. Drowning Ruth
4. More Natural Cures they don't want you to know about.
5. Abbies writing from her journals at school
6. Happy Go Lucky (chapter book) with Abbie

5 Reasons to be happy today

1. I love the Lord!!
2. I am at peace about Abbie going to OCS.
3. My family is healthy and happy.
4. It's only a 3 day week!
5. Did I mention it's only a 3 day week?? :)

4 things I need to buy:

1. New towels and washcloths for kitchen
2. Warm jammies for Gavin
3. Boots for Gavin and gloves for me.
4. A bible for Gavin

3 people I saw this weekend:
1. Mom and Dave
2. The basketball team
3. My family

2 things I am thankful right now:

1. My migraine is gone!
2. The Lord forgiving me!

1 final thought:

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Did you ever wonder?

2007-10-28T15:17:00.000-05:00

If God wants you in relationships that are hard so you can be an example or if he wants you to only be in relationships that lift you up? As a Christian I find myself wondering this very thing. Would God want me in an unbalanced relationship? Would He want me to be friends with a non-Christian so I can try and do some good if it is possible? Well having been thinking about this issue a lot lately, I came across something I read in a book. In the book "The Mother Load" by Mary Byers I read this and it has been on my mind.

"Most of us spend more time and energy making friends than we do letting them go. But it would be shortsighted to discuss the importance of friendship without also addressing the need to gently end a friendship when it becomes necessary. It wasn't until my early twenties that I had to consciously make the decision to end a friendship. It was painful. And it was the first time I realized that healthy friendships require a balance of give and take, of closeness and distance, of walking alongside one another rather than one person carrying the other. Healthy friendships offer advice and encouragements; they are not bossy. They offer practical support, and no offense is taken when the support is not accepted. They provide a sounding board and confessional; they do not pass judgement. Above all, they can survive the ebb and flow of life.

Though I believe God often puts us in unbalanced friendships so that we might do some good, I don't believe he expects us to stay in them at the expense of our own emotional or physical health. As mothers, the demands on our time and emotions are already so great that we have to be especially diligent not to entertain any friendships that drain our energies, drag us down, or burden us unnecessarily. Author Gordon MacDonald offers practical advice to help determine the types of friendships we should seek. He writes:

I can think of certain people in my world whose company invigorates me, and when the leave, I'm full of resolve, ideas, and intentions about God, self-improvement, and service to others. I can also think of people in my world whose very presence exhausts me. And when they leave, I am ready for a long, long nap.

It's those who invigorate us who should be most sought after as friends. Those who exhaust us should be avoided. Some people are tiring because they are happier when they are unhappy. Others are crisis junkies, needing to always be in the midst of crisis, from which they gain their self-worth. still others are masters at tearing people down in order to build themselves up. Angela Guffey writes about a friend like this, along with the resulting wake-up call:

"Many years ago, there was a women in my life who had decided that she was going to be my friend. She was a sweet person who loved the Lord, but we lacked a real soul connection. this women called me almost every day, and because I was lonely at home with my first baby, I began to embrace her as a friend. Never mind that her attitude was dismal and depressing. Never mind that our theologies took divergent paths. Never mind that she was miserable in her marriage and in life. Never mind that her walk with the Lord was shallow and sporadic.

...I finally woke up that day and realized that this friendship was not healthy for me. This woman could be in my life, but I would not give her permission to walk around in my soul."

I would not give her permission to walk around in my soul. That's the key. We must guard our hearts and not give permission for just anyone to walk around inside us. That's sacred ground, and it must be preserved for those who encourage and uplift us as well as challenge us to become better in all the roles we play. "

So....as I read this have been thinking about this for a few weeks I feel this has answered a lot of the questions I have. I believe as friends we must all take inventory. On each other and ourselves. Who in your life invigorates you and challenges you? And who with their very presence exhausts you? And also what kind of friend are you? Do you invigorate and challenge others or do you make your friends want to take a long, long nap when you leave?

To All Moms....

