tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56662327988253963202024-03-13T12:00:09.501-04:00Pattyvillelearning to laugh under the circumstancespattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.comBlogger469125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-90997073777356851352013-08-22T08:21:00.002-04:002013-08-22T08:21:56.565-04:00HELP!Does anyone know how to change the pictures in a banner? Like the one I have at the top of my page. My kids don't even look like that anymore! I tried actually downloading a brand new design from cutest little blog on the block (their designs are free), but I guess because the one I have now is custom, it didn't work.<br />
<br />
I know some of you are gurus at this type of thing, and can tell me what to do. I sure would appreciate it!pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-56166541974476329802013-08-21T02:10:00.001-04:002013-08-21T02:10:13.852-04:00senior stuffLuke brought home that senior packet from Jostens today. You know, the one that we all got when we were graduating from high school. The one that the rep brings and makes you think that you MUST have all of the cool stuff or you will never truly remember your high school days. Yeah, you know the one!<br />
<br />
Luckily for me, I am graduating a boy. They are so different from girls because they could care less about all of that cutesy stuff. I think I'm getting out of it pretty darn cheap. The only extra thing Luke wants is a $40 jacket. So other than the $125 I have to pay to get that cap and gown, I think I'm coming out pretty good. Of course I will have to order invitations, but we want to do those on our own using his senior pics. <br />
<br />
Speaking of senior pics, can't wait for those! He's having his taken Labor Day weekend by my sister-in-law, Tracy. That girl can take some pictures. I've been pinning poses for about six months now so I hope she has paid attention!<br />
<br />
Back to that packet for a minute, do you know that they actually have the NERVE to try and sell "graduation" rings? Like, hello! I just paid over three hundred dollars last year for a class ring that is now too big so it's not worn. I'm sure somebody actually buys those, however I am not that crazy.<br />
<br />
It's only the second day of school, and the handing out of the money for graduation has already begun. I hate to see what the rest of the year holds! haha<br />
<br />
pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-24794527583252142382013-08-18T04:44:00.000-04:002013-08-18T04:44:04.835-04:00AlaskaSteve and I had the privilege to go on a cruise to Alaska this summer. It was the best. vacation. EVER! Here's some pics:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9k0SVsK-LE/UhCIUhBxORI/AAAAAAAABfE/WW8IOpPjJSk/s1600/SANY0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9k0SVsK-LE/UhCIUhBxORI/AAAAAAAABfE/WW8IOpPjJSk/s320/SANY0152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m97S9HhNU9E/UhCIpyob1QI/AAAAAAAABfU/Fmf2uL-woQE/s1600/SANY0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m97S9HhNU9E/UhCIpyob1QI/AAAAAAAABfU/Fmf2uL-woQE/s320/SANY0159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5QcCHOHVGs/UhCIpSD7d2I/AAAAAAAABfM/BN8o4vaP5yY/s1600/SANY0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5QcCHOHVGs/UhCIpSD7d2I/AAAAAAAABfM/BN8o4vaP5yY/s320/SANY0171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6v6w0YeFHw/UhCIwU4tWII/AAAAAAAABfk/jx4Eb1-aC24/s1600/SANY0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6v6w0YeFHw/UhCIwU4tWII/AAAAAAAABfk/jx4Eb1-aC24/s320/SANY0172.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4JtkDnOZ_EA/UhCIw-XmI9I/AAAAAAAABfw/-MrNLRV-sOk/s1600/SANY0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4JtkDnOZ_EA/UhCIw-XmI9I/AAAAAAAABfw/-MrNLRV-sOk/s320/SANY0343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FD1DBFR04Nk/UhCIw0MtQWI/AAAAAAAABfo/avvNrWExTls/s1600/SANY0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FD1DBFR04Nk/UhCIw0MtQWI/AAAAAAAABfo/avvNrWExTls/s320/SANY0348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMsE9ORpdP4/UhCIz2UtKAI/AAAAAAAABf8/6y6IFRkr1L0/s1600/SANY0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMsE9ORpdP4/UhCIz2UtKAI/AAAAAAAABf8/6y6IFRkr1L0/s320/SANY0355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'll be adding more later!pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-54626955563366431312013-08-18T04:10:00.000-04:002013-08-18T04:10:11.365-04:00A Senior? Really?I can't believe that my little boy will be a senior in high school starting tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday that I was sitting and rocking him while staring into his sweet little face. Now, he is on the verge of "adulthood". I am so proud of the young man that he is becoming. He loves Jesus, GA football, and wrestling. He wants to be a doctor, politician, or ruler of the world--whichever he can accomplish first. No longer the days of wanting to be the red Power Ranger. It's amazing really, that it has come to this. I pray joy, peace, and happiness over him as he embarks on this journey...leaving childhood and entering the unknown. I know he will be successful and that God will use him in a mighty way. That's what we prayed for 17 years ago, and that's what we got. A little slice of Heaven!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJOwFpj19vM/UhCBIHv_eII/AAAAAAAABew/aJMXgvMgYBY/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJOwFpj19vM/UhCBIHv_eII/AAAAAAAABew/aJMXgvMgYBY/s1600/036.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-36527307854333593692012-08-13T01:08:00.001-04:002012-08-13T01:08:22.740-04:00the last 4 weeksIt all started with what I thought was a simple phone call. Steve got out of the bed, and said that we had to go to Orlando. Now, I had sworn off Orlando for the summer so I knew that something was going on when he said, "we". So, we got ready, packed some clothes and were off for what we believed to be a few days.<br />
<br />
Getting there, we found Steve's dad in Florida East hospital with horrific sores on his legs and bottom. It was awful.....he screamed for pain medicine constantly and NOTHING could make him happy. He was on the first floor, and those nurses weren't the greatest at meeting his needs. He didn't help matters any being so contrary. Poor Steve couldn't even sit down for his dad yelling for him to do something. Day after day this continued, and I kept thinking, "what are they doing to help him?". The answer was, not much! We left and came home on that Thursday only to receive a call from Steve's nephew on Friday that his dad was trying to check himself out of the hospital. Steve got on the phone and calmed him down; but that meant that as soon as church was over that Sunday morning, we needed to leave to go back.<br />
<br />
We got down there and Monday was more of the same, while Tuesday certainly was not. When we got to the hospital, they had moved him to the 5th floor where we had much better nurses, but were still not getting anywhere. By the end of that day, we had moved to PCU (for about 5 minutes), ICU, and he had been intubated for a procedure that the doctors felt needed to be done. He was losing blood, and his lungs were in a mess.<br />
<br />
They found a bleeding ulcer and cauterized it, and took some samples from the junk that they pulled out of his lungs......and we waited. In the meantime, we had to gown, glove, and mask up to go into the room. To make a long story short, we went through lung lavages, and waiting several more times all the while he was intubated. Each day they tried to wake him up by reducing the sedation, and each day they failed. His heart rate and blood pressure couldn't stand the stress. It seemed like each morning when we arrived there was bad news.<br />
