The Summit

As we passed mile marker 19, I was d-o-n-e, but we still had not reached the top. Somewhere along the way, those mile markers became preT-Ty important so when I saw #19 I had my heart set on stopping the moving vehicle and putting my feet on solid ground! LOL...On up a bit further, we finally saw other forms of life ~ people, a gift shop, an observation deck, and the Cog train boarding passengers heading down.

It was bitter cold up there! The wind was very brisk, but the views were spectacular. You probably can't see it, but in the photo of Colorado Springs in the distance, you can also see Garden of the Gods. It was amazing to see both views in one day. *Pike's Peak from Garden of the Gods and vice versa.

Climbing Pike's Peak

Since Photobucket will only allow so many pics in one slideshow, I'm dividing up the trek in segments. This post is about the actual climb itself. It was thrilling, but scary is some spots. By the time you reach the top you're at 14,000+ ft. with only half the oxygen available at sea level. Phillip got a little light headed and I was pretty shaky, but I think that was more out of anxiety than altitude symptoms. Thankfully, Phillip was able to drive back down and all was well. The temp at the summit was 34* with a brisk wind. You'll see in the next post, titled "The Summit", the children aren't thrilled I wanted pictures.

As I reflected on the day, it finally hit me why there are NO GUARD RAILS (!) in most places. (I was surprised at this revelation at Rocky Mtn. National Park, too) ~ If there were guard rails, the public would have a false sense of security and probably travel too fast. Having NO guard rails forces us to be extra careful. PreT-T-y wise, I say.

A Day Trip to Pike's Peak

We woke this morning with no real plan, but since this is our last weekend in Colorado we knew we wanted to do something we'd not done before, so with a lot of consideration (and a bit of hesitation on my part, to be honest), we decided on Pike's Peak. It's the most visited mountain in North America and second to Mt. Fuji (in Japan) as most visited in the world. I've downloaded lots of pictures and will be posting them in separate segments. Our first leg of the journey landed us at the entrance of Garden of the Gods. This was not part of the plan but, as some of you know, taking the scenic route is our forte.

Since I'm fairly picky about my pictures, I don't have many of Garden of the Gods because the sun was directly in front of me at some of the most interesting points. Just so you know, it looks exactly like the pictures you've seen. It's a 'park' of interesting rock formations. We didn't stay long. We knew the trek up Pike's Peak was going to be a long one. Just before the entrance to Pike's Peak Hwy. we stopped at Mildred's Cafe. It was a 50's sort of diner/cafe. The kids loved it because there was a jukebox! Very rarely have they ever seen one of those. The food was deeelicious!! Afterwards Laura and I walked next door to take a look at the big blue Elk.....

Stay tuned.

Didding Deeper

Today is a sad day for our family. It will mark a time in history and be a scar on our hearts forever. This afternoon, my beloved sister will stand in a courtroom by herself and say good-bye to the love of her life. We all feel a sense of great loss. I have lost a long-time, high-school friend, but more importantly someone who is like a brother to me. My children are losing a dear man, their uncle, who was an example of integrity and valor. Without a word, we say good-bye. Forever trusting in the Lord. He is sufficient.

Even in this.

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart,

All you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:24

For Our Family

Just Another monday

Contrary to most, I actually like Mondays. For me, it's a new beginning. Last week is over, with all it's shortcomings, failings, and disappointments. Mondays give me a fresh start ~ another try. Sure, there are joys and victories in those previous weeks, but the weekend allows me to pray, rest, and ponder more fully those days gone by. When we have a 'week-gone-bad', I know that the Lord, in His infinite mercy will faithfully bring another Monday. Great is His faithfulness and His mercies are new every morning. I know this.

~ Happy Monday ~

Laura, Whiskers, and Math

Reflection

Have you ever gone back and read some of your posts? I did a few minutes ago and found this particular one I'd like to share again. I have many new friends here, and I know sometimes trying to understand our crazy life is confusing unless you know the whole story.

Back in 1999, Phillip worked for a company whose biggest client was Wal-Mart. Because Phillip is in commercial construction, he was hired to travel all over the country remodeling the Monsters. It was a pretty rough year in some ways, but it was the very best, too. We had already committed to homeschooling and decided, in order to keep our family together, we would travel as a family if the Lord provided a way. And, indeed He did. In fact, He provided much more than I could possibly put into words. Sometimes, there just isn't words for what God does. He is indescribable.

