Random Contemplations

Listening to TLP

2006-11-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

Listening to TLP, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Moving again...

2005-08-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Blown bubbles, originally uploaded by dolphin_dolphin.

My new home is www.homeschoolblogger.com/adrienne.

Blogging Personality

2005-08-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Your Blogging Type is Kind and Harmonious

You're an approachable blogger who tends to have many online friends.
People new to your blogging circle know they can count on you for support.
You tend to mediate fighting and drama. You set a cooperative tone.
You have a great eye for design - and your blog tends to be the best looking on the block!

What's Your Blogging Personality?

I'm moving...

2005-07-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

I am changing blog servers, I am moving to Squarespace. You now now find me at Random Contemplations. I was able to spell it correctly over there! :-) I will slowly be moving all of my previous posts over there, but I have been double posting over there for a couple of weeks now, so everything recent is already there. I have not gotten all of my sidebar stuff over there yet though, so hopefully my blog roll will be over there within the next couple of days. I already have my RSS feed going if you have bloglines. :-)

Can you tell Cay is not home today? I have posted 3 or 4 different things already. Nana came to pick her up for a sleepover!

We have another class tonight, this one is called Policies and Procedures. I am most of it will be pretty much common sense, but it takes us one step closer to a new member of our family! :-)

Love one another~Adrienne :-)

Article: HarryPotter and His Critics by Jerram Barrs

2005-07-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

I found this article through a link at The Discerning Reader. I found it very interesting having read a few blogs recently that have mentioned Harry Potter, some postive and some negative. It seems to all comes out again every time a new book in the series is released.

I have never read the Harry Potter books myself, but I have found myself wanting to recently. When they first came out I was in a Chrstian realm that was very scared of things like Harry Potter and Pokeman, Satan was going to invade ours and our children's minds using tools like those. It scared me off of them! I think that it wasn't until I became a part of the Reformed church that I wasn't scared of Satan hiding behind every bush to steal my faith, I learned that Satan could not steal what God had done in me through Christ, His Son. I grew up reading things like Anne Rice though, and that realm, honestly, fascinated me, so I knew that I had a weakness in that area, a struggle that someone else might not have. All of that to say...I really don't know where I stand on it right now, but this article is definitely food for thought for me. Take it as that, not my saying that it's true or untrue because, obviously, I am not sure how I feel about it myself yet.

Rev Ed has written a post of his own about the Potter debate. Hat tip toSal.

The following article was originally presented as a talk at Friday Nights@the Institute — a ministry of the Francis Schaeffer Institute which takes place throughout the year In St. Louls-area "mega" bookstores. The ministry attempts to demonstrate that Christianity is true and has something to say about every area of life. Those who attend may or may not agree with a Christian worldvlew, but all are treated with dignity and respect.

The Harry Potter books are an extraordinary success story in the publishing world. Over the past few years they have aroused much interest and excitement not only in the original English language editions, but also around the world as they have been translated into many other languages. Their translation into Chinese was reported to be the biggest publishing event in China's history. The Harry Potter books strike a chord with both children and adults, and the recent Harry Potter movies have recently been released to packed theaters.

As well as being extraordinarily popular, the books have encouraged millions of children to start reading for the first time. Many parents are delighted to see their children eagerly reading these stories, and then moving on to read other books as well.

I have entitled this presentation "Harry Potter and His Critics." As I address the critics' estimation of these books, I desire to challenge their assumptions and encourage recognition of the value of the Harry Potter books. There have been passionate attacks on the Harry Potter series by many people and in particular by Christians. This has occurred especially in the United States — much more than in Britain or other places. In the U.S., Christians on the radio, in magazine articles, on television, on web sites, and in a growing number of books, have attacked this series very strongly. There are Christian schools where the books have been banned. I have had several telephone calls from confused parents saying, "My children love these books, I love these books — what is going on?"

The first of the books introduces a little boy who discovers that he was born with magical powers. He subsequently goes off to a school for wizards called Hogwarts, where he learns to develop his gifts. Simply because the books bring readers into an imaginary world of magic and wizards, many Christians say they teach Occult practice. This is the primary reason Christians attack these books.

The second criticism leveled is that the books teach a rebellious attitude against authority. Critics cite the way Harry sometimes responds to his uncle and aunt who are raising him as proof of this - though it has to be said that the uncle and aunt treat him very poorly (to say the least, for they are abominably cruel guardians).

Thirdly, there are many Christians who simply say that fantasy is dangerous, and that to present this kind of fantasy world to children is automatically hazardous to them.

Rather than simply accepting such criticism, as Christians who are called to be salt and light in our society we have a responsibility to encourage discernment with regard to these popular books. If we have children who are eager to read the books or if as adults we are interested, we must sift through the above criticisms and be prepared to think about J.K. Rowling's stories using the wisdom that God has given us — attempting to avoid suspicion against something merely because it is popular. Then, with a sensitive issue such as this, we each ought humbly to exercise discernment in deciding what is best for our families and for ourselves.

Before I respond to the criticisms, am going to tell you why I like the books so well. First, they are great fun (just consider a game like Quidditch!)

Second, J.K. Rowling has created a delightful world of the imagination. She has constructed a kind of alternative universe, another dimension (rather like C. S. Lewis's Narnia or J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle Earth), which fits right alongside our world. In the case of the Harry Potter books it is right within our world, yet ordinary people are not aware of it. For those who have a problem with the idea of fantasy and alternative universes alongside ours, we need to recognize that almost all children play imaginative games in their minds starting at a very young age and have no difficulty whatsoever in distinguishing between fantasy and reality. J.K. Rowling simply has a fantastic and elaborate world in her imagination that she is skillfully communicating to ours.

The third reason I like the books is that they are well written. One of the simplest tests of the quality of writing is whether you can read a book aloud easily, and whether it communicates well while you do. If you have read these books to your kids, you know they are a delight to listen to and a pleasure to read aloud.

Fourth, I like them because of the characters in the books. J.K. Rowling has brought into being an entire portrait gallery of people, adults and also children who are growing up book by book. Each book is set one year later than the previous one, so you see the children growing gradually into maturity. There is wonderful character development and this brings these people to life.

Additionally, the Harry Potter books send a strong message about moral order. There are beautiful and enjoyable human relationships among the characters, and there is a depth of commitment and service among them. The characteristics celebrated in the relationships are friendship, loyalty, integrity, kindness, and self-sacrifice. Harry Potter himself is prepared to set aside his own success, in order to serve his friends. These are qualities in which we can all delight.

There is also a very clear portrayal of the distinction between good and evil — both the appalling destructiveness of evil to human life and the beneficial fruit of treating people with justice, kindness, mercy, faithfulness, and integrity. It is particularly significant that the books recognize that goodness and faithfulness in relationships have a cost. This is not a world where everything is like a box of chocolates and always works out nicely. Good virtues have to be worked at and are hard won. Virtue is rewarded primarily in terms of character development and the increasing depths of relationships among the characters, rather than through the attainment of popularity or success.

J.K. Rowling also has a very deep understanding of the folly of those who turn their eyes blindly towards evil and of evil's destructive consequences. There is a depth in the development of moral order, both in terms of relationships and the understanding of good and evil.

Finally, I see the books as valuable because they consistently include the three fundamental themes that can be found as a subtext in almost all good literature: the beauty of creation, the appalling reality of evil, and the universal human longing for redemption — for a better world. These themes touch the way the world truly is, the way God has made it. J.K. Rowling does not profess to be a Christian, as far as I am aware, but she has insight into the themes that are at the very heart of what Christians understand to be true about the nature of the universe in which we live.

As a Christian, I am fascinated by the fact that the stories show how a better life comes primarily through self-sacrifice. This is brought out unmistakably in the fourth book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. In this book Harry is prepared to sacrifice himself on behalf of his friends whom he loves and to whom he has a deep loyalty. And at the heart of all four of the books is a reference back to Harry Potter's mother, who died when he was a baby in order to save his life from a great force of evil. Rowling says the mother's death on Harry's behalf is an example of the most powerful act imaginable. The author sees that act of love and self-sacrifice (analogous to the work of Jesus), as the one means which can bring protection and transformation to human life and the defeat of evil.

Self-sacrifice in these books is the primary means by which evil is defeated. Now that of course is the very heart of what Christianity says about the nature of the world. We come from God's hand as those who have been made glorious. Life is beautiful as God has given it to us, yet it is appallingly twisted and broken by the reality of evil in our lives, and God Himself has made the ultimate selfsacrifice in the person of Jesus Christ to bring about the destruction of evil in the supreme act of love. He gave Himself to death to save the lives of others — to bring protection, renewal, transformation, strengthening, and redemption to us. Recognizing that this theme of self-sacrifice is running all through the series, it is extraordinary to me that there has been such a violent and negative response by Christians. One has to hope that it is the minority response rather than the response of large numbers of believers. I think this negative response is a tragedy for all sorts of reasons.

It is a tragedy in that there are many people who have failed to read the books with an open mind. The Word of God challenges us to be prepared to celebrate anything that is good and true, wherever it is found. Sadly, I think there are many people who are unable to see the good qualities that there are, either in the Harry Potter books, or in much else in popular Culture. Many of those who have criticized the books to me personally have not even read them.

Second, there is a deep misunderstanding and inappropriate suspicion of fantasy present in the negative accusations. One can sometimes write far more truth in presenting a fantasy world than in describing the real world. There are many books, both by Christians and non-Christians, which attempt to describe the real world directly and do a much poorer job than J K. Rowling does in her world of fantasy. All truth is God's truth, and non-Christians recognize that truth to one degree or another. Even if an author's worldview is not completely in accordance with Scriptural truth, there will be elements of beauty and truth still to he found there, simply by virtue of the fact that he or she lives in God's world under His common grace.

Third, there is a misunderstanding in the response to the magic in the books. As many aware the same criticisms have been made of C.S. Lewis's and J. R. Tolkein's books, even though both of these authors were commited Christians. It is said that because magic is a part of the Narnia books, they may have the effect of interesting children in the reality of the Occult. The same charge is brought against Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. However none of these books are encouraging Occult practice. The magic is simply a part of the imaginative worlds that Lewis, Tolkien, and Rowling have created. In such an imaginary worlds people can become invisible; animals talk; mythical creatures like unicorns and centaurs exist; and rings and spells work wonders. Watch a little child playing, and you will observe many such magical things. But this does not equal an interest in the occult.

Some people have gone on record as stating that they believe that J.K. Rowling is purposely and explicitly teaching Occult and even Satanic practice. The first time that J.K. Rowling was asked publicly about whether she was teaching the Occult, she was astonished by the question. Her response was, "I think you need to see a doctor." She was bewildered that anyone would accuse her of teaching the occult. And as the criticisms have grown, she has been personally and deeply hurt. As a Christian, I have to say I am profoundly ashamed of those who have responded with this kind of malicious gossip. We must recognize that whenever she talks about evil magic she presents it as evil, as thoroughly destructive of human persons. It consumes them as individuals. It destroys and completely ruins their relationships with other people. It reduces relationships to power and ugliness. Rowling has stated that she does not believe in the occult, and she certainly does not promote it.

Additionally, when these sorts of criticisms are made about books without a proper basis it causes an appalled and dismissive reaction to Christians in general and the Christian faith itself. That is a tragedy. Often Christians are indeed guilty of responding in fear to our Culture — criticizing, condemning, and cutting themselves off from it as much as possible. Anything that is popular becomes suspicious. And this is a very serious problem in the life of the Church. It is not that we should accept everything our Culture presents. But Christians should be prepared to celebrate what is good and cultivate Biblical discernment in the midst of our Culture. This is what any Christian should do in regard to the Harry Potter books or anything else. You will have to decide for yourself if the Harry Potter books are good for you or your children, but please do so in a way that is thoughtful and discerning according to the Biblical picture of truth, beauty, and goodness, not in a way that is suspicious of anything popular in our culture, or that is untruthful and unkind.

