New Gallery of Our Trip and Our Busy Week

at 03/19/10 2:55AM *

I finally put some pictures up in a gallery from our trip to Florida...slowly I'm catching up. This time I even labelled them--that's handy and I *just* noticed it...might go back and label the others sometime just for fun! So many of the ones of various extended family members were fuzzy. We need to do better next time! We get so busy enjoying our visit, we forget to take pictures...or we lazily take them without taking time to focus (me).

Our company just left today. We had three friends from Wisconsin for the week--Daniel, Matt and Sarah Jean--which meant our break from schooling was extended. This is when it is a huge blessing that we do year round schooling and, particularly, that Jonathan II was quite ahead. The girls LOVED seeing Sarah Jean again. When we left WI they cried for her and hated to leave her behind--she was 14 then (and they were all 7 years younger than they are now ;)) and now she's 21! The 'kids' (okay Daniel is only 8 years younger than us ;) and Matt and Sarah are twenty somethings) gamed (both electronic and - ? - *real* games), we all visited, the girl dogs loved the attention and the boy dogs were fairly content living in their garage compound for the week. We ate lots of food, stayed up LATE (or early depending on how you look at it). They blended into our family well (we stay up late!) and it was a great time!

Josh talked their ears off. He's such a chatterbox and is just hilarious. I've been sharing some of his comments on facebook so I'll have to be fair and share them on here. Here's what I shared on FB last week, We saw a baptism at University when we went to FC. Now Josh frequently says, "I want somebody to be baptized." Future evangelist?? His cutest comment today was in response to my question, "Who were the two good spies?" He answered, "Me and Caleb!" It was so cute. It was amazing that I got my 420 (not sure if that's correct) characters the first time...normally I have to cut out so many words I lose my message. That's just one reason I get annoyed with FB. But it is nice to put up a quip here and there!

When the McClannahans left, Josh picked up his play phone and said, "I have to call the company." "Hey company, come back to me house." It was really sweet...When we don't have company he asks if company is coming.

We are now eagerly awaiting Target to call and tell us the girls glasses are in...I'll definitely put pictures up. Leah's were good all around so no replacements there. Sarah needed glasses for the first time and Hannah and Julia needed new frames and lenses. This means that Josh has little chance of being glasses-free. As of right now he and I are the only two lacking glasses!

Some of you know it was her sweet 16 this week (she is most definitely 16 going on 20). I've mentioned (numerous times) that she's defected to FB so I did not bother sending everyone to her blog to wish her a Happy Birthday...she had dozens and dozens of HB's on FB anyway ;). I'll defnitely blog about our lovely girl and her special day...that's coming this weekend or sooner. If you've never met her and have time for reading, go here and read the tribute I did for her on her 15th birthday. This year I'm just doing short blogs since I exhausted their patience with long sentimental meanderings last year ;)

We have a wedding to attend on Saturday. We are quite excited. I love weddings and not just the cake. Next week means that I need to start exercising again...it is very difficult for me to do Wii Active/Fit when we have company--particularly since the guys were staying in the basement. We'll also start back up on our normal schedule. Well, like I told her, normal for us...because it is probably vastly different from others and I have finally learned to celebrate our uniqueness ;)
  • canardmom23
    Wow, it seems (today at least) that everyone is substituting good old fashioned exercise for Wii fit! lol. You're the third or fourth person to mention they workout this way. The girls and I have been going for 30 min walks. I supplement with prenatal yoga. The girls usually ride bikes in the drive or go to the park or I've been trying to encourage toddler yoga.

