Oh, For Heaven's Sake

1000 Gifts Plus 366-29 & 30

2012-01-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

This week went super fast....
We seem to be adjusting more and more to our new home.
The Lord has blessed us in so many areas. We spend much more time together as a family because we are not as busy outside of the home. Before we moved, we would often be out of the house almost every night of the week because of different ministries that both my husband, myself and even my teenage boy were in. Now, because of change, the Lord has slowed us down. I am so thankful for that!
Please, don't get me wrong, I know we are supposed to serve. But, my first ministry is my husband and children. So many times, I would shove food down the kids mouth, kiss my husband quickly on the cheek and run out the door. Not seeing him all day and then all night! Our priorities got a little out of whack. We were spinning our wheels.....
I have heard an acronym about being busy. BUSY stands for Being Under Satan's Yoke.
This all to say....
We will serve again in some ministry in the future.... only by the Lord's guidance. I have learned my lesson. I will not be out of control and do too many all at the same time.

The pictures above are from a trail we go to on Fridays. I run on the trail and my kids tag along with their bikes. My boy goes much faster and ends up doing 6 miles while my girlie girl and myself do 3.

I love this trail... It is mainly flat, so no hills! And I love that we do this together!

Continuing with my count to 1000 Gifts....

266. The trail....

267. My kids getting exercise with me.

268. The sunshine.

269. Simple Sunday afternoons.

270. New friends invited us for dinner.

271. Great conversations and a blessed evening : )

272. New friends for my kids that are strong in the Lord.

273. Monday mornings... fresh week.

274. New chair for my bedroom.

275. Completing some things on my to do list.

276. Framed art work.

277. Time last week with my friend Chris and her sweet girls.

278. Looking forward to Sally Clarkson's conference at the end of the week.

279. Finishing up the book of Hebrews with my kiddos and starting Ephesians.

280. Time with my sweet family.

Many Blessings,
Kim

366-28 Scripture and a Snapshot

2012-01-28T22:50:00.000-08:00

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

P52-4 Self Portrait Plus 366-27

2012-01-27T05:33:00.000-08:00

This is week 4 of the P52. Our assignment, if you choose to accept, is a self portrait. So, I took this shot
in front of the mirror. So here it is....

Blessings,
Kim

366-24-26

2012-01-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

It rained the other day and I loved it! I did not want to leave the house....
Took my camera in the back yard and took some pics of the rain.

Blessings,
Kim

366-23 Plus 1000 Gifts!

2012-01-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

This is my girlie girls picture. She is having fun with my old camera. I passed it down to her when I got my new one. She loves it!

256. Quiet weekend...

257. Prayer....

258. My boy on his bike.... did a 20 mile ride yesterday!

259. With his new friend! Praise Jesus!

260. My girlie girl always doing something creative! Thankful!

261. Fun week coming up with our friends :)

262. New Friends...

263. Old Friends...

264. Rainy day today... loving it : )

265. Can't wait to see Chris and her girls.....

Please pray for my girl Denise's foster baby girl. She found out yesterday that she has to have a heart transplant. You can check her information out on her blog.The New Yorker That Loves Jesus

Blessings,
Kim

366-22

2012-01-21T22:00:00.000-08:00

	Study to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

P52-3 I Had A Dream Plus 366-20 & 21

2012-01-20T07:25:00.000-08:00

I had a dream.....
God answered my prayers and blessed me with not one but two beautiful babies. Five years of praying, crying, getting tested, doctors appointments and finally God answered. First in 1995 my boy and then four years later in 1999 my sweet girl!
God is so good to me!
When my kiddos were little, I used to tell them "How in all the world did I get the best little girl/boy and they would say excitedly "God."
These are my kids babies shoes. My boy now wears a size 14 and my girlie girl wears my size. Wow! How time flies!
God always keep His promises!
He is so good!

So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer. Ezra 8:23 NLT

Blessings,
Kim

Running....

2012-01-19T17:02:00.000-08:00

The above picture is of my girl Denise and my Army girl after a 10k (6 miles) Circa June 2010.

So I went on a run at lunch time.... yes, lunchtime...
Oh where oh where did my runs go? My early morning (6:30 AM) at least 3 miles a day run? Usually four times a week... Where???

We have lived in our new state for exactly 5 months now....
My runs have been hit and miss since about 2 weeks before the move. One big part, well, she is really not big, but one of the reasons it has been harder for me to run is because I left my running partner back home in the FLAT desert! Which, brings me to another reason running has been harder... HILLS!!!! Lots of hills! Okay, I call them mountains! It is not easy running up mountains... Oh, how I long for those long flat runs of the desert and the small New Yorker yelling at me to keep going!!!

