Days of Our Livesay

THANKSGIVING 2010

2010-11-25T18:42:00.000-08:00

I had Libby write a list from A to Z of what she is thankful for:
Amaric
Bibile
Cat's
Dog's
Earth
Find's (friends)
God
horuse (horses)
Iglue
Jaraffe
Kagrou
Line (lion)
Mom
Nane
Otpis
pig
Qen
Rane
Seins (sins?!)
Tgrs
Uunbrula
Vilin
Woter
X-ray
yoyo
Zeda (zebra)

Great list but not quite what I was going for. So I changed what I asked her to do the second time around. This time, I asked for sentences and to tell me why she was thankful for that. I threw out the number ten but after four sentences, I told her to just give me six -- since that is her age. Here's her second list:
I am takeful for Mom and Dad!
I am takeful for my house so we can sarviv!
I am takeful for my shcool so I can larn!
I am takeful for my finds so I wood not have to be lonle!
I am takeful for gim so we can staw helthe!
I am takeful for chruch so we can larn about God!

Love her use of exclamation points -- just like her momma! excited about everything she says! This was precious I thought and wanted to share. Does anybody still read this blog? Let me know. She is fixing our tent in the basement to have a mother-daughter sleepover, could be a new Thanksgiving tradition. Pray for my back! Bobby has done plenty of these with her but he is upstairs in our nice comfy bed. What a blessing - family. I'll have to work on my list -- 40 things may take me awhile...but here is my first one: I am thankful for the rain, not because we need it, but because I love to fall asleep to the rain. One down, thirty nine to go. akl

TWENTY ten

2010-06-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

No post for 2010?! WOW, what have I been doing?
I just read my post from August last year -- did I ever need to read that one again.
So it is 8:55 pm and B is watching the second half of the America-Algeria World Cup game that we started watching at lunch today. I don't have time to post now but I will -- soon.
Plus I need to update our family picture -- Libby just turned six yesterday and that picture is from her fourth birthday! I am just a little behind. But my house is clean, mostly, so I don't have to feel bad if I spend some time online blogging. TTFN, akl

The Thanksgiving Proclamation

2009-11-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore his protection and favor -- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be -- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks -- for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation -- for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experiences in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed -- for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted -- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions -- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually -- to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed -- to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord -- To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us -- and generally to grant unto all Mankind such degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Go. Washington

The Thanksgiving Proclamation --
New York, 3 October 1789
President George Washington
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.

Take up your cross = Spiritual Energy

2009-08-10T07:06:00.000-07:00

My house is a wreck; my morning is off to a shaky start. I need to focus, be still, quiet this chaos that is inside and around me. Enter Angel Ministries devo for today -- Galatians 6:14 (NLT) "As for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world died long ago, and the world's interest in me is also long dead." In the devo, which comes from her book The Joy of My Heart, she says:
"The cross is my daily decision to
deny myself,
my rights,
my wants,
my dreams,
my plans,
my goals
and deliberately,
wholeheartedly,
unreservedly live out my commitment to
His will and
His way and
His Word and
His wisdom.
The cross is my decision to live for Jesus.

Period. No 'ifs,' 'ands,' buts,' or 'maybes.'
Will I take up my cross, ... everyday ..., and follow Him?" italic and emphasis mine

Then I took My Utmost for His Highest and found Oswald Chambers talks about this passage on November 26 & 27. Two things stood out to me. 1. He says we lose power if we do not concentrate on the right thing. Can I get an 'Amen' on that?! 2. He says consecration is our part, sanctification is God's part; and we have deliberately to determine to be interested only in that in which God is interested. WOW -- that's just about all I can say, WOW! Any of you familiar with Lily's Purple Plastic Purse should recognize that line. (Ok, so the picture is at the top and not here -- oh well!)

I think my word for today is "deliberately." The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, which I have had since I was in school, copyrighted in 1974!, gives the definition for deliberate as

1. determined after careful thought

2. careful and slow in deciding

3. UNHURRIED, SLOW

This is an adjective -- so does this describe me? LOL!

Now my word is in the adverb form, so do this word describe my actions? Not this morning, but now, yes, when I am having my quiet time. The trick is for me to be deliberate when all is CHAOS around me.

Which leads me to my last thought, David Jeremiah's new book, Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World, is coming out soon. Anyone want to read it with me? Maybe have a book club or discussion group? This is his follow up to What in the World is Going On?.

Cousins or Sisters?

2009-07-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

Libby, July 4, 2009, age 5

Historic Rock Castle, Nashville, TN

with Macy, almost 8

Libby found this tree and came up with this pose

I love the ones of them laughing!

My sis-in-law took these awesome pictures!!

Libby's favorite saying when she is done: "I'm outta here!"

Check out my new blog

2009-07-02T12:25:00.001-07:00

Hi, ya'll! I know I haven't posted anything in awhile but soon -- I promise. After returning from Dallas and the Let's Do Tea conference, I decided to start a business blog: www.MRSkrisTEAna.blogspot.com Check that out and let me know what you think. My next task is to start facebook. I have only been on a few times. I need to figure how the two work together. Libby has Spanish camp the last two weeks of July and then starts Kindergarten August 12. So soon I will have some time! Happy Birthday, America! Enjoy your holiday weekend everyone, kristina

President's Day

2009-02-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Libby does not have Great Escape today so we decided to homeschool instead. First she wanted to do the map. She loves looking at the states. Snuggled in bed, we looked over the poster I bought at the Dollar Tree. "What are you going to tell me about the states?" she said. Thinking fast, I turned over the poster and there were six questions on the back:
1. Name the Great Lakes.
2. Name the two largest bodies of water bordering the U.S.
3. What river borders TN, KY, and IL?
4. What is the largest state in the U.S.?
5. Which state is a peninsula?
6. Which state is all islands?
Pretty good geography lesson!

Then she sat down at her desk, ready for something else. We got out her Kumon cutting book. #15 was a chocolate bar. She cut that out fast! How many pieces? 18 Then I asked her to get two friends and share the candy with them. She gave each one piece, so we practiced counting by threes. Then I had her get three more friends, for a total of six friends. Last we added three more friends, nine altogether. We talked about when there were just three of you, you had six pieces of candy. Then when you had six people, you only got three pieces of candy. She was getting tired at this point but we finished up with nine friends only getting two pieces of candy.