    I completely get why Josh would ask about company. It seems your house has been filled with trips and/or company lately. One group after another. I'll never know how you do it all back to back like that, but stay blessed to have them.
    by canardmom23 at 03/19/10 11:49AM
  • firebolt
    I love the cow picture! :D I'm glad ya'll had a great trip and enjoyed yourselves!
    by firebolt at 03/19/10 12:09PM
  • onelittlecandle
    Nice pictures!!
    by onelittlecandle at 03/19/10 2:09PM
  • robynbobm
    :)
    by robynbobm at 03/19/10 2:13PM
  • tommyswife
    Loved the cow photo op! You gotta warn people about pics of snakes though! Almost gave this old girl a heart attack! :)
    by tommyswife at 03/19/10 2:15PM
  • aleta
    Your children exude a happy energy! I'm sure your trips are NEVER boring!
    by aleta at 03/19/10 2:37PM
  • kentuckygals
    You did a excellent job on your Tribute on your Daughter Hannah I notice that you and I share same Birthday
    by kentuckygals at 03/19/10 3:08PM
  • lizsmith
    So enjoyed your photo gallery! I don't know how to do that on here. Enjoy reading about Josh-adventures too and loved talking with him the other night. So sweet to hear his sweet voice.
    by lizsmith at 03/19/10 5:03PM
  • mtnestr
    I'm glad you looked at my blog - can't imagine what possessed me to respond on my own, rather than yours (I was tired after work, so I'm sure that contributed to my absentmindedness). I'm glad it will work out for you all then and will also put it on our calendar. Sure enough, our member's mom passed away today and the funeral has a good chance of being on Monday, so my original thought probably wouldn't have worked out anyway. Glad you had a good visit with the McC's and love the family news. I'm hoping to look at your photo gallery soon!
    by mtnestr at 03/19/10 8:24PM
  • sirtorin
    Fun pictures. =)
    by sirtorin at 03/19/10 9:14PM
  • heatheronthehill
    Oh I wonder if that would have been David Neal and Aunt Theresa? David Neal has dark hair/skin/eyes and his mom is much more fair and very sweet faced. David Neal is an FC student right now and is a Bunting cousin. There are lots and lots of Buntings. :) In fact, I think Jonathan will be at FC with his brother Caleb. They are both great guys! Glad he had fun with Josh! :)
    by heatheronthehill at 03/20/10 11:30AM

Weekend Pictures from January and February Added to Gallery

at 03/12/10 6:34PM
Finally took a few minutes to add pictures to my gallery. I am waiting on more from the others!! I'll post a note when I add more. This is so much easier than the way I have to add them to my blog...Enjoy!

And, thanks for the great comments on Hannah's article. I realize what she writes about is not commonly accepted and that not many are of the same mindset that we are. We certainly believe in learning and growing and serving to the best of our capabilities--just don't include degree-seeking-structured-schooling in there as a 'must have'--Hannah mentioned that she wished she had added that. Those that know us well, though, know that we are all about reading and learning so she did not think to add it previously!

I am so thankful to see that so many of you believe that homemaking is a worthwhile career choice -- that being a wife and mother is a full time career!

We have company from WI for the week--haven't see these 'kids' in 7 years and -- they aren't kids anymore :). Daniel, Matt, and Sarah M. who we worshipped with for six years in Green Bay have come for a week-long visit. We are looking forward to a great week!

Homemaking: A Career Option by Hannah Perz--short intro by me

at 03/11/10 6:48PM
*********
Many years ago--when our oldest daughter was six weeks old. We moved to SD. It was there that we met a lovely young lady named, Jodi, and her family. Jodi inspired me then as a young lady and continues to inspire me as a loving wife and mother. She is a dear friend and a worthy woman. Her blog today moved me to tears...she shared her heart in such a lovely humble way.

Inspired by this lovely mother's blog, I am sharing an article written by our eldest daughter last week. Honestly, I was just not sure if I should share it or not due to the sensitive subject matter. Of course, I agree wholeheartedly and gave her my blessing. Hannah, who will be sweet sixteen in five days, wrote this article for a FaceBook study group. I am so thankful to be her mother. She is a godly young lady, a talented artist and an inspiring writer. I am confident that she will one day be a godly wife and mother.

If you have something entirely postive to say...you may certainly leave a public comment here for Hannah (I'm afraid she's an expatriot and has defected to Facebook). I will share them with her...luring her to pleo ;)

If you have negative things to say you may do one of two things: 1.) Message me privately to complain about what we've taught our daughter 2.) Keep them to yourself.
I realize this is rather unfair of me, but life is not fair and--though I love to dicuss these topics--I don't wish to put my daughter in the line of fire. So far the feedback she has received has been wonderfully encouraging!

