Kara's Impressions

Amazima ~ "Truth"

2011-06-10T17:24:00.005-05:00

So I've been going through the stage of wondering "what am I going to do with my life?" "Is there more I've been called to?" I'm halfway through my education, and the finish-line is almost within sight. But now jumps in all of these questions about whether this is really what God has planned for me. This week one thing that God has really been pressing on my heart a passage from John 10.

^"9I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

In my Bible-belt type philosophy I had always kinda understood the "abundant life" as being the blessings of God when you follow Him. And while I think that is true, I'm coming to understand a different type of blessing; one that "surpasses all understanding". It's not just financial stability, or even a loving family. It a joy that comes from surrendering your earthly everything to Him and becoming a vessel for His kingdom.

Last fall at school, a man came to Chapel and shared about some of his ministry work. He was talking about seeing the face of Christ in "the least of these." He then showed a video from the ministry of Mother Teresa. I have yet been able to remove those images and feelings from my heart.

Recently I was reading an article from SetApartGirl magazine (you should check it out, it's AMAZING!) and they were sharing about a young woman (Katie Davis) who had left everything the world, and myself, would call a "normal Christian 'abundant' life". She was attending college, volunteering, ministering at church but then she realized; she had been worshipping God without doing what He did. So she "quit her life". She moved to Uganda in what she thought was going to be just a short season in her life. But she couldn't return. She said,

{ "I had seen what life was about and I couldn’t pretend I didn’t know." }

she returned to Uganda and there at 23 years of age, has adopted 13 orphan children as her own and runs the ministry Amazima. Her life has inspired me in a way I pray goes beyond "romantic fascination." Would I be able to leave everything here in my comfortable American life, and empty me of me?

I know it was only a week, but I still remember the fullness of God I felt on my mission trip last spring. That was the abundant life. The way "coincidences" looked a lot like the finger of God and the way sweet, ignored, little girls clung to me and cuddled on my lap. I remember the look of the nonverbal, handicapped patient I cared for in the hospital. The way she would look right into my eyes, grab my hand and kiss it. She couldn't speak, but for just a split second, I think I saw the eyes of Christ looking back at me.

“What kind of a God is it who asks everything of us?

The same God who ‘did not spare His own Son,

but gave Him up for us all; and with this gift how can

He fail to lavish upon us all He has to give?’

He gives all. He asks all.”

-Elisabeth Elliot

Becoming More "Adult-like"

2011-02-28T23:14:00.003-06:00

So I realize it's 11:15 at night, not the best time to start a new post but what can I say, late nights are what college students are supposed to do. Although my idea of a "late night" is midnight but I digress.

What I've been thinking about lately, besides obvious school stuff which I will post about later, is the notion of "Adulthood". When I turned 18 I relished in the fact that I could now sign my own forms, buy spray paint, cold meds and could also pull the "I'm an adult so listen to me" card with my siblings, (that doesn't always work btw). Then came the big 2-0. Now, we're cooking! One year away from full "adulthood" and finally out of those teen years...(good times, good times).

So today I was feeling kinda crabby, just a mixture of stress, the weather, and good ol' hormones so I went for a drive and to swing in the park. It was cold, but the solitude at the frozen park was nice. During my nice talk with God about some stuff I was griping about, I realized some things. I have always considered myself relatively mature for my age with a fairly decent grasp on intellectual reasoning with a dash of intuition thrown in, lol. However, today I realized just how much a tend to complain, or try to rationalize my behavior to others in an attempt to make my self feel validated and "right". I was praying and asking God to "give me peaceful thoughts" about some stuff. Then it hit me, (thank you Elisabeth George, Women's Retreat, and Philippians 4:8) I needed to CHOOSE to have kind thoughts! Instead of dwelling on how to make my opinion the one to follow, I need to see what is right about this situation. I also needed to follow the direction given in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

So today I attempted to put these key Biblical principles into practice. Instead of being grumpy, I chose to thank God for the beautiful sun that appeared this afternoon. Instead of being stressed with circumstances, I chose to thank God for the wonderful privilege to live such a life that my "biggest issue" is getting good grades in school. Instead of giving into my exhaustion, I chose to praise Him for His amazing sacrifice for me. When compared to the cross, my troubles don't seem so great. And you know what, the promise given after choosing to thank God is this, that "...the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:7) Which, I must say, is a pretty good deal.

So today, I didn't do any of those things that the world would call "adult-like", but the Holy Spirit did a work in my heart to further develop me into the mature follower of Christ that I long to be. You know, trading my heavy burden for His perfect peace; I'll never quite fully grasp the fairness of that trade.

Chocolate, Valentines, and First Loves

2011-02-14T20:46:00.009-06:00

So on this lovely Valentines Day (or Singles Awareness Day) I've been thinking. Yes I know, it can be a scary thing and I really should be "thinking" about my Statistics test tomorrow or the big Pharmacology exam on Thursday, but when God lays something on your heart, you just gotta do it.

I was reading my journal the other night and came across a passage I had written last summer when I was having a period of minor depression. I wasn't really "clinically depressed", I just felt very dry spiritually. Trying to regain some of my spiritual fervor I started reading Joanna Weaver's book, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." (It's fantastic btw, really changed my heart) So here is a portion of my thoughts in an analogy.

Martha had become so wrapped up in her kitchen "busy GOOD work" that she had forgotten all about the Savior sitting, waiting, for her in the living room of her heart. "Oh I'm doing all of this for Him, He will think I'm so amazing and 'spiritual'....as will all my other friends when they see what a good servant I am."

Martha scurries from one thing to another, barking out orders and frantically preparing the meal for Him. Dinner is finally served, but Martha doesn't have time to enjoy it; she's already on to the next thing. Martha eventually notices how hungry she is...but she doesn't have time to join her Savior in the dining room just yet...there's always later for that. Right now she has way too much to do. However, the "Snickers" chocolate bars have become delicious "tummy-fillers"; something to quickly fill the emptiness she doesn't have time to fill. After all, there is always later. Yet, the sickeningly sweet candy was leaving her feeling rather exhausted and empty.

This analogy used by Ms. Weaver really spoke to me during my "searching time". I realised that I had been filling my time with seemingly innocent or even good things, but I had neglected any intimate time with my Savior.

So my challenge to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ is this, what "snickers bars" are you using to try to supplement for your intimate relationship with Christ? No matter how good it may be, don't forget your first love.

P.S. This is another of my Valentine's Day posts from a few years ago.

1st Day of Nursing School

2011-01-24T16:03:00.004-06:00

So, we "officially" started nursing school today! I must say, having one outfit and hairstyle option makes it much easier to get ready. ;) Today we were at the school and learned about iv starts, and various methods of medication administration. I got to give a hotdog an intradermal injection which was pretty exciting. :)

So now we have a Statistics class tomorrow afternoon, a full day of class Thursday, an hour of math Friday morning, and an hour of practice with my clinical instructor on Friday. I'll actually get to start an iv on a manikin Friday! Let's just say there is a lot of "stuff" that has to be juggled and kept sterile...

Day at Sequiota Park

2011-01-23T19:03:00.004-06:00

Debbie and I spent part of our day today at Sequiota Park. It had warmed up a little so we took advantage of the weather and took a 4 mile walk.

We encountered this cute little metal bike, so of course we had to sit on it.

My legs are too short...I couldn't reach. :(

And then a random wheelchair statue!

Debbie's awesome victorious pose

Some of the freaky caves....

Deb in the mouth of the cave, my camera-phone didn't like the lighting

I also stepped foot in the cave (I think Deb has the photo) but it scared me to death. I don't do dark enclosed places with scary scampering sounds.

New Apartment!

2011-01-23T18:03:00.008-06:00

So as many of you know, I recently moved to an apartment. I'm really loving it and the transition has been pretty smooth. I'm rooming with 2 great girls and so far there have been no complaints. ;) I'm finally finding all of my stuff a new home and getting used to cooking and cleaning everything.

During my first week we've had 4 inches of snow, I locked my keys in my running car, gone grocery shopping, and had some fun times with friends. We also attended the week-long orientation at the nursing school. Most of the time was spent education us on different rules and policies, but we also began our clinical nursing education as we learned/reviewed how to take vital signs and safe patient transport.

I'm really feeling at peace in my new environment and I know this is the place, school, profession He wants me in. I'm really looking forward to these next few years as I learn not only how to be a nurse, but how to be an adult and a more mature follower of Christ.

So now, the photo tour of the apartment, come visit!

The view from out front door (Jenny's "wing" is straight back)
A wall in Debbie & I's room
Our lovely beds...you'll never guess which one is mine. Trust me, I tried to make it more subdued. ;)
Our huge closet, one of my favorite parts

Probably my most favorite, my OWN bathroom!

The laundry room with the Washer/Dryer courtesy of Aunt Lora Lee & Uncle Richard. Thank you!

The kitchen

Dining room

And the living room with the door to the deck

Take 3: A Conglomeration of Thoughts

2011-01-13T19:55:00.005-06:00

Hmmm do I dare venture back into the world of blogging? I decided since I will be starting a new chapter of my life this coming week, maybe it would be a good time to attempt this again. I hope to use this not only as a place to update my adoring fans (haha) on my life but also to share what God has been teaching me.

The last time I posted on this blog was right after I got home from my mission trip to the Badlands. Even though it was almost a year ago, it still comes to mind almost everyday. Over the past year I have really felt God placing a burden on my heart for missions, especially those involving orphans. I pray daily, not only for an available ministry but also that I won't turn this desire into a romanticized version of the truth. At the moment I'm reading Elisabeth Elliot's biography of Amy Carmichael, A Chance to Die. I haven't read much of it yet, but I have lately become very challenged by the ministry and legacy of Amy. Yet, my American-ized brain very easily turns her life into a easy, beautiful, perfect "missionary" life. While her ministry was a very beautiful thing, I know it was anything but easy. So I constantly fight my own imagination for the truth about the world in which we live in. But you know, God is still in charge.

In other news I will be moving this weekend to my new apartment! I will be sharing with 2 very sweet girls and hopefully we will have a very "harmonious" living experience. ;) It's been pretty crazy these last couple of weeks thinking about all of the "lasts" I'm experiencing. After living in this house for almost 15 years it feels very strange to think of calling another place "home". I have to admit that sometimes I lay awake in bed at night and start to have a panic attack about all the new-ness and "what-ifs". Yet God uses that moment to yet again reassure me of His love and consistency. I just love the truth that no matter where I go or what new thing I do God is always the same. It really brings new meaning to the "God is my Rock" issue. So this past week I have been making lists, packing, cleaning, and preparing for my new life.

Another new adventure I will be starting, also the reason for my move, is nursing school. I have already completed 3 semesters and 63 credits of my college career, while maintaining a 4.0 (PTL!) but now I get to start the "real" part. I'm really looking forward to the hands-on practical part of nursing. I have enjoyed all of my pre-requisite courses, so to be able to put those into practice will be awesome! Next week, I will have a week of orientation with classes starting the following Monday. I will only be taking 12 hours this semester but the 2 nursing classes, Fundamentals and Pharmacology, include approximately 20 hours of clinicals per week. My 3rd class is Statistics, yay math...

So I think that's enough rambling for the moment. Basically my life is filled with new experiences, hard decisions, and many blessings. Now to see if I ever get back on here....

Hello again...from a more humbled Kara

2010-03-30T22:16:00.005-05:00

Wow, so yes I don't really post blog entries anymore...but...

If you didn't know, I just got back from a week-long mission trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. It was an AMAZING God filled experience that I pray I will never forget.

So many people have asked me, "So how was your trip?" And while well-intentioned, there is really no way for people who have not experienced that kind of environment to understand what I'm saying in 5 minutes. I realize I barely scratched the surface of the struggles in SD, but what I did see broke my heart.

I decided to post some of my journal entries, from the trip, so others could get a small glimpse into the world of the Reservation and into the world of those who are still stumbling around in the Darkness without the light of Christ.

On the Pine Ridge Rez, the annual median income is $3,000. The average life expectancy is 45 years old. School drop-out rate is over 70%. 8 out of 10 families are affected by alcoholism. Diabetes is over 800% more prevalent than the national average.

There is so much despair and desolation on the reservation it is easy to get bogged down emotionally, as many of us were. However, God is not absent in this place. We worked with so many wonderful ministries making great efforts into helping and educating people as well as ministering to their vast spiritual needs.

While this journal is by no means expansive, it's just a small piece of what God taught me through my experiences in Pine Ridge.

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Mission Trip: My Journal

2010-03-30T22:09:00.005-05:00

*If you want to see pictures of my trip, please view my album on Facebook*

Monday Morning: Day 2

I slept well last night and woke up to a beautiful sunshiny morning. I remember praying for no snow this week and God has doubly blessed us, providing gorgeous spring-like conditions! I think I sometimes (ok most times) take His blessings for granted, not always noticing His answered prayers.

This morning for devotionals we read a small devo entitled “Foxes Have Holes”. This devo addressed a man who had had a “rough” night sleeping, always too cold with the AC or too hot under his blankets. When leaving for work he found a man sleeping in his car. He flew into a rage, ordering the man to leave. After awhile, he realized how blessed he was and yet he had turned the broken-down man away. This is kinda the thing I’ve been struggling with as a well-to-do American. I have so much stuff that it overflows my room and I lug an entire suitcase of it to SD. Yet, like I said last night, I’m almost more worried about the cleanliness of the rooms than my actual mission and ministry. How selfish and vain am I.

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does He require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God”- Micah 6:8

This is our focus verse for the week. I’m kind of seeing that I have been raised to know what is good and not good, now it’s my turn to do the rest.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”- Matthew 25:35-36, 40

I feel like this is what Christ-like justice is all about. Loving those who are hard to love, loving those when no one else is watching, loving in your heart, not just an outward showing. Jesus says that even the unbelievers love those who love them, but as Christ followers we are called to love even those who hate us. (Luke 6:27-36) Like the parable of the man who forgave the debt (Matt. 17:23-35), we should be so foolish with our forgiveness and mercy that Christ is shown dramatically through us.

Monday Evening: Day 2

Wow.

Today was so unbelievable! We started cleaning out the parsonage of Lakota Baptist Church in Pine Ridge. We cleaned, washed, de-nailed, and painted the garage while the girls also washed and repainted closets in the house. I also washed out 2 refrigerators and the kitchen cabinets.

After several hours of cleaning, we went prayer walking around Pine Ridge. It’s shocking the devastation and garbage here. Houses that look like they shouldn’t even be inhabited have several people living in them. As Kurt, Ethan, Katie, and I were prayer walking around Pine Ridge, we came upon a bunch of teenage boys playing basketball. The boys went to play with them while Katie and I attempted to go talk to a group of little girls we saw playing on a road. The girls ran away as soon as we spoke to them so we eventually headed back to the church.