She wanted to play with her magnets: numbers, letters, pictures, dress-up dolls. I have them on the side of the filing cabinet. So I thought I would blog for all my friends who were tired of looking at the Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse entry. We all had a good time at Kimberly's Friday night at Bunco. Then Saturday, Carrie invited me to a Valentine's Day Tea. We drank Earl Grey Black Tea, Pomegrante Black Tea, Peach Apricot Black Tea and Strawberry Cream (decaf) Black Tea. All delicious and the Tomato Basil soup was my favorite dish! Amy, Amy and I had such a great time that we have decided to do it again. So girls, if you are reading this, I think I will have my Let's Do Tea Spring Tea Party on Saturday, March 21. We will try three teas: Blossoms of Spring Green Tea, Spring Black Tea and Spring Blast Rooibos Tea. Carrie set a high standard with the food so I will be working on the menu!

Valentine's Day continued at my mom and dad's watching the UK game. Again Jodie Meeks had a great game fortunately since Pat Pat was out. Libby fell asleep there so Bobby and I took in a movie, The International. I would recommend it!

Sunday we went to church then Bobby went to work and Libby and I picked up Granny to go antiquing. We went down to Manchester Street to An Antique Affair. We are looking for Dixie Bell and Mohney glass milk bottles. His grandparents owned those and we like to decorate the kitchen with them. No luck but I found a few old Bible textbooks and Libby found some McDonald's breakfast food for her kitchen. It was a little long for Libby but we had a good time. Laura and Caleb met us at Max & Erma's for dinner where Libby entertained us all!

Hope you all had a fun, family & friend filled weekend like I enjoyed! K

Life Lessons from Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

2008-08-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

I just finished putting Libby to bed. I usually let her pick out four books to read. Tonight she chose I Spy, Chicka Chicka ABC, Green Puppy Goes to the Dentist and Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. Lauren Clay gave us the last book for her birthday but I had not yet read it to her, maybe Bobby has. But what I learned came on one page, "Today was a difficult day. Tomorrow will be better." Those were the words I needed to hear. My difficulty came today when I had to put down my dog of eight years, Cougar. But tomorrow will be better.

The above picture was our last one together, Libby's fourth birthday, after returning from vacation. She has lots of questions, mostly about heaven. She said, "He will miss me." Yes he will. And we will miss him. But today was a better day for him, no more suffering.

Birthday dinner with Granny

2008-07-19T07:10:00.001-07:00

Aunt Laura, Libby and Granny at Applebee's, Libby's favorite restaurant.

Libby with her Aunt Laura

Libby is wearing her cherry clothes from Gymboree which Granny let her pick out for her birthday (are you seeing a pattern here?) Notice that she purchased the coordinating sunglasses to complete her outfit!

She enjoyed playing with the princesses almost as much as eating the cake.

Granny let Libby pick out her birthday cake from Caramanda's. Beautiful as well as delicious!

Libby's birthday in the Smoky Mntns

2008-07-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

Cougar glad to see us after our vacation. Libby is holding Cruella DeVille that she picked out at The Disney Store Outlet. Up until then she had not watched 101 Dalmations, but now that is all we watch. (Also the real life version with Glenn Close.)
Bobby and Libby right as we were loading up the cars to head home.

Libby doesn't want to take a family photo before we leave.

Our cabin in the "Spooky" Mountains.

Macy with her American Girl doll and Libby with hers, not the real thing.

Libby named hers Elizabeth Evelyn. So then Macy, who calls hers Julie, decided to call hers Julie Claire, which is her middle name. How cute! Thanks, Aunt Anna and Uncle Kevin for her birthday doll.

Macy and Libby passing the time until our breakfast is ready at MaMa's Diner.

Maggie and Smokey made themselves right at home.

Libby opening up her presents from us:

a cross necklace from Lia Sophia.

Sad, I can't remember what else I put in the pink bag that looks like a purse!

She had another big bag that I put lots of little things in, glitter for her art projects, and again I can't remember what else right now! (The mind is a terrible thing to waste!)

Needless to say, she got way too much from everyone.

When Libby woke up, I had the Mrs. Potato Head, with the birthday stuff on from the Bivins', and the little balloon at the end of her bed and the Happy Birthday banner at the top of the stairs. She and Macy enjoyed dressing her up. It really is the little things!

Well, I did better today at putting pictures and words! Just remember everything is in reverse. Now if I could just remember that in posting the pictures, life would be good.

Two days of swimming on vacation

2008-07-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

Libby and her cousin Macy

Libby and her MaMa Maggard

Libby's 4th Birthday

2008-07-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

Ben, Libby and Peyton playing in the box at Applebee's Park.
Ben twirling Libby for Pen the Tail on the Donkey.

Lauren Clay, Libby, Ben, Peyton, and Eli.

Not pictured but present at the party: Nick

Libby blowing out her candles on her cupcakes with Lauren Clay and Eli looking on.

Our annual photo updated for 2008.

Dad, 36, Mom 38, Libby 4

Father's Day 2008

2008-06-16T17:48:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, we ate at Red Robin with Granddaddy and Nana Kim.

Aunt Laura, Granddaddy, and Bobby

Daddy, Mommy and Libby

Aren't you all proud of me? Pictures on the blog, very few words! I had over 200 pictures on the camera from Christmas 2007 until yesterday. They are all downloaded and I will try to post a few each day. Thanks for waiting patiently -- now go post some pictures on your own blog! k

Her first bowling

2008-05-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

For our last day of school (KORE) we took the kids bowling this afternoon. Another teacher took her son and I took Libby. I didn't have my camera but a student took some pictures that she will email. Honestly, tonight I sat down to download pictures to post on the blog and our camera card doesn't fit this laptop but the other one at the office -- UGH! They had the best time -- the little shoes, the special bowling ball, and a "slide" that the put the ball on and watch it roll down the lane! Can't wait to post the pictures. Tomorrow I have a meeting at my new school, a teacher's luncheon at my old school and then graduation that night. Tuesday I just have to finalize a few things and I am officially done for the summer. My new school doesn't start until after Labor day so I have a full three months off! I am looking forward to this summer like no other. By the way, she started her game off with two spares and ended the last frame with a spare for a score of 87. Not bad for a beginner!

