I tried something new to take a look back at the year that is just about to expire. I had some problems with it, but I think that I fixed it.... except there is a picture from the annual dinner that is somehow stuck at the beginning that I cant get to move, and I dont know how to get the show to end after the final slide!
Take a few minutes to watch this if you have a minute... you might be surprised to see who you see!
http://beta.photoshow.com/watch/mR6iI2Sj
Happy New Year Everyone!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Decorating Risk
.
I have always enjoyed decorating, but I have always been afraid of anything drastic. I have stayed with light colors and basic patterns. Okay, truth be told... I have been a total chicken. I was really afraid to try something new.
For whatever reason, I got a wild hair about 3 or 4 days ago, and stopped to get paint swatches while I was out. Today, I made the leap and painted my kitchen and dining room... and I went on the bold side. I picked "pumpkin pie" and "sunshine" for my colors. They work very well together and go well with some of my dishes and kitchen accessories. On top of what I already had, a quick trip to Pier One Imports allowed me to get a few things to finish the look I was going for.
Now that it is done, I must admit... I LOVE IT. I wonder why I waited so long to do something different? Here are a few pictures.
I have always enjoyed decorating, but I have always been afraid of anything drastic. I have stayed with light colors and basic patterns. Okay, truth be told... I have been a total chicken. I was really afraid to try something new.
For whatever reason, I got a wild hair about 3 or 4 days ago, and stopped to get paint swatches while I was out. Today, I made the leap and painted my kitchen and dining room... and I went on the bold side. I picked "pumpkin pie" and "sunshine" for my colors. They work very well together and go well with some of my dishes and kitchen accessories. On top of what I already had, a quick trip to Pier One Imports allowed me to get a few things to finish the look I was going for.
Now that it is done, I must admit... I LOVE IT. I wonder why I waited so long to do something different? Here are a few pictures.
I am so glad that I took this decorating risk. Now I am making plans for our living room, and have chosen "Cholcolate Mousse" as the color for an accent wall. I am thinking that I may wait a little bit to do it though, because I really want new furniture, but don't want to spend the money right now. NOTHING IS ON SALE in furniture stores right now. To be honest, I think I am holding out for a friend to get new furniture so I can buy their good used furniture!
I love decorating!
Accountability Time
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As another year comes to a close, I decided to go back to my blog and see what I wrote about this time last year. Here is what I found...
12 Things I Hope to Accomplish in 2006
12. Listen More; Talk Less(This one is so hard for me!)
11. Stay Out of the Hospital(This one should be pretty easy!)
10. Remember That Not Everything is About Me!(But some things are!)
9. Sing More(At church, in the car, in the shower, just for fun!)
8. Give More Time to Ministry(Particularly to Worship and Music ministries)
7. Read the Bible in Chronological Order(Okay, RW, KG, and MR, I am counting on your help with this!)
6. Give and Receive Forgiveness More Freely(This is another one that is hard for me…but I am getting better!)
5. Share the love of Christ with as many as possible.(By example, not by “preaching.”)
4. Go on More Dates!(Of course with Jason…. What were you thinking?)
3. Continue spending lots of quality time with Bekah!(Singing, shopping, playing, praying, talking, and of course goofing off!)
2. Show my love and dedication for friends and family more openly!(Get ready for more hugs… and maybe more cards!)
And the number one thing I hope to accomplish in 2006 is:
1. Live my life everyday for the glory and honor of God.(And seek His guidance in all that I do!)
Well, I suppose it is accountability time! I did better on some of these goals than others, but am happy to report that accomplishment and growth can be recorded in all areas! NOPE- I haven't arrived yet... but who has? Now... what will my goals be for 2007? MMMmmmm?
Did you reach your goals for 2006?
As another year comes to a close, I decided to go back to my blog and see what I wrote about this time last year. Here is what I found...