After awhile, Lydia and I decided to go to the local Christian coffee shop where the other half of the group was working. However, when we got outside I saw 3 of the little girls talking and playing outside of the church. We decided to go talk to them…and my heart was stolen.
I watched them play on the railing of the sidewalk, giggling and laughing. I found out their names and ages while playing with them and Lydia eventually left. Theresa, age 7, and Sheila, age 4, are sisters and Jade, age 5, is their cousin. They, especially Jade, just started telling me random things about their lives…and it broke my heart. The things that these little girls have seen, heard and lived is unbelievable, especially compared to my strong Christian upbringing.

Sheila’s hair was matted and dirty, her shirt was stained, yet her face was so precious and innocent. I pulled her onto my lap while playing a dice game with Theresa and she just melted into me, cuddling and trying to soak up as much love and physical contact as she could. I just kept praying for her and loving on her. Later, I picked her up and she wrapped her thin arms around my neck and pressed her little face against mine. I about cried with the love and need of this precious 4 year old little girl. I love her so much.

Jade told me all about her huge family, her father who was in treatment so “he couldn’t drink anymore”, and her 3 dogs and 4 cats. Jade actually went to school, unlike Theresa, and she knew how to spell her name, the sounds of many letters in the alphabet, and how to count. She preciously told me about her ballet shoes and said that when she gets bigger she was going to be a ballerina. I could tell she was begging for attention because she always had something bigger and better to say. The fact that her dad is in treatment gives me great hope. Perhaps he is in a Christian sponsored program and will become a follower of Christ and go back and teach his family. I pray desperately for this.

Theresa was shy and quiet and I could tell she had a beautiful, gentle spirit. She quietly told me about playing princess’s with her friend and about her miscarried baby brother. She also told me about her 10 year old brother and her 22 year old mother. I pray she was confused about her mother’s age as I can’t even imagine a 12 year old pregnant. Although, I know this is sadly a pretty common thing on the Rez. She also told me her brother had recently cut his leg, bad enough to call the ambulance, when another boy threw a glass at him.

When it was time for us to go, Theresa looked at me and quietly asked, “Do you have to go too?” It broke my heart. I would like nothing better than to spend the rest of my week with these precious girls. I gave them all a hug and Theresa especially, just clung to me.

I would have loved to just take all of those little girls home with me, teach them, clean them, love them. The fact that they were just running all over their rather shady neighborhood with no adult supervision speaks of the fact of either noncaring or overworked mothers.

I was greatly burdened all day/night for these precious children and in our nightly worship service we had a “God Moment” time. I was wrestling against my fear of public sharing and the pushing by the Holy Spirit to share what I had experienced. Then Rachel shared 1 Corinthians 3:7.

“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”

I was so burdened by the fact that I hadn’t even said anything about Jesus, like I had failed my mission. But when she shared this verse I just felt God saying that I wasn’t the one to save these girls, He was. He loves them with an even greater love than I did after my hour with them. He just told me that I was where He wanted me to be, to love on those girls. That’s all I was supposed to do. I was just watering His seeds, giving those girls some much needed love and attention.

I am so in awe of God’s orchestration today. Originally I was a little upset that I wasn’t with the group who was helping at a coffee shop, instead I cleaned a house. Then all the guys left to take pictures at a cemetery, where they met a drunken man who revealed a lot about his heart and may not have with a girl there, and I had no desire to go. Then when Lydia wanted to go to the coffee shop, I went. I was a little discouraged when the girls wouldn’t talk to me on the road, and instead I played with them in a church yard. I am just so humbled. God is AMAZING!

Tuesday Morning: Day 3

Wow was yesterday amazing! I still haven’t gotten over those little girls, my heart has been stolen. J So when I found out that today I was going to a soup kitchen instead of the schools, I was a little upset. I was like, “God you know I love kids, why am I not going to the schools!” Lol, God just reminded me of yesterday and said, “I’ve put you in the exact place I want you, trust me.” I felt so silly and stupid to have been questioning God, of course His way is perfect, it’s been proved not only every day of this trip, but in all other areas of my life. Trust….it’s a beautiful thing.
Today’s devo, “An Invitation to Suffering” was great. One line really touched me.

“…I must admit that I cannot fully care for one who is suffering without entering into his pain.”

How true that is. Christ cared so much for us that He entered into our pain and loss in sin, and took the full punishment for us. The ultimate care and love. So as I go into today, may Christ guide me thorough my care and suffering with those who suffer. Amen.

Tuesday Evening: Day 3

So today we went and prepared lunch for a bunch of people in a small town right across the border of Pine Ridge. It’s infamous because of the law against alcohol on the Rez, sooo many people go to this town to drink. The ministry we helped with tries to aid people in starting and pursuing education and jobs.
When we got there we were shown around and taken to the kitchen where we were given free-reign to prepare whatever we wanted. Their walk-in pantry was covered in mouse droppings. Dust and dirt covered almost everything. Needless to say I was a little disgusted at the thought of cooking here. I spent most of my time today washing dishes, 3 times. We then served 30+ men and women lunch, and they were so grateful! For many of these people, that was their only meal of the day. However, the anger of some of the men towards each other and God was so sad. The men and women were actually very polite and yet so broken. One thing a lot of them kept saying was that they just wanted a drink.
One of the ladies I talked to told us that she had been going to church and had been trying to quit drinking but it was too hard. She also mentioned the fact that the wine used during communion in church was a struggle. I was kinda angered by this; you would think that church leaders would realize what a mixed message they are sending. She said that her dream was to open a homeless shelter and take care of people. She also said that she wanted to be baptized but they wouldn’t let her and she said that she was “going to burn”. How sad that the message that a lot of these people have heard is the turn-or-burn speech. While that is true, the fact that that’s the only story they have heard. I don’t know how sincere this lady was but when she told me that her husband had slept with her best friend who slept with her boyfriend who slept with her sister, I felt so helpless. How do you respond to something like that when you only know “Christian family”? She told me that the only thing she wanted was to be loved and cared for. I think that was the cry of everyone there.
A man named Rico attached himself (literally) to several of us girls. He told us that he was a Christian but he falls sometimes. I honestly think that he might have been telling the truth. He gave us his address and made sure (several times) that we had his address.
I met so many people who just wanted some attention and love, these people are so broken. I must confess that I was a little irritated and angry at these people who just drink their lives away, harming themselves and everyone around them. I’ve really been struggling to find what God wanted me to learn from this experience. I don’t really feel like I did anything profitable, people would say something and I wouldn’t know how to respond. I mostly stayed in the kitchen washing dishes and while that was helpful, I kinda wonder if I was just hiding because I was uncomfortable.

Wednesday Morning: Day 4

I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday! This has been such an awesome experience.
Today we talked about being humble. In James 4:6-10 it talks about changing your laughter and joy to mourning and gloom. While this seems like the total opposite of what we are told about having joy in all things, I think I’ve seen this week where he blesses us in the middle of brokenness and mourning.
However, last night and this morning I kept thinking about finding joy. I feel like God has broken me and now I’m supposed to find my joy in Him and in Pine Ridge.

Wednesday Evening: Day 4

Wow, so today was so awesome and joy-filled! In the morning we planned a skit for a youth group that evening. I was originally just helping with the discussion questions but I happened to get volunteered to be in the skit. Lol, they needed a Pharisees and I was the first one to pop into their heads. J
After lunch we went and listened to a native man talk about the Massacre at Wounded Knee. It turned out to be a very bitter, angry (albeit well informed and researched) man spouting off about how Christianity destroyed the Lakota nation’s lives and we (the whites) want to kill them all. I felt like he had some good points, but he was a very lost man. With every smack against the whites and Christianity, I just prayed. What anger have people developed.
After we came back from that we were all extremely tired. None of us wanted to do anything else, yet Heather told us we could go to an after-school or go prayer walking. Honestly, I wanted to do to the school because I thought “Kids!” And when I was told that all the skit people were to go prayer walking, I was a little frustrated at God. I kept thinking, “God, don’t you know my heart is with the kids? Why did you put me into Jen’s head for the skit?” I finally just resigned myself to trust Him…and of course, He was right.
We walked into Wounded Knee and played on the playset with a bunch of kids. God is so good. So many things went on, but mostly I chased, tagged, carried and hugged so many kids. The only sad part was when I attempted to ask 2 older girl’s names, one answered timidly, but the other replied, “I can’t tell you.” I teasingly asked her if it was a secret, to which she stated, “No I just don’t like church people”, and walked off. It made me really sad how these kids are raised to think so negatively of “church people”.
But it was amazing to me how the kids instantly knew we were church people. I hope that most will continue to view “those white people who come to play with us” as “church people”. If the people who give them love and attention are known as “the church”, then our Hands and Feet must be working. Perhaps then we can produce a new generation of Lakota who love and appreciate both the whites and become followers of Christ.
The other thing was that Katie, Hayley, Lauryn, and I went on a long walk before lunch and had some great conversations. I just love having this deep relationship with so many amazing fellow believers.
At Young Life, we talked with so many kids. Then we gave our skit, and through pretty cheesy I’m sure, it actually turned into some really good discussions. Afterwards we played many different forms of tag…man was I exhausted! Yesterday, we walked up to the Wounded Knee meeting place twice, up the hill to the mass grave, went on a 1.5 mile walk with the girls, walked to town, ran around the playset 6 billion times, walked back to the church, and ran around the gym playing tag. Lol, I don’t know that I’ve ever had that much physical exercise! But God kept giving me strength and energy, it just kept coming!

Thursday Morning: Day 5

So this morning I got up at 5:15 to help with breakfast at 6:30. Now we are getting ready to go “skirt a trailer”. Lol, at first I was thinking that we were decorating a trailer for a parade float, but I guess it’s a house trailer. J I’m not sure what I’ll be able to do there, but it’s been amazing seeing how God has just placed me in the right places. I pray that I won’t go back home and just return to my school-driven life. How powerful it is to take time to dwell on the Lord’s blessings and then carry those blessings to those in the community who don’t know Him.
I wrote some letters to Jade, Theresa, and Sheila. For some reason I keep wanting to call Sheila, “Sylvia”, don’t know why. I hope that it touches them and anyone else around them.

Thursday Evening: Day 5

So today our group went to “skirt a trailer”. It turned out to be building frames to place around the base of the trailer. As the girls really couldn’t do anything, Sarah, Katriina, Heather, and I went for a walk across the field next to the work site. We had a great time of fellowship and sharing of testimonies.

Tomorrow we head home. I can't believe how quickly this amazing week has gone by!

Branson: Week 1

2009-07-27T09:54:00.004-05:00

This past week we were in Branson at Big Cedar. It's a beautiful place, although I didn't get many pictures. We spent a lot of time down in their waterpark-thing and I didn't take my camera down there. But anyway, here are a couple I did take.

This was as close as I could get to a sunset. It was during the attempt to take this that we were followed by a skunk...that was exciting.

Madalyn, posing

Lol, Madalyn & Gabe jumping and in the background Luke is standing on Dad's shoulders

A view of another lodge

This is mostly what we did when we weren't at the pool

More tv

View from our balcony

Madalyn & Papa

Becca & Megan riding scooters at our Aunt & Uncle's house. It was here that we watched the Sheriff(s) arrest the guy across the street.

A flower 'cause no post is complete without one...;)

Turtle Races

2009-07-27T09:39:00.003-05:00

Sunday the 19th, after church, we had turtle races to celebrate the end of VBS. Here are some pictures from the much attended event. ;)

The anticipation! ;)

The contestants...

Granton, a miracle.
Granton was diagnosed with SCID a year and a half ago, and here he is today.

Yes, that is a snapping turtle...luckily it was a baby...:S

Aww, Josh & Kayla (and Kandace)

Dad's Work Picnic

2009-07-27T09:23:00.006-05:00

On July 18th, we also had Dad's work picnic. The weather was beautiful! The kids had a blast with all the slides and bouncy-twirly things. Our family was also babysitting 2 sweet little boys that day, Jake & Chapel. It was rather funny because some of the ladies thought Chapel was mine...lol thats not exactly the kind of talk that I want going around. But anyway, hopefully we got that cleared up. Here are some pictures from the day, enjoy!

Emily & Abby in their matching shirts

Chapel & Madalyn

Mason & Luke

Gabe...yep Luke on the slide

Megan & Jake

Alyssa & Becca

Chapel & I

The Snake!

2009-07-27T09:13:00.002-05:00

On July 18th, Emily was outside walking around and she came upon a snake hidden in a leaf pile. She knew that is was a copperhead (for you city-kids, that is a poisionous snake) and instantly went for help. Although "help" turned out to be Gabe running through the house with his bb gun (yeah right) which in turn freaked the rest of us out. Dad eventually smashed the snake's head, paralyzing it. I don't think it was all the way dead, because it was still breathing and opening its mouth. We all took turns touching it (yes including me), and then Dad disposed of it. Enjoy! ;)

VBS 2009: Crocodile Dock

2009-07-17T20:04:00.008-05:00

Well we finally finished our week of Vacation Bible School! This year our theme was "Crocodile Dock" so it was all swamp and bayou. I believe we had close to 150 kids and over 100 workers helping. I was a Crew leader, which basically means I'm in charge of shepherding a group of 5 kids to all the different stations. I had 3 boys and 2 girls and they were a blast!

I did have a bit of a challenge with one of them, but I honestly think it was a good growing time for me to learn to show love to people when I don't feel anything. As I was thinking to myself "Man, this kid just doesn't even care! I keep trying to show love to them and they just ignore me and are totally rude!" Then I was reminded of the scene from the movie "Fireproof" (awesome movie!!!) when he realizes that what God did for us is showed us love when we were rude and arrogant and disobedient. So I thank God for both saving me and giving me the opportunity to show love to someone else.

So for our Bible stories we followed the Israelites out of slavery through the plagues and crossing the Red Sea. We also spent a day on the Crucifixion and the Last Supper and tied that in with the Passover. It was really great! I think my favorite thing this week was on Thursday in the closing. Each crew thought and confessed to God a sin they had committed while holding a black trashbag. We then took the trashbags and covered a cross lit with lights. The bags obviously covered the light, mirroring how sin covers God's light in our lives. But then as we were singing our actor portraying Jesus came and removed all of the trashbags from the cross and carried them away, revealing the lights on the cross. It touched me so much to see such a vivid display of His love and power. I might try to post a little video of it later. Beautiful...

So that's pretty much my week. Had a blast, lots of water, music, laughing, and learning. I'm so thankful that we live in a country where we have the freedom to have these types of events. Praise God and FEAR NOT!!! ;)

Some of the drama from the week. The second from the left is Abby aka "Daisy"

A view of the stage, it looked AMAZING! Some of the Bible Drama, here they are acting out the Last Supper. More Bible Drama, Gabe is portraying Pharaoh and Abby is the servant on the left Kiddos at snack time!

My New Purse!

2009-07-11T18:54:00.004-05:00

This is the bag I made today! I'm really happy with the way it turned out other than the straps are a little thin. If I use this pattern again I will probably increase the size of the straps.

