Reflections on December 2006

The girls had a ball when we got our 1st snow this year. They went down the big hill in the backyard. They had friends stay the night and were sledding at 7 a.m.!!

We had our last hoorah at SDC just after Christmas. What a great time to go if you love the rides. Almost no waiting in line. Bundle up and wear your seatbelt!
The lights were spectacular - had to get this one of REJOICE- loved the reflection in the lake.

sunset from my backyard. I hate it when people take photos of just landscape and share them, but sometimes its just irresistable!

BTW got a new DSLR from Santa...ho!ho!ho!!!

Christmas is Coming!

Had a sudden burst of energy and put up the big tree in the LR. The girls decorated the tree downstairs and put up their personal trees in their rooms. There is definitely a Christmas buzz going on at our house, music boxes, Christmas music and the ice and snow...wow, we haven't had a good snow for a few years - Pass the hot cocoa!!!

Reflections on Thanksgiving

We went to the farm for Thanksgiving. DD2 made her requested "sweet potato casserole muffins".We got to see the St. Louis and Kansas city clans. The kids had great fun exploring in the woods and "accidentally" falling in the river...great food, good times...the best part was the bonfire. You could see every star in the sky including the Milky Way!!!

The Best Sleepover Ever!

DD#1 has a friend over as I type...they have completely transformed the downstairs of the house into a gradeschool girl's paradise. They've pushed 2 couches together and made a special sleeping arrangement that doubles as some sort of trampoline/stage for their mini movies. Silly rules the night!!!

To put it in her friend's words, "This is the Best Sleepover Ever!"

Had to include this pic of DD#1 at the zoo with her new sassy haircut and new purse (with wallet enclosed) - oh, so grown up!

Captured our first day of school for Fall 2006. The girls had mixed feelings about returning. It's always exciting to start a new chapter, but we've had an action-packed summer of fun. I'll sure miss them!

My last photo of friends in Germany. I hear they're back in the states. I can't wait to hear about their trip, but I'll let them settle in first...

We went to stay at DH's parents farm for the weekend. I'm sharing photos of DH,our friends,duck with her new baby, DH' smoked brisket - YUM!- veggies and flowers from the garden, the sleeping porch and a worm!

Take me to Zugsptiz, please...

I know I've already mentioned Robert and Sig's trip to Germany, but can you believe this? Wow!!!

I think you know this guy...

Does anyone know who this is???

Adventurous

Our friends Robert and Sig are in Germany right now having picnics in the Black Forest, visiting castles and other mundane activities....I admire their sense of adventure and ability to drop everything to spend time together exploring and maintaining international friendships. You guys are awesome!

Day Trip

We went to West Plains with 4 generations of women from my family to visit my cousin, Ashley. She had a gorgeous place tucked away in the middle of nowhere with beautiful views as far as the eye could see. The girls enjoyed her 3 level log cabin style home. I think they thought they were in a giant playhouse. Ashley took this shot of DD#2 with her new camera.

Garden Beauty

DD # 1 in the garden last night. What a delightful time the two of us are having together. DD#2 is out of town for the week. It's amazing how the dynamic changes when there is no sibling rivalry.

We have big plans today which may include any or all of the following: movies or bowling with a friend, scrapbooking with friends & summer arts festival.

Had a great time with a friend yesterday scrapbooking which I haven't done in forever! I'd forgotten how much fun it was to spend time with friends reflecting on your thoughts about your children, your life and your world and mixing it all together with creative expression. I am so lucky to have many friends with such talent and passion for life and art.

My lastest SB project chronicles my mission trip to Manzanillo, Mexico. I fell in love with the people there and can't wait to go back someday. Here is pic of the ladies that are part of our sister church, La Esperanza de Manzanillo. We visited their store in the market. We have so much to be thankful for as US citizens. We sit in our gigantic air conditioned homes completely insulated from the world around us. I am reminded that for those who are given much, much is expected.

jazz fiddle...amazing

I met this guy at the Mark O'Connor fiddle conference in San Diego. He's very young and an amazing musician. All violinists will definitely want to hear this:


http://www.zanewilliams.info/images/blogphotos/9-11-05/jbtruckin.wmv

The Shrinking Dollar

Do you ever feel like you're the one holding this dollar? I just spent $59 on gas today and hardly blinked an eye. Why do I still feel compelled to pick up that penny on the parking lot?