Some 450 years ago John Calvin encouraged people to read books by the ancient writers from Greece and Rome. He wrote instructions for the teachers in the school system he designed in Geneva, Switzerland, asking that they have the students read the great classics of Greece and Rome that were pagan and non-Christian. And he asked that they not criticize them, but rather encourage the students to celebrate what is good in them, and to learn from the truth that they could find in them. Calvin said on another occasion that it is a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit to deny that pagan writers like Plato wrote many things that are true and helpful. We must be prepared to act similarly in our day when it comes to the Harry Potter series or any other product of our culture.

Jerram Barr is Professor of Christianity and Contemporary Culture and Resident Scholar at The Francis Schaeffer Institute, Covenant Seminary, in St. Louis (USA). he is the author is The Heart of Evangelism.

Prayer for two families

2005-07-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

I just received this e-mail this morning:

Dear Co-op Family,

Jennifer Smith* and the Jones* family, one of the families for which she regularly baby-sits, need our love and prayers. Today while Jennifer* babysat 4 month old Elizabeth Jones* at the Smith* home, Elizabeth* went to heaven as she slept.

* I changed the names for their privacy and protection, God knows who they are.

Lord, we pray your peace and presence on these families.

Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
That the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard their hearts and their minds in Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill them with all joy and peace as they trust in him, so that they may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our favorite new toys

2005-07-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

Magnetix! I bought a small set of these at Wal-Mart a couple of weeks ago, and since then we have added 4 new sets to our first one. Cay loves to play with them, Sam loves to play with them and I love to play with them! Hubby hasn't sat down with them yet, but I know if he did he would be HOOKED! The box states they are for ages 3-100! :-) I guess that we will be getting many more years of play out of them.

Currently, Hubby is on his PS 2 that I bought him for Christmas, armed with a new memory card for it. Up until now he has not had a memory card at all, and so many of the games require one to move ahead, and you HAVE to have one to be able to save the game you are playing to continue the next time. I have created a monster!! For two nights, that is what he does when he gets home from work. Help, I want my Hubby back! :-) Actually, it's not too bad, I love watching he and Cay play and get excited over their victories in fighting Orks and various other Lord of the Ring creatures.

What do your Hubby's like to do for entertainment?

Love one another~Adrienne :-)

Week of death...

2005-07-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

~ momentos ~, originally uploaded by zenog.

First I got the call that my friend's mom's lovebird is about to die today. I am very sorry for Mary she loved that bird, it's actually the father of both of my Cay's birds also. It is such a hard thing to lose a pet whom you love so much, his name is Pretty Boy, and he is a very beautiful bird. I am not exactly sure how long Mary has had Pretty Boy, but it has been over 4 years I know, so I am very sorry for Mary today.

The second death of the day isn't so much a personal loss, as a financial one...My digital camera appears to have bit the dust. I thought it needed a new battery, but lo and behold I just inserted a brand spankin new battery and waited for that beautiful little hum that tells me it's been regenerated but nothing, no noise, dead silence. I checked and rechecked to make sure I put it in the right way, I know I did, it's just plain not working.

Our vaccuum cleaner died on Friday evening...I have labrador hair all over my carpet and no way to clean it up. I think I could form two more labs from all of the hair in my house, and that is only upstairs!

Last week, well acutally this one was two weeks ago, I accidentally broke the t.v./dvd player that we use in our bedroom. I was bringing it downstairs because our main dvd player quit working!!

Not cheap things to fix or replace, and you know the way that things are made nowadays it's not worth fixing them most the time.

My car was overheating on Friday evening, but luckily it was a busted hose and was only a $10.00 part, praise God!

We just used most of our main savings to pay off our credit card debt, so I hope that nothing bigger comes along. It looks like y'all won't be seeing any new pictures anytime soon though, the vaccuum is going to have to come before the camera, I can't look past the dog hair! :-)

Praise God that our family is healthy and it's only our THINGS that are falling apart on us though, can I hear an Amen on that? :-) LOL!

Love one another~Adrienne :-)

Still an INFP :-)

2005-07-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

Found the link to this personality test over at Hannah Im's.

INFP - "Questor". High capacity for caring. Emotional face to the world. High sense of honor derived from internal values. 4.4% of total population.

Free Jung Personality Test (similar to Myers-Briggs/MBTI)

"4.4% of total population", no wonder there aren't too many of us over at TypeBlogs! :-) Why are these things so fun to take?

"Need of Jesus" from The Valley of Vision

2005-07-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

high noon, originally uploaded by dEEsign photography.

Lord Jesus,
I am blind, be thou my light,
ignorant, be thou my wisdom ,
self-willed, be thou my mind.

Open my ear to grasp quickly thy Spirit's voice,
and delightfully run after his beckoning hand;
Melt my conscience that no hardness remain,
make it alive to evil's slightest touch;
When Satan approaches may I flee to thy wounds,
and there cease to tremble at all alarms.

Be my good shepard to lead me into the green pastures of thy Word, and cause me to lie down beside the rivers of its comforts.

Fill me with peace, that no disquieting worldly worldly gales
may ruffle the calm surfaces of my soul.

Thy cross was upraised to be my refuge,
Thy blood streamed forth to wash me clean,
Thy death occurred to give me a surety,
Thy name is my property to save me,
By thee all heaven is poured into my heart,
but it is too narrow to comprehend thy love.

I was a stranger, an outcast, a slave, a rebel,
but they cross has brought me near,
has softened my heart,
has made me thy Fathers' child,
has admitted me to thy family,
has made me joint-heir with thyself.

O that I may love thee as thou lovest me,
that I may walk worthy of thee, my Lord,
that I may reflect the image of heaven's first-born.

May I always see thy beauty with the clear eye of faith, and feel the power of thy Spirit in my heart,
for unless he move mightily in me
no inward fire will be kindled.

What an exquisitely beautiful prayer, I love to meditate on the prayers from this book The Valley of Vision. The link I've provided takes you to the Ligonier Ministries website where you can find a very nice leather bound version of the book on sale right now. Take a moment to read this and to really let it speak to your heart, to say it aloud as your prayer offering to God, our only refuge, our only source of peace.

Love one another~Adrienne :-)

A day of friends...

2005-07-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

Gerbera, originally uploaded by _Sugar_.

I just thought of a good idea NOT to move to squarespace from blogger; I couldn't post other people's photos from over at flickr any longer, and you all know how much I LOVE incorporating them into my posts! I have gone back and forth, back and forth with my thoughts on moving, I just can't seem to make up my mind. Squarespace is very nice for it's many other qualities though, they have a really neat buitl in site meter there, you can build different pages...hmmmmm.

I spent most of my day with Samantha and her Moppets today. It was a wonderful visit. We went to grab some grub at Taco Bell, then back to her house where we chatted and drank her yummy coffee while the Moppets swam and played around with her new microphone for the computer. They made some very strange recordings! :-) Samantha and I talked about starting our Art Adventures back up after she gets into the new house, I am looking forward to that! It's so fun to have someone to create with who enjoys it like I do. It looks like their house buying is still going to happen, they have had some times of concern during it all. I wonder why purchasing a home is made to be such a stressful thing? Samantha has a wonderful attitude about it all though! I just love spending time with her.

Thank you God for wonderful friends! I feel like a rich woman, I would rather be rich in love, of friends and family, than money any day!

Love one another~Adrienne

Busy day

2005-07-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

Nature's Bounty, originally uploaded by chrissie2003.

Well I actually made it out of the bed by 7:30 this morning, with the help of my dear Hubby. I wanted to be up by 7:00 by he forgot and was rushing around. I usally get up about 8:30, sometimes we sleep until 9:00, but now that I am going to start having a young one in the house again, plus get more school work done than ever before...I just have to get an earlier start to my day. It was funny this morning, Hubby came in told me to give him my hands and he pulled up to a standing position to make sure that I would not roll back over, does this sound like getting your teen out of bed? It's so sad, but I just need help! I have been reading Terri Maxwell's Managers of Their Homes book and she says that if you can't get up on your own at first have your husband push you out of the bed, anything it takes...and hopefully it will only take a couple of weeks of that and you'll be able to do it on your own. She doesn't know me though. :-) I really am trying though, I promise!

Today I worked at my mom's office for a couple of hours and then went on to work at my friend's used homeschool bookstore that is opening it's doors for the first time tomorrow. It is so exciting to have a place like that close by, and a great advantage to work there and get to go through everything before anyone else sees it, she does it all on a consignment basis. I get giddy around all of those books! I have already got a pile behind the counter that's "MINE!". Oh, there really needs to be more hours in a day, so many books, so little time...

Another adoption class tonight, it was really very informative. We found out that any child adopted through CPS in the state of Texas gets free college tuition at any public college in the state! Isn't that cool? We still haven't finished the process...a few more classes and the homestudy are still needed, and I can't stop thinking about Emmanuel, I know he probably won't be there any longer by the time we are finished with the process. I just need to remember that the child we are supposed to have can't be adopted by anyone else, God's plans cannot be changed.

Dear Lord, help me to remember that your plans cannot be thwarted, that you already know the child that will soon be a part of our family. Help me to use this time to grow closer to you, to completely lean on you for understanding and that I will grow stronger in you so that when we are placed with a child I will be able to weather the hard times of adjustment.

Love one another~Adrienne

Test results are in...

2005-07-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

, originally uploaded by rosemary*.

......they are really pretty good. I am very pleased with the fact that I already knew what her strengths and weaknesses would be, there were no surprises. Spelling was not her biggest strength. :-) She is "above average" in her reading and literary skills and science also, but just as I knew math and spelling were lower. I think that considering the fact that I have been very relaxed in her schooling, she did exceptionally well. Of course, I still don't know that it will be good enough for Grandma. ;-)

This year begins middle school, and that means more structure for us. I have "real" curriculums this year, and we are going to start notebooking much more so that she will retain more of the information that we study. I think that is a big area where I have failed, not having her notebook. No matter how relaxed, we read a lot, more could have been retained by notebooking.

I struggle so much with whether or not I want Cay to go to college or just get married and be a mom and teacher herself, but no matter what I want to equip her with whatever she needs to do whatever it is that God calls her to do. No matter what I think she should do, I hope that she follows what God leads her to do.

Lord, help me to be consistent and to eqip Cay for the whatever it is that you will call her to be for you Lord, I pray that I will glorify you God in my example to my daughter. I pray for guidance in my teaching and wisdom when choosing curriculum. May we follow your lead and your plan.

Proverbs 16:9 (English Standard Version)

9The heart of man plans his way,
but the LORD establishes his steps.

Love one another~Adrienne

P.S. I do want to add that I did not tell Cay anything about her results, I don't know how much I believe in them, and I don't want to worry her about what she knows or doesn't know, or if she's behind or ahead...you get the idea. :-)

A peek...

2005-07-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

Take a peek at this sweet little boy Emmanuel on the Texas list waiting for adoption. I have asked our agency to look into him for us and see what more they can find out. I just want to give him a big hug!

Lord, I pray that you will send Emmanuel a forever loving family that will show him your and help him to thrive.

Nervous...

2005-07-11T21:56:00.000-07:00

Field of Gold, originally uploaded by artofgold.