<br />
Finally, a nurse mentioned that he would have to have a tracheotomy soon (you can't have that tube in your throat indefinitely), and Steve knew that the end was coming. His dad had a living will, and while he had signed consent for them to intubate him while undergoing the procedures, he did not want to be kept on the ventilator indefinitely.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, August 8, with his main doctor wanting to do a very aggressive, invasive surgery, Steve decided it was time to turn off the ventilator. It was not a decision that was made lightly, Steve had wrestled with it and prayed over it for many days. Finally, around 6 PM after all the doctors had signed the paperwork, the nurses unhooked him from all but the IV that was administering pain medicine. Steve, Shea, Stevie, and myself watched over him as he struggled to breathe, and about 6:40 took his last breath.<br />
<br />
I've never seen such love poured out of a person than while Steve was caring for Don in those last 40 minutes. He kept telling him he was sorry and wiping his face. This was the picture of love in its rawest form. Heart-wrenching to watch.<br />
<br />
I believe that Steve is still in shock. He's had to be strong for his mom, and he preached today on Psalm 121. I know it's going to hit him full force soon, and he will have to grieve in his own way for his dad, his hero. Whatever he goes through, whatever he needs......our kids and I will be by his side to administer the love and grace to walk through this valley.<br />
<br />
William Donald Leigh: 1937-2012, buried at seapattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-58775041476999698962012-07-21T22:25:00.001-04:002012-07-21T22:25:28.772-04:00still hereI'm still here...I bet you thought I'd run away again, didn't you? We got a phone call last Monday morning that totally changed the way the rest of our summer looked. Most of you know that Steve's dad was rushed to the hospital, and we were on our way to Orlando quickly thereafter to see about him.<br />
<br />
It was a long three days, but we came home since Steve's nephew, Eric, was coming down to take care of things for a few days. We are off again either tomorrow or Monday for I'm not sure how long. That means that I won't get to spend the week with my nephews, Sam and Jack, but we do what we must.<br />
<br />
This coming week is registration for school around here....hate I am going to miss it, I love seeing all of the kids after the break! Luke will be registering for his Junior year...I can't believe it. This means that I have tons of stuff to get done before school starts back.<br />
<br />
I have lots of blog fodder, but I'll have to get to it later. Keep us in your prayers, and will you also say a prayer for my friend and fellow preacher-wife, Mikki? She's been sick all summer, and just can't seem to shake it.pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-91308063240203124512012-07-15T05:43:00.000-04:002012-07-15T05:43:15.030-04:00a new adventureWell, today marks the day that Stevie begins her adventure as a Pampered Chef consultant. She seems really excited about it, and if you know Stevie you know that emotions are not her strong suit (or showing them rather). She's having her launch party today, and she's making veggie stir-fry and brownies. She was told to keep it simple, and she is.<br />
<br />
She's been on the phone with her leader (or whatever she's called), doing online trainings, and working through the notebook to learn how to run her own business. This is actually the first thing she's been excited about since moving to SC. She still needs to get a "real" job and/or go back to school ~ which she says she is doing this fall, but haven't seen any real evidence of that yet. I am ready to get her off my payroll!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'll post some pictures after the party and let you know how she did. I certainly hope it goes well, I hate to see her discouraged this early in the game. <br />
<br />
You can always help her out by ordering online should you need anything.pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-72513258393222194802012-07-11T22:34:00.001-04:002012-07-11T22:34:25.979-04:00kindleI have been opposed to ereaders, ebooks, emagazines, or e anythings forever. I didn't really think I would ever enjoy reading a book from a device. I'm old school, and I like having the actual book in my hand: feeling the pages, smell of fresh ink, and being able to see how far I am along! So, imagine my surprise when I found a used Kindle for cheap and bought it. I am now in love. I like not having to hold the book open or turn the pages.<br />
<br />
Luke has a Kindle Fire that we got him for his birthday, and I like to play games on that, but still didn't think I'd want to read on it. He loves it, especially the "immediateness" (I don't think that's a word) of a book that you can download. Click purchase, and within minutes there it is.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I just happen to see a conversation on Facebook that my SIL was having with some of her friends, and I chimed in. The next thing I knew I had agreed to buy her neighbor's plain ole regular Kindle. I got the device, cover and screen protector for $60 so I figured I could use it in the library or something. Once I got it, I downloaded a couple of books on it, and now I. Am. Hooked.<br />
<br />
It still saddens me that the world of books may be disappearing, but I will still hold out hope that future children have that ability to hold, smell, feel, and truly experience a book. How sad it would be if they didn't!pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-74108698878187173882012-07-10T00:44:00.003-04:002012-07-10T00:44:51.515-04:00bandWe have had the worst luck with band directors since our kids have been in high school. Luke will be starting his junior year in August with yet another new director. Yep, this latest one quit! I don't really blame her. She was here all alone, her family and fiance lived away. So, there was nothing holding her here, and lately her dad had been really ill. However, we wouldn't have even known if I hadn't checked the KCDS website to look at the job openings and saw that it was posted. Supposedly, the principal has already hired someone who I'm guessing should be voted on in tomorrow night's board meeting. I, personally, hope it's a man; and that it is someone with a good sense of direction. This has gotten ridiculous.<br />
<br />
How can a high school class that is fun have so much drama??? For Pete's sake, I don't think our school has as much drama as one would find in that one class! <br />
<br />
Speaking of our school, it is time for me to get it into gear with the common core standards in reference to the library. It won't be long before registration, and from there it is downhill until the start; and that downhill slide is really more like an avalanche it comes so fast. But for now, I will enjoy what is left of the summer, and hopefully we'll get to meet this new director this week.pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-49383249393241186552012-07-07T03:43:00.000-04:002012-07-07T03:43:06.651-04:00ughWell, after bragging about how well I was doing, here I am sick again. I knew that I didn't feel that great on Wed. because I slept a lot. I figured it was just middle of the week blahs since we had been pretty busy the first part of the week. So, no fireworks for us.<br />
<br />
