Great Wolf Lodge

We had the fun opportunity to get over to Seattle Tues and Wed...somehow we always have the foresight to choose the worst times to travel over the passes. :) Anyways, we've wanted to get to Great Wolf Lodge over the years, and this was finally the week. My sis and her two kiddos were flying in, and we thought we might as well pick them up and spend some time in Seattle while we were at it. On Tues we stopped in Chinatown Seattle for a couple of hours and had a yummy Chinese lunch there. It was great to be able to have the kids see a smidge into a different culture. James seemed to like it pretty well, but wasn't quite as excited as I thought he would be. 

Then, down to Great Wolf we went. We were pleasantly surprised at how nice the hotel itself was - I think we were expecting something kind of mediocre with a water park emphasis. Our room was well appointed and spacious, even for the lowest level room they have. Interestingly enough, when we went to check in they asked if we wanted to upgrade for $25-50. So, if you are thinking about the higher priced room, you might just want to wait till check in although I'm not sure if they always do that. The water park was very well done with lots of very vigilant life guards. They had a great little kids area, a couple of middle sized slides, two tube slides, and two large slides. All the slides seemed to be quite fast which we really enjoy. They also had a huge wave pool with three different types of water - smooth, traditional waves, and wild and crazy waves. Another option was a regular pool area with a special part of water basketball and the other section for playing on water toys and such. Lastly, they had two hot tubs - one inside and one out.

The kids enjoyed the slides a lot although they did get a bit burned out on the second day. Great Wolf allows you to use their facilities from 1 p.m. on the first day through 9 p.m. on the second day. Since we were picking up my sis at 9 p.m. we spent most of the second day at the water park. For Dave and I it was a bit too much, too long. We don't really enjoy constant action and craziness. But, for the purpose, Great Wolf does a good job. 

Another thing to mention is that the whole hotel is very geared around entertaining the kids to death and spending as much money as possible - although not in a pressure sort of sense. There is a large arcade, lots of snack areas, spas, and also a MagicQuest option. We didn't do that, but it seemed like about half the kids there were involved in that (extra cost) which did take quite a bit of people away from the slide area. 

There's probably more that could be said, but I need to get to bed for BSF tomorrow. :) All in all, it was a fun couple days, but we aren't planning to go again. Also, since my sis will be here the next week, my posting may be a bit sparse... 

 

 

good quad workout with all the stairs
 

How Deep the Father's Love

As I was working on our BSF lesson for tonight (Eph 2-3), the theme of our unworthiness and God's amazing love to us came through loud and clear. And, that brought to mind this lovely hymn...just thought I'd share it with you...

How Deep the Father's Love 

Stuart Townend

How deep the Father's love for us 

How vast beyond all measure 

That He would give His only Son 

To make a wretch His treasure 

How great the pain of searing loss 

The Father turns His face away 

As wounds which mar the chosen One 

Bring many sons to glory 

Behold the Man upon a cross 

My guilt upon His shoulders 

Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice 

Call out among the scoffers 

It was my sin that held Him there 

Until it was accomplished 

His dying breath has brought me life 

I know that it is finished 

I will not boast in anything 

No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom 

But I will boast in Jesus Christ 

His death and resurrection 

Why should I gain from His reward? 

I cannot give an answer 

But this I know with all my heart 

His wounds have paid my ransom

As I was looking up a question regarding tonight's text online...I happened across a question that I thought was very interesting. Basically, "If all a church knew about the Lord was from the music they sang, how deep would their knowledge be?" I really liked that question as a lot of more current music has been dumbed down compared to the incredible depth in some of the old, well-loved hymns (although this hymn was written in just 1995). But, thankfully, there is also some good contemporary music. :)

Closing a Chapter

It's been a tough week for us around here...today was our last day at our church where we have been loved, encouraged, and blessed...also the church where we have served, given, and ministered. God is leading us into the next chapter. On one hand we have a measure of excitement as we step out of our comfort zone and into the unknown, on the other hand a great sadness at leaving, but Lord willing this decision will allow the bearing of greater fruit for the kingdom. The congregation and eldership have been more than wonderful during this transition, and we've received numerous words, written and spoken, filled with love and grace towards us. We especially appreciated their final expression of love towards us as all gathered and prayed over us at the end of the service today. What a joy it is to know that we will continue to be family as the years go by.