Seven years later, I found myself in the exact same situation. In fact, the very same city (different WM) where we began all those years ago. We'd come full circle and, though times have not always been peachy, I purposed myself to make the very best of our situation this go-'round. After all, I had a choice. What kind of example would I be for my children, who now are old enough to remember this leg of the journey. I hope and pray they've seen joy, acceptance, and yielding along the way.

S-N-O-W!

Good Lord's Day!

The kids got their wish. We woke to a winter wonderland. The blinds are open wide and we're drinking our coffee & hot chocolate with Southern delight. In all our travels in the last two years, the most exciting times are when we've seen snow. It's rare that we get real snow in Texas. When we do get any sort of precipitation, it's usually ice with a dusting of snow on top.

As you can imagine, Sarah and Douglas are taking inventory of the winter clothes we brought. After a time of worship here at home this morning, they'll be out in it. More pictures coming....

With Love ~ Angela

A Day At St. Mary's Glacier

Despite the approaching storm, we decided to chance it and make the trek to St. Mary's Glacier. I scanned the radar and local forecast finding that it wasn't expected to hit the high country until later in the afternoon, and Denver this evening. So, we made lunches, packed our winter garb in a tote, and headed for the hills.

Upon arrival, I immediately noticed the rocky c-l-i-m-b and thought, "OH, 3/4 of a mile is pretty simple, this should be fun."

HA!

Three quarters of a mile uphill is quite a workout for this fluffy gal! But oh-so worth it. We didn't get a good view of the actual glacier because of the snow, but we could definitely see some of the ice. We opted not to hike up the glacier itself because it was pretty snowy from base to the top. With some pretty cold hands and wet feet already, we decided to hike at the base, around the lake, and headed back down.

As I write tonight, the wind is howling and the storm is approaching.

I hope the children wake up to snow.

*



This website has some really nice pictures of St. Mary's Glacier. Douglas said, how, that's what it looks like without the snow..."

The Lighter Side

I found this over at Homeschool Humor and thought it was pretty accurate cute.

Enjoy!

Q: How does a home schooler change a light bulb?

A: First, mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas Edison and do a skit based on his life. Next, everyone studies the history of lighting methods, wrapping up with dipping their own candles. Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they'll get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill. On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and also Abraham Lincoln, as his picture is on the five dollar bill. Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged from the woods, the light bulb is installed. And there is light.

Facts About Pencils

I was so thankful when I saw the blogging tip of the month on the HSB Front Porch. I've been having the olders write each day in a journal, and though there are times when they could write their little fingers to the bone, other times they struggle to come up with something to fill a page. So today has been interesting. When I first mentioned the assignment, all I got was a blank stare as if asking, "What is there to write about a pencil?" But, eventually they got something on paper.

~*~*~*~*~*~

A Pencil

By Sarah, age 11

A pencil is made in a factory. It is made of wood and lead. And sometimes they are made of metal or plastic. A pencil is used for writing. You can write letters, do school, pay bills, and little ones can write on the wall. (which we would prefer them not to do)You can also erase something that is not right. Pencils are very useful.

~*~*~*~*~

A Pencil

By Douglas age, 10

Today, mom told me to write a story about a pencil. A pencil is what I do most of my work with like math, vocabulary, handwriting, grammar, journaling, and spelling. A pencil is what we all write with. A pencil is usually straight and pointed and made of wood.

Thift Store Treasures

Sarah and I spent a few hours shopping together yesterday afternoon. I had to stop by the mall for a quick errand and then we headed to one of the local thrift stores in the Denver area. She found a pretty denim skirt, a very dainty, crystal (probably more like glass) cream & sugar set, and a large bag of craft items. I stumbled upon this beautiful tablecloth and was so surprised to see that it was 50% off! It was originally $9.99 so it was a definite keeper. I don't know if the pictures do it justice, but it's really, so very pretty. It's round and about 7ft. in diameter. I can't wait to get it home-home (that's what Laura calls real home) to see it on our table.

Maybe I should start a trend and call it Thrifty Thursdays.