Thursday, I started running a fever. Friday, woke up to a leg infection that hurts like the dickens.....pretty much can't walk. I've already started the antibiotic so I'm hoping that walking won't be so difficult today (Sat). This has put a serious crimp in our walking/training. Luke made a comment about it tonight, but I just told him that even if we had to start over, we were still going to do it. I actually just plan on us picking up where we left off.<br />
<br />
I am hoping to get to the Dollar Tree and Big Lots to buys some items for my next pinterest project. The girls and I made three things today. I had planned to take a picture for this post, but that will have to wait (until I find my camera!). <br />
<br />
Hope everyone has a great day!pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-28993426287395575172012-07-04T23:57:00.001-04:002012-07-04T23:57:40.240-04:0048 week challengeLuke and I have taken the 48 week challenge put forth by Weight Watchers. The object is to walk a half marathon by the end of the plan set forth. We are currently on day 2......so we have a long way to go! However, it makes me feel good that I am not only doing something for myself, but for Luke as well. I enjoyed every minute I get to spend with him so that is motivation for me. We wait until 10 or 11 PM to walk so that it's not so hot.<br />
<br />
Steve is walking also, but on the inside on the Wii. He's done that before and lost a ton of weigh so now he is trying to build himself back up to where he was before.<br />
<br />
The biggest factor for all of us is that we must keep at it for THE REST OF OUR LIVES! Yea, that's a long time (or I certainly hope it is). I want Luke to learn some good habits before he leaves for college in a couple of years because I know that after that I have no control over what he does.<br />
<br />
The challenge for me now though, is to find a marathon to sign up for next summer. I want to sign us up so that we have a tangible thing to look to. Anybody else want to join us??pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-25501444695129596622012-07-04T04:28:00.002-04:002012-07-04T04:28:52.480-04:00independence dayI am happy to live in a country where I am free to worship, work, and play without persecution. Today, I say thank you to those whose fight have kept us free, and our flag waving proudly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zUEH020ddHk/T_P-pP3g-1I/AAAAAAAABeM/8e69kHcUVA0/s1600/july4-image4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zUEH020ddHk/T_P-pP3g-1I/AAAAAAAABeM/8e69kHcUVA0/s320/july4-image4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-16406757251261624552012-07-03T03:33:00.002-04:002012-07-03T03:33:46.926-04:00pinterestAre you a pinner yet? I adore pinterest. It's totally amazing.<br />
<br />
What is it you ask? Well, it's a digital idea book. You find things on the site or on the www and you "pin" them to your own boards. There's all kinds of stuff to find. Into gardening? they've got it! Need to know how to paint furniture? you can learn that! Want some creative gift ideas for the upcoming holidays? yep, they've got that too! In fact, they've got just about any topic that you want.<br />
<br />
Now, I am really not the crafty sort, but I can read. So, I am currently trying to make a few things that I've pinned under crafty (can't describe them bc two of them will be gifts if they come out well). I've pinned tons of ideas for my library, tutorials to learn how to do things I'm scared to do (like painting old furniture), and ideas for decorating when I finally own my own home again. It's really just so much fun!<br />
<br />
Here are a few of my favorite pins:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-stxYsi6hnCM/T_KfoR7vgHI/AAAAAAAABdw/Pm5npqgYRBo/s1600/vases+rubber+bands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-stxYsi6hnCM/T_KfoR7vgHI/AAAAAAAABdw/Pm5npqgYRBo/s320/vases+rubber+bands.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPwJKW06mLQ/T_Kf1UqQelI/AAAAAAAABd4/7sqV90X-PPc/s1600/flower+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPwJKW06mLQ/T_Kf1UqQelI/AAAAAAAABd4/7sqV90X-PPc/s1600/flower+ring.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2j8gaOj6Ym4/T_Kf2dL2NgI/AAAAAAAABeA/SNYj1wQtWY0/s1600/you+is+kind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2j8gaOj6Ym4/T_Kf2dL2NgI/AAAAAAAABeA/SNYj1wQtWY0/s1600/you+is+kind.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is just three from three different boards. If you haven't checked it out, you certainly should! It's fun, and if you are a teacher, you are not going to want to be left out on this one.pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-65442806280010105462012-07-02T03:43:00.001-04:002012-07-02T03:43:23.278-04:00celebrationToday we went to a celebration party for some friends of ours who just adopted a little boy. I couldn't take my eyes off of him, he was so cute. They tried for years to have a baby, but instead God saw fit to give them this little precious gift.<br />
<br />
I won't lie and say that it wasn't hard for me to attend this party and not feel a little jealous. I so wanted to adopt a little one of my own! As he was opening up his gifts (had he ever had gifts before?), tears came to my eyes when I thought of how his life will be different now. He won't have the heartache of the foster system, something that we see far too often in the public school system. He has a "forever" family who loves God and will share the most precious of gifts with him.<br />
<br />
I am so happy for our friends, but at the same time, I thought that we would be having a party with our own little one. Obviously, that wasn't meant to be. I do wish, though that God would remove that small hole in my heart where it has broken. Of course, He can fill it with grandchildren......I think that would do quite nicely!pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-47156533404516055492012-07-01T04:33:00.001-04:002012-07-01T04:33:13.136-04:00back in the saddleJust about every night I go to bed thinking of a blog post that I need to write. I finally decided that I must now have things to say again since I couldn't stop thinking about it. There's been a lot to happen since my last post, and I won't even try to make you sit through that post....you'd never make it. I will, however, give you the quick run down for each family member.<br />
<br />
Steve: graduated from Luther Rice with a masters of divinity degree (yes, he already h ad his masters, but he had to have like 10 more hours to get into the doctorate program and that left him with this additional degree) so, he is now a doctorate student.<br />
<br />
Shea: lost a ton a weight and looks amazing! She worked out with a trainer for several months, and he really whipped her into shape. Still waiting for God to send her a man, and now a true "grown up" job. She's ready to get out of retail!<br />
<br />
Stevie: just today became a consultant for Pampered Chef. So, if you like the stuff, have a catalog party for her if you live far away. She can still help you out, and you can help her get her business going. She is really excited about it, and we are excited for her as this is the first thing EVER that she has pursued without any pressure or help from us. She still wants to go back to school...we'll see.<br />
<br />
Luke: still amazing. He's moved up to number 4 or 5 (from 6) in his class at school. He wants to stay in the top 5. He is playing flute now, taking private lessons, and is really good! We bought him a truck so here's to hoping he gets his DL soon!<br />
<br />
