Why God made mothers...(answers by small children!)

~My Aunt sent me a very funny survey of little children about their mothers...I loved it so much that I asked Ronnie and Anna the same questions...here are their answers! LOL Hope you get a chuckle, too! ~Sue~
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Why did God make mothers?
Ronnie: To teach their children how to obey properly
Anna: So they could teach kids right and kids would have parents

How did God make mothers?
Ronnie: He spoke and 'poof' there were mothers
Anna: So everybody could have lots of parents

What ingredients are mother's made of?
Anna: sugar, cream and rice
Ronnie: blood, skin,bones

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mother?
Ronnie: because He thought I was the perfect mother for Ronnie
Anna: because she needs only one mother or she'll cry

What kind of little girl was your mother?
Ronnie: imaginative, cute
Anna: married

What did your mom need to know before she married your dad?
Ronnie: how to be married, who his parents were
Anna: his food

Why did mom marry dad?
Ronnie: because you thought he was the perfect husband and the perfect father , and he is.
Anna: to have a baby

Who is the boss in your house?
Ronnie: Dad...Mom is the co-boss
Anna: Dad and Mom

What is the difference between moms and dads?
Ronnie: boy and girl
Anna: nothing


What does your mom do in her spare time?
Ronnie: takes care of her children
Anna: read her Bible



What would it take to make your mom perfect?
Ronnie: be nice to her and obey her
Anna: no comment


If you could change one thing about your mom what would it be?
Ronnie: there is nothing to change
Anna: nothing

On Many Things Girly, Feminine, Romantic...and a Bigger Picture

There are so many truly lovely, pretty and sometimes tear-jerking things in literature, movies and music that are strictly feminine and girly. Mostly (with a few RARE exceptions) females just love. Most young ladies have a tender spot in their hearts for a little romance, "sweet" things (and I don't mean candy) or many 'awww moments' found in literature, music or movies. Many of the 'aww moments' for girls are when the girl can't see what a great guy she has and then almost loses him; hurting his feelings in the process. In many of the movies, I feel the most sympathy for the guy who is sort of shy, sweetly innocent but in love with a girl who doesn't really realize that yet. Frank Sinatra's early career roles usually with a few exceptions have him playing a slightly down on his luck with the girls, shy, sweet kind of guy. Especially in the film Young at Heart. Sheesh that's a melancholy Frank for you. I always have to sigh sentimentally in movies or books like that.

When two of my oldest friends, Sara and I were watching Pride and Prejudice in our basement a while ago, we gabbed through about a third of it but then settled down into a cotton- candy-ish-fuzzy-waaay-too-much-sugar-bliss to watch, enjoy and adore Lizzie and Darcy's story. What girl, young lady, woman does not at least enjoy a really great 'love story?' We watched THE proposal scene twice that night. Once with breathless anticipation even though we all had seen it at LEAST, three times. Second, to show dear Mum who hadn't quite grasped why we were all sighing, getting teary-eyed, and squealing. Laney remarked that that whole scene was a (and I loosely quote): "Heart in throat few moments." We all sighed, kind of chuckled/cried, "Yeeaaah." As much as I personally love Pride and Prejudice, I prefer Edward Ferras and Elinor Dashwood's story. But that's because I am more like Elinor, if you haven't seen the button on our sidebar. :)


After reading this lovely article I realized that as fun as many things "girly" or "romantic" are, we should not expect nor our proposals (and/or relationships) to be similar to those in FICTIONAL movies or books. There is nothing wrong with any of these things unless we begin to build up "castles in the air" from watching/reading/listening to many 'romantic' things. We begin to build up not false but not realistic expectations of others, ourselves and the future. In short we don't quite leave it up to the Lord. We try and take it into our own hands with our day dreams and fanciful imaginings. I personally don't want my love story to be written like Lizzie and Darcy's! If I remember correctly, they began not liking each other, then she loathing him, and then POOF! He's walking across a dewy, sun-filled field to propose because he's loved her all this time. Then again, I wouldn't want my love story to be written like Edward and Elinor's. They had to be separated because of a literal previous engagement on his part. As I told a friend in a letter awhile ago, God is the ultimate and perfect author of our life-story. He gives us the desires of our hearts-not mere imaginings or day dreams that we idealize. We should crave and seek the Lord for His will in every area of our lives. We should ask the Lord to give us a deep desire to want His will in our lives, concerning everything, including our love stories. God is the author of the ages; he wrote Ruth and Boaz' story, Mary and Josephs, Rachel and Jacob's. And He already has our's planned out down to the last girly detail that we will remember when in the future, we recall our love story.

