Vacation

Here are a few pictures from our few days away. About all I have pictures of is the waterpark - but then that is all we did all week. It really was a blast for the kids. It was a smaller park compared to the WI Dells parks, but it was perfect for our kids at the age they are now. We will grow into the bigger parks soon enough!

We have this great idea that all of you out in Colorado need to come up here next January and make it a full family vacation. You can get great out of season deals. We'll have to talk about it!

Here Owen is explaining to a complete stranger his fascination with the "boat dump it." (For illustration see the following pictures).

The boat dumps over 1,000 gallons of water every 5 minutes.

Waiting for the dump . . .

Here it comes . . .

Whoosh!

Happily soaked!

Carra loved, loved, loved the waterslides. The problem was that we had to climb many stairs to get to the top of the slides - and she was much faster than Buff or I. If I paused to catch my breath, she would stop a few seconds then say, "Come on, we have to go!" I should have lost at least 5 pounds from all the cardio vascular excercise she put me through!

Mikayla slid off the lilly pad

1

2

3
I think he is part frog!

The lazy river
How come they don't look relaxed?

"Da spinkwer"
Wow, did he have fun in the kiddy sprinklers. He ran for 2 days straight - and slept very well at night. Every time he got wet, he had to come and explain to me what happened. Every time. . .

Riding in the elevator. Evidently it created a unique sensation. Notice there are two Owens. It truly feels like there must be two Owens most days. That kid has all the energy the other kids never used up!

Dream

I had a dream . . . I know the last guy who said that actually had an impact on the world - don't get to excited about my dream - nothing earth shattering here.

One of the things Buff and I enjoy doing together is going to coffee shops, finding a quiet corner with comfy chairs and talking. The problem is that a lot of other people have the same idea and so we often have to compete for the atmosphere we so desire. (Now there is a picture for you - Buff and Tina dueling it out with another couple for the couch at Starbucks!)

So, I had this dream that Buff and I were looking for a place to talk and we found a sports bar that was in a house. The house was loaded with couches and tables for people to sit around and talk. Now don't worry. In my dream - we only ordered a pizza.

I woke up inspired. Wouldn't it be great to have a place where there were plenty of couches, chairs, and tables around so that people could just come and sit. Maybe play a quiet game. Maybe just talk. Maybe study. We could serve coffee - there's is nothing like the smell of coffee to help someone relax (I personally don't drink the stuff - can you be addicted to the smell? I have discovered the joys of a vanilla steamer - mmmmmm! - and coffee free too!). Lots of rooms. Lots of places to sit. No dueling allowed.

We could have a library/reading room or possibly a bookstore where people who wander in could leave with a good book and inspired to live their week to count for Christ.

If it were in a house, the upstairs could be converted into a small/ cozy getaway for couples in ministry who just need to get away . . .

Okay, so that is my dream. It isn't going to change the world, but it was fun to think it up! I told Buff that he needs to let me know when he has saved our first million $ so we can get started.

Yeah, he laughed at me too.

Blizzard

Today, Owen was playing with his blocks by the back door. It was a beautiful sunny morning with the sun pouring in the window. You know how you can see a sunbeam flowing in a window because of all the dust particles floating in it? Well, we have LOTS of dust particles at our house - combined with the sun it put on quite a show!

Owen noticed the sunbeam and got very excited.

"Mommy, it's snowing!"

Yep, we had quite a blizzard! I hope he always finds it so amusing!

School

I just had to share Brice doing his math yesterday.

The lizard's name (today at least - everytime I ask he changes it) is Chopper and has become quite a smart little guy. How many lizards do you know that get the privilege to learn their math facts first hand. Yesterday they learned about mixed numbers. That can come in handy when you are changing colors - is it 1/2 or 1/3 green??? It also helps when counting crickets and worms!

Also, do you notice the tongue? (On Brice) Buff does this too when he is thinking. Has anyone else noticed this to be a Powers trait?

Speaking of tongues . . . Here is one to share! It's blue raspberry.

Name

I'm not crazy about the name of our post - "The Powers that be" - does anyone have any other ideas? Obviously you have seen the extent of my creativity! I am open to other options.

Snow Day

Winter has finally arrived to Wisconsin! I know this is just powder compared to what you have in Colorado, but we'll take what we can get! I think we have about 4-6 inches and it might snow some more today. It is supposed to be cold all week, so it should stick around a little while.

Here are the kids enjoying the snow!


Owen
He sat on the porch until Buff was done snow blowing. He hates the snowblower! Once Buff was done he had a blast!

Mikayla begging me to go sledding. It is only 20 degrees. I told her she was nuts! She and Brice went anyway (there is a small hill at the end of the road). They didn't last very long!

Carra got sprayed by the snowblower.

Brice playing with his KNEX snowmobiles.

Snow angel!

