tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25286824735567753992024-03-12T21:22:44.951-04:00A Glimpse of Destini"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-76072183986630436432011-04-21T12:05:00.003-04:002011-04-21T12:21:07.163-04:00Where to StartIt has been far too long since my last post...I don't even know where to begin. We've experienced a lot of ups and downs over the past year, but have really seen God's hand at work.<br /><br />He's really blessing our work right now. We have had quite a few projects come in and are even at the point of possibly hiring an apprentice. <br /><br />We left our church about 3 months ago. It was really a gut-wrenching decision, but feel that God called us out for a purpose. It has ignited a fire in my husband's heart like I've never seen before. He is now teaching a teen-age Sunday School class. Last week 3 girls gave their heart to Christ after their 3rd meeting. Last night a 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> girl gave her heart to Christ during a youth outing. My husband has always been a great back-up person, but never one to be on the front lines. He was given a burden for these teens that could only have come from the Lord. He has changed in so many ways in the past year. It is awesome to see and experience. God is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">soo</span> good!<br /><br />January was the hubby's big 4-0. Along with the help of friends and family, we were able to pull of a surprise party of epic proportions. I really can't believe we pulled it off. I'm just praying the Lord would forgive me for all the little white lies. I've never seen a party like that executed so perfectly. For a few minutes, I thought he was going to pass out on me! It felt so good to bless him and to celebrate his special day with all of the special people in our lives.<br /><br />Speaking of birthdays...we now officially have a teenager. Dakota is now 13. He has surpassed me in height and is closing in on his dad. He is just an awesome kid...I don't know what else to say.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Autum</span> celebrated her big 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> at the end of March. She is really maturing into a beautiful young lady. She is super intelligent and is still managing all A's in school.<br /><br />Boogie...well...she's just Boogie. There is not a day that girl doesn't somehow make me laugh out loud over something. I love her sense of humor!<br /><br />I was just perusing the photos...thought maybe I'd add a few. All I seem to have lately are pictures of the 9 turkeys who have taken up residency in the back yard. Guess I need to get busy!<br /><br />Have a blessed day!Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-29559375676764531562010-06-15T21:35:00.003-04:002010-06-15T21:59:29.939-04:00Blinking...<span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">So I blinked and realized it is June already. Hard to believe in my last post I was ushering in the New Year. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">The Lord still amazes me with his kindness and mercy. We have experienced his love and grace in many ways these past 6 months. For starters, Steven had a pretty nasty accident on his dirt bike back in April. At times, I still can see it in my mind when I shut my eyes. His breathing, how he looked and that feeling of sheer panic of not knowing if he was going to be okay...the ambulance ride to the hospital. The sights and sounds of the trauma room. My church family surrounding us with their love and prayers. An amazing God. Escaping with a concussion and stitches when it should have been so much worse. Doctors amazed at the miracle of no broken bones. Our God at work.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Almost 2 weeks to the day after that accident, Steven ran himself over with a truck. I know...I asked him the same thing. How did you manage that? He had left it running out in the driveway, was checking the lights and it popped into gear. He ran around to the driver's side to stop it. He is not sure if he fell out, missed or what...just remembers the truck rolling over his left leg. Another trip to the er... and another miracle. No broken bones. Hyper-extended muscles, lots of pain and swelling, but no broken bones. Again, God's hedge of protection.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">God is so gracious to us. There were so many blessings that have come out of these accidents, I can't even begin to count them all. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Time to change the subject! The youngins are out of school for the summer. My boy is finished with 6th grade, sis just finished 4th and Boogie completed k-4. The big kids are off to Chicago at the moment with my mother in law taking in the sights and spending money! At last count, Dakota had bought 3 different Lego sets and Sis got an American Girl doll. Steven is out in Iowa wiring a log home. Boogs and I are here holding down the fort until everyone returns on Friday. Sunday Dakota will be off to teen camp with the church.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">I can't get over how fast time is flying. As I write, there are so many things flying through my mind...I said goodbye to my Aunt Laura a few weeks ago. She was the last of my great grandmother's surviving siblings. Another generation gone. A sweet cousin graduated. She was 2 when I got married. I recently found a couple of lost relatives online who were about 2 and 4 years of age when I last saw them. They are now 26 and 24. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Can you even begin to imagine how God must feel? Sure makes me appreciate his love all that much more. As much as I desire a relationship with him, he desires fellowship with me all that much more. Makes me realize that time passes too quickly. The enemy throws all sorts of things in our paths to distract us from the one who loves us so much that he sent his son to earth to establish a righteous relationship with us. With that said...my Father and I have some catching up to do. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Blessings friends...</span>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-68769256495799708922009-12-31T07:18:00.009-05:002009-12-31T07:49:05.793-05:00Happy New Year<span style="color:#ff6600;">As I prepare <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">tonite</span> for our New Year's Eve Party, I just wanted to wish all of you a Happy New Year. I pray that the next year is full of blessings and that you all may experience the presence of God in your lives. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421378140330304978" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Szyased0pdI/AAAAAAAAA6A/qrzK57Vc6BU/s320/IMG_7753.JPG" />2009 has been an exciting year for us. We saw the Lord work in and through many situations in our lives. He has taught us to be patient and faithful. In turn, he has been patient and faithful to us. He has blessed us with some pretty amazing friends. New relationships were formed, old relationships were strengthened.