Creative Arts In Action called and left a message today to let me know that Cay's Standford Achievement Test results are in. I have to admit, I am more than a bit nervous! This is our first time to test since we started homeschooling, she was tested with the same test in the first and second grade at the private Christan school that she attended. My mom has been asking me since a week after she took the test if the results are in yet, THAT really makes me nervous! I know many of you can understand having parents that seem supportive of your homeschooling, but really they are very concerned that what you are doing isn't really working. I think with my mom it all stems from the fact that Cay isn't the best speller in the world, and my mom is very strong in spelling and somehow attributes spelling with intelligence? My friend joked with me that she isn't the best at spelling either and "God is good and on the 8th day he created spellcheck". I thought it was funny.

So I sit here tonight looking at those past two SAT results and comparing, her first grade tests results were much higher than second grade. Looking at second grade results she didn't learn anything new from the year before. I would sure believe that! Second grade was really a struggle for her to "keep up the pace".

Lord, help me to remember that we only receive our worth from you and not from a piece of paper, that you see us through your "gospel glasses" and not the eyes of men. Love one another~Adrienne :-)

Questions 60-64 of The Heidelberg Catechism

2005-07-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

early morning fog, originally uploaded by bulldog1.

Question 60. How are you right with God?

Answer. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments and of never having kept any of them, and even though I am still ever inclined toward all evil, nevertheless, without my deserving it at all, out of sheer grace, God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me. All I need to do is accept this gift of God with a believing heart.

Question 61. Why do you say that you are right with God by faith alone?

Answer. It is not because of any value my faith has that God is pleased with me. Only Christ's satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness make me right with God. And I can receive this righteousness and make it mine in no other way than by faith

Question 62. Why can't the good works we do make us right, or at least help make us right, with God?

Answer. Because the righteousness which can pass God's scrutiny must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. Even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin.

Question 63. Then don't our good works merit anything when God has promised to reward them in this life and the next?

Answer. This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace.

Question 64. But doesn't this teaching make people careless and wicked?

Answer. No, for it is impossible for those who are grafted into Christ by true faith not to bring forth the fruit of gratitude.

Protector...

2005-07-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

Protector, originally uploaded by artofgold.

I had a wonderful talk with the Lord last night, and he has given me peace this morning, I asked for more faith, faith to know that his plan is greater than my fears, that he loves Cay more than even I do.

I also had a heart to heart with Cay after she crawled in bed with me for some cuddle time. I told her how I felt last night, and that would like for her to pray for me to have peace and faith in the Lord. As always she, my little woman, helped me to see things even more clearly. "We will always be close Mommy and have special times together, don't worry so much, I love you Mommy. We can always have special cuddle times when the baby is sleeping, or playing. Keep praying Mommy." I love my daughter. She has been given so much wisdom from the Lord, I think he gave her all of mine too sometimes. The poor dear girl has been like this since she 3, it's hard to admit, but she really has been giving me such good advice since then. She is always the voice of reason, she is her Father's daughter (her heavenly Father and her eartly Father) :-)

Love one another~Adrienne

Can't even think of a title...

2005-07-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

Flutterby, originally uploaded by artofgold.

We have one more foster/adopt class under our belts tonight. Today completed our PRIDE training, and now we have the adoption class, pmab, and first aid/cpr classes, and then the homestudy until we are finished with the whole process. We could conceivably finish up with everything by mid August.

Cay and I will be traveling to Olympia, Washinton, to visit friends, either the last week of August or the first couple of weeks of September. We haven't yet decided which dates will work best for our friends, who will be moving into their new house in the middle of August, so anytime after we return home we could get a call with a child/children needing to be placed in our home. We are going to immensly enjoy our last trip together for a while, just the two of us.

It JUST hit me, it might not be just Cay and I for much longer. That is exciting and strange and scary, and sad feeling all at the same time. I think I need to get to my knees...

Homeschool blog/Random Ramblings

2005-07-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

I cannot really decide what to do with my blog over at Homeschool Blogger. Do you guys doing the same thing wonder what to post over there, or if you should post different things, or I don't know, if you should stay there or at your main blog? Sometimes I think I'll just get rid of this one and keep the homeschool blogger one, and other times it's the other way around. I guess I am just thinking aloud here, because I JUST now thought that the reality of it is, that is not the place for me to post things about my past, my abortion being the main thing I am thinking of. After Abortion links to me here as a "blogs by post abortive women", That really sort of freaked me out a bit at first, BUT after a while I was glad that they did. I get most of my hits during the day from that blog actually, it reminds me that I should probably be blogging a bit more about it. Sigh... I have been sighing quite a lot lately! :-)

I just re-read all of this, and I won't blame y'all if you can't make sense of any of it! Words are not coming to me very easily tonight. I kept three of my nephews today and I am just a wee bit tired.

We are getting the extra bedroom ready for whenever we have a child placed with us. It is quite the task. I have never wanted my computer to be in my bedroom, but now that is exactly where it is going to have to go. My house is just stuffed already and there's no other place for it. That means no more late night blogging or blog surfing for me, Hubby has already informed me! it's fun to put all the Winnie the Pooh stuff back up from when Cay was young though, she and I were both ooohing and ahhhing over it last night. Good memories. There is a mural in the room; of a tree in the corner with grass and butterflies flitting about and the words "silly old bear" I ALMOST painted over it a couple of months ago and decided against it and now I am so glad that I didn't. It just didn't look very "office like" and now that is not an issue. :-) I hope my room doesn't look too "office like" when we get the computer desk in there.

Well off to bed, I am going to read more of Under the Banner of Heaven, interesting book!!

Love one another~Adrienne

New blog...??

2005-07-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

I am contemplating moving from blogger to Squarespace. I have put a few things over there so far during my 30 day free trial period. Check it out and tell me what you think. Sparrow is the one who introduced me to squarespace, and I love the look of her blog! I was just visiting Marla's blog tonight and it seems she was also inspired by our friend Sparrow.

It's a small, small world!!

2005-07-07T18:06:00.000-07:00

small-world1, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I also found out last night at our foster/adopt class that our neighbors across the street are foster/adopting from the same agency! The agency we are with is very small and about a half hour away, and they have no other couples on our side of town except the neighbors and us.

Did I tell you? Out of three couples in our class, that one of the other ladies and I were in the same kindergarten class and about an hour away from here and haven't seen each other since kindergarten?

Thanks for your comments about the trampoline, I know it is more important to give a child a home, but I hate asking her to give it up. Sigh...

Dilemma

2005-07-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we went to another foster/adopt class tonight, just Hubby and I, and we were told that if you have foster children in your home you CANNOT have a trampoline, even if it has a net on it like ours does. Here is the dilemma: Cay loves her trampoline, and I don't think I can ask her to give it up. I need help here y'all! EEEEK! It is just so ridiculous to me, because they will allow people to have swimming pools that are not enclosed in any way, but not a trampoline. Minnie, our foster specialist said that she would talk to the director again and see if it's just the way he feels or if it's a true state policy. I told her to tell him that if it's just him that he gets to be the one to tell Cay! If it was just sitting in the backyard not being used, like so many trampolines I know are, it wouldn't be any big deal, but that is not the case here. Cay is on it every day, I feel like a shmuck of a mom right now. :-(

Tony Little's Gazelle

2005-07-05T23:18:00.000-07:00

Tony Little's Gazelle, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

This thing is sooo fun! Cay and I actually squabble about who is going to be on it next. I had to break down and buy something that I could use to exercise in the house because I have asthma and our days here are "level red" and if you have asthma you shouldn't be outside at all if you can help it. I love to walk, but I just can't this time of year, and I usually feel horrible all summer long because I am not moving much, I get a bit sluggish, like a real slug. :-) It was only $99.00 at Walmart too, I think it's a steal considering we actually use, you don't have to plug it in and it's FUN.

End of Adrienne's infomercial!

Love one another~Adrienne

Comic Relief for my Pig Farming Friends :-)

2005-07-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

I'd Give It All

This is so funny, I think I just might give it all myself! :-)

Love one another~Adrienne :-)

Yellow Ribbon

2005-07-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

"Yellow Magnets Aren't Enough"

2005-07-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

I found this through a link on the Red Skelton website, being the week of our country's celebration of independence I thought it was a timely lesson (for me).

Don't Get Me Started

Andy Hefty
Community Columnist
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Yellow Magnets Aren’t Enough

Andrew C. ''Andy'' Hefty

You’ve seen the “Support Our Troops” magnets. The folded yellow ribbons adorning cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motor homes are all over the place. They sell for a couple bucks, and they’re easily identified. They make nice “Fridge” magnets, too, holding up our children’s most recent works of art. Just one problem. It’s not enough.

Putting a magnet on your car, thereby avoiding the permanent stigma of a bumper sticker that won’t peel off despite your best efforts, is nowhere near what it takes to “support” our troops. As a former Marine who never saw combat (due to serving in the 80s), I would like to offer some advice -- again free of charge -- on what it means to support our troops. In the interest of full disclosure, I will admit my own shortcomings in not doing everything listed here. But I’m trying.

Supporting the troops means taking a few minutes and writing a letter to your favorite Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine.

Supporting the troops means visiting a local recruiter to encourage them to keep up the good work in getting the best and brightest he can while having to compete with a lucrative civilian marketplace.

Supporting the troops means shaking the hand of a veteran and thanking them for passing on the legacy of the finest fighting force in the world.

Supporting the troops means saluting the flag with dignity when it passes by in a parade.

Supporting the troops means flying the flag at your home and business. It also means treating it with respect.

Supporting the troops means providing a meal to the wife of a deployed serviceman when she has had to deal with bills, kids, school, bills, appointments, T-ball, car repairs, and everything else without her husband. Did I mention bills?

Supporting the troops means writing letters to editors of newspapers and producers of TV/Radio news to hold them accountable to objective reporting of the facts of military operations. Translation: tell them your getting tired of hearing about 16 good-for-nothings and their exploits at Abu Ghraib.

Supporting the troops means cashing in your extra 100,000 frequent flier miles to allow someone to come home to their families for a short repose.

Supporting the troops means letting a few into the “Crown Room” lounge at the airport as your personal guest while they await their connecting flight. This will give them a chance to get off their feet, have a snack without charge, or make a call home with a little more privacy. Believe me, this means a lot.

Supporting the troops means saluting a member of the Armed Services when you pass them in the streets. You don’t have to stop them. You don’t even have to say a word. You only need to hold it until they return the salute. They know what it means. Hey, at least give them a “thumbs up,” will you? It certainly beats the single-finger salute.

Supporting the troops means writing a letter to your Congressman or Senator and holding their feet to the fire if they spout off something that undermines the mission of the Military. Ted Kennedy, are you listening?

Supporting the troops means “adopting” a serviceman. In other words, pick a serviceman you know (or maybe even one you don’t know but discovered by a mutual acquaintance), and maintain correspondence. He or she may not be able to write back all the time, but keep the information flowing.

Letters

Cards

Magazines

Books

Interesting articles from hometown newspapers

Care Packages

Supporting the troops means, if you oppose military action, don’t oppose military personnel. You have every right to disagree with war. Part of a Soldier’s job is to protect your right to disagree. Just remember that Soldiers do not start wars. Politicians do. Soldiers are only obeying the orders of politicians. Go talk to your Congressman.

And don’t forget the ones who are not necessarily deployed to the “hot spots” around the world, either. Those stationed in Iwakuni, Japan, are doing no less important a job than the Marines in Fallujah. One of my toughest times when I was overseas was seeing others wait all through “Mail Call” only to discover they got nothing in the mail.

Add your own ideas to your own list all you want, but if all you’re doing is buying magnets from WJXR’s Bargain Channel Program (92.1 FM in the greater Jacksonville area), it’s not enough.

This will make you smile!

2005-07-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

meany baby zach, originally uploaded by bulldog1.