Buff playing with his toy! He loves snow days as much as the kids!

Life

Hey, Bevin, here is a brief answer to your post about doing it all: I have no idea! (Everyday I say to Buff - "I don't know how to do it all!")

I consider homeschooling to be the same as a full time job. The problem is that I don't get to walk away and concentrate on my job and then come home and concentrate on my family. I have to do it all at once! That is very overwhelming.

I don't keep a clean house on a quiet day, so you can imagine what my house looks like during school days. The hardest thing I am trying to learn is how to get my kids involved in the process. I feel like I spend my days nagging for them to get something done. Everything from making their bed to Science and math!

I am still in process, but this is what I have learned and done that has helped some. I am sure it will change again - it takes me a while to problem solve. . . .

1. I have had to check my heart.

I love a clean house - but I have never had it. I have spent a large majority of my mothering life in panic mode that someone will stop by my house and discover we live in chaos most of the time. I have friends that are immaculate - all of the time. I even have friends that homeschool, teach Bible study groups, and live life in an immaculate house. I cared more about what they would think (man-pleasing) than dealing with the heart issues that cause us to live in chaos. Is it laziness? procrastination? lack of discipline (for me and for my kids)? Also, I wasn't responding well to mess. I allowed it to cause stress - which affects my family. It becomes an idol to me.

Having said all of that - I don't have a magic answer. It is a moment by moment process for me. There are times when I deal with it - because it is what it is and I must respond as if the cross matters - and it affects how I respond to the mundane. There are other times (most of the time) when my sinful heart flares and I react wrongly. Thankfully, God gives me all that I need to respond correctly!

Here are some verses that encourage me:

I Peter 4: 10-11

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies - in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

2. I have learned how to include my kids. They can do a lot. I am still figuring out how to train them, but I found an article that has helped.

I have the kids fold their own laundry (Carra is actually quite good at this, but she still needs some help and encouraging), unload the dishwasher, sweep and mop the floor (we are still in training for this one), dust, vacuum (again - in training), taking care of the pets, make their beds, clean up general clutter (if it is on the floor they pick it up and PUT IT AWAY - no matter who it belongs to), and other various tasks. They each have a chart that they are responsible to keep - so I don't have to nag to get it done. If they don't chart, I assume it isn't done. If it isn't done, there is no allowance at the end of the week. Money is a good motivator. (Keep it balanced with good heart teaching too!) I can send you a copy of the chart if you want to tweek it for your kids.

3. Figure out what matters. Clean clothes, clean dishes and food are pretty much essentials. School gets added in there now too. After that - be willing to give a little. Get Brady to help (if he isn't already). If he just mops the floor and takes care of dishes, it can be a huge help!

I like your motto "do it now". I am going to add it to my new motto "PUT IT AWAY - NOW!" I'm a stacker!

Sorry, I didn't mean to preach! I can get it organized. I just don't know how to maintain it. I am open to any tips you can give me. It is my New Years Resolution just to make my bed everyday!

I enjoy the banter!

Tina

Our Week

Well, it is Saturday. I think I will take a minute to say hey! We have had quite a crazy week filled with counseling sessions, training sessions, church, babysitting, dr. appointments, asthma classes, co-op, oh, and lots of school! I even got a date in there with my hubby! Somehow in there I did do some laundry and dishes - the rest of the house is waiting for me to finish this post!

Buff is taking 4 weeks off from preaching with two weeks of it as vacation and 2 weeks of extra study and prayer at the church. His vacation officially starts Tuesday! We plan to take the kids up to an indoor waterpark and let them splash around for a few days. Then I have a whole list of projects for him to get done. We are all looking forward to getting away. Vacation is not something we do well or very often. Outside of visiting Colorado occasionally, we don't get away much. We are hoping to make this more of a habit.

Here are a few pictures of our week. Pretty uneventful, but not without memories.

Super Sleuth
I would be very frightened right now if I were an ant . . .

Buff and I crawled out of bed at 5:30 one morning. When we came back into our room, they had taken over our bed. They think our bed is the warmest and most comfortable place in the world. It is a treat for them to sleep on our bed!

Have a good weekend!

Tina

Hello Everyone!
I'm really enjoying all of the pictures and staying connected. I don't have any pictures today - life's been a little bit too crazy. I thought it was funny, Tina, that you did the section on staying organized. This is the first year I have ever made a New Year's resolution, and it is to be more organized, and then my new motto is "DO IT NOW." I'm finding this to be a bit of a challenge because I can't always do everything "right now" because I am only one person, so I think this will require some serious prioritizing. When we got all of the snow, I dug in and spent about 5 days cleaning and organizing. I think my biggest challenge is going to be organizing my time!! I would be interested to know what your days are like, Tina, since your life has to be pretty similar to mine - homeschooling with 4 children. We seem to get everything done that we need to, but it seems so chaotic at times. Is this just what life is like for most people in my situation? If so, I can be ok with it and just deal. If not, I need to make some changes. Anyway, I would be interested in your thoughts.