12 Things I Hope to Accomplish in 2006
12. Listen More; Talk Less(This one is so hard for me!)
11. Stay Out of the Hospital(This one should be pretty easy!)
10. Remember That Not Everything is About Me!(But some things are!)
9. Sing More(At church, in the car, in the shower, just for fun!)
8. Give More Time to Ministry(Particularly to Worship and Music ministries)
7. Read the Bible in Chronological Order(Okay, RW, KG, and MR, I am counting on your help with this!)
6. Give and Receive Forgiveness More Freely(This is another one that is hard for me…but I am getting better!)
5. Share the love of Christ with as many as possible.(By example, not by “preaching.”)
4. Go on More Dates!(Of course with Jason…. What were you thinking?)
3. Continue spending lots of quality time with Bekah!(Singing, shopping, playing, praying, talking, and of course goofing off!)
2. Show my love and dedication for friends and family more openly!(Get ready for more hugs… and maybe more cards!)
And the number one thing I hope to accomplish in 2006 is:
1. Live my life everyday for the glory and honor of God.(And seek His guidance in all that I do!)
Well, I suppose it is accountability time! I did better on some of these goals than others, but am happy to report that accomplishment and growth can be recorded in all areas! NOPE- I haven't arrived yet... but who has? Now... what will my goals be for 2007? MMMmmmm?
Did you reach your goals for 2006?
Friday, December 29, 2006
More on Saddam
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MSN is now reporting that Saddam will be executed within the hour. Perhaps it will even happen while I write this post. It has been mentioned to me that it seems only fair that I post my opinion, since I have asked you all to do so on my blog. So, although it may serve as a spoon stirring the pot, here is what I think.
I believe that Saddam is an evil, self-seeking, horrible, abusive man. He deserves to die for the crimes that he has committed against so many. He is a man who has done unimaginable things to so many people, and I am thankful that justice will be served.
At the same time... Saddam is someone's father, someone's son, someone's brother, someone's friend, someone's confidant, someone's leader, someone's lover, someone's family member... and I am sad for them. I am also sad for all of the families that are reliving the horror of the what has happened to their loved ones because of the hand of Saddam, as they watch these events unfold.
I am praying for all involved, and pray that Saddam's execution will provide some kind of avenue of change for his country and for the rest of the world.
MSN is now reporting that Saddam will be executed within the hour. Perhaps it will even happen while I write this post. It has been mentioned to me that it seems only fair that I post my opinion, since I have asked you all to do so on my blog. So, although it may serve as a spoon stirring the pot, here is what I think.
I believe that Saddam is an evil, self-seeking, horrible, abusive man. He deserves to die for the crimes that he has committed against so many. He is a man who has done unimaginable things to so many people, and I am thankful that justice will be served.
At the same time... Saddam is someone's father, someone's son, someone's brother, someone's friend, someone's confidant, someone's leader, someone's lover, someone's family member... and I am sad for them. I am also sad for all of the families that are reliving the horror of the what has happened to their loved ones because of the hand of Saddam, as they watch these events unfold.
I am praying for all involved, and pray that Saddam's execution will provide some kind of avenue of change for his country and for the rest of the world.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Agree...or Disagree?
The headline on MSN today reads:
"Saddam to be executed within 48 hours."
Do you agree with the courts ruling that he should be sentenced to death?
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Christmas 2007
I hope that you all had a great Christmas! We did. I would love to share pictures with you, but since I didn't take any, that would be quite difficult.
It has been a great past couple of days. On Christmas Eve we went to my Aunt Susie's and ate a wonderful meal (Uncle Jimmy is a chef!), and then I taught everyone how to play "rob your neighbor." Then it was off to church for the candle light service. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. Bekah played Mary, and Jason ran lights, video and sound (imagine that!). Jen and I were active participants in the audience, and it felt good to be able to worship. I must admit, I was surprised at the turnout. 200 candles had been prepared and they ran out at the very end. It is so good to be part of a church that isn't caught up in traditionalism and that isn't afraid to do something that isn't typically accepted within the churches of Christ.
Anyway, then we headed home, and each of us opened one gift. WHAT A SURPRISE- New pajamas for all. Then it was off to bed. Santa won't come unless you are asleep- so of course the girls were anxious to go to bed!
Christmas morning came early... 6 a.m. We opened presents and then it was off to mom's. We decided to start a new tradition, and we arrived at my mom's for breakfast in our pajamas. We had a great breakfast and then it was time to open presents again. The kids are spoiled rotten! (okay, so are the rest of us!)
