Photo For Friday

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Fall Break

We decided to take the opportunity of Fall break to get out of town for some quality family time.

We decided to rent a cabin on Table Rock Lake in Missouri. We enjoyed being away from the hustle and bustle of home life.

We went to Silver Dollar City the first day. It was 77 when we entered the park and probably in the 40s when we left....BRR! Poor Joshua had dressed in shorts.

We had a great time despite the weather. We took a picture in the famous rocking chair. I took the same picture with my mom and brother about 30 years ago. I will have to see if my mom can dig it up for us.

The kids rode some rides and we watched the craftsman make their wares.

The next morning we went fishing for about 20 minutes. Not what we had planned. But it only got up to 42 that day. Plus, with two kids stomping on the dock and yelling back and forth to each other, the fish were't biting. Not even Joshua's popcorn bait :)

We decided to go do some indoor activities. We went to the Titanic museum. We each got a boarding pass on admission (they had the name of an actual passenger). We all survived!!!

We also went to see the IMAX movie, "Mystery of the Nile". It was about an archeological teams trip all the way down the treacherous and dangerous (crocodiles!!) Nile River. It took them about 4 months. It was awesome! The Scenery was beautiful. I don't think Paul was too excited about it but it ended up being his favorite part of the trip.

We met up with my parents and my brother and his family that evening for dinner. My parents are frequent Branson visitors and had also planned a trip to there. My brother decided to join along when he found out we were all going to be there.

We decided to keep our extended family time only to dinner and one evening since we wanted some quality time with just the kids since it is a rare commodity around here. We knew that the focus of the kids would be on each other if we spent the whole time together. I pray every one else understood. With Paul working during the week and me working during the weekend, our family time is limited.

We ate dinner and went to an inside water park. The kids had a blast playing together.


Joshua said that his favorite part was Silver Dollar City, Delaney's was "swimming" and mine was just getting away!

Madonna Adoption

I have mixed thought on this... During my teenage years, I was a huge fan of hers. Some of the more controversial things she has done has made me question her morals and intentions.

I think that the fact that she is making a large donation to help orphaned children is awesome. I think the fact that she is making others know more about this area of the world and its orphans, is also awesome.

I don't like the fact that it appears, they side stepped some rules for her. I hate it when celebrities are excluded from the law (can you say O.J. Simpson??). Okay, this is not that extreme but still a law is a law and should apply to everyone.

Here is a letter from Madonna: If she indeed is following the law then I want to be one of the first to congratulate her on the adoption of her new son!

(CNN) -- The following is the text of the letter Madonna sent news agencies, titled "An Open Letter from Madonna":

My husband and I began the adoption process many months prior to our trip to Malawi. I did not wish to disclose my intentions to the world prior to the adoption happening as this is a private family matter. After learning that there were over one million orphans in Malawi, it was my wish to open up our home and help one child escape an extreme life of hardship, poverty and in many cases death, as well as expand our family.

Nevertheless, we have gone about the adoption procedure according to the law like anyone else who adopts a child. Reports to the contrary are totally inaccurate. The procedure includes an l8 month evaluation period after which time we hope to make this adoption permanent. This was not a decision or commitment that my family or I take lightly.

I am overwhelmed and inspired by my trip to Malawi and hope that it helps bring attention to how much more the world needs to do to help the children of Africa.

My heartfelt thanks for all the good wishes I have received and I hope the press will allow my family some room for us to experience the joy we feel to have David home.

Madonna Ritchie
October 17, 2006
London, England

Isn't she lovely!

Here are Delaney's pre-school pictures from this year.

Quote of the week

It is great wealth to a soul to live frugally with a contented mind.


A lady at my bible study class just came back from a mission trip from Ethiopia.
She was asked if she felt bad for the people there due to their living conditions.

Her answer was, "No, I feel bad for America." According to her, the people there have next to nothing yet are truly content, loving and full of joy. After God, family is of the utmost importance. Not material things, or wealth!

We could learn a lesson from them. America has lost its focus and for the most part are not content with our lives.

They should be role models for us.

My Lil Salesman....

This was Joshua's first year as a Cub Scout to sale popcorn. I dread fundraisers. I hate asking people to buy things but I know that is a part of life if you are involved in different organizations.

Joshua had his eye on the prize he wanted.. a telescope. He worked hard going door to door and he met his goal! He will be getting the telescope he wanted for all of his hard work.

School Bus Update!

I don't remember if I posted this or not. While Joshua was out selling popcorn for Boy Scouts, we found out that there is a bus stop right next door to us that we were not even aware of. At least, I wasn't aware of it.

The bus turns around in the neighbors drive way and picks up their grandchild there.
Joshua likes her. She has been over to our house to play on several occassions.

Joshua has been going next door for a couple of weeks now. No more problems!

The other kids have not bothered him on the bus or said anything about him moving bus stops.

Thanks for your prayers! God is good!

Happy Friday the 13th!

Friday the 13th turned into a great day for me on Friday, August 13, 1999 and then again on December 13th, 2002. Those are the days that I took my precious children into my arms forever.

Photos for Friday

Fall is Here!! I love this season!

Quote of the week

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.-Helen Keller

My Second Grader!

Field Trips

Joshua had two field trips this week. I went on the Wednesday one and Paul went on the Thursday trip.

On Wednesday, the Kaleidoscope 2nd and 3rd graders went to the Nature Park. It was in the 90s so it was quite warm. We saw three snakes. One was a VERY large black snake that was climbing up the eating areas wall. Shiver! Did I mention that I am not a fan of snakes AT ALL! Joshua wanted to know why I wasn't there nature trail leader! I do better at the end so the others can come across creatures before I do. The picture of kids is from this field trip.

Thursday, the second grade class at Spring Creek went to a pumpkin patch. The weather was much cooler today. They are all suppose to be bringing home a pumpkin. Paul took a vacation day in order to go. Joshua had asked him to go.

I rode the bus on Wednesday. Boy, it has been a long time since I had been on a school bus. If the bus was stopped, the heat was almost unbearable. Now I know why Joshua comes home with ruddy cheeks each afternoon!

Tulsa State Fair

I was fortunate enough to be cancelled from work yesterday. It was a beautiful day!

We headed out for the Annual Tulsa State Fair and had a blast!

I still am not sure why they call it Tulsa "state" Fair. Tulsa is a city, not a state. Oh well, we always have fun there anyway :)

VeggieTales Censored??

Unbelievable! NBC has offered to have VeggieTales on their Saturday morning schedule program, but only if they don't use the "G" word. That would be "GOD".

As many of you know VeggieTales is known for teaching kids about God.

All of this coming from NBC, you know the home of Saturday Night Live, and other questionable shows.

Check out this rant about it on Hot Air.

Quote for the Week

Treat your friends as you do your pictures, and place them in their best light.- Jennie Jerome Churchhill, mother of Winston Churchhill

Photo for Friday- a little late