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421378329797700546" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Szya3gSXq8I/AAAAAAAAA6I/db1EFvyGf6Q/s320/IMG_7755.JPG" />We've watched our children grow..taller, more mature, and more responsible. I've stood back and witnessed moments as they interact with friends and family where they are "getting it." They are the kind, caring and godly people I have always prayed they would be.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421378564482425458" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SzybFKjkYnI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/zoteeWiGmOk/s320/IMG_7758.JPG" /> I've watched my husband deepen his walk with the Lord...fully trusting that He would accomplish the great works in our lives, just as He said in his word.</span> <div><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421379675737195586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SzycF2TWhEI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/nyOMtyvZ2Hs/s320/1003091850.jpg" />Just don't tell him I put this picture of him on here. He might not like that so well. I had to show you his deep and mature side. Remember </span><a href="http://glimpseofdestini.blogspot.com/2008/08/husbands-cameras-and-tongues-oh-my-take.html"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">this post</span> </span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;">about the whole tongue thing?<br /><br /></span><div><span style="color:#ff6600;">I've learned a great many things this year. I pray the lessons learned won't soon be forgotten. I pray that I will take these lessons and grow from them and be reminded always of the great things the Lord has done for us.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff6600;">Goodbye 2009!</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span></div></div>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-18648952523276703422009-11-20T09:58:00.003-05:002009-11-20T10:13:00.261-05:00Catching up<span style="color:#ff6600;">Where to begin? We have been staying very busy in our little corner of the world. With school being in full swing and lots of work on the books, life has been very full. If I were to sit and list the things we have been doing lately, I am not sure that I could give an accounting. We have been busy, but doing what? I'm not sure!<br /><br />Last weekend a friend and I took the kids swimming out at the rec center. That was a nice change of pace. Steve has been on the hunt for the ever elusive buck since the beginning of October with no success as of yet.<br /><br />For the past few months, we have been working on an addition for our house. We are adding on to our bedroom which will be awesome when finished. I'll save all those details for a post with pictures.<br /><br />I am trying to prepare mentally for Christmas. Where has the year gone? I feel totally clueless as to what to get the kids this year. Normally I am full of ideas. This year? Nothing.<br /><br />I still sit here in awe of what the Lord has done for us this past year. For the past couple of months we have been swamped with work. Just when we start to feel caught up, the phone rings again. It has been such a great feeling to wake up and not worry about where Steve would be working the next day. With our state being so economically depressed, it is amazing that we can be so busy. I just have to thank the Lord for that.<br /><br />As we enter into the holidays, there is so much to be thankful for...again, another whole lengthy post will contain my list!<br /><br />I pray that you have a blessed day today!</span>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-6541654625844724992009-10-27T10:23:00.003-04:002009-10-27T10:27:21.339-04:00Boogieism<span style="color:#ff6600;">The big kids were having a little competition the other night over the books of the New Testament. Sis has a quiz where she has to recite the books. To test her fully, I was going through and having her recite them backwards, then in isolation...what comes before or between and so on. We got to the question, "What book comes between Nahum and Zephaniah?" Boogie (not to be outdone by anyone) yells out "Alex!"</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">There you have it folks...Alex. Right in between Nahum and Zephaniah.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-26480224042893413002009-09-15T20:15:00.003-04:002009-09-15T20:42:11.326-04:00The Quiet House...<span style="color:#ff6600;">As I sit here <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">tonite</span> and listen to the rhythmic (snore) breathing of my husband, my heart swells with love for my God.<br /><br />No matter how bad the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">economy</span> is or isn't...it is hard to get straight answers from the news,<br />No matter how bad the weather is or isn't,<br />No matter how sick or healthy,<br />we are so very rich in the Lord.<br /><br />In a time when so many are struggling, God continues to work upstream and sends blessing our way. I certainly don't deserve it, but I am so grateful for the mercies God shows continually.<br /><br />I have a diligent, faithful, handsome and very hardworking husband who believes wholeheartedly in providing for his family.<br /><br />I have children who have made professions of faith and are seeking to honor the Lord in their words, actions and deeds. The youngest does not comprehend everything yet, but believes in her heart that God can give her new skin when she hurts her knee. She sees him as being very real.<br /><br />My children are healthy, talented, kind and caring people.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">My home, though it seems small at times is perfect for us. It keeps us dry and protected from the cold. It is the central gathering place for our family. It is the place where decisions are made, the Lord is honored, we lay our heads, eat our meals, we call it home.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">There are times when my heart desires more...like 6 months of steady work, money to roll in on a consistent regular basis, a smaller hind end...</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">God reminds me gently that He is able to provide for all my needs. He has done it in the past. He is doing it right now, and He will continue to do so in the future. He reminds me not to worry, that He will never leave me nor forsake me...and He hasn't. What an amazing God we serve.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Hearing the snoring and the night sounds of outside through the window <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">tonite</span>, believe it or not, is peaceful. It is a reminder of all the blessings and good in my life right now.