Hmmm......I'll have to think on that.

Never A Dull Moment (part I)

The one thing I hope & pray our children are learning through this traveling journey is flexibility. Life doesn't always ever turn out the way we plan it. And sometimes it can be SOO F-U-N!!

At least that's what I hope I'm teaching them.

Saturday morning, we headed out to meet our dear friends in Kimball, Nebraska. They will be moving to Kimball in just two short weeks (from Eastern Nebraska) because of a job change. The day was so interesting as we drove around town, following our friends as they hunted for a place to either buy or rent. After the house hunting we had lunch which was fun because I'm pretty sure we had Pizza Hut all to ourselves. Because both families are SO into farms, we then drove out to a place for sale just out of town. It had all sorts of out buildings, an old school bus, a couple of barns and a fantastic view of the rolling prairies dotted with cattle.

{enter dreamy sigh}

~*~

Because I'm such a shutter bug, I like to take pictures of .....just about anything! LOL

This is just a beautiful house in Kimball I wanted to capture.

 

Later that afternoon, we stopped in town at a local coffee shop. Again, we had the place to ourselves which is always so fun. We were delighted to find such a neat place in that size town. As we sipped and chatted, the rain began to pour. It was truly so cozy. Then the lights went out! ~ And they never came back on....not until hours later. Needless to say, the kids were thrilled and, as if nothing at all happened, we continued to sip our sweet caffeine and savor the time with our friends. In the dark.

Sadly, our time came to an end and we parted ways. They headed back East and we headed West.

Then we got a call....

Stay tuned for part 2 of "Never a dull moment" coming soon!!

Three Reasons to LOVE Photography

#1 ~ The Sweet One

#2 ~ The Goofball

#3~ The Boss

Capture the moments, they're fading fast.

Never A Dull Moment(part 2)

As we headed West to Cheyenne, Wyoming, in the pouring rain, I thought I'd give my Mom a call. I noticed a missed call and after comparing it to the call Phillip had received a few minutes before, I realized that someone was calling from Nebraska. It could only mean one thing, our friends with whom we'd just parted, needed help. As it turned out, they needed gas but since the electricity was was out all over Kimball the gas pumps were not working, leaving them stranded. We turned around, found a gas can, filled it up and headed back to Kimball. On the way back, I had an idea. Wouldn't it be fun (not to mention less driving as it was 2 1/2 hrs. back to Denver in the stormy, pouring rain) to drive just 40 miles further East to Sidney (NE) and visit Cabela's the following day? By the time we made it back, I had phone in hand trying to make reservations in Sidney, home of Cabela's world headquarters. Using our hotel points, we found a (dry) place to stay, Phillip headed to Wal-Mart for a simple cheese & cracker dinner and we bedded down for the night with dreams of camouflage, tents, boots and guns dancing in our heads. Despite the fact that our little one threw up in the middle of the night, we toured Cabela's the next morning. I took a few pictures, we bought hats for the boys and a few other souvenirs then headed for Denver.

We may never pass this way again. I'm so thankful for detours.

Below are a few pictures of our day in Sidney.

My Passion

I have a passion. Photography. It's not the camera itself - no, not the gadets, or the fancy case, or pixels. It's what I see at the end of the process ~ the finished product. Is what I think I saw portrayed in the end?

I'm learning.  

And lighting, a lens, a tripod, and time are important.

None of these I have at this point in life, but one day.....

One day.

 

Please visit my Photography blog!

Enjoy ~

 

 

 

 

A Butterfly Thank-You

Before our dear friend, Stephanie, broke her ankle last week, she generously gave us a "weekend to remember" for our anniversary. After surprising the kids on Friday evening by picking them up in their jammies, they spent the weekend having all sorts of fun. Following a lunch at the "best McDonald's they've ever seen" (and they've seen their fair share, poor kids...) Miss Stephanie took them to the Butterfly Pavilion which included an opportunity to hold a tarantula. I don't think anybody volunteered but, nonetheless, they had a grand time watching the furry critter crawl over the tour guide's hand.

She's keeping a safe distance! LOL ~

The Butterfly Pavilion includes many other insects

They were not allowed to touch the butterflies, but one did land on Douglas' shirt.

