Leo & Jen

Cupcake fun

2012-02-12T17:12:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we had the Kershner kiddo's over for a good portion of the day. Our big activity was decorating cupcakes. I think they ate more sugar than they did decorate with it, but it was good fun. The following day I had my good friend Billie over (and of course her family) for a little birthday bash. This was the "cake" we made for her.

The slow change

2012-02-12T17:02:00.001-08:00

We've been putting out one item per week into the baby room (and a little more because I cheated last week and put out five items... I just couldn't resist). And yesterday I made a quilt (the one Leo is holding). The front is from a baby bumper I bought a long time ago and decided against (second hand) because I found something cuter, the material from our old couch I reupholstered when we first got married, a piece of quilt material that Pam made and Big Leonard was selling as scrap in the garage sale, and a remnant of fleece (inside) from a quilt I made for Ryan for his graduation. This silly quilt has become all of a sudden so meaningful to me. Seems like it was all meant for each other too as the pieces matched up almost perfectly. I'd like to think it was a quilt Pam would have made (and partially did). Gosh, do I miss her. Lot's of tears went into this little quilt.

Little Hackey-Sack

2012-02-12T15:15:00.001-08:00

We haven't been very good at documenting by camera and will try to be better but here goes.....

beginning of the bump: (bitty bump) week 9

11 weeks

week 15 (middle)

end of week 17

First day of week 19.

Next Monday we find out the gender. So exciting! People say I'm carrying "high", but I feel the baby down low... so I'm not sure what all that stuff is that's "high"... I guess my guts. So confusing!

Cravings: pasta... and every once in a while chinese food specially shrimp which I CAN'T have..... the first thing I want to eat is a great mass of shrimp after I have this little one.

Sickness: Only in the beginning and not like the horror stories I hear from other people. I've only thrown up twice. Once while brushing me teeth (a common gagging experience for me though) and once while driving to work (that was lots of fun and adventurous!-- No cantaloupe. What a bummer.)

What do we think we are having? We both think a girl, but because somebody has to win the back rub bet I'm taking the default of boy. We don't care what we have as it's Gods choice anyways. He knows what's best.

We've been slowly putting baby things into the room (like the advent of our wee one) each week one item. Lots of fun to watch it transform.

Names: Boy- Elijah Amene Hackett Girl- Ruth-Ann Marie Hackett

That's good for now. More pictures soon.

2012-01-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

artwork

2011-12-30T22:04:00.000-08:00

We have some great friends here in Oregon. One set of friends continually humble me in their constant willingness to give of themselves. It seems the more they give the more the Lord enables them to do so. Not to say any of us are rolling in the big ones... they are truly an example to us both. This year I decided to paint them a picture for their home (whether they want to put it up or not- either is fine). I called them and asked what their favorite artwork is. Jeff said they really like surrealism (which was fun because I LOVE painting surrealism... just not many people like it). Painting for others is such a personal thing though. It's not like a sweater where you can wear it once and if you really don't like it ... it can go in the goodwill bag and nobody would ever know. At the very least one can always throw a hideous piece of apparel in the depths of a closet and allow it to resurface every once in a while. Artwork on the other hand is a long term commitment. If you don't like it ... what do you do? I suppose if you had a good enough memory you could put the piece in the closet and only hang it when they come over. But, then there is the pressure of an unexpected visit. Know Kershners if you read our blog, you DO NOT have to hang anything you don't like. I'm just saying it's equally as nerve racking to give a piece of art as it is to sell one to a client. My stomach gets in knots, my teeth chatter, I feel like a moron. Anyway, they unknowingly gave me ten "things" they like. My original drawing included 5 crocheted cows but I ended up leaving out crocheted cows and a turkey wobble (the thing that hangs from their throats). The rock was originally made out of cheese too. Any way here is what I came up with. See if you can pick out their favorite things:

(I typically wouldn't type about gifts, but I try to record all my artwork.)

2011-12-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is Montana. We had a nice relaxing time with family in Montana this year. Koda whined all the way to their front door causing us to want to leave him in some random town along the way.... but the boys love being with grandma and grandpa (and chase the bunny rabbits in the back yard). It was good fun relaxing, watching movies, playing games, and eating lots of food. Thank you daddy and momma for letting us come out and have such an enjoyable time with you!

Wall Pockets

2011-11-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

Making some wall pockets for the Boutique at church this year. We made just a few to see if they will sell. I'll probably use rope for the hang and maybe display with some sort of arrangement, but I've seen these kinds of things with pencils in it... or toothbrushes or whatever.

Little trip

2011-11-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

Another little trip to the beach just before school began. We found a new spot to hike out to- with crashing waves and all!

Better late than never.

2011-11-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

First day of school as PRINCIPAL of Mid-Valley Christian Academy. So proud of my husband and how the Lord has grown him and used him. Looking back, He's taken us a long way to bring us to now.

Good times.

2011-11-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

Leo's brother Alex was here for a few weeks. We were glad to have him and to spend the time we did with him. While he was here we went to the Bauman Farms together. The boys did a lot of "jamming out" together too. We both wish he lived closer, but God is good and puts us exactly where He can use us best. Now Al is down in California and just got an internship with a production studio.

Recruited?

2011-11-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

When Al was here visiting we decided to go to a civil war reenactment. We left early in the morning on Sunday so we could make the church service was was totally cool. So neat to think about how infinitely good our God is and how He hasn't changed over the ages. On the way through the Confederate camp we stopped to speak with the recruiting family... or rather they spoke with us. Before I knew it I was thrown into a tent. Three ladies where stripping me down and getting me into a civil war dress. Totally weird. I came out kind of in this "what now?" state. They told me to walk around the camp and return the dress and millions of layers underneath whenever. Awkward. We took a turn around the camp and I scurried back to give back the dress. Fun but strange.

Riddle me this...

2011-11-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

The Crime Scene:

We'll see if you can solve the mystery.

Setting the scene:
Dogs are locked up in new side table crates. Logan our fatter and less athletic dog has been butting his head against the crate door and scratching, not to mention chewing to get out. We double bolted his door so he wouldn't be able to escape.

As unsuspecting owners we come in the front door to find Logan greeting us. We walk to the back room to see what damage has been done. We walk in to find this....

Clues to the crime:

Crate is double locked.
The entire bedspread is inside the crate from floor to ceiling.
Three side bars are damaged.
(Two to the side and one completely off.)
There is approximately 6 inches of clearance.
A lantern is laying on the floor.
There are bite marks in the comforter and slobber.
There is hair (from Leo's hair cut which was in the trash can in the master bath) spread all over the floor.
Logan is 7 and 1/2 inches wide

Tell us what you think the scenario was for our beloved Houdini. It had us rather stumped.

2011-11-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

Nerds.

Over 30's picture

2011-11-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

I guess we are officially over 30... we're getting old.... our vision is failing, our bones creak. Before you know it we will need canes and dentures. Okay... well we're maybe not that old. We did have to get glasses though. Leo for far seeing and me for reading. We'll see how good we are about wearing them.