Up early this morning

2008-05-20T03:29:00.000-07:00

Libby woke up early this morning crying and I haven't gone back to sleep. Rather than lay (I never know lie/lay/etc.) there, I got up and took The Living Bible and The Message to read. I have been reviewing Matthew for BSF Share Day tomorrow. A few things struck me in Matthew 12: There's nothing done or said that can't be forgiven.

That is a powerful statement Jesus made.

It's your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. ... Words are powerful; take them seriously.

So if you read my previous blog, you know He has been speaking to me about this. Just yesterday I said something without thinking and it got me into trouble. When will I learn? Sorry I can't give you verses on these two Scriptures, my Message translation doesn't give specifics. So I thought that was enough until I opened my Living Bible and read my Psalm for the Day.

Help me, Lord, to keep my mouth shut and my lips sealed. Psalm 141:3

Hello! There's my prayer. I am going to commit this verse translation to memory!

Tonight is Libby's preschool performance. She has been singing her songs at home and I pray she enjoys being on stage as much as she does pretending at home that she's on stage. Her two songs are "May There Always Be Sunshine" and "I Will Take God's Promises and Hide Them in my Heart" both with hand motions. My camera does have video but not sound. Mom's has both so we shall see if she can record tonight. Then I will have to learn how to download; Mel and Shannon, when are you holding a seminar on this?

May 18 -- Day 139 of 2008

2008-05-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Reading Psalm 139: The All-Knowing, Ever-Present God (Just the title my bible, HCSB, gives under it) I would love for you to read with me and tell me which verses jumped out at you.
Here are mine:
4 Before a word is on my tongue, you know all about it, LORD.
What a great help this is; I need to commit it to memory. As one who says too much or says the wrong thing, I need to think more about the words I am speaking, are they God's words or my own?

12 even darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You.
This just really struck me today. When I feel lost, in the dark, God can see the way out when I can't.

16 ...all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.
Just another reason to start my day with Him. He knows what He has planned for me today. He knows what needs to get done and what can wait.

23-24 Seach me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive (idolatrous) way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.
He knows my concerns even when I don't or am in denial. I don't want to probe too deep for what I mind find in my heart but he already knows the depths of it. He wants me to bring it up and give it to Him so He can deal with it.

I also read the Proverbs for the day, like 5/18 would be Proverbs 18. Sometimes verses there jump out at me too. Today I noticed several of the verses are about mouth, lips, tongue. All pointing to be careful what we say. But I will just give you one that I want to apply more often: 13 The one who gives an answer before he listens -- this is foolishness and disgrace for him.
If I listened better, my words would get me into trouble. Do you see a theme He is working on with me?

Also, I have let slide my prayers for U.S. My plan was to pray for one each week. If I know people in that state, to pray for them and to contact them (call, write, email, etc.) At the bottom of the blog, you will notice, Delaware. I started with our first state and now we are up to Mississippi, our twentieth state. I will try to update the bottom with the governor and link to their state website so that I (or you) could pray for their elected officials. I don't think I know anyone in MS but maybe you do. Have fun with this!

About My Mom and Dad by Libby, age 3

2008-05-13T16:28:00.000-07:00

We received this in Libby's school folder on Friday, May 9 (oh sorry, I didn't take her then because of our playdate with Mom-Time and our visit to Trinity Christian Academy with Amy & Ben so we actually got it on Monday, 5/12, the day after Mother's Day.) Her answers follow the ... from the questions Ms. Estepp and Mrs. McIntosh asked.

My mom is ... 70 years old.
My dad is ... 5ty (five-ty is how she says it) years old.

My mom is smartest when ... she cooks food at night.
My dad is smartest when ... he goes to the gym.

I love it when my mom ... she gives me hugs (big ones).
I love it when my dad ... he tickles my head.

It is funny when my mom ... gives me food from my little kitchen.
It is funny when my dad ... take me on a walk (I ride my bike fast).

After the trying time we both had today at the park with the Sampsons, it softens my heart to read this. She was tired and I had not eaten so we both were not at our best. I so look forward to my girl time with Shannon while the girls play and I really needed it today but didn't get it. My mom had taken her to their neighborhood park earlier in the day so she wasn't as excited about park time as she usually is.

Also, if ya'll could pray for her bowel movements that would be great. We went to the doctor Monday morning at 8:15 AM after little sleep Saturday night with her stomach cramping and one throw up. They don't do x-rays on Sunday so hence the first appointment when they opened. We had her first x-ray in December 2007 but things have been better since then. Isn't it great we can bring all sorts of prayer requests to our God?

One more memory before I go and I'm sure I'll think of others when I log off but ... when I put Libby to bed I say "Don't let the bed bugs bite" but bless her heart she can't say it and it comes out "Don't let the bugs bed bite on the bed" Too cute in her little voice!

Looking forward to posting more once school is out in a couple of weeks! akml

Day Two

2008-04-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

Life Group from 9:00 to 11:00 watched a Rob Bell video, Everything Is Spiritual, which I would highly recommend. Click on it to see a clip. Loved seeing everyone and can't wait to join you all again in June!

Spent the afternoon with Libby, rocked her to sleep around 4:30 for a nap, after she woke up we took the tricycle for a ride around the neighborhood and saw two bunnies in a yard along the way

Accepted a new position for teaching next year at The Lexington Latin School

Bobby and Libby are playing UNO and she just won. My parents taught her a song, "I'm hot, I'm hot, I'm really really hot" and then they touch her arm and make a "zzz" sizzle sound. So funny, the other day she touched my mom's arm and said, "You're cold!"

First Day of Spring Break

2008-03-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

Stayed in my pjs all day and read a book, Murder on the Menu by Miranda Bliss. It is number two in the Cooking Class Mystery series. I haven't read number one but I will now. I am totally into these culinary mysteries, recipes included and some I have tried. Next book for the week, Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke. Different series, I'll let you know my thoughts on that one. Bobby loves KLP so it is in his honor.