Here, he is just pointing to one.

Butterflies love rotten fruit, but our daughter with the ultra-sensitive smeller wasn't impressed

Sarah wanted to make sure I saw these iridescent ones. Aren't they beautiful?

Thank you, Miss Stephanie, for a memory-making weekend.

We love you!

Tuesday Tidings

It's really feeling a lot like Fall in the Denver area these days. Still no snow to speak of, at least down here in the "lowly" places, but surely we'll experience snow at least once before we leave, around the middle of November.

A dear friend, who lives here in the Denver area, broke her ankle last week. We've been so blessed to be here at such a crucial time, not to mention we've been able to spend sweet time with her since she's been off work the last several days. She's a precious friend and such fun to be around.

Later today, we'll head to the library.

Be a blessing today. Live for His glory.

Angela

Hello from the Rocky Mtn. State!

I know...long time again.

We arrived here in Denver the last week of August. We've truly enjoyed this leg of the journey. The cool air and mountain view is a refreshing change from our hot, muggy jaunt in Meridian, Mississippi over the summer. However, both have been equally rewarding in learning more about our Lord Jesus and the mercies He gives each new day. How could I ask for more?

I'm considering another change to this space ~ trying to move toward more of a specific focus. Recently, as Christa and I were chatting, I questioned the exact purpose of this blog and she reminded me that our traveling is interesting. And so...as I clicked through a number of websets, it came to me. ~ A garden theme with words I so love...."Bloom Where You're Planted"....So, I'm working on it, with a little help from my friends.

~*~*~*~

Today, Phillip & I celebrate our marriage. We've been married for 16 years. Our love has only grown deeper and we're more fond of each other than, I believe, we were the day we married. We've been given a special gift. A close friend, who lives in the Denver area, has offered to keep our children tomorrow night. Not only that, she reserved a night's stay in Estes Park for us as she knew we were planning go up if we could swing it. I'm overwhelmed at the blessed gifts the Lord is showering upon me at this point in time.

Again, how could I ask for more?

Blessings to you from a Texan in Denver ~

Angela

She said...

Laura (5) and I were playing together this afternoon and it's customary for our family to play "Ophans" ~ don't ask me why ~ maybe it's because homeschooled children tend to read more real, (twaddle-free) historical books in their spare time than the average American child and it happens to be her older sister's favorite past time. Who knows....

Anyway, she was Victoria (14) and I was Sylvia (16). As we began to chat/play I asked in an English accent, "Oh Victoria, isn't sad that our parents perished in the fire?".....to which she replied:

 

"Well, at least WE survived and have all of our stuffed animals!!!"

~ROFL ~

I love five year olds.

Hello from the Rocky Mountain State

I know...long time again.

We arrived here in Denver the last week of August. We've truly enjoyed this leg of the journey. The cool air and mountain view is a refreshing change from our hot, muggy jaunt in Meridian, Mississippi over the summer. However, both have been equally rewarding in learning more about our Lord Jesus and the mercies He gives each new day. How could I ask for more?

I'm considering another change to this space ~ trying to move toward more of a specific focus. Recently, as Christa and I were chatting, I questioned the exact purpose of this blog and she reminded me that our traveling is interesting. And so...as I clicked through a number of websets, it came to me. ~ A garden theme with words I so love...."Bloom Where You're Planted"....So, I'm working on it, with a little help from my friends.

~*~*~*~

Today, Phillip & I celebrate our marriage. We've been married for 16 years. Our love has only grown deeper and we're more fond of each other than, I believe, we were the day we married. We've been given a special gift. A close friend, who lives in the Denver area, has offered to keep our children tomorrow night. Not only that, she reserved a night's stay in Estes Park for us as she knew we were planning go up if we could swing it. I'm overwhelmed at the blessed gifts the Lord is showering upon me at this point in time.

Again, how could I ask for more?

Blessings to you from a Texan in Denver ~

Angela

Sarah's Cake Report

p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">One day while on a shopping trip, I told mom that I wanted to get serious about the subject of cake decorating. Mom said that we could get a book while we were there. On our way home Mom gave me an assignment. She suggested that I research the subject.

We went to the library and I looked up some books. My favorite book is Fabulous Cake Decorating. I made a list of the items needed to get started.