Me: I am on no lupus meds right now. I got tired of fighting them.....they made me feel worse than the lupus ever did! I am on weight watchers...again....but I do feel differently this time about it. I won Reading Teacher of the Year at my school. That was an absolute honor. I am suppose to be full-time next year, finally, and am looking forward to what I will be able to accomplish.<br />
<br />
2012 so far has been good to us.<br />
<br />
There's so many topics that I can't wait to talk about, but I shall stop for now.pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-40136695381255984022011-12-07T17:33:00.001-05:002011-12-07T17:39:22.419-05:00Softly and TenderlyHappily married and owner of two successful boutiques, Jade longs to
begin a family with her husband, Max. But when she discovers that Max
has an illegitimate son - who he wants her to help raise - Jade's life
is turned upside down.<br />
She flees to her childhood home, a
rambling Iowa farmhouse, with enough room to breathe. There - while her
mother's health grows fragile, and the tug of her first love grows
stronger - Jade begins to question everything she thought she knew about
family, love, and motherhood. In the wide-open landscape, Jade begins
to see a future that doesn't rest on the power of her past, but in the
goodness of God's tender mercies. <br />
I didn't realize that Sara Evans, the country singer, wrote books. So, I was surprised when I saw that she had a book available for review on the Thomas Nelson site. Not knowing that Softly and Tenderly was actually a sequel to another book written by her, I went ahead and ordered it.<br />
I found this book to be hard to get into. I think had I read the first book, this one would have resonated with me a little more. I liked the characters, and felt like she gave them depth of emotion, but thought the story could have been a bit more lively and engaging.<br />
This book is classified as Christian Fiction, but is not overly religious so that anyone could pick it up and still find a positive message of Jesus throughout without the feeling of having been preached at.pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-65589370636863343482011-11-07T01:37:00.000-05:002011-11-07T01:37:00.182-05:00fall festival and halloween<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7eiEiRNbn4/TrTL59gX4EI/AAAAAAAABa8/IwsKYXTcq4c/s1600/100_4095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7eiEiRNbn4/TrTL59gX4EI/AAAAAAAABa8/IwsKYXTcq4c/s320/100_4095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven and Staci...good looking pirates!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZylScxQ8ng/TrTMAvsoYII/AAAAAAAABbE/3lhTuY1jjpE/s1600/100_4096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZylScxQ8ng/TrTMAvsoYII/AAAAAAAABbE/3lhTuY1jjpE/s320/100_4096.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful M and A</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aOk8dY7mbSQ/TrTMIE_kIkI/AAAAAAAABbM/MATTFBNGXdg/s1600/100_4097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aOk8dY7mbSQ/TrTMIE_kIkI/AAAAAAAABbM/MATTFBNGXdg/s320/100_4097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gorgeous H</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__Tvhr80mV0/TrTMPt4jmmI/AAAAAAAABbU/EG-sgKclR8E/s1600/100_4098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__Tvhr80mV0/TrTMPt4jmmI/AAAAAAAABbU/EG-sgKclR8E/s320/100_4098.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lovin' the skater dude</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evzpNPYMtIE/TrTMY8Tql4I/AAAAAAAABbc/Hu7KMsn16z4/s1600/100_4099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evzpNPYMtIE/TrTMY8Tql4I/AAAAAAAABbc/Hu7KMsn16z4/s320/100_4099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R looks all grown up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MO_NjRaRi94/TrTMgHWQxCI/AAAAAAAABbk/V8NlFiGbbNk/s1600/100_4100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MO_NjRaRi94/TrTMgHWQxCI/AAAAAAAABbk/V8NlFiGbbNk/s320/100_4100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M and S are too, too cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebj3WL-r2is/TrTMlfF5B3I/AAAAAAAABbs/0_Sbvv64a8E/s1600/100_4101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebj3WL-r2is/TrTMlfF5B3I/AAAAAAAABbs/0_Sbvv64a8E/s320/100_4101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unDlk3UMiJM/TrTMuuW0qLI/AAAAAAAABb0/U7rM13tsTxY/s1600/100_4102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unDlk3UMiJM/TrTMuuW0qLI/AAAAAAAABb0/U7rM13tsTxY/s320/100_4102.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma is a beautiful ballerina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upciLP4ZOKw/TrTM1cwNzWI/AAAAAAAABb4/FpiHwLmL1_k/s1600/100_4104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upciLP4ZOKw/TrTM1cwNzWI/AAAAAAAABb4/FpiHwLmL1_k/s320/100_4104.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These boys are ready for some CANDY!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lsQyP-Si1lQ/TrTM-bSo-fI/AAAAAAAABcE/fM3Mv7V9uSE/s1600/100_4105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lsQyP-Si1lQ/TrTM-bSo-fI/AAAAAAAABcE/fM3Mv7V9uSE/s320/100_4105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5AlJYgy0Hg/TrTNEEjv02I/AAAAAAAABcM/50zfGPSWwU4/s1600/100_4116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5AlJYgy0Hg/TrTNEEjv02I/AAAAAAAABcM/50zfGPSWwU4/s320/100_4116.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this pic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZruhVOdkClo/TrTNJL5A2qI/AAAAAAAABcU/u_NRVgj7Du4/s1600/100_4117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZruhVOdkClo/TrTNJL5A2qI/AAAAAAAABcU/u_NRVgj7Du4/s320/100_4117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making hooks to go along with the pirate theme</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a64Vgi1v1rA/TrTNNYs8YYI/AAAAAAAABcY/gZUyjqx1oDQ/s1600/100_4119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a64Vgi1v1rA/TrTNNYs8YYI/AAAAAAAABcY/gZUyjqx1oDQ/s320/100_4119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8moOt6dFGA/TrTNW2ppyeI/AAAAAAAABck/ixtyyzK7w5U/s1600/100_4129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8moOt6dFGA/TrTNW2ppyeI/AAAAAAAABck/ixtyyzK7w5U/s320/100_4129.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RFeGkmviLM/TrTNfDbOm1I/AAAAAAAABcs/X3y2gJbbN5Y/s1600/100_4130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RFeGkmviLM/TrTNfDbOm1I/AAAAAAAABcs/X3y2gJbbN5Y/s320/100_4130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kvOqRgfKFY/TrTNmem8plI/AAAAAAAABc0/DXiU-xuj6fc/s1600/100_4135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kvOqRgfKFY/TrTNmem8plI/AAAAAAAABc0/DXiU-xuj6fc/s320/100_4135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hjiwmkuy68/TrTNqwvL_rI/AAAAAAAABc8/TbbiGqSyu8g/s1600/100_4137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hjiwmkuy68/TrTNqwvL_rI/AAAAAAAABc8/TbbiGqSyu8g/s320/100_4137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no idea what Luke is doing....he snuck in here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EhQobNRetZQ/TrTNvikoYiI/AAAAAAAABdE/qBHcJ4KFwV0/s1600/100_4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EhQobNRetZQ/TrTNvikoYiI/AAAAAAAABdE/qBHcJ4KFwV0/s320/100_4138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7vgMHMGOWA/TrTN0Yi0-iI/AAAAAAAABdM/qYgwDIKJbrA/s1600/100_4139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7vgMHMGOWA/TrTN0Yi0-iI/AAAAAAAABdM/qYgwDIKJbrA/s320/100_4139.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 of our trick or treaters (we only had 5!