Mother Culture....

When we started homeschooling over 10 years ago, I researched (I love to research!) all about the different methods of homeschooling....textbook approach, unit studies, classical christian, eclectic, un-schooling, and the Charlotte Mason approach. Well...with much prayer, God revealed to us then, and it still applies today that we follow the eclectic approach....a little bit of everything! A book was written recently called "The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach" that combines all of my favorite aspects of homeschooling into one book. I spoke over the telephone with the author many times, and if I had written a book about homeschooling, this would be it!

One of the first things to stand out to me that I read was from a book called "The Charlotte Mason Companion" by Karen Andreola. She coined the term "Mother Culture"....to care for yourself, while ministering to your family and homeschooling your children. She advocated having at least 3 books that you are reading at one time. (or more if you like)....I've always had more than one book going at a time since I could learn to read! (so I had to laugh).....I read good fiction at night before falling asleep to help me relax and distract my mind....I have theological books to grow me spiritually, and other books to research and learn from. Of course, my Bible comes first...and my favorite devotional 'Streams in the Desert'.

A friend recently posted about what she has been reading and asked the question, "So, what are you reading?"....so I'm going to answer her!

I'm just in the beginning of reading "The Roots of Endurance" by John Piper. It is wonderful...but a book that I need to be alone and concentrate on, underline, journal about and re-read and think about slowly.

I am slowly re-reading "Created to be His Helpmeet" by Debi Pearl. She writes in a very interesting manner, but I admit, that WHAT she writes about marriage, really does hit home. After 20 years of marriage, (this June)...I find myself praying harder and trying harder than ever before to make the next 20 years even better than the first 20!

I'm reading (we all are) "Lasagna Gardening" and "Square Foot Gardening"....we had such a nice garden at our old house in the city, and for the past 3 years the children and I have really missed it! Of course, our yard was fenced in, we didn't have rabbits and we didn't have a single deer. The other night the girls and I came home, and there were 7 doe in our front yard! So, we are going to attempt to "out-smart" the deer this year and put in a garden.....along with my beloved lavender and a raised bed herb garden.

I've also been reading "Nourishing Traditions"....making lots of homemade broth, culturing kefir and kombucha....and collecting large jars to culture sauerkraut, beet kvass and homemade cultured pickles and salsa....trying to learn about enzymes in our diets, and eating naturally and traditionally.

After having quite a few fibromyalgia flareups this past year, I was praying and trying to remember when I felt the best...it was when I was drinking fresh juices of carrots & lemon, green juices and eating lots of raw fruits and veggies and coconut milk. So....I've been getting tons of books out of the library, and bought 2 books "Alive in 5" and "Raw in 10 Minutes"....quick, easy and healthy. I'm starting to crave grapefruit, and raw juices! And....I'm seeing a difference in how I feel. Now to combine the Nourishing Traditions lifestyle with raw foods...shouldn't be too hard.

I've been reading homeschooling catalogs. I think I've finally ordered what I need for this year, and know what I need for the following year as well...hopefully, by then (Meghan's senior year) I will have almost everything that I need.

And....my "nighttime" fiction. A series of books by Christian author Leisha Campbell, "Julia's Hope" series. It starts in the beginning of the Great Depression and follows 2 families thru the end of the 1940's. It is a wonderful series about the struggles, faith and God's provision for each family, how they handled trials....how they all worked together and the growth of their faith.