New room decorations

2011-10-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

Our new bedroom. Painted pictures, new dog crate end tables purchased from sky miles, new paint, new bedding on super sale.... new new new. Liking it so much. Everything you see was on super sale, second hand, hand made, or discounted. Just goes to show you can be stylish on a super saver budget. Or one can at least think they are stylish. Even the crown molding was purchased at a habitat for humanity second hand store. Bathroom cabinet-goodwill, picture frames salvaged from a cabinetry business and given by a neighbor (thanks Art and Sharon), dishes second hand, I guess the only thing that was regular price was the paint. Love it.

Random Project

2011-08-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

I'm not even sure if I've put this on here once before. If so here it is again. I was at a second hand store just recently and found these two tuffeted head boards and the base of a glass coffee table. I couldn't resist for six dollars. I came home and chopped off the legs and sprayed down the base and attached it all together to make some seating for waiting parents in the studio. It's not comfy but it's not really meant to be. After I cut off the legs I kinda' beat myself up as I could have left the legs ON one, cut the second and used those legs as a front set of legs. I could have made this for four dollars instead. :) I think it's fun anyway.

Returned and Going Fast Again.

2011-08-17T14:40:00.001-07:00

We returned from out lovely trip of Lake Tahoe and we are off again at a hundred miles per hour. The day before we left in a three hour time span before a friends wedding we (or maybe I should say I) decided to paint the guest bathroom and spruce it up a bit. I got a gallon of paint to match the colors I would want in the guest room/ future baby room. When we returned from the trip Leo actually instigated the painting of the room so here are some pictures. Then I found on Craigslist this fabulous mission style glider rocker for $510.00 LESS than what it sells for in the store. It's in perfect condition and ideal for this room (for now and hopefully later). I've spent quite a bit of time already rocking away in our new chair.

More Hiking

2011-08-17T14:24:00.001-07:00

One morning we got up super early to make it out before the crowds and the heat. We'd heard there was a castle on the beach looking out on the little island so we thought that would be a fun hike to take. We had the trails to ourselves and we got to explore with only a few park rangers in site. It was a neat European "castle" with a courtyard and a beautiful view over the lake. Somebody a long time ago had a wonderful privaledge of waking up in the morning to see the awe and wonder of Gods creation that would make anybody jealous. We walked around the castle and then out on the dock. We talked on the phone with some family and watched an elderly man swim out to the island in the frigid water. I guess this gentleman is known for swimming there and back every morning. We were surprised. It was the perfect day for coming down to this part of the lake.

We came across this huge tree that had obviously rotted out in the inside and had to be filled with cement so it didn't fall. We'd never seen anything like this before. I thought I would paint some sort of mural in the inside of the tree telling the story of lake Tahoe.

Beaches in Tahoe

2011-08-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

We didn't spend much time on the beaches as it was much of a flesh fest and belly button convention. It really took away from the beautiful scenery. We ended up playing a lot of cards on the beach.

Leo kicked my butt.

2011-08-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hiking in Tahoe.

2011-08-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

We stayed in a Casino called Harvey's in the town of Stateline. Literally you could step over the state line by crossing the street of our hotel. You can see the beautiful view we had from our window. Or first day we just wandered around the little town meandering in and out of art galleries and little touristy places.

Day Two

2011-08-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

The following morning we decided to head over to Old Sacramento which was a lot of fun. These are the original first buildings that made up Sacramento. I guess I have a picture of me when I was two standing in front of this same train. Who would have thought I would be back at almost thirty for the first time. Leo really enjoyed the history and we both enjoyed wandering up and down the various streets and poking in and out of the different shops. So fun.

Then we headed out to were Mather Air Force Base used to be. I was born there and have only a few memories of some of the inside of our housing. I had kind of hoped to have some amazing flash back of memory by seeing something I might recognize. I thought maybe the water tower held something, but I think my dad used to have a shirt that had the same symbols on it... so maybe that's what I remember. I was also able to hunt down the VA hospital which is where I was born (I think). It was neat to see it.

Sacramento or Bust

2011-08-17T12:39:00.001-07:00

Our room at the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown Sacramento. It was super nice. (Is it silly that I always take pictures of the hotel rooms? I guess we never used to stay at hotels growing up so it's kind of the excitement. Plus you pay a lot of money for them. Might as well have a picture!)

I love Chick fil a! It has crossed my mind more than once to open a franchise up here in the Salem area. Love the morals, love the food, love the service, love the sweet tea. Love it.

One of the beautiful mountains we passed on the way. I want to say it's mount Shasta, but I could be wrong.

Leo eating the forbidden fruit.
Welcome to California. You have firearms? Great. Drugs? Fantastic. Illegal Immigrants? Superb. What's that? You have cherries and nectarines? Up against the wall. We're going to have to confiscate that from you.

We followed almost all the way down this series of identical convertible cars in different colors. It was odd as it consisted of couples as though they all went down and got matching cars to travel together in.

Family

2011-08-17T12:32:00.001-07:00

The last few days of Leo's rat race of a summer with classes and administration and all the other things going on, his dad Big Leonard or Papa-son came down to help his sister (Aunt Karen) move into her new house. We were able to meet up with Aunt Linda at McMinnamins in McMinnville for a few hours and have a great time up on the rooftop looking over the city. We had lots of fun just catching up. It was a short visit but we always enjoy spending time with Big Leonard. (Sorry, we didn't get any other pictures during his visit.)

(Another note: I didn't realize Leo had the "I am cleaning out my teeth look" until I posted it. Sorry Leo.)

More Friends!

2011-08-17T12:29:00.001-07:00

Titus is TWO!

We went to our little buddy Titus' second birthday party. The house was packed with many family members and we were honored to be part of the family. We love you Mr. T!

Friends!

2011-08-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

We were able to spend a little bit of time with our good friends Sam, Noelle, and their newest addition little West. I tried to convince West to come home with us and that his long trip back to Singapore and then on to Hong Kong wasn't worth it... but to no avail. His parents are just too special. Maybe I'll have better luck next time they are in town. We love them all and miss them! (Unfortunately yet again we weren't able to get a picture of Sam... so I'm putting two of West to make up for lack of Sam)

Camp

2011-08-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

I didn't get many pictures because we were busy busy busy at our Kidz Campz this year. One of the students I caught at the very end and snagged a picture of. Here are just some of the projects we worked on. We all had a blast. I'm so excited about my business specially some day when I can be at home!

Yard Art

2011-07-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

Last week we went to Georgies Clay up in Portland. They had some neat yard totem poles (at least that's what I'm calling them). I came home and pulled out a bin of things I didn't like and was going to get rid of. We painted them up and drilled holes in it (thank you mom and dad). Today I finished up the first pole and pounded it into the ground. I think it's kinda' fun. Hopefully the neighbors will like it too. It makes me think of Disneyland.

2011-07-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

One of the days my parents were here (and Leo was in class) we headed off to the coast. We checked out Naskawa and then up to Pacific City. It was a beautiful day, but the wind (as usual) was whipping through (and sandblasting our legs). We walked up and down the coast, took some pictures and found a few rocks here and there. We then headed up to Tillamook to see the cheese factory. Stopped off at a local fruit stand and ate some mightly tasty (and messy) peaches and nectarines and then bought ourselves some squeaky cheese. There was a fun cheese wagon in the factory we couldn't resist to take some funny pictures in. We had to kick out a small child in order to take the pictures... but it was worth the shot

2011-07-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

On the 3rd of July we went to the Oregon gardens. I thought you could get in free.... apparently I was wrong (I was sure the website said so)... so we walked to the garden... and looked at the flowers outside of the garden and then walked back and watched a free firework show (traffic free) in a parking lot just below. We had a really good time just talking and teasing and enjoying each others company. The fireworks were spectacular.... as were the July 4th fireworks in Independence.

