Ashley and her "Twin" doll and their matching gowns.
Chris and his soccer ref's gear.
Oh, I love those smiles!
Dad and Chris ready for Christmas Eve!
Mom and Dad are too!Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas Pics to Enjoy
Ashley and her "Twin" doll and their matching gowns. Chris and his soccer ref's gear. Oh, I love those smiles! Dad and Chris ready for Christmas Eve! Mom and Dad are too!
My Engineer
I never know what I will find in the morning. As a drummer, Chris makes music with everything. Now, he's making towers with everything.
I went in the kitchen on Wednesday morning, Christmas Eve, and found this tower on my kitchen counter. The base is a water bottle; next his vitamin container, a condiment service piece with tums and glue as counterweights!
Anyone else see an engineer in training?
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
With Thanks to Chris and Kayle
Before Chris and Kayle, some of our adopted kids, left for Christmas, they gave our kids gifts. Ashley a baby bear - of course! And Chris an electric helicopter.
To stem he tide of arguement, we had to buy two more - one for Ashley and one for David. Ever try to rest while listening to three tiny helicopters whirl about your house?
Try to cook with them swarming your head! Or, get laundry from downstairs and dodge them on the stairwell!
Thanks, Chris and Kayle. When you have kids, the first gift they get from Aunt Kim? A train whistle!
To stem he tide of arguement, we had to buy two more - one for Ashley and one for David. Ever try to rest while listening to three tiny helicopters whirl about your house?
Try to cook with them swarming your head! Or, get laundry from downstairs and dodge them on the stairwell!
Thanks, Chris and Kayle. When you have kids, the first gift they get from Aunt Kim? A train whistle!
Monday, December 22, 2008
A Dream To Travel
If there were anything I could do - money not an issue - I would love to travel. There's so much of my own country I'd love to see - Washington State, Washington, DC, Wyoming - it's a big country! But I'd also love to go to Scotland and Ireland - my heritage; England and it's castles; Italy and it's food; Paris and it's art. I want to walk through the National Museums and see the art and watach the people. I'd love to stand on the Alps and drink real Swiss chocolate.
But since that's still a dream, I'm getting a kick out of looking up the locations from which people visit my blog!
Today I visited Linköping, Ostergotlands. The 5th largest city in Sweden, it is home to Cloetta Chocolates - just the name sounds yummy! The castles from the Renaissance era really caught my eye - I had never put Renaissance and Sweden together. Coming from Oklahoma where we have wonderful lakes, I was struck with the beauty of the lakes in Ostergotlands. I can see why travelers stopped to settle this land. I must add this town to my list!
Thanks for visiting me from Sweden. Maybe we will meet someday. If not here, in Heaven. How wonderful God is to create a world with such diversity.
But since that's still a dream, I'm getting a kick out of looking up the locations from which people visit my blog!
Today I visited Linköping, Ostergotlands. The 5th largest city in Sweden, it is home to Cloetta Chocolates - just the name sounds yummy! The castles from the Renaissance era really caught my eye - I had never put Renaissance and Sweden together. Coming from Oklahoma where we have wonderful lakes, I was struck with the beauty of the lakes in Ostergotlands. I can see why travelers stopped to settle this land. I must add this town to my list!
Thanks for visiting me from Sweden. Maybe we will meet someday. If not here, in Heaven. How wonderful God is to create a world with such diversity.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
My Pleasure
In the past 24 hours, I have had the pleasure to love on 4 beautiful children. E and E from Ug*nd* and L and S whose daddy is from Ghana. Sometimes I grieve over the children I have lost and those that I was not able to have. I am so blessed with two wonderful children and I am so thankful for the heart for children that they have. Holding these 4 babies this past day has allowed me to realize how much a heart can love. I pray for them and their families. For these chosen children. For our Chosen children.
Father, let us care for those who have no voice as if they were birthed from my own bodies. Let our heart love them as if we ourselves conceived them. They are your gifts to this world. They are valuable. They are loved by their Father. Let us be your hands and heart.
Father, let us care for those who have no voice as if they were birthed from my own bodies. Let our heart love them as if we ourselves conceived them. They are your gifts to this world. They are valuable. They are loved by their Father. Let us be your hands and heart.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thankful Thursday - Chris
I am thankful for my son, Chris!
I am thankful for. . .
* his life - doctors told me we would never have children.
* his heart - he loves his family.
* his laugh - it is infectious!