</span>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-70748371598210669142009-09-09T07:00:00.000-04:002009-09-09T07:00:40.339-04:00What We've Been Up To<div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><span style="color:#ff6600;">Earlier this summer, we decided it was time to switch rooms around. The girls were stuffed into a bedroom that was way to small for them and brother had the larger room. First thing was to remove completely all his things and re-paint something <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">girly</span>. </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SqZfEObqscI/AAAAAAAAA54/8z0zolszCZ0/s1600-h/IMG_7561.JPG"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379091331138892226" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SqZfEObqscI/AAAAAAAAA54/8z0zolszCZ0/s320/IMG_7561.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"> I think we got the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">girly</span> covered!<br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SqZe6L79t4I/AAAAAAAAA5w/d42P9NZeOh4/s1600-h/IMG_7557.JPG"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379091158670358402" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SqZe6L79t4I/AAAAAAAAA5w/d42P9NZeOh4/s320/IMG_7557.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"><br />I think our guy at the paint store thought we flipped our lid...the girls picked 4 different colors.<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SqZezT5G68I/AAAAAAAAA5o/BhPreLgiDjA/s1600-h/IMG_7556.JPG"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379091040546778050" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SqZezT5G68I/AAAAAAAAA5o/BhPreLgiDjA/s320/IMG_7556.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"><br />Big Brother chose 2 colors with a blue ceiling. Sometime later we will paint clouds.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SqZerZ-N5mI/AAAAAAAAA5g/ww2ok8m0-iM/s1600-h/IMG_7554.JPG"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379090904739866210" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SqZerZ-N5mI/AAAAAAAAA5g/ww2ok8m0-iM/s320/IMG_7554.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"><br />We also installed new flooring for him. Hopefully this will be a little easier on his asthma.<br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SqZekc567DI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/RmXyUNXGFG0/s1600-h/IMG_7553.JPG"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379090785268067378" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SqZekc567DI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/RmXyUNXGFG0/s320/IMG_7553.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"> Unfortunately, I didn't get any before photos. I was to ashamed to show them! Let's just say they were a mess! We've been in the new rooms a month now and they are doing a great job keeping them neat.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /></div>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-1243548424107954722009-07-16T12:34:00.002-04:002009-07-16T12:40:19.473-04:00Boogieism<span style="color:#ff9900;">I've been undertaking the arduous task of cleaning kid bedrooms. We decided to switch rooms around and give the girls the bigger bedroom. Along with the cleaning came painting the joy of sorting through junk. One treasure found was the amazing Barbie pooping dog. Not sure it is the best toy to have around as most of the Chinese imports have proven to be lead disasters, but my children are drawn to the little bits of poo that look like little chocolate tic-tacs. I spied Boogie sitting at the table with the pooping puppy...</span><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;">Me: "Oh, you found your pooping dog!"</span><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;">Boogie: "Yeah....I just love my pooping dog."</span><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;">Don't know why, but that struck me so funny. I think my least favorite thing about any dog is the pooping. There is no joy in cleaning dog poop for me. My four year old loves her toy pooping dog. Go figure.</span>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-33417920163905903692009-07-13T20:53:00.002-04:002009-07-14T07:22:34.943-04:00Not Me Monday<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mycharmingkids.net"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 67px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358274148184719746" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Slxp8su1gYI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/dDU1Uo7OFjs/s320/NotMeMondayButtonV6copy.jpg" /></a> ***The power went out last nite as I went to publish...So it is now Not me Tuesday...**<br /><div></div><div>It has been a while since I participated in the Not Me Monday weekly purging of all the things I haven't done.<br />This week was pretty good. I had the opportunity to spend some alone time with my husband this past weekend. My sister graciously agreed to keep all the kids...the furry one included. We figured that this would be our only opportunity for a while to celebrate our upcoming anniversary...sooo.....</div><br /><div>This weekend we did not get tickets to Pinks All Out at the Martin US 131 Drag Strip. I did not forget to wear sunscreen. I did not sit on bright reflective silver grandstands most of the day that did not fry my white freckly chicken skin to a crisp.</div><br /><div>I wish I could say that I did not wear my sunglasses, so I will just say I do not look like a racoon right now (even still after 2 full days).</div><br /><div>My knees are not bright red, nor is my chest.</div><div>I did not purposely take a shower today to avoid having to wash my face and hair. </div><br /><div>I didn't threaten my husband with his life if he took a picture...take my word for it. I'm not the least bit burned.</div>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-22724675530232702522009-06-29T16:48:00.002-04:002009-06-29T16:52:13.499-04:00Is It On Straight?<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SkkpSKna-AI/AAAAAAAAA5I/5tnOMloVy-s/s1600-h/IMG_7552.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352855024170629122" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SkkpSKna-AI/AAAAAAAAA5I/5tnOMloVy-s/s320/IMG_7552.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Mmmm....Lipstick!</span><br /><br /></div>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-35432648225609944712009-05-05T07:09:00.011-04:002009-05-05T07:33:16.932-04:00What a difference...<div align="center"> <span style="color:#ff6600;">...A few days and a lot of rain makes. We went from tulip leaves...</span><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAgBZ_hicI/AAAAAAAAA3M/nNzK3ZLNmRQ/s1600-h/IMG_6822.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332297167335950786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAgBZ_hicI/AAAAAAAAA3M/nNzK3ZLNmRQ/s320/IMG_6822.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">to fully blooming tulips.