Just a few pictures

2011-07-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

My parents came out from Montana. It was so nice to have them. Unfortunately Leo was taking two classes and had a LOT of studying... we had a good time but much of it was bitter sweet. We are so glad they were able to come out when they could and we wish we could have spent more time... specially Leo. Here are just a few pictures.

Studio

2011-07-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

So excited. Finally got the studio together and will have student rolling in soon. It's small and cozy and seems so much better in person than on camera. Whether I have students or not I've been enjoying getting out and finally using the studio. A big thanks to my parents who helped in the final details (and running water) for the Chrysma Artistry Studio!

Rebel

2011-07-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

My husband is a Rebel. Confederate Rebel to be exact. This year we broke down and got him a uniform. Fully wool... fully hot. Despite the hot Leo was super excited. He had the option of buying some pants that he could switch between Confederate and Union and he was admittedly against it. Confederate all the way. You'd have to ask Leo all the reasons... certainly not because he was for slavery... but for all the other reasons that are often overlooked when studying the Civil War and it's many intricacies. I'm sure one of these years we will be participating in the reenacting. It would certainly be a great thing to expose your children too. What an experience, to live out history and learn rather than sit in front of a video game!

July 4th traditions

2011-07-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

Actually it was the 2nd of July. Every year (if we are in Oregon) we head off to the Civil War Reenacting they have at the Willamette Mission Park. We both enjoy learning from the people and buying up things for Leo's "war room" as some of the kids we know call it. We learn so much and really enjoy all the living history. Leo would really like to do it someday. It includes a lot of research and understanding what really went on during that time period which is Leo's favorite part of history. We were privileged to go with my parents this year as they came out for two weeks.

Test, test, does this thing work?

2011-07-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

We got a new camera! About a year ago I had our camera in my purse and as I got into the car the door slammed onto the side and I heard the resounding crunch. Our first camera lies at the very bottom of Wasilla lake as it slipped out of Leo's hand while on the paddle boat. One of those instances where it lingered for a few moments... just enough to think "oh crud... somebody grab it before it sinks" and then bloop, bloop, bloop..... it slowly floated to the bottom of the lake. So sad. Our second the car door.... hopefully this one will have a better fate than the other two. This is the first picture from it. Thought it was silly so I posted it.

Just a nice photo

2011-07-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Leo at the zoo. I just thought it was a nice picture.

2011-06-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we attempted to go to the Japanese Gardens up in Portland. We had hoped to see all the beautiful irises in bloom. When we attempted to find it we got a little lost and ended up in the Portland zoo parking lot. We decided the zoo sounded just as fun.

2011-06-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

We took the high school on spring fling and afterwards went to the Oaks park roller skating rink. Unfortunately I had the old camera tucked away for safe keeping while we were skating so we only got pictures of the aftermath. It was good fun. Joey Harrington from the Oregon ducks was out roller skating too. Made some of the kids day. Leo and I just laughed as they oogled over him.

2011-06-15T19:41:00.000-07:00

On spring break we went to SunRiver to celebrate a pre 10th anniversary. It was a beautiful resort that we would never be able to afford normally but we used our credit card miles. We felt like we were living the life styles of the rich and famous. They had an amazing spa that we visited twice a day. We read books, sat next to our fire... and got a surprise snow that we walked around in at night. It was so relaxing and much needed!

Words of wisdom

2011-04-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

"When life gets most difficult I need to keep walking on water."

At first when I heard this I though, "only Jesus walked on water. How can I?" Then I remembered there was another who did for only a few minutes, until he started focusing on the difficulties and he sank. Something I already knew, but needed that gentle reminder. With possible job cuts, and teaching/guiding a teenager, and planning for families (future), and wondering how we'll make payments, and my teaching license expiring within the next year and a half... it's easy to divert your eyes, and more so your mind. But He is walking on water and has called me to walk with Him... and there is only one way to do it. Storms will continue to happen, and water will still be liquid, but I can keep walking on water.... and I don't need to wear a swimsuit.

2011-02-27T13:08:00.000-08:00

The glare is bad, but I did a little beading lately. Actually it started a while ago.... I made the pendent from ceramic and finally got around to making a necklace. I thought it turned out pretty nice. I've had a few requests to sell them now. I might go down to a local store and see if I can.

2011-02-27T13:03:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that this picture of Leo was taken only a few days after his surgery? On Christmas Leo got a (to be determined if it's authentic) Revolutionary War Red Coat. It's small but could be the real deal. We are still doing the research on it. He was super jazzed. We also got a Wii. Mom and dad liked it so much that they went home and bought one as well. Who are those people!? Here dad is playing a game were he is a chicken flying through the air. Pretty funny. The following day Leo's brother Alex came and we were able to spend some time with him too. It was SOOO nice to see family and just relax. Alex is now down in Peru doing some missionary work for six months. We are super proud of him. Wish we'd thought to take out the camera while he was here and throughout the rest of the Christmas holiday.

Surgery Day

2011-02-27T12:45:00.000-08:00

Leo Recovering from Surgery wearing his Nose Bra

On December 21st Leo had his septum surgery. I was anything but excited about it and could easily be described as a little edgy. Maybe it's because the procedure description ranged from being hit in the face with a baseball bat, to a little head cold. Fortunately the way they do this procedure now a days is MUCH better than the old way. Leo had his surgery at the Ear Nose and Throat building building by a WONDERFUL doctor - Dr. Nishioka. He was fabulous. In fact all the people at the building have been fabulous. As "fate" would have it, the lady who prepped Leo for surgery ended up being his Aunt's friend in middle school, so we took a picture with her with smiles on our faces. Leo headed in and the waiting game began. I was SO thankful that my parents had come out to be there with me. We sat together in the waiting room and since we were the last ones in they later let us wait in the post-post op waiting room. I could see Leo when they wheeled him out and got him situated on his post op table. The only thing (besides the wait) that was difficult was seeing Leo come out of the anesthesia. He was very disoriented and began trying to pull IVs off and get up. The nurses had to give him and extra dose of something to get him to calm down. He came out well and they did some pretty massive stuff to his sinuses and septum. I was truly amazed at how much they had to change in there. While we waited for him to come out of the drugged state daddy made a glove balloon for Leo with a double nose and momma's crocheted purple scarf doubled as the hair. We named him septumus. Leo was finally able to have visitors, and I would have to say that my husband is incredibly cute when he is drugged and coming out of things like this. We took him home, daddy bought him tons of banana milk shakes, and the healing process began. Leo is breathing 100% better than what he has EVER breathed in his entire life and he still has another month until the Dr. said he should be breathing at his fullest. We are so thankful everything went well..... and if you are wondering, it's like having a bad head cold.

Mom and dad making Septumus.