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-10730670666152401482011-11-06T01:26:00.000-04:002011-11-06T01:26:01.431-04:00princess partyWhile the Brandhorsts were here visiting, their youngest, Abigail, had a birthday. Well, you know I couldn't pass up the opportunity to host a princess party....although, it had to be thrown together, and we just had to find kids who weren't in school and could come. We had two little boys and one little girl come to the party and we were very grateful! Abigail had a good time being the princess, and I had a good time joking around with her that I was the princess (she quickly reminded me each time that SHE was indeed the princess!). She is a sweetie, that one, and I miss her!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82TN3PV2tf4/TrTJtSfW1zI/AAAAAAAABZc/VqnTKnGVSUY/s1600/100_3951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82TN3PV2tf4/TrTJtSfW1zI/AAAAAAAABZc/VqnTKnGVSUY/s320/100_3951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awR6poiQs5w/TrTJxPXzHfI/AAAAAAAABZk/qpWq7SZkh5g/s1600/100_3953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awR6poiQs5w/TrTJxPXzHfI/AAAAAAAABZk/qpWq7SZkh5g/s320/100_3953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WV3lcmUARIs/TrTJ2Hi8pgI/AAAAAAAABZs/u9hisIDlqqM/s1600/100_3954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WV3lcmUARIs/TrTJ2Hi8pgI/AAAAAAAABZs/u9hisIDlqqM/s320/100_3954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2S-EKS4Z34/TrTJ40DPWBI/AAAAAAAABZ0/jiIp4gvK7yc/s1600/100_3955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2S-EKS4Z34/TrTJ40DPWBI/AAAAAAAABZ0/jiIp4gvK7yc/s320/100_3955.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wVieA45NQ0/TrTJ-5VG8tI/AAAAAAAABZ8/ZuAOMLN-FTg/s1600/100_3959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wVieA45NQ0/TrTJ-5VG8tI/AAAAAAAABZ8/ZuAOMLN-FTg/s320/100_3959.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k14NGiCjFrc/TrTKF3v73cI/AAAAAAAABaE/XJeIAChVRsM/s1600/100_3960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k14NGiCjFrc/TrTKF3v73cI/AAAAAAAABaE/XJeIAChVRsM/s320/100_3960.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23pnwF71NI4/TrTKKRFooSI/AAAAAAAABaM/WmAs5sH8gUw/s1600/100_3961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23pnwF71NI4/TrTKKRFooSI/AAAAAAAABaM/WmAs5sH8gUw/s320/100_3961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JUENVWBtEs/TrTKPnTOBLI/AAAAAAAABaU/VgmGbN-vMjE/s1600/100_3962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JUENVWBtEs/TrTKPnTOBLI/AAAAAAAABaU/VgmGbN-vMjE/s320/100_3962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnOgg7tjsd8/TrTKUg5hgdI/AAAAAAAABac/KwyKlljssxs/s1600/100_3964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnOgg7tjsd8/TrTKUg5hgdI/AAAAAAAABac/KwyKlljssxs/s320/100_3964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5HuHRl1Gtg/TrTKYoEbZpI/AAAAAAAABak/Upra0Mwhcu4/s1600/100_3965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5HuHRl1Gtg/TrTKYoEbZpI/AAAAAAAABak/Upra0Mwhcu4/s320/100_3965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxL6dj3JNbg/TrTKdIy1lsI/AAAAAAAABas/hVlYCXArmeM/s1600/100_3966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxL6dj3JNbg/TrTKdIy1lsI/AAAAAAAABas/hVlYCXArmeM/s320/100_3966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l4cF0uCC0ak/TrTKj8y2VfI/AAAAAAAABa0/fn4y5hLpJM0/s1600/100_3967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l4cF0uCC0ak/TrTKj8y2VfI/AAAAAAAABa0/fn4y5hLpJM0/s320/100_3967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-56742226058925770392011-11-05T09:49:00.000-04:002011-11-05T09:49:00.530-04:00paperless library?I had the opportunity a week or so ago to visit a school in Columbia that is trying to be "less paper" or paperless. All of the teachers and students have Ipads, and their curriculum content comes from apps that the teacher finds. The library has about 1600 books, but the rest are e-books. I didn't like it. The school was pretty, and the teachers are probably great, especially since they were hand-picked to work there, but I wouldn't want to be there. One of the people I was with felt like it was a science experiment. There were a lot of glitches, but the thing I liked least was the fact that with e-books there is no contact with students. That's my favorite part of my job!! I love talking books with them, recommending books and then hearing what they have to say about them. Sometimes, they even recommend books to me! All of that is gone if they are left to download books on a device. Most of the students I've talked to, and even the ones who were reading that day in the library preferred a book that can be held. I am all for technology when it makes life easier, but taking away the human component is sad. I hope this is not the wave of the future!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BRrepepApB4/TrKYcKUIsVI/AAAAAAAABYU/IEv2UWj9TI0/s1600/100_4086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BRrepepApB4/TrKYcKUIsVI/AAAAAAAABYU/IEv2UWj9TI0/s320/100_4086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-CSOKAXnG0/TrKYiUD9kMI/AAAAAAAABYc/J3QcG_Hwf6M/s1600/100_4087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-CSOKAXnG0/TrKYiUD9kMI/AAAAAAAABYc/J3QcG_Hwf6M/s320/100_4087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-iFoQS7KzM/TrKYnSgzEBI/AAAAAAAABYk/jDBcmfPdGEI/s1600/100_4088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-iFoQS7KzM/TrKYnSgzEBI/AAAAAAAABYk/jDBcmfPdGEI/s320/100_4088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qD3vk-92R0I/TrKYsUTAk1I/AAAAAAAABYs/m4S8Hu-Geyg/s1600/100_4089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qD3vk-92R0I/TrKYsUTAk1I/AAAAAAAABYs/m4S8Hu-Geyg/s320/100_4089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKWBafXarY8/TrKYzZczclI/AAAAAAAABY0/SXZl87WECBI/s1600/100_4090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKWBafXarY8/TrKYzZczclI/AAAAAAAABY0/SXZl87WECBI/s320/100_4090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6Frkme8Lm4/TrKY5iXB6pI/AAAAAAAABY8/-4tGLtXMVCU/s1600/100_4091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6Frkme8Lm4/TrKY5iXB6pI/AAAAAAAABY8/-4tGLtXMVCU/s320/100_4091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbTfT-CYris/TrKZAbOJhrI/AAAAAAAABZE/GqsIm9UshFg/s1600/100_4092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbTfT-CYris/TrKZAbOJhrI/AAAAAAAABZE/GqsIm9UshFg/s320/100_4092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LrqUtUhtlqo/TrKZGPycX_I/AAAAAAAABZM/-YeYz9_YVao/s1600/100_4093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LrqUtUhtlqo/TrKZGPycX_I/AAAAAAAABZM/-YeYz9_YVao/s320/100_4093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Hqs6pzkY8c/TrKZNOc8CgI/AAAAAAAABZU/B9jbcW-Lz6I/s1600/100_4094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Hqs6pzkY8c/TrKZNOc8CgI/AAAAAAAABZU/B9jbcW-Lz6I/s320/100_4094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-25948686799639430942011-11-04T09:24:00.000-04:002011-11-04T09:24:00.892-04:00tell me about Brazil<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HfhheP3jrXA/TrKWUptf7OI/AAAAAAAABW0/p27H5N_3nLY/s1600/100_3939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HfhheP3jrXA/TrKWUptf7OI/AAAAAAAABW0/p27H5N_3nLY/s320/100_3939.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte talking to a group of our ladies about the food in Brazil.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lOAHNc4qWiY/TrKWZntTLgI/AAAAAAAABW8/KbynRrsJlAs/s1600/100_3940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lOAHNc4qWiY/TrKWZntTLgI/AAAAAAAABW8/KbynRrsJlAs/s320/100_3940.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This purse is made from seeds. It was very pretty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vcAlO94Hi5Y/TrKWexwZgoI/AAAAAAAABXE/Xu1pUa2gkfI/s1600/100_3941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vcAlO94Hi5Y/TrKWexwZgoI/AAAAAAAABXE/Xu1pUa2gkfI/s320/100_3941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TK2TfVikD4/TrKWipn51OI/AAAAAAAABXM/mnTxJSTVGeA/s1600/100_3942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TK2TfVikD4/TrKWipn51OI/AAAAAAAABXM/mnTxJSTVGeA/s320/100_3942.