Sisson Times

Painting

2012-01-02T21:58:00.001-06:00

We have some work to do --- before moving --- to begin making this house "our home"! One thing was the color. Almost everything was beige. We knew we wanted something different, but . . . . . . . there are thousands of colors to choose from. UGH Decisions decisions.

Mom joined us for several meals on the "construction site"!

We also knew that the carpet needed to be replaced. Yikes more decisions. It seems like the older I get the harder it is to be confident in making decisions. "smile"

Then it was time to paint. There are some very high places to paint!! Thank you Lord for wonderful friends who helped us so incredibly. We couldn't have done much if we'd been on our own.

We had two professional painters who volunteered to help us!

They make it look easy!!

Building the scaffolding

On top of the world fixing the fan.

Painting in other rooms. What a team!!

Next carpeting then building in the basement . . . . .

What a Different Christmas!

2011-12-28T07:51:00.000-06:00

This year we celebrated Christmas differently than we ever have before.

Yes Gretchen & Kyle came. The grandchildren as well. Andrew was also here from Uganda. Woo Hoo!! We did have a wonderful time together.

However there was no tree.
No presents. No cards. No baking.
(That was okay. Kyle baked enough wonderful goodies to make up for our lack! We are so blessed to have a son in law who enjoys cooking. Every time they come to visit we wonder and look forward to what he might cook.)

Our family received a large present on the 23rd right before Christmas.

It was too large to wrap. It was too large to deliver.

I am sure that you have figured it out. . . . . .

We have been getting ready to move. This year has been spent packing!

Earthwise Vision Explained

2011-08-30T11:28:00.000-05:00

This is a wonderful video that explains what Earthwise is working to do in Uganda. This is the company that Andrew is working for. I sure enjoyed it!

He's Gone Back

2011-08-10T09:14:00.002-05:00

Andrew is back in Uganda! For those of you who don't know, he has taken a job with Earth Wise Ferries Ltd. as the Managing Director for their East African operations. He was home for Dad's funeral and a whirlwind visit. Now he has gone back. He really has a heart for Africa and this project specifically. We learned a lot talking with him about it during this visit.

Earth Wise has launched their first ferry on Lake Victoria. Here is a picture of the ferry when the first lady visited. Can you see Andrew?

Click on this picture to view full sized.

The first lady of Uganda, Janet Kataaha Museveni visited Earth Wise's first ferry the Amani. Amani has different meanings depending on what language you use, but the source of inspiration for this name comes from two langauges. In Swahili, Amani means “peace”, and in Hebrew Amani means “my faith”; either way, she is well named for her purpose on Lake Victoria.

Congratulations to the team!

Do you see a man who excels in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before unknown men.

Proverbs 22:29

Thank you Andrew!

2011-08-08T17:21:00.000-05:00

Andrew brought us the most delicious things from Turkey. He had a long stop over in Istanbul and found goodies for us.

We just finished the last Turkish Delight. There were two different kinds. One like the picture below was coated in corn starch. There were three different flavors and colors.

Yellow - Lemon

Green - Mint

Red - Rose

There were also nut Turkish Delight. They weren't different colors but were very good.

The candy was featured in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S Lewis. The White Witch tempted a character, Edmund, with Turkish Delight. I have to admitt that we were all tempted by it . . . . . . . . but never did see the White Witch!

Here is the history of this candy:

Before the 18th century, honey and grape molasses were the only sweetening agents available to Turkish confectioners. With the introduction of sugar in the late 18th century, Turkey awakened to a new era of sweet making. Sugar brought with it the beginning of endless creative possibilities to Turkish confectioners. It was during this time that Turkish delight, one of the oldest known confections in the world, was created in the great kitchens of the Ottoman court.

A whimsical tale tells of the creation of turkish delight:

In an attempt to appease his many wives, a famous Sultan ordered his confectioner to create a unique sweet. Eager to please his Sultan, the confectioner blended a concoction of sugar syrup, various flavourings, nuts and dried fruits then bound them together with mastic (gum Arabic). After several attempts, a most delectable sweet emerged from the royal kitchens. The Sultan was so delighted with these delicious little gems that he proclaimed the sweet maker the court's chief confectioner!

And this is the story of how Turkish delight was created. Hereafter, a plate of Turkish delight was served at daily feasts in the Ottoman court.

Turkish delight was unveiled to the west in the 19th century. During his travels to Istanbul, an unknown British traveler became very fond of the Turkish delicacies, purchased cases of "rahat lokoum" and he shipped them to Britain under the name Turkish delight.

It is believed that Picasso enjoyed Turkish delight daily to improve his concentration while Napoleon and Winston Churchill relished pistachio filled Turkish delights.

Andrew also brought several kinds of Baklava. Oh my - - - - it rivals chocolate!

Thank-you thank-you Andrew for thinking of us all the way in Istanbul! We still are licking our lips.

Andrew 6 years old!

Dad

2011-08-04T11:18:00.000-05:00

October 26, 1925 - July 24, 2011

Morning Wake Up

2011-04-18T21:40:00.001-05:00

This is the happy scene that I woke up to this morning,

April 18th, 2011!

I look out this window and watch the birds as I work at my computer .

The warblers who have just started to arrive looked a bit confused.

This is out the other window in my bedroom.

The tractor is still out there having just tilled up the garden patch a couple of days ago.

I love the view of our deck covered with snow.

Those of you who prefer summer, do not worry. By the end of the day it was mostly gone. The water in the gutters was making that lovely rushing sound like when it rains; but it was just our last winter hurrah melting away in spring's company.

Yummy!

2011-04-18T12:41:00.000-05:00

Look what came to our house!
I've never had one before. It was absolutely delicious!

I would be hard pressed to pick between this and flowers.

Thank you JL for your thoughtfulness!

Some of my Favorite Brown Eyes

2011-04-17T04:07:00.000-05:00

Morning - - - nothing like it!

2011-04-16T07:45:00.002-05:00

We stopped in for a quick overnight at Kyle and Gretchen's on our way somewhere else. Their guest bed is in with the "babies". happy Grandmother smile

We woke up to these two little cuties. Gretchen heard them and came in to rescue us and allow us to go back to sleep. HA Grandparents can sleep anytime! We weren't about to hand them over.

So I grabbed the camera.

Nothing like cuddling with your grandchildren when they have just awakened. They are all toasty and peaceful.. We got in lots of lovin'!

My First Book

2011-04-14T08:32:00.000-05:00

I now have one book to my name. smile
I wrote it, illustrated it, and produced it all by my lonesome. grin
The reason for this book is so that Alaina and Stephen (and future children) can enjoy our "company" any time they want!

Child Friendly Cover

It took quite a while to put it together, but it was really fun and rewarding. I went on line and downloaded a bunch of digital pictures and had them printed. Then I pulled out my scrapbooking supplies and some colored file folders.

Each two page spread represents primarily one member of the family. This is Ken's spread.

I glued on the pictures making sure to have a few pictures of other family members. This is Grandma and Grandpa L's spread. Many wonderful memories in these pages.

Here is Andrew's section. Notice the flip-up flap (try to say that fast ten times!!) in the right top corner. You lift it up with the ribbon.

Orange is Nate's favorite color.

Each of the flip-ups asks a question. To find the answer you look under the flap.