I've also been looking thru a lot of homemaking/craft books. Making lots of copies of future projects, getting inspiration...and also learning to do things the "old-fashioned" way....as natural and by hand as possible...and finding the joy in the mundane (I love hanging clothes and blankets on a clothesline!) as well as the peace and joy of creating....as my Creator inspires me.

So.....what have you all been reading? Have a blessed day! (I will not be reading anything today....switching sizes and seasons of clothing for my 2 little ones...it will be an all day job! But...I'm so grateful for the provision!) ~Sue~

Martin Luther

*Yesterday, we had to do a short essay on the differences between a secular biography on Martin Luther, and then a biblical biography. Here is my essay, and I hope you like it!*

Two Views of Martin Luther

Written by Sara C. Gorecki

Many people have written biographies about Martin Luther, and there are two basic views found in these biographies: a secular view or a Christian view. When I was reading them, I found that they both shed a different light on Martin Luther; either a critical view or an admirable view. There were many differences in the biographies about Martin Luther's life and I was surprised at how little the secular book had to say and how much the Christian one had. The differences between the two types of views were very interesting to see.

The Christian view of Martin Luther had pages and pages to say about his life and convictions. It spoke highly about his work in the reformation. Not many Christian text books give people a chance to develop their own thoughts, but a rare few do, such as American Vision's To Pledge Allegiance: Reformation to Colonization. In that book it gives out the information and their view on it, but they then ask you thought provoking questions and ask for your opinion. Christian textbooks that speak of him speak very highly of his deep convictions and all his work for the protestant reformers. He was quite the admirable man, and so many books praise him. Many Christian books also praise his influence on later generations.

The secular biographies I read about Martin Luther either speak disrespectfully about him or barely speak of him at all. They talk about his work in the reformation, but they leave out why he did what he did, and his convictions. The politically correct school books don't want to speak about the intense love of God Martin Luther had. He was a German monk before he became a reformer, but not a lot of books write about that. They focus on the high points, and sometimes miss the little points that made him who he was. Teachers and the government definitely do not tell America to filter everything through God's word, and that goes directly against what the bible teaches. Part of our problem in America is that we don't go back to the bible for everything, if anything. Apologetics are so important, but sadly very few people are learning them.

There are some views that aren't biased and many of those are online or in encyclopedia. Martin Luther was a great man, and in all text books they list what he did. It is just that some go more in depth than others, and have different points of views. But isn't that what America is all about? Freedom of speech and opinion are two very important things that America is known for. Freedom of faith, speech and opinion are three of the main reasons the English Protestants, a century after Martin Luther, immigrated to the New World.

A belated post.....

I have had this to post for a while now...and lost it....it came back from cyber land, so I wanted to post it! Above is Ron and my cousin John...Pittsburgh Penguin hockey fans!!! And...more importantly....family!

Me and my mom's oldest sister, Aunt Marilyn...she reminds me so much of my grandmother!

My dear friend, Dawn...who happens to be my cousin Kim's cousin...multiple blessings!

My cousin Kathy, me and Kim

Oh, how this girl makes me laugh!!!!!

We have a large extended family on both sides. Lots of birthdays! We enjoyed celebrating my brother-in-law, Tommy's 30th birthday over the weekend. Yesterday, was my cousin Kim's birthday....so the kids and I headed over to see her last night.

Kim is married to my cousin, John. She and I have been close and have grown so much closer over the years...she is so special to us! All the kids enjoy being together, as well. Ron and John have a close relationship, too, going to a men's bible study every week, watching hockey and enjoying the same music and concerts. We are so blessed to have close family!

Kim has had a rough couple of years, recently, with a rare auto-immune illness that has required her to be on multiple drugs, chemo which made her so sick and made her lose her hair...and has seriously caused us to think we may lose her numerous times....and has caused us to value family even more.

Kim laughs....and makes others laugh as well. And, she laughs at herself more than anyone! She has taught me so many things about trusting God thru illness and pain....thru laughing through the pain and exhaustion because...(as she says) what else can you do?! To value my husband and children more than anything outside of our home...activities, commitees, commitments....nothing and no one is more important than family...starting in my own home.