2007-10-04T06:41:00.000-05:00

One of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can seeme at all. I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can youtie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not evena human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guideto answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Pick meup about 5:30, please." I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going...she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given itto me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

1. No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.

2. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.

3. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

4. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered bythe roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my ownself-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing homefrom college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or amonument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women. Live Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly. Leave the rest toGod!

so true

2007-10-02T19:14:00.001-05:00

THIS IS TOO FUNNY! IT"S SO TRUE!
You Know You Grew Up In The 80's or Early 90's If:

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE

2. You watched the Pound Puppies.

3. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Belair and can do theCarlton

4. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.

5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters club and tried tostart a club of your own.

6. You owned those lil' Strawberry Shortcake pals scented dolls.

7. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom

8. Two words: Hammer Pants

9. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock"

10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars... and spokey-dokesor playing cards on your spokes for that incredible ;Sound effect

11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales"

12. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watchcartoons.

13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.

14. You saw the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the bigscreen...and still know the turtles names.

15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in compute Class at school.

16. You made your mom buy one of those clip that would hold your Shirt in a knot on the side.

17. You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)

18. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.

19. L.A. Gear....need I say more?

20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM" in Kindergarten.

21. You remember reading Tales of a fourth grade nothing and all TheRamona books.

23. You wanted to be a Goonie.

24. You ever wore fluorescent clothes.

25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his noseFell off and his cheeks shifted.

26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.

27. You took lunch boxes to school... andtraded Garbage Pailkids inthe schoolyard.

28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.

29. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.

30. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.

31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favorite band.

32. You thought She-ra (Princess of Power!) and He-Man should hook up.

33. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because youexchanged handmade friendship bracelets.

34. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.

35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know youare, but what am I?"

36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"

38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slipand Slide.

39. You have ever played with a Skip-It.

42. You remember Popples.

44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks overtights with high top Reeboks

48. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!!"

49. You remember watching Rainbow Bright and & My Little Pony Tales

52. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool... and don'teven flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB"

53. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "SavedBy The Bell," The ORIGINAL class.

Have you ever seen anything like this??

2007-09-21T09:54:00.000-05:00

A reaction Gavin had to a mosquito bite. Yeah, gross.

Awesome article I found on Time with your kids!!

2007-08-22T20:20:00.000-05:00

10 Ways To Create Quality Time With Your Kids

y Dave Klassen with Glen Hoos

This morning I glanced at my schedule for the coming weekend. Four baseball games and two birthday parties dominate the landscape, along with a list of household chores and errands longer than any one man should have to face. And these are supposed to be my days off!

The Bible says that children are a reward from the Lord, and blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (Psalm 127). I have certainly found that to be true. But I've also found that the fuller my quiver gets (I've got five beautiful arrows), the harder it is to find the time to give each child the attention they need and deserve. Can you relate? If so, here are ten things I do to develop my relationships with my kids, in spite of a hectic schedule.

1. Road trips I take a child on many of the daily errands I run, whether to the dump, to the bookstore, or to the grocery store. I often speak at functions several hours away. If I can afford it and it works, I will take one of my children with me. They love the quality time alone with dad (maybe it's all the fast food we eat?). The time we spend together is invaluable. It's often an adventure both of us never forget, and it's a great chance for me to connect with one of my kids.

2. Nicknames Each of my kids has a nickname that no one else has. We've got a Mouse, a Bear, a Bird and even a Monkey (a few more and we may start a zoo!). These nicknames were given to them as special tokens of my affection. "Anyone can call you by your given name," I say, "but only I can call by your nickname!" I want my children to know that they hold a special place in my life, that I love them uniquely and individually.

3. Dates I have dates with each of my children. Like my wife, they deserve to have my undivided attention every once in awhile. This is more than just letting them come along as I run errands. I build the time around them, and we plan it together. Usually it's going out for lunch on school days. I'll pick them up - but not without first asking permission from their teacher: "Do you mind if I take my daughter out for a big, unbelievably special lunch?" Then on the way to lunch I always say the same thing to my child. "The sky's the limit, where do you want to go?" Since we only have a limited time to eat before I need to get them back to school, the sky is most often fairly cost effective.