Basketball Boy

2011-02-27T12:39:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I haven't blogged in an eternity. As a good friend says, get busy blogging, or get busy living life. We've certainly been doing a lot of living of life with the three of us going. So I thought I would start with a few pictures of our basketball boy. He had to shave up and dress up for each of his basketball game days. So I took a quick snap as he was getting ready. This year they've done great with two wins and many almost wins. The schoolboard and staff verses the team game is coming up really soon as it was cancelled because of sickness and they are all looking forward to it. Leo has had many threats from students that they'll be him the whole game so we'll see how it all turns out. I'll try to remember my camera for that game as I continue to forget bringing them to Ryan's games.

2010-11-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

I ended up painting over the girl and restoring it to just the trees as I felt like, though she was cute, it begged a story rather than enjoying the quality of the trees. They might be inspiring me to write a childrens story though. We'll see.

Put's a smile on my face and some paint on his!

2010-10-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was "Noah's ark day" at MVCA. Student's dressed up as animals from kindergarten to 12th grade. We were headed home the evening before and I asked Ryan what he was going to be. He didn't have any defined answers. I believe his answer was "uh... maybe a cat or something easy". When we got home I pulled out a piece of material from my material bin and started tying some ears.... it didn't really look can like so I asked "how about a bunny?" Let me just stop here and say how much I love this kid. What other 17 year old boy would say... "sure". So the following day I had socks for paws, more sock for a tail, these funny ears, and he was even up for some face painting. I must say... he looked pretty good... for being a 17 year old bunny. I didn't stop smiling for a few hours after leaving for work. Totally made my day, and I don't think it was too embarrassing for him at school. Leo went as a "lion".... kinda. I asked if he wanted some face painting, but he was satisfied with the (rice sized) lion emblem on his long sleeved white shirt. Maybe next year I'll be able to convince him with my face painting abilities. :) (and maybe not.)

As and end remark. Please notice the halo hovering over Ryan's sly little bunny face. I'm not sure if he's THAT angelic. (but he has been a blessing.)

FINISHED!

2010-10-21T21:26:00.001-07:00

It's finally done. Hooray. Hours to paint: 10 hours.

Deviated Septum

2010-10-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

Leo went in on Monday and had a scan done on his face to look at his deviated septum, his sinuses, and the amount of oxygen he is getting. After looking at his scans it confirmed to us his need for a surgery. If you look at these scans you can see a HUGE deviation, and the black shows how much oxygen is getting in through his nasal passage. One side is about the size of a pencil and the other is about the size of a hair in comparison with each other. He also had two "cysts" which are more like fluid filled blisters in his cheek sinuses, one of which is moving up into the nasal passage. Our visit described a lot of things... like why he gets headaches and can't sleep laying down (he sleeps sitting up). So the question is... when will we do surgery. Ugh.

2010-10-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

If you look close between the two bones on this one you can see something coming off the bone. When I asked about it they "didn't know what it was" and said to call radiology. We called and haven't heard back. GRRRR.

Tuesday nights Leo (and Ryan too) go play basketball at the church, and I go over to my friend Kelly's. Mid-way through our visit I get a call from one of the other kids we take and kelly's husband saying I need to come to the church because he hurt his ankle.... possibly broke it. I jumped in the car and quickly headed over. When I arrived on scene the boys at basketball had just loaded (carried) leo into a van and were transporting him to the ER. We got into the ER... and waited... and waited.... and waited.... and waited. Imagine maybe another hundred "and waited" phrases at this point. About four hours later they finally saw him. I'm still not sure if the diagnosis is correct as the X-rays show something coming off his bone right where the swelling is. They said he probably popped 2 if not 3 of his ligaments and it was a "sprain"... I'm thinking it still could be more. We have an appointment on Monday to see. For now, he's been drugged up, iced up, and leg upped. These are pictures after the swelling has gone down (two days later). He's still in a lot of pain. Compare the backs of his feet and you can see how much it's swelled up. This is looking great compared to when it first happened.

Bauman Farm Overload

2010-10-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Every year we go to Bauman Farms-- One of the most intense farms in the world. In the fall they put on a multi-acre-family-fun-festivity. It has a corn maze, dark maze, banjo bands, great food, apple cider press, apple launching, hay rides, petting zoo, zip lines, swings, sock hop (blow up thing we are on) pedal carts and SO much more. I look forward to it every year. We decided to head off on Sunday. It was POURING rain so we got in at half price, and after an hour the rain let up and we got to enjoy all the things we wouldn't have in the rain. This year they had a pumpkin weigh off. I think this one is 1,000+ pounds. Just amazing! (Sorry I look strange in the picture). I think our funnest time was in the Sock Hop, which turned into the ultimate race where ANYTHING goes. It was ankle grabbing, body flinging, hay eating goodness. Unfortunately it was Ryan who ate the hay... and also Ryan who apparently is allergic to it. He was kinda' puffy when we left. I made sure to take pictures of Ryan next to a pumpkin since all my friends with children take these cute pictures of their children in the pumpkin patches. You can see the look of "why am I doing this Mrs. Hackett" on his face. It wasn't until after the picture that I told him. What a cutie. We all had such a great day. Leo even bought me a HUGE belgian mum for the yard. It was such a blessing to go again this year and have such a good time.

Retreat?

2010-10-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

My co-worker generously offered us his time share condo for the weekend in Bend Oregon. It was an amazing place. Unfortunately I was sicker than a dog and Leo's ear didn't pressurize on the way there and he suffered from that awful feeling you get when you dive underwater in the deep end... except for hours on end. By the following day I could barely walk and Leo was exhausted. At least we enjoyed the hot tub and HGTV. Thank you to my great co-worker. I painted a set of watercolors as a thank you and forgot to take pictures... and even while there we were both feeling so bad that I didn't get pictures there either. The only one I got was this not-so-good shot of the reflections in Detroit Lake. You almost couldn't tell which was up and which was down along the way. Sorry this picture is so awful in so many ways. It was the only one I had though.

Singing in the Rain

2010-10-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

Leo and I bought a shed to store our bikes and lawn mower in. It was a special shed in lean-to design so we could actually have it along side the house. The package said it would take two hours to put together with two people. 12 hours later we were finishing it up. We got help from our friends Nate and Billie for the foundational framework (2hrs). Leo and I built in the torrential rain -- thank you Sue for your tent (6 hours). Leo, Ryan, and I worked on it in semi good weather (3 hours). And then the three of us worked again for an hour to install the doors. I didn't even take a picture of the end product. Just threw the bikes and mower in and closed the door. Hallelujah... it's done! The picture above was of Leo "having fun" in the rain (the understatement of the year-- it was miserable.)

Lessons learned: When you open the package and there is three HUGE bags of screws and bolts your in for hours of excitement!

2010-09-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

Leo and I are now temporary guardians over one of the best kids in the world. We just love this kid to pieces and would adopt him in a heart beat if that was the situation. He's been a blessing to us in so many ways. His name is Ryan and we love him dearly! Thanks Ryan for being such a wonderful young man of God. You truly amaze us and we couldn't be prouder of who you are!

art

2010-08-17T09:40:00.001-07:00

I've been doing a little bit of art work lately. I'm determined to have my marbles picture done by the end of the week. The Clementines are done in chalk pastel and charcoal (which I haven't worked in for a very long time). It's for a friend of mine who asked his bride to marry him using Clementines. So cute. Thinking I might make a copy and send it off to the Darling Clementine farm! :)

The back

2010-08-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's been two weeks since we put in the rock and I've found less than a small twigs worth of bark dust in our house... and that's mainly because Logan found a stick he decided to drag inside and chew up. Hooray for rock in the back yard... and it will be so beautiful when the weather turns to crud and it's wet all the time.