The person under each flap is the same as who is featured on the two page spread. Matthew's flap was a little hard to come up with. He is growing and changing so much. Anyone who has seen him lately can tell that these pictures are a bit outdated! Hopefully his nose won't change that much?

Then I added stickers of things that the person likes. You know a chance for increasing vocabulary! Once a home school mom, always a home school mom.

Pink is my favorite color!

I was thinking of those wonderful I Spy books. So around the outside I wrote things that they could look for on the pages. On the dark pages it was tricky because I had to find a white pen that wouldn't fade away.

Can you find a caboose?

The End

Since there can sometimes be a while between our visits, this helps keep us connected. It was a wonderfully fun project.
Hugs and Kisses to Alaina and Stephen!!

Sunday

2011-04-12T08:25:00.000-05:00

On Sunday it got to 86 degrees here-abouts! It was a dramatic shift from the mid 50's the day before. shock and awe

We had the privilege of the company of Faith and Melody for the weekend sooooo . . . .
After church the kids took a walk to the lake. Perfect day for such a thing. smile

Old road to the lake front.

Of course you can not resist looking for rocks.

Oops! Watch where you walk!

Sometimes you can find beach glass. They did find a couple of pieces of blue.

I love seeing the hand of the Lord even in things as common as rocks.

It was fun for us to be together with long time friends. Ahhhhhhhh

It is beautiful down by the lake.

Okay. Everyone needs to learn how to skip rocks.

It was a bit windy!

Heading back .........................

...with pockets full of rocks.

Andrew

2011-03-19T12:50:00.000-05:00

Greetings Andrew!!

We know that you are having a fabulous time in Africa.

Guess who is tallest? GRIN

Thought that you would like to see our smiling faces. We send you our love.

More than you want to know! "wink"

2011-02-03T07:45:00.002-06:00

In fact we did have a good time being snowed in. I felt like Little House on the Prairie! big smile Unlike The Long Winter we had wood for our stove and didn't have to sit around braiding straw. (Thank you Lord) And----like Farmer Boy we had lots of good things to eat!

I woke up and decided to do an experiment and cook on the wood stove! Have you ever done that before? So I made one of my favorite things - - - soup. First I had to brown the meat that took forever and it only thawed and didn't brown.

I finally just added all the other ingredients. It cooked up beautifully for supper.

I had a new ingredient that I had never used before - - Okra! There was some fresh at the store, I couldn't resist. I know nothing about Okra.

This morning here is what I found out:

The name "okra", most often used in the US and the Philippines, is of West African origin and is cognate with "ọ́kụ̀rụ̀" in Igbo, a language spoken in Nigeria. Okra is often known as "Lady's Fingers" outside of the US. In various Bantu languages, okra is called "kingombo" or a variant thereof, and this is the origin of its name in Portuguese, ("quiabo"),Spanish, Dutch and French, and also of the name "gumbo", used in parts of the United States and English-speaking Caribbean for either the vegetable, or a stew based on it.

The products of the plant are mucilaginous, (What a wonderful word. Can we use it when the kids have colds?) resulting in the characteristic "goo" or slime when the seed pods are cooked; the mucilage contains a usable form of soluble fiber. While many people enjoy okra cooked this way, others prefer to minimize sliminess; keeping the pods intact and cooking quickly help to achieve this. To avoid sliminess, okra pods are often briefly stir-fried, or cooked with acidic ingredients such as citrus, tomatoes, or vinegar. A few drops of lemon juice will usually suffice. Alternatively the pods can be sliced thinly and cooked for a long time, so that the mucilage dissolves, as in gumbo.

So I guess that my stew was a gumbo? (I'll have to research that one a bit more.) The okra was not at all slimy. The soup was delicious. The okra gave it a slightly different flavor that we all liked. I guess that I'll be trying okra some more.

We also cooked baked apples! Oh those were good. I wonder what I should try cooking today????

Tete you inspired this post. Thank you!

Blizzard . . . . . .

2011-02-02T15:21:00.000-06:00

View from my bedroom window. I love to feel like I'm snowed in. In fact we were, really!

Ken tried to get out of the driveway at 2AM to take wood to mom and Dad's house across the field. But it took more than an hour to clear a path down the driveway with the tractor! Then we discovered that the road had not been plowed. He tried to head over on the tractor, but the drifts on the road were too deep to get through!! Unbelievable.

The kids went out and found the snow up to their waists. In some places they had to crawl or roll to get around. Haley found a 9 foot snow drift in the field next to the house. SMILE

Front Porch

Look at the drifts beyond the porch! Fun fun fun. Haven't seen any squirrels or birds out today.

The swing is way down under the snow. Don't worry Alaina, we brought your swing in weeks ago.

By the way,
Happy Ground Hog Day everyone! Do you think that we will have an early spring???

One of our most favorite persons - - - -

2010-12-27T12:21:00.000-06:00

Alaina will be 2 in just a couple of days!!
We can't wait to see her!
Happy Birthday sweetie!!

Hooray!

2010-10-31T02:28:00.057-05:00

Hooray, Hooray!

Congratulations Filmweavers!

"The Penny" is the winner of the Best Feature Film Award at the 2010 SAICFF!

ALSO

"The Cripple Effect" is the winner of the Best Promotional Media Award

We thank the Lord for the many young film makers represented at this Film Festival. These spiritually committed young people are rising up to challenge the anti-Christian, anti-family Hollywood film industry. Their desire is to impact the culture while glorifying Jesus Christ. I don't know about you, but this gives me encouragement and hope. Let's support these folks with our prayers.

Psst: Nate was Recordist and Sound Designer for both of these films. We are proud of you Nate.

The Penny Accepted as a SAICFF Finalist!

2010-10-04T11:20:00.000-05:00

Filmweavers is pleased to announce that "The Penny" has been accepted as one of eight feature film semi-finalists at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival!
The film will be screening sometime during the festival October 28-30.

If you are interested in the Festival CLICK HERE.

Another film that Nate did the sound design for is also a semi-finalist in the promotional category. Its title is "The Cripple Effect". Wow!

To see all the semi-finalists use the link above. There you can learn who made them and some production info. Some even have trailers to view. "smile"

What kind of a grandma would I be - - - -

2010-09-28T07:53:00.000-05:00

if I didn't put up pictures of my grandbabies?

This one is blurry, but he's smiling at me!

News on The Penny

2010-09-27T07:45:00.005-05:00

It's here! Woo Hoo. The website for the movie "The Penny" is now up and running. They have the new trailer up and all sorts of goodies! Congratulations Filmweavers!
Click here: The Penny .

“The Penny” is a drama/thriller that follows a series of seemingly insignificant events in a number of people’s lives. Hidden amidst their “bigger” problems, these disconnected pieces of their lives go unnoticed until they begin to fit together in a totally unexpected way. Suddenly these strangers are thrust together by what some would call luck, chance, fate, coincidence, or even destiny. But is it something even bigger than that?

You know I still haven't seen it. ( it's not released yet) I can't wait.

Howdy!

2010-09-27T04:00:00.002-05:00

Whoa it's taken about a month to get over and recover from the virus I had. Believe it or not, my voice is still not back to normal. Haley has had it for two weeks and two days and finally has no more fever! Still coughing though. Hooray it is on its way out.
So, what have we been up to you ask. (you did ask didn't you?)