Gotta love these purses!

Oriental Trading has done it again . I'm thinking this would be a fun project. Great to give with a gift card inside. I think I feel a "make and take" coming on! Let me know if you're interested!

Joan of Arc

On Saturday night, I will be performing in a special presentation of Voices of Light – here's the production info:

merging the legendary 1928 silent film masterpiece
The Passion of Joan of Arc with a live performance of a stunningly beautiful and
evocative new work by composer Richard Einhorn. With its raw emotional power,
naturalistic acting and utterly contemporary visual style, the
critically-acclaimed film looks like it was made only yesterday. And Einhorn’s
composition for solo voices, chorus and orchestra has been praised as
“brilliantly effective” (Washington Post) and “an overwhelming experience”
(Chicago Tribune).

Click here and click "audio sample" to listen to an excerpt:

http://www.richardeinhorn.com/Index.html

Hip Hop Violinist

It seems like you hear strings everywhere these days crossing all genres of music. I'm so glad to see that violinists have been able to move beyond the stuffy classical stereotype. Don't get me wrong, I still love the classics, but it is time to broaden our scope.

There are all kinds of possibilities as a modern performer. Young violinists especially have unlimited options for creative expression/performance opportunities.

The future is bright!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5235283

Who I am in Christ

The print on this is really small so I've typed it out so it's easier to read. I have to remind myself of these things periodically whenever my life seems out of balance. Thought you might enjoy, too -

Who I Am In Christ


I am accepted...

John 1:12
I am God's child.

John 15:15
As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1
I have been justified.

1 Corinthians 6:17
I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.

1 Corinthians 12:27
I am a member of Christ's body.

Ephesians 1:3-8
I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.

Colossians 1:13-14
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.

Colossians 2:9-10
I am complete in Christ.

Hebrews 4:14-16
I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.


I am secure...

Romans 8:1-2
I am free from condemnation.

Romans 8:28
I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.

Romans 8:31-39
I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4
I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6
I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20
I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7
I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.



I am significant...

John 15:5
I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16
I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6
I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10
I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12
I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Happy Birthday!

We celebrated DD#2's bday with an ice cream cake from Grannie and Gramps. This shot captures her true personality -- sweet shyness. What a precious girl!

Camp Scrap

It's been a busy day. Had lots of students today.

The really great news is that I got my car back from the body shop (you know the one that I wrecked 6 weeks after I bought it). I mean, I drive a clunker for 2 years and never have an accident, and finally get a major upgrade and what do you know...

The Symphony will be playing the Star Spangled Banner for the ball game on Thursday. Another brush with local TV fame - ha...

More exciting than that is my daughter will be singing this famous tune at the ball game Friday night! She loves to sing-a!

Working on a "make and take" for Camp Scrap. It will be an accordion album to share those favorite photos or to give as a gift. Fun and easy! If you'd like to come to Camp Scrap on April 21st, send me an email!

DD# 1's comments about SGI

Sand Dollars

Searching for sand dollars at sunset on SGI.

DD#2

She likes to SING-A!!!

Welcome to my Blog!

Wakulla River

Now that's LOVE...

This is a pic of the girls at the boardwalk entry to the beach. DD#2 enjoyed posing for the camera, while DD#1 was always a moving target.
My in laws went with us on this vacation. A famous quote from the trip came from the girls - whenever Grannie and Gramps would kiss they would say "now that's LOVE". We had to catch the moment of drama on camera. What could be more romantic than a kiss on the beach?
This last pic is of an alligator (I hope) on our boat cruise of the Wakulla river.

This is a great photo my DH took on St. George Island last week. He has such a good eye - I'm totally jealous.