It also has a little zippered pocket in the inside. It was my first time doing a zipper so I'm not sure I did it quite right but it works. :)

When we went outside to take pictures of it, my camera lens kept fogging up due to the extreme humidity. Lol, welcome to Missouri.

4th of July 2009

2009-07-08T09:32:00.007-05:00

Here is a photo collage of the 4th of July 2009 with the family. Enjoy!

Gabe

Madalyn & Quinci, she is getting so big!
Look at the little cutie!

Becca & Sissy

Megan & Myself (lol, I look kinda weird in this pic...)

Dad "helping" Madalyn with baseball, he was holding her foot down so she wouldn't pick it up

Umm...yeah ;)

I love this one, Quinci LOVES Mimi

What a cute little family! My Aunt Christin, Uncle Del, & Quinci

Sisters, Christin, Angela, & Tracy

The original family

All the grandkids

The whole family! We are missing my great grandma who was/is in the hospital, she has leukemia and we would greatly appreciate prayer for her.

Lol, clapping games (I guess that's what you call them)

The boy cousins, showing off their "muscles"

Megan and her dog(I think it's name is Anna today)

Mom & Dad

Dad trying to beat Papa in horseshoes

Papa won though :D

Christin taking Del on a 4-wheeler ride

Summer Pictures

2009-07-03T18:05:00.004-05:00

This week I played with my camera quite a bit and these are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

The End, The Beginning, & a Wedding

2009-06-26T13:34:00.011-05:00

I AM DONE!!! Yesterday I had my final Biology exam! I made it out of the class with a 94% average which I am really happy about. I made some great new friends in the class and I'm looking forward to the fall with tons of new people and classes!

~~~

Let's see, now that the class is over, my life is going to be a little interesting. We have VBS the second week of July which I am really excited about. I will be a crew leader again which is one of the best jobs, I get to "guide" a group of 5-7 kids ages 5-11 for the week. I've done this for 3 years now, its amazing. Then the week after that, we are heading down to Branson for a couple days, to just hang out and swim. Then two weeks after that, we are going back to Branson for more fun. Also on possibly on the 7th of August, I will be heading out to San Diego to stay a couple days with my aunt and uncle, I'm really looking forward to that! Then Welcome Week at SBU starts on August 19th, and after that, school!

~~~

I'm kinda trying to get a job, preferably one in the healthcare field, but I'm worried about not having enough hours to give them. But if all else fails, I will just volunteer/job shadow at the hospital when I can and get my First Aid and CPR certifications.

~~~

Last Saturday, one of my friends got married. It was a really beautiful ceremony and my family helped serve at the reception. They had a really cool theme for the food. The couple had individually been to 4 countries as missionaries, and they had a table for each country with traditional food and drink. It was a lot of fun, and the guests loved it! Below is a picture of Kara & I from the wedding. (You also might notice, I got my hair cut! I like it a lot, other than I can't quite get it all up into a ponytail, but I'll live.)

~~~

College: A New Road

2009-06-11T21:33:00.003-05:00

As most of you know, I've been taking a summer class at SBU this month. (Which explains my lack of posting) I'm taking a Biology class, which I have really enjoyed despite spending about 10 hours a day on it. I go to class from 8-1, 4 days a week. It's been a great opportunity for me to meet some new friends, as well as get into the "college style" classes. I must say that as a homeschool student, going to an actual class, having an actual teacher is SOOO nice! I'm used to reading a book and teaching myself, but with a teacher who knows what they are teaching and can explain it, (not to mention I'm a visual-auditory learner) has been awesome. But I wouldn't change my homeschool years for anything. I believe it has given me a solid foundation in my faith, maturity, as well as my education. Just watching and observing what goes on in a public school setting makes me appreciate what I've been privileged to have through homschooling. So now, I'm on the next road, wondering where God is going to lead me. To Him be the Glory!

My first day of college...sorta. ;)

Madalyn's 15th Birthday

2009-06-11T21:15:00.002-05:00

June 3rd was Madalyn's 15th birthday. And no, she hasn't taken the driving/permit test yet. So the roads are still safe. ;)

The lovely cake...lol there is quite a bit of difference from the cakes when we were younger to now. :D

She got 'em all in 1 blow...lol. ;)

Styling her new glasses...Minnie Pearl style!

She also got a "coupon" for makeup(which she has yet to cash in)

Just a cute one of the girls, aren't they tan! :D

Summer Projects

2009-06-11T20:50:00.003-05:00

Lately, we have been working on many projects outside. I've already shown you the pool deck, stained, now we went on and did the other 2. Oh the screened-in-porch, Dad had to take all the screen off. Then on Sunday, our friend Owen came over after church and helped us stain the frame and hang the screen again. (Thanks again Owen!) We still have to stain the lower half of the deck, then we will finally be done. :)

The other deck Emily, Becca, & Dad stained

We are also attempting another garden this year. Although, this one is much smaller than past years. We just have some tomatoes, pepper, and I think some melon plants. Dad built the cute little fence/cage for them. :)

Another project, the new deck furniture. Mom & I put it together and it looks very nice! The chairs look really heavy, but they are actually extremely light.

Yet another project, a sidewalk from the deck to the pool.

Working on the cement.

Somehow we didn't get/order enough cement from the truck so Dad had to mix some bags. Its done now, but I don't have a current picture.

Justin's 7th Birthday

2009-06-11T20:33:00.002-05:00

On May 27th we went to Luke's best-friend's house to celebrate his 7th birthday. Below are some pictures from our day.

I "Picnik-ed" this one for Abby. :) In case you didn't know, Abby has been in love with horses since, well, forever!

Lol, I love this one! The horses were lined up to get petted.

The birthday boy Justin on the far right, Gabe, Luke, & Jesse.

Kandace & Becca playing

The First "Official" Swim of the Year

2009-05-27T09:30:00.004-05:00

Yesterday the kids had been begging all day to swim. I finally went out at 3:00 to check the water temperature. I found it to be in the low 70's and finally agreed to watch the kids. After a long search for the deck key, I finally just picked the lock with a bobby pin...yep I'm good. When I finally got into the pool...it was COLD!! Eventually your body did become used to it, but it was a little nippy. We swam for a couple hours...but sadly my walking on my hands talent has diminished. Last summer my record was 25, yesterday I couldn't even get 2. *sigh* Enjoy the pictures! Ohh by the way, we did eventually find the key...it was in the dryer with Dad's shorts. ;)

Getting into the pool...lol I love this one, Emily will have her face in the water forever

Abby & I lounging

Madalyn

Megan and Becca, we got them to stand on the tube together

Gabe...does anyone know what that hand sign means?!? He does it ALL THE TIME!!!

Megan

Emily and her ball

LOL...she's going to kill me...

Luke, he was a little cold...here he is, wrapped up in MY towel...

My handstand skills...LOL

May in Review

2009-05-25T19:41:00.007-05:00

This is a short sum-up of the month of May in our house. On the 12th Madalyn and I went to the park. An adorable little old lady came up and offered to take our picture, so here it is.

My parents went to FL for a long weekend and my grandparents and baby cousin Quinci came to stay with us. She is so adorable!

This is a picture I took of the kids at the park.

This is from our last Speech class, we had to dress up for it. Lol, my dress isn't very photogenic.

Friday we went to play tennis for our PE class. Lol, we aren't very good...we chased balls mostly.

Me being a dork.

My friend Becky and I, lol none of the pictures turned out that great, the wind kept blowing our hair everywhere. This one's not too bad. ;)

On the 19th and the 21st we had our end of the year concerts for Orchestra and Choir. I've uploaded some videos from the concert to YouTube. Enjoy!

Tres Cantos Nativos, America, Soaring Spirit part 1 & 2.

The girls at Becca's birthday...

Becca and her gifts

The pool deck we stained this weekend
Some of the stainers
Today the kids decided they were going to swim...even though is was about 70 outside and the water was about 65. They were shivering the entire time, but they loved it anyway.

Quick Update

2009-05-07T11:25:00.003-05:00

Hello everybody! I'm just going to give a quick update of my life. Last Thursday I went to SBU for the new student orientation and picked my fall classes. I will be taking University Seminar(how to live and learn at college, a required class), General Psychology, Concert Choir, Human Anatomy/Physiology, Old Testament History, and Principles of Chemistry. I will also be taking a Biology class in June, 4 weeks, 4 days a week, 5 hours a day, I hope I live. ;)

So right now I'm just trying to finish up my last 3 (5 if you count Speech & Jane Austen Lit) subjects of high school. I'm studying the digestive system right now in Advanced Biology...didn't think they were ever going to finish talking about the colon. But I do find it fascinating.

This is a picture from "Girls Movie Night" last Friday. We watched "Bride Wars", we weren't too thrilled. ;)

Monday night I had a Girl Scout graduating seniors recognition ceremony. Below are some pictures from that.

The CEO of our Council & Me

Kelsey & I

The Candle Closing Ceremony, Kelsey, Me, & Mary

My Graduation

2009-05-07T10:50:00.003-05:00

I realized as I was putting this video together, that I didn't get pictures with Mimi & Papa, or any of my graduating friends. I guess we will have to dress up again. ;)

Graduation!!!

2009-04-26T16:38:00.002-05:00

Well it's over! I "graduated" on Friday night, April 24th 2009. I say "graduated" because my parents haven't signed the diploma as I haven't finished all my school yet. It was fun though. I will post pictures later.

On Thursday night we had rehearsal to learn when to stand, sit down, walk this way, start here, stop here, etc. I ended up leading the line as we went in reverse alphabetical order...I'm not used to that. All was going well until an uninvited visitor showed up...a bat. I swear that thing was out to get me, it almost flew into me twice! As most of you know I am terrified of mice and bats are just mice...with wings! But I'm proud to say I only squealed several times and covered my face(don't worry, the camera guy got it ALL on tape...). I didn't run around screaming or climb on top of anyone's head, so all is well.

Friday morning, Dad went to work and Mom went to the conference so the kids and I were at home. I woke up at 7:30 wide awake, so I cleaned (or should I say FOUND) my desk and then went and made myself an omelet for breakfast(I have been obsessed with them of late!). I then corralled all the kids and we cleaned the kitchen/Living Room/Bathrooms. We then went outside and cleaned all the leaves out of the front flowerbeds/patio and washed the dogs. Ha ha...that was an experience. Darcy was great, he didn't necessarily enjoy it, but he obeyed. Ginger on the other hand DESPISES baths, we chased her all over the neighborhood trying to catch her. Finally we got her washed and what do you think she did? Went and rolled in the mud!!!! I KNOW she did it just to spite us...

Friday afternoon arrived, the kids were showered, girls hair combed, and Mimi and Papa arrive. We all scurry about getting ready, and finally leave the house at 3:30. We get to the graduation building and wait to have our family/group/individual pictures taken. We finish that, wait around for awhile, take more pictures, then I head out to line up for the processional. I guess they lost the speaker prior to the ceremony and were planning on starting without him, it was pretty funny, all the pages were running around with walkie-talkies checking in every room and bathroom. I guess they eventually found him, for he gave a short, I mean SHORT speech. But that was good for it was a 2 hour long ceremony anyway. We received a letter from the State, and our parents gave us our diplomas after talking about/to us. No tears, so that's good, as I said, raccoon eyes=not good. We walked out, actually the girl in front of me was at least a foot taller than me loped out...LOL I was left trotting along in my heels...;) I then spent the next 20 minutes with lots of hugs and pictures.

After the ceremony my family, Mimi & Papa, Judy, and I went out to eat at Olive Garden. I also opened 2 of my gifts, a pink heart necklace from Aunt Angie & Uncle Aaron, and a tripod from Mom and Dad. They told me we had to go get the "top part" tomorrow(Saturday)! So yes, on Saturday I went and got a new Canon Rebel, which takes such nice pictures! I'm still trying to figure out how to best use it. I also received a gorgeous pink sapphire & diamond ring from Mimi & Papa, I'm in LOVE with it! My piano teacher also gave me a graduation photo book.

So all in all a very lovely experience! I'm sorry you couldn't come Grandma (and any other relations who might be reading this) I will be sending you some souvenirs soon!

To God be the Glory!

Kara

He is Risen Indeed!

2009-04-11T21:55:00.006-05:00

Easter. It brings up many different pictures in my mind. There's the cute little bunnies and chicks hopping around brightly colored eggs; chocolate candies and jelly beans, and Easter egg hunts as a kid. But also in my mind is a Cross, a cross that is empty yet so full. A tomb, a tomb that no longer keeps my Saviour captive. There really are no words to express my praise and love for the God who took my place, and surrendered His life for me.

Every Easter I am reminded of a song, one of my favorites. Surprisingly, it comes from a Veggie Tales movie. It is called "Hope's Song" and was sung by Rebecca St. James for the movie "An Easter Carol". Please enjoy the video and beautiful song. I challenge you to take the time today (and everyday for that matter) to spend some time praising and thanking Jesus Christ for His unending love. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Megan's 9th Birthday

2009-04-09T11:03:00.004-05:00

Megan's 9th birthday was on Monday, so we took our family and 3 of her friends to Incredible Pizza. The girls had a lot of fun, and they all came home with some "special prizes". Lol, one of the little girls remarked, "I love Incredible Pizza, because it feels like everyone's birthday!"

The older girls played a game of putt-putt for our golf/PE class. I won with a -2! :D I think I'm going to become a professional putt-putt golfer. :D

Madalyn making friends with the ugly dinosaur on the putt putt green.

Gabe played a "Jackpot" type game and won 800+ tickets! Being the sweet brother, he used them to get Megan a stuffed dog.

The Little Girls LtoR: Mallory, Kate, Megan, & Paige

Luke whacking some hippos!

Megan & Mallory with "the cake" LtoR: Megan, Mallory, Becca, Gabe, Paige, & Kate
Megan received a bat and ball, a sparkly ball, some lip gloss, as well as assorted other things.
Dad getting some work in.

The older girls put all their tickets together, 800+ of them, and got this cute frog we named Mr. Bingley, after the Jane Austen Character.

"My Sunday Kids"

2009-04-09T10:44:00.002-05:00

On Sunday nights I babysit for a home group at our church. It is so much fun to play with the kids and hear what they have to say. This Sunday we were playing Hide-&-Seek and Taylor was "helping" me count. I would say the number and she would echo, it was so cute! We got up to "23!...23!, 24!...24!, 25!....Are we done yet?!?" Lol I burst out laughing, it was so funny! Enjoy!

Ellen and Miss Judy(yes I know you love me now...)

The boys LtoR: Eben, River, Cael, Jake

Beautiful little Maddie

The Siamese Twins Ashton & Kennedy

Owen & Taylor (Aren't they precious!!!)

Recital 2009

2009-04-09T10:12:00.002-05:00

Saturday April 4th, was our family's music recital. Everyone except Luke performed, and all played piano except Emily who played viola. We all did pretty well! This was probably my last piano recital so it was a semi-sweet moment. Below are pictures with our teachers and a list of what we performed.