</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAf3-l9JnI/AAAAAAAAA3E/-RA9jQ6MByQ/s1600-h/IMG_6976.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332297005362128498" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAf3-l9JnI/AAAAAAAAA3E/-RA9jQ6MByQ/s320/IMG_6976.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">From a delicate red bud...</span><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAfdIVSmOI/AAAAAAAAA20/Vzxxxf2LheI/s1600-h/IMG_6823.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332296544120117474" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAfdIVSmOI/AAAAAAAAA20/Vzxxxf2LheI/s320/IMG_6823.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">to fragrant pink blossoms...</span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332296826310953330" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAftjk1CXI/AAAAAAAAA28/p_FMHwfcMB8/s320/IMG_6974.JPG" /><span style="color:#ff6600;">From a small leaf forming...</span><br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAfGbWrWUI/AAAAAAAAA2k/Lcvt9ZtfQb8/s1600-h/IMG_6810.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332296154089216322" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAfGbWrWUI/AAAAAAAAA2k/Lcvt9ZtfQb8/s320/IMG_6810.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">to a branch full!</span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332296330213805202" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAfQreDTJI/AAAAAAAAA2s/qOIapeTWzZw/s320/IMG_6985.JPG" /><span style="color:#ff6600;">from just a small shoot poking through the ground...</span><br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAes5d9l5I/AAAAAAAAA2U/FYsWPn4ntlI/s1600-h/IMG_6805.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332295715496236946" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAes5d9l5I/AAAAAAAAA2U/FYsWPn4ntlI/s320/IMG_6805.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">to tall willowy stalks.</span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332295960512658434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAe7KObfAI/AAAAAAAAA2c/eYdpu2osOm0/s320/IMG_6984.JPG" /><span style="color:#ff6600;">from a humble beginning...</span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332297657615112898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAgd8bL2sI/AAAAAAAAA3c/eW_kplKAq18/s320/IMG_6826.JPG" /><span style="color:#ff6600;">to his death, burial and resurrection. How I love spring. The new beginnings, the subtle changes, the handiwork of God on display.</span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332297402149308658" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SgAgPEvZCPI/AAAAAAAAA3U/Tc1lp__o6nc/s320/IMG_6993.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-18009501679306906202009-04-24T09:08:00.008-04:002009-04-24T09:26:29.416-04:00Upward Soccer<span style="color:#ff6600;">Last Saturday marked the beginning of a new season of <a href="http://upward.org/">Upward Soccer</a>. This is the first year <a href="http://hispoint.net/">our church</a> has offered the program. If you have never been involved in <a href="http://upward.org/">Upward Sports</a>, it is an awesome program. For those children who are intimidated by not being good enough or who have been made the bench warmers by coaches who are looking only for a win, this program helps to redeem self-esteem, reward sportsmanship and win children to Jesus.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Big Brother kicked his first goal of the season this past Saturday.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SfG7KWxlPZI/AAAAAAAAA2M/nIGKNimuk1A/s1600-h/IMG_6888.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328245620742634898" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SfG7KWxlPZI/AAAAAAAAA2M/nIGKNimuk1A/s320/IMG_6888.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Here he is in action!</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SfG6_l2OpLI/AAAAAAAAA2E/tXN8RdP4pt0/s1600-h/IMG_6890.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328245435810096306" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SfG6_l2OpLI/AAAAAAAAA2E/tXN8RdP4pt0/s320/IMG_6890.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"> Sissy...contemplating her next move<br /></span><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SfG6z8lEusI/AAAAAAAAA18/3_6Wpw2rCjk/s1600-h/IMG_6875.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328245235753728706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SfG6z8lEusI/AAAAAAAAA18/3_6Wpw2rCjk/s320/IMG_6875.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Defending the goal...</span><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SfG6n2REuqI/AAAAAAAAA10/EaMKTnC90Bg/s1600-h/IMG_6869.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328245027900799650" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SfG6n2REuqI/AAAAAAAAA10/EaMKTnC90Bg/s320/IMG_6869.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;">Very serious. I'll have you know she did run in the right direction (toward her goal) the whole entire game!<br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SfG6UWVBZII/AAAAAAAAA1s/sCkGWfHQckU/s1600-h/IMG_6881.JPG"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328244692909909122" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SfG6UWVBZII/AAAAAAAAA1s/sCkGWfHQckU/s320/IMG_6881.JPG" /></span></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">In her own words..."This picture is me not listening. I was getting the dirty off my socks."</span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SfG6ELEI1RI/AAAAAAAAA1k/Vk1gQ8bO7zA/s1600-h/IMG_6880.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328244415008396562" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SfG6ELEI1RI/AAAAAAAAA1k/Vk1gQ8bO7zA/s320/IMG_6880.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-42663769208580923402009-04-22T09:18:00.002-04:002009-04-22T09:24:12.782-04:00The Faith of a Child...<span style="color:#ff6600;">...Is priceless. This morning while sitting at my desk Boogie was watching her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">toonies</span> on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">tv</span>. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">"Mommy, can you pray for me?" </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Me: "Sure, what can I pray for?"</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Boogie: "My tummy hurts."</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">I love the faith of children. It is a faith that is not tainted or tarnished by cynicism or skepticism. They believe God's word and trust in it completely. What an awesome example for me to follow.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><em><span style="color:#ff6600;">Thank you Lord for the gift of children. Lord please help me to have a child-like faith that prompts me to seek you first for all things...and please help <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boogie's</span> tummy to feel better...amen.