I got a text from the New Yorker today... seems she is having the same discipline problem and has asked me to hold her accountable? ME? Uhh humm.... sure I tell her! I'll call you
~~at lunch~~ in the morning!

So with that... I WANT to have a new resolve....
I want to get out and run!
Four times a week!
At least 3 miles...
Up hills...not really, but that is the only choice I have. Other than the dreadmill....

Blessings,
Kim

366-19

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is taken by my girlie girl. It is sooc. One evening on our way home from Art class, I thought the sunset was beautiful so we went back to the house and got my camera. Well, she wanted to try my camera and this is what she got. It was a beautiful sunset..... and she captured it perfect!

Blessings,
Kim

365-18

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Loving my camera! Bokeh from my hotel window....
Blessings,
Kim

365-17

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Flowers for our daughter...
Blessings,
Kim

366-16 Plus 1000 Gifts!

2012-01-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him. Proverbs 14:31

We just recently finished a great book by Frances Chan called "Crazy Love." I am not sure if any of you have read any of his books but I would say this book is so worth it! The book or the message in the book is definitely not a fun read. It is hard core, get in your face, and really look at your walk with Jesus. I mean come on, we only have a few short years on earth, what are we doing with it?? We read it as a family and it brought up many discussions about our faith, theology and of course some tears to.

I want to be sold out for my Jesus! I don't want to waste this life feeling very COMFORTABLE!!! I can see how for many years I have been very comfortable and I feel the Lord nudging me "to get out there and show people who I Am"!

So, this week, I am going to live intentionally, and have my eyes open for opportunities that He gives me to LOVE! Not just in my comfortable home, but EVERYWHERE!

Pick up the book.....

It is a good one....

So with that... I am still counting my 1000 Gifts!

246. My new grand baby

247. Eyes to see

248. Ears to hear

249. Holy Spirit in me to direct and use me

250. Four weeks at the same church... getting somewhere...

251. My children's laughter

252. Fun bike ride yesterday after church...

253. God's Word.. God's Word.... God's Word... We are so fortunate to be able to pick His word up and read it anytime....

254. My hubby...

255. My life...

I am ready Jesus!

Blessings,

Kim

365-15

2012-01-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Some of the old streets of Seattle.....

Blessings,
Kim

366-11-14

2012-01-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

My trip to Seattle....
What a fun city! We did a whirlwind trip. We went there for a couple of days to see our daughter and new grand baby. I was up all night watching my grand baby come into the world then the next day instead of sleeping I went out to see the city. My hubby has a job out there so he went to work.
We will be going back in about a month. So, I will see more of the city then. What a beautiful city and it was SUNNY!!! I heard that it rains all the time but not this time!

Blessings,
Kim

366-10 P52-2 Made With Love

2012-01-13T07:45:00.000-08:00

Made with Love.....
I have been a couple days behind because of this little beauty! We have a new grand daughter! Here she is! I was able to fly to Washington and see my grand baby come into this world! God is SO AMAZING!!!!!

Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

1000 Gifts! 366-9

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

236. A New Year!

237. A cleaned out filing cabinet...

238. Starting back to school and getting back on schedule...

239. A winner in our house this week : )

240. Remembering my blessings in my children....

241. A new grand baby coming next week... anticipation!

242. Back on track with my running...

243. Time in God's word with my kiddos...

244. Finishing a GREAT book!

245. Getting my home back in order...putting all the decorations away...

Always remember to count your blessings! It is so easy to be so busy and to forget what the Lord has done.

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.
1 Chronicles 16:8 NLT

Many Blessings,

Kim

366-8

2012-01-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains
and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and
all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."
Isaiah 55:12 (NIV)

My Girlie Girl in Action

2012-01-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

My girlie girl has been taking art classes since the end of October. Her art teacher told us about an art competition in our city and we entered one of her pastel drawings. Out of 800 students she was picked as one of the top 20! We were so honored for her to be chosen. We went to the ceremony to see if she would be chosen as "People Choice." We made an evening of it. Went to dinner, walked around, looked at the art and then waited for the announcement. As we were waiting, my girlie girl whispers in my ear "Remember Mom, it is an honor for me to even be in the top 20!" Umm, yes, I know... I am thinking... I am the one that is supposed to be saying that to you! Anyway, they announce the winners for 1st through 4th... and then onto her age group 5th-8th... AND SHE WON!!!! Both her daddy and I got teary eyed! I could not even get my camera out fast enough! We were so excited and proud of her! She is so talented!

