Tuesday, October 06, 2009
food for thought.......
“The greatest danger for most of us is not that we aim too high and we miss it, but we aim too low and reach it.” - Michelangelo "
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Sports
Colby's last softball tournament of the year.....Iowa City, a few weeks ago.
And her first volleyball game of the year - today.
And Creighton has been playing football and soccer and a little baseball here and there. He keeps plenty busy and his terrible mother never has her camera anymore :(
And Creighton has been playing football and soccer and a little baseball here and there. He keeps plenty busy and his terrible mother never has her camera anymore :(
The must do's at the State Fair
No trip to the State Fair is complete without fighting the crowds to get a glimpse of the butter carvings.
the butter astronaut
the infamous butter cow
a 1100 pound pumpkin
and by far....the cutest boy at the fair! :)
and by far....the cutest boy at the fair! :)
State Fair
Yep, I'm just getting to some pictures that we took at the State Fair....in August. Colby and Creighton doing the bungee trampoline thing.....
Thursday, October 01, 2009
31 Days in October, 31 Proverbs, Coincidence--Probably Not....
Proverbs 1 (New Living Translation)
Proverbs 1
The Purpose of Proverbs
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
A Father’s Exhortation: Acquire Wisdom
8 My child,[a] listen when your father corrects you.
Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace
and be a chain of honor around your neck.
10 My child, if sinners entice you,
turn your back on them!
11 They may say, “Come and join us.
Let’s hide and kill someone!
Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent!
12 Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave[b];
let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.
13 Think of the great things we’ll get!
We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take.
14 Come, throw in your lot with us;
we’ll all share the loot.”
15 My child, don’t go along with them!
Stay far away from their paths.
16 They rush to commit evil deeds.
They hurry to commit murder.
17 If a bird sees a trap being set,
it knows to stay away.
18 But these people set an ambush for themselves;
they are trying to get themselves killed.
19 Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money;
it robs them of life.
Wisdom Shouts in the Streets
20 Wisdom shouts in the streets.
She cries out in the public square.
21 She calls to the crowds along the main street,
to those gathered in front of the city gate:
22 “How long, you simpletons,
will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
How long will you fools hate knowledge?
23 Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you
and make you wise.
24 “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come.
I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.
25 You ignored my advice
and rejected the correction I offered.
26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble!
I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone,
and anguish and distress overwhelm you.
28 “When they cry for help, I will not answer.
Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
29 For they hated knowledge
and chose not to fear the Lord.
30 They rejected my advice
and paid no attention when I corrected them.
31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,
choking on their own schemes.
32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death.
Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
33 But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm.”
My personal challenge for the month, one per day. Join me.
Proverbs 1
The Purpose of Proverbs
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
A Father’s Exhortation: Acquire Wisdom
8 My child,[a] listen when your father corrects you.
Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace
and be a chain of honor around your neck.
10 My child, if sinners entice you,
turn your back on them!
11 They may say, “Come and join us.
Let’s hide and kill someone!
Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent!
12 Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave[b];
let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.
13 Think of the great things we’ll get!
We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take.
14 Come, throw in your lot with us;
we’ll all share the loot.”
15 My child, don’t go along with them!
Stay far away from their paths.
16 They rush to commit evil deeds.
They hurry to commit murder.
17 If a bird sees a trap being set,
it knows to stay away.
18 But these people set an ambush for themselves;
they are trying to get themselves killed.
19 Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money;
it robs them of life.
Wisdom Shouts in the Streets
20 Wisdom shouts in the streets.
She cries out in the public square.
21 She calls to the crowds along the main street,
to those gathered in front of the city gate:
22 “How long, you simpletons,
will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
How long will you fools hate knowledge?
23 Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you
and make you wise.
24 “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come.
I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.
25 You ignored my advice
and rejected the correction I offered.
26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble!
I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone,
and anguish and distress overwhelm you.
28 “When they cry for help, I will not answer.
Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
29 For they hated knowledge
and chose not to fear the Lord.
30 They rejected my advice
and paid no attention when I corrected them.
31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,
choking on their own schemes.
32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death.
Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
33 But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm.”
My personal challenge for the month, one per day. Join me.
Friday, September 25, 2009
For Jenny....
Many, many, many years ago I was a shy, quiet, scared to death little girl of about 8 venturing into a new school, knowing no one. A nice girl named Jenny in my class became my friend. I was thankful for her then, playing with me at recess, sitting by me at lunch, and making me feel welcome in my new school. Although we remained school friends through elementary we eventually went separate ways with different groups of friends, different interests, etc. A few years ago, we were re-aquainted a bit as our kids attended the same daycare and get this...we both lived in Nichols, Iowa of all places.