Kara: Rachmaninoff Op. 23 #5

Abby: Mozart Fantasia I

Madalyn: "Big Sky"-Jim Brickman & own composition "Ruhrung"

Emily: "Greensleeves"

Gabe: Jurassic Park Theme

Becca & Megan: Piano Duet "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"

The Phantom of the Opera

2009-03-27T18:58:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Mom, Abby, Kara P, Becca, Megan, my grandma, great grandma, aunt, and I went to KC to see the Phantom of the Opera. IT WAS SOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!!!! EXCELLENT! SUPERB! PHENOMENAL! OUTSTANDING! I could gush on it forever... We attended the 2:00 matinee, I was ready to go see the 8:00 show! The actor who played the Phantom was breathtaking, he WAS the Phantom! Christine was great, and Raoul was ok, but he seemed a little snobbish. Patrick Wilson is still my favorite Raoul. Needless to say, I'm going to do everything in my power to go see it again!

We did have meet an interesting person at the show though. :S I came out of the bathroom and saw my grandma talking to a guy. I didn't recognize him but I figured he must have known her since he kept putting his hand on her back...When we finally got away from the extremely extroverted person, I discovered, she had never met him before in her life! I was a little creeped out, but thought nothing of it as we went into the Theater. Sitting in the Theater with hundreds of seats, I realize that the person sitting directly NEXT to us is...yep you guessed it...Mr. Social-Freak. I was getting very worried and just started praying...:D He asked Abby( who had the unfortunate task of sitting next to the guy) a zillion questions and was getting very personal and was very controlling of the conversation. Finally Kara, being the brilliant mastermind she is, steered him to other topics. LOL!!! When she found out he didn't know what an oboe was, she promptly started discussing classical music. :D It shut him up a little bit. Thankfully he didn't talk during the show...I probably would have done something not so kind...ANYWAY! The moral of this story is, always stay in a group...and always ask nosy people their opinion on Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #4...

Beautiful, Beautiful

2009-03-22T21:31:00.006-05:00

Happy Spring my friends! I have been loving this weather, I spent almost the entire day outside! Let's see here is a summary of my life as of March 2009.

School
As you know, this is my last year of high school. I actually only have about 7 weeks left of school, which is a terrifying yet exhilarating thought. I have to take the last test in Chemistry and Economics and I will be done with them. Then I just have Advanced Biology, Geometry, and American History left. I am also doing a Speech class, we are working on a type of persuasive speech at the moment. Kara P., Mom, and I are also doing a Jane Austen literature study, we are currently reading "Emma" our 3rd book.

Graduation
I will be graduating in a homeschool graduation on April 24th. It will be interesting, I'm just praying now that I won't start crying...raccoon eyes are not very fashionable. :D I will be sending out more info soon.

College
I have yet to send in a college application which is really starting to get me worried, but I am trying to remain calm and hopefully we can get it in this week.

Music
My last piano recital is in 2 weeks, and I have about 8 measures remaining that I cannot seem to get memorized, it is driving me insane! The other bad thing is my song wears me out after playing it about 2-3 times, so its hard to practice repetitiously. More practice needed...

Spring Break...or rather lack thereof
This week is somewhat of a Spring Break for me as I don't have several of my babysitting obligations. On Tuesday we are going up to my grandparents house to watch Mom's old home videos we had but on DVD for Christmas. Due to crazy work schedules this is the soonest we could get together. Then on Thursday, we are heading back up there to go see "The Phantom of the Opera"!!!! I am so excited! Friday is back to Orchestra.

Learning
What God has been teaching me now is sometimes your dreams and plans just aren't what God has for you, at least right now. To surrender my dreams and aspirations is very hard, but I am reminded by the verse, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight." I am so thankful for a patient loving God who gently teaches me and doesn't give up on me. One of my recent discoveries has a gift for writing beautiful lyrics and music. Please take time to listen to this song called "Beautiful, Beautiful" by Francesca Battistelli. "Forever Love" is another favorite.

A picture Becca and I took today

Nursing, Phantom, & Cups That Turn Blue!

2009-03-02T21:53:00.006-06:00

Well I am back to writing blog entries. Facebook has completely wreaked my Blogger life. :D Here goes...

Last Saturday I went to the local nursing school that I am thinking about attending this fall as they were having a special Nursing Fair. Mom, Kara P, and I went and it was great! I learned that taking the same basic general ed and pre-reqs at the nursing school rather than the mother campus is way less than half the price! Also I got to see the books that they use for their science classes, the Anatomy 1 class book is basically the same thing I am studying now, and I knew 2/3 of the chemistry book! That made me feel a lot better knowing that I wasn't going to be so much in over my head. We got a lot of great information about the school and nursing in particular so I am really excited. I also got to meet several of the professors/teachers and they were all really nice and informative.

The Pediatric teacher also commented on I believe you Jessie! Lol, she found out we were homeschooled and told us about one of her homeschooled students who graduated last year whom she absolutely loved. Mom and I instantly thought of you. :D On a side note we also got these awesome cups that turn purple when cold and blue when warm! Isn't that exciting! Ok that was my little girl moment. :D If you know me, you know I have a lot of those, let's just say I'm easily amused.

Let's see the rest of the week is pretty much normal, I have piano and speech tomorrow. 2 rounds of babysitting on Wednesday, and nothing Thursday. On Friday however we have a crazy schedule with extra rehearsal times. I'm hoping to have a chance to eat sometime throughout the 8 1/2 hour day. :D

On March 26, I get to go see the Broadway production of "The Phantom of the Opera" in KC. I am SO EXCITED!!! That has always been one of my favorites so when I found out it was in KC, I had to go. Well I think that is about it, have a great week!

Kara

P.S. Here is a sweet quote I found today, had to share!

"Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can't live without.”- Dr. James Dobson

My Weekend & a Valentine's Day Thought

2009-02-15T15:17:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone! I have had an exhausting, yet great weekend. On Friday we had normal Orchestra/Choir classes, but with an added 45 minute rehearsal for our performance Saturday morning. We didn't get home until 7:30 pm.

Saturday morning, we had to be in S-town at 8:45 for a Valentine's breakfast. After which Kara P, Abby & I hung out in Springfield shopping and eating. Yes, here is the headline, I tried Starbucks and I am in LOVE!!! Wonderful stuff, I had a Vanilla Latte and I am going to have to study up on my Starbucks lingo.

We then went to an amazing, beautiful Symphony concert at 7:30. They played West Side Story, Rhapsody in Blue, Romeo & Juliet, and Warsaw Concerto which I had never heard before but loved it. What is really bad about going to the symphony is it always makes me want to learn another instrument, man those french horns are awesome, and the percussion people. I really want to get a piccolo too, they are so stinkin' cute!

Valentine's Day, aka Singles Awareness day...it does make you think. On the holiday celebrating love, as a single, it does make you wonder and miss that connection you would have with a spouse. But, I know that what God has called me for right now is to be focused on Him. I think so many young people today, even those who are Christians, miss that special bonding time that was made to be between you and your Lord. Everyone wants a strong and lasting marriage, but the only way to achieve that is if it is built on a rock, the Rock. By taking this time, to dig deeper into God's word, by studying His word, you get to know the Matchmaker and ultimately prepare your heart and your life for another.

When I was 14 years old, I was reading a book in The Life of Faith Series. In this book, the main character was given a challenge by her mother to surrender her heart to Jesus, and give Him the key. He was to be the one to decide who AND when it was to be unlocked. This struck a chord in my life, and I surrendered that part of me to my Jesus.

Several years ago, I read a fictional story that illustrated this walk. Here is my summary of it.

You sit, looking at an uncompleted painting. The Artist skillfully, expertly brushes paint across the canvas. Yet you sit staring at it...a blank spot. "Artist, look here, its empty, there is nothing there."
"In my time, child", He lovingly answers.
I sit there staring at this blank spot, for what seemed like ages, getting angry that He wasn't doing anything with it. "When are you going to do this part?", I ask impatiently.
The Artist gently calls, "My Child, take a step back."
When I did, my heart stopped, all around the blank spot was a beautiful picture. Of me. It was my life, orchestrated in a beautiful collage of colors. I am in awe yet I still ask, "But why haven't you painted the blank spot?"
He sighs, and takes my hand, "You were so caught up in the one blank spot in your life that you missed all the other beauty that I was creating, and improving. One day, it will be time to complete it, but with all the other colors around it, it will make the blank spot all the more beautiful when completed. Trust Me"

This beautiful story resonated with me, I didn't want to stare at the blank spot of my love life and miss all the other things God was teaching me.

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."-Psalm 37:4

Now don't take this verse as, "If I obey God He will give me whatever I want." He may, but He may not. What He promises is that if you trust Him, He will give you your true hearts desire, whats best for you. Rest in that, and enjoy the painting.

Rebecca Faith: Sensitive

2009-01-25T15:01:00.005-06:00

I was thinking the other night that I only got a 1/4 of the way through my sibling bios. If you missed Megan & Luke's click their names. Next in line is Becca.

Rebecca was born on May 23, 1998, I was 7 and I still remember it. She was the first baby that I actually got to help with. I guess I was a very advanced 7 year old, I changed diapers, did laundry, and cooked meals. I remember Becca was a very round baby, big cheeks and thighs(lol she is going to love me) and I carried her everywhere.

As she got a little older, she loved dolls, dress-up, and anything pink and frilly. A couple years later she turned to horses and says she doesn't like anything "girly", I think otherwise.

She is a very warm, friendly little girl, but can also be very sensitive and emotional, I guess following in some of her sisters footsteps...She is also very funny, and loves to laugh. Megan and Becca are often referred to as the Siamese twins for they are seldom found without the other.

Becca's lifelong best friend KandaceOne of my first "photo shoots" I used to make one of the kids my "doll" for the day, dress them up and take a bunch of pictures.

Another shoot, a normal Becca face.

Becca, Megan, and a friend's mini pony

Becca & Megan dressed themselves up and asked me to take their picture

Becca being Becca

One of their latest concoctions, I think they are mutant mice from Mars...or Mickey Mouse

A Week in the Life of Me

2009-01-17T10:14:00.003-06:00

I guess it is time to post something, I haven't because there is really nothing worthwhile to post about right now. But for the sake of all you thousands of people who hang on my every word(ha ha), here is some stuff from my life.

A Week in the Life of Me

Monday
After breakfast I do some sort of exercise, lately it has been Pilates. I have noticed a very great reduction in my back pain since starting it, which is awesome. I then do my school, lunch sometime in between and then get ready for Jane Austen literature class, and P.E. class. Our P.E. classes have included going bowling. Lol my highest score this week is 78...yeah not good. I then go to teach 3 lessons at 4:00. Dinner finishes up Monday.

Tuesday
Same morning routine, then I go to piano lessons at 11:00. Grab lunch and head to Speech class from 1-3. I then get to go home, maybe get some school in, and then teach 2 lessons at 4:30.

Wednesday
Breakfast-Exercise-School. I go to teach 4 lessons at 3:30, grab dinner, and then got babysit for a homegroup.

Thursday
Breakfast-Exercise-School. I actually don't usually have to do anything until 5:00 for another bowling experience (it is completely tearing up my nails!).

Friday
Mom wakes us up at 6:30, we fight over the bathroom, and finally get out the door around 8:00. After picking up a couple friends, we head to Orchestra. I have the chamber choir class first, then Jane Austen class. Next is another choir class, lunch, followed by 3 orchestra classes. By the time 4 comes around I am completely dead. We go home and I hide out in my room until dinner. Abby, Madalyn, Emily, and I sometimes watch a movie after dinner or just goof off. :D

Saturday
Thankfully, NOTHING!!!!

Sunday
We go to Sunday school at 9:30, church starts at 10:30. I alternate from Childrens church on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th sundays, Nursery on the 4th, and the 2nd sunday getting to listen in "big" church. Sometimes we go out to eat, which is usually El Rodeo(if you haven't ever been, you're missing out), or we go home to eat what Dad cooked for lunch. I relax a couple hours, then prepare the lesson/craft/snack for babysitting that night for Growing Kids and a home group. We usually have 18 "older kids" and last week I started a lesson series based on the book "The Treasure Tree". Last weeks lesson was on how the Bible is our "treasure map" to the greatest treasure. We also made mini pizzas with biscuits, the kids LOVE to cook. Tomorrow I believe the lesson is on bravery and being a good leader.

That pretty much finishes out my week, nothing too exciting, just trying to remember to do the next thing and not worry about "later". At the moment I am prepping for taking the ACT hopefully for the last time on February 7th. I would appreciate prayer, at least to help me not worry so much about it.

Lol, as you can tell in the last couple of posts, worry is defiantly one of my faults I am trying to improve. I think this is an issue for a lot of people, I just try to remember that I gave all my worry to the Lord, and to not be an "Indian Giver". If you give Him your fears/worries, don't try to take them back, they are His. Just live one step at a time.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.- 1 Peter 5:7
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.- Psalm 68:19
Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.-Psalm 55:22
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life.- Matthew 6:27

Me explaining to Abby the benefits of coloring in the lines...

The fabulous bowlers....

Oh Danny Boy, Oh Boy Oh Boy...

2009-01-10T20:30:00.001-06:00

Ok, so when we were looking for some songs on YouTube, we came across this version of "Danny Boy" by the Muppets. Lol, we are in love with Animal! Enjoy!

Kara

I've Entered the world of Facebook!!!

2009-01-06T15:46:00.000-06:00

Hey, so I (finally) joined Facebook, so you can now be my "friend"! Isn't that exciting...lol. Have a great day!

Kara

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T18:28:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe how fast the past year has gone by, especially since it is my last year of High School. Here are some highlights of my last year...

Turned 18 years old(almost an adult)
Went on my first extended trip by myself
Senior year in High School
Earned the Gold Award, the highest Award in Girl Scouting
Participated in 3 Orchestra classes and 2 Choirs
Performed a Chopin piece for my Spring Piano Recital
Took a family trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Welcomed 2 new cousins and an uncle into the family
Enjoyed our new pool in the backyard
Read 83 books
Finished 1/2 of the Bible(I'll be done in May)
Most importantly, I have grown in my faith, love, and knowledge of Jesus Christ

We did have a fantastic New Years Card Party, I will post about it later. But here are some pictures of Luke...outside...in shorts...in 70 degree weather...on December 30th?!? Only in Missouri!

Kara

Our Dogs: Ginger & Darcy

2008-12-29T10:11:00.004-06:00

Lol, Emily begged me to post about our dogs, and she had taken some funny pictures of them so I agreed.

We got Ginger from the Humane Society in 1998, I guess it was because I was terrified of dogs. Lol for the first 2 months we had Ginger I would scream everytime I had to come outside, shaking and crying. Oh dear, I scared one of our neighbors who came running down making sure I wasn't dying. :D But I have conquered my fear of dogs.