Well - - - - - - - - - nothing. But I'm happy to report that I have pictures that I am finally going to post that confirm that we did have life before virus. Now don't you just feel better??
(you don't have to answer that)

It's fall and that means pumpkins and corn mazes. Here is this year's "Team Jones".

Wouldn't you follow them through a 11 mile maze?
Tom you remind me of Teddy Roosevelt in this picture.

Each year the maze has a theme. This year was the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America

They're off!

Uncle Tom, Aunt Karilyn and the "cousins".

You can follow the maze in such a way that you get to punch all of your numbers.

Not where you thought you were??

At the beginning of the maze you could get a paper with questions. If you answered it correctly then it told you the right direction to go.

Our beloved Becca. Does she know where to go?

Here they are on one of the three bridges throughout the maze.

Beautiful Day! Tall Corn!

Can you imagine how different it is to go through this after dark. "grin"

Notice who is NOT leading. "smile" She prefers to stand back and watch.

Looking down on the maze from the 3-4 story tower.

They had a really long zip line that you could ride down from the tower, but that was expensive. They had other lines that were free.

Elli.

They had more options of things to do go karts etc.
Great fun not to mention lots of chatting. (Haley's commentary)

Maybe next year we can get a big group again. How about after dark? "wink"

Yep we're home!

2010-08-24T11:26:00.000-05:00

Haley and I have been home for almost a week now. I haven't posted because I'm sick. Some kind of respiratory thing. I'll have to catch up later when I stop coughing and start feeling better.

Swimming on a hot afternoon!

2010-08-14T16:47:00.000-05:00

Kyle came in this afternoon after working in the store and asked Alaina if she wanted to go swimming? Oakland has a really nice community pool. She was so excited that we could barely catch her to get her dressed.

Here she is all slathered in sunscreen and ready to roll!

Come on Dad let's go!!

After they got back she came running into the house with one shoe on and one shoe off.

We had NO trouble putting her down for a nap! wink
Kyle you are a really fun Daddy!

Peaceful Morning

2010-08-14T05:26:00.000-05:00

It's early early. I can't sleep even though everyone, and I mean everyone (read baby Stephen) is sleeping. I guess it just comes with age. PTL I'm not even tired. Hum wait until tomorrow. I've cleaned everything that I quietly can. "goofy grin" Vacuuming is definitely out. What a blessing to be serving those that I hold so dear!

I love this time of morning just before the dawn of a fresh new day. And just think I have a head start.

Just Noticing

2010-08-11T11:59:00.000-05:00

There are some things that I am being reminded of while down with the grandkids.

Parenting isn't for the weak of heart---or old people.
Farm fresh eggs have very yellow yokes.
I forgot about the fire hose potential of diaper changing.
Cats prefer to sleep under the cars on the gravel rather than under the bushes in the soft dirt.
Toddlers have 3 times as much energy as grandparents.
I still love to look out on farmer's fields they are my favorite landscape.
There are few things as wonderful as the love of your family.

Talk to you later it is almost noon and I'm ready for a nap!!!

Across the Generations

2010-08-10T19:13:00.000-05:00

The last time Alaina came for a visit (before Stephen) she and Grandpa Sisson got to know each other better.

She decided to climb up in his lap and make herself at home as only a toddler can.

She got a hold of a book and brought it over for his reading pleasure.
It seemed especially geared to the interests of a Great Grandfather. It focused on the variety of modes of transportation available. They had quite a discussion about that one.

Then she brought yet another about puppies. Grandpa Sisson has a vast knowledge about that subject!

Suddenly she discovered something else wonderful about Grandpa, he has pockets full of mysterious things.

At one point Grandpa said, "This is the first time that I have held a great-grandchild!"

They had a sweet time across the generations.

2010-08-10T10:44:00.001-05:00

Kyle came in last night and said that there had been a heat advisory yesterday! We had no idea. We hadn't even stepped outside. "grin" Our little world here is very simple: change diapers, play with toys, change diapers, eat/feed, change diapers, visit/hug/laugh, and change diapers.

This is the life! "WINK" (notice I didn't list sleeping)

Had to put in a few pictures of Bird since she's usually behind the camera.
Yes "T" this is hot enough for me!! Yikes

Happiness

2010-08-09T17:51:00.001-05:00

Greetings from Oakland! Don't ask me about the weather or events etc.-- we have one thing--okay maybe two things on our minds. Stephen and Alaina. (Gretchen and Kyle occasionally too) I couldn't get the pictures to load the way I usually do since G&K have picasa so I tried a collage! It worked. Wow. I feel so accomplished.

Things are going well. Its wonderful to be here and be busy helping. S-M-I-L-E I love newborns. There is nothing like their smells, and their warm snuggly bodies sleeping in your arms.

Stephen

2010-08-04T06:46:00.000-05:00

Haley and I are heading south. The guys are holding down the fort here (and feeding the cats). Yep we are going to meet Stephen for the first time.

I was thinking, we will meet him for the first time but he is an eternal being. He will live now for the rest of eternity! Our responsiblity is to train him up in the fear/respect of the Lord, and his choice to pursue the Lord with his whole heart. Our prayer is that he live his time here on earth totally devoted to the Lord.

Big thoughts about such a little shrimp. "smile"

The wonderful Jones kids, who were visiting Kyle and Gretchen when Stephen made his appearance, sent us this tantalizing picture from their hospital visit! (No . . . . . . they didn't send us any face pictures!!!)

Yes he has his father's toes and we can't wait to see whose face.

PS Haley and I plan to take a million pictures and post them here!

Big Sister

2010-08-02T15:23:00.000-05:00

Alaina (who is impersonating a fish) is a big sister!

Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-02T11:12:00.000-05:00

Stephen Christopher Phillips

has joined the clan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He made his début at 1:00 AM this morning!

He is 7lbs. 18in.

Gretchen’s labor was about 3 1/2 hours long.

He was born ten days before his due date.

Gretchen and Stephen are both doing well and Kyle seems to be just GREAT. ;-)

Alaina seems well since she has our THREE Jones cousins for her to entertain, I mean to entertain her. ;-)

And WE are just, just so HAPPY, EXCITED, GOING WILD WITH JOY!!! Anyway we are hoping to be able to see him tomorrow!

For the clan, the very blissfully happy,

Auntie Haley

P.S. His first name is pronounced with a long E and a V.

Nothin' like it!

2010-07-30T11:19:00.000-05:00

Nothin' like green beans and tomatoes fresh from the garden. Well . . . in our case . . . . tomato (1) fresh from the pot on our deck. Smile

My Dad

2010-07-22T22:49:00.000-05:00

Sometime last April we were able to bring Dad home. None of us wanted him in a nursing home so we found an agency that has 24 hour live in caretakers. After trying out a couple of different people we found the most wonderful young man, Louis. He's a perfect fit. Because of his kindness, strength and devotion Mom is able to have Dad at home with her. We are truly thanking the Lord for Louis.

So when the "Kids" were last up we headed over to Mom and Dad's house and brought lunch. It was great to all be together. Dad always loves kids and Alaina is no exception.

The Phillips Clan won't be up for a couple of months now until after the baby comes. (Oh we can't wait!) So they spent some time with "Great Grandpa Bud".