* his humour - he's a pretty quick wit.
* his love of God - he quietly studies and reflects God in his life.
* his athletic ability - it amazes me the way he can run and pass the ball and and stop a ball.
* his music ability - he is a wonderful drummer; he played a pretty mean cello,too.
* his empathy - he has been the best physical therapist for his sister.
* his love of all sports - I love hearing him talk to my dad about football!
* his love of the outdoors - he gets that from his dad!
* his flair for the dramatic - he gets that from me!
* that he is taller than me - something he is very proud of, too.
* his willingness to help others - he gets that from his Heavenly Father.
Father God, thank you for this beautiful child. I see your hand in his life and they way you have ordered his steps. Let his life be a reflection of your mercy and grace.
I am thankful for. . .
* his life - doctors told me we would never have children.
* his heart - he loves his family.
* his laugh - it is infectious!
* his humour - he's a pretty quick wit.
* his love of God - he quietly studies and reflects God in his life.
* his athletic ability - it amazes me the way he can run and pass the ball and and stop a ball.
* his music ability - he is a wonderful drummer; he played a pretty mean cello,too.
* his empathy - he has been the best physical therapist for his sister.
* his love of all sports - I love hearing him talk to my dad about football!
* his love of the outdoors - he gets that from his dad!
* his flair for the dramatic - he gets that from me!
* that he is taller than me - something he is very proud of, too.
* his willingness to help others - he gets that from his Heavenly Father.
Father God, thank you for this beautiful child. I see your hand in his life and they way you have ordered his steps. Let his life be a reflection of your mercy and grace.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Texans Welcome!
Did you know. . .
* you can take the Texan out of Texas - and she'll always be a Texan?
* that Bevo is the most beautiful beast in the world?
* that Texas is the only state that can legally succeed from the Union?
* that Texas won the National Championship the year I was born? (1969)
* that I was born with scratches on each side of my face where I had sucked
on my fingers "hook 'em horns"-style before I was even bor?
* that West Texas is beautiful!
* that the only ill-mannered men you meet in Texas are from New York and
Louisiana?
* that I miss my Home State even if I haven't lived there in 30 years?
* that my favorite colors are Blue and Orange? Blue for the wide-open skies and
orange for God's favorite color. Why else would sunsets be burnt orange?
(no, it's not a Bronco's thing! They're just a pale imitation of the original.)
* I was born in Waxahachie and grew up in Big Spring?
* that I would love to find my friend Jaccinda Beasley? She moved from Big
Spring when we were kids.
* Amarillo, TX always smells like a stockyard?
* that we eat rattlesnakes after we round 'em up and milk 'em (for venom)?
* that I'd like to go visit my Uncle and Aunt and Cousins in Dallas?
* you can take the Texan out of Texas - and she'll always be a Texan?
* that Bevo is the most beautiful beast in the world?
* that Texas is the only state that can legally succeed from the Union?
* that Texas won the National Championship the year I was born? (1969)
* that I was born with scratches on each side of my face where I had sucked
on my fingers "hook 'em horns"-style before I was even bor?
* that West Texas is beautiful!
* that the only ill-mannered men you meet in Texas are from New York and
Louisiana?
* that I miss my Home State even if I haven't lived there in 30 years?
* that my favorite colors are Blue and Orange? Blue for the wide-open skies and
orange for God's favorite color. Why else would sunsets be burnt orange?
(no, it's not a Bronco's thing! They're just a pale imitation of the original.)
* I was born in Waxahachie and grew up in Big Spring?
* that I would love to find my friend Jaccinda Beasley? She moved from Big
Spring when we were kids.
* Amarillo, TX always smells like a stockyard?
* that we eat rattlesnakes after we round 'em up and milk 'em (for venom)?
* that I'd like to go visit my Uncle and Aunt and Cousins in Dallas?
Making A Change
It has been said that we all want Progress but nobody likes Change. Progress does not come without change, but change does not always bring progress.
And why do we want Progress? Is Progress always better?
Look at how schools have Progressed. More computers, more technology, more teaching specialities, more options for upper grades, more in-service, more training.
Yet we also have more struggling students, more isolationism, more troubled kids, more kids needing Basics. Progress has not improved our schools, only showed that Change is not always productive.
As a teacher, it's hard to say that we don't do a good job. But we fail in many ways. We tell parents we value them, and then we condescend to them saying, "we don't expect parents to understand." We say our teaching methods are 21st Century, yet text them on skills that are 18th century and, quite frankly, fundamental and needed but not taught. How can we test what we do not prepare them for?