Memory for today: Playing Go Fish with Libby using our Animal Twin cards. When she got down to one card in her hand she said "UNO!" Her other favorite game which we usually play several times a day.

We got them out Animal Twins last night when Alyssa was her with her twin brothers, Brandon and Nate. They were good as gold, slept most of the time. I asked Bobby if he was ready for another baby. Not quite was his answer. Libby said no too. But then she added, "Maybe in April." She is so funny, we look at the calendar every morning at breakfast and talk about what day it is. She is really good with her numbers up to 31 and today she even counted by tens (didn't know she could do that!) She said "Today is the last day of March, then April, then May, then June 21, the first day of summer." She usually says June 22 which is her birthday. She knows Spring is here but she wants warm weather so she can wear short sleeves and shorts.

All day, she also kept saying she was having a dance recital somewhere else. She wore her pink leotard and danced around. She played Duck Duck Goose with Cougar but he wouldn't chase her, until she had food in her hands! Daddy got to put her in bed, even though she tried her usual argument of "Mommy, Mommy, Daddy, Daddy" that is her pattern for who puts her to bed. I like the pattern M-D-M-D, the every other night pattern.

Alright, the five things to know before going to bed is on so I'd better go.

Mascot Madness

2008-03-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here watching the Road to the Final Four with Libby. She is squealing every time she sees a mascot! Hilarious! What a memory.

She will let us watch the games but she wants to see their team mascot -- there cannot be enough commercial breaks for her. She has been playing with her mini pink basketball on the hardwood floors and then she will go get her pom-poms and cheer. All this in her pink tutu. How cute!

One other memory I wanted to post before I forget. Last Sunday, before we went to church for Easter, we were reading several Easter story books. I asked her what Jesus feed the disciples for supper and she replied "Grape juice and rocks" -- I will have to ask her Bible study teachers where that came from! Hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

I am on Spring Break this week. Glory! Now let's hope we have some nice weather, K

Bedtime

2008-02-28T17:50:00.000-08:00

Daddy's turn tonight so I have a few minutes. We just finished watching Monsters, Inc. as a family. She gave me a cheek-ear kiss. After getting sick from her germs, I tried to teach her the European way to kiss -- cheek to cheek. She has made it her own and now likes to get my ear!

Tomorrow we meet with her teacher, Ms. Estepp, for our first parent conference! There is no school just parents coming in all day, I would dread that! I hate to say that is the worst part about my job. And not all of them, to be fair.

I have pictures but it has been so long, I don't really remember all the steps from camera to blog. Maybe if we get that big snow storm next week, I can relearn how to do that.

Sorry it has been so long since the last post. I will try to get back in the habit of posting once a week on the weekends. For myself at least. I know nobody checks anymore because I never have anything. This is my journal, just very public, but a way of remembering a few things. I didn't want to forget the way she kissed me goodnight this evening. Or just sitting on the couch as a family, legs propped up on the ottoman, all snuggled under the black fuzzy blanket. Good memories!

Tuesday: Girls Night with a unexpected guest!

2008-01-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

Granddaddy is out of town for a short business meeting and Caleb, Laura's boyfriend, is in St. Croix, the U.S. Virgin Islands for work for the next two months, so when Bobby called to say he had a meeting tonight at 6:30 (Libby's favorite time) I called them to arrange a Girls Night out to dinner. Neither would pick a place, so I chose Libby's fav, Applebee's (we've been there one time!) After school, I called Bobby on the way to get Libby from my mom's to check on his day. A couple of things have happened, he says.
Good, bad or ugly? I say.
1. He took someone to look at our house, which isn't even on the market yet. GREAT! Please pray that God would just work all this out, who He has for tHis house, the timing, the Adam/Katie thing, every little detail. With school taking up more than it's share of my mental capacity, I can't think about the house situation. But He can and He wants to lift that burden from me, and the school thing too if I would just let Him, at which I am doing better!
2. His meeting got cancelled! So he crashed our girls night but that's okay, we just made it family night instead. Gracias to Kim for picking up the tab! She said that was Bob's contribution since he couldn't be with us; he was having dinner at the Oyster Bar, which is hilarious because for our Christmas dinner, Kim & Caleb made this oyster dish that made Bob and the rest of us cringe!

Libby started her new semester of music class today, God's Wonderful World. She has been doing Musikgarten since she was about six months old. She just sings all the time, loves playing her musical instruments. My mom takes her and they have made lots of new friends: Sam, Grace, Sara, Gigi, and a new little boy who just started today. Afterwards, they go outside and play on the church playground. Today was rather windy but still unseasonably warm.

Tomorrow we start back to Bible Study Fellowship. I look forward to seeing everyone and getting back into the book of Matthew. We have been studying since the middle of September and are up to chapter twelve. One of my co-workers may join me for guest day this week. We were talking about how life has gotten so complicated. Jesus made things so simple. Love God, love others. That's the goal. I need to remind myself of that more often.

My mind is drifting as I listen to the rain on the skylight. One thing I enjoy is falling asleep to the rain so I will call it a night. k

Monday: Mommies dinner & playdate

2008-01-07T18:06:00.000-08:00

Tonight we were at Ms. Julie & Peyton's house for pizza while the Daddies met at The Livesay Group conference room. Ms. Susan & Hannah along with Ms. Amy & Ben and Matthew rounded out the group. So many new toys from Christmas, it was organized chaos! You would never know Matthew is the baby (or youngest I should say since he is one already), he is right in there with the rest of them, climbing on everything and staking his claim to the toy of the moment! He did look darling in his Ohio State outfit. It is a tie game at ten as I type now. Libby wore her pink cowboy boots and rode her pink/purple tricycle through the neighborhood since was an unusually warm January day. Bobby has the privilege of putting her to bed tonight.