I'm not sure that Dad really wanted his picture taken, but I know that many of you who love him will be glad to see how he's doing.

My Mom's Kiss

2010-07-18T08:03:00.000-05:00

Haley spent the night with Grandma Glenna this week.

She got up early to help out by doing some weeding. She loves gardening.

I called over to see when Haley was coming home and chatted with Mom a bit.

Mom said that she was sending a kiss to me with Haley when she came home.

Okay --- I thought chocolate.

She said it was a BIG kiss.

Okay --- I thought big Hershey's kiss.

She said it was Pink! Very Pink.

Pink is my favorite color. Okay -- I'm stumped.

Wow Watermelon!

2010-07-16T09:41:00.001-05:00

This morning I came across this helpful post on Raising Homemakers.com . Perfect timing! There's a big juicy melon downstairs calling my name.
You bet I'm using this today! "watery grin"

How To Cut A Watermelon

Posted on 15 July 2010 by Courtney

Have you been hacking at your watermelon for years? I have! Actually, I am a little scared of cutting watermelons – I feel like it’s dangerous – because the first slice is so difficult.

BUT 2 summers ago, my sister Kristen taught me this really neat way to cut up a watermelon quite easily! I shared it with a few of my friends and when I saw the amazement in their eyes – I thought what a typical blogger thinks – I better blog about this! lol!

Here’s How to Cut a Watermelon:

Step #1
Slice the watermelon long ways into four pieces.

Step #2

Take one of the quarters and slice it with your knife straight down in rows.

Step #3

Now take your knife along the side and slice it long ways making squares on that side.

Step #4
Turn it and slice it long ways on the other side – making squares on that side too.

Step #5
Slice along the rind while not letting the squares fall off. Then lift your watermelon over the bowl and let the pieces slide off into beautiful squares in your bowl!

Isn’t that gorgeous in the bowl! Serve and Enjoy!
Walk with the King!

Reproach

2010-07-15T22:22:00.000-05:00

Reproach = mocking, ridiculing, scolding,
                     insulting and using words
                     angrily or sarcastically

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
                                                                                 James 1: 5

Ryan's Video

2010-07-14T16:46:00.000-05:00

Our friend Ryan Bruce is doing well. He is now in rehab and having intense therapy. He has a great deal to overcome in his healing. If you are interested in his progress please go to Ryan Bruce Caring Bridge.

I thought you might enjoy this 3 minute video that he directed for the Christian Filmmaker's 36 Hour Contest in 2009. Please continue to pray for our dear friend!

She Has a Name

2010-07-14T08:18:00.000-05:00

We, sorry I mean the kids, have finally settled on a name for our new gray kitten. Thank you to all who gave us their ideas. (Personally I liked 'Boots") We are keeping to the musical theme though. "smile"

Her name is Minuet.

Happy Birthday Uncle Andrew!

2010-07-13T09:03:00.000-05:00

In June Alaina was here for Andrew's birthday.

We gave him one of those goofy hoops&yoyo cards that talk. (Andrew-- we are still bowing----bowing)

She was mesmerized.

Soooooo big!

Happy Birthday Andrew !!!

I'd tell you his age but then you might figure out how old I am. "wink"

Kids Bowl Free

2010-07-10T09:12:00.003-05:00

Thursday we headed out to Guttormsen's. If you haven't heard, there is a wonderful program for the summer called Kids Bowl Free. It started in May and goes through to the end of September. Kids 18 and under can bowl two games a day Free!
(they do have to pay $1.50 to rent shoes)

We were nice and cool and had a great time. In case you are interested it is available all over the country and Canada! They even have a discounted family pass -- in case older siblings or adults want to bowl. Here's the link. Check it out: Kids Bowl Free

The Kittens!

2010-07-06T14:58:00.003-05:00

This kitten was Matthew's choice. He named her himself and her name is Crescendo!

This kitten was Haley's choice. She doesn't have a name yet.
Any suggestions??????

I love their little white toes. How do they keep them so clean?

They are so funny to watch. Is there anything as entertaining as two kittens?

PS We haven't made it to the library yet.
We got distracted. "smile"

Today

2010-07-05T08:57:00.000-05:00

We are off to pick up two kittens! Do you have a preference for colors? Honestly we just love cats. We'll post pictures later. "smile"

There is also another pressing need for today. The library book bin has been empty for far too long.

It will be a good day.

Monday Morning Prayer

2010-07-05T06:22:00.000-05:00

Monday Morning Prayer:
O eternal and everlasting God, I presume to present myself this morning before thy Divine majesty, beseeching thee to accept of my humble and hearty thanks, that it hath pleased thy great goodness to keep and preserve me the night past from all the dangers poor mortals are subject to, and has given me sweet and pleasant sleep, whereby I find my body refreshed and comforted for performing the duties of this day, in which I beseech thee to defend me from all perils of body and soul.

Direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the lamb, and purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit, from the dross of my natural corruption, that I may with more freedom of mind and liberty of will serve thee, the ever lasting God, in righteousness and holiness this day, and all the days of my life.
Increase my faith in the sweet promises of the Gospel. Give me repentance from dead works. Pardon my wanderings, & direct my thoughts unto thyself, the God of my salvation. Teach me how to live in thy fear, labor in thy service, and ever to run in the ways of thy commandments. Make me always watchful over my heart, that neither the terrors of conscience, the loathing of holy duties, the love of sin, nor an unwillingness to depart this life, may cast me into a spiritual slumber.

But daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy son Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time attain the resurrection of the just unto eternal life. Bless my family, friends & kindred unite us all in praising & glorifying thee in all our works begun, continued, and ended, when we shall come to make our last account before thee blessed Saviour, who hath taught us thus to pray, our Father.

From George Washington's prayer journal

A Small Portion of John Quincy Adams' Address

2010-06-30T15:23:00.000-05:00

An
Oration
Delivered
Before the Inhabitants
of
the Town of Newburyport,
at their request,
on
the Sixty-First Anniversary
of
the Declaration of Independence,
July 4th, 1837.

By John Quincy Adams.

. . . . . . . Are you then assembled here, my brethren, children of those who declared your National Independence, in sorrow or in joy? In gratitude for blessings enjoyed, or in affliction for blessings lost? In exultation at the energies of your fathers, or in shame and confusion of face at your own degeneracy from their virtues?
Forgive the apparent rudeness of these enquiries: – they are not addressed to you under the influence of a doubt what your answer to them will be. You are not here to unite in echoes of mutual gratulation for the separation of your forefathers from their kindred freemen of the British Islands. You are not here even to commemorate the mere accidental incident, that, in the annual revolution of the earth in her orbit round the sun, this was the birthday of the Nation.

You are here, to pause a moment and take breath, in the ceaseless and rapid race of time; – to look back and forward; – to take your point of departure from the ever memorable transactions of the day of which this is the anniversary, and while offering your tribute of thanksgiving to the Creator of all worlds, for the bounties of his Providence lavished upon your fathers and upon you, by the dispensations of that day, and while recording with filial piety upon your memories, the grateful affections of your hearts to the good name, the sufferings, and the services of that age, to turn your final reflections inward upon yourselves, and to say: – These are the glories of a generation past away, – what are the duties which they devolve upon us?

