All posts by KME

Lots of Pictures – because I can

June 21, 2008 KME 3 Comments

Tim was a love and stayed up late to fix my computer troubles last night. I went to bed, leaving my computer in his capable hands. By the time he was ready to slumber, the issue was resolved and my zippy internet speed restored.

And who doesn’t want zippy internet speed? I like just saying zippy internet speed.

In order to test Tim’s finesse with a modem, I thought I would upload a plethora of pictures and share them with you all. Here goes.

Elise and Sarah

Sarah and her friend, Elise, enjoyed a visit this week.

david

Who’s carseatis this?

Daniel and some friends

Daniel, Adam and Isaac explore the great outdoors.

my joyful girl

This is one of the crafts Rachel made in our Being a Joyful Girl class.

kathy and julee

Kathy and Julee – moms of those joyful girls.

There you have it. A little collection of pictures from this past week. I didn’t include one of Joshua because I had a difficult time collecting one. “Oh, Mom!” is what I typically hear when I pull out the camera in his presence.

Here is a link detailing some of the specifics about Rachel’s Being a Joyful Girl class. What a special time!

Kathy

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A Household of Men

No More Bloggy Hiatus

A Kitten for Sarah

Musings

Computer Troubles

June 20, 2008 KME 2 Comments

My computer is sluggish and slow today. I don’t know if it is the internet connection, our web hosting, or something sinister running on the computer.

Whatever it is, it’s annoying! I’m part of the microwave generation – I like my computer experience to be quick and speedy, with little delays between the clicks of my mouse. It’s taking forever, like totally 37 minutes, to upload pictures for the blog. I often don’t begin writing until nearly midnight. I don’t have time to wait for lengthy upload sessions.

I have cute kids and family members who are eager to see daily pictures on the blog. There’s no time for 37 minute delays. The other night I uploaded four pictures. It took so long I had time to clean the kitchen, make Tim’s lunch, bake a batch of breakfast pancakes, watch two loads of laundry and watch a portion of a movie.

Very productive, I admit, but not exactly a simple bloggy experience. It also pushed my bedtime back by several hours. It doesn’t help that I’m a stubborn blogger and was determined to post WITH pictures, by golly.

Thankfully I know an amazing computer guy who makes house calls, when I can drag him away from the tomato plants. Hopefully he’ll have some hope to offer.

Meanwhile this pictureless blog will have to do. The two pictures I selected for this post have a reported hour left until their copying is complete.

I hope to be in bed, asleep by then.

Kathy

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Project 365 - Day 16 (Daily Bible)

He Gives and Takes Away

Tears and Laughter

Musings, Parenting, Rachel

Lessons I Learned Today

June 20, 2008 KME 4 Comments

Today I was privileged to learn, or perhaps I should say re-learn, some important life lessons.

1) Friendships require work. They are worth the effort because of the joy and strength and encouragement they bring into your life.

2) Email is NOT the best vehicle for dealing with conflict or struggles in relationships.

3) Prayer is essential, without it I am likely to make rash, head strong decisions. With prayer I am led by the Holy Spirit, covered in His grace, and a godly example to my friends and family.

4) There are two (or three or four) sides to every story. The more informed you are, the better.

5) Being quick to apologize and resolve conflict brings healing and restoration.

6) Mature, godly friends are an unbelievable blessing.

This week Rachel and some of her girlfriends are attending a class on Being a Joyful Girl taught by one of my friends. Each day the girls spend two hours studying what it means to be a godly young lady. A portion of the time is devoted to a beautiful craft and another part to hearing from older, wiser women as they share from their lives.

After class today I was given the opportunity to work on these aforementioned life lessons. In the midst of some conflict, in which I did NOT first seek the Lord in prayer or speak to the people involved in person, I was humbled and impressed by the power of grace, a contrite heart and forgiveness.

How tender of our heavenly Father to use something that Satan meant for evil (stirring up trouble among the girls who are learning each day to be more like Jesus), and turn into a picture of forgiveness, repentance and joy. I am awed by His ability to take a situation that could have festered and caused cracks in long standing friendships, and instead create a deeper bond with hearts tied together closer.