4. A Master's degree I want to know everything about my kids. I've been trying to get a Masters Degree, majoring in my family. I want to meet their needs a best as I am able. Books like The Five Love Languages and The Birth Order Book have enabled me to better understand how my children learn and grow. Each is different and unique. I ask them questions like, "What would you do if you had a million dollars?" "If you could choose to have any superpower, what would you choose?" "Of all the sports you play, what is your favorite and why?" You can learn a lot about your kids' values, their dreams, their desires and aspirations by asking questions like these. Questions help me to understand my children, and they enable me to, as the saying goes, "walk a mile in their shoes." It also shows my children that I'm interested in them.
5. Eat together In our home breakfast is chaos, and by lunchtime we are scattered to the four winds. As much as our schedules allow, we try to have dinner together as a family. This is our time to reconnect and recharge after a busy day. It's our chance to celebrate victories, to help each other through the tough things, to do a short devotional, to laugh, to cry, to tell a joke, to hear a story, to sit and feel part of a family.

6. Pray together Prayer is important to me. Whether it's on the way to soccer try-outs, in the car as the ambulance passes us to go to an accident, during the evening before bed, on the way to school or at the supper table, we pray about the past, the present and future. We thank God for sending His Son for us, for how he has blessed us and helped us. We pray about their current needs and concerns, and that they will remain faithful and strong in their faith. And we pray together for their future occupations and their future spouses, asking God to cause them to grow in faith and purity.

7. Family trips I believe a family that plays together, stays together. During the summer we borrow a friend's ski condo (usually no one uses it during that time, and most of the ski resorts are barren). It's a great way to spend quality, uninterrupted time with my kids. When I speak at retreats, I arrange as part of my fee a time when we can come back as a family to enjoy the facilities. Walking around our local lake, riding bikes, hiking, going camping, swimming, going to a museum, to parades, to the July 1st fireworks… the list is endless. Oh and by the way, you may be wondering if I enjoy all these activities. Um… no, not always. But love is sacrificial and I love my kids.

8. Be available Our children need to know that they are important to us. My kids have permission to call me on my cell phone or at work anytime they need to. Sometimes they'll leave messages like, "Hey Dad, I just called to tell you I love you." "Dad! Mom wants you to…" I find that my best quality time is at night when my kids go to sleep. I'll just lay down next to them and talk about their day.

9. Put their activities into your schedule My Palm Pilot is filled with my kids' practices, games, school assemblies, and other important events that I don't want to miss. I can't always make it to all of them, but as much as possible I am there to cheer them on. And if I can't be there, I want to be reminded of their big day, so that I can ask them about it later.

10. Play their games Each of my children has special interests, and when my time permits I play their games with them. It may involve playing goalie for NHL Shoot-out, playing Uno or checkers, watching a kids' video, playing house or tea party or dress-up games, or watching home theatre productions.

The Bible speaks of children as arrows. I picture myself taking aim, pulling back the bow and launching them into the world. The target that they hit depends in large part on the amount that I invest in them today. I want to help them to become independent and resourceful, to be free to be whom God has gifted them to be and to inspire them on to greater heights and depths. Does it take effort? You bet - it's like a full-time job!

Do I fail? Many times. But I feel it's like running a marathon with my children: there is a set amount of time that I have with each of my children, and I want to do what I can with the time I have. I don't set lofty goals, compare myself to other more spiritual or more perfect fathers; I just what I can do and leave the results to God.

Sometimes the best thing I can do for my kids is to rest: just curl up on the couch and sleep. Without neglecting them, I try to teach them to rely more on their heavenly Father than their earthly one. At times I need to be in front of them, pulling them to new adventures; other times I'm beside them, walking through the victories and the failures with them; still other times my place is behind them, encouraging them to go for it, to reach out, to draw back their own arrows and let them fly.