Blessings,
Kim

Psalm 113:9 He gives the childless woman a family,
making her a happy mother.
Praise the Lord! NLT

366-7

2012-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

We have had Spring like weather here.....
Yesterday, on my run, I was HOT! I wore pants and thought for sure I need to wear shorts today. Shorts??? January 6th? Crazy!
Blessings,
Kim

366-6 Resolution P52 Week 1

2012-01-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

DISCIPLINE....
That sums up my New Year's Resolution.
And it all starts here.... in His Word!
Without it...everything we do is for nothing.
When God is first, everything else will come to order...

Blessings,
Kim

366-5

2012-01-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

SOOC...

Blessings,
Kim

Happy Birthday My Sweet Friend!

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.” (NIV)

Happy Birthday My Sweet Friend Lisa!

God is so good to me! I have some of the best friends ever! My girl, Lisa, is one of them! We have been through thick and thin together. Literally! She was one of my first running partners... uh hum...
We did a 5 k back in the day : )

God put her in my life just in time.... He used her to help me through some difficult times when we were facing infertility.. ugh, that was hard. When my husband could not go to the doctor's appointments with me, she was there. Right next to me asking all the hard questions. When I got the call that I was not pregnant AGAIN, she was there for me to cry on her shoulder. One time I was actually at her house for an annual cookie exchange that we have done for about 20 years when I got the call. The picture above is of my girlie girl with Lisa making her home made italian cookies at our last cookie exchange.

Now, we are raising our kids together...the Lord answered our prayers. Our boys are the same age and have been best buds for life. I always go to her when I need to talk about what to do with our kiddos.
Oh, and did I mention, she is the reason I started home schooling? And on good days I am thankful for that... but on bad days, I blame her. (Keeping it real!)

Most importantly, Lisa is an awesome example to me! She is a wonderful wife, incredible mother and is SOLD OUT to Jesus!

Can you tell I LOVE HER???

I AM BLESSED!

oh, and by the way, Lisa can you watch my kids???
Just saying!

Blessings,
Kim

366-4

2012-01-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

This is it! No more Christmas stuff!
Blessings,
Kim

366-2 & 3

2012-01-02T22:38:00.000-08:00

Taking down my decorations but had to try bokeh again! Just one last ornament on the tree and had to try to get it in focus...

Also, using my 50 mm lens to get an up close and personal view of the last two M&M's.
Yum!
Now to diet and run! Ugh! I have put that off long enough!
Blessings,
Kim

365-1 2012!

2012-01-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! 2012!

My 12 Best of 2011

2011-12-31T21:04:00.000-08:00

It was fun going down memory lane. Wow! God is so Amazing! What a year we have had! The beginning of the year brought many changes for our family. The Lord has been and will ALWAYS be with us. I am so thankful that He is our Mighty Counselor and Coming King. I can not wait to see what He will do in 2012. Happy New Year!

Blessings,
Kim

Blessings,
Kim

365-363-365

2011-12-31T08:05:00.000-08:00

Here we are at the end of the year! I made it again through the 365 pics a day! This is the 2nd year that I have completed and I will definitely do it again. One, it makes me pick up my camera more, two, I have learned a lot and three, I love it!

These pics are shot with my new camera! We had a great week on our ski trip. The first one is shot inside the car, driving up the mountain. I was not driving : ) My hubby was!

Well, Everyone, Have a Safe and Happy New Year! And hopefully, we will see you and your 365 pics starting tomorrow!

Keep Christ First!
Many Blessings,
Kim

365-362

2011-12-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

Blessings,
Kim

365-358-361

2011-12-24T16:29:00.000-08:00

Oh My Goodness! I AM SO IN LOVE with my man!!!!! He is soooo good to me! I wanted a new lens for my camera, 50 mm! And instead he got me a entire new camera plus two new lenses!!!! I am so excited!!! So, here is some bokeh pictures! I was so excited to play around with my camera that I ran home and took these pictures! This is the best Christmas present!
I am so blessed!
Merry Christmas!!!!
Kim

365-354-357

2011-12-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Kim

365-353

2011-12-22T21:08:00.000-08:00

Yum! One of my girls Christmas cookies.
Blessings,
Kim

Some Friends came to Visit....

2011-12-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

The Willow came to visit our home this week. When they arrived my daughter baked some yummy cookies with them and they enjoyed them.

Everyone was excited to see them and one little critter was especially interested. I think they were a little nervous but we immediatley reassured them that we would take care of them.

They had a ride on the snow man choo choo train ride.

During the week, we took them to the "Happiest Place on Earth." There was a very special ride dedicated to "The Willows." They had a blast! Toad especially loved driving the car through the ride.