Yesterday, Emily, Becca and I were playing fetch/tug of war with Darcy. Ginger NEVER played fetch...she chased rocks. Now she doesn't even do that. Lol, she had 8 puppies in 1999, and after that and we got her fixed, she just lays around. Oh she does patrol the area...think Hank the Cowdog, I'm serious!

Gabe & Ginger Darcy begging to come in the Garage

Lol, she hs such a tiny head! Also when she sniffs, her nose goes to the side, lol!

Lunch time!

lol, this is Darcy's freaky glowing eyes...

Christmas: Part 2

2008-12-29T09:35:00.004-06:00

Last Saturday we went up to my Moms Family Christmas Lunch. Her aunts/uncles and some of her cousins and their kids were there. I believe we had about 24 people counting our family. We just ate lunch, talked, and when we realized the rain was starting to ice, skedaddled home. Here are some pics courtesy of Becca & Emily. Stay tuned for Christmas: Part 3 and our New Years Eve Pitch Party!

Our cousin Lily

Cousin Clara & Megan

Food!

More Food!

People...:D

Papa & Madalyn

The "Men" playing Pitch

Cousin Blake & Megan

Mom & Clara

Christmas: Part 1

2008-12-26T14:26:00.009-06:00

Merry Christmas everybody! I hope you all had a blessed Christmas, I certainly did! :D Here are some highlights of Part 1 of Christmas 2008.

Bobo Fett(aka Luke)

Kara & Megan trying out Meg's new toy

Madalyn in her new moon chair

Emily & Gabe unwrapping

"Little Chef"

Quinci, the little cutie & Mom

Abby trying out her new amp

Quinci shows a goofy face

Nana & Quinci

Uncle Del the chef

Luke making his volcano from Uncle Chris & Aunt Dee

Santa Cookies!

2008-12-15T21:06:00.003-06:00

Tonight Abby, Madalyn, Emily, and I made these super cute Santa cookies! I have been dying to make them for a long time. So when I had to make snack for speech class the week before Christmas, I had to make them. Sorry for the really bad quality photos, our camera is dying. Aren't they cute! Enjoy!

Kara

Before...

...all the little elves...
Ahh how cute!

We had a nice assembly line going

After...Ta da!!!!

Surprises & Cousins

2008-12-15T10:53:00.005-06:00

Saturday we went to KC to surprise my grandma for a birthday lunch. She had no idea we were coming up and was very surprised when all of the aunts and uncles were at Olive Garden when she arrived. All the kids stayed at my Aunt & Uncles house, there were 11 of us, plus 2 dogs. :D I fed them lunch and then they played, and watched TV. I also got to spend some time with my new baby cousin Quinci. She is so cute, and as long as she stayed in the same position with the same person, she was happy. When I changed her diaper, she just laughed! It was so cute! Enjoy the pictures!

Yesterday I went to our local High School's choir performances. Their Chamber/Show Choir was awesome! They did some really cool/funny/creative pieces. Savannah if you are reading this, you guys are awesome! It makes me really excited to see what Mrs. S has in store for us next semester! :D

Last night I was babysitting at church and I had the kids(10 of them ages 2-8) decorate Apple/Cinnamon ornaments we made last week. They turned out really cute and only one little boy tried to eat it. I meant to get some pictures but I was too busy to think about it! :D

I can't believe it is 10 days until Christmas, it is so crazy! I really need to go shopping, but I have no clue what to get. Argh...plus my parents are really hard to shop for, we always end up getting them the same thing. It's not very exciting..."Oh yeah licorice and socks...again!" :P Hopefully I will come up with something. Have a great day!

Kara

P.S. I just realized I didn't get a picture of Megan, I don't know where she was.

Emily, Gabe, Jacob, & Cole playing football

Abby supervising the game

Luke & Becca Madalyn & Quinci Quinci & Myself (man I look tired) Little Quinci Elizabeth Isn't she cute!

Countdown: My Favorite Christmas Movies

2008-12-11T11:41:00.003-06:00

For the sake of having nothing else to post, and getting into the Christmas mood, I am going to share my favorite Christmas movies. It was hard to put them in order after #6, they all kind of blend. :D Lol, you might be surprised to see Rudolph and Frosty so close the the bottom, I guess I am kind of burnt out on them. Too many viewings. :D Although I am in love with the little kid on Frosty who when trying to decide a name for Frosty suggests, "Oatmeal!" :D If you have any favorites or question my selections, please comment. :D Here goes:

1. White Christmas
2. It’s a Wonderful Life
3. Mrs. Santa Claus
4. Miracle on 34th Street
5. The Wish that Changed Christmas
6. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
7. The Year Without a Santa Claus

8. The Santa Claus movies
9. The Christmas Shoes
10. Peanuts Christmas
11. Garfield Christmas
12. Snowden & Raggedy Ann & Andy
13. Barbie in the Nutcracker
14. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
15. Frosty the Snowman
16. Mickey’s Christmas Carol

Some of these may not be really well known, such as the Wish that Changed Christmas, its an old animated TV show that I fell in love with. I don't know if they even have them for sale, we taped it off of the TV years ago. Also Mrs. Santa Claus is a Disney musical starring Angela Lansbury that is fabulous! Snowden are Ice Skating/TV movie series, very cutsie-pie-ish. :D Lol how's that for a description!

Some other Christmas traditions we have are we always have Christmas Eve at our house. Usually we go have Communion at church, then come home and read the Christmas Story out of the Bible over cookies and Egg Nog. Dad has also semi-annually carved a new character out of the story, these are then used to portray the story.(see picture below)

On Christmas morning, we all have to go to my parents room to wait for everyone, I'm usually the last one up. :D We then head to the tree and in semi-chaos unwrap the gifts. Oh another thing we do is instead of leaving milk and cookies for Santa. We leave popcorn for our "Santa's", they seem to like that better. :D

I haven't even begun Christmas gift shopping, I'm always kind of a last minute gift-buyer. Not a good idea...anyway, I'd better get crackin'!

Kara

Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T20:34:00.005-06:00

Hey, well we are back from 2 days of eating. Lol, isn't that what Thanksgiving is about? No actually I did enjoy seeing my family as well as meeting the new members and discovering soon-to-be members. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy, I took a couple but Gabe took a lot of them.

Abby, Grandma, and Madalyn

Uncle Chris, Dad's brother(in case you couldn't tell)

My cousin Amber, her husband Brian, and their 8-month son Elliott. They also announced they would be welcoming a 2nd child next year!

My Cousin Mindy and her boyfriend Brian (Yeah I know, we have 2 Brian's and 2 Mindy's)

Aunt Anne and her husband Doug

My twin cousins, age 3, Riley(back) and Sullivan; their parents are expecting in March!

Abby rocked Elliott to sleep, too cute! Becca & Elliott Madalyn the Camera Woman We took our Wii and projected it up on the wall. Here the boys are having a go, (LtoR)Riley, Brian, Uncle Chris, Uncle Bob, Nathanael(the twins dad), Gabe, Luke, Megan Becca, Megan, Riley, & Sullivan hiding from Gabe, too funny Card game time!

This was actually this morning, we like to be cozy, except Abby, maybe she is the smart one of the group?!? We actually do sit like this sometimes...are we weird or what?

Re: Christianity? vs. Intolerance?

2008-11-26T15:09:00.003-06:00

This is my response to the disscussion originally found on Strider's blog.

Ok, first off, I admire you guys for having the courage to tackle these topics. Secondly, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, mine included, so please do not take this the wrong way.

I believe that the young man who stood up was in the right, for he had started the conversation by standing up. Let’s look at it this way, if after the professor had left the young man had left too, he might have been viewed as being ashamed. If he had sat back down he might have closed off the opportunity to share his faith with others who were interested.

I also disagree that he was “forcing” his views on them. For as it said in the video, he was “sharing his faith”, while the professor had actually set out to change people’s views to what he believed, and critized those who might think differently. Also the student had no way of keeping those who might not want to hear about Christ in the room, they could have easily walked out. The professor, while he might not have a physical cage, kept the people listening to him, because the people had to take the class. Thus the difference between the 2 views and the way they shared them are vastly different.

On to the second subject, I whole-heartedly believe in living a life that people see as “different”. That is actually a prayer I pray every day, to let others see Jesus through me. But I also believe that if your faith, or the question of Jesus is attacked or questioned, you should be ready to defend it and give the reason why you believe the way you do.

At the risk of sounding unkind, I do believe that sometimes you may have to “offend” people. As the Christian comedian/speaker Brad Stine said, “There is a difference between maliciously offending someone, and someone being offended by truth. If they are offended because you are speaking the truth, that’s not your problem.” I admire Brad Stine, and although he can sometimes be too in your face, he has no qualms about standing up for Christ.

That brings us to the topic of truth, is there an absolute truth? I believe there is, it’s called Jesus.
John 6:47- I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.
John 14:6- Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Now obviously these verses will mean nothing to you if you do not believe the Bible is the Word of God. I think Brad Stine did an excellent job on this subject so please watch this clip from one of his shows. The first 4 minutes speak on the Bible’s accuracy and the last minute and a half talk about the hope that Jesus has given us.

Hopefully you watched the amazing video; I think that pretty much covers it. It is a choice, like he said if there is no God, then when you die you’ll never know. But I love to rest in the fact that Jesus is going to say “Hey I know Kara, she lived for me, come into My Kingdom.”

Here is something else to think about. Look at our bodies. As I am learning in Anatomy, they are the most highly advanced machine ever created. I will use just one part, the bone and joint. Synovial joints are your most common joints in your body, such as your shoulder, your knee, elbow, etc. In this type of joint the end of your bones are covered with articular cartilage which act as a “hard plastic coating” and protect the bone tissue when they rub against each other. But obviously this would still cause friction thus reducing the efficiency of motion, and the heat would be damaging for the tissue. So what does your body do? It has a membrane capsule around the entire joint that produces its own lubricant, synovial fluid, to lubricate the joint which reduces the friction. Also each of the 6 different types of synovial joints are perfectly designed to support or provide sufficient movement for each part of your body.

Now let’s compare this genius machine to an automobile, one of the most advanced man-made machines. The car is much like joints as it has parts that rub up against each other, but unlike the bones they do not have a hard plastic covering which protects them. If they did cars would not break down and need new parts as often. Also automobiles use oil, much like the synovial fluid, to lubricate the moving parts. But cars do not make their own lubricant; you have to put it in.

Now let’s say I took you into my backyard, showed you a car and told you that it was created by a tornado that blew a bunch of scrap metal around and it just happened to form a vehicle! Would you believe it? Of course not. Yet people believe that our bodies, the most technologically advanced machine ever created, happened by chance?

To close I want to share what one of my heroes, the band BarlowGirl had to say on the subject of witnessing and standing up. When they were writing their most recent album, they were discussing the growing trend of “If I just live a good life and be kind, people will see that and ask me so then I will be able to share about Jesus. But you know I don’t want to offend people so I just won’t say His name.” Then BarlowGirl had a light bulb, “Wait a second, Jesus gave His LIFE for me! And here I am too scared to stand up for what I believe in and say ‘I believe in Jesus! Jesus is the Way!’” That really brought it home for me. There is power in the Name of Jesus; we must not forget it as a Christian. Don’t be afraid!

Ok thanks for bearing with me, I pray that I have spoken truth, because although I try to live for God at all times, I am human and do slip up. If you have any questions or comments please feel free!

Kara

My "Nutty as Fruitcake" Weekend

2008-11-24T20:45:00.004-06:00

Lol, "nutty as fruitcake" is actually a synonym for crazy! Hey it works!

As you know, last Friday was my 18th birthday. We had Orchestra and Choir, as well as choir solo/duet tryouts, and I get one of the solo parts! :D I'm really excited but I'm just hoping I won't get mad at myself later when the nerves kick in. They shouldn't be to bad as I will be singing with at least one other girl.

After Orchestra, the rest of the family went to Dad's church music practice(my Dad leads the worship at our church), and I went on home to prepare my birthday dinner. It turned out ok, I think the chickens must have been well over-the-hill and started up the next, they were a little tough. :D Mom and Dad surprised me with a great variety of cheesecake and a new pair of earrings.

Ok, now I got my ears pierced in August, but I had never taken my earrings out. I have always been a little squeamish around needles, and have been very wary of removing them. Mom finally pulled them out and I attempted to put my new ones in...I thought I was going to pass out. Lol it is funny now but not then, I honestly thought i was going to be sick! I did get one in by myself, but had to have mom do the other. Madalyn and Mom said I was white as a sheet...oh dear. I am a little weird and I have always wanted to pass out, just to see what it felt like, so I jokingly told mom "Ohh, I almost fainted, lets take them out and try it again!" :D Needless to say, I better get used to earrings and needles real quick!

On Saturday, Mom, Abby, Madalyn, Kara P, her mom, and I went shopping. We had a 10 hour shopping day, and I'm proud to say, Abby made it through most of it. Poor thing, she has to suffer through Madalyn and I's frantic-nonstop- shopping- frenzy. :D I came home with 3 tops, a pair of jeans, an awesome wallet, and several articles of jewelry. And *shock-awe* I found jeans that were TOO SHORT!!!! It was hilarious, if pants are too short on ME, they must be made for midgets. lol...not funny.

Sunday was church, I spent the entire morning in the nursery, and than babysat that night. Lol I think I am going to turn into a kid.

Today, I babysat in the morning, had literature class till 4, and then taught piano lessons. Lol school, what school!?!? I am so behind in chemistry its not even funny. By the way, if anyone who reads this blog is proficient in Geometry, would you PLEASE help me? Its not good...I'd even take hours of Algebra over it!

It is a struggle as we go into this time of Thanksgiving to remember all the blessings I have been given. Even with all the weight and stress of college applications, school, work and music, God has been constantly reminding me, "I'm here, trust Me." I am very prone to worrying and God has been working on my heart, reminding me that worrying is a sin, it is a lack of trusting God, because He said "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I also tend to get very emotionaly and physically drained, yet He gives us the strength and hope to "keep on keeping on". As it says in Isaiah 40: 31 "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." It reminds me of this sweet story, last Wednesday at the Bible Study I babysit for, a little boy came in and he was tired and wanted to go home to his bed.(reminds me of me) His mom is an amazing lady, she said "Well we can't go home right now, but say this, Jesus", to which to boy echoed, "I'm tired. Please give me energy." She then said, "He heard your prayer!" I was completely struck by the simplicity of the little boys prayer and the moms gentle reminder. Why was I trying to bear this alone? When Jesus was standing right there, ready to help shoulder the burden and give me energy. I am so thankful that God puts those "Ah ha" moments for us to learn from. I am also thankful that I have the opportunity to apply for college, go shopping, learn, and play music. There are so many in the world who don't even have that. Anyway, thanks for bearing with me, I just felt a burden to share it. God bless!

On a lighter note, you have to read Madalyn's latest Blog Entry, I almost died laughing. If you wanted to see what goes on in our house, that's pretty much it. He is a nut.

