The Denver Zoo

Check out the Wordless Wednesday Headquarters

Or Tiany's Blog for other participants

Love

Love

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not the we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

IJohn 4:7-11

~*~*~*~*~

I think that's a pretty incredible statement, "He who does not love, does not know God." Hmmm... We can have knowledge about many things. We can be knowledgeable about the Bible, prophecy, End Time events, doctrinal issues, politics, the "latest silver bullet", children, homeschooling, health remedies, gardening tips, home decorating and the like...

However, the Word reminds me that it is nothing without love.

"Thou shalt have no other gods before Me." Exodus 20:3

The Decent

I saved the best for last. This is one my favorites from the whole trip. It turned out very clear, the road below adds interest and the panoramic view is breathtaking. Needless to say, going down was much more enjoyable than going up and, believe it or not, I actually rolled down my window and hung my head out to take a few pictures. We were very fortunate; the road to the summit is usually closed this time of year due to snow, but as you can see the snow has been scarce this year.

Two frozen lakes

I think this one is very interesting because it gives a good visual of the road. Do you see it? It looks like a narrow snake-like line in the dirt. Not all parts of the road have you gripping the seat or hiding your eyes. Some of it, in fact a lot of it, is very beautiful and enjoyable. Especially going down. I might add also that some parts of the road are paved and others are not.

This ends the Pike's Peak postings. Please feel free to email me to chat some more about our trip.

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