At the end of the week, we had a special dinner prepared for them. You could call it an early Christmas dinner. It was delicious! They had a blast... We loved having them...

What a blessed week!

Have a Merry Christmas!

Kim

365-352

2011-12-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, tried it again! I think I got it!
Blessings,
Kim

365-349-351

2011-12-18T21:32:00.000-08:00

Bokeh baby!!!!! We are on the road again! We came home for the week to be with our family at Christmas. So that means I got to see my girl Denise. I went to her house to talk about a ministry that we will be doing later this week. I love to serve the Lord with her! We make a great team. Anyway, she showed me step by step bokeh and these are the results. I found out that my lens needs to be on manual and I don't have manual focus. Ugh! But, I was determined. I grabbed her camera and shot away. These are the results! Yeah for my girl Denise!
Blessings,
Kim

365-347 & 348

2011-12-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

Random pictures!
I thought the first one was funny that in mid December a nice beautiful orange was hanging on the tree.
And of course a little Christmas decorations to go along with the month.

Blessings,
Kim

A Day at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

2011-12-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

We were able to attend a field trip at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. My son attended a speaking engagement with Sandra Day O'Connor. She spoke about being the first woman Supreme Court Justice and pretty much told a room full of teens that hard work got her there. After, we visited the library. I have never been to a presidential library. It was amazing! We actually were able to see part of the Berlin Wall. I was amazed! I kept saying... Wow, that is so cool! My girlie girl did not really get it but I did!
The first picture is of the Christmas trees on display. They have a collection of trees representing the history of The United States of America. I only pictured four of them.
The second picture is my girlie girl in action. That is what she does... always taking picture in ways that I don't even think of.
The last picture is a piece of the Berlin Wall. AMAZING!!!

Blessings,
Kim

365-346

2011-12-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

My daughter got bokeh on her camera! Ugh! Still trying.....
Blessings,
Kim

365-345

2011-12-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Tried for Bokeh but this is what I got. It looks interesting but not exactly what I wanted. I will be trying again and will post when I get something.

Blessings,
Kim

365-343 & 344

2011-12-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

I took the top picture about 2 weeks ago when we went to get our tree but I forgot to post it. The second one is of some more fall colors.

Blessings,
Kim

365-342

2011-12-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

Some rich Fall colors!

365-338-341

2011-12-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

The last of the zoo!
When I went, we saw all kinds of beautiful plants and flowers. It seemed everywhere I looked I saw something to take pictures of. The animals were fun to capture too! I love to see God's creation.
The picture of the purple flower is sooc!
Blessings,
Kim

365-337

2011-12-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

Another picture from the zoo! Sunning in the Sun!

Blessings,

Kim

365-336

2011-12-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

Do you every feel this way? Just hide your head in the sand? Or mud?
Funny!
Blessings,
Kim

365-334 & 335

2011-12-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

Oh, the colors of the zoo! So pretty!
You are probably wondering where the animals are?
They are to come...
Blessings,
Kim

365-333

2011-11-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

We went to the zoo today and this is some of the beautiful foliage and flowers that we saw. Yes, it is November 30th! It looks like Spring!

Blessings,
Kim

365-332

2011-11-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

I see God everywhere.... do you take the time to see Him? Sometimes I don't... but when I stop and notice, I see Him.

God is Awesome and Worthy to be Praised!

Blessings,
Kim

365-328-331 A Tree Hunting We Will Go!

2011-11-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

We actually were able to do one of our traditions this year. For the last 9 years we have gone to the mountains and cut down our own Christmas tree. This has been a family tradition that I feel my children will always remember. One of my best friends introduced us to this and then she left ME! Well, we continued on without her but I always think of her and miss her so much. We have been through sleet, snow storms and at times we have had to walk in snow up to our knees. But not this year! It was a sunny beautiful day.... Just enough snow on the ground to give me some nice scenery to shoot.

Now to get the tree home... through two states... and then to decorate it!

Many Blessings,
Kim

365-324-327 Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T20:39:00.000-08:00

I hope you all have a wonderful time with your family and friends at Thanksgiving!
We have had a blessed and wonderful week. We had our first ski trip and we stuck with one of our family traditions and cut down our Christmas tree. Those pics will soon follow.

Blessings,
Kim

365-323

2011-11-18T22:27:00.000-08:00

365-322

2011-11-17T22:26:00.000-08:00

365-321

2011-11-16T22:24:00.000-08:00

SOOC!!!

