Monday, March 30, 2009

Tinkerboots
















My Mom gave these yellow boots to her at our Spring Break. Mom found them at a thrift store. She loves them. Here her Daddy got creative with the “Tinkerboot” theme.

She puts them on with PJ’s – great funny look. She drags them all over and leaves them in our bedroom, bathroom, basically everywhere….she gets joy in the funniest things. These boots are definitely a hit. Her joy becomes our joy. May it be your joy too!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Spring Storm 2







Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Kids having fun.



The Kindness of Neighbors











A good spring snow has hit us here in KS. Whopper drifts, heavy, deep and wet snow. The kids loved it – school let out a little early on Friday, as the storm was moving in. Saturday, the sun came out and so did all the neighbors and their kiddos – working to clear driveways. It was hard work – one neighbor who farms brought in a JD tractor and did his right away and went on to his rentals and others I’m sure.

But our kind Mr Brown neighbor cleared our drive for us and those of a few others too. Didn’t want anything for it – I love folks like that who help others out of the goodness of their hearts. Pay it forward. It was just yesterday that I did a random act of kindness….is this God already paying me back? I didn’t expect payback – isn’t it wonderful when it happens. So for his gas expense, I asked him to take some money and clear another neighbors whose husband has health challenges and she is a busy mom of two. He didn’t want the money but in my convincing way he took it and said he’d pass it on. Then he did, to some youngin’s who were helping clear some other peoples drives.

Giving and receiving – such joys. I know in Fargo there is a lot of good will helping going as the flood waters rise and I’m extra grateful for the time we had up north with clear passage through Fargo ND as we traveled. Now I’ll pray that my parents don’t flood like they did in 1997 and that the good will of others will help them as their time of trial by flood comes again. Pay it forward…God calls us to do this.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Sugar Beets


This sugar beet truck was one of many we saw on the interstate in the northern states. We explained to the boys that these “ugly” beets are the source of the sugar the love so much! Another example of something hidden, so ugly on the exterior yet so sweet on the inside (once processed). It makes me think about the many times people judge others from the outside – only seeing physical imperfection and not able to look beyond, inside to the heart of people.
We all know people like that – maybe sometimes we are guilty of it too. I try not to be. I pray others look beyond my physical looks and see the real me inside. I know God sees my “insides” my heart, soul and mind. When we were in Canada a young “disturbed” person was near us and talking to my sons…. it was clear he wasn’t all quite there. It was a learning experience for the boys we talked about. Again, inside that boy was God’s goodness and we have to see past the part we are experiencing.

We are all made in his image – we are all good. We are all sugar beets.
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Spring Break 09 – Part 6 Farewell


Spring Break 09 – Part 6 Farewell

Parting was hard. When I kissed and hugged my brother, I honestly didn’t know if that was the last time or not I’d be holding his warm body in my embrace. That hurt – yet the look in his eyes to mine told me things that words cannot express – it was our good-bye. Brief, quick, but speaking volumes. Since his January brain surgery – he is probably at his best right now and that was good for us. His left hand still doesn’t cooperate and needs massaging a lot. His spirit is so amazing. His faith so strong. He is so childlike now at times; that it reminds me how we come into this world is often the way we leave. Their marriage is a prime example of commitment, trust, respect and true love. We will cherish the memories and moments filled with laughter. If you can’t laugh – you’ll cry – I’ve done both this week.

Spring Break 09 ~ Part 5












Spring Break 09 ~ Part 5

Time with other friends was fit in when we could and that was great too. From old high school friends to aunt/uncle and best buddy Rose – was all very fulfilling and it amazes me how quickly the week flew by.

Spring Break 09 ~ Part 4





















Spring Break 09 ~ Part 4

More time with Jim and Helen was priceless and we cherished the time we had together. This day was physiotherapy and blood work. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Boston Pizza. Good food and fellowship.

Spring Break 09 – Part 3


Spring Break 09 – Part 3

Spending time with Uncle Jim and Aunt Helen was a main priority – here was the Golf Dome and mini golf with Jim and Helen getting in a little ball driving. Canadians are eager for warmer weather (which we bought them some).

Spring Break 09 ~ Part 2






















Spring Break 09 ~ Part 2

Snow fun. Have you ever read the book “Flat Stanley?” Well – he came along for the adventures as Flat Tobias. You’ll see him periodically. We also had fun with Uncle Carl and the boys loved the 4-wheeler tobogganing they did.

Spring Break 09 ~ Part 1






Spring Break 09 ~ Part 1

We made the journey to Canada to visit family over our spring break – here are some travel pics.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Brooke on the Brick


Genesis 2:19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.

This robin I’ve named “Brooke” and she sits on my work office window ledge that is brick. I know that is out of context with the Bible – I like that God brought them (beasts and birds) to man to see what he’d name them – so she is Brooke!

She’s pooped up the brick and she pecks at my window off and on all day. She started sitting there on Monday. Why doesn’t the girl build a nest? She clearly is looking round like she’ll need one! She hides behind the picture frames and if I get up suddenly she’ll fly away.

On Monday when she first appeared to take up residency on the brick ledge, I kept hearing this pecking on glass sound but actually thought it was my computer or a mouse or something……then I spotted her and figured it out. She pecks the glass window. Makes a mess on it actually!
In all the years I’ve been here – I’ve never had a “Brooke on my brick” before! Fellow staffers are amazed and humored by it too. There are 6 offices on the north side of our building that have windows and mine is the third from the east down.

Will she have her babies on my ledge? Will she be there when I return from spring break? I’m suddenly attached to my robin Brooke on the brick and hope she’ll be OK until I return….not that I have anything to do with her well being at this point. I’ve thought about giving her bird seed, water….or will that chase her away? Why am I worried for her, don’t I have enough on my plate of life?

Remember: Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

That means robins too. I love spring, I love that scripture – happy spring everyone!

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