Then we had some time together as a family and then the rest of the family showed up. By then it was dinner time, and yep.... you guessed it.... more presents. It was fabulous to see some of our family members that we haven't seen in a while. It's amazing how much people change... especially after they leave mom and dad and head to college.
Then it was back to the house and time to crash. It was a long day, but a great one. I hope that you all had a great Christmas too!
It has been a great past couple of days. On Christmas Eve we went to my Aunt Susie's and ate a wonderful meal (Uncle Jimmy is a chef!), and then I taught everyone how to play "rob your neighbor." Then it was off to church for the candle light service. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. Bekah played Mary, and Jason ran lights, video and sound (imagine that!). Jen and I were active participants in the audience, and it felt good to be able to worship. I must admit, I was surprised at the turnout. 200 candles had been prepared and they ran out at the very end. It is so good to be part of a church that isn't caught up in traditionalism and that isn't afraid to do something that isn't typically accepted within the churches of Christ.
Anyway, then we headed home, and each of us opened one gift. WHAT A SURPRISE- New pajamas for all. Then it was off to bed. Santa won't come unless you are asleep- so of course the girls were anxious to go to bed!
Christmas morning came early... 6 a.m. We opened presents and then it was off to mom's. We decided to start a new tradition, and we arrived at my mom's for breakfast in our pajamas. We had a great breakfast and then it was time to open presents again. The kids are spoiled rotten! (okay, so are the rest of us!)
Then we had some time together as a family and then the rest of the family showed up. By then it was dinner time, and yep.... you guessed it.... more presents. It was fabulous to see some of our family members that we haven't seen in a while. It's amazing how much people change... especially after they leave mom and dad and head to college.
Then it was back to the house and time to crash. It was a long day, but a great one. I hope that you all had a great Christmas too!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!
.
From our home to yours, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas. It is our prayer that you are blessed enough to spend this special holiday with your family and friends, and that we will all remember the true meaning of the season. We have all seen the cards and signs that say, "Jesus is the reason for the season." Today I read a sign that said, "You are the reason, Jesus is the gift." Both are beautiful messages, and both are worth remembering this Chistmas season.
Love and hugs to all-
Merry Christmas.
Jason, Conni, Bekah, and Jennifer
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Christmas Movies
The presents are wrapped, and we are sitting around watching movies. What is your favorite Christmas movie?
A. Frosty the Snowman
B. Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer
C. Elf
D. A Miracle on 34th Street
E. It's a Wonderful Life
F. Charlie Brown's Christmas
G. Polar Express
H. The Santa Claus (Tim Allen)
I. Other (please tell us which one!)
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Mikki's First Haircut
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Mikki got her first haircut today! She looks so cute! Here is a new picture!
Mikki got her first haircut today! She looks so cute! Here is a new picture!
Okay, and here is one more... just because she is SO cute!
Mikki is doing well overall, and now weighs 7 pounds! The vet says that he thinks that she is probably done growing! She is the sweetest puppy ever!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
A life full of blessings...
.
About a month or so ago, the dryer finally gave out for good and we purchased a new one.
About two weeks ago, St. Louis was hit with a major ice storm and we were without power and heat for about 48 hours in very low temperatures.
Last weekend, the washer gave out for good and we are trying to decide where we want to buy the new one.
Yesterday, we smelled gas in the house, and Laclede gas shut us down when they found the leak!
And yet, we are still smiling... no one is arguing... in spite of a little crabbiness, we are all fine.
We are blessed. We had money to purchase a new dryer.
We had friends and family to stay with when it was too cold to stay at home.
We have money to buy a new washer (even though I hate the idea of spending more money on a new appliance!)
We got out of the house before the gas leak hurt (or killed) anyone. We have friends who have been so generous offering their homes to us, and it is warm outside, so our house is not cold.
Christmas is a week away. We have a Lord who was born into this world to save it. We have two beautiful girls and a ton of friends. We have people who love us very much and people who we love very much. I have a great husband, and a wonderful relationship.
Yeah, it stinks that it seems like a lot of things are happening that could easily make me pretty crabby... but when I think about it, how could I be anything but thankful for the blessings God has so freely given!