For the entire address go to WallBuilders.

We've got it bad!

2010-06-26T11:01:00.000-05:00

After the convention we had company! Our long time friends the Kanes came all the way in from PA to attend the convention. They ALL came. Sherry & Barry and Evan. Natalie and her fiance' Chad and Aliza & Jeff and their girlies! IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!

We've got it bad though. This is the ONLY picture I took of all of us! All the rest are the little girls! Yikes! Sorry Kanes. (They didn't get pictures of all of us either. giggle We were all having way too much fun being Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and parents.)

Here are the little girls. Celene 3, Alaina 1, and Shelby 2. Our house was a busy place. I couldn't believe how well they got along. And they haven't even been to preschool. Their parents are just working on obedience and character building!

Gretchen and Aliza you two are fabulous moms. I am so proud of you. Keep up the good work.

We decided to get some pictures outside. I thought you'd get a kick out of this sequence. Aren't they darling?

Ahhh well . . . .

I have a few more pix to put up still. "grin"

Look At This!

2010-06-24T07:56:00.006-05:00

Warning!

This is a proud Grandma post.

Do not read further if this kind of thing turns your stomach.

Look at your own risk.

Complaints in the comments are not accepted.

Look at what Alaina learned to do last time she visited!

YUM!

Sometimes you just gotta use your fingers.

What a big girl!

Ryan Bruce

2010-06-23T05:02:00.001-05:00

Please be praying for our friend Ryan Bruce and his family. May 22, 2010, 3 pm Ryan (21) was in a serious car crash - a head-on collision. He was just a few minutes away from home. His injuries were severe and extensive especially to his head.

Here's a picture of Ryan and his sister and Mom when they visited a couple of summers ago.

Please join us as we pray for Ryan. To find out more and to keep up with their prayer needs go here.

Thank you !

More Convention Pictures

2010-06-22T11:08:00.000-05:00

Our Beloved Bentz Family. We call them the "Can Do Team"!

Setting up the ICHE book table.

Elli the tour guide. She took all the speakers around the building to orient them to everything.

Timothy Botts taught a class about scripture meditation using writing.

Everyone in the class got to try different ideas and tools. I wish I could have gone!

Here's George Washington Carver showing many of the products available from peanuts!

David D'Armond taught a hands on class building a DNA model.

We were blessed to have Donna Leland (home school mom) from Moody Radio join us.

This year for the first time we had Young Entrepreneurs as vendors. . . . . . . .

We are hoping that many more sign up for next year.

The convention is a team effort! We team up with the Lord and He meets us there. smile

Just a Little Update

2010-06-21T08:30:00.005-05:00

I took this from Filmweavers' website.

Progress on "The Penny"

It's been awhile since we last updated you all on "The Penny", so let me fill you in on all the latest...

Just over a couple of weeks ago Jurgen completed the last bit of work on the original score for the film! This is a huge accomplishment and marks the end of many hard months of work. As the director I'm thrilled with what Jurgen's music has added to the film, and can't wait to share it with the rest of you. Congratulations Jurgen!

With the scoring now complete, Nate is working to put the finishing touches on the sound mix. From what I've heard so far the enhancements to the audio are really bringing the film even more to life. Ethan is almost finished with the last few visual effects shots in the film and they're looking great. Once those are finished Micah will be wrapping up his color grading and bring the project one step closer to completion!

Pizza Power

2010-06-18T15:15:00.000-05:00

I discovered the most wonderful pizza tip. Last weekend Andrew brought some fresh pizzas for dinner. You pop them into the oven and take out fresh hot pizza. Well those pizzas came on parchment paper on top of the cardboard. Instructions were to slip them into the oven right on the parchment. They cooked beautifully. The crust was perfect and slightly crispy and there were NO pans to clean!

Next time we had pizza I whipped out the parchment paper, put the pizza on it and put them directly onto the oven shelf. The pizza turned out perfectly!

Maybe the rest of you knew this already?!? In case you didn't . . . . . . .enjoy easier pizza!

Pre Convention Fun!

2010-06-18T15:06:00.000-05:00

Prior to the convention things were humming around here! We had a wonderful visit with long time friends, the Holmes family.

Calista, Haley and Matthias in front.
Noelle, Erica and Camille middle.
Matthew back.

The kids had a blast together. We've got to see them more often! Haley especially was encouraged by their shared vision.

Of course you can't come to our house right before convention with out being roped into some kind of a convention related job.

The girls are putting together favors for the speakers' dinner.

They didn't have any trouble finding things to do AND they prepared most of the meals.

Matthew was a wonderful older brother to his little shadow Matthias. Smile.

Yep played lots of games.

Mitch and Michelle

M&M were attending a conference in Chicago (Mitch is a Representative in the Kansas Legislature.) and came back to our place for the last night.

How can they look absolutely the same as when they moved from here 11 years ago??? Seriously!

We had a wonderful visit. Sure wish they lived closer. Guess we'll have to make a trip to Kansas sometime after tornado season! "wink"

We are Giving Thanks with Grateful Hearts

2010-06-16T07:10:00.002-05:00

The 2010 Convention is behind us and we are rejoicing! So much to be thankful for.

Many home educating families were touched, equipped and encouraged!

Nothing like working together with friends to serve God's people.

Gretchen had the opportunity to minister in sign!

Not only did we work, we had some fun too!

Dr. Callentine taught on the heart.

It was a very "hands on" class.

They got to dissect a heart as well.

They had a blast!

We had some unusual visitors this year.

Some of our visitors were back from the dead. "wink"

King Nebuchadnezzar!

George Washington Carver

There are so many folks who give of themselves to make this happen! Thank-you Thank-you.

Carole & Dave

Laurie and Jason

Susan

The "unsinkable Emily Bentz" and Aaron!

It's hard to even get a picture of Lloyd. Some of the men are like a blurrrrrrrr. They never stop the whole weekend long!


    For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done,
         I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.
    How great are Your works, O LORD!
         Your thoughts are very deep.
Psalm 92: 4&5

Easter Part 2

2010-05-16T19:20:00.001-05:00

Here are a few more pictures from Easter. I'm determined to get caught up.

It was so good to be together! Nate and Gretchen were yakking up a storm!

I love this picture of Alaina patting Grandpa.

Here is Alaina's Easter "Basket". Thank you to the Pollock family. They made them last year and I have been waiting to try my hand at it ever since. It was FUN to make.

Look at what she found in the egg! Her Daddy got them for her!

"Giggle"

She's wearing them like Daddy does!

Our little movie star!

Creation Museum Trip

2010-05-01T06:20:00.001-05:00

Last month the kids took a little trip to the creation museum together. Our family has never been---- although the boys did go there when it was being built. ICHE sponsored a weekend when fathers and sons could go together and help serve. So Ken, Nate and Matthew got to work on the landscaping and tour the building before it was finished..

It's beautifully done now.

Some of the exhibits have life sized creatures that move.

Which is scarier---the dinosaur or the brother??

First flowers of spring. (Haley loves to take pictures of flowers)

I want one for my yard. You know you do too!

Can't wait to go there myself! "smile"

Some Cuties

2010-04-26T08:32:00.000-05:00

What do you think? Does she look like Gretchen?