Are there tough choices sometimes? Yes. Is it worth it? Always.

Used by permission of FamilyLife Canada. Copyright 2003.
About the Author:
Dave Klassen is the National Pro Ministry Director for Athletes in Action, Canada. He and his wife Rushia live with their five "arrows" Caleb, Marek, Hannah, Abigael and Linda in Abbotsford, BC.
Additional Resources:

The Five Love Languages of Children (Paperback Book)
Making Family Memories: A Family Night Planner (Paperback Book)
Play of the Day (Paperback Book)
Future Men (Paperback Book)

Strawberry is here!

2007-08-16T08:24:00.000-05:00

Saturday we brought Strawberry into Oshkosh. Midnight, my mother in laws horse is here with her also. (not using real names since I don't have permission) They are both such beautiful and sweet horses. Abigail is just thrilled that she can see Strawberry so much. Here are pictures of them. Strawberry is the sorrel (red) one.

It's over :(

2007-08-08T09:11:00.000-05:00

My co-ed softball season that is. I am very sad. It has become something that I look forward to every week, I really am going to miss it and the people. We played an AWESOME game last night. Both teams. We both decided that we weren't going to walk any girls (you can walk if you follow a guy that has walked with no strikes) but we figured, hey we will just give it all we have and we didn't do it. Neither team did. We did of course walk if he threw 3 balls. We fought hard and won 7-5 and ended up being 6-8 for the season and in 7th place out of 14 teams which I thought for a first season team who never played together before this year, was great.

Most of our 8 games that we lost were in the beginning of the season. Once we got into the season a little more and started to become familiar with everyones strengths and weaknesses we started to really improve. By last night, our defense was AWESOME!! I had 2 hits and 1 strikeout but I GOT ON BASE!!! Both times I hit. Normally I do get on base but this weekend I played in the tournament in Appleton with all our guys and I hit the ball every time but could never make it to 1st base before they threw me out. That's what I get playing with the good guys :) I actually had to play against a guy named Kurt. He plays on my co-ed team so it was fun being on the other side of him. He didn't quite like that I knew where he was going to hit it every time but oh well :)

The kids got back from the Dells with my parents last night. They left Monday morning and got back last night (Tuesday night). They really had a lot of fun. It is so funny because Jason and I had the night to ourselves and what do we do? Go watch 3 softball games! To funny. You know honestly though. I think softball has really had an affect on our marriage and our family life. We have found something that we both really love to watch, and to play. We didn't really have anything before that we had in common. That was a huge strain on our marriage. Jason finds it pretty cool that for our anniversary, I wanted a nice bat. For my birthday, I want a different bat.

Yesterday early morning I went out to the field to practice pitching with James. I have always, always wanted to pitch and for the most part did okay but there was something that I wasn't doing right and so I asked him to help me. Boy did he ever. I was gripping the ball wrong and once he gave me a few pointers and helped me see a few things that I was doing wrong, I was pretty much dead on. He told me that he honestly thought I was a natural pitcher. I thought he was feeding me a line but he said that he would not tell me that if he didn't mean it. He said anyone can pitch, but not everyone is good at it and if I practice and work on the skills a little bit more, I will be a very good pitcher. I went outside yesterday and set up the mat and counted out the spaces. I actually had the swingset in the middle of where I was pitching to because I figure that the swingset is almost 6 ft and I have to get it at least 6 ft or it will be called flat so if I can get it over the swingset, I am in the right area. So I was pitching it over the swingset to make sure I was hitting the right arch. It was a lot harder pitching on grass and getting your feet settled but it will do. We will see how this works out. I am already looking forward to playing next year :)

I have a ton of errands to run today and then we are going out for batting practice at 5 tonight with some of the guys. Hopefully now that the softball season is slowing a bit I will have a little more time to blog. Until next time....

Softball Pictures

2007-07-31T22:08:00.000-05:00