I found this on Flickr, of course!

I really needed a smile today, it's been one of those days (the hormone kind), yuck, yuck, yuck!!!

We are meant for community...not singularity

2005-07-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

, originally uploaded by The Procrastinating Philosopher.

"Humble community is not the icing on the cake of Christianity. In a real way, it is the cake. These relatioships of love are a means of personal growth, a mark of God's people being purified, and a clear argument to the world fo the truth of the gospel."

Exerpt from "How People Change" available at CCEF by Paul David Tripp and Timothy S. Lane. I highly reccomend this study (it's a workbook), it is a very in depth look at how Jesus changes us, to encourage you to look at yourself in the mirror of God's Word. It is from the Changing Lives Ministries and it is changing my life!

Love one another! ~Adrienne :-)

Thank the Lord for Aloe!

2005-07-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

young Maneater and Sheila, originally uploaded by Lodigs.

In the past few hours I have burned two fingers and cut another, the cut is right on my fingertip and pretty deep so that every time I bump it on something it comes open and starts bleeding. burned the two fingers right next to that one, so I am typing very creatively. I think I should just call it a night before something else happens! OUCH!

Suntanning

2005-07-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

Suntanning, originally uploaded by Ya Ya.

Isn't this a beatiful photo? It's from Ya Ya's photo stream over at Flickr. Check out her photos if you have some time, they are beautiful, I have many of her photos in my "favorites" over there.

Today I am finishing up a 2 year project, painting Cay's bathroom, sad it took so long (we ran into some problems that had to be fixed) but I'm very glad to have it finished up! Cay, is definitely a happy camper. It seems I always have the best of intentions when I start something, but life just gets the better of me at times.

Cay and Sam just returned from seeing Herbie the Love Bug with my sister, and Hubby just left with them to visit Walmart. Sam is wanting to buy a Herbie the Lovebug car with his money that he's saved from his "chores".

Tomorrow, brings a trip to Salado, TX for a family reunion, for Father-In-Law's side of the family. I think I am staying home and Hubby and Cay will be making the trip by themselves. He has not seen that side of the family since the last reunion that we went to when Cay was about 4 years old. He isn't thrilled about going, he doesn't know anyone, and the last time we went we pretty much were left to ourselves the entire time. He is going for his Dad's sake, but told me he doesn't want to put me through it. I would go anyhow, because truthfully I feel really bad about not going, but the next day his mom's side is having our annual 4th celebration, and that is something we go to every year and enjoy, and I am making quite a bit of food for that, so will need the time at home for cooking. Anyone have a really good potato salad recipe? I have never made it before and that is one of the things I was assigned. It will be our second 4th without Hubby's grandfather Jimmy, the 4th was his birthday and that is the reason we all get together on that day to celebrate. He will be missed tomorrow.

We had a wonderful night last night, we went to a couple friend's house to play cards. It was the first time we have played with them and we had a great time playing and talking.

I better get back to my painting!!

Love one another~Adrienne :-)

Shyness....

2005-07-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Go read this great post from my new friend Debra, even though she doesn't know who I am! Debra is the one I was looking for in my earlier post with the beautiful painting.

Another blogger recently brought up shyness, and I am a formerly VERY SHY person, so I found her post very interesting reading.

Love one another!~Adrienne

Prayer: "True Religion" from The Valley of Vision

2005-07-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Lord God Almighty,

I ask not to be enrolled amongst the earthly great and rich,
but to be numbered with the spiritually blessed.

Make it my present, supreme, persevering concern
to obtain those blessings which are
spiritual in their nature,
eternal in their continuance,
satisfying in their possession.

Preserve me from a false estimate of the whole or a part of my character;
May I pay regard to my principles as well as my conduct,
my motives as well as my actions.

Help me never to mistake the excitement of my passions
for the renewing of the Holy Spirit,
never to judge my religion by occasional impressions and
impulses, but by my constant and prevailing disposition.

May my heart be right with thee, and my life as becometh the gospel.

May I maintain a supreme regard to another and better world,
and feel and confess myself a stranger and a pilgrim here.

Afford me all the direction, defence, support, and consolation
my journey hence requires,
and grant me a mind stayed upon thee.

Give me large abundance of the supply of the Spirit of Jesus,
that I may be prepared for every duty,
love thee in all my mercies,
submit to thee in every trial,
trust thee when walking in darkness,
have peace in thee amidst life's changes.

Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief and uncertainties.

"Things that make you go hmm.." (title stolen from Sparrow too)

2005-06-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

How rich are you? >>

I'm loaded.
It's official.
I'm the 48,572,565 richest person on earth!

This is making it's way around, I found it at Sparrow's. Click on the box if you want to do it too.

Artist: Frederick Lord Leighton

2005-06-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

Artist: Frederick Lord Leighton, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I LOVE this painting!

I keep TRYING to find the blog that I got this picture from! It was really good and I'd like to continue reading, plus give her credit for the picuture. I found the blog through a rabbit trail of reading other blogs though and haven't had much luck in retracing my steps. Anyone here recognize this from somewhere else? Or even better is it YOU? Please leave a comment and let me know!

UPDATE: Found HER!!

Last day of homeschool!

2005-06-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Last day of homeschool!, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Randi had this up on her blog today and I had to share it over here too! Hilarious! Poor guy! :-)

Eli loves to "drive"

2005-06-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Eli loves to "drive", originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I have been trying to control myself and not post so many pictures lately, BUT I can't anymore!! Here is sweet Eli pretending to drive my surburban, he really loves thinking that he is driving. :-) What a cutie pye he is!

All I can say is "WOW!"

2005-06-28T21:57:00.000-07:00

As a post abortive woman, rapper Nick Cannon's video for his song "Can I Live", well....it just blew me away! I wish I had ran out of the abortion clinic like the woman in the video did, if only...

Please watch the video Can I Live. Thanks to Marla for THIS POST, making me aware of the song.

I am not a rap fan either, but I am of that song. I pray that it impacts the teens and young women that are fans of this young man!

Here are the words to the song: Found at World Magazine Blog

'Can I Live'

“Can I Live" is a rap song, topping the charts and showing up on MTV’s Total Request Live. Nick Cannon performs the song as a tribute to his mother who almost aborted him. She walked away from the abortion clinic after she chose life for her son Nick. Continue reading for the complete lyrics. Here's an excerpt:

You Seventeen huh
And having me that will ruin everything huh
It's alot of angels waiting for their wings
You see me in your sleep so you cant kill your dreams
300 Dollars thats the price of living what?
Mommy I dont like this clinic
Hopefully you'll make the right decision
And dont go through with the Knife Decision
But it's hard to make the right move
When you in high school
How you have to work all day and take night school
Hopping off da bus when the rain is pouring
What you want morning sickness or the sickness of mourning
Talking Ma
I know the Situation is Personal
But it something that has to be told
As I was making this beat
You was all I could think about you heard my voice

[Verse 1]
Yeah Just think Just Think
What if you could Just
Just blink your self away..
Just Just wait just pause for a second
Let me plead my case
It's the late 70's Huh
You Seventeen huh
And having me that will ruin everything huh
It's alot of angels waiting for their wings
You see me in your sleep so you cant kill your dreams
300 Dollars thats the price of living what?
Mommy I dont like this clinic
Hopefully you'll make the right decision
And dont go through with the Knife Decision
But it's hard to make the right move
When you in high school
How you have to work all day and take night school
Hopping off da bus when the rain is pouring
What you want morning sickness or the sickness of mourning

[Chorus]
I Will Always Be apart of you
Trust Your Soul Know it's always true
If I Could Talk I Would Say To You
CAN I LIVE
CAN I LIVE
I Will Always Be apart of you
Trust Your Soul Know it's always true
If I Could Talk I Would Say To You
CAN I LIVE
CAN I LIVE

[Verse 2]
I am a child of the king
Ain't no need to go fear me
And I see the flowing tears so know that you hear me
When I move in your womb that's me being scary
Cause who knows what my future holds
Yo the truth be told you ain't told a soul
Yo you ain't even showing I'm just 2 months old
Through your clothes try to hide me deny me
Went up 3 sizes
Your pride got you lying saying ain't nothing but a migraine
It ain't surprising you not trying to be in Wic food lines
Your friends will look at you funny but look at you mommy
That's a life inside you look at your tummy
What is becoming ma I am Oprah bound
You can tell he's a star from the Ultrasound
Our Sprits Connected Doors Open Now
Nothing But Love And Respect Thanks For Holding Me Down She Let Me Live...

[Chorus]
I Will Always Be apart of you
Trust Your Soul Know it's always true
If I Could Talk I Would Say To You
CAN I LIVE
CAN I LIVE
I Will Always Be apart of you
Trust Your Soul Know it's always true
If I Could Talk I Would Say To You
CAN I LIVE
CAN I LIVE
[Repeat 2]

[Nick Talking]

It's uplifting foreal yall
I ain't passing no judgement
Ain't making no decisions
I am just telling ya'll my story
My love life
I love my mother for giving me life
We all need to appreciate life
A strong woman that had to make a sacrifice
Thanks for listening
Thanks for listening
Mama thanks for listening

Love one another!
Adrienne

Joel Osteen...

2005-06-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in what Joel Osteen had to say to Larry King check out SurphSide's post.

A Purpose for Our Struggles

2005-06-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

"Charlie Shedd tells of a little boy who happened to be present when a butterfly was struggling to be born out of the chrysalis of a caterpillar. He watched with amazement as the tiny creature pushed and pulled agonizingly to get out of the resistant encasement and only after great effort was finally able to break free and fly away. He was so touched by the awesomeness of this struggle that he found another caterpillar and watched very closely until he saw the first movements of the birth process. At that moment he took his father's razor blade and cut open the chrysalis so that this butterfly would not have to struggle so hard. To the child's amazement the butterfly did not have strength enough in its wings to fly away. What he didn't realise was that the struggle to get out of the chrysalis is precisely what develops the strength called for in the next phase of its existence. "

I was reminded of this story today while reading Mason Jar over at Sparrow's Journal. Sparrow has some really lovely pictures that she took to go along with it, the story is very simialar to the one that I have above by Charlie Shedd. I really like to read things like this that draw a picture in our minds of the reason and purpose for our stuggles in life and answer the question of how or why God can let us go through hard times in our lives. Which also reminds me of the poem that you see everywhere "Footprints", which is as commmeralized and overused as possible, but that I still like.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Another story that made me laugh, but it's so true...

DEVOTIONAL

The story is told of a man who was walking across the road when he was hit by a car. The impact knocked him on his head which caused him to be in a coma for two days before he finally regained consciousness.

When he opened his eyes, his loving wife was there beside his bed. He held her hand and said to her:

"You know, Judy, you've always been right by my side. When I was a struggling college student, I failed again and again. But you were always there with me, encouraging me to go on trying.."

She squeezed his hands as he continued: "And when I got out of school and went for all of my interviews and failed to get any of the jobs, you stayed right there with me, cutting out more classifieds for me to check on..."

"Then I started work at this little firm and finally got the chance to handle a big contract. But I blew it because of one little mistake, and yet you were there beside me all the way. Then I finally got another job after being laid off for sometime. But I never seemed to be promoted and my hard work was never recognized. And so, I remained in the same position from the day I joined the company until now...And, through it all, you were right there by my side."

Her eyes brimmed with tears as she listened to her husband: "And now I've been in this accident and when I woke up, you're the first person I see. There's something I'd really like to say to you...."

She flung herself on the bed to hug her husband, sobbing with emotion.

He said, "Judy, I think you're just plain bad luck!"