More rock

2010-08-17T09:32:00.001-07:00

Before.... After.... and more left over!

Just plain stuff

2010-08-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

In reviewing my past blog I realized how much foliage the tree in the front yard has grown in only a couple of weeks. I guess I hadn't realized it was a late blooming tree. Maybe it blooms twice a year?! Here are some more pictures that I thought I would put onto the blog as well. Some of my plants still need some loving, but at least they are in the ground. The ones around the bears are columbine which I love because it grows around my mom and dads house. My mom seems to be able to keep it growing so maybe I have it in my blood. -- Although with the way both of our growing skills are I'm guessing it has nothing to do with us and everything to do with the good Lord! One thing it is growing rampaged is the "creeping jenny" in my little wheel barrow. I liked it because it was green and had a great name in it... but it certainly is creeping. I'm going to have to learn how to seperate it! Otherwise the rest of the pictures are of some of the improvements.

Other things: My little lantern cost me .50 at h2o (second hand store in Dallas OR)- totally excited. And the sign held up by the bear is to remedy our mass quantity of solicitors. It reads: Please No Solicitors or... ring the doorbell and run, the dogs need the exercise. I read that at the farmers market and thought it was clever so I came home and made myself a little sign with some scrap wood I had just thrown out. Nothing like good trash to treasures!

Projects galore!

2010-08-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

I just know if I were at home on a daily basis I would NEVER run out of things to get done. We've continued to haul rock... all 36,400 pounds (3 elephants in weight). I bought a bench and headboard and did a mini project to make the front bench. I've officially started my business through the state called Chrysma Artistry, I've started teaching classes from home. This week we'll be kidnapping our friends baby (totally excited!). I've sold lots on Craigslist, socialized with friends, read a book, completed two pictures (well almost) worked in the studio, attempted an art sale from our house and began planning for the next school year (cue slight moan). It's been busy. Leo has been working away at school with fundraising and administration stuff. We've been swimming together at the pool and hauling more rock! We sleep well at night! So there's a little insight in our doings lately.

You can kinda see the bench finished in the front there. My friend and I mosaic-ed it with red marble and then I hung a wire cast iron star on the back. It really is beautiful.

Mount Rock

2010-07-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

So last year we landscaped our backyard. We built a pergola and rocked the outside of these beautiful area's and filled them with bark dust. Why? Because it looks pretty... and because our dogs were dragging in mud during the winter from the ugly backyard. Thinking the renovation of the yard would be the solve for our problems. Though the yard is "pretty" we have now spent a year vacuuming up the bark dust that has been brought it. (At least once... if not twice a day) We have probably vacuumed BAGS of dust. So... today our hopeful solve to THAT problem arrived. Mount Rock. It's a little intimidating right now... we'll see how it looks in the yard!

2010-07-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

While we were in Montana we also had some old fashion picture taken as a family. It was good fun and pretty hilarious. Momma's dress looked really nice on her, dad's hat was very debonair, and Leo looked like a villain from some sort of western gambling movie. I think my dad should wear a hat like this on a regular basis.

2010-07-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

On July 7th (our Anniversary) headed over to Virgina City and Navada City. I always enjoy going out to these two towns because they are so neat. Virgina City used to be one of the booming cities in Montana back in the 1800's. It not has some of the old places you can peer into and other that are antique shops, an old fashion candy store, and some picture places. It's basically a tourist trap. Navada City is an entire town put together by a collector of old frontier houses. Some guy has transported tons of old frontiers homes that have been abandoned (some of which fully stocked with the original sales items). For a minimal fee one can walk all around Nevada City and go in and out of the houses. It's very eerie like walking through a completely deserted ghost town. Some people amazingly still live in some of these frontier homes which surprised us as those that were lived in literally had plants growing through broken windows. Typical Montana in some ways! Absolutely LOVE it!

One of the last standing school houses. We thought it would be appropriate to put to teachers in front of it.

2010-07-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

Giving mom tips even though I had no idea what I was talking about!

In the beginning of July we headed out to the great state of Montana. It's so beautiful out there and the sky truly is so BIG! We went out with my mom and dad and went shooting which is now becoming more of a tradition. Leo and I had a can shooting competition, mom experimented with her "rapid fire" technique, dad worked on his sharp shooting and I made a bulls-eye from about 70 feet away with our trusty 22. Leo almost shot his foot off taking off the safety too... but we won't mention that embarrassing part.

2010-07-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

Also at the end of June, Big Leonard came out and visited us for a couple of days. It's always good to see him and we are always sad to see him go. The time always seems so short. We went out to dinner a few times, celebrated his birthday and fathers day, and visited family. It was a really great time to spend with him. Unfortunately I had VBS for half the day and Leo had work so it was even shorter than usual times. Here he is posing next to the "TT" and showing off those pearly whites. :) (I love you Papa-son!)

2010-07-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

While Big Leonard was here we looked out the door and a little blue bird had fallen out of it's nest either by accident or by an attempt to have it's first maiden voyage. I think he simply plummeted to the ground as he was pretty stunned and there were traces where he'd obviously had the crap knocked out of him...literally as seen in the picture. (Pardon the "crap" word, but it seemed appropriate.) If you look at the picture taken further away the dogs are attentively ready to be released for a nice helpless tasty morsel. The mother and father bird were pretty attentive to the little one as they continued to feed it on the ground and protect it from anything that came close. Now I'm seeing these older blue birds hopping along our back fence and enjoying our backyard bird bath.

2010-07-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

June was a NUTTY month with the end of the school year, sending off of student teachers, fund raisers with MVCA (they needed to try to match $40,000 in a month and a half and they made $47,000 totalling $87,000 for the school. God is doing AMAZING things in MVCA and it looks as though Leo will eventually be administrator of the school. What a blessing!!!) , being called in to cover another art teachers class after she passed away (that was a tough one, but God made it apparent that he would guide me as He had prepared me a year in advance with a crisis management class I took for my MAsters through Oregon State University), preparing for VBS and conducting the craft section (about 150 kids I think, and I had some GREAT helpers!), and finally preparing for a Garden vendor fair I was asked to participate in. I had a group of great friends come over and help me crank out almost 50 bird houses and create some collage art for outdoor hanging. At the end of June Leo and I set up a mock table arrangement and then headed off the following day for my very first vendor sale. It was slow picken's from the buyers as it was the END of the month and the economy is keeping people from buying. I did well though seeing as the people around hardly sold anything (not even enough to cover the cost of their lot). I made that and covered the cost of the supplies so now whatever I sell will all be profit. I'm thinking of doing a few more fairs before the end of the summer!

2010-07-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

In June we celebrated our friend Jeff's birthday by doing a 1950's BBQ murder mystery. It was the first time we'd ever done one. Leo was "Ivan Spudnick" a Russian scientist deployed to the US and I was "Barbie Q" a rather flirtatious neighbor to the victim. It was lots of fun although I felt pretty flustered trying to act our my part and get all the facts correct. Leo did a hilarious Russian accent the entire evening and the others did a fabulous job playing there parts. Jeff and Odessa always feed us well when we got to their house and it was an overall great time. We felt bad because we didn't bring any birthday presents and Jeff baked us all bread to take home. Talk about great hosts! Thanks dear friends!