About a month or so ago, the dryer finally gave out for good and we purchased a new one.
About two weeks ago, St. Louis was hit with a major ice storm and we were without power and heat for about 48 hours in very low temperatures.
Last weekend, the washer gave out for good and we are trying to decide where we want to buy the new one.
Yesterday, we smelled gas in the house, and Laclede gas shut us down when they found the leak!
And yet, we are still smiling... no one is arguing... in spite of a little crabbiness, we are all fine.
We are blessed. We had money to purchase a new dryer.
We had friends and family to stay with when it was too cold to stay at home.
We have money to buy a new washer (even though I hate the idea of spending more money on a new appliance!)
We got out of the house before the gas leak hurt (or killed) anyone. We have friends who have been so generous offering their homes to us, and it is warm outside, so our house is not cold.
Christmas is a week away. We have a Lord who was born into this world to save it. We have two beautiful girls and a ton of friends. We have people who love us very much and people who we love very much. I have a great husband, and a wonderful relationship.
Yeah, it stinks that it seems like a lot of things are happening that could easily make me pretty crabby... but when I think about it, how could I be anything but thankful for the blessings God has so freely given!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Another question...
.
I suppose that it is only fair that we turn the tables, and ask the ladies a question now. So, ladies, how many pairs of shoes do you own?
By the way... the person that we really wanted to know how many ties he owned DID NOT comment on my blog. So, Mr. Brad, if you are reading this... please tell us how many ties you own?
I suppose that it is only fair that we turn the tables, and ask the ladies a question now. So, ladies, how many pairs of shoes do you own?
By the way... the person that we really wanted to know how many ties he owned DID NOT comment on my blog. So, Mr. Brad, if you are reading this... please tell us how many ties you own?
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Random Question
.I was part of a disucssion recently and ties were being discussed. Specifically, the question came up about how many ties a particular mutual friend owned. So, I thought it might be fun to post the question
"How many ties do you own?"
(Ladies, feel free to answer for your hubby or significant other.)
Monday, December 11, 2006
a little whine... with no cheese
.
I was going to blog about all of the wonderful (and not so wonderful) things in my life,... but I am too tired, and my belly is a bit upset, and my eye hurts from the infection that I have...so, instead of sharing with you about the Area Wide Praise Service, or the great dinner we all had at O'Charley's or my awesome job... or Secret Santa, or Christmas shopping, or the plans for the Christmas Eve service at church, or how sweet and beautiful my girls are, or whatever.... I think I will just take my eye drops, eat my soup, and lay my head down and hope for a better day tomorrow.
Love to all-'night 'night.
I was going to blog about all of the wonderful (and not so wonderful) things in my life,... but I am too tired, and my belly is a bit upset, and my eye hurts from the infection that I have...so, instead of sharing with you about the Area Wide Praise Service, or the great dinner we all had at O'Charley's or my awesome job... or Secret Santa, or Christmas shopping, or the plans for the Christmas Eve service at church, or how sweet and beautiful my girls are, or whatever.... I think I will just take my eye drops, eat my soup, and lay my head down and hope for a better day tomorrow.
Love to all-'night 'night.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
If You Missed it....
.
If you missed tonights performance at Ladue High School, you missed a great evening. "Wow" is just about all I know to say! Here are a few pics and a video for you! (acutally, I am working on putting the video out here... so give me a few minutes on that!
If you missed tonights performance at Ladue High School, you missed a great evening. "Wow" is just about all I know to say! Here are a few pics and a video for you! (acutally, I am working on putting the video out here... so give me a few minutes on that!
Pictured above are Anna and Bekah- Two very good friends who both enjoy singing and theatre...A LOT!
Here is the "man of the hour," Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams is the music teacher and conductor for 6, 7, and 8th grades. 
Here are Joseph , Delia, Jake, Bekah, Hannah and Hannah.... 'Nuff said!
It was a great night and we couldn't be more proud of our sweet Bekah! She did a great job, and her hard work is paying off. She is very talented and we are thankful that she gives thanks to God for her talents, and tries to use them to glorify Him.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Christmas Tree(s)
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Lesson of the day...