Kara

Happy {early} Birthday to me!!!

2008-11-20T16:08:00.003-06:00

The other day I gathered up the kids to take some pictures for our Christmas cards. We already had black shirts from our professional portraits, so now to get some smiles. If you have ever tried to take a picture of my siblings, you understand. Anyway, we braved the cold, and I was really pleased with the results! I only wish I had a better camera...oh well. I don't want to post any other poses so I don't ruin the surprise for Christmas.

By the way, have you noticed Christmas is in 35 days!?!? I can't believe the year has gone by this fast, its crazy. Tomorrow is my 18th birthday, and next Thursday is Thanksgiving! I don't know what I'm going to do for my birthday. I'll probably end up going shopping, but hey, I'm fine with that! Thursday we are headed up to my Dad's family to celebrate Thanksgiving. It will be exciting to see all my relatives as well as my new cousin Elliot I have yet to see!

This week I have been babysitting a TON. I believe I'm up to 18 hours so far, and I'm babysitting again tonight. I guess it is less than a part time job, but when you spend that much time with little kids, it can get draining. I love it, but it is exhausting!

I think I am going to try out for a choir solo(duet) tomorrow. We were supposed to try out last week but we had a guest performer come and that cut our class time short. It is intimidating as our Christmas concerts start in 2 weeks. Hopefully we can pull it together!

Lol, I feel like this has been a really rambling, senseless post but thanks for bearing with me.

Kara

Choir Ideas

2008-11-16T21:32:00.003-06:00

This is just a brief post, I wanted to share these beautiful choral pieces I am in love with. Musica Dei I heard at our local high school choir concert. And I found the Be Thou My Vision when I was browsing for arrangements of the hymn. Listen to them and let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Kara

Help us find him a home!

2008-11-06T21:12:00.003-06:00

As you probably know, a stray dog showed up at our house last week. Since he is not going away, and he is so cute and pitiful, we are trying to find him a home. If you, or someone you know, would like to take him home, let us know!

I have no idea what breed he is other than mutt. But he is very sweet and has obviously been around people. We are guessing he is under a year old, yet he is fairly large. Look at that darling face... and I don't even like dogs! :D Please help!

Kara

P.S. We have temporarily named him Darcy, after the great literary hero. :D (you'll never guess who came up with that name....)

Indianapolis Trip

2008-11-03T17:55:00.006-06:00

Hey guys, I'm back! I got back late last night after a long bus ride. Here are some of the highlights of my week.

Tuesday

We left Springfield at 9:00am and drove until 7:00pm ET. We then checked into our Hilton and ate pizza with the rest of the group. Savannah, Kelsey, our roommate Rebecca, Ladybug, and I went to view the downtown area. It is BEAUTIFUL! I never thought of Indianapolis as a good scenic/tourist location, but I was pleasantly surprised. Some pics are below.

Monument Circle

LtoR: Kelsey, Savannah, Rebecca, Me
Capital from the Monument

Wednesday

We went to walk around the downtown with the big group, and then went to the Historical Society, very cool. I researched my paternal Grandpas name and it came up with a man who in 1920 was 58. While it wasn't my grandpa, he lived in Garden City MO! :O My moms parents live in GC so it was pretty cool to find an unknown connection.
We then headed to the Convention center to register for the Leadership Institute. I was put in 7 classes, with 2 on Wednesday. The topics this day were Deskercize and Spa Day, Everyday. lol they were interesting. Nothing I didn't know anyway. Hey but I did get a massage, it was wonderful!

We ate dinner with the girls at the Institute, and headed to a KeKe Palmer concert. (If you don't know who she is, she is a Disney actress/singer, I didn't know either) It wasn't my style of music, and our seats were not good, and it was cold. But I did get her autograph, lol it goes into my scrapbook.

After the concert they had a girls party with food, music, more spa stuff, and lots of freebies. I was exhausted so we didn't stay very late. Rebecca, Mary, Savannah, Me

Thursday

We went back to the Institute and had 5 more workshops. I had 1 on Domestic Violence Awareness, Safe Dating(whoo hoo...), Stress Address, Obesity Awareness, and one called Hello Beautiful. When we first crowded into the room, the black lady had a red-dreadlocked-mohawk, red eyebrows, a sock on one arm, and one of those large buttons on her ear. I was getting a little concerned...then she started chanting "Girls with no makeup, boys with no clothes!" I got really worried, I was thinking,"How can I get out of this room!?!?" It turned out to be a fairly good workshop on being aware of other girls fears/concerns and how to reach out to find and give help. It was also an eye opener for me, the amount of abuse and fears and enormous burdens girls are carrying is awful.

After we listened to a couple other speakers, the Institute ended. We then headed into the huge exhibit hall, there were tons of booths giving away a bunch of free stuff! I brought home several bags of things, great fun!

We then headed into the opening ceremony of the National Convention. Lots of little girls singing a really annoying song. The session did not end until after 9:00pm, so we didn't get dinner until 10:00. Lol really late, but you can't imagine how packed Steak & Shake was at that time on a Thursday! It took forever, but we ended up getting 1/2 our meals for free because of the wait.

Friday

Because we had been out so late the previous night, we were granted the privilege of sleeping in and we did...til 10. :D Afterwards we went shopping at TJ Max where I got an awesome purse and a pair of boots. We then walked down to a mexican restaurant, got food-to-go, and went to sit of the stairs of Monument Circle. It was beautiful and sunny, very nice!

We yet again returned to the Convention center and spent the rest of the afternoon in the sessions and the Exhibit Hall.

Since it was Halloween, although I do not celebrate it-which by the way was very entertaining to explain to the girls:D-some of the girls were going to go to Haunted Houses. whoo hoo... We ate dinner at the Hard Rock, creepy, and the remaining girls took a carriage ride around the downtown area. We then returned to our hotel room to watch "Mamma Mia". I was not impressed with the movie, no real plot and kinda sad morally. It was well after midnight before we went to bed.

Savannah, Kara, Kelsey

We went up into the observation tower of the monument, cool view!

Saturday

This day we spent more time at the Convention center. Around 3:00 we headed to the mall for more shopping, we then went to the Indiana State Museum, and then to a mexican restaurant that can't even began to compete with El Rodeo.

Rebecca trying to climb up on the Elephant(we didn't see the "Do not Climb" sign until afterwards...) The beautiful Canal and Indianapolis Skyline

Our model Mary, she's so cute!

Sunday

During the closing ceremony I got to hear Geena Davis speak, that was pretty cool. Lol it was defiantly a girl ceremony, I feel sorry for the 10 guys that were there. :D Ok there were more than that, still. Yet more girls singing and it was over. We left the city and headed to a Cracker Barrel where we waited for 30 minutes to get seated. We finally left at 2:45ish. Lol it was funny, I checked the time before we finished a movie. After we had finished the 1st and was halfway through the next, it said the time was 3:00. I was like what?!? 15 minutes!?!? Then I remembered the time zone change. I arrived home at 11:00.

Sorry this is kinda crazy and rambling, it is hard to organize all of the events in my head. I will post some pictures on here, enjoy!

Kara

Luke's Birthday

2008-10-22T20:34:00.004-05:00

Last Friday the 17th, was Luke's 6th birthday. Since Fridays are Orchestra days, and we had a work bonfire that night, we celebrated his big day on Saturday.

Saturday morning, bright 'n early, we had family pictures. This was our first professional family picture since 1995. lol...:D It was FREEZING!!! The photographers assistant was trying to get us to not think about the cold, ha ha ha she had a coat on! :D Yet we got through it, haven't seen the pics yet, but hopefully soon!

After pictures, we dropped Abby off to help with a friends horsesale, and went to Toys 'R Us. (when I was little I called it Toys R.S.) Luke was given money to buy his birthday gift and happily set off the find the perfect thing that he "needed". After a couple hours, he finally decided on a Storm Trooper costume complete with the mask and gun. He looks pretty cute!

We then took the Birthday Boy to Incredible Pizza for lunch. And being the good siblings that we are, *angelic halos*, we gave Luke all of our tickets.

I babysat this morning, came home, ate lunch, worked on school, went back in town, almost got killed in the Parking lot, and got 2 shots. Lol, sounds like a perfect day huh! Oh to top it off, it was raining, and then I went to babysit again. I had to update my immunazations today, I had not had any since Kindergarten. One of them hurt pretty bad, instant muscle cramps, then I bled on my shirt...not good. Anyhow, I still want to be a nurse, because then I'm the one sticking people! Oh dear...

Next week is my trip!!! Whoo hoo!!! I leave on Tuesday, so I had better start getting my things put together.

I got prints of my senior pictures last week. I just couldn't bring myself to be illegal, so if you would like to see them, I will try to remember them Friday.

Tomorrow I am going for a meeting with some Professors/Admittance advisers for SBU. Should be interesting...:D Have a blessed night!

Kara

Luke in his birthday outfit

Chef Luke

2008-10-10T19:26:00.003-05:00

Last night Madalyn, Luke and I were home while the other kids were at music lessons. We decided to make some chocolate chip cookies (Angie's recipe of course, they are the best!) and dinner at the same time. :D Yeah we are a little ambitious. Luke was a great help, he pealed the carrots, helped mix the cookie dough and as shown in the pictures, slaved over the hot stove. Mom came home and was startled by Luke cooking chicken on the stove. :D Lol he looks pretty cute!

This week has been really crazy with a lot of babysitting. I believe I have babysat a total of 14 hours this week, not counting my personal family. Last week I also had my Senior pictures done. It was a lot of fun and the pictures turned out nice, despite me not being very photogenic. :P Maybe I will be illegal later and post a couple....shhhh. :D We are also having family pictures done on the 18th, taking advantage of the beautiful season. I LOVE fall!!! We are all wearing black tops and jeans, really looking forward to it.

Tomorrow morning I am going to serve Pancakes at a local clubs...um..thing. They gave me $200 towards my trip so I'm a little indebted. But good news is, my balance for my GS trip is completely paid off!!! Yeah!! I'm gone from the 28th through the 2nd, really looking forward to it. I guess that's it for now, TTYL!

Kara

P.S. I REALLY love Advanced Biology! :D

Nobody died...yet :D

A conversation with my family...

2008-10-03T20:22:00.002-05:00

Tonight we went out to eat in celebration of my Dad's birthday. During the course of the meal, another group came in and the following occurred...

A boy about age 7 asks a teenage girl, "What's your name?"

To which the girl replied, "Oh I don't have a name!"

Luke, after listening in, comments, "Huh that is weird, that girl doesn't have a name!"

Mom and I burst out laughing. As tears are coming to our eyes, Madalyn furthers the hilarity.

"What?!?! He's rolling in lemonade?!?!?" *normal clueless Madalyn look*

The moral of this story: Kids will believe anything they hear.....and don't talk to Madalyn.

By the way, this is a very normal conversation for our family to have. If you have been around Madalyn and I when we are tired or had caffeine...well you understand.

Anyway needless to say we/I am a little loopy tonight. "Friday Syndrome", it actually is a medical diagnosis...:D Its getting late and I am going to leave before I say something even more goofy.

Kara

Introducing Quinci Elizabeth!!!

2008-09-29T21:51:00.003-05:00

Today we drove to KC to see my new cousin Quinci! She was born on Friday, and is very sweet. Everyone got to hold her, and with 8 cousins, it takes awhile, yet she slept the entire time. :D

Kara

I case you were wondering, she is uncovered and in the sun because she has jaundice.

Busy Weekend

2008-09-27T16:11:00.004-05:00

This weekend has been very crazy. Yesterday at Orchestra/Choir we found out the results from chair try-outs. I received 2nd on cello and 1st on Flute. I am happy with both. :D I have a mild cold and yesterday it peaked, so my singing was very...um...cold-ish. I can't keep a pitch so I just sang quietly. Hopefully it will be better next week. We then went to the High School football game. The home team won, by a lot. I believe the final score was 56-21.

Yesterday we also received the news that my aunt had had her baby girl! They named her Quinci Elizabeth, I can't wait to see her. We may go on Monday, I'll try to post pics later.

Then today, Gabe, Becca, and Megan had a rehearsal for a choir concert tomorrow. Dad and the rest of the kids(short Madalyn) met them at the zoo. We ate lunch at the little park, and then saw the animals. I had not been there in several years, they have added several new animals and updated viewing areas. It seemed to be most of the animals nap time while we were there. After the zoo, we got shoes for the kids, and a computer bag for me, it is a messenger type case. After eating some ice cream-I had Cappachino Chocolate Chunk Frozen Yogurt, yummy!-renting a couple movies, and stopping at Wal-Mart, we finally went home.

Tomorrow we have church, Its my day to work in the nursery, then we have the kids choir concert. I'm really looking forward to just enjoying the concert for once, instead of rushing around. :D I guess that about covers it, for now! :D

Kara

This Raccoon wanted to be a opossum I guess...kinda strange

It is a mountain lion in the distance, Luke in front, in case you get them confused. Sometimes I think is a wild animal....:D This elephant was peeking at us over a rock...

Becca had to sit in the Thinking Chair!

Happy Birthday...early!

2008-09-23T17:50:00.003-05:00

Today I arrived home and was greeted at the door by mom, looking very serious. I was thinking "Oh no what did I do/forget to do now?!?!"

Mom said,"Today we are celebrating your birthday!"

Me, "ok...." (My birthday isn't until November) I was led into the kitchen to see Emily standing there with the camcorder and a new laptop sitting on the island. :O :D It is wonderful, and to top it off, Dad broke down and got me a pink one! :D Thanks Dad!

So this is my first blog from my new laptop! TTYL!

Kara

P.S. Obviously its name is Pink....:D

P.S.S I finally got my Senior Picture appointment, October 2nd. Can't wait!!!!

New School Year

2008-09-21T16:57:00.003-05:00

Last Monday, the 15th, we started school. This year I am studying Geometry, Economics, Advanced Biology(Anatomy), finishing Chemistry, American History and Spanish. I am also going to start a unit literature study on Jane Austen, can't wait! Possibly next semester I will also take some college classes.

Below is our traditional first day of school picture. We have taken a picture every year here, same place we just added kids. :D

Here are pictures of my first year of school, and last year.

My Life in a Nutshell

2008-09-13T13:15:00.004-05:00

Hey guys, well the school year is starting to pick up. This week was my first day for a lot of things. To anyone who might be interested here is a sum up of my past week.