Our attitude makes a big difference in how we see things, doesn't it? As the saying goes, we can either see the glass as half full or half empty. We can either appreciate the good during our times of adversity (the faithfulness of God, greater opportunities to develop our faith, the blessing of good friends to see us through it) or we can moan and complain about our "bad luck."

The apostle Paul is a great example of someone with a marvelous attitude. Through all of his trials, God had been right there by his side. But never once did he blame God for his misfortune. Instead, listen to the positive attitude in Paul's words as he sat imprisoned for preaching the gospel:

"But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel." (Phil.1:12).

No moaning, no complaining. Just a marvelous attitude that brought joy to his life. May it serve as an example to you today.

Alan Smith Boone Church of Christ
Posted From [TFTD - Thought-For-The-Day]

Love one another!!

Haven't had a quiz in a while...

2005-06-26T22:52:00.000-07:00

Hat tip to Uncle Sam's Cabin

What Is Your Animal Personality?
brought to you by Quizilla

I am not THAT lazy! :-)

More vacation photos!

2005-06-25T21:26:00.001-07:00

Cay at the lake, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Sights seen at the lake...:-)

2005-06-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

sights seen at the lake...:-), originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I know, how disgusting! I saw these a lot though, and the boys thought that was one of the greatest parts of the trip. Boys are strange creatures!

Armadillo sighting!

2005-06-25T21:24:00.001-07:00

Armadillo sighting!, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I really tried to get a picture of his face, but he seemed to be a bit camera shy.

Even the dogs came

2005-06-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

Even the dogs came, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Me

2005-06-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

Me, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Lake Whitney State Park

2005-06-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

Lake Whitney State Park, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

We are home and we had a fantastic time! Now time to unpack that monster of a camper and of course get the washing machine humming along.

I just couldn't wait to get my pictures loaded up into flickr!

This is the little beach that we swam at each day in the photo above. It had a very nice pebbly bottom, not icky and mushy like the other spots on the lake. I cannot take my feet sinking in and sticking in the muck! Yuck! My nephews Sam and Evan were brought to us yesterday and LOVED swimming! We have decided that Evan will be a stunt man when he grows up, the child has NO FEAR at all and he is 3 1/2. He would run in from shore and dive in on his tummy, go under and up, under and up and if he couldn't make it up on his own by the third time Hubby would pick him up. These goings on made for one extremely nervous Auntie. >:-0 Ack!

Well off to the laundry room!

P.S. Thanks for the well wishes for our trip to all in the comment box. Also, Suki is doing fine, no permanant damage from the wing clippping. Cay even managed to have fun! (Thanks Donna!)

Set back...bird problems!

2005-06-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

"Zac" Cay's lovebird, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Oh my goodness, we still have not left yet because Cay was doing all of her chores that needed done before we left and we she accidentally clipped the bird's wings too far up and Suki was bleeding. We put baking soda on it to help it clot, but Cay was so upset she was crying so hard. I feel so bad for her!

We called the friend we purchased Suki and Zac from and as soon as she gets home we are going to take them over to her house. She will keep a good eye on them for the next couple of days in case the bleeding starts again. Please pray that Cay can still have a good time and not worry about her babies, she is so tender hearted and stuff like this really worries her.

Donna, have you ever had this happen??

Our home away from home!

2005-06-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

Our home away from home!, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

We are off again tomorrow, in our home away from home! I LOVE our camper, I really do! It will most likely be in the 100's this coming week here in Texas and even though I will be "camping" I will be in the cool air conditioner of my "home". Am I spoiled or what?? :-) Hubby and Cay can run around all day and do whatever it is that they do, and I can lounge and read in a cool comfortable climate controllled zone, while they run around and sweat, sweat, sweat. I usually make an appearance outside early in the morning and then they will not see me (outside) again until around 6:00 p.m. They do come to me at lunch time. I really like cooking in there for some reason too, I think I like that it's such a small space that I can have everything cleaned up in a jiffy. I usually read about 4 books while we are gone, I love it. I haven't chosen the books that I am going to take with me yet and we are leaving at noon tomorrow.

Don't I sound like a lot of fun? :-) I am so glad that hubby and Cay like traipsing around all day without me. We do have a great time in the evenings all together though; sitting by the fire, playing games like rummicube, and skip-bo, it's a lot of fun. Of course there is always the s'mores too! Chocolate is my friend. Acutally I have been on a watermelon fast for a few days now, and I am not quite sure what I am going to be eating while we are gone. Hubby and Cay will eat their usual, but I may stick with fruits and veggies. The watermelon this time of year is awesome, and let me tell you a little secret...fresh lime juice squeezed right onto the melon; it's out of this world yummy!

I will miss reading all of you while I am gone, I am sure there will be a lot to catch up on when I get back. We are leaving tomorrow and will be back on Friday. We will be returnin tg for a few hours to attend our first PRIDE training class for foster/adopting, I am so excited about it!

Sparrow, don't be surprised if you get a call from Amway when we get back! :-) Just kidding! Hehe..

Grace be with you all, love one another!

Gift Of My Heart

2005-06-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

01-16-2002 13, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

30 years ago today I received one of the greatest gifts my heart has ever known...my sister, my best friend. I have always thought that God created her "just for me"!! I know he had other reasons :-) but I know he knew how much how needed her too.

This picture of her is so great to me because it just shows who she is...she is so fun to be around, she makes me laugh like no other person in the world can, we can just look at each other and laugh because we know what the other is thinking.

I could never have gotten through my crazy childhood without her, we needed each other so much, she was so often my only comfort, and my only friend in the world.

Thank you God for knitting together this really speical woman, whom I love with all my heart!

Chandra, happy birthday baby girl!! I love you so very much! You make my heart rejoice!!! Here's a poem I found for you...

Time Will Never Change the Love We Share as Sisters

Time has changed our secrets
and the pigtails in our hair;
It has changed the silly arguments
and the giggles that we shared.
It has changed our childish happiness
to grown-up make-believe,
And leaving us with little else,
it has slowly changed
our dreams....

Time has come along and changed
the essence of our world;
Then finally and silently,
it has changed the little girls.
But having taken away the dreams
and the simple things we shared before.
Time has led us to the lasting things
we need each other for...

Memories of moments
that were made for us to share,
The crazy laughter
that's somehow always there,
The hidden corners of our lives
only we will ever know,
And the love that becomes deeper
and sweeter as it grows.

Time changes many things
and some dreams come apart,
But nothing can reach or change
the love for you
that lives within my heart.

by Dianna Barnett ©

MOTH

2005-06-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

I just ordered the M.O.T.H. (Managers Of Their Homes) system from the Maxwells at Titus 2, and when I ordered they let me sign up for their newsletter. The article below is from that newsletter by Terri Maxwell. I hope you all enjoy it! I did.

I am still trying to get organized around here and on a loose schedule. I know that when we foster/adopt I will need to have a system already in place and running in order to keep my sanity with a newcomer around. :-) I have never been very good at scheduling. Anyone have any good hints for me???? I am all ears!! :-)

I am also double posting at both blogs right now because I just don't have the time to devote to thinking of different posts. So if you visit one, just know you don't have to visit the other. I guess I can just let you all (4 or so of you :-) know if I have an original post on one.

Grace be with you!

Summer Scheduling

2005-06-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Benefits of Summer Scheduling
One of the main cries of my heart to homeschooling moms is to encourage them to use a daily schedule. Scheduling is at the heart and soul of what has made our home and homeschool successful. I find I have to proclaim the joys of scheduling from the rooftops from time to time, especially after having regular e-mails from struggling homeschooling moms.

With the freedom from school hours that summer brings for many homeschool families comes the ability to fit in many new activities, projects, and tasks. What I have also discovered comes with my summer release from school responsibility is a propensity to laziness and self-focus. Those looked-forward-to free hours fritter away day by day, week by week. When school starts again, I look back on my summer with a heart filled with regrets and if only’s.

The solution the Lord has given me is to use my schedule to help productively use my summer hours and my children’s. I still have freedom from the school responsibility and hours. However, I will accomplish all those tasks and goals that I anticipated through the school year. I can pray about my summer schedule, seeking the Lord’s guidance for priorities. Then I discuss the schedule possibilities with my husband to get his direction for how my summer should be spent plus what we want the children to do with their time. Two years ago, I wrote a Mom’s Corner on summer schedules. I am not going to repeat that information, but I would encourage you to read that article: http://www.titus2.com/corners/6-03-m.htm. I also suggest you read this Mom’s Corner (http://www.titus2.com/corners/7-04-m.htm) about children and chores during the summer.

I wanted to give you some other thoughts regarding summer schedules from those who have begun implementing this idea in their homes. These suggestions from other homeschooling moms will give you motivation for your summer scheduling, plus some great ideas.

From: Mom A There have been only a few summers in our past that we did not do school. The summers that we took a real “break” were freeing, BUT the short-lived freedom was not worth it in the long run.

It may have been glorious at the moment, but ...

1) it took us FOREVER to get back into the swing of things once we did begin.
2) one of my children seemed to forget every item learned the previous year, which meant a LOT of review when we began.
3) the first day we started, I felt behind already!
4) the mind is a great thing to waste; no school meant more TV when it was too hot to play outside.
5) without a focus or a sense of accomplishing something, we were floating around aimlessly.
6) due to the mental laziness, NOTHING got done that year.
7) I spent more money that summer due to being out and about so much, which caused guilt on my part of not being a frugal helpmeet, and then the guilt snowballed into a fear of turning into the worst wife in the world.
8) we ate a lot of fast food since I was too lethargic from all my remorse to cook consistently.

IT WAS A TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE TO NOT DO SOME SCHOOL DURING THE SUMMER! I’m sure that you gathered this already! I have our summer schedule for this year already written out and discussed with my children!!

From: Mom B
We schedule gardening in 30 minutes segments. One in the morning after the daily housework is done, about 9:30, and one right after quiet time, at 3:30. We usually start school at 10:00 if we are doing school, and if we are on summer break they do just handwriting or copy work, nature journals and arts & crafts kind of things. They usually play from 11:15 to 12:30 before lunch, and 4:30 to 6:00 before supper.

My children like it when I read to them after lunch and again before bedtime. If I were going to include learning a language, it would probably be in the afternoon as part of their quiet time, maybe using a computer program or tapes. This would be after they had some quiet reading time in their own room.

From: Mom C
To homeschool to enjoy the summer, I use the same exact principles as I do for a “regular” schedule. I decide when and how long to “school,” then I am done. I decide when and how long to garden, etc. I give what I want to do a slot, and I faithfully do what I scheduled. Then by the summer’s end, I will feel as if I have accomplished what I really wanted to, instead of feeling as if the time was wasted. I LOVE having a summer schedule in place. It really can be a time to accomplish a lot. Our reading quiet times are before bed and before baby’s naptime.

From: Mom D
We have a summer schedule with chores, Bible reading (God doesn’t take the summer off), and an hour or more of school. Usually everyone does math, and then the children work in whatever subjects they are poor in. For some, that may be just practicing their reading. For others, they have to repeat a course they did poorly in. We spend 60 minutes per day in the garden, usually early in the day. I leave the afternoons unscheduled. We still do weekly projects, but they are usually outside work. We keep the school-year rules of only 30 minutes of computer per day, which they have to earn by doing a typing lesson first and not scoring below a set level of words/errors per minute.

Buy board games, provide arts and crafts supplies. At our home if the children say, “I’m bored” or something equivalent, they get a job from the project list. If they act like they are at loose ends, I suggest something fun or creative. The suggestion MUST be taken and usually after the first few minutes, they get into it and enjoy themselves. This has taught them all to be productive and not to mope around or Mom finds them something to do.