Any New Year's Resolutions? I am modifying the phrase "one day at a time" to reflect my schedule, so here it is: Enjoy each half day at a time, then teach one class at a time. I am determined not to let school still my joy at home. I will not stay past 3:15. I will not fret about my situation. I will plan at school, grade at school and not bring work home -- period! Life is too short and Libby is only three this year. Lord, whatever I am supposed to learn from this please help me catch on quickly and make time fly! LSU just went up by a touchdown with seven minutes left in the second quarter. Until the next time, k

Saturday service & Brickman concert

2007-12-29T20:57:00.000-08:00

The guest speaker at church tonight gave me new insight about being the one (the only leper to return to thank Jesus). Oh how I am like the nine, he pointed out that they were probably grateful but yet didn't go back and say so. His point, borrowed from Andy Stanly I think, is "Un-expressed gratitude actually communicates ingratitude." Before the sermon, he challenged us to think of five people we are grateful for, with the stipulation that only one could be a family member. Here are mine (be thinking about yours):
1. Libby, my precious daughter who models wonder, excitement and playfulness for me.
2. Kathryn, my BSF leader who has just gone the extra mile for me and really helped me feel comfortable in group again. She has no idea.
3. Amy M., for taking the baton from me when I passed along my "housekeeper," she is still continuing to witness to this precious child of God who is traveling on the wide, wrong road.
4. Karen K., who inspires me with her wonderful insights on adoption through her blog.
now here is where I got stuck, I could think of a million people (maybe not actually 1,000,000 but ya know...) I saw I only had females, so I was trying to think a male, other than a family member since that would be breaking the rules so, here we go
5. Jesus Christ, and no, I am not kissing up. I would be lost, more so than I am now, if I did not have a relationship with Him. And while I have not spent as much time with him over the Christmas break as I wanted, He is faithful and waiting whenever I come to Him. During worship we sang one of my favorite songs (or combination of old hymn with new lyrics),
OH praise the one
who paid my debt
and raises life up from the dead,
it's Jesus,
Jesus paid it all
all to Him I owe
sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow.

If we have another child, or adopt, a daughter, I would love to name her Scarlett Snow. I'm not sure I have carte blanche (is there an e on this?) on this child's name as I did with Libby but what a reflection of our human state of grace. We are as filthy rags but God sees us wrapped in the light of his Son!

Do you have your five? Please share if you feel led.

Libby stayed with us in the service this time, choosing not to go with the three year olds tonight. Afterwards, we dropped her of at Granddaddy and Nana Kim's so that Bobby and I could have a date night. They bought me tickets to the Jim Brickman holiday concert. I am a huge fan, first seeing him in NYC, then with Bobby while we were dating at Cicny and Louisville, and then I took Lynn and Leah the Christmas before our wedding.

We grabbed a quick bite at Raising Cane's on campus, our first time. Zo, our cashier, was great and recommended meals for both of us that were great. Reminds me of Zaxby's (have ya'll been to the one in Nicholasville?) We had a great time talking about "dreams" but also planning our date nights for the next three months. Looking forward to more fun nights like this. Concert was great as usual, he and Anne have such a repore (how do I spell this? I now it is not right but it's late), I think from going to high school together. I was introduced to some new songs and we purchased a new Christmas CD. I know I only have a little while more to listen to it this year but it will be great to pull it out next year.

I have enjoyed these nightly reflections. We'll see if I can keep it up when the school year starts back. May you have peaceful rest, akml

Today's Top Ten in no particular order

2007-12-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

1. Jesus made the sky and Jesus made us!

2. Do dogs yawn? (after she had yawned, I then yawned, and I had tried to explain "contagious" to her!)

3. I don't talk well (she just couldn't get out what she wanted to say. I know she was tired, no nap today, but I need to pay more attention to when she "stutters", she doesn't stutter the first letter, but the whole word. It makes me sad to hear her say this. I want to know how I can help her, tonight I just suggested she use her hands and that worked.)

4. This is the best Christmas ever (while we were wrapping Nana Kim's present, I was letting her cut the paper and she was sticking tape everywhere, she wrote her name on the gift tag and it turned out Anna, she doesn't yet know left to right, she usually writes backwards and wherever there is room)

5. I am disappointed (don't remember at what, but I know I say this to her when she does something she shouldn't, maybe it was because she didn't get to go shopping with her Mama and me)

6. She asked me to sing to her as we rocked, "Happy Birthday to Jesus"

7. We went to the library to return some of my books, because of the rain, I was just going to drive through the book drop, but she wanted to go in and look at the books. I followed her around the shelves and watched as she would pull out random ones, and then put them back (my OCD kicked in a little as I stressed if she put them in the correct spot but I let it go quickly!), we jumped on the circular alphabet carpet spelling our names, she went to "check her email" while I searched the other computer card catalog for Merry Christmas Big Hungry Bear (couldn't remember the author of Big Hungry Bear, her favorite book right now) Don and Audrey Wood so off we went to find it. One of her favorite episodes of Caillou is him going to the library with his library card, so we had to get her one. She was so excited! Carried it around proudly everywhere and wanted to tell everyone! How precious, my little reader!

8. While we were driving and talking, she replied to me "not exactly", I guess she has been seeing too many of those Hertz commercials, crack me up!

9. Very interested in "what time is it", loves anything on the half hour, when asked when we were going to Granddaddy's she replied "about six thirty" which was correct, when we were trying to nap she asked me when we were going to get up, "4:30 or 5", "I think five, mommy"

10. Just watching her tonight, run back and forth from the kitchen to the den, taking requests and relaying messages, very dramatic, saying the prayer twice, because the first time she didn't have everyone's attention, after finishing her dinner and leaving to play, she came back in and "do you know what time it is? present time!" trying to get the rest of us to hurry up and eat our dinner! where are our priorities?

Mom and Bobby, feel free to add any sayings you can remember from today!

Thursday Thoughts

2007-12-27T13:17:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day I have pulled out my school work but I am not resenting it. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first week off from school. Libby and I have had some great times doing nothing in particular. Today she woke up calling for her daddy. He was asleep and I had been awake for a few minutes, just a little after seven. I went upstairs but was surprised to see me, repeating her call for her daddy. I sat down to rock her but quickly had to take a bathroom break to which she declared she had to go as well. We went down the hall to her bathroom; I sat on the big potty thinking that she would sit on her pink potty. I know better to than assume, she waited for me to finish. Then as she went, she looked over at the bathtub and hinted that she would like to take a bath.