Sunday
At church, I taught Children's Church. I lead the worship time, sometimes help with the puppets, and then when we split up, I do a craft/game with the 5 & 6 year olds. Love that class! :D

Monday
As usual my Monday was pretty empty, although I had another Girl Scout presentation for a community club. Supposedly all I had to do was show up in my uniform, smile, "accept" the donation, and leave. It happened according to plan yet with a bonus.
My GS leader was introducing the 5 girls that were there. When she got to me she had to add-to. She began "This is Kara, she had been in my Girl Scout troop since she was in Kindergarten. On our first meeting..." Right then I knew exactly what she was going to say, I groaned. I've heard this story a few times before. Carrying on..."On our first meeting, we were playing a name game and Kara wouldn't even say her name!" Of course everyone laughed, and if you know me, you know what I was doing. :S I was ok with it, it was just unexpected. I'm sure she thinks it was because I was tremendously shy that I wouldn't say my name. Hahaha, if I know myself, it was probably because they were trying to make me say my name, and I decided not to. *devious smile* Lol, I can defiantly be stubborn sometimes. :D

Tuesday
I just had piano lessons this day. I'm still working on Rachmaninoff's Prelude Op. 23 No. 5. Lol I will be working on it for the rest of my life more than likely. :D Here is a video of someone who actually CAN play it. Its pretty awesome!

Wednesday
This is my babysitting day, from 8:45-11:30 I babysit for First Baptist. Then at 5:30-8ish I babysit at my church. Very busy day, but I love it!

Thursday
Day off, did absolutely nothing. YES!!! :D Actually I did get my dissecting specimens for Advanced Biology. :D A cow eye, cow heart, and a fetal pig. The eye is a ball with a black "spot" aka lens, the heart looks like a roast(its huge!!!), and the fetal pig is pretty pitiful. I'm going to feel awful cutting into that poor thing. (I'm sure you all appreciated that)

Friday
Friday was the first day of Orchestra & Choir classes. I have 2 hours of Choir and 3 of Orchestra. All the classes are a lot of fun! 2 weeks ago we had choir tryouts. Almost everyone in the choir last year were there to tryout, and everyone made it. I thought, "Man its going to be like the exact same choir for both the Chamber and the "big one".(Dad, I put the "like" in there just for you. :D) Never fear, yesterday there were a ton new people in the "big one". The Concert choir now numbers 50-something I believe, really awesome. We are going to attempt to tackle some VERY large pieces this year, we will see how it goes.

Saturday
Tonight we are playing the pre-concert for the symphony, then attending the concert. Great fun!

Sunday
Church again. I actually don't have to teach Children's Church tomorrow or work in the nursery. First time I have been in church for a while, looking forward to it.

So there is my life in a nutshell. Although last week we finally made contact with the lady at the hospital who runs the Junior volunteer program. I get to start in October!!! I'm SO excited! In the program you volunteer in all the different areas of the hospital, and you can take certification classes such as CPR, First Aid, etc. I'm really looking forward to the experience.

We start school next week, I'm ready, yet not. This is my last year of "school as I know it". A little intimidating, oh well the Lord said "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"-Hebrews 13:5b-6

Kara

We're Home!!!!

2008-09-06T21:05:00.003-05:00

We arrived home today around 3:30 this afternoon. Its been very nice, I got my water and I'm getting ready for bed. :D

The trip was nice although it was a fairly long drive, and with the kids it can be REALLY long. It was lovely being in the mountains and getting to see the enormous Biltmore. It's actually the biggest house in the USA, kinda cool. It is pretty insane that people actually lived in that huge building. Our entire house could fit inside the Great Hall! It would be awesome to go back in time to be a guest in a place like that, just to experience it. As I was walking into the entryway, thoughts of Jane Austen's books filled my head. Pemberley anyone?....:D It kind of annoyed me to not be able to see the entire house, we walked by HUNDREDS of unopened doors! I would love to just spend a day exploring it, that would be awesome. Anyway...:D

On the way back yesterday we stopped by the Parthenon Replica in Nashville. Obviously not as cool as the actual one in Greece, but it was cool anyway. :D The architecture is awesome! I love photography and architecture so I was in heaven. If I wasn't planning on nursing I would probably have pursued architecture or photography. The National Park was also awesome, I love to go places where everywhere you look is beautiful. The pictures of the Park turned out really well.

I made a video of our pictures from the trip. I hope you enjoy it!

Kara

Trip Update

2008-09-04T15:59:00.002-05:00

Ok, I will try to update you guys on the events of our trip. There won't be any pictures right now as the internet connection is really slow.

Tuesday
On Tuesday we really just hung out. We watched TV, swam in the pool, and Mom, Mimi, and I went grocery shopping. We also saw a program at the "Clubhouse" about exotic birds. The kids (and Dad) got to hold the birds. Becca also got a little present from one of them...:S

Wednesday
On Wednesday morning we drove to Asheville, NC to see the Biltmore Estate. It is ENORMOUS! We only saw a minuscule portion of the 255 rooms, yet it took 2 hours to view.

Thursday
This morning we went up into the Smoky Mountain National Park. We walked a couple small "trails". (don't let Gabe be the trail guide) We took off after an "amazing view", only to find it was a little rabbit trail through the weeds and trees. After lunch, we went on a 2.6 mile round trip trail. At the end was a quaint waterfall that cascaded down the mountainside. The walk seemed like it went on FOREVER! But I think it was about 1 1/2 hour trip. Now we are back at the cabin waiting on dinner than I believe we will go do something else.

We will be heading back home tomorrow, staying the night in Paducah KY. We should be home Saturday sometime. Its flown by pretty fast, but I'm ready to have my own bed and our water. The tap here is very...interesting. Anyway, TTYL!

Kara

Hello from Kentucky!

2008-09-01T09:48:00.002-05:00

We are on the road of our week long family vacation! At the moment I am typing on Dad's laptop in the van, he has a wonderful anytime, anywhere Internet connection card-thing. We stayed the night in Paducah, KY last night, we got in about 7:00 last night, ate at Cracker Barrel, and went to bed. Pretty uneventful.

We are outside of Eddyville, KY right now on US 24, heading towards Nashville. We should be in Gatlinburg tonight. Well that's all I have at the moment. TTYL!

Kara

My new purse!

2008-08-28T14:44:00.006-05:00

Yesterday I fell in love with some fabric, lucky for me it was on clearance. It's a hot pink, silky, oriental-looking fabric...how's that for a description...and I lined it with black. :D I had already made a denim purse from this pattern and now I have a more "dressy" one. It took me about 2 hours start to finish.

Kara

"Don't forget in the darkness what you've learned in the light."- Joseph Bayly

Big Cedar and the Amazing Whole-in-1 Champ

2008-08-21T09:57:00.005-05:00

Hey guys! Yesterday we got back from Big Cedar in Branson. We spent a couple days down there with my grandparents aunt, and cousins.

On Monday I had a Girl Scout presentation for a local community club. I am going on a week-long Girl Scout trip in October and we were trying to get some more funds. Amazingly and wonderfully, the club gave me $200 towards my trip! :D*big smile* Then a couple other clubs gave $50, so my amount due is now only $150 of $920!!!! I'm so excited! In October/November is the National Girl Scout Convention, held this year in Indianapolis, IN. So my council is taking a group of 20-or so girls there. It should be great fun!

After I got back we went to Branson. Mimi, Papa, Angie, Jacob, and Cole were going to SDC so we decided to go out to eat. We ate at Applebee's and then had to stop by Dairy Queen. Potatoes and Ice Cream, can't get much better than that!! We then returned to our cabin for the night.

Tuesday the crazy kids braved the cool weather to go swimming. Obviously I am not crazy so I did not venture into the COLD water. But the kids had fun. Then we went miniature golfing and...shock and awe, don't faint when I tell you this, I got 3-hole-in-1's in a row!!!! :O I know, I am defiantly not sports inclined so I wasn't even really trying but I somehow did it! And you should know that this course was built on a hill and not much was done to counteract gravity, that's why I'm not mentioning my first putt....: Anyway I have proof, see my pictures! :D

Wednesday we woke up to rain and more rain. We didn't feel like sitting in a 3 room cabin with the kids all day so we decided to go home. Yet it was still fun while it lasted. Enjoy the pictures!

Kara

My magnificent 3 :D

Luke's First Tooth

2008-08-16T10:18:00.002-05:00

Last night Luke lost his first tooth! He is so cute! He is very proud of himself, but we still call him Baby.:D

Kara

Fiddler on the Roof

2008-08-14T20:58:00.003-05:00

Last night we went to Starlight to see "Fiddler on the Roof". It was pretty good although I like the movie better. I felt the man that played Tevye could have shown more emotion, it is a pretty dynamic part. Personally I liked "The Music Man" better. Thankfully, it was also pleasant weather. A little warmer than last time, but nice. Also we remembered to take pictures this time, enjoy!

Kara

Pictures of Me

2008-08-11T14:54:00.002-05:00

Well here are some pictures from the early 90's. Enjoy!

1 year old At a parade at age 2, notice the haircut done by yours truly...One of my strange requests, I wanted 2 blue ducks for my 3rd birthday Abby and I, ages 2 & 1
Mimi, Madalyn, Aunt Christin, Abby and I. Pile O' Girls
Abby, Madalyn, and I
Emily, Madalyn, Abby, and I

1st day of School, I'm too little!!!

My wierd siblings

2008-08-11T13:37:00.005-05:00

Hi Everybody! Last week I went to the eye doctor, I had not been in 4 years and have almost constant headaches. When I went 4 years ago my left eye was almost perfect awhile my right was 8 "clicks" off. (I'm not exactly sure what that means, I just know it is hard to see out of it.) My eyesight has not changed and several months ago I noticed that things, especially white things changed hue from eye to eye. My right eye sees things in blues while my left is a pink-ish hue. This has somewhat stumped my eye doctor, as well as thrilled him. He is excited to do some tests on me this week to see if there is a problem. Lol I feel like a Guinea pig or a lab rat...yuck. So I picked out some very cute pink glasses(you know me) and I should get them this week. I can wear them as little or as much as I want, we will see. Lol, nice pun... :D

This week I have been sorting through boxes of family photos, organizing them. Tons from about 1990 to 2003. I also discovered some of my parents when the were little, as well as pre-kid's pictures. Lol those can be scary, but since I would like to continue living I won't go into that. :D But I believe I now have them organized by year and month. They are in cute little photo boxes. Lol I will try to scan some in so you guys can see cute little me!

Saturday and Sunday the oldest girls, Mom, and Kara P helped our friend Judy move. She is moving across town and so we helped her load, pack, unload, sort, and organize. We have the Craft Room/Office room pretty much done, as well as the kitchen. After Dad gets back from his business trip on Wednesday, we will move her furniture.

On Wednesday we are going to Starlight to see "Fiddler on the Roof". I'm so excited! I will try to remember to take a picture of us this time.

Last night after everyone else had gone to bed, Madalyn and I were watching the Olympics. If you weren't watching at about 11:45 you missed an awesome swim. It was the mens 4x100 relay, the American team included Michael Phelps. Everyone said that the French team was going to win and USA really didn't have a chance. In they last lap Jason Lezak of USA rocketed past the French at the last minute, smashing the world record and everyones expectations! Madalyn and I were going crazy as was the rest of American team. If you didn't see it, try to find it, its amazing!

And now I will part with you sharing these wonderful pictures of my rather strange siblings. Enjoy!

Kara

New Pool Deck Addition

2008-08-11T13:22:00.002-05:00

Last week we decided to add another addition to the pool deck. Mom wanted a bigger area to sun in and to put more chairs. So Dad, being the good little husband he is, started the task. :D Once again Emily was a good little helper.
It was kinda funny, this is what it looked like Sunday night...
...little elf...
Ta da! I woke up on Monday morning and here is what it looked like!

New video of Luke

2008-08-05T10:12:00.003-05:00

This video was taken the day before we left on Vacation in 2006. Luke was only 3 at the time and too cute. I was "documenting" what they had done that day. Well "that's all he thoughted!". Enjoy!

A Beautiful Night at the Theater

2008-07-31T17:05:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we went up to my grandparents house, accompanied by Kara P. We spent most of the day watching TV and playing "Who wants to be a Millionaire" as it was raining and a little chilly.

Then that night Mom, Kara, Abby, Becca, and myself went up to Kansas City to Starlight Theater to see "The Music Man". It is a great musical, and it was well casted and performed. They had a little trouble with sound and hearing each other sometimes, but nothing too drastic.

Starlight is an outdoor theater and the weather was unbelievably beautiful! It was in the 70's with a gentle breeze...perfect. Much better that the night before, as they had to stop the production due to HEAVY rain. The show doesn't start until 8:30 p.m. and we didn't get back to Mimi and Papa's until after midnight. We were exhausted! Still am actually, but it was worth it!

Kara

P.S. Luke says, "Hi everybody!!" :D

Megan's New Blanket from Grandma

2008-07-25T09:29:00.003-05:00

Last night Megan received her afghan from Grandma. It is kind of a tradition for my Grandma to make each of us a personalized afghan when we are in 2nd grade. So it is now Meg's turn! She requested a red blanket with Tinkerbell on it. She got it...:D Thanks Grandma!

Kara

Too Cute Picture

2008-07-25T09:26:00.002-05:00

Trip to Branson

2008-07-25T09:07:00.004-05:00

Hey guys! We got back from our mini vacation last night. We went to Branson and stayed in the Long Creek condos. It was really nice, a 2-story, 3,000 sq. ft house. It had 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 8 TVs including a home theater. :D We went swimming and watched several movies. Thanks Mimi and Papa!

Kara

Vacation Bible School

2008-07-20T18:46:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone! We had VBS last week and it was a blast! Our program was "Power Lab", so it was science themed. I was a crew leader(someone who guides a group of kids from place to place) and I had 5-6 kids ages 6-10. Here's a picture of my crew.

L-R: Levi, Myself, Tanner, Logan, Alex, Tara, and my assistant Stephen

Each day we started with worship and skits to introduce the Bible story then went on a rotation of Crafts, Games, Snack, Video/Experiments, and Drama. Our Bible stories included Jesus healing the 10 Leapers, Jesus healing the Blind Man, Peter walking on Water, Crucifixion/Resurrection, and the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. We learned much about God, His Power and His love.

Overall one of the things that stuck with me was that sharing the love of the Lord doesn't have to be some long-winded speech, a simple hug or "God loves you" can sometimes have more impact than a lecture. Also that lightening should be a reminder to share with others, because like lightening lights up the sky, we can light up the world.

We had 117 workers and an even 200 kids, pretty impressive! :D We are greatly blessed. Here are some more pictures. Enjoy!

This week we are going to Branson for a couple of days with Mimi and Papa. Should be lots of fun! TTYL!

Kara

4th of July

2008-07-06T17:32:00.004-05:00

On the 4th we went to Mimi and Papa's house. The day was filled with much eating, talking, and swimming. The group totaled 27 people including my 2 aunts, their families, my uncle's family, grandparents, great-grandma, and us.

BBQ-ing

Megan & Nana Talking(and laughing) Horseshoes
The kids loaded up the golf cart to the brim and drove it around the yard.Del was squirting the group with a water gun.
Water balloon fight/races
All the grandkids in Papa's truck What goofs!
On the ride home, Luke and Meg fell asleep

Jody S. Birthday & Pool

2008-07-01T12:24:00.005-05:00

On Sunday our friends came over to celebrate their daughter Jody's 13th birthday. The kids also swam, I tried but it was too cold for me to last too long. Here are some more pool pictures!