</span></em>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-58375615630720400532009-04-21T09:33:00.001-04:002009-04-21T09:35:03.904-04:00Pray for Stellan<span style="color:#ff6600;">Today sweet <a href="http://mycharmingkids.net/">Stellan</a> has his heart surgery...should be in now as I write. Please lift the Mckfamily in prayer today. </span>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-82953856463075415942009-04-20T13:34:00.011-04:002009-04-20T14:13:55.454-04:00Signs of Spring<div><span style="color:#ff6600;">So I finally got the opportunity to get out the other day and mess with the new lens I got for Christmas. It has been such a long winter, I really have not taken many pictures. I got a little bit bored with pictures of snow! Don't get me wrong, they were pretty for the first month or two, but as winter dragged on and on, my inspiration waned. The warm weather we had the other day <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inspired</span> me. Here are some signs of spring in my yard...</span></div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326829411422460738" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SeyzIH7wW0I/AAAAAAAAA08/aty47SGBm7k/s320/IMG_6826.JPG" /><span style="color:#ff6600;">In a few weeks, this bud will give way to beautiful fragrant blossoms on my Crab-Apple Tree...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326829221428289746" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Seyy9EJnYNI/AAAAAAAAA00/jJY4K_nHsFY/s320/IMG_6823.JPG" />These buds are the beginning of leaves. I've missed the leaves!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326829070378576466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Seyy0RcjqlI/AAAAAAAAA0s/WnGnFmRFlv8/s320/IMG_6810.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326828950502540386" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SeyytS34hGI/AAAAAAAAA0k/p2VNt0hGOqo/s320/IMG_6809.JPG" />These will be gorgeous peonies in a matter of a few weeks...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326828793720192658" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SeyykK0DvpI/AAAAAAAAA0c/WJqwuykCDFU/s320/IMG_6805.JPG" />I had to include the sky...a brilliant blue sky. Not one grey cloud. Not overcast. Not snowing. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326828673259004306" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SeyydKD34ZI/AAAAAAAAA0U/v7iGPtFfjVo/s320/IMG_6800.JPG" />I like to call this one...Defiant.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326834154667538914" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sey3cN5geeI/AAAAAAAAA1c/w1MOVkJlwbU/s320/IMG_6820.JPG" />Determined...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326829564773583874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SeyzRDNgzAI/AAAAAAAAA1E/H7wHPhsUxek/s320/IMG_6818.JPG" />Down right Adorable. Even when she is pouting.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326829685687438290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SeyzYFpny9I/AAAAAAAAA1M/0j7rzoGDZqQ/s320/IMG_6819.JPG" /></span></div><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">You honestly didn't think I could stick to just the pictures of my yard and not put one single one of the kids in there did you?</span>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-23939279082633392632009-04-17T07:08:00.001-04:002009-04-17T07:09:33.363-04:00Receiving Encouragement<span style="color:#ff6600;">I don't know about you, but do you ever have one of those moments when the phone rings and you see it is a call from the school? One of those moments when your heart immediately skips a beat and you find yourself suddenly nervous? Today it happened to me.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">I was sitting here fiddling around and the phone rang. As soon as I saw it was the school, I went into panic mode. The kids were both fine when I dropped them off...was one of them sick? With great trepidation I answered the phone...</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">"Mrs. Baldwin?"</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Me: "Yes...."</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">"Hi! This is Mrs. M***** from GCS."</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Me: "Hi Mrs. M*****"</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">"I just wanted to call and tell you...(<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">insert my racing heart here. She is the gym teacher. I had all sorts of scenarios running through my head. What was she wanting to tell me, Sissy got hurt in gym? My son failed to dodge in dodgeball?</span>)...that your children are a great joy and blessing to me. They never give me any trouble and they both have the sweetest spirit. I appreciate the sacrifices you and your husband have made to send them here. It is very unusual for a boy your son's age to have the sweet spirit that your son has. I just wanted to let you know that because I don't usually get much of an opportunity to talk to parents."</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">I have to tell you, as soon as those words left her lips, I felt like a balloon that was blown up and being held between 2 fingers and suddenly released. All of the panic and fear aside, I was pretty speechless and again almost moved to tears. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Isn't it something when someone takes just a moment...our phone call lasted all of about 2 minutes...to pass along an encouraging word? In an instant, she was able to touch my heart and make me feel so good, like I have truly done something right with God's children. There are so many days where these kids fight and argue over silly stuff. Over and over I feel as if I have failed somewhere. I just look to the heavens begging Calgon to take me away. Then I get a call from the school.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">What a gift. I sit here again shaking my head in amazement at God. He knows our hearts, our thoughts and our needs. Just so happened I needed that encouragement today. I needed to know that the sacrifices we've made and continue to make to send our children to a private school are pleasing to God, that we've made the right choices with their schooling. I honestly cringe when I get the registration materials in the mail every year. I worry over how the bill is going to be paid. God does it every time. Not just a little, but all the way. All he wants me to do is to continue to believe and trust in Him.</span>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-45226646915748546622009-04-15T09:37:00.002-04:002009-04-15T09:59:52.864-04:00Catching up<span style="color:#ff6600;">Our days have been full here lately, for which I am very thankful, but a little angry with myself for not carrying my camera around! During Spring (more like winter) Break I ended up with a cold. My first of the season. It made me remember why I hate being sick! There were a couple of days where my arms felt just to heavy to carry around. Thankfully that didn't last too terribly long.