Monday, March 30, 2009
Hands-On House
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Twenty-One Balloons
We just finished up The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois. The kids liked this one as well. It was about a professor who created a giant air balloon called The Globe & attached a house to it so he could float around for an entire year. He really liked being alone. A sea gull poked a hole in his balloon and he crashed on the volcanic island of Krakatoa. The island was in constant motion from volcanic activity and it was difficult to walk on. He soon met the inhabitants; 20 families all with a mother, father & 2 kids. The families were all named by letters of the alphabet & children were A1 and A2 accordingly. They lived in beautiful homes built on a foundation of pure diamonds! The secret to Krakatoa...it was full of diamond mines filled with billions of dollars of diamonds! It was an interesting story. Madison is still asking us to call her and Adrienne M1 and M2. The M family's house was full of amazing inventions like bumper car couches & chairs and beds that could be raised up through a hole in the roof so the children could view the stars before going to sleep. We began reading Strawberry Girl about 2 feuding families in the deep south in the early 1900's. The kids are enjoying daddy read to them using his best southern accent.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Fire Station Visit
Friday, March 20, 2009
Pen Pal
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Musical Monks
Bill and I saw this skit live on TV and could not stop laughing. Here's a shorter version on video. Don't forget to pause my Playlist Music.
Happy Tuesday!
Happy Tuesday!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Family Fun Day
Last week was pretty busy for Bill so the kids (and me) really missed him. So since he had a game Friday & Sunday, Saturday was officially "Family Fun Day". We went to Tom Jones (TJ's) for breakfast and then to a park to ride bikes and play on the playground. We noticed Adrienne growing out of her bike & thought she would be ready to get rid of her training wheels. When we mentioned it, she said a BIG "No Way!" So while discussing it in the car on the way home we saw a yard sale and a little purple bike...just Adrienne's size. We pulled over & Adrienne sat on it & LOVED it...so Bill bought it for $20 & loaded it in the already full van. I told Adrienne that since God blessed her with a new bike just for her, that He would give her the courage to ride it. And He did! That afternoon we went to the local school parking lot to ride. Bill ran behind her for less than 5 minutes and off she rode! We all cheered for our big girl Adrienne. We are so proud of you Sweet Cheeks!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Mom!
My mom's birthday is Sunday so I wanted to wish her a very happy birthday. I really wish I could be there in person mom...to give you a hug & kiss...and tell you in person how much I love you! Even though we live in different states I feel closer to you in many ways. In the midst of raising my own family I can now understand and appreciate the sacrafice you made for me, Dee and Jon...and continue to make. Thanks for all you do.
So from Bill & me, Madison, Adrienne & Matthew...
Happy Birthday GeGe! We love and miss you!!!
Our Example

After being a Christian for almost 13 years, I've heard many people comment about their own beliefs.
"I don't believe in organized religion", "The church is full of hypocrites", "As long as I am a good person & do good things", "I'm much better than that person, and HE even goes to church!".
I can relate to all of these statements, because I used to believe them as well. I also used to hear the phrase "the 2 reasons why someone isn't a Christian is 1. they don't know any Christians and 2. they do. I agree that many "Christians" do alot of preaching to others but their lives do not exhibit a life surrendered to Christ (myself included...just ask my family). I agree that we are all hypocrites...we have all said things and done other things...we have all condemned others for doing things we have done. You've heard the stories of priests and pastors sinning horribly against children, their wives and church members. Those stories do hinder the message of the gospel for sure. It does not prove that Christianity is useless...it only proves that we are all sinners in desperate need of a Savior!And it doesn't change who Christ is...He is unchanging.
I do though believe that a true Christian's life should look different from someone who is not a believer. Our lives should be a light in a dark world. The fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control) should be clearly visible in how we speak & live. After all...we are a new creation in Christ! We should desire to know more about God, by reading the bible & desiring to meet with others who know God, like a healthy local church. This desire and change does not come from our own doing, or by just trying to be a better person. It comes from God in us. We could always look like a good person by comparing ourselves with others. "I can't believe she did that!" or, "I would never act like that!"
What if we compared ourselves to God? What if we compared ourselves with Jesus...who walked this earth, loving those who hated him, was tempted but never sinned, never gossiped, never lied. What if He is our example & not the Christian that lives next door. "That's ridiculous Christina...we could never attain those standards!"
You're right! And that's why He died. So sinners like us can enter His gates with thanksgiving, and love God, because He first loved us. He is our example, so lets stop looking to the right & left of us and just look up AND let's live like forgiven, redeemed children of God!
If you are not a Christian but are curious to learn more, find a healthy local church. One that preaches from the bible...one that is alive. You know the ones. Also look for the Alpha Course & sign up. It's a great introduction to Christianity. It's good even if you grew up in a church, knew about the "Rules" of religion but never had a relationship with Christ. Or simply pick up that old bible, dust it off & start to read in John...and pray that God would show up and meet you. You will not regret it!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Walking Her Home

Turn up your volume & just listen to this song playing. Walking Her Home by Mark Schultz. It tells the story of a young boy marrying his true love, having a baby and growing old together. My sweet husband heard it this morning & told me to find it and listen...a few tears later, I put it on my Playlist. Thanks for the song love. Thanks for never leaving my side. "Yur the best!"
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Book of the Month
And a Happy Birthday Shout-out to my brother-in-law John!
Monday, March 9, 2009
New Bikes!

So I forgot to take a picture of all of us on our bikes yesterday...hence the strange man on bike shot. On Saturday we went to Target and bought new bikes for Bill & I. Yesterday the weather was absolutely beautiful and we were outside all day riding around the block. While the little ones were napping I went out with Madison. As we were riding with the wind in our hair & the sun on our faces, Madison turns to me & says , "Isn't this great mom! Just you and me, mom & daughter, riding together!" It was great. A memory I hope to have forever. That's what weekends are all about!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Cleared!
Bill saw his doctor yesterday and he has been cleared for everything...running, jumping, dunking, flipping...everything. It has been 8 months since the surgery & 9 months since the injury. Praise God who is Faithful and Loving.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Little Things
Monday, March 2, 2009
Let It Snow!
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