I should add that I cannot count the number of times that we've visited places (even Bible classes) and my girls have been the ONLY girls to say homemaker, wife, mother when asked what they were going to do when they grew up...their answer usually drew silence and it always puzzled me!! We've never discouraged college or higher learning...I want that to be clear. We've never encouraged it as a 'just in case' thing either. I loved college and I easily transitioned into full time homemaking--I've never looked back. But, over the years, I've seen more and more women unhappy in their role at home...after studying for a degree...and unfortunatly many of these women were not happy being *just* a wife and mother.

I believe in homemaking as a career. There is nothing *just* about it.

Sally
*********
Homemaking: A Career Option

“So, where are you going to college?”

“I’m not planning on going to college. I actually want to be a homemaker. It’s career enough for me!”

“Oh, really?”

I’ve gone through this many times. On most faces there is surprise. A few have been downright disapproving. And some are interested in this “new” concept of homemaking. In Proverbs 31:10-31, we read of “the virtuous wife,” also known as “the worthy woman.”

“Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
‘Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.’
Charm is deceitful and beauty passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.”

In Biblical times, women rarely had a career in addition to homemaking. These wives and mothers had plenty of household responsibilities, choosing to labor and serve instead of eating the bread of idleness. In these passages, we see that this woman literally worked from the home. She made clothing for her family and others, planted a vineyard, and made tapestries. All the while, this wife cared for her own family. Being a homemaker is having a career at home.

Society today does not approach homemaking as a career option. Instead, most mothers do the bare minimum of housekeeping, seeking to fill their time with activities outside of their homes. It’s nearly unheard of to call homemaking a career. Homemakers are rarely ever considered “professionals.” Most people cannot even comprehend what a woman would find to do at home all day.

Not only can you keep a beautiful and clean home, if given the time and effort, but you can serve in various capacities (visiting the elderly, cooking meals for the sick and shut-in, helping the needy, and reaching out to believers and unbelievers alike.) With so many women working outside the home, and hardly having time to cook for their own households, hospitality has become a lost art.

Choosing not to go to college is not a backward step, as some might think. If a girl were to go to college for four years, and come out with a degree, what would be the next expected step? It would be to go out into the world as a successful “career woman.” However, if a girl went to college for four years and came out with a degree (that could not be used from the home), and then proceeded to do nothing with it, she may have just wasted four years, and a great deal of money. In addition, the debt resulting from this may be a large burden on her family. The fact is, many career women are completely content with their career, and are not interested in homemaking. Having found such “fulfillment” in their careers, they have difficulty finding fulfillment in their own homes.

Choosing not to go to college may allow a young lady to use those years to prepare for eventually keeping a home, and family. There are many hobbies that can be found for a woman who keeps her home (writing, art, music, photography, teaching her children, etc.). “Higher degrees” are not necessary when it comes to being a professional and fulfilled homemaker. With wise council, and good planning, many women with children have been able to continue homemaking, and have not been forced to abandon their homes, even in the face of tragedy— the loss of a husband to death or desertion.

We need to be teaching our daughters that homemaking is a valid career option. Whatever the world might expect, our daughters should be comfortable and assured in making the decision to stay away from the temptation that a “professional” college degree inevitably brings— the temptation to go out into the work force, leaving their husbands and children to fend for themselves.

Homemaking is not about dirty dishes and loads of laundry. It’s about creating a clean and comfortable atmosphere for your family. It’s about giving yourself and your family a haven. It’s about having the time and energy to dedicate yourself to being a godly helpmeet to your husband. It’s about being a happy and available mother to your children. It’s about fulfilling the purpose that God gave woman. It’s about being a worthy woman.