Maple Syrup

2010-04-24T07:41:00.003-05:00

We used to make our own maple syrup. We had a yard full of beautiful sugar maples. Ken's dad would do all the tapping and boiling. We had large blue bags hanging on each tree. It's been many years since we lived on DeWoody Road. I've had to import and plant my own sugar maples where ever we lived since then. (It's my favorite tree. The leaves are the most incredible orange each fall.) The younger half of our family never got in on all of that.

So recently we went on a field trip to Lake Geneva to see maple syrup being made.

The incredibly huge homes that surround the lake.

Anna and Robby drilling the trees.

They didn't use bags to gather syrup, but tubes! This is impressive.

In the boiling room the excess liquid is boiled off. It was so steamy in there that the pictures didn't turn out. This is the only one where you can see anything at all.

At the end of the tour everyone warmed up with drinks and cookies. =)

Our group of kids.

After the field trip the kids had the opportunity to just play on the beautiful grounds.

Looks almost irresistible.

Yes this does belong to the camp's chef!

In Paris

2010-04-23T13:28:00.000-05:00

Andrew has been gone on a vacation visiting friends in Europe. He shortened his total trip time because of the pressures of the economy on his job. Now he finds himself stranded in Paris. I know that sounds wonderful to some folks, but believe me it has it's draw backs. We've been watching the news and wondering how long it takes to become fluent in French. HA!

Well this morning I awoke to find a message, Andrew is on his way home! Hooray!!

Welcome Home Andrew

Portraits of a Family

2010-04-23T06:11:00.000-05:00

This could be any family.
This is what happens in our family.

These pictures just make me smile!

I treasure these times!

Easter Weekend Catch Up

2010-04-22T08:39:00.001-05:00

We had a wonderful weekend celebrating Easter. Here's a peek at our activities.

Saturday we all headed to the Rehab to visit Grandpa Bud. We brought pizza for lunch together.

Gregg and Sharon and the girls came out. It was so fun to be together. Their girls are growing so fast.

Alaina "found" an egg right here on the window sill, imagine that!! She spent the rest of the time just shaking it. "grin"

Matthew is helping Sidney find these really well hidden eggs. I love that jelly belly.

Leslie was really the only one of the little kids to catch on to the hunting idea.

Here we are putting eggs into and out of a bucket. FUN

Oooo Oooo Look at what Alaina found!

Uncle Nate

Wonder what's on his mind???
Actually he was helping with the under the table issues.

We had a great visit. Dad had a pretty good day and really enjoyed the kiddos. He was the one who always hid eggs for us when we were little. He didn't just hide eggs, but whole nests. Yes, with Easter grass and a pot load of goodies. I tell you, you couldn't find those things even though they were huge! We would hunt for the entire day. He would sit in a chair and say "I can see one from here." Ya know he was right---- they could be seen if you knew where to look. I know that he enjoyed watching our little hunters.

That evening Alaina helped dye eggs.

Kyle got some darling video. Maybe they will put some up!

What do you do with these things anyway??

They sure were pretty.

Easter part 2 coming up.

Sisson Hollow

2010-04-21T20:45:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Sisson Hollow. Please watch your step! We are heading back in time to the late 1700's.

Yes we experienced hands on history this week. Each family in our history group researched and prepared a colonial shop or service. We gathered our materials, produced our goods, practiced our skills and came together to set up a village, "Sisson Hollow".

The Sisson Hollow Merchants

Each shop keeper gave a report on their shop, their products, and other interesting things they had learned in their research.

Here's Haley's Milinery Shop. Notice her manikins showing the latest fashions in her store window. She sold mirrors, needle cases, soap, boxes, gorgets, handkerchiefs, rosette cockades, and peacock feathers.

Abby's Game Shop and Anna's Syrup

Abby had the game of Graces, checkers, tops, and mancala. Anna had Maple Syrup. Yummy.

This is how the boys play Graces! (keep away, sword fighting, and threaten to stab your neighbor!)

Here's how it's supposed to be played. Gracefully.

One of the goals for our merchants was to experience bartering. They all had goods to trade and products and services they wanted from each other!

We invited a few time travelers otherwise known as grandparents, fathers, and mothers. Now they came empty handed with nothing to barter. So they received gold and copper coinage fresh from the sisson mint. "smile" It was interesting to watch as the money slowly made it's way into circulation. I think you get the picture.

Here are some of the Grandparents enjoying lunch and keeping warm around the fire. Sweet potato and apple bake, venison stew, salted fish, biscuits, apple cider, cake and apple mincemeat pie. Yum.

Our wig-maker Katrina. She would make you a wig, powder your face, give you beauty marks, and had bath accommodations. She does not recommend bathing more than twice a year. She could shave you, and of course offered lice powder. "smile"

She made the wig on the left out of hair. It took her 6-8 hours!

Beautiful hat with rosette cockade and feather.

Our dyer was extremely wealthy. He was able to afford the wig made from hair!

He also could afford the fancy beauty marks and moles. Anna had her face powdered and a star beauty mark.

Who is attacking who??

Grandma Sisson at the wigmakers shop. Maybe she'll get a beauty mark or a mole. "wink"

The two sister's bake shop.

Their shop was the first place everyone visited.

These candied orange peals were the afternoon hit. I couldn't believe how delicious they were. They tasted just like the orange slice candy we have now!

Robby coming up in the world with a wig!

Wow he looks great!

Here is Jason the Weaver & Dyer

You could purchase yard goods and have them dyed to suit your tastes. I got a half a yard of light blue.

This was dyed with indigo!

Here are two of the three colors that he was prepared to do on this day. He experimented all week to be ready for our hands on day. It helped that his craft included working with fire. "grin"

The Wood Hands Grocer

Matthew's store was inside the fort. That way if there was an attack his supplies would be available to all who took safety there.

Grocers carried many things but Matthew had popcorn, dent corn, coffee beans, raspberry tea, dutch tea . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . .sugar, jerky, wooden pouches, and chocolate.

He too had a fire pit for heating his water.

Our baker having her hair done at the wig-makers shop. She looked like royalty when she was done!

Something is amiss at the grocers.

There may be a robbery in progress.

Sisters

The Apothecary

This is the man to see if you are feeling the least bit sickly. He carried everything; leeches, blood sucking worms, powders, elixirs, herbs, and excellent advice. If you catch the flu put a dead chicken at your feet. Roast and grind a toad, then eat for your general good health.

His shop was EXTREMELY popular.

Matthew being fitted for a wig to show his rank in society.

Notice what he has in his teeth?

Here he is in his wig wearing his gorget. The gorget indicates that he is an officer and on duty.

Fabulous Fun
History comes alive!

Esther

2010-03-20T07:14:00.003-05:00

The first week of March my cousins Becca and Elli were involved in the musical production of "Esther". Becca was the Director and Elli was one of the Assistant Directors.

Becca had asked me to make four maid costumes for the play, so when she called me and asked if I would be interested in coming down right before the play to help out with last minute sewing, I was thrilled.

The musical was written and composed by a home school friend of theirs. He did a fantastic job with the whole play. I found it neat because not only was it a story from the Bible, but it also caused me to think about what happened to the different people in ways I had not considered before. God's fingerprints are all over Esther's story in a truly wonderful way!