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Saturday we had our Easter <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eggstravaganza</span> at the church. My sister and her family were able to join us. Lots of junk food, lots of eggs, lots of people! Steve's parents came over Saturday night and stayed the night so they could attend our Sunday church service with us. After church we enjoyed our Easter dinner.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">A new season of Upward Soccer is underway at our church. All 3 are playing this year, which should be fun. I helped <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boogie's</span> team out at practice Monday evening. It was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">sooo</span> cold and windy that night. I swear that the wind was blowing Boogie off course as she was trying to run!</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Tonight we have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Awana</span>, which is winding down here in the next few weeks. I heard some talk of Dakota having another practice Friday night for soccer, then all 3 have games on Saturday. I think Steve's parents may possibly be here again this weekend for Grandparent's Day at the school and to watch soccer on Saturday.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">I am forever amazed at how quickly time seems to pass around here. I blinked and the month of April has nearly passed. My kids only have about 6 more Mondays until summer vacation. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">In other news, I signed Boogie up for K-4 next year. She had her K-4 round up about 2 weeks ago. I am ashamed to admit that I got teary eyed and almost burst into a full bout of crying as I sat there in that K-4 room watching the things my baby will be doing next year. I have been in full-out denial of the fact she is old enough to start attending <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-school. Steve thought that I had lost my mind. Not my mind, just the last four years. I cannot figure out where they have gone!</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">As always, I stand amazed at the Lord and his provision in our lives. While so many are struggling with unemployment, He is still providing for our needs. Just last night I got a phone call from a potential customer. I sent an estimate to him back in July of last year for a little bit of work he needed done. He called last night to update the quote. It is amazing the people that the Lord sends along at just the right time. If I ever start to whine or sound ungrateful, please smack me and remind me of all the blessings the Lord has provided for us. Seriously! I find even when I am in the midst of being blessed, I have the audacity to complain. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">I think we are all up to date for the moment. It is with a thankful heart that I wish you all a great day!</span>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-62127558492966453522009-04-09T07:28:00.005-04:002009-04-09T07:44:55.107-04:00Big Brother's Sleep-over<span style="color:#ff6600;">Being the slacker mom that I am, we just had big brother's birthday party. We did have it planned a few weekends ago, but the kids were all sick and we had to cancel. We went to the community center in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lapeer</span> to swim for a couple of hours, which was a blast! One of the highlights of the evening was opening a can of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Flarp</span> (noisy putty stuff). Let's just say, I thought the pizza had gotten the better of one of the party goers. The boys <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Flarped</span>, shot each other with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">nerf</span> gun, built <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">starwars</span>, pirate and dump truck <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">legos</span> and played video games until crashing at about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">midnite</span>.<br /></span><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sd3cYDp3OiI/AAAAAAAAA0M/41Uw7e4HCpw/s1600-h/Picture+039.jpg"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322652640477657634" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sd3cYDp3OiI/AAAAAAAAA0M/41Uw7e4HCpw/s320/Picture+039.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"> I dare say they had a great time!<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sd3cQT0cfTI/AAAAAAAAA0E/t3CJ4NPDd_o/s1600-h/Picture+025.jpg"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322652507378056498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sd3cQT0cfTI/AAAAAAAAA0E/t3CJ4NPDd_o/s320/Picture+025.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"><br /></span></div><span style="color:#ff6600;">I really have to give thanks to God for my first born (all of them, really). He is becoming such a Godly young man. He has made some excellent choices in the friends he has made. It was so much fun watching & playing with his friends.</span>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-17396514306551770562009-04-07T08:53:00.008-04:002009-04-07T09:18:36.659-04:00Building Bears<div align="center"> <span style="color:#ff6600;">For Autum's 9th...yes, 9th birthday we went down to the Build-a-Bear workshop in Novi. We were able to bring a couple of friends from school and Autum's cousins for the day. We started out by picking out our bear, then bringing them back to the stuffing station. Our party leader Josh explains to the girls that they will be placing a heart inside of their bears. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"> They have to impart love, strength and wisdom to these bears.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321932378523222738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SdtNTSyGwtI/AAAAAAAAAzU/S6aGo3TdxDI/s320/IMG_6716.JPG" /></span></div><p align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Next order of business is to add some stuffin' to the bear...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321932617039250930" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SdtNhLUwhfI/AAAAAAAAAzc/d9C9hkLgUSA/s320/IMG_6723.JPG" /></span></p><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;">...and a few bows for the ears<br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321933402719894722" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SdtOO6NnvMI/AAAAAAAAAz8/4T2fWWFX6oM/s320/IMG_6777.JPG" /> A view of the store...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321932790273776850" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SdtNrQrFnNI/AAAAAAAAAzk/llTDlmsxiVU/s320/IMG_6747.JPG" />And our many thanks to Josh...our fearless party leader who braved all the girls!