Hannah Perz
  • nillabarr
    Sally, you should be SO proud of your daughter. That was awesome to read! And I enjoyed all the pics too!
    by nillabarr at 03/13/10 9:05AM
  • heatheronthehill
    I wish I'd had the wisdom that Hannah has when I was 16! Wonderful read! She will be a real blessing to her own husband and children and grandchildren someday with that kind of an attitude!
    by heatheronthehill at 03/13/10 11:16AM
  • canardmom23
    Catholic mothers/wives are instructed that while working outside the home is good, it cannot be done to the exclusion of their homemaking duties. Our first priorities (under God) are to the home.
    by canardmom23 at 03/13/10 12:27PM
  • lauriw1030
    Thanks, Sally, for giving me the info. The military scholarships have already closed for this year :-( I guess I didn't realize how early these deadlines were scheduled. I did go to college, but did not get a degree. Does that count? We are so busy, I really don't have the time to do the research I need... It is just crazy. Like they said at the financial meeting, it can be a full time job just looking for scholarships! I feel so overwhelmed. We didn't qualify for any FREE money, but they want the kids to each take out loans for $5000, and us for $10,000/per child. The rest was in the adopt a student program. We have WAY too much debt, so NO CREDITOR would ever give that to us! We had originally told Ashley that Brandon was our priority. He is the one who will need to support a family...BUT NOW, I really cannot stick to that. Ashley wants to build relationships with other Christians, esp. girls. I wish I could send her just to get the experience and not have to pay so much!!! There is so much more to the FC experience than the education. I want her to have that experience, if only for a year. We will keep looking out for each other...
    by lauriw1030 at 03/13/10 5:33PM
  • kristindoula
    Are you making sure you aren't saying or doing anything (or making any noise ~ the first time I called it, I had to put my phone on mute because if I coughed or the baby made a noise, it thought I was trying to say a number and it messed it up) until it says something after the English or Spanish option?
    by kristindoula at 03/13/10 7:04PM
  • crysi
    Thank you for the prayers. Yes, he will have a busy month. He gets frustrated bc there are things he cannot do with it on.
    by crysi at 03/13/10 9:37PM
  • kristindoula
    Are you waiting past the English/Spanish option ~ and not making any sounds? If you make any sound into the phone, it will say that, thinking that you're trying to choose an option. Just wait for what it says a few seconds after you DON'T respond to English/Spanish.
    by kristindoula at 03/14/10 1:59PM
  • somebodystolemybday
    haha, I know...when my freind told me that today I was like "Pie? What kind?!!" lol

    *edit*

    I like the article written by her

    ...and I just watched the video up there^^^^. nice...me like it. :D
    by somebodystolemybday at 03/14/10 5:55PM
  • kerifieldsrice
    Oh Ian is very reserved :-)
    I'm sure they would hit it off as well!
    by kerifieldsrice at 03/14/10 6:47PM
  • stitchinmom
    Thank you!
    by stitchinmom at 03/14/10 11:20PM
  • granny
    Hannah, go girl! I've never regretted being a homemaker without any "just". And going on to college especially the first four years being a grounding for whatever comes next -- I too benefited what my home-making brought to me. (Don't grade that sentence!) So grab whatever learning you can in whatever area, but especially with a view to how it will improve your homemaking.
    by granny at 03/15/10 2:07AM
  • crysi
    Nice. I hope he felt bad for that. People just don't think or something. I do often get, do you work outside the home? Well, yeah, I get groceries and do some running errands for my husband occassionally take him lunch, pick up my kids from school every Thursday etc. etc. I do that too. Ugh.
    by crysi at 03/15/10 8:37AM
  • laura_ashley
    Yes it is :) Thanks! :D
    by laura_ashley at 03/15/10 9:22AM
  • mtnestr
    We'd love to get together and to see the McC's too, but Jeff had already promised a member that he'd go turkey hunting with him tomorrow (opening day) plus another day this week. Additionally, the mother of another one of our members is on hospice care, predicted to be in her last few days of life and they asked Jeff to preach the funeral. So he will likely have to prepare for a funeral and probably preach one this week too and is already overbooked. Our schedule seems to get filled before we know it! How about next Monday (the 22nd)? That is, assuming that the predicted death doesn't occur later this week or early next week, necessitating Jeff's attendance to preparation for the funeral or preaching it on that day. Let me know!
    by mtnestr at 03/15/10 11:25AM
  • mtnestr
    Oh, and BTW, my brother and family didn't come to church. I thought it was too good to be true, and I guess it was. Dad called yesterday morning to let us know that they wouldn't be coming to church, but that they would be there for lunch. We wound up having a very nice visit at our home, but I still don't know if there was a miscommunication (suspected) to make Mom think they were coming, or if they changed their mind, or if my brother had answered for the rest of the family when they hadn't agreed to it... I'm still praying that one day they will be open to hearing the gospel.
    by mtnestr at 03/15/10 11:33AM
  • mommysteph
    Ironically enough, I never considered being an stay-at-home Mom until I went to college (FC). Love this, Hannah!
    by mommysteph at 03/15/10 10:16PM
  • ladybookster
    Thank you. :) We had her picture made last week and that one was too cute not to put up. :)