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:14-15

And so lessons are taught to both parent and child. What will tomorrow bring, I wonder?

Kathy

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Dreams

Background Investigation

Dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High

Family, Musings, Project 366

Cousins, Bicycles and Blogging Thoughts

June 19, 2008 KME 13 Comments

Lately I’ve been struggling with my vision for the blog.

What do I want to say?
Who is my audience?
How much time and effort can I / should I spend writing?
Is blogging a ministry or more a photo-journal for the family?

I rode my bike to the library with some of the children this week. Actually we’ve been twice this week. There’s a nice, easy path that leads nearly all the way to the library. I rode alongside David (age 7) this evening. The sun was shining and the landscape green and lush.

“This is a beautiful ride, Mom,” he said to me as we pedaled together companionably. I was grateful for the moment away from the chores and duties of the house and the responsibilities of grown-up life. I was struck by how fleeting life is and how quickly those precious moments fly by.

sarah's new bike

Daniel helps Sarah with her New Bike.

At the library I did a strange thing, I checked out a book. Several books in fact. Works of fiction, for adults. Not a picture book or a movie. Not a school book novel or a cookbook. Later on in the evening, I continued with the strange behavior. I read the book. Many pages consecutively. It was a thrilling experience, but reading a book takes away from bloggy reading and writing.

Last night I was too tired to stay up and blog. The reason I was so overcome with fatigue? The night before I had stayed up until the wee hours reading a novel. This morning I had nearly two hours at Starbucks all by myself. I brought seven books with me (all non-fiction), my Bible, a journal and a thick notebook. I didn’t blog or even think about blogging the entire time.

You can see the trend developing, I’m sure. And I haven’t even mentioned the conviction upon my heart regarding the time I need to be spending schooling the children with focus and attention.

Cousins enjoy a game

Cousin Timothy is here from Norway! Just in time for a game of Power Grid with Joshua.

I love blogging. I love the energy and the connection with other bloggers. I enjoy crafting a meaningful or amusing post. I like pairing interesting blogs with beautiful pictures. I appreciate the opportunity to hone my writing or minister to readers.

But…what is my vision? How does the Lord want to use this blog? Do I care about numbers, stats and comments? Am I only energized and excited about the blog when readership is growing? Do I have the time and energy to make the blog excellent, to write with care and purpose?

Compelling thoughts. I’m not sure what answers will come forth but the process is certainly an adventure.

What about you? If you blog, do you have a mission statement or vision for your blog? How much time do you spend reading and writing? What are you looking for in a blog? What are you NOT looking for in a blog?

Thoughtful in WA,
Kathy – Day 170

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How Not to Repent

WFMW - Kids Clean then Craft

A Tribute for Grandad

Daily Life, Family, Project 366

Golf Cart Rides

June 17, 2008 KME 7 Comments

I don’t think you really need to be a golfer in order to own a golf cart. In fact, I have long suspected that some golfers take up the sport just so they can drive a sporty little golf cart. Maybe you just need to live near a golf course. Take a look at this review for best golf balls for beginners. Do you play golf casually? How about a device that can measure both your golf swings on the course? Choosing the best golf launch monitor at Shop Indoor Golf and takes more than merely ordering the first one you see, no matter what the brand. To get the best one for you, you should know what features will provide you with the most information.


Rachel takes everyone for a spin.
When an opportunity to purchase a friend's golf cart became available, Tim and I quickly jumped at it.  Although they don't golf OR live near a golf course, we thought Tim's parents would love to have a golf cart for The Refuge.  They have visitors of all ages come out to the retreat center and having a small vehicle available for transportation around the property is just perfect.

David and Daniel catch up on their bikes.
Not to mention the entertainment value for grandchildren.
It doesn't go very fast, but then how speedy do you want to travel when you're giving tours, observing wildlife and exploring trails. Although if you like to practice golf you might like these lightweight golf bags where you can have all of your equipment together.
Now if we can just get the kids to say goodbye to their favorite new toy.