Jennifer, a mother and wife, a sister and aunt, a daughter and friend to many, has recently entered a battle for life. Fighting a war with the ovarian cancer that has invaded her body and she is determined to win. Win this brutal, brutal fight. That precious little guy needs his mommy and we can help.
Attend Jennifer Brauns Massey's benefit this Sunday, 1pm-6pm, Moose Lodge, Muscatine and help her fight.....help her win....
There will be MANY opportunities to help. Many ways to show your support. Among those ways will be 'Scentsy for Jenny'. I will be hosting Scentsy at the benefit with all proceeds going to Jennifer's fight against this vicious beast we know as cancer.
If you are not local or can't attend but would still like to participate in this way. You can go to my Scentsy site and participate online. Go to 'my events', click on Jen's benefit on Sept. 27, go to shop for event and shop away. Local folks can choose my address 2420 Lucas Rd., to have it shipped to me and I will deliver and out of town guests can have it direct shipped to their home. All proceeds from the 'day of' event and the 'online' event will go directly to Jen.
Just one little way for me, for us, to give back. Give back to someone who probably doesn't even know or remember the way she gave to me so many years ago.
Jennifer, a mother and wife, a sister and aunt, a daughter and friend to many, has recently entered a battle for life. Fighting a war with the ovarian cancer that has invaded her body and she is determined to win. Win this brutal, brutal fight. That precious little guy needs his mommy and we can help.
Attend Jennifer Brauns Massey's benefit this Sunday, 1pm-6pm, Moose Lodge, Muscatine and help her fight.....help her win....
There will be MANY opportunities to help. Many ways to show your support. Among those ways will be 'Scentsy for Jenny'. I will be hosting Scentsy at the benefit with all proceeds going to Jennifer's fight against this vicious beast we know as cancer.
If you are not local or can't attend but would still like to participate in this way. You can go to my Scentsy site and participate online. Go to 'my events', click on Jen's benefit on Sept. 27, go to shop for event and shop away. Local folks can choose my address 2420 Lucas Rd., to have it shipped to me and I will deliver and out of town guests can have it direct shipped to their home. All proceeds from the 'day of' event and the 'online' event will go directly to Jen.
Just one little way for me, for us, to give back. Give back to someone who probably doesn't even know or remember the way she gave to me so many years ago.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
How FUN!!!!!
I just watched this on Jody's blog and thought I would post it here too. How FUN, how creative, how inspiring!! My driveway is gravel, but I will pay the $20 for the first person that sends me a message that they would like theirs done. I'll pay the $20, someone will gain access to clean water for years to come and you will get the chance to spread the message right from your own driveway.....love their way of thinking. outside the box....love it, love it.....
It's Been Awhile Since I Have Visited You My Dear Blog....
I have some pictures, we have done some stuff, the kids have had oodles of games, softball, soccer, football, etc. but no time to blog it all. I need to make time. I will. Soon. I keep saying that, but I will.
My camera is now broke. It turns on, powers up, and dies. Every time....new batteries and all.
Gotta get back in the swing of things but life just getting in the way. Keeping me from doing all the things I want to do.
I think I need a little vacay. A little R&R. But no time for that either. Too busy. We'll make time. We keep saying that, but we will. Someday....
My camera is now broke. It turns on, powers up, and dies. Every time....new batteries and all.
Gotta get back in the swing of things but life just getting in the way. Keeping me from doing all the things I want to do.
I think I need a little vacay. A little R&R. But no time for that either. Too busy. We'll make time. We keep saying that, but we will. Someday....
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Now I Know....
Every once in awhile I feel dumpy. Sad. Unable to focus. Slightly distraught, but not knowing why. And, then usually I will figure out why. Today was one of those days. The date. Today our family should be celebrating a birthday. For our precious baby that never took a breath on this side of heaven. And in the quietness of tonight I let my guard down. I let the tears fall. Fall for that sweet, sweet baby that couldn't survive. I knew her like every mother knows her unborn child. I loved her like every mother loves her baby in the womb from the moment you know. I prayed for her like I prayed for all my babies. And today she would be 8.
And it's days like today that I have an intense longing for heaven. The brokeness is just much too much.....
And it's days like today that I have an intense longing for heaven. The brokeness is just much too much.....