As I've written from time to time on the blog, we've been so challenged these last couple years to be purposeful, focused, and productive...to not be content with the status quo. It's so easy to get lulled to sleep and stuck in the comfort rut (that's why I appreciate people like Platt, Chan, and Piper). Although Dave and I feel we have done a decent job at building up the body, we have also felt that we have done very poorly at spreading the good news. Our hope and prayer during these next months and years is that we will be more diligent in that pursuit allowing both growth for eternity and greater growth in our personal lives.

we recently had church directory pics done by my lovely friend Heather

David Platt

I'm not sure if you all are familiar with David Platt, but he is a pastor with a great heart for living out the gospel. He is extremely challenging and real about what the gospel means and how we need to be living in light of what the Bible says. Dave and I have listened to a number of sermons of his over the last year or two, and this past week I began his book, Radical. The subtitle is "Taking back your faith from the American dream." I've realized I really enjoy books that challenge you...I don't do real well with touchy-feely kind of books. Here's a quote from the first chapter as he reflects on the differences between his new mega-church and the time fellowshipping with an underground house church in Asia:

But as a new pastor comparing the images around me that day (his 1st Sunday as pastor) with the pictures still fresh in my mind of brothers and sisters on the other side of the world, I could not help but think that somewhere along the way we had missed what is radical about our faith and replaced it with what is comfortable. We were settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves. 

We took James up skiing for the first time today...
I thought I had more pics, but all the rest were videos

Serving Together

I can't remember if I wrote about this last month, and I'm too tired to go looking right now, but yesterday we had our second service day for the ladies at church. And, it was just super! There is such a wonderful connection and delight in serving for a common goal...especially if that goal is to bless someone everyone knows. Yesterday, we went and cleaned an office building - about 8 people showed up and a half dozen kids. We all went briskly to work in our respective areas chatting with those close by. By the time two hours was done, the building looked 100% better. So, I encourage you to find a buddy or two and a project to bless someone with and just do it! :)

some pics of Evans - taken from Susan's phone so not the best
 

 

Evans

We had the great pleasure of meeting Evans tonight. Dave's brother's family adopted a little boy from Ghana and finally brought him home this past Monday. They began the process just over a year ago, hit a few bumps here and there, but thankfully nothing major. He is a great little guy - very happy, pleasant, easy going, jumped right in with our kids, and seemed to be adjusting well. We've been praying for them through this whole process and it was such a delight to see this new blessing in their life. I didn't take any pics, but will post some when I get some.

Gifts 217-242

I've wanted to get back into counting God's gifts to me (a discipline encouraged by One Thousand Gifts) that has gone by the wayside these last many months. Our passage from Mon BSF was Eph 1 on the incredible spiritual gifts God has lavished on His children. Take a moment to read it if you haven't for a while. Otherwise, here are some of my recent gifts:

217 frost crunching underfoot

218 the smell of toast toasting

219 morning light peeking over the hills

220 setting the alarm a half hour later

221 little heads resting against my shoulders

222 voices strongly singing hymns

223 finishing another good book

224 a beautiful hydrangea brought by my hubby

225 friends that delight in serving

226 a fire crackling merrily

227 deer on the driveway

228 cutie toodle slipping her hand into mine

229 little kiddos dressing up in high heels

230 laying in bed thinking

231 fresh dry erase markers

232 listening to scripture in Chinese

233 snuggling up looking through an American Girl magazine

234 seeing the latest Lego creations

235 talking about what to name play horses

236 airline tix for my sis to come visit

237 an unexpected trip to the movies with gramma

238 a quiet cup of coffee with my dad

239 phone conversations that go better than expected

240 a multitude of eager hands for a service day

241 steaks that aren't overcooked

242 sending a text through gmail

a couple more pics from Disney

The Tanglewoods' Secret

We worked our way through another book by Patricia St. John, The Tanglewoods' Secret. True to form, it was another real life book that pointed to Christ. This story surrounds the adventures of a brother and sister who are staying with their aunt and uncle while their parents are away. The sister, Ruth, struggles a lot with her temper and attitude while the older brother is easy going. They enjoy their free time away in the woods studying nature, birds particularly, and exploring. After a particularly miserable encounter with her aunt, Ruth runs away and finds herself sleeping the night in a church. The following morning, she meets the pastor and her life is changed as she gives herself to The Shepherd. The story continues with their relationship to a poor boy who makes a bad decision which ultimately ends up leading to his death (may be a hard subject for particularly sensitive kiddos). Throughout, St. John weaves the gospel and shows how Ruth tells others about Jesus and how her life is changed. As with all her books, many children may not stick with the book totally on their own, but it works well as a read aloud, and my kids always enjoy them. Good book...realistic story line...good challenge to know Christ and become more like Him.

Message in a Bottle

I don't think I ever ended up posting about Hannah's message in a bottle...last summer Hannah had read in a magazine about how someone had put a note in a bottle, dropped it into the ocean, and how it was found later on. She, of course, thought that was both amazing and exciting and promptly went and wrote up a note for herself. Since we don't live by the ocean, it was a number of months before she could cast it off. In Aug, Dave Sr. and Susan took the grandkids out to Seattle and on a ferry ride. Hannah dropped her bottle - she had put her note into a plastic water bottle with marks to open all over it. :) Then, back in early Dec. she received two letters in the mail. One, from the lovely lady that had found the bottle and was so excited, and the other from a sleigh ride company with four tickets from the lady to take a sleigh ride.  The lady was extremely sweet, has four daughters of her own, and just loved the idea of sending out messages in a bottle. Hannah was beyond thrilled to have her message turn out so well. 

So, finally in mid Feb, we took our tickets and Hannah's best friend and went off for our sleigh ride...here are some pics:

it was a neat morning in Leavenworth that day

Take Every Thought Captive

This past week in BSF I taught through 2 Cor 8-13. In that section is the little part "take every thought captive to obey Christ." That concept has been a significant help in my Christian walk. Even though that is a somewhat familiar concept, I hadn't quite appreciated the value of it until a couple of years ago. The idea that unwanted, undesired thoughts will creep into our minds is a given, and that, in itself, is not sinful. However, as we continue to entertain those wrong thoughts and then move on to acting upon them, that becomes sin (see James 1:14-15). The battle really begins in the mind. So, in this short section of how to wage spiritual warfare, we see that we are able to conquer, through Christ, our thoughts.

So, how does that practically work itself out? For me, it starts with knowing God's word...we must know what is right and pleasing to God and what is wrong and sinful. Thankfully, we've been given the Holy Spirit to help us in that discerning process. We need to discipline our minds to think only on things listed in Phil 4:8. Then as a wrong thought enters my mind, I basically think this isn't pleasing to God so I need to replace it with something else. The replacing part is also key. Here are a couple of examples:

Doesn't he/she see I could use some help - replace with - Lord, help me be willing to serve.
Boy, I could do that job a lot better - replace with - Lord, please help me to remember all my abilities come from you and not be proud.
Won't these kids ever learn? - replace with - Lord, help me be patient and willing to train them for You.
He/She doesn't really care about me - replace with - Lord, help me overlook their unkindness/inconsideration/etc. and show them love anyways.
I'd really like to follow that (bad) link - replace with - Lord, help me not to give into that temptation and only look on things that are pure.
I deserve such and such, or I don't deserve this - replace with - Lord, you know what is best for me, help me to be content in my current circumstances.

Notice all the "help me's" - it's so important to understand that we need to have the right mindset even if the other person could/should do things better. It's not at all wrong to pray for the other person to change or bring up an issue if needed, but even if nothing changes, we are called to think rightly. Also, please note, I in no way do this really great, but some of the struggles I used to have are no longer popping into my head quite as steadily. What a blessing that God gives us the tools to overcome the temptations that we face.