One week later, we went to Wal-Mart and bought tips, decorator bags, and Mom said to get a rose nail. We also got two colors of concentrated paste; pink and blue. When we got home, before Mom knew it, I was practicing with the tips. It was very messy! But, I like messy things.

It was fun! A little while later, I made a cake from a mix. After it cooled I spread white icing on it. Then, I put the colored icing in a bag and decorated the cake. It was really pretty.

Eating the cake was fun, too. My cookbook says that legend has it the cook should always serve the cake or food. I like that idea because I usually serve anyway. It was very good, but not as good as a homemade, made-from-scratch cake.

The whole process was very fun. I can’t wait to do another cake.

By Sarah G. (age 11)

Quotables

Douglas came to me this morning and said with delight....

"Hey Mom, guess what!?!?!"

"I found a penny dated in 1982, that was a loooong time ago"

Seeds: Repost

Okay.....let's try this again.

This is a picture I took when we were in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.Willow River State Park is actually about an hour away, near Minneapolis/St. Paul. It was a beautiful place. The temp. that day was 33 degrees.

If you happen to know what this is, let me know.

Isn't it beautiful?

Sarah's First Cake

Sarah has been wanting to learn about cake decorating. So, during last week's grocery shopping trip, we bought a book about it. On the way home, I gave her an assignment. I asked her to begin researching cake decorating and find out what she would need to begin, including recipes, and make a detailed list. The entire past week, she's been searching books from the library and indeed made a list of necessary items to get started. So during our grocery shopping this week, we were able to get a few things on her list. When we got home, almost before I knew it, she was elbow deep in icing, tips, concentrated coloring paste, and decorator bags. Even Laura and Douglas got into the action. Below is her finished product.

It was yummy!

Disclaimer: Sarah has made a gazillion cakes in her short 11 years, and even decorated them with the store bought icings in the tubes,etc. Two years ago, she also had a "Christmas Cookie Decorating" birthday party; icing, bags, and tips included. However, THIS is her official "first cake" after a more serious concentrated effort on her part (not mine..) Some time in the coming week, she will also write a discriptive essay explaining how she did it. We will post it here.

Do Not Fret

Overheard In An Orchard

Said the Robin to the Sparrow:

"I should really like to know

Why these anxious human beings

Rush about and worry so?"

~*~

Said the Sparrow to the Robin:

"Friend, I think that it must be

That they have no Heavenly Father

Such as cares for you and me."

Elizabeth Cheney

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Do not fret…."

Psalm 37

Yielding

The Lord reminded me yesterday of how important it is to have a yielded heart toward our husbands. When he's away I am very much a take charge person and can run a tight ship if I'm so inclined. Well, I can be a drill sergent, let's just put it that way. To add to that, I have a plan ~ at least for the most part. However, in small ways, I see that when Phillip is here, his presence speaks so much louder than my barking orders. (we both have the spiritual gift of administration, BTW)

Anyway, regardless of my routine ~ how and what we eat for breakfast, when the children take breaks, how they go about their schoolwork, the degree of silliness/noise I tolerate........has to come to a yeilding when Phillip is home all week. There are nuances that take place when he's here that I don't want to pass up. Time spent outside ~ boy time with Douglas. Work: outside work, in which Douglas needs to be a part. Trips to the feed store, to get haircuts, checking trot lines, killing alligators (well, that was on Sunday...), clearing fence rows, weeding the garden, burning trash, trips to the salvage yard for old truck parts ~ you see what I mean? None of this involves book work.

All this to say, it's my heart's desire to be yeilded.

Not pushing through with my agenda.

Life it too short.

Hearts too precious.

Lord, thank you for teaching me to be yielded.

Have a blessed day in the Lord ~ Angela

100 Thankful Things: A Repost

I was reminded of this post I penned over two years ago now and wanted to offer a challenge. I see that some of mine border on being very close to the same (you would have to know my heart at the time) but nevertheless, how many can you list? If you post your list on your own blog, leave a comment so I can read yours! ~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Pastor Steve, teacher at Rock Valley Bible Church, began the book of Colossians last Sunday with an overview. Today he went into verse by verse depth about how Paul was thankful for the Colossians having not even met them formally. We can only imagine how blessed Paul must've been upon hearing of their faithfulness to God and love for each other when he and Epaphras met up in prison.