After her half hour long bath, we ate some breakfast bars and watched Curious George, her current favorite. I wasn't feeling well so we stayed in bed and watched MMCH and LE. This was more tv than usual and she was ready to play. Upstairs we went to play Yahtzee. I have been teaching her the names of what she rolls. Yesterday, she would yell, "The house is full!" her way of saying a full house. Today she seemed to be getting Large straights. I look at what she rolls, give her the dice and tell what she is trying to get. She rolled a 2,3,4,5 and 6. I counted those out to her but she said "Mommy, I only have five!" It was much better when she would get a 1,2,3,4 and 5 that made sense to her.

Then we ventured out to the play room where she proceeded to cook for me. I got her a little recipe box for Christmas that she gives me to pick out my food. First she asked me if I wanted meatloaf but we couldn't find our rectangle pan, must be at the other house. We did find her muffin pan so that is what we settled on. I asked for banana nut, she said she could do vanilla banana. OK. Next she asked if I wanted them all the same or different, in pretend you can do that, and since it didn't matter to me, I asked her what she wanted. Differnet. So next I said cranberry orange, trying to think of all the muffin mixes I have in the panty we possibly have made. She responded, cranberry applesauce. OK. I think she went on to something else and realized she really was hungry so went went downstairs to make eggs and toast for our second breakfast. This is usual when we are at home all day.

Next we worked some puzzles and read some books, when she got a paper cut. She cuddled up with me and fell asleep for an early nap. Her pattern is nap one day but not the next. Yesterday we went for a walk, ended up at Tim & Julie's to play with Peyton which turned up to dinner and her falling asleep on the couch around seven p.m. No nap yesterday so early one today, noon to two.

Bobby came home from work for their usual Daddy-Daughter Day. They took Cougar to get weighed, he is down a couple of pounds but a net +1. We are going to change his food to high calorie, evidently the senior food is low calorie. Oh, brother! Then they took him for a bath. Now they are at the gym working out. She loves to go with him and it is great for me to have some time. I have taken a hot bath, and then I came out to get the computer to do some work. Which is how I ended up here. Checking email and blogs. I have done some work but I left some things I need at school. I go back on Wednesday, the second for a teacher work day, so I will wait until then to finish up.

Hope your Christmas break is going well.

Monday's Minute Update

2007-12-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

7 school days until Christmas break!

Tomorrow (Tuesday, 12/11) I work all day since we are going on a field trip to Frankfort for the Gubernatorial Inauguration Parade. There is a 40% chance of rain -- please pray for great weather and a great time to be had by all. I think the temperature should be in the 60s so that is a blessing in and of itself!

Until my next quick post, have a good one!

Tuesday Thoughts

2007-11-27T17:25:00.000-08:00

14 more teaching days until Christmas break!
(I only teach Monday thru Thursday.)
Maybe I will post on December 20, my last day of school for the year 2007.
Sorry for the delay, but thanks for checking in with me!

Tuesday, MaMa's Day

2007-10-02T15:39:00.001-07:00

This is from last Tuesday, but her routine is the same each week -- Tuesday she gets to spend with her MaMa. I have life group on Tuesday mornings so I drop her off on my way to church. She has her music class from 11:15-11:45 and she usually stays to play on their playground. My mom and dad just recently decided to start taking her out to lunch after music, in part because my dad and Bobby are now working out on Tuesday evenings. They are actually working out now as I type this. Libby didn't nap today so she fell asleep a little before six, which gives me time to post a brief update. I would type longer but I have to type my post test for my US History boys! Here is one last pic for the post -- who knows where it will end up -- above or below this typing! Mom and Dad used to live over in the Hamburg area and they loved eating at Texas Roadhouse. They don't get over there as often as they like but they just happened to make in when the Budweiser clydesdales were there. What a treat -- Libby loves horses. Just look how big they are...

Well, that wasn't what I thought it was. Guess my honey didn't download the other one! Sorry about that. I'm sure my boys wouldn't mind if I posted some more, but I really must get this typed (I'm afraid Libby will wake up but who knows she could be down for the night!)

Monday -- McDonald's

2007-09-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

Our routine for Monday is Daddy takes her to preschool and Granny picks her up, then takes her to McDonald's. I meet them there and have to be the mean Mommy when I drag her away from the play area. Granny told me that right before she leaves school, the teacher leads them in "Go Cats" while sitting in their circle to be picked up -- how cute is that!

Lib is really into walking Cougar right now -- I can't wait for it to cool back down! I usually do the morning walk before we head to school. Daddy gets the evening walk, but they are learning to be a bit more careful since she ran head on into a truck (in the driveway, silly!) They have just dropped Coug off and are headed out for some more running -- she wears herself out before bedtime! I may try to get her those NB running shoes again, since she won't wear anything but tennies for her walks.

This afternoon she did the sweetest thing. We are still working on poo-poo on the potty but she sneaked a nighttime diaper to do her business in. She climbed up on the changing table since I have that set up in the baby's room now at the Aria house and I cleaned her up. She went to change clothes (any excuse will do for her) and I headed back downstairs to read my book, In The Likeness of God by Philip Yancey and Dr. Paul Brand, which I highly recommend. I noticed it was quiet and when I went to check on her, she had crawled into her daybed and put herself to sleep for a nap -- what a darling! She did wake up early this morning -- 6:15. Bobby was up so she said, "If someone is up, I am up!" (oh, brother!) He is not usually up that early but had to leave for the golf course at seven. They won the scramble by the way -- can't wait to see the ugly golf shirt he got (his words not mine.)

Back to our potty training issue, I read a great tip in one of my parenting magazine. To get her daughter to go potty, she told her she got to call a princess. What a great idea -- which one of you wants to be my go-to girl to call and pretend to be a princess -- hopefully she won't recognize you voice. Tonight she did a litte business in the potty and that was the first thing she said, "I get to call Belle!" Please help, we will be calling soon!
TTFN,
akml

First Day of Autumn

2007-09-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

I realized I haven't posted in over a month -- please forgive. I haven't had my usual time on Saturdays but yesterday was the first time in along time that Libby has gone with her Granny for their usual Saturday playdate. Rather than fiddle with the computer, I spent the day at the Twin Pines house doing laundry, which has overtaken Libby's playroom, and catching up on Tivo since we don't have television at the Aria house. It was the absolute best day!