I want to progess closer to Christ. I want my kids to progress towards being their best. I am wanting change in my life. A change that is life-altering. That brings my family and me closer to Christ. Change that grows my children's hearts and minds.
From research, I know that this world is selling rebellion. Be better than others; better than your parents. Nothing that is Christ-like. Our schools are doing the same. Be better than your parents.
Am I willing to make the life-changes necessary to progress my family towards Christ's vision for us? Oh, I hope so.
And why do we want Progress? Is Progress always better?
Look at how schools have Progressed. More computers, more technology, more teaching specialities, more options for upper grades, more in-service, more training.
Yet we also have more struggling students, more isolationism, more troubled kids, more kids needing Basics. Progress has not improved our schools, only showed that Change is not always productive.
As a teacher, it's hard to say that we don't do a good job. But we fail in many ways. We tell parents we value them, and then we condescend to them saying, "we don't expect parents to understand." We say our teaching methods are 21st Century, yet text them on skills that are 18th century and, quite frankly, fundamental and needed but not taught. How can we test what we do not prepare them for?
I want to progess closer to Christ. I want my kids to progress towards being their best. I am wanting change in my life. A change that is life-altering. That brings my family and me closer to Christ. Change that grows my children's hearts and minds.
From research, I know that this world is selling rebellion. Be better than others; better than your parents. Nothing that is Christ-like. Our schools are doing the same. Be better than your parents.
Am I willing to make the life-changes necessary to progress my family towards Christ's vision for us? Oh, I hope so.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Yeah for Snow Days!
Today was great! I slept until 8am! I cooked some, sewed alot and enjoyed being at home. I think God knew I needed a Snow Day. A day just to be at home.
Thank you God for the miracle of Snow Days!
Thank you God for the miracle of Snow Days!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The Coolest Thing Ever
I really like blogging. Leaving notes to myself. To anyone who'll read. Sharing the world with others and the Word.
But I am totally in awe of the Tafficking gadget! To see where people visit your webpage from, what blog they came from and where they go from yours. I feel like an International Internet Hub! I should rename my blog IIH!
Technology amazes me!
But I am totally in awe of the Tafficking gadget! To see where people visit your webpage from, what blog they came from and where they go from yours. I feel like an International Internet Hub! I should rename my blog IIH!
Technology amazes me!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Prayer Need
Our friends are in need of your prayer! They are in need of a miracle to get immigration papers for their children. Please pray! Our God can!!!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thankful Thursday
I am thankful for my husband, David.
1. His smile - it makes my heart stop!
2. His wink - yes, he still flirts with me!
3. His hands - they are strong; they have callouses from working around the house; they they are tender to wipe tears; they are able to change diapers; they can help with piano lessons; they can do dishes (very manly!); they can cook (mmm! Muffins!); they can hold my hand
4. His mind - he is a thinker; a planner
5. His heart - it has been broken and mended; it listens to God
6. His prayers - I know the children and I are on his lips as he petitions the throne of God for us
Father God: thank you for the gift of my husband. He is all I have listed and more. He is the head of our house and I gain joy in deferring to him as our shepherd. Bless him in all that he does today. Order his steps. Set his mind at peace. Give him wisdom for the tasks you have laid before him. Let his sleep be peaceful and restorative. Let his faith grow as he sees the work for Your hand.
Amen.
1. His smile - it makes my heart stop!
2. His wink - yes, he still flirts with me!
3. His hands - they are strong; they have callouses from working around the house; they they are tender to wipe tears; they are able to change diapers; they can help with piano lessons; they can do dishes (very manly!); they can cook (mmm! Muffins!); they can hold my hand
4. His mind - he is a thinker; a planner
5. His heart - it has been broken and mended; it listens to God
6. His prayers - I know the children and I are on his lips as he petitions the throne of God for us
Father God: thank you for the gift of my husband. He is all I have listed and more. He is the head of our house and I gain joy in deferring to him as our shepherd. Bless him in all that he does today. Order his steps. Set his mind at peace. Give him wisdom for the tasks you have laid before him. Let his sleep be peaceful and restorative. Let his faith grow as he sees the work for Your hand.
Amen.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Wall
There it is. Wider than the horizon yet still taller than it is wide. Slick. Smooth and cold to the touch. No footholds can be found anywhere. Running your hand along it's glassy surface leaves your fingers numb. It does not sway when pressed. It does not yield when pushed.