Monday, September 14, 2009
Good....
You know it's been a good weekend when your 10 year old daughter leans in the doorway of the kitchen at 8pm on Sunday night and stares in your eyes and with the utmost sincerity says 'I don't want to go to school tomorrow'. And I know that what she was saying is 'I don't want this weekend to end'. It was a good one. Nothing spectacular, just a good weekend with friends and family. And those are the best....
Friday, September 04, 2009
Stuff....
Wow....I am finding it hard to 'create' the time to blog. And, when I do it's a rush, rush, throw something up there post and move on to the next task at hand. It's been busy around our place. Creighton is currently playing baseball, soccer and football. Colby is playing softball and starts volleyball sometime in the next couple of weeks. So we have some sort of practice or activity just about every night. So throw my full-time job, my part-time job, working at the house, Greg working and working at the house (well, in the barn I should say :), running kids, school, homework, blah, blah, blah, I have very few minutes in the day that aren't occupied. There might be a couple hours left for sleep and that pretty much kills the day. Not whining, just sayin'...
So, we are at a busy place right now. Still getting in the school year groove and still somewhat in shock that my daughter is in her last year of elementary school. Doesn't seem possible. Where does the time go???
So, we are at a busy place right now. Still getting in the school year groove and still somewhat in shock that my daughter is in her last year of elementary school. Doesn't seem possible. Where does the time go???
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Gratitude
"I Receive ALL of Life with Thanksgiving - I have gratitude for EVERYTHING that has ever occurred to bring me to this moment. I give thanks for the joys and the sufferings, the moments of peace and the flashes of anger, the compassion ...and the indifference, the roar of my courage and the cold sweat of my fear. I accept gratefully the entirety of my past and my present life."
Sunday, August 23, 2009
First Day of School
Both adorable, both growing up too fast, fifth and first grades, and yes, Creighton was about this excited to go to school.....
Fun times....
Colby had fun with cousin Maya when her and her family were here earlier this month for a short visit.
Cast #2
Colby after getting cast #2 on. She was happy to have her elbow back! Although after 7 weeks in the big cast it took several weeks for her elbow to 'unlock'. It was a tough summer for this girl....3 more weeks with the pink cast....
going, going, gone
I'm way behind here, but this is Colby on July 28th getting cast #1 off in preparation for cast #2 to be put on. Still a significant crack in the break area and a 15 degree 'hump' in her arm at this point. So cast #2 will go on for about 3 more weeks. What a summer....
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
It doesn't have to be this way..........
What if this was your child working so hard to collect water that could likely kill him? What if this was happening in your neighborhood? What if you had no choice other than to give this to your baby? What would you do? This IS your neighborhood, your fellow brothers and sisters. It just happens to be across the ocean. What are you going to do?
Reminded again this morning how blessed we are and feeling an even greater responsibility to move and to act and most of all to love these precious people......
Watch CBS Videos Online
Reminded again this morning how blessed we are and feeling an even greater responsibility to move and to act and most of all to love these precious people......
Watch CBS Videos Online
Friday, August 14, 2009
Scentsy - FYI
I know. I've been slackin' big time on the blog. Lots to share, just haven't taken the time. But, wanted to let my Scentsy fans know..............
Everything (except the bigger packages) in the Spring/Summer catalog is 10% off. Also, several scents and warmers are being discontinued prior to the Fall/Winter catalog being released. So if you see your favorite scent or a warmer that you've been wanting on the list be sure to get it now before it's gone!!! If you haven't yet caught the Scentsy fever, take advantage of the discount and try it! It really is the perfect, safer, cleaner, leadfree, wickless candle alternative.
If you see something you 'need' :) either comment, send me an email at our NEW email address: hgcarlson at machlink dot com. or if you aren't local you can order from my website and have it direct shipped to you!
More on the Carlson move and other happenings later.............
Everything (except the bigger packages) in the Spring/Summer catalog is 10% off. Also, several scents and warmers are being discontinued prior to the Fall/Winter catalog being released. So if you see your favorite scent or a warmer that you've been wanting on the list be sure to get it now before it's gone!!! If you haven't yet caught the Scentsy fever, take advantage of the discount and try it! It really is the perfect, safer, cleaner, leadfree, wickless candle alternative.
If you see something you 'need' :) either comment, send me an email at our NEW email address: hgcarlson at machlink dot com. or if you aren't local you can order from my website and have it direct shipped to you!
More on the Carlson move and other happenings later.............
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