    I've always been a proponent of women staying home to take care of the family and the home if at all possible. She really did do a good job on the article and her reasoning behind it. :)
    by ladybookster at 03/16/10 12:28AM
  • misssonja
    It was strawberry, but it wasn't one :P
    by misssonja at 03/16/10 3:59PM
  • _fire_of_fantasy_
    Me too, lol!
    by _fire_of_fantasy_ at 03/18/10 6:58PM
  • deputyheadmistress
    Go, Hannah!!!
    by deputyheadmistress at 03/18/10 11:49PM

Florida, Falcon Days, and a Delightful Return

at 03/04/10 10:03AM *
I made myself read all your blogs and catch up in my groups before I shared ;) ...

We returned from our week in Florida on Monday. Tuesday was shopping day #1, Wednesday was dog bath day and Bible Study, today is a lunch with friends (for the girls, Josh and me), and shopping day #2. Tomorrow we are treating the kids to Alice in Wonderland. Busy. Busy. Next week begins our Lacey's Spring Meeting and lots of driving. We are looking forward to being with the brethren there!!

Our trip was as wonderful as it could be without Jonathan. I missed him--we all did--but I am certain that I missed him the most ;). He said the house was a foreign place without us and he missed us like crazy. He kept busy with pets and preaching and preparing for the meeting. He also did some really sweet things for my return. He put a shelf in the bathroom over the jet tub--reaching all the way across the tub to the shower and repotted the hanging plant that I had there before. He had mentioned this ages ago and decided to act on it. He also purchased a new plant for in between the two he got from repotting the first plant. He picked out three nice pots and did a wonderful job. It is amazing. He also put up a tiny black rod on Brisbane's tank so that I could put a curtain there for when B's light is on and Josh is napping! Finally he put a latch on the enclosure door. Brisbane had been coming up really close to the door and making us a bit nervous. I was tickled pink with his projects--just for me!

And, best of all, he taught Thor and Freya to go out back off leash to do their potty runs! It took years for us to teach Aragorn and Arwen this (they were inclined to dig at times and disinclined to come when we called). We still have to watch Thor as he tries to sneak and dig (What is he thinking? Perz dogs don't dig! ;)). Freya is a doll--she just runs out and runs back in like a perfect princess. Our female fur babies are much more cooperative in general! Oh, did I mention that he kept the house in perfect condition? I always leave it that way when we leave, but I was NOT going to hold him to my standards so I never expected him to have it in perfect order when we returned. Labors of love. He was so happy to have us back and that was the best part.

My dad is doing well as is my mom. We had some nice visits with them. Our time was limited (due to Falcon Days), but we also spent a few hours with the Perz Grandparents and one of Jonathan's brothers in New Port Richey. My sister had everyone who could come over on two occasions and we got to see most of the clan. My nephews came and we got to see my great nephew again! He is a doll--such a sweetie. Josh had a fun time playing with his cousins and we had wonderful visits. My sister, Netta, brought over BAGS of clothes, purses and shoes for the girls and I -- what fun! Of course, Becky -- always the hostess with the mostess -- fed us well and took great care of us in general. They have such a lovely home and we are always comfortable there!! So, all in all, we enjoyed some relaxing time there between our FC runnings. Oh, one more thing. Before Falcon Days Check in, we got to meet Ella Longhenry. They came over for lunch. Becky even got Ella a cake -- yum -- we love Publix cakes. It was wonderful to meet them in person. She was a teenager when we did a meeting in Rockford about 13 years ago ;). Ella is a beautiful baby and she is so blessed to be welcomed into their family.

Falcon Days was wonderful. My first and only experience with FC was during our studies with Kenny Moorer--just less than 19 years ago. He worked in Admissions back then and we studied in his office--I only remembered a bit, but I remembered the steps. Until then, we did not know it existed. During the tour I got to walk Josh up and down those steps while he gave his talk.