From: Mom E
We do school in the summer but only the things we think the children need extra work in, like handwriting, or things they really enjoy, like reading. We also do math facts practice so they don’t forget it over the summer. All of that probably takes about 20 minutes. We are doing our state history this summer just to prevent the day being too long during the regular year. We also do Bible every day whether we do school or not. Each person also has time for individual time in the Word each day.

I’m filling up our schedule with things like gardening, project time, playing outside, working on the Doorposts books, computer time, educational games, time with each parent, time with each other (we have 2 children) and time spent playing alone. We recently discovered that our 11-year-old couldn’t play alone. He is the younger of the two and had never had to play by himself. He had no idea what to do, so we added alone time each day to his schedule so he can learn to play or work on his own.

Once we add in daily and weekly chore times and piano practice, our schedule is pretty full. Of course, we do have meal times, family time, and family devotions each day as well.

From: Angie
We plan on having our regular morning routine this summer, which includes: Wake, dress, groom, daily chores, breakfast, and cleanup. Then we will have our Bible time and an hour of “school.” We are going to do reading, educational games, and math drills. I plan on having the older children help me with the younger ones for activities such as listening to them read and playing games with them. After this time, they will get outside time until lunch. After lunch, we will have rest and reading time, and then I plan to have a project time. They will get free time again until supper.

Do you see how these moms are using their schedules to make sure they are having productive summers? I love the change of pace our summer months provide. However, I dislike looking back on those weeks and feeling they were wasted. A schedule gives us freedom: freedom to accomplish what the Lord wants me and my children to do with those summer hours. From reading about how these other moms are using their summer schedules, I believe you will glean ideas for your own schedule. I encourage you to make a summer schedule. If you need help with how to schedule, the Managers of Their Homes book (http://www.titus2.com/ecommerce/products/prod_listing.php/1100) is a how-to primer on scheduling for homeschool families, including a chapter on summer scheduling. The scheduling kit that comes with the book has enough materials for at least three schedules so you can make a summer schedule with it and then a school-year schedule. Use your summer schedule to be profitable with your summer days. Look back on those weeks with no regrets.

Teri Maxwell

Written by Teri Maxwell, co-author of Managers of Their Homes, A Practical Guide to Daily Scheduling for Christian Homeschool Families, Keeping Our Children's Hearts, Just Around the Corner: Encouragement and Challenge for Homeschooling Dads and Moms and author of Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit.

Miah 5/05

2005-06-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

Miah 5/05, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

This is nephew number seven, Jeremiah, We usually call him "Miah". Miah was born on New Years Day this year so he is five months old this month. It is amazing to me that just five months ago I was in the delivery room watching him come into the world and he was so tiny and oblivious. :-) Now he is trying to crawl, notices everything, smiles all day, and even laughs now when you do goofy things for him. I just love it! I am sooooo blessed to have all these little guys in my life that I can't believe it. He has not been here long, but he certainly owns this Auntie's heart already, his dimples make me just giddy with joy!! :-) I know I a huge mush, but I just can't help it.

I am going to visit the family from church that just adopted the four kids tomorrow. I have not been able to make it over there until now, so I am very excited to get to finally meet them. Things have been pretty hectic over there just trying to get everyone on the same schedule and settled in so they haven't been back to church yet, I imagine it will be another few weeks until they make a Sunday appearance. Just imagine, a family of ten now, they are going to take up two rows at church now! Amazing! I will let you tomorrow what all I saw while I was there!

Cay and Hubby are downstairs playing poker right now, I can hear the clinking of the change. Those two love to play games, I on the other hand.....not really. I can get into Skip-Bo and Scrabble, and Quiddler, but those are really the only ones that I enjoy very much. I love to play along with Jeporady and Wheel of Fortune on the television, does that count?

I received my Flylady Control Journal today. I am determined not to live in C.H.A.O.S. (can't have anyone over syndrome) any longer!! It's not that bad really, but I am so very disorganized and just cluttered in general. I am a packrat, always have been and unfortunately my dear daughter seems to have inherited this crazy habit from me. So together we are going to tackle this problem and learn together as we go to not pack like rats any longer! This will be part of Cay's domestic training, one day her future hubby will thank me. At least if we succeed, he will thank me, if we don't.....he may not be so joyful. :-)

Until tomorrow!

Grace be with you!

New Blog

2005-06-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Come on over and visit at my new blog! It is a place to share my thoughts on homeschooling, curriculum and all the things that go along with it.

Adrienne's new blog

Sunday Prayer of Confession

2005-06-12T06:03:00.000-07:00

O Lord, we want to enter Your presence, worshipping
You face to face, awed by Your majesty, greatness,
and glory; encouraged and ravished by Your love.

Yet, we know our hearts. To enter your throne
room on our own would undo us. You have not
ministered to us by way of angels and hot coals, but
you have saved us through the death and
resurrection of your own beloved Son. Based on
His sacrifice, hear our prayers...

Thank you for the forgiveness you grant us, for Jesus' sake.

Now, stay near and strengthen us until Christ
reigns supreme within us, in our thoughts, in our words,
and in our deeds.

In the matchless name of Jesus Christ we pray,
Amen!

Grace be with you!

Confessing Our Faith

2005-06-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

From the Heidelberg Catechism

Q:
What is your only comfort in life and death?

A:
My only comfort in life and death is that I am not my own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ

He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: In fact, all things work together for my salvation.

Because I belong to Him, Christ, by His Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him.

Amen!!

Cay in sunset at lakehouse

2005-06-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

Cay in sunset at lakehouse, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I had to add this one too, it looks as if she is standing on the edge of the world to me. :-)

Lovely View

2005-06-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

Back porch at Jo's lakehouse, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

This is where my behind sat most of the weekend! I spend a lot of time out on the porch reading and working on my bible study. Cay and Hubby spent most of the weekend on the boat and sea doo. They are much more adventurous than me, I prefer watching them do it!

Possum Kingdom Lake

2005-06-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Possum Kingdom Lake, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

What a majestic sunset! Again, this is the backyard of my friend's lakehouse, they can sit on the back porch and see this! It was so awesome. I had the best time, very relaxing!

Our vacation pictures...

2005-06-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Our vacation pictures..., originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

This is Cay standing in the backyard of our friend's lakehouse. Possum Kingdom Lake is directly behind their house, it is just beautiful. I loved the sunset, this is the last of the light that day.

California Wildflowers

2005-06-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

Wildflowers, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I, of couse, must leave you with a photo, because as you all know I am obsessed with posting photos on my blog. :-) My dad sent this picture to me, he had it titled California Wildflowers, I am not sure who sent it to him, but I think it is just awesome. Our Lord is such an artist!

Now I am really leaving for vacation! :-)

XXOO

Vacation tomorrow!

2005-06-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well today is a day of laundry, getting ready for our trip to a friend's lake house for the rest of the week. We will be home on Sunday. Me being the homebody that I am, I hope that I can just relax and have a good time enjoying friends, and not focus after a couple of days on how much I wished I was home. There's no place like home right?

Yesterday I stopped by the adoption agency, and it looks as if sometime in June (the classes haven't been set up yet), Hubby, Cay and I will be taking all the classes required to foster/adopt a child. I have been praying for years that God would change my Hubby's heart about adoption, and it seems he has! We have had some great talks here lately and he is ready to go though all the classes and see what God has in store for us. I just can't believe it! Cay says she would love a sister, she thinks of her cousins, especially Sam who lived with us for 4 years, as her brothers, but "a sister would be so sweet to have". We'll see what God has planned and step through those doors that he opens for us when we come to them.

I have a lot of paperwork to fill out today too, and drop of at the agency. I better get busy!

Have a great week everyone!

XXOO

Your still "The Man" Bo!

2005-05-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

More Bo, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Congrats to Carrie Underwood!

2005-05-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

Carrie Underwood, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I am happy for Carrie, and I think Bo is probably better off not winning the American Idol title anyhow, now he won't be tied to their contract and have to do and sing whatever they want for him to. He obviously will get a record deal out of it anyhow! I wish that there was a way for them to only have people vote 1 time each! It would seem so much more fair that way, I am sure there would be a way to rig it though. Can you imagine if we voted for the President they way they ran the voting at American Idol? It would all be about who could afford the most phone lines!

It was very cool that they gave both of them a brand new red Mustang convertible! My Hubby is quite enamored with the new Mustang. :-)

Well now normal life can resume and I will try to find something more edifying to do with my time! :-) It was fun though!

Bo Bice "The Man"

2005-05-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Bo Bice "The Man", originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Okay tonight is the "big night" for all of us Idol fans out there!! I will be at my sister's house having an "Idol Watching Party"! I am such a nerd, but I can't help it. :-) Vote people vote! Our man Bo needs you, in all the polls he and Carrie are sooo close. Now, I know that some of you may actually want for Carrie to win...I like Carla's idea though that Bo will win, they (Bo and Carrie) will marry and have a variety show together, invite Vonzell on once in a while. What a wonderful world this would be. :-)

UPDATE:
Found a website that is devoted to American Idol Hysteria Ricky.org. Check it out if you'd like to dowload Bo or Carrie's songs they have sung on A.I. and you can also watch their actual performances in quicktime. Very fun! I did want to add that the site, because of viewers comments, is in my opinion PG-13, since I have a younger visiting now I wanted to make sure I said that. I wouldn't want Cay reading all the comments section.

Look at all the gray!

2005-05-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

Look at all the gray!, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I started getting gray hair when I was 21 years old, and have covering it up ever since. My hair was shoulder length a couple of months ago, and I decided to cut it all off again in order to let the gray grow out. BUT now that it's actually happening....eeck! I guess I am just so very vain, it's an awful thing to realize about one's self when one hasn't thought too much about it before. I will be 34 on Thursday, and I don't want to LOOK so much older. Part of me really wants to grow it out though, so I am taking VOTES now. Please cast your vote for GROW IT OUT, or PLEASE KEEP COLORING IT! :-) You all saw the picture of my Dad, I look so much like him, except not as tan, I guess that is what my hair will look like when it grows out. What say you?

Cay and "Zac"

2005-05-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

Cay and "Zac", originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

This is Cay and her lovebird Zac. He is a feisty little guy who likes to try to bite. We bought he and his mate Suki at the same time, so they haven't done too well at bonding with Cay, they only seems to love each other. Anyone have lovebirds? Have any ideas on things we can do to get them a bit tamer?

Cay is wanting to give them a nesting box when they turn a year old, she hopes that the babies will like her more since she will handle them soon after hatching and on, but I am afraid that Suki and Zac won't let her touch the babies, with the way they already act with her. It will be difficult anyhow. Cay is convinced that Zac kisses her whenever she asks him too, I guess it could be posssible it seems to be what he is doing. I wonder if he does it so she will put him down though? Lovebirds aren't really bright, but they have the intelligence of a two year old I've heard and we mom's know a two year old already has all they need to manipulate mom. :-)

Quiz time again! Fun!

2005-05-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

You Are 20% Left Brained, 80% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.

Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.

If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.

Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.

The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.

Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.

If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.

Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

Found this one over at Paula's.

Well, I am just putting this up because I am so busy right now taking pictures and posting things for sale over at E-Bay for Hubby. I don't enjoy doing this kind of stuff too much, so my "I'd Rather Be..." post is really looking good right about now!

I'd Rather Be...

2005-05-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

another time, another place, originally uploaded by javajive.

A new meme from Marla.

To join in search for a phot on flickr that shows what you'd rather be doing and blog it with the title "I'd Rather Be..." ...Then go to the flickr meme group and comment on the post for this meme saying that you just blogged it.

Personality test...

2005-05-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

Found this over at Donna's.