2010-07-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

Back in May we also had the first ever family reunion of the Pfankuch and Ramey sides to celebrate my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. It was so neat to meet up with family I had never met and reunite with those we knew. I also got to meet my Uncle Bob for the first time and that was such a joy. While the reunion was going on Leo and I ran out and wrote a special message to my grandparents in the sand so they could see it from there window. Sorry the picture is so bad.

2010-07-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

In May we had our big event through the Women's Ministries called May Festival. This year it was Western themed and we were all supposed to attend wearing boots and cowboy hats. Such fun seeing 200 women dressed up. I was able to borrow my neighbor Arturo Madrid's (an x-professional bull rider) lucky chaps, hat and his great grand-daddy's spurs. What a privaledge. I got a lot of compliments and it was good fun!

Going back to May!

2010-07-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

So back in May I was looking in the mirror and there was something in my hair. I reached up and realized it was my very first BEAUTIFUL silver hair. I was SO excited! I plucked in out and taped it to the bathroom mirror for the "hairy fairy" (the tooth fairy's cousin) hoping to receive some sort of compensation for growing such a beautiful treasure. Unfortunately the hairy fairy never came. Since then I have found another. Only 28 and already receiving the blessings of old age. Must be all those students I deal with....

2010-07-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had Hannah over. Hannah was in our youth group when we were youth leaders in Bozeman. It's so neat to see these "kids" all grown up and such mature beautiful Christian adults. It's also strange but still a blessing to switch from leaders to friends. We hung out and talked most of the night and the following day headed over to the coast. It was 97 degree's inland and 47 and foggy at the coast. We even had to go buy sweaters just to walk along the beach. Despite the cold we had a great time. The following day we all headed off to church and then came home to have a cook fest of Asian food. Mmmmm. Sadly she had to head back up to Portland to her internship where she is working with the homeless and advocating against human traffic-ing. I'm so proud of her! I love you Hannah!

2010-07-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Later that same night we headed over to one of the waterfalls that was nearby and hiked next to the river. We were amazed at the temperature difference next to such cold water. Again crystal clear and absolutely breath taking. We then went back to our tent, read a little, and tucked the boys in for a chilly nights rest.

2010-07-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

We went camping down at Clearlake last weekend. We set up tent and read books the first night with a short trip around the lake. That night our air mattress completely deflated (twice) so we got up in the wee hours of the morning to go into Bend Oregon to purchase SOMETHING to sleep on (desperate measures after a bad nights sleep). We bought two cots (worth every penny!) and headed back. After napping a little we decided to do the five mile trek around the entire lake. Just beautiful! The lake is crystal clear and 250 feet down. Some men were scuba diving. The water is also FRIGID cold as it's melted ice from the surrounding mountains. We all (including Koda and Logan) enjoyed the hike and scenes.

We rented a little aluminum boat the following day and did some paddling around the lake followed by some nice greasy burgers and lemonades! It was a really relaxing trip!

2010-07-27T19:39:00.001-07:00

A little bit of beautifying the front porch. It's nice to use the rocker to do my morning devotions when the weather is nice!

Big Thanks!

2010-06-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to all my wonderful friends who could (and wanted to but couldn't) come help me prepare for the garden fair. 37 birdhouses in the making... four tired ladies... and three husbands with sore thumbs (from halo-ing)... two tired babies... and a partridge in a pear tree. Thanks! I'll post pictures of them when they are fired and such (this saturday's activities).

2010-06-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

I was right behind this on Tuesday. The first police officer to arrive on scene just about drove through the back of my car. I was maybe three minutes after this happened. By then they had Kathryn out of the car screaming and covered with blood and people were trying to lift the car to get out Donald. It was awful.

Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 51 near Independence - 06/09/10
A 70-year old Independence man died Tuesday afternoon and his wife was seriously injured following a single vehicle crash on Highway 51 near Independence. Oregon State Police troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

According to Trooper Joseph Skipper, on June 8, 2010 at approximately 4:10 p.m. a passenger car driven by KATHRYN LOUISE HUSTON, age 72, from Independence, was southbound on Highway 51 near milepost 4. The vehicle traveled over the fog line into a ditch, continuing until it flipped as it crossed a driveway and rolled. It came to rest on its top in the front yard of 3985 Highway 51 with both people trapped inside.

KATHRYN HUSTON and her passenger, DONALD HUSTON, age 70, were extricated by Polk County Fire personnel and transported to Salem Hospital by ambulance. DONALD HUSTON was pronounced deceased at the hospital and KATHRYN HUSTON was seriously injured. Both were using safety restraints and air bags deployed.

Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation. Polk County Sheriff's Office and ODOT also assisted at the scene.

No photographs available for this release.

2010-06-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

What's uP?

Vacation Bible School planning
Board Meetings
Discipling children and adults
Church
Ministries
School
Closing out the school year
Students teachers
Retirement Ceremonies
Graduations
Social Meetings
Friends and Fellowship
Mens Group
Connections Committee
Garden Fairs and making of merchandise
Grades
Special commissions
Building Projects
District Emergencies
Family Birthdays (we've missed :(
Ending this session of our Sunday School
Preparing for family
Family reunions
Painting Classes
Oh yah.. and then there's maintaining the house, spending time with the dogs, doing our jobs... and somewhere in there we see each other.

Who has time to do things like blog or facebook?

2010-06-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

Man...there is a lot to say. First off: I just scrolled down to the most recent posts, and I'm surprised at how in the not so far away past God has been doing some pretty amazing things. First off. A few posts ago I wrote about God's "To Be" or not to be.... and it makes me smile. Why you ask? Because since then Leo was called in to do an interview with the school board to be the administrator of the school. The end result?... They would like to proceed. Next year he will shadow again the current admin. and the following take on the role. It's amazing what God has done. Not only that.... The school had another donor who would match up to $30,000. The school had about a month and a half. Daunting right? Well sure... it was crazy busy, but as of last I heard (Drum roll please) they earned $42,100 and with the match making it $72,000. They got a few high rollers on that one, but again it was a TON of fund raising activities from donation cans and recycling change to bowling nights, garage sales, and even a big concert by a new band. God is SOOOO good. How else has he been working? Well.... there is so much to mention, between his provision of new members of the Womens ministry team and my moving to the resident graphic designer to today's answer of prayer.

Do you ever pray something to God almost in jest and receive answers later? About a year ago I took a Masters class called Crisis Management. It was one of those classes that I thought "What am I doing here Lord?" I didn't hear an answer then... but yesterday I did ... the answer was "This." This what? Oh...The district chose me to have the privaledge of subbing for an art teacher that passed away at one of the schools in the district. (And I'm not being sarcastic.) I won't mention her name as it's still pretty early on.. and none of you would probably know her anyway. It's neat how God prepares us for the unexpected.

Or the answer in prayers with my friend Della... who's sons are now wanting to come to church with us and may accept the Lord.

Or the student that Leo was able to share the gospel with and how it's currently burning in his heart as he returns back to China... enough that he would write Leo with many questions about Him.