Today we went up to Mission Ridge and it was a most gorgeous day

I brought the camera and was excited to get some good pics, but the battery died after just a couple

So, here's a video from just off of Chair 1

Mr. Pipes

This book, Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation, has been a supposed read-aloud for bedtime reading. However, we sadly have done almost no bedtime reading of late (probably due to Nerf wars and other such things). Since this was checked out from our church library at least six months ago - on a one month checkout policy, I figured I should return it. But, I wanted to blog about it first. As aforementioned, I have not completed this book so this is really an incomplete review...

The premise of this book is to introduce children to Reformation hymn writers through means of a story. There are two children who go to visit their friend in England and along the way have various adventures that  help us learn more about these early hymn writers. Each chapter is about 20 pages long and focuses on a single person with the concluding pages containing a popular hymn of theirs. It is pleasantly written with humor and some parts would be best read with an English accent. I think it is a great way to introduce children both to the men behind these well known hymns and the beauty of the hymns themselves. I see on Amazon that it says for teens, but I think it could be read to a bit younger audience.

Now that I've written this, I think I'll go purchase a copy for my shelves...to be read whenever a better time is found. :)

We made signet rings as we learned about King Darius (made from Sculpey - love that stuff!)
I tried to press one into wax and it didn't work all that well though

This one has the best inscription :)

Hannah made hers very lovely

How to be a good friend

Last night we had some of our dearest friends over...three other families that we have been close with for a number of years. We always have a most delightful time and are surprised how quickly four hours goes by. The kids run right in and we never see them except to eat. It is interesting to me that none of us attend the same churches and we school differently. As I was thinking how special those times are, it got me to thinking why those relationships have a depth that few others do...

1. There is no "show". I don't worry about having dust on my furniture or not having matching cups. My hair may be crazy, and there may be sticky stuff on the floor...and that's okay. We feel totally open and at home with each other. There is no feeling of not measuring up, no pressure to have things a certain way. That is very freeing.

2. We all pitch in. No one is doing a huge portion of the work. Everyone brings something to contribute and everyone helps get things back in order. Last night one friend and I were talking while the other two were busy bees in the kitchen getting everything cleaned up, and even starting the dishwasher! And, I'm sure they didn't mind doing it. We look for ways to serve one another...there is nothing that one of us isn't willing to do for the others. 

3. We ask questions and we listen. We genuinely care about what is going on in others lives. No one is dominating the conversation, and no one isn't willing to be open and vulnerable. We rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn. 

4. We see where needs are. One of the friends is moving, so we're planning some time to go over and help out. I have complete confidence that if I ever needed anything any one of these ladies would be ready in a minute to be there for me. Although we're all busy, being willing to serve others is a priority. 

5. We talk about anything and everything. Last night our conversation ranged from cleaning out behind refrigerators to dealing with teenagers...from grouting fireplaces to challenges with church. We are willing to share our joys and trials...we are also willing to be encouraged and challenged by the others. We care enough for each other to speak the truth in love. That doesn't happen too much these days. 

Well, that's all I'm coming up with right now, and I really should be prepping for BSF tomorrow...2 Cor 8-13...should be good. 

This afternoon Toodle and I went to Stars on Ice...nice to spend some time with just her

Bridal Shower

It's been an awfully long time since I've been to a bridal shower, but I had the pleasure of hosting one here tonight. One of the Radiologists that works with Dave is getting married to a girl from Florida, and I thought it would be nice for her to enjoy a shower here. So, that's how it came about. It was interesting looking for games and recipes...here's what I ended up doing:

Recipes: A few other ladies brought some things, but I made a chocolate pound cake (first time recipe, but really yummy and chocolatey-I used 1/2 c less sugar), almond bars, and cherry fudge (extremely easy, but does taste like frosting). 

Games: 1) Pick a mint (or any other multi-colored item). Each guest picks a couple of chosen items. Then you show what info they share about based on their color choice. Tonight the mints came in four colors - white:family, yellow:places, pink:food, and green:activities. Based on how many mints each person took they would share one or more pieces of info about themselves relating to the coordinating topic. 

2) Bridal Shower Mad Lib - this was a fun one although there are tons of fill-ins so it took a bit longer than I anticipated. I did make a caveat at the beginning that this was a G-rated bridal shower just to make sure no one contributed any inappropriate words. 