Brandi - thanks for the thought on Kita, I thought that was very sweet of you.

I'm going to try to get some pictures from Byren's first birthday party soon. I can't believe my baby is one. Time goes so fast.

2006

Some of my favorite pictures from the year!

Okay, so I got carried away! I couldn't choose! I have more I would like to post - I'll save that for another day.

I fully intend on sending Mom and Dad some copies of these. We just got some more Christmas money and next week we are "getting away" for a few days. Maybe I'll get it done then . . . . don't get your hopes up! I'll aim for April - Mom's birthday! Surprise!

Love you all!

Nakita

I wanted to share with ya'll that not only is today a day that we celebrate Byren's first birthday, but it also is a day we celebrate the life of mom and dad's precious dog Nakita. Nakita's time on earth ended this morning. She was a fun dog that brought all of us much joy. She loved to go help dad feed... so she could act like a horse while she ate right along side them. She would then follow dad right back into the house where she would lay on the floor and watch him shave before heading back outside to finish up chores. Her and dad we were best buddies! She loved her tummy rubbed and would thump her back foot in joy!! Her and Ellie May would go out on the porch and scare the neighbor dogs away and then she would want right back in the house, so she could tell us all about their adventure. She would visit with us like we had seen with no other dog!! She was a wonderful gift that God gave us and we so very thankful for the season that He in trusted us with. As animals are just as much a part of God's creation as we are, I look forward to one day seeing Nakita in heaven! I bet she is there right now telling God all about her adventure her on earth!! We love you Kita and thank God for all the fun memories you have left us with!!

Messing up Messiness

I found this blog (Between Two Worlds - Justin Taylor) talking about organization in the new year. It seems I am to be encouraged in my messiness. I am truly not encouraged! I have nothing to show for my messy closets and chaotic cupboards! I should at least be intelligent, creative or somehow change the world! Ahhhhh! I can't even do chaos right!

Here is my description of Buff's brain. He has the ability to attend one or two conferences in the same week. He will also read a book to and from these conferences. When he returns home, he can recall any conversation he had, sermon he heard, paragraph he read, etc. and remember who said it - in which context- recall it word for word - understand it and explain it to me giving credit to whomever is due. His brain is like a filing cabinet. He files the thought away safely and can return to it and retrieve it exactly as he left it.

Here is a description of my brain: (see photo below) I know I read it somewhere, heard it somewhere, etc. I think and think and think - and by the time I have dug through all of my piles of thoughts - I find the paper (3 days after I needed the comeback) and its blank.

Here is Justin Taylor's blog:

Ah, sweet encouragement from the New York Times:

An anti-anticlutter movement is afoot, one that says yes to mess and urges you to embrace your disorder. Studies are piling up that show that messy desks are the vivid signatures of people with creative, limber minds (who reap higher salaries than those with neat “office landscapes”) and that messy closet owners are probably better parents and nicer and cooler than their tidier counterparts. It’s a movement that confirms what you have known, deep down, all along: really neat people are not avatars of the good life; they are humorless and inflexible prigs, and have way too much time on their hands.

And lest the DavidAllen-ites amongst you mock:

It was the overall scumminess of Alexander Fleming’s laboratory that led to his discovery of penicillin, from a moldy bloom in a petri dish he had forgotten on his desk.

(HT: Susan Wise Bauer: link fixed)

By the way, here's one of my favorite pictures on the web. Athesitic philospher Quentin Smith looking for something in his faculty office:


See also: Kings of Chaos (the six messiest desks at the University of Chicago) and What Does Your Desk Say About You? (people with messier desks tend to have more education and make more money).

Happy New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! We love and miss y'all very much!

First Big Storm

Here are a few pictures from the first storm that hit the week before Christmas. The first one is outside of our front door. There was alot more by the next morning. The next one is our driveway (that's Brady's trailor on the left.) When Cooper went to play in it, there were some spots that went over his head because of the wind and the drifting. Brady pulled some all-nighters plowing some parking lots in Fort Collins. It was very beautiful, and kind of nice to be forced to stay inside.

These are more pictures taken from the front porch. We have had more snow fall in these past two storms than we did all last winter combined! The Lord has truely blessed with moisture this year!

This was a picture I took from the front porch. It was the big fog after our winter storm... it was so beautiful! There is nothing like a Colorado Christmas!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's 2007! I'm sure Brady will appreciate me putting this picture on, but I'm sure you will all get a kick out of it. (And I know it doen't really have anything to do with the new year.) Anyone want to share New Year's Resolutions, and keep each other accountable? Let me know what you think.