Kara

P.S. Madalyn and I finally finished our 30-Day challenge!!! Whoo hoo!!!!

Becca

Luke & I

Justin

Swimming in the Pool

2008-06-28T09:34:00.004-05:00

We started swimming last weekend, but I haven't put any pictures up here. We have gone swimming everyday, its been very nice. The water originally was VERY cold, now it is very pleasant.

Me floating on our super comfy chairs

Madalyn-surprise, surprise-posing for the camera

This is how Luke gets to "swim" with his cast. He gets 4 bread bags and floats with mom or I

Gabe

Becca and Megan

Emily and Abby

New Video!!!

2008-06-26T22:00:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I may regret this later, but here is a video my sibs and I made this evening. Mom and Dad were gone, I was babysitting, and we were bored. So we made a spoof of an e-card we saw.(Click on "What Mom Hears") I hope you enjoy it!

Kara

Pictures to make you smile!

2008-06-21T09:39:00.005-05:00

Here are just some funny pictures I thought I would share.

Luke at Big Cedar

Papa the Outlaw(I love the invisible Gabe in the background)

Gabe hiding his head in the dirt
Gabe made this flag and marched around with it on the pole
Luke and his friend Justin, too cute!

Kara P and I, last year we were dissecting for Biology. LOTS of FUN!!! Lol we didn't actually wear the eye masks or gloves to dissect but they looked funny in the picture

We noticed that Kara was wearing a "Give Blood" shirt, lol it was too funny
Luke, Megan, and Becca in our previous "pools"
One day we went to the Church to play and noticed a very tall mic. Lol we have a 6'11 college student who was there before us.
Sorry this blurry but yes thats me standing on a stool so I can be as tall as Matt. :D Kayla P. being a rock star!

The Deck-Part 1

2008-06-21T09:27:00.003-05:00

We now have the base of the deck completed! Papa and Dad worked on it on the 18th and Dad finished it yesterday.

Becca and Papa

20th- We have floor boards!
I should probably include Emily in all this, she has been helping Dad non-stop. Good job Em!

The Pool!!!

2008-06-17T10:35:00.005-05:00

Well our pool now has water. We started building it on the 5th and finished the pool part yesterday. We still have the deck to build, but here are some pictures.

5th- Digging the ring

7th- Dad's friend came with his tractor to help dig and level the pool area
14th- After days and hours and hours we finally had the pool level and started to set the ring supports
14th- Some friends came to help unroll the HEAVY metal pool wall

We begin to see the pool!!!

15th- Mom, Mimi and I start taping the foam flooring together But, alas we didn't have enough to cover the entire pool floor, so we had to just leave the sand on the other side The entire afternoon we were trying to chase the storm that was coming. It was really strange, it had gotten dark and cloud covered and then the winds just immediately picked up and blew everything everywhere. We scurried around trying to pick everything up. It actually didn't rain very much though. Papa and Dad putting the cove in. 15th- We started to attach the lining to the walls, as usual I'm giving my opinion :D View from the Crow's Nest Stretching and smoothing the liner. Lol they did this funny little dance that we have a video of but I don't think I would live long if I posted that. :D 17th- TA DA!!! Voila it is Fin! Lol I'm bilingual! We have about 2/3 water filled and the solar cover is on

Broken Arms are not fun!!!

2008-06-12T20:40:00.007-05:00

Hello Everyone! We had some...well I guess you could call it excitement last night. Luke and Megan were outside playing in Abby's Horse-barrel(long story). While they were inside the barrel, it began to fall and when he tried to catch himself his arm got twisted underneath. After putting ice on it, Luke was still crying in pain when his arm moved at all. His arm was also starting to bruise so we knew it was most likely broken. Mom took him to the ER around 7:15 and didn't get home till about 10:30. Luke had indeed broken his arm and today he got his green cast on. Lets just say he is not a happy camper. It hurts, itches and he can't run or play. He has to wear the cast for 4 weeks. This is bad because we are in the process of putting a pool in, no swimming for him. At the moment he is asleep and drugged so lets pray he has a good night. Please pray that his arm will heal completely and quickly. Also that his "itches" will go away.

For the month of June, Madalyn, Kara P, and I are doing the Brio Magazine's "30-Day Challenge". It has many requirements that include physical fitness, spiritual strengthening, and relationships. One of them is to drink 8-cups of water a day. This is proving to be quite a challenge as I'm finding myself in the bathroom quite often! But I guess this is good for my health and is the "suggested" amount.

The pool is coming along but no rain would be appreciated! We have it leveled and some of the posts set. I look forward to the quiet afternoons floating around and the fun parties! ;D

In piano lessons I got a Rachmaninoff piece, it is very involved! The first page wasn't too bad I thought "Hey, I can do this!" Then I got the second page...."HA HA THINK AGAIN!!!" Lets just say I should get practicing. For a more relaxing song I also bought a song from the 1995 version of "Sense and Sensibility". I am actually reading the book at the moment. I LOVE Jane Austen! :D Well that's all I "thoughted" for the moment, have a blessed day!

Kara

P.S. He now has all our signatures on his cast! :D

Mom's New Haircut

2008-05-16T18:30:00.001-05:00

Mom asked me to post these pictures. She got 10 inches cut off and I believe there is enough hair for 2 wigs...lol! Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-12T18:52:00.004-05:00

In honor of Mother's Day, we had my mom's family over on Sunday. My Grandparents, Great-Grandma, 2 aunts and 2 cousins all came for lunch. Our friend Judy also came over to celebrate with us. We had tons of yummy food and glorious desserts, including Angie's cookies! The entire day was filled with much laughter as they bantered back and forth. I was highly amused! :D My aunt Christin is expecting her first child, a girl whom they are going to name Quinci. We were also trying to help her think of a middle name. Lol and it couldn't be boring or plain.

None of the uncles could be there on Sunday, so poor Papa was the only man around, unless you count the 4 boy cousins. It was a very fun day!

Sunday morning before church we were scrambling around trying to get the food started, get dressed for church, and make sure the house was presentable. We also had to take a family picture for a surprise scrapbook for a family in our church. They have a 7-month old baby who was diagnosed with Severe Combined Immuno-deficiency(SCID). The poor baby has and will be in the hospital for a long time, so our church is sending them some love. :D The picture is below.

I am so ready for school to be over! I have Algebra 2, Chemistry, History, and World Literature left. I guess I will eventually finish, but I can't get motivated to study. I did get my ACT score back a couple of weeks ago. I got a 24, which is one up from last time, but I was hoping for at least a 25. Oh well, I guess there is always next time!

I did go and apply at the Tea Garden but I haven't heard back yet. Hopefully it will be soon so I can know my schedule and go volunteer at the Hospital. I have contacts at the hospital but I can't commit to anything else until I know my schedule. We will have to wait and see what lies ahead...ohhhh. Lol (Madalyn told me to say that)

This coming week isn't too exciting, we have a performance tomorrow, lessons on Thursday, Orchestra on Friday, and thats about it. Well have a blessed day!

Kara

Fun in the Sun!!!

2008-05-04T20:47:00.001-05:00

Busy Weekend

2008-05-04T19:55:00.006-05:00

We have had a busy weekend. On Friday in the middle of our regular orchestra classes, the Beethoven and Brahms orchestras performed for a contest. We received two 1's and a 2+. The coolest part was getting to play on the Symphony stage, it seems very small from the stage.

On Saturday we had a performance at a local art festival. I had to play cello and as far as I know, no little kids thought I was carrying a dead person on my back. Lol...that was weird.

Today, Sunday, we had church. It was a children's church Sunday so I taught my lesson, and song, and acted in the puppet show. After lunch Mom, Dad, and I went to S-town for my Girl Scout Gold Award Ceremony. There were a lot of girls being honored so it took 2 hrs. Yet Kelsey got her candles so all is good. :D

This week I am finishing up almost all of my babysitting jobs so my plan is to go in to the Tea Garden tomorrow and see if I can get a job. We already talked to the owner back in September and she said to come in in May. We will see how it goes.

(Top L-R: Madalyn & Middle Choir; Becca & friends Kandace & Gracelyn; Becca & Elementary choir; Luke eating Kettle Corn; Emily & her viola; Madalyn & Violin; Gabe on Bass; Myself playing cello; Candle closing ceremony; all the Gold Award recipients; Myself, Savannah, Ladybug, & Kelsey)

Megan Joy- Expressive

2008-04-30T21:44:00.003-05:00

Megan is our youngest girl, she is very full of life and happy for the most of the time. She is very open about her likes and dislikes thus earning the word "expressive". Although I think her middle name is also a good one.

The picture below of Megan sleeping in a chair is very normal, she can fall asleep anywhere and everywhere. Among her napping places are the bathroom floor, front porch swing, under her bed, and in front of the computer. She is a silly thing...

Top: Megan & Candy; Above: Meg and "Susan the worm"(she didn't live long...); below: Meg at Pensacola Beach, FL

This is a very normal expression for Megan

Meg loves Tinkerbell!!!

(above)Becca and Megan decided to give each other "makeovers" one day and begged me to take pictures. (below) Another normal Megan pose.

Add-on to Luke

2008-04-28T21:55:00.001-05:00

I had to share this hilarious video. This was the day before we left on vacation and I guess I had asked Luke what he had done that day. The result? It looks like he sat in a chigger patch! :D Something also tells me he probably wasn't allowed to use markers at that time, he's too smug.

Towards the end you can catch a glimpse of Luke's partner in crime, Chew. Chew is Luke's baby blanket and comfort item. If you ask him somedays chew is his dad, son, or brother. Chew also has special powers such as flying and has a weakness for bananas. (I told him one night when we couldn't find Chew that he had flown to the store to get some bananas. lol, aren't I awful!) Enjoy!

Lucas Andrew- Rambunctious

2008-04-28T20:45:00.012-05:00

Lol I love the little kid to death but that word describes him perfectly. He is 5 years old and the youngest of our family. Here he is at 7 months.

Christmas excitement at age 2

One of my favorites, 3rd birthday

Luke and I doing suprised faces

I let him paint...I'm losing my mind...

His sweet cutie pie face

Dad and Luke as...um...butterflies...aliens...cupids...I have no idea

A little somethin' to brighten your day...

2008-04-23T17:39:00.003-05:00

I love this article, it cracks me up everytime! Enjoy! :D

The Way I See It—
Let's Go to the Movies by Patrick Dunn

Here are some of the scariest phrases a guy could ever hear:

“No More Sports”
“Out of Meat”

“Craft Fair”

“Free Cat”

And the scariest of all — “Chick Flick”

Summer means summer movies, when all the best movies come out. But guys have never understood girls and movies.

Imagine this: You’re standing in front of the movie theater, one screen is showing Brain-Hungry Alien Hogs from Planet Blastoid. On the other is playing Chad: The Boy Who Finally Found Love — And Learned How to Cry.

Which one will you see?

I bet I know — and it won’t be the movie about a spaceship and angry hogs.

Guys don’t get why girls like the movies they do. Many chick flicks are filled with similar themes: romance, tears, hope, chivalry, lost love, regained love, love misplaced but found in a drawer. Guy movies include giant missile launchers, sports cars that drive through buildings, monsters without thumbs, approximately five explosions per minute — and NO pastel colors ANYWHERE.

The origin of the chick flick goes all the way back to the caveman era. Archaeologists have discovered ancient pictures carved on cave walls, which depict ancient “movie nights.” Women went to one cave and re- enacted emotionally charged melodramas, filled with dancing, singing and triumphing over adversity. Men gathered in caves and pounded each other on the head with boulders. This was considered the first action movie — and also led to the discovery of aspirin.

Girls like movies for reasons guys can’t comprehend. How many times does a great movie make a girl cry? It’s like a math equation:

Number of Tissues Used + Times Nose Blown = Quality of Movie

Here’s the guys’ version: Car Chases + Cool Stuff Exploding = See Movie Five More Times

Crying does not equal fun to a guy. The following conversation will never happen:

Justin: That movie was awesome!

Mark: Yeah, I was like a leaky faucet.

Justin: On the way home, we can listen to this Celine Dion CD.

Mark: Bring it on!

Here’s what happens inside a guy’s mind if he says yes to see the movie his girlfriend wants to see:

Brain (to guy): What?! You’re seeing Flowers in Paris?! OK then, bring your PSP, your phone, and maybe you can cram a DVD player under your shirt. Eat a bucket of popcorn and one of those giant pickles that floats in a j—. No forget that; nobody eats those. Try the nachos . . . and get me a corn dog!

So girls, keep this in mind next time a guy asks you to a movie. He won’t figure out why you pick the one you do — but he’ll bravely go. Just nudge him once if he’s eating a corn dog too loudly.

ACT

2008-04-12T12:41:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone!!! This morning I had the ACT. I have taken it once before so I knew what to expect this time. I think I did fairly well, but I have to wait a couple of weeks for the result.

Friday I also had Orchestra and Choir. In Choir we are working on It is Well, He Never Failed Me Yet, Exultate Usti, The Lord Bless You and Keep You, and Break Forth Oh Beauteous Heavenly Light. They are all Hymns/Spirituals yet they are fun to sing.

Orchestra music we are playing include Fantasia & Toccata, Fanfare & Frippery, 1st & 3rd Movements of St. Paul's Suite, Meditation, You are my All in All, Praise & Adoration Medley, Lord I Lift Your Name on High, and Chronicles of Narnia. In Narnia, I had to blend the Oboe 1 & 2 and flute 2, as we are low on instruments. It sounds really cool!

We are going to go shopping right now! Yippee! ttyl!

Kara

Ephesians 3:16-21
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Spring Photos By me

2008-04-05T14:28:00.002-05:00

Office/Craft Room

2008-04-02T16:13:00.004-05:00

This past month we completely rearranged our house. What used to be Becca's and Megan's room is now the office craft room. Mom and Dad (with the assistance of yours truly) painted the once white walls a caramel brown color.

Mom ordered cabinets, not realizing special orders are not always assembled. Thus Mom and Dad spent several days assembling the trillions of cabinet pieces.

Emily, Dad's Little Helper.

Hard at work

Dum da da dum....The finished product!

Mom's storage

Mom's Desk

Dad's Desk

Spring Recital 2008

2008-03-31T13:22:00.002-05:00

Saturday BEFORE the wedding, we had our annual spring recital. I played "Georgiana" from Pride & Prejudice and a Chopin piece. I also accompanied Abby, Madalyn, and Emily in a string ensemble.

I did ok, but the ancient piano did not help my memory. My Chopin piece has lots of runs and sometimes the keys would not respond and it would throw me off. I would then be totally lost and I'd have to start again... and you get the picture. I am just thankful it is over!

(Becca, Megan, Emily & their Teacher)

(Madalyn, Abby, Kara, Gabe, Emily, & our teacher)