3) His/Hers - ahead of time, have each person fill out a questionnaire. Then pick one of their responses to be the answer to the question. The shower guest try to guess which one wrote that specific answer. I found a cute printable (which I can't find anymore) that each person would hold up based on their choice. Here are the questions we choose - Hannah and I had fun making some of them up one afternoon.

Favorite color 

Favorite flavor of ice cream 

Favorite sport 

Favorite movie 

Favorite cuisine 

The country I would most like to visit is

My favorite school subject was

If I had $500 to spend on ONE item, I would buy

The household chore I like the most is

The household chore I like the least is 

The item I lose the most often is 

Who is your hero or someone you admire?

Which do you prefer (circle one)…

Cats, dogs or fish?

Dress shoes, tennis shoes or sandals?

The beach, the mountains, or the mall?

China dishes or paper plates?

Sweatpants, Formalwear or Jeans?

Run a mile, get a tan, or take a swim?

Dust, vacuum, or wash dishes?

Read a book, watch a movie, or play a game?

Candlelight or Disco ball?

Mac or PC?

Flowers: Silk or real? 

4) Draw on the Head - I've played this game a lot in many variations. Basically you pick an item and the people draw said item on a paper plate on their head. Some people are amazingly capable at this sort of thing - I can't even draw on a piece of paper in front of me.

5) Dice game - didn't have time for this one - You have two small boxes or something to roll dice into as well as a certain number of prize gifts, say three. Then you start the boxes on opposite corners of the room. Each person rolls two dice and if they get doubles they grab a gift. The boxes travel around the room with each person rolling. Once all the gifts have been taken, whenever someone rolls a double, they choose a gift from someone who has one. This goes on for a set number of time then whoever is left with the gift gets to keep it.

6) Bridal Shower Family Feud - didn't have time for this one either - This just follows along the same idea as the show, just wedding related. Here's the questions just for fun:

Besides a rose, what is the most popular wedding flower? 
38 - Lily 
18 - Calla Lily 
13 - Daisy 
09 - Carnation 
07 - Orchid 
07 - Tulip 

What is the most popular color for a bridesmaid dress? 
41 - Pink 
19 - Blue 
13 - Red 
08 - Purple 
05 - White 
03 - Black 
03 - Ivory 
02 - Green  

Besides a church, name a popular location to get married. 
34 - Beach 
17 - Park 
14 - Garden 
09 - Outdoors/Outside 
08 - Hotel 
04 - City Hall/Courthouse 
03 - Banquet/Reception Hall

02 - Las Vegas 

Name a popular honeymoon location. 
53 - Hawaii 
09 - Bahamas 
07 - Carribean 
07 - Jamaica 
04 - Niagara Falls 
03 - Mexico 
02 - Cancun 
02 - Disney World 

What is the most popular small appliance given at a bridal shower? 
42 - Toaster 
28 - Blender 
07 - Mixer 
06 - Coffee Maker 
05 - Can Opener 
03 - Food Processor 
Name something the couple does at the wedding ceremony
56 - Kiss 
14 - Dance 
11 - Vows 
06 - Cut Cake 
05 - Exchange Rings 
04 - Light Candles 

Name a musical instrument played at weddings:

64  - Organ      

18  - Piano      

06 -  Violin      

05 -  Harp      

04 -  Guitar     

03 -  Flute      

Hannah got dressed up to meet the ladies

here's the cute printable, I pasted one on each side

Misc Links

Tonight I just wanted to share a couple of things I've come across in the last week or two that I appreciated. 

First off, a quote spoken by a man about his wife: "I make the living, she makes the life worth living." Isn't that great? Sometimes I wonder if I make the life worth living when I'm tired of pressing on and am not acting with joy. Thankfully, I have a patient husband. :)

This link has challenged me to make an effort to be a greater encouragement to younger women. I've often thought about doing some mentorship, but the whole time thing always seems to get into the way...I'm going to have to work on that a bit. Weary Mothers

This recipe looks like something I need to make sometime soon. Pots de Creme a l'Orange

Here's a poem I enjoyed, and it's always a good reminder for the busyness of our days. Mother, Take the Time

And one woman's letter to her children about their potential marriages.