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">couple of musical instruments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8F73vGz6Gk/TrKWnljeCDI/AAAAAAAABXU/tLRiPTHw18w/s1600/100_3943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8F73vGz6Gk/TrKWnljeCDI/AAAAAAAABXU/tLRiPTHw18w/s320/100_3943.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">money</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Nj2dQ3AQn0/TrKWr-xixXI/AAAAAAAABXc/FjJNdVTEgf4/s1600/100_3944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Nj2dQ3AQn0/TrKWr-xixXI/AAAAAAAABXc/FjJNdVTEgf4/s320/100_3944.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_dGBL5w4jc/TrKWwhuD7YI/AAAAAAAABXk/EZWsePd0aYw/s1600/100_3945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_dGBL5w4jc/TrKWwhuD7YI/AAAAAAAABXk/EZWsePd0aYw/s320/100_3945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUb8JDRgNMk/TrKW1vMcA7I/AAAAAAAABXs/1NQi6UxdMgQ/s1600/100_3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUb8JDRgNMk/TrKW1vMcA7I/AAAAAAAABXs/1NQi6UxdMgQ/s320/100_3946.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she talked a lot about the fruit, and man it sounds yummy! I can't wait to go to taste everything!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bz6cJEfiYrg/TrKW5idThOI/AAAAAAAABX0/7AqWulYJiIU/s1600/100_3947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bz6cJEfiYrg/TrKW5idThOI/AAAAAAAABX0/7AqWulYJiIU/s320/100_3947.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmWkroYvEOI/TrKW-NL6kFI/AAAAAAAABX8/mVDfHyNFhpg/s1600/100_3948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmWkroYvEOI/TrKW-NL6kFI/AAAAAAAABX8/mVDfHyNFhpg/s320/100_3948.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivVqqbjDiPY/TrKXEWnA93I/AAAAAAAABYE/3sbdEmkr9Lc/s1600/100_3949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivVqqbjDiPY/TrKXEWnA93I/AAAAAAAABYE/3sbdEmkr9Lc/s320/100_3949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfM8ckU4yG4/TrKXKCXBv-I/AAAAAAAABYM/NT4M_znXito/s1600/100_3950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfM8ckU4yG4/TrKXKCXBv-I/AAAAAAAABYM/NT4M_znXito/s320/100_3950.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all had a great time listening to her stories and learning about living on the Amazon! Thanks, Charlotte!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-88462543951600061152011-11-03T09:24:00.000-04:002011-11-03T09:24:18.223-04:00companyOctober was crazy busy! We had the Brandhorsts, missionaries from Brazil, whom we knew in TN come to visit and stay for 11 days. We had a fabulous time talking, laughing, and spending time together; and felt blessed that they got to come! Here's come pics from our week.....although, we didn't get a pic of the whole family together :(
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIyN_Sd-NH4/TrKUknv0hKI/AAAAAAAABWo/KnnMWqOeICc/s1600/100_3974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIyN_Sd-NH4/TrKUknv0hKI/AAAAAAAABWo/KnnMWqOeICc/s320/100_3974.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stevie playing with Abigail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AA4LQp76Rq4/TrKUiorEcVI/AAAAAAAABV4/Y4dRcqQrnwU/s1600/100_3969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AA4LQp76Rq4/TrKUiorEcVI/AAAAAAAABV4/Y4dRcqQrnwU/s320/100_3969.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte and Sara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztOxePbIpds/TrKUi1-XYTI/AAAAAAAABWE/X8lorwgMJzk/s1600/100_3970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztOxePbIpds/TrKUi1-XYTI/AAAAAAAABWE/X8lorwgMJzk/s320/100_3970.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dD0aK50K1J8/TrKUjgkEqCI/AAAAAAAABWM/V6F5s-8Ut0c/s1600/100_3972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dD0aK50K1J8/TrKUjgkEqCI/AAAAAAAABWM/V6F5s-8Ut0c/s320/100_3972.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwpRhM8CfFI/TrKUj9923DI/AAAAAAAABWc/GOpAgoGCf5k/s1600/100_3973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwpRhM8CfFI/TrKUj9923DI/AAAAAAAABWc/GOpAgoGCf5k/s320/100_3973.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like Abigail finally warmed up!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-17159700144011309772011-10-03T07:53:00.000-04:002011-10-03T07:53:26.038-04:00blessedLooking at these pictures makes me feel so blessed! I am one proud momma. Thanks, Tracy, for taking the time to do these. <br />
<br />
If you live in or near Suwanee, you should check out Tracy Anderson Photography!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KT4hFd1SP7w/TomgouC8jnI/AAAAAAAABVY/75RigWtIjEE/s1600/untitled-280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KT4hFd1SP7w/TomgouC8jnI/AAAAAAAABVY/75RigWtIjEE/s320/untitled-280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ad8unIhEFxk/Tomgyc03LEI/AAAAAAAABVc/pR_dDDU1gvo/s1600/untitled-282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ad8unIhEFxk/Tomgyc03LEI/AAAAAAAABVc/pR_dDDU1gvo/s320/untitled-282.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHHisZE7grw/Tomg8WJUXwI/AAAAAAAABVg/7-s6oE4n-YE/s1600/untitled-285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHHisZE7grw/Tomg8WJUXwI/AAAAAAAABVg/7-s6oE4n-YE/s320/untitled-285.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PxeaEa9dFC8/TomhGg1M9vI/AAAAAAAABVk/rbu6QKX3lVs/s1600/untitled-286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PxeaEa9dFC8/TomhGg1M9vI/AAAAAAAABVk/rbu6QKX3lVs/s320/untitled-286.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eN2xhlaQGs/TomhRcRhwII/AAAAAAAABVo/HqKmIxJ_NR4/s1600/untitled-293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eN2xhlaQGs/TomhRcRhwII/AAAAAAAABVo/HqKmIxJ_NR4/s320/untitled-293.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dN8cWzVc6WM/TomhZ87ltSI/AAAAAAAABVs/Z6kl_gqTlw4/s1600/untitled-295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dN8cWzVc6WM/TomhZ87ltSI/AAAAAAAABVs/Z6kl_gqTlw4/s320/untitled-295.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svT2FSHdCbk/TomhkLhYKqI/AAAAAAAABVw/EQ9qgq7Agqo/s1600/untitled-297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svT2FSHdCbk/TomhkLhYKqI/AAAAAAAABVw/EQ9qgq7Agqo/s320/untitled-297.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-91593751791366446522011-10-02T06:45:00.000-04:002011-10-02T06:45:21.181-04:00thunder dogI recently read a book that I didn't really think I was going to like, but since I had gotten it as a review copy, needed to read it anyway. Thunder Dog By Michael Hingson with Susy Flory was amazing! I was captivated with the story from the beginning until the final page. <br />
<br />
I was so impressed with the life of Michael Hingson and the courage he and his parents had in the face of his blindness; and how he chooses to live a full life with the help of his seeing-eye dog. While he touches on the relationships with several of the dogs, the most obvious one is with the dog who helped him to escape on that fateful day, September 11, 2001 when America changed.<br />
<br />
Roselle, the guide dog, did not like thunder and would whimper and cower when she heard it. However, in the tower that day, she behaved like a champion~as though unaware of danger~ and led Michael to safety in the knick of time.<br />
<br />