We are having a sad time right now....along with the tragedy with the police officers, we've had news over the weekend, that our much loved Great Aunt and Uncle are not doing well...his Altzeimers is so bad, that he is now in a facility, and could go at any time....his wife, my Aunt Helen, is lost without the love of her life...they have been married for over 65 years, and other than when he was in Africa during WW2, they've rarely been separated.....it's breaking our hearts. They have been such an incredible example to us of a selfless, loving marriage.

With all the illnesses, and sadness...we feel the need to celebrate family even more right now....to be together...to simply spend time together making memories...and I thank God for the opportunities to do that.

So....Happy Birthday to....Tommy, Kim, Elizabeth, Michael Patrick, Rhonda and Pammy.....all of our dear family (and special friend).....who has a birthday this week! We are priviledged to be able to celebrate your lives...and how special you are to us!!!!

Sunday

Hello :)
I am so happy the blog is back!
Didja miss us?

Today was kinda crazy: Meghan and I actually woke up early (dont faint readers!) to get ready for church; that meant we could have a leisurely breakfast of banana bread and milk so we wouldn't starve :P After our friends the Skiles picked us up (Mum was staying home with Ronnie/Anna), we were on time! The sermon today was amazing; all about the good samaritan but not focused all on the story. Mr Pierson talked about the importance of loving ones neighbors, even if they are hard to love and ways to serve and help. Awesome worship too, and one of the songs I adore: O Happy Day! I posted the lyrics here:
Verse 1:
The greatest day in history, Death is beaten
You have rescued me
Sing it out Jesus is alive
The empty cross, The empty grave
Life eternal You have won the day
Shout it out Jesus is alive
He's alive

Chorus:
Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same
Forever I am changed

Verse 2:
When I stand, in that place
Free at last, meeting face to face
I am Yours Jesus You are mine
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate Jesus is alive
He's alive

Bridge:
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious way
That You have saved me
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious name
I am trying currently to learn the chords to that on my guitar... I love the chorus! If you have never heard it, look it up to listen to it; it is an amazing, happy joyful song.

After church, we came home and ate a salad after changing. Then my neighbor and her daughter Grace came and we went to Grace Christian Dance Recital because alot of my friends were in it. I am doing dance next year, so I wanted to go. It was great; so many beautiful dances, and all the smiles :) My favorite would have to be the irish step dance performed by (among others) my dear friend Bella, who was phenomenal. All in all, the performance didn't disapoint in the least.

Now we're home, watching Anna's new movie BOLT, then head off to bed! Glad to be back in the blog world again :) LOL, oh and if you want a background made, go to: http://blogbackgroundsinc.blogspot.com

Photo memories.....

Crazy Chloe cat....I like this picture!
Look at that smile.....Ty is irresistable!

Meghan followed a tradtion in our family and made this years "Lamb cake" for Easter...she even piped tons of stars on to make it look like wool.

Proud Dad! (tired Meghan)

Proud Grammy....she made them for years when I was a little girl, then I made them for years....now Meghan has take over....next year Sara wants to make one too!

So close cousins! Sara and Tina are only 11 months apart...and so close!

Anna 'helping' Ty ride her little car.

My beautiful Mom!

My niece, Lauren...it was so nice to spend time with her home from Penn State!



Our "sister" picture...I think maybe we should try for a better one....hmmm....

Cousins...the girls.....

Some of the guys...doesn't Shayne look like he is having fun?!


Pammy's 39th birthday....1 more year till the big '40'!

My Dad and Pammy....

Easter morning....Princess Anna!

Sara, pretty in pink.

Our 'blueberries', Meghan and Ronnie....he insisted on wearing his suit!


Ron is playing hockey on an adult instructional team once a week...he is loving it!

He is a big guy...playing defenseman
Our favorite model!


Meghan's piano recital yesterday....she played so beautifully! When she played "Fascination"...one elderly woman started singing along! She really blessed them!