Or the blessing in the kids that we have come over every week to love them and disciple... and hopefully show them "family".

Or just like the ever full jars of oil... how God continues to provide time when I think it is all used up.... and energy when I don't think I can give any more.

Can I say again how Good He is? He is SO good... all the time, and all the time... He is SO good!

2010-06-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

Where to start? I don't even remember what we've been up to lately, but it's been a lot. Between leo's school and mine, church, kids, and everything in between we've been crazy on the go lately. Where should I start? Maybe I should go back and check out my last blogs to see what I last wrote.

Kinetic Sculpture

2010-05-26T12:22:00.001-07:00

2010-05-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

Alex came to visit before he left for his bike trip across america. We're praying he will make it across safely with lots of good memories. We love you Al!

While he was here I took a personal day from work and we went up to Portland to visit grandma in the home. Without too many words... I'll just say it was an adventure. We were barked at by a resident, I was dragged down the hall by the same old lady in a desperate attempt to an escape. We painted grandma's nails with pink glittery polish and followed a squirrel with grandma in a wheel chair and alex held her for 15 minutes in a wrestling hold trying to lower her into her chair. It made for good times and a few good laughs afterwards. I have such a heart for those who can work in places like that on a daily basis. I couldn't do it and appreciate it so much. Grandma looked good but had a little difficulty taking her medicine and was a little distracted by passing by cars... otherwise we had a good time.

2010-05-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

On Sunday's I teach painting classes to a friend of mine while Leo is at a Men's group. She's been painting the lighthouse picture.... and I've been painting the marbles. I'm slowly getting there and am pretty excited about the end results. I've been proud of my student too... it's her first picture with any type of instruction.

2010-05-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

That time of year has come. A few weeks ago we got up at 5 in the morning to go out and pull all those sneaky weeds. The following weekend we went with good friends and master gardeners to purchase up some great deals. We bought over $300 worth of plants for about $70. Thus far I've only killed the $1 plants. We had a lot of planting to do. Here are some pictures of our labors... mainly Leo because I got to feeling really gross half way through and had to stop. What a great guy!

All ten fingers still.

2010-05-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

Here are our two boys that come over on Tuesday's. They both have a special place in our hearts. We are cutting wood for my class and later we worked on the scroll saw and finished things in clay in the studio. It's like shop class at our house.

Fun Times

2010-05-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in what seems like an eternity. Needless to say ... we've been busy. In fact I think that's an understatement. But... like I told my student teacher, when I'm not busy I get depressed and focus on me.... so it's far better to be busy than to not be. If only I could find a good balance between the two. So here we go. About a month ago we went to the Cirque du Soleil show in Portland again. We expected nothing more than last years Corteo show from this years Kooza. We were totally jazzed. This year we went with our very good friends. We met them up in Portland at the Spaghetti Warehouse and later went to the show. The show itself was amazing... but we wouldn't recommend it because of the "comic relief" between the acts. They were really gross and completely inappropriate. At one point my good friend turned to me and said "Why do I feel like we are the only ones not laughing." It was sad to see so many people disillusioned to the grotesque humor... including the elementary school kid sitting in front of us. Sad. As far as the true talent of the show though.... breathtaking... or maybe I should say non-breathtaking as I held my breath throughout most of the show. If I get super ambitious I might try to upload some of the acts we watched from on line. At one point one of the girls was LITERALLY running around her head. I kept asking myself... "Now what part of the body am I looking at here." People just aren't supposed to fold likes these people can do. Just amazing! The pictures that are lighter are at the warehouse and the darker just before the show started. We couldn't take pictures during the show (for obvious reasons.)

2010-05-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

I'm giving this a test try. It's a Jeopardy game I created online for my Painting class. So here go here to try it out.

Click HERE

Chrysma Artistry Designs

2010-03-27T12:38:00.001-07:00

The latest designs. I'm thinking of selling these broaches for $20 each... what do you think? They are all handmade.

2010-03-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago we travelled up to Portland/Beaverton area to meet up with one of my oldest and dearest friends. His name is Michael... or Dr. Rizk. (Which makes me giggle every time I say it.) We also visited with his brother Hani who lives and works in Beaverton. They are both quiet personalities and have the cutest laughs in the whole world. I've known Michael (and Hani-kinda) since middle school and we've kept in contact. I love getting calls from Michael, always randomly, and he always seems to remember anniversaries... and I think birthdays, but he says he never remembers them. Something I've discovered over time, a good friend is one that you can talk to after no contact for months or even years, and it's though you've never been apart. Is that what heaven will be like? I sure hope so. Anyways, Michael is getting married this May to a sweet gal named Hannah, and I'm so excited for him. His comment on the wedding when asked how things are going together for it- "By the end of the day we'll be married, so I consider it a success." He's got the right attitude about everything. We had a great time searching for Indian restaurants (to no avail), gabbing, and a little bit of teasing on my part. (This is the opportune time for me to insert a little blurb about the french fry I found in Hani's car inside of his storage area in the middle console... embarrassingly Leo found a banana peel in our middle console last week, so I have no room to talk. Oh what is life without laughter?) It was a great time to see both of Hani and Michael.

Fox in Socks.... or not

2010-03-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

"What is that?", I can hear you saying that as you look at the pictures. To answer your question, it's Logan's pad to his foot. We went out for a nice long run (us on bikes and them running next to us.) We came home and put them in the bedroom. When we returned we noticed a trail of blood down our hallway. Both of Logans feet had pieces of his pad ripped off about the same size. Poor little guy.

2010-03-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

My new creations. You too can wear one of these beautiful broaches... the question is (drum roll please) for how much?

2010-03-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the rare privilege of laying out the plan of salvation to a lovely lady who so desperately needs our Savior, and for the first time I was able to effectively lay it all out from start to finish in a clear and concise manner, only by the grace of God. Pray that this woman will come to that decision in her heart of hearts.

2010-03-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

Seeing as not many check this blog anymore, I feel safe in posting a little more intimate of blog tonight. Two things come to mind as I reflect on a busy past couple of weeks. Things I need to get off my heart and onto something that I can be reminded in the future.

This past weekend I was asked to speak at a ladies "Day of Prayer". It was a truly blessed experience. It brought to mind a dream I had back in high school.