I highly recommend this book, whether you are an animal lover or just a lover of good stories......it's worth the time!pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-72065272563627113152011-09-29T08:00:00.001-04:002011-09-29T11:13:54.738-04:00orphans<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img alt="" src="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/2011-09%20mm%20image.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1317228719237" style="width: 500px;" /></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25515879?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe></div><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/25515879">Brush to Berries</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user738203">Lifesong for Orphans</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 110%;"><i>"Simply giving this person money is treating the symptoms rather than the underlying disease and will enable him to continue with his lack of self-discipline... a better solution would be to develop a relationship that says, </i><b><i>we are here to walk with you</i></b><i> and to help you use your gifts and abilities to </i><b><i>avoid being in this situation in the future</i></b><i>'"</i> (An excerpt from the book, <i>When Helping Hurts</i>) </span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<a href="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/strawberry%20jam%20jar.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1317227973519" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/strawberry%20jam%20jar.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1317227973519" style="width: 200px;" /></a><span style="color: #4f604f;"><span style="font-size: 110%;">Lifesong is serving the people of Zambia... the orphaned, the at-risk, and the poor... by utilizing the land </span><span class="full-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span style="font-size: 110%;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 110%;">that is, like the people, <b>so full of potential</b>. </span></span><span style="color: #4f604f;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5666232798825396320&postID=7206527256362711315&from=pencil"><span="" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=bfvcjhcab&et=1107842092438&s=2748&e=001dXu91IU0GxXvFZlG43TM2DhH_zHYGw8Iw1DVV6o6eF4-Gm2qYSYaF7YuM4ISUaLQrQGxIIdRcE1eTsbwfnPFSiIGWqgCmAIE-48zPdgtOQ9Zkdr1WewdmczjEzg3Js_re3WdJw7KJ8XmexEqULnepg==" style="font-size: 110%;" target="_blank">Lifesong farms-Zambia</span=""></a></span><span style="font-size: 110%;"> reaped its first strawberry harvest in June, and local grocers have been purchasing the berries. With additional acres to farm, we are hoping to process some of the berries and begin marketing Lifesong Farms Strawberry Jam. </span></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 110%;">By harvesting fruit, we are able to serve more orphans by providing the gift of a job at Lifesong's gardens and self worth to an orphan's caregiver. We are also able to provide future employment for our kids as they transition into adult living, develop a system to raise funds to help cover operational costs, and develop expertise that can be replicated in </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=bfvcjhcab&et=1107842092438&s=2748&e=001dXu91IU0GxWK1_2YpAPKD-FFiNiaXcO-JqA1iX0UlJzzcX-RxlOHymEAAzNJtr0t6XQL_-vWx5hH00miLLSF8RqFsO-eoHjDFcF4XbLoNhKs1TCLh-M-2-pWtZGF1eF2o740itfQXS0tZnknPjloMQ==" style="font-size: 110%;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 110%;">multiple countries</span></a><span style="font-size: 110%;"> where Lifesong serves. Most of all, we are seeking to <b>glorify Jesus as we teach others how He walked</b>. </span> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<img alt="" src="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/strawberry%20fields2.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1317228160648" style="width: 350px;" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 140%;">**GIVEAWAY: </span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>1st PRIZE: Lifesong is giving away a 1-night hotel stay for the <a href="http://orphansunday.org/live-event/">LIVE ORPHAN SUNDAY event</a> in Kansas City!!! Let me just tell you, this event will be FABULOUS!!!</b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/live%20OS%20event.bmp?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1317228952517" style="width: 450px;" /></span></div><br />
<b>2nd PRIZE: Lifesong is giving away FREE <a href="http://www.gobena.org/" target="_blank">Gobena Coffee</a> for 1 year - 2 lbs per month shipped straight to your home. </b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img alt="" src="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/gobena%20with%20beans.bmp?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1317230772100" style="width: 100px;" /></span> </b></div><br />
<b>HOW do you enter? Well, I'm glad you asked! There are several ways to enter. PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT <a href="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/home/2011/9/28/brush-to-berries-zambia-giveaway.html">ON THIS LIFESONG POSTING</a> FOR EACH ENTRY, including your email address so Lifesong is able to contact you!!!</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
1. Share how the Lord is working in and through your adoption/orphan care ministry (1 entry)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
2. Re-post this Zambia blog posting on YOUR blog to share what the Lord has been doing at Lifesong Zambia (1 entry)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
3. Tell about an Orphan Sunday event you had or attended in the past (1 entry)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
4. Tell your plans for THIS YEAR's Orphan Sunday on Nov. 6th (1 entry)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
5. Re-post this on your facebook wall (1 entry)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
6. Re-post this on your twitter page (1 entry)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
7. Post on YOUR blogs, facebook, or twitter and tell Lifesong that I sent you (1 entry)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
8. Tell what you think about the 'Brush to Berries' video - what moved you, what stood out to you, what are you excited about? (1 entry)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
9. Become a fan of Lifesong on facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lifesongfororphans" target="_blank">here</a> (1 entry)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
10. Send an email to info AT lifesongfororphans DOT org asking to receive our monthly updates (1 entry)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 110%;">PLEASE leave a separate comment <a href="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/home/2011/9/28/brush-to-berries-zambia-giveaway.html">on Lifesong's post for EACH entry</a>, including your email address so they are able to contact you!</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 110%;">***Giveaway starts immediately and ends at midnight on Monday, October 3rd. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img alt="" src="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/2011-09%20mm%20image.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1317228719237" style="width: 500px;" /></span></div>pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666232798825396320.post-31574303721237316982011-09-28T02:29:00.000-04:002011-09-28T02:29:19.171-04:00when a man loves a womanWell, this post could have any number of titles, but this is the one I chose. This is something that has been on my mind and my heart lately; I just felt like God wanted me to share these thoughts with you. A week or so ago I started getting this little "Boaz" story on my Facebook page. I'm sure you saw it, and I'm sure it's probably gone around a couple hundred or so times. This time, however, it got me to thinking. First of all, the story of Ruth and Boaz is one of true love. He provided for her, cared for her and her family, and loved her. He cherished her. The Facebook story takes his name and kind of turns it into a cuss word using "-az" in lieu of "ass". So, okay, I get the point that girls looking for men should be looking for someone like the true Boaz; but I guess I just found if offensive and felt that there had to be a better way to get the point across.<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Then, my sweet little newly-wedded friend, Sara, wrote this on her blog:</span></b></div><br />