I had many 'tears in my eyes' moments...many emotions running through my head. I'll adjust, but I'll miss my boy--oh so much. And, you all know how I love Florida...Well, back to FC. I think the most amazing thing for me to realize was that the student body is smaller than my high school graduating class. I graduated from Gaither High (in Tampa) in a class of 566 people and then went to UF with thousands of people. I'm thankful that my son will not be just a number. I was impressed to hear the faculty talk--including her husband. The daughter of the man who converted us was on the student panel--weepy again--she was just a baby during our studies with her Dad--I thought I was hiding it well, but the girls were sending me those knowing smiles (oh mom, another moment?).

I got to meet and chat with her--her girls are adorable! That was a treat!! I also got to spend some time sharing the 'our babies are leaving soon' moments of Falcon Days with her -- poor thing has two leaving. Finally, I got to meet Heather and Frederic in person. Fun!

The tours were interesting and I learned a great deal about the school. The Scarlet Pimpernel was amazing. I spent part of it chatting with her in a hallway, though. Unfortunately, by Friday night Josh was finished with cooperating. He was angry at lunch when I took him inside as opposed to letting him walk around the pool at the hosting home. After sitting in the Financial Aid seminar for an hour he was bored stiff and not feeling inclined to be his normal good natured self (well, he did not sit, he walked in the aisle by me and whispered to me, what is that lady talking about?). Poor little guy. I believe that obedience must not be dependent on perfect circumstances, but I also believe that we can set our little ones up for failure and I try to keep that in mind. My little boy just wanted to play. If he had been able to run around up on that stage and sword fight, he would have been thrilled. Sitting and watching was annoying to him. Though he LOVED the 'bad guy' and we even met the young man who played Chauvelin afterword. Oh, the highlight of Josh's evening was when one of the actors (his mom whispered the idea) called another one over to sword fight with Josh after the play with the REAL sword. Josh was happy as a lark. If the whole play had been swordfighting and loud drumming--which he loved--he would have wanted to stay in the theatre. But, the quiet 'lovey dovey' songs were NOT up his alley.

Aside from his not-always-happy-to-be-touring-and-seminaring behaviour, he was a gem and a happy camper. He loves his extended family--talked up a storm--wanted to ride every motorcycle he saw--climb every ladder--swordfight with sticks--charm his siblings' friends---that's our Josh! :)

So, it was a good trip. I feel good about FC for our oldest baby--now we need MONEY! That is daunting. We are off to a slow start with that--we are not eligible for any grants--surprise! So, we start with just a bit of scholarship money and are still searching for more!