Don't share pictures of your Christmas tree with coworkers unless you are prepared to help with theirs! AND- definately don't show the pictures to your boss before the company tree is up and decorated... because if you do... you'll be decorating the tree for work too.
Sigh... one tree is fun... two trees are not so fun... three trees are just too much.
I am done decorating for Christmas... are you?
Oh, and by the way... to the 2 people (Dale and anonymous) who said that my tree looks like it belongs at Macy's... THANK YOU- I take that as a compliment! (even if one of you clearly didn't mean it as one.)
Lesson of the day...
Don't share pictures of your Christmas tree with coworkers unless you are prepared to help with theirs! AND- definately don't show the pictures to your boss before the company tree is up and decorated... because if you do... you'll be decorating the tree for work too.
Sigh... one tree is fun... two trees are not so fun... three trees are just too much.
I am done decorating for Christmas... are you?
Oh, and by the way... to the 2 people (Dale and anonymous) who said that my tree looks like it belongs at Macy's... THANK YOU- I take that as a compliment! (even if one of you clearly didn't mean it as one.)
Monday, December 04, 2006
Are We the Only Ones?
.
Is anyone else spending the evening watching the "classic" Christmas shows on ABC Family tonight?
The only Christmas show better than these is Charlie Brown's Christmas.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Winter Wonderland
.
St. Louis is still digging out from our ice storm last Thursday and Friday. A lot of people (around 200,000) are still without power, and a lot of people are VERY crabby! We have been very blessed- our power has been back on for a solid 24 hours now. Heat is a wonderful thing! Here are a few pictures from the storm.
St. Louis is still digging out from our ice storm last Thursday and Friday. A lot of people (around 200,000) are still without power, and a lot of people are VERY crabby! We have been very blessed- our power has been back on for a solid 24 hours now. Heat is a wonderful thing! Here are a few pictures from the storm.
This picture is Jennifer holding a piece of the solid ice that came off of my windsheild on Friday morning. It was pretty thick!
This picture was taken in our yard on Saturday. I think that it is beautiful with the sun shining through the ice. It was dangerous to be out in all of it, but God's creation was so beautiful with an icy covering.
Well, I hope you all are staying warm and dry, and that everyone has electricity.
What did you do to keep yourself occupied when you still didnt have power?
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Yucky Days!
.
What a terrible couple of days! Things in St. Louis have been a little less than fun over the past few days. Over 500,000 people are without power due to the recent ice storm, and considering it is supposed to be 12 degrees tonight, this is a bad, bad thing.
We are among the few who were lucky enough to have our power restored within about 48 hours. We are now back at home and warm. We spent the first night at home, and we were pretty chilly when we got up on Friday morning. Last night, we were going to stay with friends, but the girls were so crazy we decided to stay at the church so they could run and scream and play basketball until the wee hours of the morning. When it was all said and done, we wound up staying at my mom's, since she got her power back last night. We were comfortable and warm.
I have some pictures of what the storm left behind that I will try to post tomorrow. For now, I am thankful to be at home with my family. I am thankful for friends who are willing to help during a time of need and for a church family that pulls together when needed. I hope that you have power and heat, and that if you don't, you are safe and sound with family members and friends.
What a terrible couple of days! Things in St. Louis have been a little less than fun over the past few days. Over 500,000 people are without power due to the recent ice storm, and considering it is supposed to be 12 degrees tonight, this is a bad, bad thing.
We are among the few who were lucky enough to have our power restored within about 48 hours. We are now back at home and warm. We spent the first night at home, and we were pretty chilly when we got up on Friday morning. Last night, we were going to stay with friends, but the girls were so crazy we decided to stay at the church so they could run and scream and play basketball until the wee hours of the morning. When it was all said and done, we wound up staying at my mom's, since she got her power back last night. We were comfortable and warm.
I have some pictures of what the storm left behind that I will try to post tomorrow. For now, I am thankful to be at home with my family. I am thankful for friends who are willing to help during a time of need and for a church family that pulls together when needed. I hope that you have power and heat, and that if you don't, you are safe and sound with family members and friends.
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