As the realization of your powerlessness washes through your consciousness, your knees buckle and you slide to the ground. Broken. Helpless. The air must be forced into your lungs and you fight to focus on the ground before you.
You cannot pray. You cannot see. You cannot breathe.
But you can cry out, "ABBA! Father! Please!"
And He cries with you. He sees your struggle for life. He sees your head pressed against this immovable wall. He moves.
The Wall comes down. Lifting your head, the vision before you is a winding path, along green meadows. Nature grazes alongside the road. There is no rubble before you. There is no evidence that the wall ever existed. Only peace. Only quiet.
Father, move for me tonight. I am tired. My child is in pain. She cannot walk without pain. I cannot watch her walk without my heart breaking. My chest hurts with her pain. My head is pressed against this wall. Written on it's glassy side are the words: Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, Seizure, Epilepsy, Hemiplegia, Fatigue, Depression, Sinemet, Anger, Wheelchair, Surgery, Valium, Codeine, PPA, Fall, Fault, Why, Tired, Hurt, Pain, Tears. This is my Jerico. I cannot go forward. I cannot go back. I am on my knees. Bent before You. Only You. Move this wall!!!
As the realization of your powerlessness washes through your consciousness, your knees buckle and you slide to the ground. Broken. Helpless. The air must be forced into your lungs and you fight to focus on the ground before you.
You cannot pray. You cannot see. You cannot breathe.
But you can cry out, "ABBA! Father! Please!"
And He cries with you. He sees your struggle for life. He sees your head pressed against this immovable wall. He moves.
The Wall comes down. Lifting your head, the vision before you is a winding path, along green meadows. Nature grazes alongside the road. There is no rubble before you. There is no evidence that the wall ever existed. Only peace. Only quiet.
Father, move for me tonight. I am tired. My child is in pain. She cannot walk without pain. I cannot watch her walk without my heart breaking. My chest hurts with her pain. My head is pressed against this wall. Written on it's glassy side are the words: Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, Seizure, Epilepsy, Hemiplegia, Fatigue, Depression, Sinemet, Anger, Wheelchair, Surgery, Valium, Codeine, PPA, Fall, Fault, Why, Tired, Hurt, Pain, Tears. This is my Jerico. I cannot go forward. I cannot go back. I am on my knees. Bent before You. Only You. Move this wall!!!
Cast Off!
Today, the cast came off! Her leg looks beautiful! Flaky skin included! It's tender to walk on, but she's getting there.
She was excited that the cast was clean inside so she was able to keep this Frank Chang Original work of art!
Thursday starts therapy - won't that be fun!?!
She was excited that the cast was clean inside so she was able to keep this Frank Chang Original work of art!
Thursday starts therapy - won't that be fun!?!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Joy! A Dream Fulfilled!
I've always wanted to be a writer! To have people read what I write! Okay, I once thought I'd make money at it, but now I want to make a difference - to brighten someone's day, to make someone smile, to lift someone's heart.
I've been writing for years - journals, short stories, stories about my kids, newspaper articles. And now I have people reading what I write! Wow!
I love seeing that people from across the US have visited the blog. Please feel free to leave a message! I want to know who you are!
Welcome to the Beach Family!
I've been writing for years - journals, short stories, stories about my kids, newspaper articles. And now I have people reading what I write! Wow!
I love seeing that people from across the US have visited the blog. Please feel free to leave a message! I want to know who you are!
Welcome to the Beach Family!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Stewardship
To take care of assets that are not one's own.
What a responsibility! I'm a little overwhelmed by that thought today. What is God calling me to steward? Everything! Nothing I have is apart from Him!
On my father's side, my great, great grandmother was Jewish. The Jewish faith is looking for the Messiah. Always searching. Waiting. Praying.
My Christian faith teaches me he has come! Jesus Christ fulfilled every prophecy required to prove his deity. Now instead of waiting for the Messiah, I am living for Him.
Father, thank you for your protection for my family. For keeping my daughter safe through surgery. For my son's skills and love for people. For my husband's faithfulness to me and my family. Lord, I want to point people to Christ through the way I live my life and steward these gifts back to you. I want the stewardship of my family and gifts to always point to the cross.
What a responsibility! I'm a little overwhelmed by that thought today. What is God calling me to steward? Everything! Nothing I have is apart from Him!