During the message, we were challenged to think of 100 things we'd be thankful for; the point being, are we thankful for the things we don't see? The people who are working to forward the Gospel in other countries of whom we've never met? He said, "sure, it's easy to get to about #25...but then we have to go beyond ourselves. He went on to explain that Paul "did not cease in praying" for the Colossians, people he'd never formally met.

So as with most challenges, I had to try it...here goes:

100 things for which I am thankful

1. God’s never-ending grace in my life.

2. God’s merciful patience with me

3. Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice for my sin

4. The Power of the Cross

5. My Husband who loves me with a sacrificial, unconditional love

6. My indescribable marriage; no one deserves it so good

7. Our Sarah, dd #1, who I admire greatly, she possesses gifts I’ll never have

8. Douglas, ds#1, who was born to laugh, but serious about life

9. And Laura, dd#2, who embraces life with exuberant joy

10. My Dad: an example of hard work, fortitude and determination even to this day

11. My Mom: who prays continually and loves unconditionally

12. My three younger sisters: my best friends~thanks for the incredible memories, girls!

13. My childhood: very loved, very protected, well cared for

14. Going to public school, for I know what’s there

15. Going to private school, for I know what’s there

16. The opportunity and privilege to homeschool my children

17. The freedom we have to worship God in America

18. The homeschooling freedom we have in Texas

19. George Bush

20. Our simple life and those who encouraged us to walk this path

21. God’s assurance through His word when I doubt

22. For having lived in the city

23. For living in the country

24. Laptops and the internet; blogs and commentaries

25. That I know how to type otherwise this would be very time consuming

26. My third grade teacher; she taught me how to twirl the baton

27. Simple times; riding around in Phillip’s old truck, riding through the pasture, playing at the pond, watching the cows…