365-320

2011-11-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

365-319 Plus 1000 Gifts

2011-11-14T16:48:00.000-08:00

The Lord has been working me through some of my feelings of late. On Saturday, I was invited to a Women's Brunch from one of the churches that we have tried. It was very nice and intimate and the ladies were very welcoming and loving. The Lord used this time to gently show me some of my ungratefulness and unthankfulness. So quick can our thoughts turn from thankful to discontent, selfish and critical. Or should I say mine. I can easily start having a self-pity party for myself. In the mean time, make my entire family miserable. Not to mention, my poor husband. Oh, what a bear I have been to live with lately. Well, the Lord used a lady, through her teaching, to show me my discontent and how I need to be thankful and grateful for the MANY blessings I have that I don't deserve! God is so awesome how he gently pricks my heart to show me what I have been doing....

Some of the verses that were covered was 1 Thes 5:16-18 Be joyful always, pray continually: give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4:-6 , Colossians 2:6-7 and Colossians 3:17.

I am here now. This is where God wants us. Maybe forever maybe not, but none the less, I am here. God had placed our family in this situation for such a time as this. It does not matter why. I am here. I will choose to obey my Lord and live a life pleasing to Him. Not bitter, discontent, selfish and critical. I will choose to see the beauty and the thanksgiving in the things and people He has put in my life.

226. My Savior..

226. My Salvation..

227. His Word and His gentle reminders...

228. My family...

229. Time with our daughter that came to visit...

230. My husband..

231. New Friends...

232. Old Friends....

233. Fellow Believers that have the same Spirit no matter where you go...

234. Sunny days....

235. His Blood...

Many Blessings,
Kim

365-318

2011-11-13T22:18:00.000-08:00

One more...
My girlie girl and my man : )

365-313-317 Plus Extra! Day at the Beach!

2011-11-11T22:13:00.000-08:00

So these are pictures from our day at the beach the other day! I love the beach! That is one of the great things about our move.

The bottom right is a picture of my boy and his best friend. They have been friends since birth. It was so funny to see these two teenagers act like little boys and run around on the beach. Boy, I miss him and his parents!

I have been struggling lately. Trying to keep focused on Jesus.... Trying to be content and thankful for the many blessings we have. Thankful for the job my husband has....but I am home sick!

The holidays are coming up... it will be hard but I am going to try to keep up with our traditions that we have had over the years. They may have to be tweaked a bit. Maybe we can eat turkey on the beach? That would make me feel better : )

Have a blessed weekend!

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Philippians 4:8

365-311 & 312

2011-11-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

We went to the beach on Sunday and there was a college/photography student taking pictures of this mirror on the beach. I started talking to her because that is what I do and she explained what she was doing. She let me take pictures of her mirror... and this is what I got. One is focused clearly on the mirror and the other is focused on the water that is in the reflection. So cool. Not sure which one I like best? What about you? Which one is your favorite?

Blessings,
Kim

365-310 plus 1000 gifts....

2011-11-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

213. Time with my sweet friends at the beach....

214. Time with the kids from our home school group from our home town.

215. Seeing my boy enjoying time with his friends.

216. Seeing my girl with her friends.

217. Fun time on the roller coasters with the kids.

218. Thankful for a great sunny Saturday afternoon at the beach in November!

219. Enjoying some rain this morning before church.

220. I love rain!

221. Pajama afternoon with fire place on.

222. Tried another church this morning...so hard.. but so thankful for the body of Christ.

223. Thankful to see one of my best friends, Lisa : ) Boy, I miss her! We have been through a lot together....and I am so thankful for her!

224. Thankful that God goes with me everywhere I go.

225. Enjoying a quiet evening with my family....

Blessings,

Kim

365-308 & 309

2011-11-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here are my kiddos plus one best friend all dressed up!

365-304-307

2011-11-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

My Grandson turns 1! What a fast year! What a sweet boy he is!
We found this enormous pumpkin and thought it would be fun to carve it out and put him in it. We were not sure of his reaction but he did not mind at all!

Blessings,
Kim

365-301-303 Happy Weekend!

2011-10-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

We are off on a road trip to our home town. Going home to celebrate my sweet grandson's first birthday! Wow! Time went by so fast! We are also visiting with my parents, my sweet friends, and our home church. Our church always holds a Harvest Festival as an alternative to Halloween. It is used as an outreach. My kids are excited to see their friends and they have some cute costumes to wear. This will be the first year that they are not working the booths, participating in the skits and playing in the band. That will be bitter sweet.
I have good and bad days with this move. It has been so hard to be pulled away from my life at home. I tell my husband that now, I can move anywhere. I have no strings attached here! : ) Of course, that is now!
Have a blessed weekend and in everything keep Jesus first!