Anna yesterday...minus her tonsils and adnoids. She loves the stuffed rabbit her aunt brought her...she named it cotton candy.

And....I was so pleased with this meal! Ron and the kids loved it, too....especially Ron! Venison and blackbean burgers, on a bed of jalepeno vinegar romaine lettuce...topped with guacamole, and salsa...with steamed broccoli as a side.

~Couldn't find any pictures on here of my crazy cousin Kim...must be on Sara's computer....I really wanted to put the pictures of her and her family....but more to come! I enjoyed posting these pictures....Ronnie and Anna helped me pick which pictures to post. More coming.....~Sue~

It's Procrastination!

Before I scurry off to write some very belated letters to my friends, I wanted to take this opportunity to write on our 'resurrected' blog! :)

Lately, between Easter, Anna's surgery and everything else, I've been feeling very hurried and busy. Like there's not enough time in a day. I realize this is from a whole bunch of different things that were all my own choice: waking up late (9 a.m to 9:30), not having at least a very basic plan for my day, staying up late reading and dawdling over my few chores that are required of me. I need to prayerfully consider what I do each day; instead of leisurely sipping a cup of coffee in my jammies with sleepy eyes at nine-thirty in the morning I should get up, (early!) get dressed, make bed and then get coffee and do devotions. The Lord directs my steps, however, it is up to me to make good choices for my day including having a good attitude towards work, schoolwork, the speech I'm starting for school, and/or any interruptions that come.

My intentions are great....I've tried setting my alarm early, even placing it across the room so I have to get up to shut that annoying beeping sound off, but most times I do that.....I crawl right back into bed for two more hours. Regrettably my daily devotions have been on the back burner. Now that the weather is so nice and warm (more like HOT!) the lovely birds have been singing in the trees through out the neighborhood, their 'dawn chorus.' Since our room is at the front of the house, close to a bunch of bushes, shrubs and a tree, I get a front row seat for the dawn chorus. At five or six o'clock on a Sunday morning, after tossing and turning from a stuffy nose all night, it is NOT PLEASANT! TO HEAR!! :) Ahem.....anyway, maybe this rather boisterous 'dawn chorus' will get me up and out of bed but not to just lean over and shut the window. :)


Please pray for me that I have a desire to get up early in the mornings to spend time in the Word and the desire to do my utmost best through the whole day for the Lord-and not to be lazy and slothful! In my opinion, my behavior has been the world's 'typical teenager on summer vacation' behavior-not a daughter of the Lord behavior.

To close....between Anna's surgery and preparations for that with making special foods, and finally finishing up the schoolwork I was very behind on, the past two weeks have been so busy and kind of crazy but now finally, the Lord has granted me peace, and a vision for productivity for my days, but most of all, a desire to more fully know and treasure Him.

Satan is a liar! (and teasing is MEAN!)

Hello!

Funny name for a blog post, isn't it?! Well....satan IS a liar! I was feeling as if our blog meant nothing to anyone....and my writing was a waste....I also felt pressured to post often....well, after much prayer and some time off....I miss it! I miss writing! I also have dear friends and family out of town who miss seeing pictures of my children, and keeping up with our daily lives...these friends and family are who I blog for....and for myself, as I find that writing is another creative outlet for me, and I enjoy it. Also, maybe, just maybe...something I write might be of benefit to someone...whether it is a recipe, or inspiration for a craft.....I find I get inspired by seeing/hearing cool crochet or sewing projects....healthy recipes or meal ideas...and my family benefits.

All of this to say....the blog is back up! I will be posting some pictures of Anna and the family soon. Anna had her tonsils and adnoids out on Thursday....after being at the hospital since 5:30am (and waking up at 4am),then coming home at 7pm...she was exhausted, and was up most of the night in pain. Praise God, though, she slept all night last night, has been drinking and today she ate good...and she has been playing outside and with Ronnie all day so far, she is acting much more normal. (her voice sounds like she inhaled helium, though....makes me smile!)

