I Keep My Karate Like A Treasure In My Pocket

As you loyal readers of the 'Blog know, Tyler has been taking Tae Kwon Do classes for the past two months. He really enjoys every aspect of the training and can't wait for class to roll around each week. Today he tested for his yellow belt and did very well. This was his first time to test, so none of us knew what to expect. He, and all the other kids, lined up and performed tons of moves as Master Fred shouted out directions, rapid fire.

These pictures show Tyler doing different blocks and moves. To my dismay, all of his kick shots are blurry, but they're cool so I posted a couple anyway.

We are all very proud of Tyler and his hard work. The concept of the white belt is 'focus' and 'punctuality.' Ty has exhibited these traits in his training towards the yellow belt. He had lots of admirers from our family who came to cheer him on. Thank you to everyone who came today. It means SO much to us that you took time from your busy, busy Saturday to support our kidlet.

So now he starts work on his orange belt. Lots more training, more moves and blocks, even some awesome kicks and punches. Pretty soon, I think we'd all better watch how we talk to Tyler or we could end up in a body cast. Congratulations, Tyler!! We are so proud of you!!

I have always wanted to take pictures of the beautiful stained glass windows in our church. I love the way the sunlight streams through them and makes the colors so rich and deep. There are times when some of the panes just simply glow. And, of course, everyone knows that you can't have too much glow!

I know that the church is God's people, not a certain building. And I also know that if this lovely building where we worship was gone tomorrow, our church would still remain. But I do so enjoy being in this beautiful place. For me, it's the only church I've ever known, and I can't imagine belonging anywhere else.

It is humbling to think that so many years ago, people created these masterpieces to decorate God's House. No, a church doesn't have to look a certain way. I'm just so happy that mine is just right for me.

I Think We'll Call Him TAE-ler

Tyler has recently started studying Tae Kwon Do. He really wanted to do this for quite some time, but I just couldn't swing the logistics of it all until I got a lucky break and a class started right here in town. He goes two times per week and just loves it. The instructor works them so hard and they all eat it up. He (the instructor, not Tyler) is rather intimidating so even though I am the one paying the bill, I haven't had the nerve yet to bring my camera to class. But that can't stop a mother on a mission. Here within lies the never-before-published-unretouched photos of Tyler Tae Kwon Do-ing.

And, of course, there is another Tae Kwon Do-er in the house. He thinks he is quite possibly a double black belt, undercover of course.

Another Fun Experiment!

Well, 2009 is officially underway now and Christmas is old news so it's back to school we go. I have to say that although Christmas break was very fun and rewarding, we all were glad to get down to the business of school. We had a great first day. All the kids buckled right down and got to work. What a way to start off a new year! This riveting experiment I'm going to show you was officially performed in 2007, but I got kind of wrapped up in chatting about the holidays and, frankly, forgot about it. I found the video tucked away in a folder somewhere in the depths of the computer files (Don't ask me to find it again...you're lucky I located it once.) and decided to share it with you. Be aware that I'm not really as smart as this experiment makes me look. I just got lucky that it worked properly. Believe you me, I was just as surprised as the kids when it actually turned out the way the book said it should.

So what are you actually seeing here? Well, from the looks of it, a chemical reaction. Luke mixed some acid with water then capped the jar to allow the subsequent gas to build up. He then lit a match and used it to light the end of a toothpick. Once the toothpick was burning well, he blew it out then held it over the jar. WOW!! Did you see the toothpick BURST into flame?? I did too!! We did it over and over again until the chemical reaction had worn itself out and no more gas was being created.

Of course, if this impresses you greatly and you wish to think that I am incredibly brilliant and capable, by all means, go right ahead.

Last time we visited I emoted about what a wonderful Christmas gift I received this year. I wanted to share a couple (or maybe a couple more than a couple) of pictures I have taken with my new camera. I am learning so much about photography every day! Sometimes I get good pictures and then again, I delete an awful lot. I am trying out different kinds of photography to see what I really like to do. It's all very exciting, I know that much! Thank you for indulging me as I share my excitement with you!

Aren't All Those Boys even better looking when you can see them upclose and personal? I certainly think so!

Well, here it is, 2009 and I'm just now getting around to sharing all about our wonderful Christmas Day. That's not because I think Christmas is unimportant or that we had a rotten time that is better left way back in the past. Those things couldn't be further from the truth. The fact is, I've simply been so busy playing with my fantastic Christmas gifts that I haven't had time to work on the 'Blog. That, and there is one other thing. You see, Tim and All Those Boys surprised me with a really nice gift this year. I got the Camera Of My Dreams. I was actually afraid to open it for a few minutes for fear that 1) I was dreaming or 2) they had gotten ahold of an empty camera box and put different things inside. And, you see, while I was expressing my excitement over my most excellent gift, Luke was videotaping. It has taken me quite some time to decide that I can actually tolerate this video being posted on the Internet. It is pretty embarrassing, to be frank. But I am nothing if not a good sport. So in the interest of the public's right to know, here is the previously-rumored-to-exist-but-never-substantiated Christmas video.

Now wasn't that fun? My dear husband and children certainly thought so! I'm not the only one who had a great Christmas. Everyone seemed to really enjoy their gifts. The day was spent playing with new games and gadgets. No one had an emotional breakdown. We watched a movie that evening and wrapped up a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

What A Wonderful Christmas It Was!

I have to say, the 2008 holiday season was just excellent. We enjoyed very much all the get- togethers with our families, the delicious once-a-year type foods we ate, the generous presents, everything! We started our festivities the Sunday before the Big Day.....

My (Donna's) family descended upon our house with all the boisterous frivolity for which we're so well known. We ate, drank eggnog and made very loud merry. Paula discovered some of her reindeer had somehow migrated to our house. (That'll teach her to move and leave stuff like that in her shed!) We celebrated Communion and read the Scripture as a family. (The Lucan account of Christ's birth, no less.) And we listened to Sandy read a very moving Christmas story. Of course, there were presents! Lots of presents! Everyone loved what they got, but best of all was being together. We missed those who couldn't be here, certainly, but we were so glad for those who could be.

Then on Christmas Eve, Tim's family came over to celebrate. This was a very special time because every single member of the family was here. I can't think of the last time we were all together...nor when we will be again. We had several different kinds of soup along with sandwiches and LOTS of deliciously divine desserts. Indeed. We also shared Communion as a family, and it was beautiful.

We are all very thankful for our families and so glad we got to spend some time with everyone at Christmas! Merry Christmas! We love you!