Blessings,
Kim

365-298, 299 & 300!

2011-10-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

Some signs of fall! Really??
My girlie girl took the second picture.

Blessings,
Kim

365-297

2011-10-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

At the beach we found these little beauties! Ugh! These sand crabs hide in the sand and get to the size of about a silver dollar. U G L Y! Is all I can say.....

Blessings,
Kim

365-296

2011-10-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

At our photo shoot....

My girlie girl having fun with leaves! Pretending that we are having fall!

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven Ecclesiastes 3:1

Blessings,

Kim

365-294 & 295 My Students

2011-10-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here they are... the goof balls! I decided to take some school pictures. The kids were being goof balls and acting silly.

We are beginning our 8th week of school. Yes, and I am just now getting around to getting this post out. My boy is in 11th grade and my girlie girl is in 7th.

This year I changed it up a bit for my boy.
We are enrolled in the College Plus program. He will be getting his basic college classes through CLEP testing out of the way and also get high school credit. Those classes are Analyzing and Interpreting Literature, Sociology, and Biology 2 for the first semester and more for second semester.
Writing Co-op
Math, we will be using Chalk Dust Algebra 2.
Bible, we are using NKJV and Thinking Like a Christian. As well as many books to encourage a deeper walk with Jesus. Also, College Plus has a great program called Life Purpose Training for students to stay focused on God during high school and college.

My girlie girl is plugging away in 7th grade.

We will continue on with Sonlight for History, Literature and Read Alouds. I have always loved this program and I always seem to go back to it. I always think of doing something different but my heart always go back.
Math- Chalk Dust Pre-Algebra
Science- Apologia General Science
Bible- Bright Lights
Vocabulary-Wordly Wise
Spelling Power
Easy Grammar
Writing Co-op

Last week was busy with family in town. We were off a little but this week I am determined to be back on track.

Blessings,
Kim

365-293

2011-10-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

An interesting tree that we found at the zoo. Not sure what it is. Any ideas? We are always joking that things actually live and grow here. We came from the desert and we had to work really hard to get things to grow....

Blessings,
Kim

365-292

2011-10-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

Fun fence....

Blessings,
Kim

365-291

2011-10-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

I played around with the edit on this one....
I added some texture.

Blessings,
Kim

365- 287-290

2011-10-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo over the weekend. We ended up getting a zoo membership. I have big dreams of taking my girlie girl there during the week and doing a nature journal for science and art. Sounds like fun. Now I just have to follow through and do it.

My grand kids are in town for the week. We will be doing some site seeing and checking out the things to do in our area.

Blessings,
Kim

365-285 & 286

2011-10-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

Found some fall colors! And stuck in the snow!

Blessings,
Kim

365-281-284

2011-10-12T21:13:00.000-07:00

We stayed at our cabin for a day expecting to see the fall colors. We had an unexpected surprise with all the snow!

Blessings,
Kim

365-278-280

2011-10-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

More pictures from the farm!

Blessings,
Kim

365-273-277

2011-10-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

We are back! It has been been awhile since I posted. These pictures are sooc. We went on a field trip to a farm before I had to fly home in a emergency. I am so behind in posting. I will try to get caught up this week.

Blessings,
Kim

1000 Gifts....

2011-10-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been a long time since I posted! I had a family emergency and had to fly home. Everything is better now and I should be home tomorrow. Anyway, I have not had internet connection until now.

After the last 10 days, I need to remember my blessings....

201. My Savior Lives and Loves Me!

202. My family.

203. Forgiveness- given and received

204. God's Word- never take this for granted!

205. My boy and girl stepping up and handling things at home when mom had to leave : ) Growth!

206. My hubby allowing me to run to the fire! Not a real fire but an emergency.

207. Seeing my kids and hubby after a long week away from them!

208. Big long hugs for all of them!

209. You know the big long shaking back and forth kind! Even the 6 ft 2 boy did not mind! ( I think )

210. His Mercies are new every morning! Praise Jesus!

211. Healing

212. My girl putting out the harvest decorations without mommy even asking : )

Many Blessings.

Kim

365-269-272

2011-09-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, these pictures make me smile... like really big smile! We went to Disney with our friends and we wanted to try to take a picture of the kids in front of the castle. Well.... as you can see, it was a process...
but a fun outcome to say the least!

Oh, I love those boys! They are so stinking cute!

Blessings,
Kim

365-268 and Scripture and a Snapshot!