King Xerxes and his court on their one hundred and eighty-seventh night of partying.

(I like parties but not ones that last that long.)

Queen Vashti and her maids.

Mordecai, Judah and Esther.

In the harem.

Evil Haman making his presence known.

Haman's robe Elli and I made while I was there. It was fun doing the "trim" on it.

We decided that this was Haman's diamond back snake robe.....

.... and that goes along with his spider rode which is this one.

Assassins!

(The funnest assassins I have ever seen!)

One of the projects I worked on while I was there was making a throne.

Here is the throne before (during rehearsal).

And after (during a performance).

A tricky job Becca gave me was to take the puff out of King Xerxes' Pajama sleeves.

Now ordinarily this would not be too hard. But since the top had to go back to it's owner undamaged, I was not able to rip it out and cut it down. So I did lots of tucking, pinning and sewing. The end result was that Kings Xerxes did not have his dignity soiled by being seen in puffed sleeves.

The green and red outfits were the ones that I made.

Mordecai, Esther and the "Great" King Xerxes.

During the week they were able to keep me quite busy sewing, for which I was very happy. Some of the smaller things I worked on were: sewing on beads for the maids, hemming, making sashes and headdresses, fixing ripped things, and tearing up sackcloth.

Queen Esther and her temperamental husband.

I discovered that I enjoyed doing all the last minute sewing things more than I did making the maid outfits.

I think it was because the last minute details took more creativity, and they did not take so long. I was always sewing something different.

(Plus working in good company always helps.)

Haman and Zeresh with the dark associates!

We needed a signet ring that did not look like just any other of the King's rings. The solution: a big button and two differently sized key chain rings. Since King Xerxes' and Haman's hands are very different in size it was necessary. They could just switch key rings during scene changes. You can see the "signet ring" in this picture.

The cast and crew were very gifted,
and I thoroughly enjoyed working with them.

One hour before the last performance.

The directing force behind the play.

Standing left to right: My cousins Elli and Becca. Kristi W.

Sitting at the piano is Robin T.

Thanks Kristi so much for letting me use some of your pictures!

Click here to see more pictures from Esther.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3630913&id=506778640&fbid=385776023640#!/album.php?aid=153987&id=506778640

Gretchen and Alaina came for the Thursday night performance. I had great fun babysitting Alaina so Gretchen could see the play. She lived up to her reputation of angel baby ( Alaina, not Gretchen.) ;-) and we had a fun evening together! Although next time I must remember to bring a umbrella, since there was quite a spitting shower, I mean "Rain Shower".

I had a wonderful time! And since I love what I was doing, namely sewing, it never really seemed like work. Who could say no to: staying up late, sewing all day, getting to see everybody rehearse, girl time, back rubs and being able to enjoy the inside jokes. Thanks so much Aunt Karilyn, Uncle Tom, Becca and Elli for making me a part of the household for the week. Even though I was a stranger to most of the people there I enjoyed the good fellowship, and had a fun time talking to new people. The play went well thanks to lots of work from many people, and the Lord's loving oversight. "To God be the glory great things He hast done".

Haley

(I must say that when I first came home, even though it had only been one week, normal life looked a little tame through my theater dazzled eyes!) ;-)

Winter Time . . . . oh my nose is cold!

2010-02-28T07:59:00.006-06:00

Welp.

(Is that a word? Use it all the time.
It rhymes with help and kelp it can't be all bad. . . . .
How is it spelled wellp, whellp, oh I don't know.)
Now I've forgotten what I wanted to say!!! "silly grin"

Oh yes.

Welp, we've had some wonderful snows this year. I really love it. The pine trees in the yard are gorgeous and it feels so cozy inside.

Andrew came over for pizza supper and we took some winter time pictures.

We were celebrating Haley's birthday. She made delicious French Silk Pie.

Many of us had fluffy fuzzy socks on to keep our footsies warm. So we applied a little peer pressure and convinced everyone else to indulge in warm socks. Here's the outcome.

Toasty!

Who is in control now??

World domination!

Rival for power!!

Can you tell who has the mismatched socks?? Hum fits the personality.

I feel warmer looking at these pictures. I do!

News on "The Penny" !

2010-02-27T08:33:00.000-06:00

Filmweavers is busily working on poster designs for "The Penny". Thought that you might like to see the latest one.

New Poster Concept for "The Penny"!

On Monday of this week Nate had another ADR session. It was fun to meet Molly and her mom Debbie.
Wouldn't you know it, Debbie quilts! You can guess what we were busy talking about. She also showed us some of the projects that she brought with her. They were cute Easter felt projects.

I borrowed this post from the Filmweavers' blog.

Another Great ADR Session

This past Monday I braved the wintry Wisconsin roads down to Nate Sisson's sound studio for another ADR session. It was great to see Molly Kunz (who plays Kate Carter) and her mom Debbie again. As I've said before, things are much more laid back when recording ADR so it's fun to spend time with the actors in this less stressful environment.

The recording session went great and we even captured some interviews with Molly to use in the behind the scenes portion of the DVD. Who knows, maybe a few small BTS clips will even show up here before the DVD comes out...

February Fun

2010-02-26T03:08:00.003-06:00

We trekked down to K&G's house for Haley's birthday. It was the only thing that she really wanted to do! I couldn't talk her into a play, fancy dinner etc. She just wanted to see Alaina.

Well Alaina didn't disappoint. She remembered us, welcomed us and showed off for us like crazy.

After we were done greeting one another at the door she wanted to show us all her toys and kept pointing to the living room!

This is her new way of smiling!

Babies are little learning machines. We can't believe how much she's learned each time we see her!

Uncle Matthew is the choice for wild playing. They were "chasing" each other around and around this chair. She loved it.

She is such a sparkler and is obviously delighted with all the things she can do now!

Then she noticed that her Mom was eating a cutie orange.

She got herself right over there, pointed right at it and signed "more" and "eat". We had never seen her do that before.

Intelligent child. She definitely got that from her Grandparents!

Gretchen mentioned that it was time to brush her teeth. Off she crawled straight to the bathroom. It was so much fun to watch.

It was amazing if the tooth brush made any contact with her teeth!

But she loved every minute of it!

When they were all done, there was not a drop of foam in her mouth but she had to lean over the sink and make spitting sounds. That was totally unexpected and we just burst out laughing!

Here is little miss with Grandpa "reading" a book.

She knows all about these flaps and showed Gpa how it's done!

Grandpa doesn't read it like Mama and he makes the best noises!

Happy Anniversary !

2010-02-26T02:49:00.000-06:00

Our Internet has been down for a couple of days! UGH. I had no idea how much we use it. I am thankful that it is now all sorted out. "relieved smile"

So . . . . just a few days late:

Happy Anniversary Kyle and Gretchen!!

Lainio Gathering

2010-02-21T07:46:00.000-06:00

In October we had a small Lainio gathering at my folk's home.

Thank you to my cousin Alan (in the baseball cap) for getting us going. It was so much fun to be together and get caught up with one another.

We got to meet Alan's fiancee' Caroline. She's a keeper. We all managed to behave ourselves so I don't think we scared her away! "smile"

Here's a picture of my brother Gregg's family. His girls have the most sparkling blue eyes and red hair. The little one, looks just like Gregg did as a baby.

