Cheez!

Summer Rose has become famous around here for her precious grin, and the only thing that makes it even more precious is her now shouting "Cheez!" every time she sees a camera.

She thinks her Mama's sticky buns are "Mmmm Mmmm Good!"

LMO Update

You can click below for a link to download the newsletter for Life Matters Outreach.

LMO Newsletter, 1st Qtr 2010

In Memory...

It doesn't take much to be labeled a hero in today's society.....maybe hit some homeruns, get a few holes-in-one, score some touchdowns, sing a loud fast song, act in a movie. It's true that these may require physical stamina and self-discipline, but the application of this hard work is nothing but vain pursuits that will count as nothing in eternity. (Go ahead and get mad. I stand by my Biblical interpretation of sports, especially professional sports as a career choice.) In our recreation-obsessed culture, we have forgotten that the definition of hero is someone who has done something brave and admirable, someone who stares in the face of danger and conquers his/her own fears in order to accomplish something noble.

One such heroine was Miep Gies (pronounced Meep Kees), the secretary for Otto Frank who, along with 5 others, helped hide and provide for the Frank family and 4 others who were hidden in an annex built onto a Dutch warehouse during World War II. For more than 2 years, she risked her life to provide food, shelter, and care for them. It was Miep who, after they were betrayed to the Nazis and the families whisked away to death camps, found the now famous diary of the teenager Anne Frank. She refused to read the diary, respecting Anne's privacy and hoping she would return to collect it herself one day. When Otto Frank returned in 1945, he soon discovered that he was the sole survivor of his beloved family. It was then that Miep pulled Anne's diary from a locked drawer and gave it to her father. The rest is history.

Here is a description of Miep and her companions in the words of Anne Frank:

On January 28, 1944, Anne Frank expresses her amazement at the fact that there are so many noble people, selflessly helping and saving other people: ‘

The best example of this is our own helpers, who have managed to pull us through so far and will hopefully bring us safely to shore, because otherwise they'll find themselves sharing the fate of those they're trying to protect. Never have they uttered a single word about the burden we must be, never have they complained that we're too much trouble. They come upstairs every day and talk to the men about business and politics, to the women about food and wartime difficulties and to the children about books and newspapers. They put on their most cheerful expressions, bring flowers and gifts for birthdays and holidays and are always ready to do what they can. That's something we should never forget; while others display their heroism in battle or against the Germans, our helpers prove theirs every day by their good spirits and affection.'

Below is a picture of Miep and her husband Jan Gies (who also aided the Franks) as they returned once again to the warehouse:

Miep did not consider herself a hero, only a compassionate human being who was looking out for her fellow man. This world could use a few more Mieps!

Check out this website for a detailed history of Miep Gies as well as the story of Anne Frank:

Miep Gies: Her Own Story

Miep Gies

February 15, 1909 - January 11, 2010

100 years old

Sanctity of Life Month

I haven't had much time for blogging this week, I'm working on some stuff for LMO (the crisis pregnancy center that I founded in 2001), including the newsletter and tax receipts, etc.

Just wanted to remind everyone that January is Sanctity of Human Life Month, so don't forget to mention this to your family, your pastor, your Sunday School class, and your friends.

There are dozens (if not more) of great pro-life websites, but here's one that I just recently found. It has a ton of valuable information about all aspects of the pro-life issue:

www.pregnantpause.org

"If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?"

Proverbs 24:11, 12

Big Brother and Big Sister

I just love how Summer runs to her KK and her Sis every time she gets in trouble or wants something. It's a challenge trying to train and discipline one with big siblings around to pet her, but it's worth the extra effort when I see the love these children have for each other. Not to mention, it's great practice for Caleb and Madelyn. They are as proficient at caring for the baby as I am, and I don't force them to do it; they just jump in voluntarily and love every minute of it (well, mostly...LOL).

We must laugh to keep from crying...

I have to say, Glenn Beck does a pretty good imitation of Comrade Pelosi.

It’s Not Socialism. It’s Communism

Check out this important article by Alan Caruba:

It’s Not Socialism. It’s Communism

Daddy's Girl

(Thanks, Bro. Tony, for this beautiful picture!)