2011-09-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

365-266 & 267

2011-09-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

My girlie girl seems to be adjusting well. She says she loves it here! I am thankful for that. I know she misses her friends and even my friends (Denise and Lisa) but I am so glad she is adapting. The pictures were taken at a girls bible study that we have taken over the summer. Actually, it is more like a one day retreat one time a month. They have a bible study, craft, lunch and special speakers. It is really sweet and my girl is meeting people.
So thankful!
Blessings,
Kim

365-264 & 265

2011-09-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

Why would a grown man stick his head inside of a small doggy door????

When you are entertaining your sweet grandson! Funny, the things you do for your grand babies!!!!

These are not the best pictures in quality but they are great because it shows how much my man loves his grandson! :)

Blessings,
Kim

365-262 & 263

2011-09-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Our new friend..... Skittles!
I enhanced the picture a little in the second one. I am not sure which one I like better. My girlie girl likes the first one that is straight out of the camera. The cat is a cutie no matter one.

Blessings,
Kim

365-258-261

2011-09-19T20:40:00.000-07:00

Random shots from here and there. The first two my daughter took with my camera. I love her perspective on both of them. The last two I took. One when I was cooking dinner and the other of some flowers. Things grow better here than where I used to live...... : )

We are in our third week of school and it seems to be going well. I will be taking their pictures and sharing our curriculum choices in the next couple of days.

Blessings,
Kim

365-257

2011-09-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Blessings,

Kim

365-256

2011-09-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a funny picture...
Oh, the life!
My boy can't put a good book down... and my dog... well, she will not leave his side.

Blessings,
Kim

365- 253-255

2011-09-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

I am trying desperately to stay on top of my 365. I know the project ended, but I want to continue and finish the year. We started school last week, so I have been a little late with posting. In the midst of school I am trying to finish up my house. Everything is unpacked but I need to hang pictures and decorate. You know, the fun stuff!

Anyway, here are some more beach pictures....
I do love the beach!

Have a blessed day...
Kim

365- 251 & 252

2011-09-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

1000 Gifts....365-248 & 249

2011-09-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

201. Thankful for time with my friend Chris... Yes, I still love Denise but she does not live close by anymore... just putting that out there. : (

202. Blessed to be so close to the ocean...

203. Great fellowship and yummy food on the beach...

204. A lot of precious time with my family.....moving gets you close again...

205. At times you can get too busy and forget what your first ministry really is...thankful for the reminder.

206. Almost done with unpacking my house... I think one more day and we should be all done. Maybe if I stayed home from the beach I would be done already!

207. Starting my 12th year of home schooling... ask me if I am still thankful at the end of the week? (Keeping it real) ; )

208. New curriculum in the mail this week... love the smell of new books.

209. Thankful for the new kitty in our house. It is fun to see my girlie girl play with him.

210. Looking for our new home church and meeting other brothers and sisters in the Lord. It is nice to have the same common thread. Jesus...

Blessings,

Kim

365-247

2011-09-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

I love this picture! I am learning more and more about my camera. It is so fun when you finally get a shot! These are some flowers for my girl.

Blessings,
Kim

365-245 & 246

2011-09-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

This has been a birthday week in our family. My girlie girl and then me. My girl has been wanting a cat for awhile and after one our dogs passed we decided it was a good time. She got "Skittles" for her birthday! We are enjoying him but it takes getting used to when we have been a dog family for a long time.

Btw, my girl took the picture of her cat.

Have a blessed weekend...
Kim

365-244

2011-08-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

My baby girl turned 12 last week....
Crazy, how fast time goes by! It was just yesterday that I was bringing her home from the hospital. I was crazy in love with her and I still am.

Besides being so stinking cute, she is funny, outgoing, hospitable, loving, and a blessing to me and everyone she meets. I am so blessed to have her....

God is so good to me. How in all the world did I get the best girl ever???

Happy Birthday My Sweet Girl.
My prayer for you is that you would love Jesus with your whole heart, that you would serve Him all the days of your life and that you would have an abundant life because of it.

Love Mommy

365-239-243

2011-08-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend with the family. Spent some time at the beach.... it was the first time for my grandson to see the ocean. He had a blast! He is such a happy baby! We are so blessed to have him in our lives!

Blessings,
Kim

365-238 For Lisa....

2011-08-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Lisa gave me a recipe for home made spaghetti sauce years ago. I made it once or twice over the years and went back to the "easy" Ragu jars. Honestly, I don't know why? It is so easy to make this sauce. I got out the recipe and made fresh sauce this week. The family loved it and I will never go back to Ragu. It is so yummy and so easy!

Thanks Lisa... Miss you so much!!!!