Yes we had fun!

Hello Najah . . . . .

2010-02-11T11:07:00.000-06:00

. . . . we are thinking of you with love and prayers!

Yep . . . . It's February

2010-02-03T07:50:00.000-06:00

. . . . .I need a little sewing to balance out my life. "smile"

So I have started this "pink project" and sneak upstairs to work on it every time I have a couple of minutes together.

I'm about to cut this one out too. Guess who likes this fabric??

What are you up to that brings balance to your "work" life?

The Penny

2010-02-01T12:32:00.004-06:00

Last weekend we had some company. Post production is in full swing for the feature film that Nate has been working on, The Penny. I borrowed this from Filmweaver's production blog. For more of the story and pictures you can go there!

ADR for "The Penny"
ADR recording for "The Penny" is currently in full swing. For those unfamiliar with it, ADR (short for automated dialogue replacement) is the process of re-recording lines of dialogue from the film which for some reason or another were unable to be used from the original audio recorded during production. Sometimes the shot was too wide to properly mic the actors, other times traffic or wind noise may have been too loud, etc.

This past weekend Brian Morvant (who plays "Rick") and Kyle Walters (who plays "Curt") flew in from New York City to record their ADR down in Illinois at Nate Sisson's studio. It was a jam packed couple of days as we worked long hours to get the necessary work done in the limited amount of time we had. Happily, we were able to accomplish everything with even a little bit of Saturday evening to spare.

Kyle, Nathan, and Brian after wrapping up the weekend's ADR session.

God's Fingerprints

2010-01-19T17:36:00.000-06:00

From whose womb has come the ice?

And the frost of heaven, who has given it birth?

Job 38:29

Sunday morning I woke up to a beautiful

world outside my bedroom window.

I had an half of an hour, before church that

I used capturing glimpses of His beauteous work.

God is a much better decorator then any of us!

Have you entered the storehouses of the snow

or seen the storehouses of the hail . . . .
Job 38:22

He even does bows more naturally then we do!

He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes.

Psalm 147:16

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;

it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Psalm 33:1

I am enjoying the gorgeous winter that the Lord has given us!

Haley

Sewing Finished

2010-01-18T05:53:00.001-06:00

Started a corduroy romper for Alaina for her birthday or Christmas. I didn't get it finished in time - - - -but close. "smile" I just had to put pictures up just because she is so sweet.

There are ruffles on each leg. I sure do love to sew. It's fun to have a little one to sew for again.

Blog Book

2010-01-08T14:38:00.001-06:00

Have any of you made your blog into a book? I'd like to do that because our blog is almost like a journal that highlights some of the bigger events of our family life.

I'd like to know what group you used to do this and how you liked the results.

Blessings to you!

Belated !

2010-01-07T16:13:00.014-06:00

Our Christmas was a wee bit scattered and belated this year. So we did some exchanging of gifts while K,G & A were here. It's always interesting because Gretchen's birthday is the 26th and Alaina's the 2nd. So there were some birthday moments as well.

We get to open presents???

We did this on January 2nd which was Alaina's 1st birthday! I love this goofy face she makes. "Nana smile"

She absolutely loved playing with this green card. She never tore it, just played with it.

We consumed these along with our fair share of the "Sisson generational sin"----- Kringle! Oooooo

Uncle Nate had a special present for Alaina.

It's Gloworm!

When Nate was little, Gloworm was the closest thing to a blankie that he had.

Awwww ----- she's giving it a hug.

Alaina was mesmerized by the cats out on the porch.

Hum . . . . . .

Haley's new decorations.

Finally! Thanks Grandpa
Don't you love the one sock on, one sock off?

A Birthday Card from Uncle Andrew. (He finds the nicest cards. I always save his.)

Oh fun --- Curious George

This was one of the few toys that she got that didn't make noise. Remember when no toys made noise?

You know in movies when they show you the "behind the scenes" (BTS) pictures? Well this is our behind the scenes with Alaina picture. "wink"

We also headed over to rehab to open presents with Dad. We took along a huge blanket for A to crawl around on. She loves being the center of attention and Grandma Glenna and Grandpa Bud gave her this rocking horse. Alaina was tickled with it and we loved watching her. I've never seen anything like it. It's a pink stuffed horse. When you squeeze its ear it talks, makes running noises and whinnies. Squeeze the other ear and it sings. Not only that it's mouth moves!

I'm sorry I didn't take any pictures there. Aargh. Alaina danced and clapped and rocked. What fun we had together. A blessed weekend full of family!!

Sisson Side

2010-01-06T21:15:00.008-06:00

Last weekend was a whirlwind of fun.

K,G & A came up to celebrate a late Christmas with us
We had the Sisson side of the family Christmas gathering
and it was Alaina's first birthday

Here are some pictures of the Sisson Christmas.

Andrew's lap is the best!

All the "younger" set got these huge lumpy gifts wrapped in garbage bags.

They were suitcases with balloons stuffed around them. "smile"

Alaina was so funny when she opened presents. She would tear off a piece of paper and just play with it. Another favorite present opening technique was chewing/sucking on the box. Yum.

A Pooh riding toy. She, of course, had to get down there and taste Pooh and all his flowers! Shucks I missed the picture.

Alaina is a good farm girl. She knows how to make motor noises!

We had a marvelous time exchanging gifts, eating, playing games, singing and just being together.

Christmas!

2009-12-30T06:17:00.004-06:00

Isn’t this what Christmas is all about?

In the afternoon on Christmas Eve, we sent Dad off in an ambulance to the ER. He had a fever, had symptoms of a stroke (weak left side and drooping head) and wasn’t able to communicate or stand.

Christmas came alive.

As we sat in the ER and later in Dad’s room I found that my attitude had changed. When I heard of the crisis --- instantly all the “trappings” of Christmas became totally unimportant. I left behind all the wrapping, shopping, baking, and planning etc. I was suddenly thinking about more basic life issues. There is a lot of time to ponder things in the ER. As we waited for information, we tearfully sang our favorite Christmas carols.

Christmas came alive. Jesus - was – born - to - die.

He was born to take our punishment and blame and set us free. Yes I know that I already knew that, but this year it came ALIVE in a totally new way. These people, all the nurses and doctors interacting with us, our primary nurse who’s 2yr old still isn’t sleeping through the night; the admitting lady with stylishly fake blonde hair and beautiful jewels on her fingers ; my sweet Haley cleaning Dad’s face as he coughed up blood.
We were the people and we were rubbing shoulders with the people that Jesus was born for.
We were walking through this as a family with the Lord’s presence right beside us because Jesus had been a baby!
Dad will be in heaven whenever he does pass from this life because Jesus was born.

We have been given a gift. Jesus is that gift. The Lord made me freshly aware of His gift again in that ER cubicle. Christmas came alive.

The results

They found pneumonia in both lungs! The CAT scan showed no evidence of a stroke. Dad is responding well to treatment for the pneumonia and almost back to normal. He’s joking around and giving everyone a hard time. “smile” That’s another gift the Lord gave us. Matthew said that it was the best part of our Christmas. Today, a week later, we are moving Dad to a rehab down the street for physical therapy before coming home. We are rejoicing.

I pray that your Christmas was alive with Jesus the living God!
A belated Merry Christmas to each of you!!