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321932989853576738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SdtN24KnriI/AAAAAAAAAzs/HP9pqVwD1mo/s320/IMG_6783.JPG" />No trip to the mall is complete without riding the escalator...no less than 4 times.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321933243993976562" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SdtOFq6abvI/AAAAAAAAAz0/wcezshN4VfE/s320/IMG_6797.JPG" /></span></div>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-31247308376007675462009-03-23T08:55:00.003-04:002009-03-23T09:04:55.374-04:00Pray for Baby Stellan<span style="color:#ff6600;">I was just reading through my list of blogs when I came across </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mycharmingkids.net"><span style="color:#ff6600;">McMama's</span></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"> blog. Her sweet baby Stellan is in PICU right now with an extremely high heart rate (SVT). They have tried many things to get it down and have been unsucessful. Please pray for God's hand of intervention here, not only for Stellan, but also for his family. This event has brought them back to the place emotionally, where they were told that Stellan had no hope or chance of living while in utero.</span>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-26662190275465506942009-03-10T18:11:00.000-04:002009-03-10T18:11:18.413-04:00Baggu Grosgrain Guest GIVEAWAY!!!!<a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/03/baggu-guest-giveaway.html">Baggu Grosgrain Guest GIVEAWAY!!!!</a> This a pretty cool little bag! Check it out for yourself!Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-55837299351383809262009-03-10T06:38:00.001-04:002009-03-10T06:56:20.330-04:00Clearwater Beach<span style="color:#ff9900;">Now that it is cold here again, I thought I would share some photos of our day at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Clearwater</span> Beach...think warm thoughts...think warm thoughts...<br /><br /></span><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">While we were there, we played some catch</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbZFQKt9wsI/AAAAAAAAAzI/Cp_vfZQpp18/s1600-h/dakota+beach.JPG"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311508954587448002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbZFQKt9wsI/AAAAAAAAAzI/Cp_vfZQpp18/s320/dakota+beach.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;"> Chased a few of these...<br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbAER2-4lII/AAAAAAAAAyo/jX2QQh3cMms/s1600-h/100_0196.jpg"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309748665533371522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbAER2-4lII/AAAAAAAAAyo/jX2QQh3cMms/s320/100_0196.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;"> relentlessly, I might add<br /></span><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbAELwGHnFI/AAAAAAAAAyg/ZUx9NByCO1A/s1600-h/100_0194.jpg"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309748560605453394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbAELwGHnFI/AAAAAAAAAyg/ZUx9NByCO1A/s320/100_0194.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;"> Did a lot of this...<br /></span><div><div><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309748318104309154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbAD9otVzaI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/PaBX8Z9S0d8/s320/100_0193.jpg" border="0" />Collected a LOT of shells<br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbADw-suguI/AAAAAAAAAyI/DiBOCTr-gPs/s1600-h/100_0204.jpg"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309748100669014754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbADw-suguI/AAAAAAAAAyI/DiBOCTr-gPs/s320/100_0204.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;">Got in the water for a very brief moment<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbADj53iZrI/AAAAAAAAAyA/snNDfTDXdKA/s1600-h/100_0209.jpg"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309747876033881778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbADj53iZrI/AAAAAAAAAyA/snNDfTDXdKA/s320/100_0209.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;"> Made our mark on the world<br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbADaeCHfZI/AAAAAAAAAx4/v28w7i3W8sI/s1600-h/100_0202.jpg"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309747713943240082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbADaeCHfZI/AAAAAAAAAx4/v28w7i3W8sI/s320/100_0202.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;"> Took in the scenery<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbADLzMggHI/AAAAAAAAAxw/azjnjfNWhD4/s1600-h/100_0200.jpg"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309747461925929074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbADLzMggHI/AAAAAAAAAxw/azjnjfNWhD4/s320/100_0200.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;"> OH! And buried Boogie!<br /></span><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbACpsJLBoI/AAAAAAAAAxg/ARwaXpodEc0/s1600-h/100_0179.jpg"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309746875917338242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/SbACpsJLBoI/AAAAAAAAAxg/ARwaXpodEc0/s320/100_0179.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-70151151049693320642009-03-05T08:37:00.008-05:002009-03-05T09:03:50.692-05:00Through My Daughter's Eyes<span style="color:#ff9900;">Every since my youngins were....youngins, I have always loved handing them a camera on vacation to document the trip through their eyes. I think Sissy was about 3 the first time she was handed a disposable camera on vacation. I loved getting the pictures back. It is great to see the things through their perspective. Over the years, I do have to say there is a HUGE difference in the quality. I have many many belly and butt shots of myself and my husband over the years that I've had to overlook (burn). This year's trip was a little different. Sis got a digital camera for Christmas. Her overall picture taking abilities have improved greatly. Here are some pictures from the trip as seen through her eyes.<br /><br /></span><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Meet Lou...he is the resident Hippo at the Wild Life Park in Homosassa Springs. This is one of about 50 pictures we now have of the old boy eating his hay.</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sa_XCiJNtxI/AAAAAAAAAxY/i9O3yBgFj34/s1600-h/100_0392.jpg"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309698924218267410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sa_XCiJNtxI/AAAAAAAAAxY/i9O3yBgFj34/s320/100_0392.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;"> The Star attraction of this park is the Manatees. There are 6 resident manatees that live here that are unable to return to the wild.