Ryan's 40th Surprise

This is the video I made for Ryan's 40th Birthday party - a surprise!
We had a quilt made from his old t-shirts. We went out to eat with the Mgmt Team at BCO (to an Italian Garden styled home, near Inman).
We did a surpise BD party - with full meal, quiz, roast, serenade (my dad impersonated Elvis & the girls were the Presley sisters) to the song "I've Been everywhere, Man" & video (which I feel honored his family very nicely).
We went to the KC Chiefs FB game the next day with my dad, Lorena and Duane & Melissa Helms - very COLD - Brrrrrrrr!
I survived the weekend.
I can't believe it! I told Ryan the next 'big one' we go somewhere!

Struggles & Thanks

11.22.10
I am Thankful. I have been saved by grace and God never grows tired or weary of me (Isaiah 40) and He will never disappoint me. Precious LORD, help me to learn the key to contentment; to satisfaction; to balance a desire to learn, grow, change, improve with the ability to stay, remain, be steady and content.
LORD, help me to not compare, to appreciate the things I have, but more importantly the people in my life. LORD, help me to forgive, to grace to move on to better things than being trapped in harmful mindsets & habits. LORD, thank You for Your Love and Grace over me and my family. LORD help me to run the race of perserverance and to get up each time I fall down. LORD thank You for Your Son, Jesus the Christ. Thank You for my freedom to love Him publicly and worship Him loudly. Thank You, LORD, for music that speaks to the heart of my soul. Thank You LORD for Ellen, Erin, Emily, Lorena, Ryan, Grandma, Mom, Dad, Shari, in-laws & out-laws, brothers & my sweet, sweet sister. Thank you, LORD, for giving me the ability to know & understand . . . that you are the "I AM". I rest in Your presence dear Jesus this day. Guide my feet, use my hands, speak from my mouth and live in my heart so boldly & so fully there is no room for ugliness--even in the recesses & corners. This day, Jesus, keep Your word in my thoughts; help me to practice 1st Cor. 10:5: making all thoughts obedient unto You and Your glory.
In the name of Jesus Christ, My, mine and mine again & again, my LORD. Amen.

Lorena Jonek

Lorena with an e.

This is going to be the name of my new post. Quick updates:
Lorena Jonek from Germany - staying with us this year. We got her in August; she is with us until June 2011. We love her!

Ellen & Erin both playing soccer - I'm Ellen's coach. They have both scored their first goals this year:)

All 3 (okay 4) girls are in school! Yes, Emily darling is in Kindergarten and loves it! I love that she loves it! I love that she's in it! I miss my Emily Joy, and I love her so much!

Actually & Seriously, I love my sweet darlings so very, very much.

OH!!! Big news!!! Ellen was baptized at New Spring this past August (8/29/10) in Hartman Arena - totally cool! We are so proud of her! Jesus, thank you so much for loving us unto death! Jesus, we are so unworthy . . . forgive us, love us, thank you; thank you; thank you!

Will run 1/2 marathon in KC in a few weeks. God has blessed Doug & I with the ability - praise YOu Jesus!

I am playing coed softball with Ryan - very fun (I am not very good, but I am having a good time!). Ryan--our best player--hurt himself on the first game, first time up to bat, rounding second - ugh! Onr of his hunky calves is all black, blue and some other wierd colors. Truly, we praise God he didn't tear an achilles tendon or something like that.

Ryan & I are teaching the HS youth this year some. Good group of kids - Jesus, help us to show them how cool you are! Teach them to know & understand how worthy You are. Help them to love You more each breath! Praise YOu, Praise You Jesus.

Weak moments for me lately. God, help me to practice 2 Cor 10:5 . . . all thoughts obedient unto You.

Latest craze - Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen . . . totally in love with it! I picked up from the library the PBS version - cannot wait to watch it! Yahoo!

Much love XOXOXOX
MAD

Not too bad

Hey - let's try another!

Posting a Picture

It cannot be that hard - do ya think?
Here we are in CA:
OKAY - not sure where the pix went. Anyway . . . study for VBS and finish up strong. Thank you Jesus for this opportunity. Please help me to share with the kids what You want! Thank You for loving me!!!

VBS

I believe I was rudely interrupted when i was posting last time and this one will not be long either as Vacation Bible School is underway aaannnnddd i need to be there early! And, why aren't my girls up yet? Ryan's at an early morning meeting aaannnnddd he leaves tomorrow for 2 1/2 weeks - ugh!
He is going to Spain, Russia & New Zealand - I am excited for him; but i am totally missing him already:( Life is just not how it should be when he is gone . . . but I am so grateful that my God stands in that gap for us!
VBS is going great - mom & I are teaching the 5th & 6th graders and it is totally fun! Alas, just very busy as well.
Sandy Miller is no longer with us at Kirk's which has left extra duties for me to take care of . . . not bad, just busy.
Erin's game was cancelled last night due to a rainy day and it is again overcast, so I am wondering about Ellen's tonight!
The girls have piano practice at Newton today at 5:00 and a recital tomorrow at 7:00 I believe (Ryan will be gone).
Dear Lord Jesus, Heavenly Father, Precious Holy Spirit . . . guide these sweet children to know Your love for them. Please help us to be a guide for Your light to shine through. Help us display a portion of the passion & love You have for them this week and every time we might encounter one of them. Thank You for displaying your awesomeness to us - Praises and Blessings to you!!!