28. Christmas caroling with our friends

29. Those snowy days I’ve been blessed to see

30. My simple Midwestern friends

31. Someone taught me how to make whole wheat bread

32. The opportunity to travel America

33. The blessing of a new-to-us truck that actually runs every time we start it!

34. For the Church, the body of Believers that extends beyond brick walls

35. Our friends who are faithfully church planting in India (& now Hungary)

36. God’s people in Nepal

37. Having experienced a church split

38. That God doesn’t give me everything for which I beg/ask/pray

39. For a husband who is patient, steady, prayerful, and strong

40. My husband keeps me accountable

41. The opportunity to workout at Curves, for when I get home it may not be possible

42. Our friends in Venezuela; they’ve taught us great things

43. The life of a dear friend who is a godly picture of Christ in my life

44. The courage to start a blog

45. My Mom and my grandmother taught me how to cook

46. My Mom taught me how to care for a family

47. I’m not afraid to tweak a recipe and fail

48. Those days my sisters and I wrote plays and made up dances in our playroom

49. Those who’ve taught me how to be frugal

50. The freedom we have in Christ

51. The depression I suffered when my parents divorced

52. Severe financial struggles, for they’ve taught me humility & thankfulness

53. My church home; humble, godly people

54. The God-given ability and love for singing

55. My hunger and thirst for the Word, by His grace

56. That I’ve finally realized that my family belongs to the Lord

57. Grandparents who love our children immensely

58. The book of Colossians

59. The book of Galatians

60. A Christian Home website, blog and message board

61. Internet friends who’ve challenged me

62. The humbling I receive every time I think I KNOW something

63. Rock Valley Bible Church, Rockford, Illinois

64. Classic literature and story books for children

65. Nancy Leigh DeMoss and the book, “Lies Women Believe”

66. The life of Corrie ten Boom

67. Elisabeth Elliot and Martha Peace

68. Kay Arthur and her study “A Marriage Without Regrets”

69. My husband’s job security; thank you LORD! ..for it hasn’t always been so

70. Wild plums, dewberries and grapes growing on our land

71. Our God-given love for nature and the outdoors

72. Men who’ve died for our country so I can worship the Lord God Almighty every day

73. Godly men who formed our constitution

74. Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Wesley

75. Old hymns

76. Long walks in the evening with my family; priceless

77. Our DQ treat while exploring old country roads

78. Mmy husband and I are still best friends after 19 years (and counting)

79. I finally have a budget and I follow it to a tee

80. My new-found love for cottage cheese

81. My steadfast commitment to Curves; that’s God!

82. Wildflowers; I have a passion for them….

83. The strength to finally say I haven’t gotten it “all figured out”

84. Some specific country songs that make me cry every time like “I Believe”

85. That my parents are human and they made mistakes

86. Childhood vacations to Daytona Beach, Florida

87. Family reunions with so many cousins I can’t count them all

88. Aunt Sybil’s homemade biscuits

89. Aunt Sybil’s back porch swing

90. Swimming in the Trinity River as a child

91. Childhood vacations to Hot Springs, Arkansas

92. My rapidly growing contentment; this is a blessed place friends

93. True Believers with financial resources to further the Kingdom

94. Passionate Christians who are willing to be persecuted for the Truth

95. The Holy Spirit’s small voice constantly reminding me of who I am in Christ

96. The privilege of knowing humble friends; I am richly blessed by these friends

97. This Earth is not my home

98. Chickens that lay eggs

99. Cows that give milk; and calves

100. Heaven

101. I’ll be 40 this year; and I don’t wish I was younger

102. I’ve learned how to use a digital camera and can post pictures on my blog

103. I can still laugh at my husband’s jokes after nearly 20 years

104. ….and thankful he still thinks he’s funny. Says a lot about his heart.

105. for the humbling God has caused in my heart upon the discovery that I’ve made other people’s opinions of me and my family an idol (see Idols of the Heart by Elyse Fitzpatrick)

106. The courage to live for God alone and not in light of what others think of me

107. The harsh reality of sin in even the people I admire. Again, thankful for the humbling

108. That my kids can cook!

109. Others who are willing to teach upper math and science to homeschool kids

110. Friends who love me even after they get to know me

111. Forgiveness

112. Okay…I’ll admit it, I’m finally thankful for curly hair

113. Girl Scouts: way back when, I had a Christian leader and it was held at a church

114. Campfires, songs and smores

115. Eyes to behold the beauty of the Earth; His majestic creation

116. Ears to hear little voices all around me, singing, chatting, laughing…

117. Way back when… I had the courage to cut my husband’s hair

118. Clotheslines and fresh country air

119. Spring rains without tornadoes

120. The first cool breeze that finally makes it way to Texas in the Fall

121. Old dirt roads

122. The patient wisdom of older folks

123. Daffodils and Tulips

124. The courage to finally laugh at myself

125. I can talk to my Mom; it hasn’t always been so

126. My parents believe in God

127. My sister Dana had the fortitude to not only finish college with honors but recently obtained her Masters Degree as well ~ Congratulations Sis!

128. Museums, Art, historical cities that teach us about our American heritage

129. Brokenness and tears for these are the times it’s just me and my Lord

130. I like water



Okay, so I'm an overachiever...I just couldn't stop! I'm thinking of more even as I end this post!

Beginning 2007 in Pictures

Happy New Year from southern California!

Hope you've had a blessed weekend and glorious beginning of the new year. We spent the weekend (Sat - Today) exploring. These pictures are from Saturday and today when we went to Vasquez Rocks California State Park in the community of Agua Dulce. We did a little research and Agua Dulce is Spanish for sweet water. These rocks and state park have long been used in filming various Hollywood movies, most notably The Flintstones movie. It got its name from the bandit Tiburcio Vasquez who used these rocks for a hideout. Douglas had great fun staging an ambush. It truly is a fascinating place.

This is the view on the way to the two county parks

The kids in one of the many caves

As you can see, there are people all over these rocks. We didn't make it to the very top. It gets pretty steep. Phillip and the kids climbed pretty high today ~ see the next picture.

I was so surprised to look up and see my family waaay up here! It looked like they were just hopping along with very little effort. Phillip came down to my level, grabbed the camera and took this one before helping everyone ~slide~ down.

The sun is setting behind the hills in this picture. It's truly the prettiest time to be out.

Another sunset picture. The pictures really don't show the beauty of the light on the hills. It's spectacular and ever-changing.

Abundant Blessings to you in the New Year~

Angela