Our friends from OH were in with their daughter so they came over to watch the UK v Arkansas game -- which was great for the Big Blue Nation! We were all into the game but took our respective turns checking on the girls but when they got ready to leave, we all made our way upstairs to find two little Indian girls -- they had marked on each other's faces and arms with Crayola markers! I tried to get a picture with Libby's digital camera but it was too dark and since I had our camera at the other house, a golden opportunity slipped by! Sorry about that.

I will try to make a fresh start with this blog -- it is a new season. Here's to fresh starts! kml

Tuesday's Two Minute Wrap up

2007-08-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

9:00 AM Libby's Three Year Old Check Up
Weight: almost 30 pounds (the poor girl did not want to stand on the scale -- who can blame her! When I tried to demostrate, the darn thing read 145.5 -- surely not! I was holding my big VB Rooster purse which surely weighed a few pounds and I had on my big honking heeled & open toed sandals (no idea it was going to rain!)
Height -- no standing against the wall either so we had to lie her flat on the examination table and make head/toe marks to measure the old fashioned way. Not quiet 40 inches.
Blood Pressure -- her first time, how precious! 88/50 would somebody tell me what those numbers mean, please?
Also for the first time she had to wear a robe which she did not want to do either. It wasn't very soft so I can understand. Luckily at the grocery I had bought a five dollar nurse/doctor kit and put away in the closet for such a time as this. She enjoyed playing with that during the fifteen minutes we waited back in the room! If you asked her, probably her favorite thing was getting her hand stamped after she was done. That made her day -- much more so than a sticker even. We pay, she gets a lollipop to put in her medical kit and then we are off to run to the car in the rain -- yippee! I had my students fill out a questionnair that Libby had gotten from Great Escape and one question was "What do you like to do in the rain?" and one of my precious high schoolers said "play -- of course!" how darlin'
9:30 Drop Libby off at MaMa's and head to Life Group at SCC
Love these ladies! I just have to share about our answers to prayer: Janet's sister in law has had a turn for the better after looking like she was not going to be able to go home for awhile and Martha, who is doing the job of three people after two have left, we prayed for rain so that she could come to LG on Tuesday mornings. (She was a pro golfer so she does give lessons in the rain and therefore can come to group) She called during group to say she couldn't be there but to keep praying for rain on Tuesdays! We all had a great laugh.
11:10 drive thru Fazzoli's to get lunch on my way to school
11:30 wander the halls since the students are have a Leadership Team meeting in my room
noon -- Study Hall -- Can you pray that they would open their Assignment notebooks at the beginning of class so that I could go around the room and check their homework? They did work well today on their homework -- six boys, no girls. I know God has been laying on my heart to adopt a son but somehow I think this teaching job is that answer.
1:00 sit in on Science class -- I really don't know anything about science! Classifications of living and non-living things -- you try it!
2:00 US History -- Yesterday was Benjamin Harrison's birthday (8.20.1833 i think) our 23rd president from 1889-1893 so we read about him in a little fun facts book I had. When he became president, there were 38 states in the union. By the time he left office, six other states had joined -- can you name them? Also what sport was invented during his term in office? (hint: very big in our state) Also, today's fun fact was Hawaii joined the union on this day in 1959 -- who was president? I am learning alot -- are they?
3:15 head out to pick up Libby
4:00 she falls asleep in the car on the way home from MaMa & PaPa's
I read my Daily Chronological bible, eat a snack and flip through the mail, and then I veg. For some reason, I am stressed about school today. The house is a mess, dinner was soupy and it shouldn't have been. Did I make the right decision going back to teach? Too early to tell. I'll check back in on a good day when I am not plagued with doubts.
I tried to download the pictures from my Mom's camera of my trip this weekend. Well, her memory card is different than mine and it didn't work. That's the reason for no pictures and just a journal entry.
8:30 signing off for now,
akml

Hi-5 Live!

2007-08-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

Libby is worn out after a long fun day of singing & dancing with her Hi-5 friends.

Libby NOT wanting her picture made! She is holding her Jump N Jive with Hi-5 cd book and jup-jup. This is all we listen to in the car now -- please pray for me!

Kimmee reading a story -- the show is almost over!

Libby hugging Jup-Jup during intermission -- just starting to get the hang of this concert thing!

This is Jenn & Chats, her second favorite characters.

This is Kimmee, her favorite character. You'll see more pictures of her, but not with Jup-Jup her sidekick.

Bobby & Libby before the show began. This is pretty much what she did for the first part of the show -- suck her thumb!

OK! I don't get this blog! Earlier I lost all my journaling so I am too mad to retype it right now and all the pictures are backwards with all this space in between! Love/hate relationship going on here. I had so much fun reading Mel and Shannon's blog and I haven't had my usual Saturdays to update what has been going on with us. Can't believe it is August 1st today! Maybe my entry just sucked and that was God's way of not posting it! Who knows! I am going to heat up a nice slice of apple pie with caramel topping on top with side scoop of HD Dulce de leche ice cream and relax for the evening. What a way to end the day! Hope to hear from ya'll soon -- akml

Shilito Park with MaMa

2007-07-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

This is the same day as Lunch with Mama (see blog archive) but notice the different outfit. She is doing great with the potty but this was her first accident while we were at Shilito Park at the playground. She loves to slide, climb and crawl so much that she doesn't want to take a break to go to the restroom. She did but after she had already wet her pants! Never to fear, I had a change of pants in the car and she went right back to her job of playing. What a fun day!

Cousins who play together, nap together

2007-07-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

This is my niece, Macy. She is helping me prepare for my new job as a US History teacher -- we are working the 100 piece Presidents puzzle. She did a great job -- actually recognizing Abe Lincoln! Her father is a High School Gov't, Economics and World History teacher at Davidson Academy in Nashville, TN. (I, on the other hand, have taught math, reading and English at the middle school level so this will be a new challenge for me.) Kevin takes a trip to DC every year and I believe the first year he brought her a book about Honest Abe. She is a bright student, just graduating from Kindergarten.

Libby loves her cousin! They have such a good time playing with each other. They wear themselves out and won't stop until we make them. Here are some pictures of them sacked out in my parent's bedroom. I think they were watching Cinderella, much to Millacy's chagrin. She would prefer one of the newer Disney movies. We did take her to see Ratatouille and I highly recommend it! Libby is still not ready for the loud theater sound (which her daddy loves) but I will get it on DVD when it comes out for her.