<div style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>I'm guessing that what I'm going to write isn't going to be what some people want to hear. Truth is, it has become cliche' to say, "You just need seek God so that you can figure out who you are (in Him)" while single. However cliche', it's still the truth, and a truth that many women want to ignore. If you want to know how I did it, how I found a man I wanted to marry, a man God sent to me, here ya go: I worked to get my life together apart from everyone but God. I was tired of being miserable (about life in general) and determined not to date another guy who wasn't worthy to date me. I knew there were changes in my life that couldn't happen if I was wrapped up in another person or in some daydream about the future. I had to live in the present and allow God to strip away all the junk from my life. I didn't wallow anymore about being single. I didn't cry. I didn't ask, "Oh God where is the man for me?" There was no point. I knew God was calling me to focus on him. So, I focused on allowing God to make me in to who he wanted me to be. He did the rest. He did the changing, and he sent me Micah.<br />
<br />
On the surface, Micah is not what I would have ever picked out for myself in a million years. He was not my "type" at all (I wasn't his type either), and he loved country music. Eek :). Our relationship was difficult from day one. We were both determined not to date another "wrong" person, and that meant we were constantly evaluating our relationship and asking hard questions. We enjoyed each other's company, and he treated me well. He was (and is) so sweet and he would kiss me on the forehead 17 times in a row (or so it seemed). But, things were still hard as we sought God's will and tried our best to be understanding of each other. Each of us processes things in different ways and at different speeds. We began officially dating in November, and in January I felt God telling me that 1) I was going to have to choose to love Micah, rather than "feeling" in love first and 2) I was going to have to fight for our relationship. Those were intimidating and scary thoughts. I wondered what they meant, but as time went on, it was revealed to me. Choosing to love Micah meant I must make a conscious decision to love him and stick things out until/unless I felt God telling me to move on. Fighting for our relationship meant choosing to stick through the hard times while he sorted things out and choosing to confront baggage in my own life so that our relationship could succeed until/unless God told me to move on. I told God "ok" to loving Micah and to fighting for us in January, and I finally "felt" like I loved him a couple months later.<br />
<br />
Our relationship remained tough. We were both trying so hard to keep our hearts open and unencumbered so that God could continue to grow and change us. We were learning how to not put God on the back burner as we learned how to love each other. We were learning how to get rid of relationship baggage that we were still hanging on to. It came to the point that though I had come to love Micah very much, I told him that if it ever came down to choosing between him and God, I would choose God. It was the first time in my life I could ever honestly say that I would choose God over a relationship/friendship with someone else. I wasn't scared what would happen without Micah. I knew that regardless of what happened, I would be fine. I trusted God to lead me. We made it through a rocky, long distance summer, and a couple of months later we were engaged. There were many times along the way when I prayed, "God, what are you doing? I don't understand this. God, this is so hard. We are so different! I trust you, Lord. I trust you to lead me." Trusting God in my relationship with Micah is one of the biggest leaps of faith I have ever taken. I had never trusted God with a relationship before. Micah and I both know we would never have made it if we hadn't sought God all along our relationship. And now we're married :).<br />
<br />
Lest you think that now everything is sunshine and roses every day, I will let you know that things are still hard. Micah doesn't make things hard, and I don't make things difficult for him. It's just that God is still working on both of us. We love each other infinitely, and I am so thankful for Micah. I like waking up in the middle of the night and knowing he's there. I like snuggling up next to him and kissing him on the back or neck (because he's sleeping facing the other direction). But we are now learning what it means to be married, while still dealing with baggage from our past. We are done dealing with old relationship baggage and now dealing with hurts/misconceptions/etc picked up from 25 and 28 years of living. It has brought us closer together, and God is honoring our efforts to let go of the junk. God has done a mighty work in both of us starting before we knew each other and continuing today. God has used Micah to reveal His unconditional love for me. I wouldn't be who I am without God working through Micah. I am grateful, blessed, and in love; however, I know God could have chosen to work through different people or in different ways. I am so happy he chose to use Micah in my life!<br />
<br />
Moral of the story: If you think you will ever be happy, single/married/whatever, without dealing with junk in your life and without allowing God to restore and redeem you, you are kidding yourself and allowing the enemy to deceive you. No man can make you happy or can love you the way God can. If your expectation is to go from miserably single to infinitely happily married, you will be expecting more from your husband and marriage than either was ever meant to provide. You will be sorely disappointed and just has miserable as before.<br />
<br />
I don't say this to be mean or harsh. I just want to be honest. I'm tired of women telling other women what they want to hear when we're telling each other lies. We need the truth. We have to know and believe our worth and identities in Christ. I am finally figuring out who I am in Christ, and it is liberating! God has used countless people in my life the last couple years to help me see myself as He sees me. It's not me who did any of this. It has been all God. I just simply said, "I'm willing." You have to be willing to allow God to change you, for him to become all you desire, before you will ever be ready for marriage.</i></div><br />
<br />
I didn't ask Sara's permission to use this, so here is the link to it just in case she wants me to take it down: http://fodderforthetellall.blogspot.com/<br />
<br />
<br />
After reading that, I felt like there wasn't much to say on the matter except for this:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Don't chase after the man of your dreams, chase after the man of God's plan....Then all of your dreams will come true (and that doesn't mean it will be easy! just that the love will be amazing!).</b>pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587740308179141606noreply@blogger.com1