Disorder	Rating
Paranoid:	Low
Schizoid:	Low
Schizotypal:	Low
Antisocial:	Low
Borderline:	Low
Histrionic:	Moderate
Narcissistic:	Low
Avoidant:	High
Dependent:	Moderate
Obsessive-Compulsive:	Moderate
-- Personality Disorder Test -- -- Personality Disorder Information --

I was just thinking what a scary thing it would have been for me to take this test when I was between the ages of 16 and 19!! They would have locked me up and thrown away the key! Oh, wait, that did happen once...but escaped. True, not lying!

Me and Dad

2005-05-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

07-05-2002 51, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Found one of my Dad and I together, in 2002. :-) I guess you can tell from all the gray hair that the first photo was quite a few years ago? I think I was about 12 when he sent me that first photo, it was taken of him on the beaches of Baja, Mexico.

Photo of my Dad

2005-05-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

Photo of my Dad, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Since I mentioned in my American Idol Junkie comments that my Dad has had long hair since I was a baby, I thought I'd post a picture of my him. At the moment all I have in my "files" (in flickr) is this picture, of a picture of my Dad. :-)

I, of course, think he is one of the most handsome men in the world!

Getting to know me...

2005-05-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

Found at Donna's.

A is for Age - 33 until next week..May 26th
B is for Booze - Red Wine
C is for Career - stay at home mom/teacher
D is for Dad’s name - William (Will)
E is for Essential items to bring to a party - Not much of a party person, unless it's a kids' birthday party
F is for Favorite song at the moment - "It Is Well With My Soul"
H is for Hometown - Irving, Texas
I is for Instrument you play - cd player or i Tunes
J is for Jam or Jelly you like - strawberry or apple butter
K is for Kids - Cay, 12
L is for Living arrangement - 2 story red brick house, 3 br, 2 1/2 bath
M is for Mom’s name - Norma
N is for Names of best friends - Laura, Jo, Stephanie, Michelle, Samantha, Lizzy, Hubby, Cay
O is for overnight hospital stays - tonsils out age 7, giving birth age 21
P is for Phobias - huge crowds
Q is for Quote you like - “Coolbeans” same as Donna
R is for Relationship that lasted longest - 13 years married to Hubby
S is for Siblings - 1 younger sis (29), 1 younger brother (25)
U is for Unique trait - ability to spend money on books
V if for Vegetable you love -carrots
W is for Worst trait - forgetfulness
X - is for XRays you’ve had - chest x-rays, mammogram
Y is for Yummy food you make - chicken enchilada soup
Z is for Zodiac sign - I look to Jesus for my daily guidance (I am doing a ditto of Donna's answer)

Firsts:
First job - McDonalds $3.75/hour
First screen name - HUH?
First funeral - My Great Grandmother, I thought her eyes were open looking at me, I was 4
First piercing - ears when 4, nose 27 (early mid-life crisis, let it grow back)
First tattoo - don't have any
First credit card - Chevron gas card
First kiss - Paul Matthews, age 12
First enemy - I was hers for some reason, a girl in 6th grade named Rosamarie. She would follow me home from school and kick my feet and call me "Rosebud", I have no idea what I did to make her single me out.
First favorite band -Oak Ridge Boys, my mom listened to them

Lasts:
Last kiss - Hubby last night
Last movie - National Treasure, very good, 2 night ago
Last beverage drank - water
Last food eaten - chinese stir fry with Fruit Loops for dessert :-)
Last phone call -my friend Stephanie a few hours ago
Last shower - 1:00 this afternoon
Last CD played -Shurley English 5 practice sentences, fun stuff
Last website visited - Walking Circumspectly

Single or taken: Taken
What do you miss?: miss Grandma and Grandpa
Hair color: brunette and grey
Eye color: green
What makes you sad? past regrets
Are you happy?: yes
Do you want your friends to fill this out, too?: That would be fun, but let me know!

Cores MetÃ¡licas

2005-05-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

Cores MetÃ¡licas III, originally uploaded by sparkyfaisca.

I didn't take this photo, but the name of the bird is the title, (the photographer is from Portugal though, so it's probably in Spanish) click on the link below the photo if you'd like to see more of his pics.

I thought the bird and the composition were just lovely though, so this is for all my bird loving friends! :-)

Last night was to be the "backyard campout" and it went great, that is until time to actually sleep in the tent. Sam ended up in my bed. :-) No a big shock, but I had hoped he would sleep in the tent. He is pretty attached to me "YU" (that is what he calls me) . We are not sure how I got that name, but it stuck and now all the family calls me Yu. It makes my brother-in-law a bit crazy. He says we have too much "pronoun confusion". Sam will say to others " I want Yu to do it for me" and they will say "I am dong it Sam" and he will say "Not you, YU!" Can you see how that is confusing?

Luckily Cay had her friend Rae over also, so she wasn't totally abandoned. They had a great time all in all, and of course the s'mores were one of the best parts!

All three kids have been on the trampoline with the water hose on (low of course) and water balloons bouncing all over it for a couple of hours now. I need to get them in the house for Latin and Grammar lessons soon, always having to spoil the fun, drats!

We are all going to view "Singing In the Rain" tonight, I haven't ever seen it before but hear that it's a great movie. I can't believe that Hubby has gotten to where he will watch musicals with us now! I think it was "Fiddler on the Roof" that finally converted him!

Have a great day everyone!
XXOO

Goodbye Vonzell!!

2005-05-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Vonzell Solomon, April 12th, originally uploaded by inknoise.

That was so sad to see Vonzell go, but I knew it would happen tonight. I better get my dialing fingers ready for next Tuesday night, I have a lot of voting to do! All of the polls that I have seen thus far Carrie and Bo are neck and neck. I guess it wouldn't be horrible if Carrie won, she is very good, I just think that Bo has an originality that has not been see before on Idol.

American Idol Junkie

2005-05-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

Bo Bice, April 13th, originally uploaded by inknoise.

Here is my vote for Bo Bice! I am trying to call right now, but the line is BUSY! Y'all didn't know this about me did ya? ;-)

Anyone else with me on this?
UPDATE: I did get through, I voted for myself and once for all of y'all!

Mother's Day present

2005-05-17T10:56:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day present, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I have meant to post a picture of this beautiful gift that Hubby and Cay gave me for Mother's Day before now, but I just this last weekend finally got around to getting a battery for my camera.

By the way, if you are ever shopping around to buy a digital camera, don't get one unless it takes double AA batteries! I had no idea when I bought mine that there was a difference in batteries. Mine takes a 2CR5 and you can not recharge them! Get a AA battery camera and you can just recharge them and not spend $10.00 a pop on a battery. That's right just one battery costs $10.00!

Okay back to gift. I have had this print for about 5 years now, hanging on my wall with tacks. I love it, the little girl in it reminds me of Cay. It disappeared about 2 months ago and Hubby told me the fan was blowing it off the wall, which I had noticed, but then I put it in the back of my mind. Anyhow, it was true, and it gave him the idea to have it framed and matted for me because the tacks were tearing the picture. I love it! Hubby has only ever surprised me in our 14 years together twice before so this was quite a shock to me! I love to be surprised, but rarely ever am because I rack my braing trying to figure out what I am getting and I usually get it right. I was the kind of kid who shook all of my present under the tree, and once Christmas even cut the wrappings with a razor blade and then rewrapped them! Not nice, I know. :-) I just can't stand the suspense though. I do the SAME thing when I buy a gift for someone else. I can not shop for a present for someone until a few days before or I WILL give it to them, I can't take, I have to see their face when they open it! I LOVE to give gifts to people! My sister is the exact same way, we always give each other presents our presents early!

Mother's Day present

2005-05-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day present, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Cay practicing piano

2005-05-17T10:55:00.001-07:00

Cay practicing piano, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Our day so far has been; Latin, practicing the piano, and doing my copywork (picture above). Samantha does copywork out of the Bible and aspires to copy the entire Bible one day. I LOVED that idea, especially since I learn best by coywork, and I have started to do it also. I started with the book of Ephesians because that is what I am studying right now in my Wednesday night ladies' bible study. I started yesterday, and as of today am movng on the Chapter 4. I will keep you all posted on my progress, as a sort of accountability. Let me know if this inspires any of you to do the same thing!

Happy Day everyone! XXOO

Ephesians copywork

2005-05-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

Ephesians copywork, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

A great pic of Sammy :-)

2005-05-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

04-02-2002 9, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I have been busily uploading past photos into my flickr site, and this is one of my favorites of my Sammy. I can't believe he is going to be 5 in August, amazing!

He is going to spend the night tomorrow night and he and Cay are planning a camping trip in the backyard. They will set up our tent on the trampoline, and roast s'mores in the chiminea. That's my kind of roughing it, especially the s'mores! I will have to get pictures of that outback experience!

Starting out slow with a quiz...:-)

2005-05-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

American Cities That Best Fit You:

90% Austin

75% Miami

65% Atlanta

65% Denver

65% Las Vegas

Which American Cities Best Fit You?

Well I am not too far from Austin! :-) Looks like I am right where I need to be. That's a relief. :-)

A little vacation needed...

2005-05-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

walk, originally uploaded by Adrastos.

I am in need of a computer break, so while I am gone just try to imagine me walking along this pier, maybe sitting and dangling my toes in the cool water. Aren't the colors of the water and the sky just dreamy?

Au revoir amis! I hope to return.

Happy Mother's Day!!

2005-05-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

Cygnet, originally uploaded by hearman.

Here's a mama with her little ones for you all to admire. I would say she has a "quiverfull" :-) Lucky Duck! He,he,he! Aren't they cute?

hearman over at Flickr took this one and I had added him to my favorites. He has some beautiful shots!

How normal are YOU?

2005-05-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

You Are 45% Normal

(Somewhat Normal)

While some of your behavior is quite normal...

Other things you do are downright strange

You've got a little of your freak going on

But you mostly keep your weirdness to yourself

How Normal Are You?

I found this one over at Marla's. I like the "you've got a little of your freak going on" that is hilarious!

Which P&P character are you?

2005-05-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

You are Jane Bennett. You are beautiful, good,
kind, and loving. You take care of everything,
love everything, and everybody loves you. You
think the best of everyone until it is too late
and then still believe that they have redeaming
qualities. On the one hand, you are wonderful.
On the other hand, get your head out of the
clouds, woman!!

Try it yourself HERE

I found this over at Quiet Life and got the same results as Donna. I love Jane, but would rather be Lizzy!

In case you all haven't noticed I needed a bit of light posting after the Baby's Prayer post of Thursday. I will write more about it, I promise, I just need a bit of time to gather my thoughts. I was thrilled with all of the support everyone left in my comment box, and I truly pray that God will use me to make a difference for unborn children, but after writing it I felt pretty blue all the next day. I think it was probably just the let down of finally having the courage to do it. Sigh....it's done. Please don't anyone, Kate, worry about me, I am fine. I am a very blessed woman. The pain of abortion will always be with me, it is just part of it. People can tell you that you'll be fine, it's no big deal, but it's a lie. Your life is never the same, it can with repentance and God's grace be joyful again, but there is always a void that can't be filled. I think of Noah most every day, and I always will.

Well that is a bit more than I thought I had to say! Have a WONDERFUL Mother's Day all of you Mother's!!!!!

Breakfast in bed!

2005-05-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

Strawberry Pancakes, originally uploaded by eshm.

Guess what? My knight in shining armor brought me breakfast in bed this morning as a warm up for Mother's Day! I have been married for 13 years and this has not happened EVER before. This is not the actual photo, my camera battery is dead, but I found one on flickr that suits the purpose well enough. Hubby's were much more beautiful, he actually cut the strawberry's and placed them on the pancakes in a way that made them look like hearts. :-) He is getting romantic on me after all of these years. I thought it was so sweet, and told him "I'm blogging this!", he laughed.