Update on Violet

Isn't she gorgeous? She has survived more than 7 months at MY house. Miraculous!


- Posted using my iPhone

Thought for the Day

"There was a time when we expected nothing of our children but obedience, as opposed to the present, when we expect everything of them but obedience."

--Anatole Broyard

The only 2 commandments given directly to children in Scripture are:

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." Eph. 6:1-3

and

"Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord" Col. 3:20

Lord, help me to hold the standard high so that my children can be found within Your circle of blessing.

Back to Reality

Okay, so I've been slacking on my blog through the holidays, but I've been busy doing important stuff...like playing Mario Kart, Wii boxing, pushing the Cozy Coupe, programming iPods, staying up late and getting up late, and just all around enjoying our little vacation from school. We were blessed with a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and I just praise God for the sweet times of fellowship we've been allowed to share with our family and friends during these holidays. Here are a few snapshots from these past few days.

Beautiful Boy

Honorable Wishes from an Honorable President

Since we're all starving to death for honorable words of encouragement from our President...words that give tribute to our God and our great country.....I want to post this short Christmas wish from President Ronald Reagan (1981).

Another one!

Bub has lost his second tooth!



- Posted using my iPhone

iPhone, Therefore I Am

This is a hilarious article for iPhone snobs or any other smart phone users. Enjoy!

iPhone, Therefore I Am

It Seemed Like a Good Idea

...."I'll just let Summer sit over here and eat an apple and watch Frosty while I clean up. That way she'll stay out of trouble and not make any more messes before I can get everything else cleaned up".....

(so much for that!)

Defend Your Healthcare

With all the lies and chaos surrounding the current healthcare debate, it's hard to know what's going on. The commies are counting on wearing Americans out on this fight, and passing it while we're casually looking the other way. Here is a great resource to filter through all the hype and see what's really at stake for our nation. I encourage you to read through it and pass it along to everyone you know! Our life and liberty are at stake!

www.defendyourhealthcare.us

"The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people."
George Washington, First Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789

Chocolate Beard

Summer's first experience with chocolate cereal (I know, I'm a terrible mother! At least it was organic....)


Finger lickin' good!


Right after this, SHE SNEEZED! Great timing.


- Posted using my iPhone

Racist?

Merry Christmas!

Since I just can't seem to get my act together enough to send out Christmas cards through snail mail, this electronic Christmas card is for all my blogging friends. Merry Christmas!

(PLEASE NOTE: All 5 children are looking at the camera, and all 5 children are smiling. Yes, it's crooked, and I almost cut Caleb's head off, but this was about shot #100 from session #3, so I'm considering this a miracle of Christmas!)

Brown-Eyed Babes

3 of our children have inherited Jason's big, beautiful brown eyes. (Caleb and Madelyn have my changing hazel colored eyes.) Every once in a while, I catch a glimpse of one of them doing something (usually MISCHIEF!) or showing a certain expression, and suddenly it takes me back to when I was 19 and all Jason and I had to do was stare into each other's eyes!



(such a little lady!)


(thanks, Bro. Tony, for this great picture of Bubbie!)
Bub's are the darkest of all...


Obviously, Jason and I don't have many (or any) carefree days now, and I miss that, but there's something so fulfilling about having a house full of little "JasonandTara's" running around, a testament of the love and joy God has placed in our lives. Sadly, Margaret Sanger (see post below) just had no idea what she was missing.

What a legacy!

"If you were to ask anyone to name the people who have directly or indirectly caused the most deaths in the twentieth century, names such as Hitler, Stalin, and Ho Chi Minh would likely top the lists. I submit, though, that there is one person whose track record in blood leaves any one of the others in a distant second place."

Brannon Howse, in his book, "Grave Influence: 21 Radicals and Their Worldviews That Rule America From the Grave" , speaking of Planned Parenthood founder, Margaret Sanger.

He goes on to say,

"Margaret Sanger's standing as the greatest death-monger of all times is unlikely to be challenged. In fact, her numbers seem destined only to grow."