Easy Sauce Recipe

2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes
2 small cans of tomatoes sauce
olive oil
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 onion
t. sweet basil
t. oregano
t. sugar
fresh parsley
bay leaf

In a pan, take the olive oil, garlic and onions and saute until golden. Take the tomatoes and put it in a blender and pulse a couple times. Add tomatoes and sauce and add to pan with onions. Add fresh parsley, bay leaf, sweet basil, oregano and sugar. Simmer 2-3 hours and voila YUM!!!

You can make meat balls, Italian sausage, or add or brown ground (chop) meat to the sauce.

Blessings,
Kim

365-237

2011-08-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

365-231-236

2011-08-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to go and see a special viewing of "Dolphin Tale." Sally Clarkson offered an opportunity to attend the movie for a preview. I sent in a request to see the movie and our family was able to join in. It was a great family film and I would recommend it. There are not too many opportunities to be able to see a movie that the entire family can sit and enjoy. This was one of them.

After, we took a little side trip to check out Grauman's Chinese Theater. It was packed with people. We were barely able to see anything. After managing to squeeze in, we were able to check out some feet and hand prints. After, we looked for some stars on the "Walk of Fame." I used my daughter's point and shoot to get these. Not the best, but I did not want to bring my big camera. I edited them to look like they are from the 60's. Funny, the picture of my daughter, looks likes me when I was here age. I am sure I have the same one of me standing out in front of that statue. Of course, it would be from the 70's not the 60's. Just saying.... : )

It is a interesting group down there and that is all I have to say about that.

Blessings,
Kim

365-226-230

2011-08-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

I have been busy unpacking here and have not had time for much else. As I unpacked some stuff I found my old home school planner from when my boy was in 1st and 2nd grade. He is now in 11th. It was sweet to look at but really do I need it? Probably not. I am a sappy sentimental kind of girl. Especially, when it comes to my babies. They were not easy to come by and I feel like I want to treasure every event of their lives. But honestly!!! I ended up throwing them away...tear.... but I will be ok. I now have a picture. I know... sick... huh!

The top picture is of a radio my boy made in Electronics Co-op in 9th grade. He said I could get rid of it so I will....

The last two are pictures of my sun catcher hanging in my bathroom....

Have a blessed day...
Kim

365-224 & 225

2011-08-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

Some snap shots from around the house....

Blessings,
Kim

365-223

2011-08-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

Found one of my boy and his big sissy! Well, it is the other way around now but you know what I mean....

Blessings,
Kim

365-215-222

2011-08-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

I am alive! Praise Jesus! These are the pictures of my daughter's wedding over a week ago. I am late posting them because we finally finished the move over the weekend! Frankly, I did not have time to do a thing. I still don't but I really miss posting so I wanted to get these out there. My camera is somewhere around here and I am sure I will find it soon and start shooting pictures again.

My boy did go to the wedding... but some how I only got two shots and they turned out horrible! I was trying different settings and I seem to not have too much luck inside in dark places. I prefer outside photos. One day, when I have some time, I need to take another class.

Blessings,
Kim

365-210-214

2011-08-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

Oh, boy! We are in Kansas City and it is HOT!!!! I am not used to humidity! Ugh! Is all I have to say...

We are here to see one of our girls get married. She is getting married tomorrow.... It is a beautiful and green which is why there is so much humidity. With humidity you get green. I am sure you must get used to it if you live here... but I am not used to it and I am not moving here! : )

Some how we managed to stop the move for a couple of days and fly out to see our daughter get married. We have one more week in our home and we will be officially moved into our new house and new life.

Have a blessed day...

Kim

365-208 & 209

2011-07-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

Girl fun! Making head bands at girls club....

Blessings,
Kim

365-206 & 207

2011-07-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

Pool time fun!

Blessings,
Kim

1000 Gifts....

2011-07-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

191. Sweet going away party given by my sweet friends....

192. Seeing the love of Jesus through my friends and family poured out over us as we get ready to say good bye...

193. So much love....

194. Great message at church about how Jesus can restore and renew anyone and He uses us... Even if we don't fit the mold.

195. My dog Cider..

196. She brought ten years of happiness to our family...

197. Such a sweet dog...

198. Had to say good bye to her last night... gone but never forgotten....

199. Trying to keep my head up when my heart hurts for my girl because of her doggy....

200. Jesus changing lives....

Praise Jesus!
Blessings,
Kim

365-202-205

2011-07-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry about all the beach scenes.... but it is my saving grace this summer. It helps with the move : )
My grandson is here visiting with us for a couple of weeks and we HAD to take him to the beach.

Blessings,
Kim