And, since I always enjoy Ann V's blog, here's one that is a good daily reminder - perspective is so important. Another Grace Day

let the Nerf mods begin (for those of you not "in the know", mods is short
for modifications, that is making your Nerf gun shoot further and faster)

Here's wild Nerf girl, Kat

we decided eye protection is now required with our new Nerf mods
so if you ever drive by our house at night and don't see any lights on,
don't be fooled...there's probably a Nerf war going on :)

Responding Well

There's pounding at the door...I know it's one of the kids...I sigh and wonder how it seems impossible for them to open the door by themselves sometimes. I get up from working on something, feeling an angry response ready for when I open the door..."Don't you think you're old enough to open a door!"..."Don't you know mommy is doing something right now?" Thankfully, that's not what comes out. "What's up, Toodle?" comes out instead...not quite joyful, but not angry either. She holds up a mittened hand with a piece of gum in it..."It fell out of my mouth when I was sledding" "How is sledding going?" I ask. "Is it fun?" She responds with a breathless and red-cheeked, "Yes, it's great!" I tell her thanks for being responsible and not just leaving gum in the grass for someone else to step on and away she goes. 

As I sit back down, I think of how differently that conversation could have gone...how easily our words crush and hurt those precious gifts we've been given. Yes, the door could've/should've been opened on her own, but is responding in anger really going to encourage that response...perhaps, but at what cost to the relationship? One of the most challenging aspects of motherhood is the continual need to be vigilant...to bite one's tongue and respond with gracious words...to remember hearts are tender and need training not a lashing. This is something I've learned slowly over the last ten years. My sinful response is to give the kids a bit of the annoyance I feel at their actions rather than redeeming the opportunity for both their benefit and mine. God calls us to such a high standard...I am most thankful that He also is patient with us and gives us the ability to be what He calls us to be as we seek Him.

Just a couple update pics from some projects going on around here...

Manners and Character Traits board

closer view

history timeline...a bit odd I think with things just getting placed next to each other
rather than really grouped into time periods, but grouping items has its own challenges

and, here are our project boards...sadly Mystery of History has not had the
breadth or depth of projects that Story of the World had had

actually, many of the projects are from our Spanish studies

Pasta Primavera

Here's one of my favorite recipes...super yummy, but it does take a bit of preparation.

Pasta Primavera

taken from The Southern Living Cookbook

8 oz uncooked fettuccine or linguine (I probably use more like 10-12 oz)

1/3 c pine nuts (I use whatever I have around)

2 c fresh broccoli florets (cut smallish)

1 1/2 c fresh snow peas

2 lg carrots, diagonally sliced

10 large fresh mushrooms, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 c fresh Parm cheese

1 c whipping cream (I use half and half and it works fine)

6 green onions sliced

12 cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1/4 c fresh parsley (I use dried, and probably put in about half)

1/3 c fresh basil (also use dried, probably about half)

1/2 t salt

1/2 t pepper

extra Parm cheese for top

Cook pasta as usual. Toast pine nuts (350, 3-5 minutes). Steam broccoli, peas, and carrot a couple of minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process. Melt butter in large skillet. Add mushrooms and garlic - saute over med heat just until tender. Ad 1 1/2 c cheese and cream, stirring until cheese melts. Add broccoli mixture, green onions, and next 5 ingredients, stirring well. Add pasta, and toss to coat. Spoon onto platter - sprinkle with pine nuts. 

There's been a lot of  Nerf wars around here lately...

Happy Valentine's Day

We had a pretty low-key day around here...Dave was on call so we had a yummy breakfast of snacks the kiddos had made with my mom yesterday (shown below) (I couldn't bring myself to introduce more sweets into our house).  Then we had a regular off-day of school with Nerf gun math - draw circles on the white board with points in them...every right answer you get a shot. And, then this evening, we had a little treasure hunt that led to a couple of gifts - a book, a box of chocolates to share, and the Angry Birds game. Although the idea behind the game is quite clever and fun, it is harder to get that catapult to go where you want it to than you realize. I also found that it was a decent lesson in physics as you had to build the structures in a reasonable way so they weren't too side heavy and toppled over. Hope yours was pleasant as well...