I hope you all have a great weekend. I really will do pictures from our big weekends and our big week. That's my next project. A picture blog.
  • jodimn
    Well now I'm curious about it. I'd love to read it:) You are too kind.
    by jodimn at 03/05/10 12:05AM
  • heatheronthehill
    You sure packed a lot into that trip! Sounds wonderful!
    by heatheronthehill at 03/05/10 11:43AM
  • 7laughinghardmans
    What a wonderful update! It sounds like you had a lovely time and that makes me happy for you.
    by 7laughinghardmans at 03/05/10 2:33PM
  • bookworm14
    It might have something to do with the fact that I don't typically wear massive stage makeup and my hair puffed out 6 inches. =P I didn't know you all come although I did see Jonathon but I didn't think he would know who I was. I wish we could have visited. If I hadn't been in the musical I would have been able to do alot of Falcon Days helping since I've been working up in Admissions and I might have seen you. Maybe I'll see you at homeschool camp sometime soon if I can make it. =)
    by bookworm14 at 03/05/10 3:14PM
  • teathyme
    What a great trip! FC was a loong time ago already. I have a lot of great memories from those days! :)
    by teathyme at 03/05/10 7:23PM
  • quiltedmama
    Sounds like you guys had a great trip to FC. I loved my time there and I know it was worth the time and money (still being paid off- yikes!) put into it! Did you get to meet any of the Moyers (Doy, Laurie, Audrey, Luke) involved with the play? They're our family!
    by quiltedmama at 03/06/10 11:52AM
  • jkmram
    that is so, so sweet! It sounds like he missed you, too, and that you had a WONDERFUL trip. :o)
    by jkmram at 03/06/10 3:16PM
  • 23_bravo_7
    I agree with what you wrote on Kim's blog. As a side note, I believe there is a lot more denominational influence in the generic church of Christ that brethren realize or want to admit.
    by 23_bravo_7 at 03/07/10 6:13AM
  • lizsmith
    Glad you thought of me on the way home! I do understand. I'm pretty much the same way. My mind is focussed to where I want to go, and onward I go!
    by lizsmith at 03/07/10 7:42AM
  • jaydon
    I just saw on another blog that your are reading A Tale Of Two Cities - loved that book! I really think I need to do a reread.
    by jaydon at 03/07/10 9:07PM
  • crazy_mama
    It was so fun to finally get to meet you in person! I wish we could have been sitting at a beautiful table sipping on some tea instead of hanging out in a hallway but hey, we were together and chatting and it was fun!!! I really hope you guys are able to come up with some great plan so that you will be an FC student mommy next year. We'd love to see your son hangin' around these parts!
    by crazy_mama at 03/07/10 11:59PM
  • mr_and_mrs_berry
    Thanks Sally - I deleted the extra. I was trying to do links in the title, but it didn't work. So I copied and redid it, but then ended up with two. :) We are excited!
    by mr_and_mrs_berry at 03/08/10 2:50PM
  • sirtorin
    I like the new avatar picture. =)
    by sirtorin at 03/08/10 4:50PM
  • canardmom23
    Nice avatar. You both always look so happy. :)
    by canardmom23 at 03/08/10 7:12PM
  • granny
    Sally, your comments about money woes sooo remind me of my first year at FC. Dad would phone every six weeks and tell me I could write another check, that he had had been fortunate to find a little more money. Knowing I might only be able to to originally stay six weeks, I asked if I could be a Bible major and soak up Bible courses. The admin was so very accommodating! (Little did I know that they were "grooming" my father to come and teach the next year! I never did twig why I had so many "fathers" during that year, calling me in for counselling. Surely I wasn't THAT big a pain!)
    by granny at 03/09/10 12:55AM
  • herb_lady43
    I'm finally catching up on Pleo, and we had one of the Pimpernel singers as a guest Sunday night, after the FC chorus had sung in our area. Of course, my niece was also here. So enjoyable to have almost-20 somethings in our house again, and these two young women were lovely. We've never been able to go to the Florida lectures, but I can imagine what a great experience it is. Thanks for telling us your part in its story.
    by herb_lady43 at 03/09/10 8:53AM
  • jodimn
    Tim Hawkins is one of our favorites as well :)
    Thanks for the link to the other one as well. It is a catchy tune.
    by jodimn at 03/09/10 11:43AM
  • misssonja
    Just make them when everyone is home (or make half a batch when everyone is home) -- that will keep you reasonable. And believe me, you will WANT to practice portion control. Whereas chocolate cake or oatmeal cookies can be eaten without restraint, fried dough will cause suffering if you eat too many at once.
    by misssonja at 03/09/10 12:55PM
  • canardmom23
    Thanks, I'd forgotten all about Bagels. Great idea!
    by canardmom23 at 03/09/10 5:34PM
  • sirtarin
    If I've made one from scratch before, it was probably only once. Generally, if we do make red velvet cake, I think we use a box mix. (I think because it's cheaper than using all the ingredients plus that whole bottle of food coloring. :P) So, sorry, but I can't be of much help. :P
    by sirtarin at 03/09/10 8:43PM

Prayers Answered...Please Keep Praying

at 02/24/10 5:39PM
Good news! My dad got the pathology results just now. They have decided not to do any chemotherapy at this time--it appears that they were able to remove the cancer once again surgically. My parents are VERY relieved with this and quite content to avoid any chemotherapy!

The delayed results were because they found abormal tissue (called dysplasia), which is often a precursor for more cancer. However, they felt that checking it in six months was the best option. According to the surgeon, this cancer usually takes 18 months to grow from the time the abnormal tissue is noted. So, in six months, they'll do a scope and see what the situation is!

I am so thankful to God for answered prayers. We will just keep praying that this course of action will be what is needed to keep Dad healthy!

Tonight: the first night of a gospel meeting. While we are here, we worship with the congregation in which we were first taught the gospel. It holds a special place in my heart. Tomorrow: Falcon Days Activities...

Missing him, but so thankful for cell phones and texting.