I was given a tour. A tour of heaven no doubt. My guide was a being of true magnificence. The thing I saw were unimaginable, in fact even indescribable. Even as I sit and type the visions are clear in my head, yet nothing like anything I have seen here on earth. During the course of this tour it came "time". Though unspoken verbally I understood that it was time to go and sing to my Lord. The angel/creature took me into a gigantic arena filled with every believer both man/woman and angelic being. I remember listening to the sound of them all talking in anticipation. The mumbling sound was perhaps the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. That same day my choir teacher from high school had arrived. He was given the great honor - to direct the heavenly chorus of the song we all knew to sing. I remember his face streaming with tears as did my own. When we had all gathered all of a sudden the arena went silent and the Holy presence of God entered in. All I can describe it as was a deep warmth that filled the room almost like a thick air. A magnificent light came up from the floor, yet extended out as though it had already been, and we began singing. I was so struck by his presence that tears streamed down my face and it took everything in me to simply squeak out audible sounds to Him. It was beautiful. And then I awoke. I can't say this was some sort of prophetic event. I've looked in scripture and found nothing to prove or disprove it's being a glimpse into the other side. I do know though... that if that was but a glimpse of heaven.... we have something amazing in store. I have cherished that dream, thinking upon it more than once over the years. Last Saturday I was privileged to sit with women who were coming together to pray for a day. Not gossip, or chat it up, but truly pray. As I sat and listened to their prayers not knowing the stories behind each other I began to just listen. What I heard directly reflected the sound I heard from my dream. The sound of people coming before our Lord. I recognized it for the first time. It wasn't a pseudo-psycho, metaphysical, emotion filled moment.... just a bunch of women talking and praying, and praying and talking. Not a draining experience where people broke out in tongues or fell on the floor, or even a time where people felt compelled to be drawn closer to God due to guilt or an "in the moment decision". It was the sound of believers approaching His throne in prayer.... and it truly was a beautiful sound. A sound that was inspiring to hear this side of heaven. Can I just send out into the world a great thank you to God, for people like these women, who set aside their time to come to Him about the issues of life? We need more. And, I need to more as well.

My second thought:

I'll entitle it... "To be or not to be". You know I don't think I've ever even read the passage where Shakespeare actually uses this phrase, but I'll coin it now because it seems appropriate. Before I even begin, I'm beginning to think I know the answer... it's To Be. I'll fill in the rest. I want TO BE what He wants me TO BE. I want my husband TO BE what He want him TO BE. I want TO BE the wife he calls me TO BE. Leo and I keep wondering what's TO BE. And I think I'm understanding a little more each day. That I'm called TO BE, what God wants me TO BE... today. I've wondered and fretted about family... is it TO BE?... or Not TO BE? How do we get there? What do we do? How can we afford? Last week I went to Leo's open house for school. I listened to the families. I listened to the students. I listened to the staff.... and I listened to a quiet voice that spoke to my heart. That voice said... "He needs to be here." It brought me to tears, but I said "Okay". I don't know what the means for us... or family... or if that will be on the horizon. It brings sorrow to me, but I know that God isn't fretting or wondering. He's put my husband in a missionaries job with big rewards and crummy pay. He's put us exactly where He wants us. My job... to support my husband, and follow my God. So.... "okay". I will say "yes" to what He wants me TO BE.

Why did I post that last section? Because I know a lot of what we do doesn't make sense to a lot of people out there. I know we've had a lot of solutions.... and a lot of no solutions to what we should do, or not do. And we haven't had answers. So here's the answer. We don't know what God has in store, but it's gunna' be awesome... it's TO BE announced, and I'm thinking I'm getting more comfortable with that answer.

So there it is. My heart out there for the great world, put out there in cyberspace, but mainly to remind myself. I'm hoping that like any journal I'll be able to scroll back and see the greatness of my Savior playing out in our lives when a lot of those questions we've had get answered. For now... it's 11:30 at night and tomorrow will come bright an early.

A little bit of solitude...

2010-03-04T19:27:00.001-08:00

We live out in the country side of Oregon. At the end of our road are cows... and we love it! Very close to us is a road called the Kings Valley highway. I've always liked the ring to that. The scenery is so true to the name. It is a valley truly flowing with milk and honey and certainly reflects the beauty of my King. We took a little trip down the Kings Valley Highway and found a nice walking path. The pictures were taken a few weeks ago before everything started blooming, so it's a little dreary, but the path was a breath of fresh air and a good time together. The woods almost seemed eerie amongst all the fern and moss. We love being outside.

Hear ye, Hear ye....

2010-03-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

This years winter formal theme was Medieval. We served the kids with only knives as their utensils and went over proper Medieval edicate. It was good fun... except the part where I spilled water on their foreign exchange student during the washing of the hands. (oops) Leo and I dressed up as usual for the festivities. Afterwards we took the kids to the traditional go-carting and arcades. Yes, that is Leo doing dance dance revolution with one of his students. I did it too.... (truthfully it was kinda' fun.) The other student is our kiddo' Ryan. (The one with the sword.) We've sorta' taken on Ryan as our own. He is very dear to our hearts and comes over for dinner every Tuesday. Leo sometimes takes him out to learn how to drive. He's a fighter for what is good and right in a world that has so much hardship and a follower of Christ with a heart of gold... and we love him dearly. Over the past years Leo has taken on quite a number of boys that are truly family to us. It's so sad yet exciting as they grow older and neat to watch them turn into such amazing young men. We are so proud of all of our guys whom Christ continues to mold (and I don't mean like bread) and are so blessed to have the opportunity to be part of each of their lives.

Student vs. Staff

2010-03-04T18:59:00.000-08:00

We had another good game of the student vs. staff basketball game. They tied up at the very end and pushed into overtime. We always look forward to such a great and joyous time of fellowship between young and old. This game is such a blessing! Coach Mitchell and Coach Stewart where wonderful blessings to Leo and I and the amount of time we got to see of each other this year too. Yah MVCA!

Beach bums

2010-02-25T18:53:00.000-08:00

We took a little jut out to the beach on Valentine weekend too. We really enjoyed the coast! I had to include the picture of leo. He resembles the unibomber to me! haha.

Happy Valentines

2010-02-25T18:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, it's a little late. But I like to live by my motto: Better late than never.

Leo and I went out to a fancy restaurant (not really... we thought it was going to be fancy... and then when we got there we discovered it was the front lobby- like where they serve the continental breakfast- at a hotel. We felt really silly all dressed up. So we ordered their most expensive item on the menu, and our waitress thought we were so in love... actually we were laughing about how silly it all was. Better to laugh than be disappointed.) So here we are all dressed up before our "hot date" (one step up from a Costco hot dog.)

hello cupcake

2010-02-25T18:43:00.000-08:00

I got together with my friend Billie last weekend and we created cupcakes from the book "Hello Cupcake". When I came home I had to buy the book we had so much fun! It's the book I got the idea about the giraffes and the alligator for the baby showers. The following day we took them to church and a hoard of middle schoolers feasted on them. They are so worth making and seeing how special people feel when you give them to them.

PS. The partridge was slightly impromptu and a little embarrassing to look at, but it was a valiant attempt for not having the proper supplies.

Sasha

2010-01-22T17:18:00.000-08:00

So this is Sasha (as my students call him). His body is 25 feet long and he doesn't breath fire... he does do a mean bunny hop though. Today was the assembly at school and my kids danced him out for the Chinese New Year. My dear student teacher, Mahssa, helped SO much with it (I don't think I could have done it without her). And the kids did a great job building it. When I get pictures of the kids sporting the whole thing around I'll be sure to post them. Thanks so much to Ms. Hashemi and the kids!

USO Night

2010-01-22T17:14:00.000-08:00

Tonight we (meaning the ladies ministries at church) are doing a USO night. I originally didn't know what that was... sounded like UFO to me. We are putting together boxes for our soldiers, watching Bob Hope, writing prayers for our soldiers, and dressing up either patriotic or 1940's. I'm kinda excited about my outfit. And I made my hat. Too bad we don't wear flamboyant hats anymore. I would wear things with LOTS of feathers! Too much fun.

2010-01-19T21:20:00.000-08:00

Again, for my class on pop art and Andy Warhol (a short introduction).