I am off to the HUGE homeschool bookfair here today. My little sis is going with me, she will be homeschooling my oldest nephew next year, he will be 5 in August. I can't wait to see her face when we walk into the vendor's hall! I remember my first time, I couldn't believe it that this was all for homeshooler's!

Have a very blessed day everyone!

Scrapbook on canvas

2005-05-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

Scrapbook on canvas, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I went with a friend last night to a nearby scrapbook supply store to take a class, I think it was called Hanging Pages or something like that. We were given a 12X12 canvas, paper of our color choice, paint, ribbons, and a texturizing cement compound. If you look in the top right and bottom left hand corners you'll see the texture. I got into that part of it, you just smather it on in any way you like, I love swirls so added many of those. We used a heat gun to dry it quickly, and then mixed our paint and painted the entire canvas, including the sides. I chose this lovely purple paper and cut it to fit on each side and a mat for th picture, she had us use a bit of paint on all the paper to we used to give it some oomph. I loved the metal piece, with swirls, it was sticky on the back and you just cut it to fit where you wanted to place it and peeled the backing and stuck it on. This is a picture of Cay at Halloween, she was Arwen from the Lord of the Rings. A very talented 17 year old young lady, named Katie, sewed this gorgeous dress for her to wear. Cay felt like a true princess, she wears it around the house often. :-)

Cay when small

2005-05-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

Cay when small, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I just found this old photo of Cay Cay and scanned it in. My mom was taking a photography class at the local community college and her grandaughter was a favorite subject, of course. I just always loved this one, it captures her at this age so well. Oh, I miss that little one! She is great now too, and she is still a cuddle bug, but she didn't squish me nearly so much back then. :-) She was still nursing at the time this pic was taken too, I really miss that! I joke with her all of the time, telling her if I only knew that she was the only, and last baby that I was ever going to be blessed to nurse; she would still be doing it! KIdding, of course, but a small element of truth, because I feel that way, but would never do it.

I certainly go through stages where I mourn the fact that I have not been given another child. I cry to hubby, and he tries to soothe me, and it usually revolves around the fact that I so badly want to nurse another baby. The last time, hubby actually told Cay that she should nurse to make me feel better. :-) He was joking, but she wasn't quite sure if he was or not, and you could actually see the struggle she was going through within; thinking she didn't want any part of that, but it would make mom happy. It cheered me up right away because I had to laugh, and knew my little girl loved me VERY much.

Maybe the Lord will give me another child one day, i don't know, but I certainly have hope because he can do anything. He has closed my womb, for reasons known only to him, and he can open it up again at any time of His choosing. In the meantime, I have to know, and have learned, that His will is always best, no matter if I agree or not. BIG surprise to all of you I am sure, but it took me a while to get it! :-) I don't even think of it too often any longer, but once in a while when someone close to me finds out they are expecting, or I watch my sister nurse her children...the old wounds open up a bit, and I have to go through the process of telling God all over again that I only want His will, and I am thankful for the one precious gift of my daughter that He did entrust me with. I know many who can't have a child of their own at all. It is all a mystery to me, why some get a "quiverfull" and other's none, but it comforts me beyond all imagination that someone other than selfish little ole me is in control. I just can't see the Big Picture.

I can see my own selfish desires though when the ugly head of "why not me" raises up from where I thought he wold stay forever. Thank God for his comfort and grace!

Show Us Your Bag

2005-05-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Show Us Your Bag, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Samantha found this at Chrissy"s and I thought I would join in on "Show Us Your Bag". Samantha, sorry I don't have your zines in my bag, but they ARE on my nightstand! :-) So what's in your bag?

I have here:
Kingdom songs, by Sora, which I highly reccomend!
small pocket size Bible
pacifier-just in case I come accross any screaming babies :-) Okay, it's Miah's, I forgot to give it back to Sis
eyeglasses-I only need them to drive, and I don't see too well at night
mirror-that is my pre-teen's, I am not sure how it got into my purse
inhaler-allergy season, I have to carry this everywhere I go right now or big Trouble may happen
checkbook
applesauce-that is for Eli, if I am out with him and he needs a snack
tampon-no explanation needed I'm sure
deoderant-I can't tell you how many times I leave the house and have forgotten to put it on
church bulletin
lipbalm
sunscreen stick
Created To Be His Help Meet-I read this every chance I get right now, I love this book! Look in my sidebar if you want a link on where to buy it. I would like to get one for every woman I know!

New Personality Results

2005-05-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

Your #1 Match: INFP

The Idealist

You are creative with a great imagination, living in your own inner world.
Open minded and accepting, you strive for harmony in your important relationships.
It takes a long time for people to get to know you. You are hesitant to let people get close.
But once you care for someone, you do everything you can to help them grow and develop.

You would make an excellent writer, psychologist, or artist.

Your #2 Match: ENFP

The Inspirer

You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.
You are also unconventional, irreverant, and unimpressed by authority and rules.
Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.
You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're qutie the storyteller!

You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist.

Your #3 Match: ISFP

The Artist

You are a gifted artist or musician (though your talents may be dormant right now).
You enjoy spending your free time in nature, and you are good with animals and children.
Simply put, you enjoy bueaty in all its forms and live for the simple pleasures in life.
Gentle, sensitive, and compassionate - you are good at recognizing people's unspoken needs.

You would make a good veterinarian, pediatrician, or composer.

What's Your Personality Type?

I think of something Samantha told me once, that every time she took one of these tests the results came up different, me too, and that maybe that means we have split personalities! You can take this new version HERE if you want to try it again too. I am so confused, I don't know what I am now! :-) Where do I fit in over at TypeBlogs now?

UPDATE: I took yet another 2 tests :-) and still came up INFP, read THIS and am now CONVINCED :-) that I am TRULY an INFP, or I am just truly insane. Either or, same thing. Not to offend any of the other INFP's out there, maybe I am alone in my insanity, maybe not. I have to get hubby up here to take this!

Our new place to relax

2005-05-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

Our new place to relax, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Here is the finished product! I LOVE IT! We had a great time last night with the fire going, just talking and enjoying each other.

Hubby working hard

2005-05-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hubby working hard, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

My dear Hubby spent the weekend making a nice cozy place for us to relax together in the evening by the chimenea that he bought me for Christmas.

Chubby Miah

2005-05-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

Chubby Miah, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

Had to share my newest photo of my nephew Miah, I fall in love with him all over again each time he smiles at me.

Game of tag anyone?

2005-05-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

Jasmine has tagged me, and I finally have the time to sit and answer the questions.

The "questions": If I could be a scientist...If I could be a farmer...If I could be a musician...If I could be a doctor...If I could be a painter...If I could be a gardener...If I could be a missionary...If I could be a chef...If I could be an architect...If I could be a linguist...If I could be a psychologist...If I could be a librarian...If I could be an athlete...If I could be a lawyer...If I could be an inn-keeper...If I could be a professor...If I could be a writer...If I could be a llama-rider...If I could be a bonnie pirate...If I could be an astronaut...If I could be a world famous blogger...If I could be a justice on any one court in the world...If I could be married to any current famous political figure...

If I could be a painter...Well, I really have always wanted to be a painter, I don't seem to be precise or patient enough though to mix all of the colors the same way each time, and I always end up with the wrong color! I do LOVE to use watercolors, I love the feeling of a watercolor picture, they have a very mystical, dreamlike quality to them. I can always easily imagine myself stepping into one to for a visit and some relaxation. I would love to be able to create something that other people would see and long to be a part of that world. If I were a painter, there would not be one wall in my house that did not have a mural on it, I also love color, so the more the better!

If I could be a librarian...I would just sit among my books and read all day long. I actually used to be the librarian at our former church and I loved it! I loved shopping for the books, I loved cataloging them, I loved covering them with those wonderful covers, I loved reading them, I loved opening it up every Sunday and helping people find things, I loved being in there all by myself and just browsing and reading....Oh, I miss it.

If I could be a llama rider...I would have to get a gel cushion seat for one thing, ouch! I would have to take allergy meds every day, because I am allergic to horses, I am sure I MUST be allergic to llamas too, which means I would probably be very tired all of the time. No, don't think I'd care to be a llama rider!

Okay, I was supposed to answer three, now I get to tag someone else....I tag Samantha and Gem.

Also want to say a Hallelulah! for Samantha who just posted yesterday that she is expecting Moppet #4! Samantha I am so happy for you! I love all of your Moppets and can't wait to meet the new little one. May God protect you both as he/she is knit together in your womb!

Cay Cay's collage

2005-04-28T21:41:00.000-07:00

Cay's collage, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

This is the collage that Cay Cay made over at Samantha's house with Moppet 1. She seems to share her mother's love of winged people, notice how she put the flower petals behind the mom to look like wings? It's her first collage!

Thursday's Art Adventure with Samantha...

2005-04-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

Angel, originally uploaded by googly.

Not my photo either, but so beautiful!

Well today is Thursday, which means Latin class at Samantha's house, which also means; Thursday Art Adventure. I will have to cheat again and send you all over to Samantha's blog Home Realm to see what we did today. How fun it is to look forward to spending time crafting with Samantha all week long. Cay Cay and her Moppet 1 also made their own collages today, I'll have to post Cay's tomorrow for you all to see.

We tried some new techniques found in one of our cool new books today. It was adventursome to try something I haven't done before. I never realized how much prep work can go into just preparing the background of some collages. I still want to add a few embellishments to mine, but all in all I was pleased with the end result. I loved the one Samantha did, and we joke that we should trade brains some day so that we can do something more like the other one would do just once, because we like each other's styles so much.

Tomorrow I will be posting my answers to the quiz that Jasmine tagged me for over at her blog today. I will be thinking very hard on these tonight Jazz!! :-)

Sweet dreams to all!

A dream come true...

2005-04-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

mad in love with icecream, originally uploaded by nyxx.

I found this great photo over at flickr, one of my favorite hangouts (I am a bit obsessed actually!). If only a mint chocolate ice cream cone like this one would come into my life! The folks at 31 flavors, always look at me a bit strange when I say "Could you give me extra on mine?" Maybe my dream home would have a huge walk in freezer, with a cone like this one just sitting there waiting for me to come and partake of it any time I wanted to. Can you say gluttony? :-) I have a sickness, a weakness for mint chocolate chip, what can I say?

Not my photo, but my life today!

2005-04-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

an der leine, originally uploaded by fabeblau.

Knowing that I would most likey have huge piles of laundry to do upon returning from camping, Samantha sent me a link to Sora's song Mom of Constant Laundry. Take a listen, if you haven't heard it already! I was sure in need of something to make me smile about all of our dirty dungarees. (I don't really know what dungarees are, but it sounds good, so don't ask!) :-)

Magnetic Poetry

2005-04-27T06:53:00.000-07:00

Someone e-mailed me this link to Magnetic Poetry, it is pretty fun to do while you are sitting around, gets the brain juices flowing. :-) Not mine, per se, I am still knee deep in piles of laundry from our camping trip, and not feeling too cerebral at this time! Enjoy making your own poems though, and let me know what you come up with!!

Indian Paintbrush field near Athens. TX

2005-04-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

Field of Dreams, originally uploaded by Adrienne2.

I could have sat in this field for hours!! We passed it up the first day of our trip (we had to get to the train station on time) and hubby thought I was going to jump out of the moving car to get to it! I couldn't believe it, I have never seen a whole field like this before. The next day we back-tracked to find it, and I am so glad that we did. It will forever remain in my mind as one of those places that I visit to reflect and find peace and solitude. Do any of you have a place like that?