If you really want to get your blood boiling, go and research how much of YOUR tax dollars have gone to fund Planned Parenthood! I appreciate the remarks of the Congressman below:





What he says about Planned Parenthood's war against the black race is easily documented. I've never understood how black people, including our President, and also Martin Luther King (follow this link to see how he, as a stooge, accepted an award from the very people who were trying to wipe out his "race"), could lobby so hard for Planned Parenthood. If you want to know the full scope of Planned Parenthood's war on "the stocks that are most detrimental to the future of the race and the world" (HER WORDS, NOT MINE!) , I recommend a new movie put out by Life Dynamics called "Maafa 21". It is available for checking out at LMO , though it would be worth your money to purchase. VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED. I did allow my children to watch it (with me skipping some parts), and plan to do so again many times, but Magaret Sanger was a vile, filthy woman, and her organization's commercials, etc., are definitely inappropriate for anyone, especially innocent-minded children. Here is a short preview of the movie below:





It's time for Americans to come clean about the purpose of Planned Parenthood! It's not a noble "family planning" venture organized by compassionate citizens, it's Darwinian eugenics and killing babies!

Cool!

Look what KK found in his cereal this morning.... A NOBEL PEACE PRIZE! Imagine that!


- Posted using my iPhone

No Greater Joy

Here are some snapshots from Madelyn's baptism this past Sunday.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 4

Croaked

Seven months we've been caring for this tadpole! It finally turns into a frog.....and CROAKS! I have one disappointed little scientist on my hands.


- Posted using my iPhone

Out of the Mouths of Babes

He had a ball!

We had a great time Wednesday morning with Bubbie and his mustache. He stood and stared into the mirror for a few seconds before nervously saying, "Mom, it's not a real mustache.......is it?" He's so funny.

Being a young man with a broad range of interests, he wanted a Davy Crockett cake and a spider man suit for his birthday. I'm afraid Davy kind of looks like he's wearing a Jedi robe, but once again, I delivered! He asks for the hardest cakes! In fact, when I showed him the finished product, he said, "But I wanted him on a horse shooting his gun!" Oh well, this is all I could come up with:

Spidey

This morning, Bub came and sat in the chair and said first thing, "Man, I loved that birthday!" I had let him and Seth "sleep together" last night (a treat on a week night for them) and he said, "Mama, me and Bubba had a ball last night. You know what's a ball? Bubba said a ball is when you do lots of fun things and don't get in trouble for it." I just love little boys!!

Shhhhhhhhhhhh!

My little Bubbie is turning 5 years old today. The poor little fella takes a lot of teasing from all of us. He's just that kind of child that is so fun to tease! We love him and have a lot of fun with him. This week, we've been telling him that his "4's" are almost over, and life will be different! 5 years is always a big deal in our home, because that means you no longer have to take a nap! Well, Bub asked me what he was getting for his birthday, and I said, "A razor and shaving cream, of course." I explained to him that now he would grow a beard and mustache and could shave just like Daddy! Poor soul isn't too sure if I'm joking or not. He told Seth, "If I do grow a mustache, I'll shave it and nobody will know." LOL

So, I just couldn't resist the urge to tiptoe into his room and paint a mustache on my little man. I'll let you know how he reacts. You'll probably suspect an earthquake around 8:30 this morning, but don't be afraid! It's probably just our Bubbie.

No time for blogging....

but we've been busy with lots of fun and family fellowship. Here are a few highlights from our Thanksgiving week:

Summer's first ponytail!!

Summer's first year helping decorate the tree. Her baby helps her do everything.

Our toothless coon hunters

Thanksgiving morning at our house means Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, sausage balls, and gingerbread houses. Fun!

We've been passing around a cold, but our little Rosebud was petted with lots of TLC through hers.

And last, but not least, our tadpole finally has front legs! We've been raising this tadpole since May! It's had its back legs for several months, but overnight just grew the front ones. Surely we'll have a frog soon!

Here's a video of the little ones jamming out to "White Christmas". Rosebud dances kind of like Chester on Gunsmoke!