On my father's side, my great, great grandmother was Jewish. The Jewish faith is looking for the Messiah. Always searching. Waiting. Praying.
My Christian faith teaches me he has come! Jesus Christ fulfilled every prophecy required to prove his deity. Now instead of waiting for the Messiah, I am living for Him.
Father, thank you for your protection for my family. For keeping my daughter safe through surgery. For my son's skills and love for people. For my husband's faithfulness to me and my family. Lord, I want to point people to Christ through the way I live my life and steward these gifts back to you. I want the stewardship of my family and gifts to always point to the cross.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Thankful Thursday
Hmm, this week's list - I am thankful for -
1. Do-over's - they come in many forms - Mondays; Mornings; New Months; New Years; new hours!; Forgiveness
2. Fridays - yeah!!!!!
3. That my family is easy to cook for - they like soup and sandwiches and easy things
4. Prayer - I can go to my Father at any time.
5. Nightgowns - I love to curl my legs up in them and cuddle so warm and comfortable.
6. Washers and Dryers - I can't imagine doing the loads and loads of laundry any other way! I think the Pilgrims had few clothes, not because they were being modest or living simply, but because the women were sick and tired of washing and ironing!
7. Christmas Trees - I love their warmth and love and peace
8. Telephones - it keeps my best friends and families close despite the physical difference
9. Telephones - I can call my Sweetie any time of the day!!!
10. Bubblebath in lucious scents with matching soaps and lotions - I'm addicted! I love a hot bath and leaving the room smelling warm and comfy and leaving my husband with the scent of "me" at the end of the day.
11. Tears - they wash away stress.
12. Laughter - it can cleanse away pain
1. Do-over's - they come in many forms - Mondays; Mornings; New Months; New Years; new hours!; Forgiveness
2. Fridays - yeah!!!!!
3. That my family is easy to cook for - they like soup and sandwiches and easy things
4. Prayer - I can go to my Father at any time.
5. Nightgowns - I love to curl my legs up in them and cuddle so warm and comfortable.
6. Washers and Dryers - I can't imagine doing the loads and loads of laundry any other way! I think the Pilgrims had few clothes, not because they were being modest or living simply, but because the women were sick and tired of washing and ironing!
7. Christmas Trees - I love their warmth and love and peace
8. Telephones - it keeps my best friends and families close despite the physical difference
9. Telephones - I can call my Sweetie any time of the day!!!
10. Bubblebath in lucious scents with matching soaps and lotions - I'm addicted! I love a hot bath and leaving the room smelling warm and comfy and leaving my husband with the scent of "me" at the end of the day.
11. Tears - they wash away stress.
12. Laughter - it can cleanse away pain
Waiting. . .
No one likes to wait. We want everything now!
But God says, wait. Be Still.
In waiting, we can grasp a bigger picture of His miracle unfolding.
God, we will wait!
But God says, wait. Be Still.
In waiting, we can grasp a bigger picture of His miracle unfolding.
God, we will wait!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
My Friend
My friend is in Uganda. As we sleep, she will be knocking on the hearts of Ugandan leaders to bring home two new babies. God can move mountains - he will bring these babies home with their jubilant mother and happy siblings to the arms of their waiting daddy.
A whole church is waiting for them! A whole internet community is praying for them. Personally, I can't wait to welcome these children to their new church home!
I am so amazed by my friend's capacity to love.
I am amazed by many of my friends lately.
To walk in faith when the paycheck is gone. To move their family to follow God's call. To love children who are birthed from their heart if not their body. Friends who live by their convictions when their own families do not understand those inclinations. Friends who stand for Christ and often stand alone in their homes and places of work.
They have expanded their territories. They have followed God's heart.
God, where is your heart leading me? Leading our family? Will we have the courage to follow? What is our next adventure? What do you have for us? We will follow.
A whole church is waiting for them! A whole internet community is praying for them. Personally, I can't wait to welcome these children to their new church home!
I am so amazed by my friend's capacity to love.
I am amazed by many of my friends lately.
To walk in faith when the paycheck is gone. To move their family to follow God's call. To love children who are birthed from their heart if not their body. Friends who live by their convictions when their own families do not understand those inclinations. Friends who stand for Christ and often stand alone in their homes and places of work.
They have expanded their territories. They have followed God's heart.
God, where is your heart leading me? Leading our family? Will we have the courage to follow? What is our next adventure? What do you have for us? We will follow.
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