Off to make some carrot juice...and hopefully, get either Ronnie or Anna's clothes/seasons switched(since it is in the 80's this week!) before making dinner. My sister Lori is bringing Anna a movie "Bolt" that she loves on dvd...and Ty to distract her this evening. May you have a blessed Sabbath enjoying the Lord's blessings! ~Sue~

Last post....

Well...after much prayer and discussion, this blog will be closing. I will leave it up for 1 week, then it will be gone. It was fun and creative in the beginning, but, I'm finding with my fibromyalgia...I'm having lots more bad days, and when I'm having good days, I don't want to be on a computer....Our family is even letting our answering machine pick up instead of us answering, and are only checking email once a day in the evening. Too many interruptions to our family...makes life stressful when I am already in pain and fatigued. We are changing eating habits to more raw fruits and veggies....of course, these take time to be prepared....we are putting in a large garden....again, lots of time involved...and we are convicted to use our time more productively. So, thank you all for the kind comments and interest in our family. May the Lord bless you all richly! ~Sue, Meghan & Sara~

The Old Rugged Cross

        On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
 the emblem of suffering and shame;
 and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
 for a world of lost sinners was slain.

 So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
 till my trophies at last I lay down;
 I will cling to the old rugged cross,
 and exchange it some day for a crown.

 O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
 has a wondrous attraction for me;
 for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
 to bear it to dark Calvary.
 (Refrain)

 In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
 a wondrous beauty I see,
 for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
 to pardon and sanctify me.
 (Refrain)

 To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
 its shame and reproach gladly bear;
 then he'll call me some day to my home far away,
 where his glory forever I'll share.

~So I'll cherish, the Old Rugged Cross..... 

---

A little respite...

A little respite from blogging...spending a lot of family time, and so many birthdays this week! Lot's of pictures to post after Easter....I'm so glad we're blessed with so much family around us on both sides!

May your Easter celebration be blessed! ~Sue~

Our favorite policeman! Happy 30th Birthday, Tom!

Happy, happy 30th birthday, Tom!!! Ron's youngest brother, Tommy, just turned 30 years old yesterday...it is so hard to believe he is 30!!! He also is a City of Pittsburgh Policeofficer. This weekend, with the tragedy of losing 3 good officers, it made being able to spend time with Tom even more special...although the celebrations were much more subdued than they would have been normally. Saturday evening, a very subdued gathering was held in South Side for Tom...and he set up a very special memorial to his fellow officers. He had a flag with the police logo draped over a table, with each one of their pictures with the letters E O W and Saturday's date. He told me that that stands for "end of watch"...and my tears started to flow. He also had a cross, and a beautiful prayer for policeofficers on the table. Knowing that it could just as easily been Tom, made these family gatherings so precious to us....Tom is very, very special to us and we were so happy to celebrate his life! When Ron and I met, he was just turning 8 years old...he was so cute! He used to stop into the bank where I worked after school was over and get money for the local pizza shop...he knew I couldn't resist him! Here he is in our wedding 20 years ago....wasn't he cute?!

Tommy played hockey for years thru middle school and highschool for Canevin High School. Ron loved to watch him practice and was at most of his practices and games. Now...Ronnie really looks up to him and loves to "talk hockey" with his Uncle Tommy!

This was the day he became an officer. Oh, we were so proud!!! Ronnie was so impressed that his uncle was a brave policeofficer...and Ron was glad he was able to take Ronnie to Tom's graduation.

Here is Tommy and I (don't know who is in the background)...I look at him and remember all the times he stayed over, we took him iceskating, and how much I've loved seeing him grow into a brave man! (I'm crying again writing this...seems I've been very "weepy" all weekend!)

This picture is very special...my brother-in-law, Sean is on the far left. He lives in Chicago and flew in for Tom's birthday. It is rare that my mother-in-law has all her children together at the same time....between Sean living out of town, Ron & Tom both work weird shifts, and Maureen works long hours. Ro was so proud to have all her children together.

Yesterday, we all were at Ro's house for Tom's birthday and to celebrate Easter since Sean was home. Anna loves playing tea party with Ro's special bunnies, bears and tea sets.