Poo Poo Party

2007-07-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

Libby's latest achievement -- going to the potty! While her cousin Macy was here over the July Fourth holiday, she really did not want to wear diapers. She naturally wants to be big like Macy and that means wearing panties. They left for Nashville on a Thursday and she was going to the potty on Friday -- peer pressure can be a good thing at this age!

We have a sticker chart above her pink potty in the bathroom -- gold crowns for #1 and red crowns for #2. She has the first one down but still wants to put a diaper on for the second. Since she loves going to Gattitown, we decided to use this as an incentive. It worked once so off we went. Here she is with Bobby on the carousel, her favorite ride. You can check the bottom of the blog for Libby's Latest to keep update on her newest achievements. Thanks for viewing

Lunch with MaMa

2007-07-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

Libby and I took my mom, Jenny, to lunch on Thursday, July 12th at Flag Fork Herb Farm. Have you been to this place? We love the comfort food (I had one of my bridal luncheons there with the Mohney ladies.) Every year they send me a free lunch for my birthday. I have had that green flyer on the fridge for awhile so by the time I made reservations I was down to a free dessert. I love quiche but usually they put things I don't like in there. Not today -- it was three cheese and ham so I ordered that with a linguine pasta salad that was to die for! All that to say that by the time dessert rolled around, I was stuffed. So being the wonderfully thoughtful wife that I am, I ordered Bobby the Key Lime Pie which he loves. Well, long story short, I forgot to bring it in from the car! What a bummer. What makes it even worse was that Bobby was at one of his clients doing work, Jean Farris Winery off of Old Richmond Road, and he being the thoughtful husband that he is, brought me a bottle of wine. That is when I remembered his pie -- several hours later in the hot car was not pretty! He appreciated the thought and so did I -- better luck next time!

Pool Party!

2007-06-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Day #2 of Blogging! For those of you new to this like me, you can click on the pictures to enlarge them -- when you are finished with each picture just be sure to use the BACK button instead of the X or you will have to log on again! I speak from experience.

Picture left: This should actually be the last picture of the blog but ended up the first! Still working on all this! Both the girls were ready to go at this point. Libby said "I want to go back to the beach house!"

Picture right: Libby and Daddy riding the whale float.

Lauren Clay, John, Libby and Bobby stop briefly to pose for me!

Getting ready to jump...

look at that perfect cheerleader form!

I thought this would be the first picture on the blog -- it was our first picture at the pool. Slowly working our way in, one step at a time.

Just a few more days of vacation left. The guys are playing golf this afternoon and the girls might go to the outlets and Starbucks. We went to dinner and the outlets last night but it is huge and we only made it half way through -- we hate not to finish it! Thanks for checking us out! Be sure to comment or email me! This is so fun -- I have gotten more emails from friends which is so nice! What a way to keep in touch. TTFN, KML

My Early Morning Beach Time

2007-06-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

This is my first time blogging so please bear with me!

We are currently in Gulf Shores, Alabama for the BPL (the Livesay family reunion.) There is an annual golf tournament, which my husband won this year! We have had a couple of family dinners, the last one consisted of a game for the grandchildren, "Are You Smarter Than A Grandfather." Libby was on a team but being three she didn't like all the commotion and clapping so unfortunately we had to leave early. But we were told the tiebreaker question was "How are Summer and Libby related?" to which Summer replied "Who is Libby?" They are actually third cousins. It has been fun meeting new relatives.

Libby has loved the beach! But I have just found out my husband doesn't like the mess of the sand! He is a pool person I now know. Aunt Laura and Caleb left this morning before 5 AM. I was up changing laundry from the washer to dryer. I went back upstairs to lay down and thought about watching the sunrise. Libby poked her head up so I got her up and took her to the beach with me. I took my Chronological Bible for me and sand buckets for her. We had the whole beach to ourselves and it was very peaceful. A couple of walkers, a slew of birds and then a bird as tall as Libby, which I am calling a crane. I watched him for the longest time. Very majestic. Although I was a little scared that he might just come running towards us at any moment.

Of course I hadn't brought my camera. We packed up and returned to our beach house (see picture below.) Bobby was up so I left Libby with him so I could get the camera to take a picture. I was sure the crane would be gone by this point. However, he was there but my batteries were low and it wouldn't let me take a picture. I felt like the bible story with the ten virgins with lamps waiting, five had oil and five didn't. I wasn't prepared and was going to miss the picture! I ran back and borrowed batteries from the Sampsons' camera and trekked back. Thank the Lord, he waited for me. I took a ton of pictures but only posted the one. I wanted to see him fly and sure enough as I was taking my last picture he took off. I just watched in amazement! Our God is so good! What a way to start the day and it wasn't even eight o'clock yet.

Oops! I just lost the picture of our beach house but I will try and get it back. {Its back but above this time.} Here is the picture of Libby's footprint in the sand. How precious -- I got this with all the crane pictures and I wasn't even expecting it. She loves to see her footprints in the sand so I am so happy that I got one on camera for her and for us to remember.

In reading my devo for this morning (and yesterdays since I hadn't read it) I am in Micah and came across one of my favorite verses:

He has showned you, O [wo]man, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

I remember in NYC there was a building on the corner of Fifth Avenue (which is across from Central Park and not Park Avenue as you would think) and some street that I would love to get a picture of. It was undergoing renovation and I pray they left those reminders ( the italics above) on there for future generations.

Later in Micah 7 it talks about an enemy asking "Where is the Lord your God" when even "though I have fallen, I will rise" and I thought of the Pittmans friends back in Thailand. They don't understand how our God could allow this to happen to Gracie. I would love to say to their friend that our God is right here with us in the midst of our trials. Our God "delights to show mercy." I just felt like singing Chris Tomlin's song,

"Indescribable, Uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and you know them by name. You are amazing God.

All powerful, untamable, Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim, You are amazing God."

It is almost eleven. Bobby is taking a shower, Libby is watching her DVD "Christy", the Sampsons are at the pool, and Bob and Kim are walking on the beach. I am going to wrap up my first blog. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! Please comment. Or email me.