<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sa_W1WCaURI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/yNLgAHw80a4/s1600-h/100_0251.jpg"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309698697630208274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sa_W1WCaURI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/yNLgAHw80a4/s320/100_0251.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;"> Some of the landscape in the park...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309698326264394210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sa_Wful5seI/AAAAAAAAAxA/thlmoo0RJr0/s320/100_0372.jpg" border="0" /><br />Grandma's chest...and a really cool lady posing by the manatee sculpture...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309698127107812226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sa_WUIrRa4I/AAAAAAAAAw4/C3YZKVncdWU/s320/100_0395.jpg" border="0" />Grandpa's butt...<br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sa_WoKIIhnI/AAAAAAAAAxI/Anok-oWndVY/s1600-h/100_0178.jpg"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309698471094683250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sa_WoKIIhnI/AAAAAAAAAxI/Anok-oWndVY/s320/100_0178.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;"> The street scene. We did see a lot of traffic and spent a lot of time in the car.<br /><br /></span><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sa_V_tESWJI/AAAAAAAAAww/J1ILiTe2yak/s1600-h/100_0170.jpg"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309697776099154066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sa_V_tESWJI/AAAAAAAAAww/J1ILiTe2yak/s320/100_0170.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;"> Palm Trees and a glimpse of the ocean!<br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sa_V2-DmwTI/AAAAAAAAAwo/4-z6yn6mYOM/s1600-h/100_0169.jpg"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309697626040877362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yGmBLNFj880/Sa_V2-DmwTI/AAAAAAAAAwo/4-z6yn6mYOM/s320/100_0169.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;"> All kidding aside, she did a great job documenting our trip. I love to see the things that she thought was cool and interesting. If you've never handed a child a camera, I strongly encourage you to try it sometime. You really gain a whole new perspective on the experience. </span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-20479079644810318532009-02-10T16:20:00.004-05:002009-02-10T21:49:52.015-05:002nd post in 1 day!<span style="color:#ff6600;">So here you have it. I go for weeks without one single post, then today you get two. A few days ago I had you praying for me to be able to discern between the urgent and the important and to let God relieve some of my stress. Today was just another of those days that could have greatly consumed me again. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Again, my Father showed his grace and compassion and I was only consumed for a few hours!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">What started out as a typical morning of kicking the kids in the behind to get out the door for school, I remembered that I left the car just about on walk yesterday and that I would have to get gas this morning. As I pulled out of the drive, I reached down between the seats to make sure I had my purse and wallet in it. Well, the purse was there, but the wallet, the checkbook, the driver's license....GONE. All of the change in my ashtray...Gone.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Unfortunately, Satan had <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">a hold</span> of my big toe and the word **it flew off my lips realizing just what had happened. Silly me had left my purse in the car. An opportunistic desperate someone stole my belongings from my car. Opportunistic desperate someone was at least kind and considerate to lock the van after he had stolen my things---See? Silver lining folks.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">I turned around and went back home to start making the first of about 3 hours worth of phone calls to cancel credit cards, place stops on checks...blah, blah, blah. I got that done, took the kids to school a few hours late then went about getting a new license and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">atm</span> card.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">After kicking myself over and over again for leaving my purse in the car, I had to sit back and laugh at myself. I stressed over nothing. The opportunistic desperate person did not break into my house and harm my family. He did not steal my van, even though the keys were in it (I know, dumb, huh?). He (or she) didn't drain my accounts or go on a spending spree (that I know of). All the stuff was able to be replaced. I learned a valuable lesson. God was faithful.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">After replacing my license and card I headed home and noticed a huge mess of papers in the neighbor's yard. It was actually some of the stuff from my purse. I didn't get everything back, but am thankful that some of the important things were left behind.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Again, there are so many lessons. God just asks us to be faithful in all things and in all situations. Lord, I'm trying.</span>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2528682473556775399.post-49901671123817471142009-02-10T07:02:00.002-05:002009-02-10T07:12:50.851-05:00Updates on the Prayer Requests<span style="color:#ff6600;">Thanks again for your prayers, it was greatly appreciated! Now for the updates:</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><ul><li><span style="color:#ff6600;">My nephew was able to come home from the hospital on Friday and at last word he has been recovering nicely at home.</span></li><li><span style="color:#ff6600;">The friend who had surgery had 4 bypasses done and the doctors were more than pleased with those results. But with good came bad. What was originally believed to be blood clots in the lungs is now believed to be cancer. Please continue to pray for him and his family.</span></li><li><span style="color:#ff6600;">WE GOT THE JOB! The church had their business meeting last night and voted on the lighting proposal. It was a unanimous decision. We got the job! What a praise.</span></li><li><span style="color:#ff6600;">I am all packed for Florida. It was my goal to have everything ready on Saturday. I got it all packed and waiting. Our airline now charges 15.00 ea. way for checked luggage. I was able to get us all packed into carry-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ons</span>. I actually got the girls in 1 carry-on. Space bags really work!</span></li></ul><p><span style="color:#ff6600;">Thanks again for all of the prayers. I pray that your days are blessed and that the Lord reveals himself more to you.</span></p><p> </p>Destinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00670964496500754164noreply@blogger.com3