Ronnie had fun playing with his cousin Michael, too!

We all loved seeing Aunt Peppy and Uncle Joe...and all the cousins. Aunt Peppy is Ro's only sister...together, the two of them are crazy!

Here is another picture of Sean, Maureen, Tom and Ron

I saved this picture for last...Tom's fiance', Kelli, is one of the sweetest people....and she's crazy about Tom! The reason that I saved this for last....is that even after a difficult weekend, and I'm sure a very difficult week...the best is yet to come for Tom....he and Kelli will be married in just 5 months and will start their lives together. We are all very much looking forward to their wedding and welcoming Kelli into our family....she is so good for Tom and makes him so happy! We love you both, Tom and Kelli! Happy 30th birthday, Tom!!!!

Please pray....

I'm not sure what to say, except please pray if God puts this on your heart. Today, in Pittsburgh, 3 police officers were gunned down and killed and 2 more wounded. All three men had children....one was in his early 20's, only on the force a short time and has a new baby. One had been on the force for 15 years protecting our city and is leaving a wife and 6 children. According to the news, the gunman used an AK37 assault rifle, and said that he was afraid that President Obama would ban weapons....it sounded like that was his excuse for the shooting as he held his own mother hostage.

One of our good friends is in charge of that zone and those were his men. I spoke with his wife earlier, and ask for prayer as he does his duty in this case. My youngest brother-in-law is also a city police officer and due to be married over Labor day....please pray for all of our officers....for strength, bravery and most of all safety....for the families of the slain officers...for their children, wives, parents, loved ones...comfort and peace....oh, and forgiveness for this (I can only guess) disturbed young gunman...for God's peace, comfort, strength and forgiveness to go forth today....for our city, and our world. ~Sue~

Joys of reliving the past!

What a special day! Even with the cold, rainy WINDY weather today! We decided (since it was Ron's day off) to take Ronnie and Anna to 'Build a Bear' this morning. They both received 'bear bucks' for Christmas along with coupons and more 'bear bucks' for Ronnie's birthday...and have been waiting to go.
With having Meghan and Sara...and doing all the fun things with them that we did when they were little, then waiting 6 years before having Ronnie and 2 1/2 years later, Anna....now we get to do all those fun things over again! Like Build a Bear! First, though, our morning started off with Ronnie losing another tooth! He was excited, but very matter of fact about it. Anna thought it was really neat!

Ronnie loves to show off the 'hole' in his mouth!

Here they are "stuffing" their new friends...Anna chose a lamb that she named "Lovey Lamb" and Ronnie chose a monkey that he named "Magnificent Monkey"...or M&M for short!

Time to kiss the hearts and put them in their friends! (Anna was so serious about this!)

Time to "air bath" them!

Anna chose a pink outfit for Lovey!

Ron helped Ronnie dress his monkey in a skateboarding outfit, complete with jeans, shirt, helmet, and all the pads...plus the skateboard!

Ron and I had so much fun experiencing this with our little ones! Meghan and Sara stayed home for some well deserved quiet time!

~Bedtime for everyone! Ron is visiting with his brother who is in visiting from Chicago...time to tuck the littles in!

Applause to Sara for figuring out the html codes and how to design her own blog background!!! She designed this one with all my favorite elements in it...from my colors, to the plaid and lace...I'm proud of her! Computers, as most machines, confuse and frustrate me! Which is why I like my 1936 sewing machine so much...it is very, very SIMPLE!

Off tomorrow to meet a friend early for a Salvation Army fundraising "Fabric Fair". I was able to get some good deals 2 years ago...and I'm looking for cottons, quilting fabric, and linens now....amazing the prices! I was told they have lots of yarn there, as well....my favorite things! Then...tomorrow night, a 30th birthday party for Ron's youngest brother....then another family party on Sunday! Family is so very important to us...and seeing his brother Sean is a treat as he doesn't come in often from Chicago. May you all have a wonderful weekend! ~Sue~

The Roots of Endurance....

It is a dark, rainy day in Pittsburgh! We've had such beautiful weather the past few days....couldn't keep the little ones inside, or even Anna in shoes! What fun! They have been playing with friends, running around, climbing trees, playing on the tire swings, at the playground, going for walks....it willbe nice to have a day inside! Yesterday, Ron bought a bicycle off of a friend of ours, so he brought it home, scrubbed it up, put air in the tires and took off for a test ride around the neighborhood....Anna comes into the kitchen where I'm making dinner and says very sadly " Mom...Dad ran away from home on his new bike, and he didn't wear his helmet!"...oh, my goodness, I cracked up! I explained to her that he didn't "run away" and that he would be right back, but that she was right..he should have worn a helmet! I don't know what horrified her more...the thought of him running away or no helmet!

We watched Ty (now 9 months old on Sunday) the past 2 days....he is crawling so fast, pulling to stand on everything, "talking" a mile a minute (like his mom and aunt)...and can fly in his walker.....we enjoy him so much! It's an adjustment having a baby in the house only 2 days a week...but so much fun! He enjoyed being outside, too....he loves the toddler swing we have in the back hanging from one of our trees...he laughs!

Maybe that is why rainy days don't bother me...I know we'll have sunny days again!

I just started reading a book by John Piper called " The Roots of Endurance". Now, I've owned this book for a couple of years now...ever meaning to read it when I "had time"....well....I suppose, God is telling me that the time is now, because I've been so drawn to this book the past few days...I have to force myself to put it down and do my chores! I'm only in the beginning, but wanted to share parts of this thought-provoking book.

"For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." Hebrews 10:36

"Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their Faith in Jesus." Revelation 14:12

"Have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:11-12

~The Biblical Roots of Endurance~

"I think the main reason endurance returns so often to my mind is a combination of global anxiety, and biblical urgency. We are unsettled by the world. It does not feel safe. It seems fragile and insecure. The 20th century was a sequence of bloody nightmares from which we could not wake up-because we were not asleep. The 21st century has begun with the shattering realization that there is no safe place on earth. Slowly, perhaps, many are wakening to the biblical view that " here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come" ( Hebrews 13:14); that this world does not offer a "kingdom that can't be shaken" (Hebrews 12:28) that we are "sojourners and exiles" (1Peter 2:11) ; that we should " not be surprised at the fiery trials....as though something strange were happening to us" (1 Peter 4:12); that "there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences....and terrors" (Luke 21:11) that "there will come times of difficulty...people will be...abusive...heartless...brutal...treacherous, reckless" (2 Timothy 3:1-4)

This is just a part of the introduction...here is a little more.....

"one way or the other, Christ will bring His church to realize that "in this world you WILL have tribulation" (John 16:33); that " all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2Timothy 3:12); that we are called to "share in the suffering for the gospel by the power of God" (2Timothy 1:8) and "we groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Romans 8:23) ; that "whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Christ sake and the gospel's will save it " (Mark 8:35) and that "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22.)

If we will not freely take our cross and follow Jesus (Mark8:34) on the Calvary road, it may be thrust upon us. It would be better to hear the warnings now and wake up to biblical reality. Existence in this fallen world will not be pain-free, trouble-free. There will be groaning because of our finitude and fallenness, and many afflictions because of our calling. (Romans 8:23; Psalm 34:19) Frustation is normal, disappointment is normal, sickness is normal. Conflict, persecution, danger, stress...they are all normal. The mind-set that moves away from these moves away from reality and away from Christ."

~ The next part of this chapter talks about biblical endurance. It starts with the question " How can we keep on loving and serving people when life has so much pain and disapointment?" What are the roots of biblical endurance?"

As I read, I'll share my thought here on this subject. I wish I could type out more, but Oh,...the pain my hands are in right now!

If it is sunny where you are right now...enjoy it! Savor it! If it is dark and rainy....enjoy it! Do somthing cozy....make some hot cocoa...read some books....laugh....and thank God for the rain that is watering His earth! Have a blessed day! ~Sue~