Emily's Ceilidh *

Patience is one!

2009-06-08T20:51:00.001-07:00

Enjoying birthday cake.
Gracie picked zuchinni from our garden after swimming.
Patience in her adorable new dress from Grandma Gunn. She opened her presents this morning but unfortunately the camera batteries weren't charged then so we didn't get any photos until this evening. By then, her dress had been drooled on quite a bit, but it is still very cute on her.
Waiting for cake.
Beautiful!
This is the now famous birthday cake which Gracie made from start to finish all by herself. She even dyed the frosting to be pink! I think it is absolute perfection. When she was done she placed it on the table with a huge smile and said, "I sure do love Patience!" What a gift!

Daniel Hannan MEP: The devalued Prime Minister of a devalued Government

2009-03-25T19:29:00.001-07:00

Bravo!! I wish this gentleman could come over to the U.S. and give the same exact speech to Obama.

Fun!!

2009-03-14T15:13:00.001-07:00

This just makes me wanna get up and dance!! Good clean fun even if it is a commercial.

Glenn Beck on Obama's 'Change': Socialism

2009-02-05T07:42:00.001-08:00

When did socialism become a good thing?? I've been waiting for someone to call Obama out on his socialist agenda. Finally!! Forcing people at gunpoint to "share the wealth" and even to be charitable is not Biblical. We should be charitable but not at the fear of being imprisoned if we don't.

Capitalism works because it allows the markets to fluctuate on a supply/demand basis and not on unnatural forced government regulations. Stealing from taxpayers, printing more money, and then trying to control the salaries of workers in companies will only result in inefficient companies and overstressed taxpayer wallets.

I don't know much about Glenn Beck so I can't say if I endorse him or not, but in this case, he's right on.

Seven's Heaven

2009-01-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

We have had a great week of sevens. First of all, our oldest son Noah turned seven years old. I've really seen this birthday as a turning point from little kid to young man. He's growing braver, smarter, and stronger all the time. For his birthday his dad got him a BB gun and with his first shot he got a bull's eye! What a thrill. I'm so thankful for him.

In other news, we recently found out that baby #7 is on the way. We are absolutely thrilled. Each new baby has been such a joy and a gift, and we look forward to getting to know this little one and falling in love again for the seventh time. Not sure of a due date yet, but I'll post one when I know it. Here's a picture of Patience, just 'cuz. :)

We were recently at the SAICFF and were so blessed to get to meet many large families that were an encouragement to us. I especially liked talking to the mother's who had some grown children. I heard the same thing over and over... It gets easier the bigger they are, and more joyful too! I was thrilled to tears to get to meet Mrs. Duggar. She was one of the kindest, sweetest, and most joy-filled ladies I've ever met.

Lessons being learned

2009-01-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

God tests his people so that they will learn to fear Him and not man or earthly consequences. He tested Isaac to see if he would obey Him without question and sacrifice his son, his only son. Isaac obeyed, was found faithful, and therefore was spared having to commit the act of sacrificing his son. God is testing me to trust Him in an otherwise unstable and trepidatious time. I have failed and I have feared and cried out against Him. Through Jesus though I am still accounted as righteous. I have learned to submit to His providence because truly there is nothing I can do about it, and He has planned all for my good. He loves me. More than I love my own children. He dotes on me, disciplines me, delights in me. Even though I leave this earth with nothing, I still have His love, and His son's blood to cover me. In heaven I will fear no more. I will lack no more. More importantly, I will doubt no more. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Marriage/Love/Romance

2008-12-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

I fed myself a steady diet of romance movies and novels when I was growing up. I even read all those so called "Christian romance" novels. This was the sum of my knowledge about marriage and romance. Suffice it to say I was an idiot when I got married. I totally bought that you would know that you'd found the "right one" when everything clicked and you heard or at least felt the background violins. So, when Colin and I had difficulties or conflict, I not only felt the defeat of that argument in that moment, I also felt the defeat of Hollywood telling me that I'd married the wrong one. I was sure I'd made a mistake until we made up and I felt "in love" again, and then I thought maybe it wasn't a mistake. Until the next argument came along. I bet y'all are so jealous of Colin finding such a catch as me,eh?! Anyway, it's been a long time coming, but I'm starting to learn to look at marriage with a biblical perspective and not a Top Gun, Princess Bride, Sixteen Candles one. Uh-oh I think I've dated myself with those pop culture references from the eighties.

So, now that I'm so old and a little wise, I realize that marriage is supposed to be a reflection of Christ and His church's relationship. There will be many opportunities for the husband to learn to love someone despite their total lack of loveability, and there will be plenty of opportunities for wives to learn to honor and respect their husbands despite being absolutely sure that they're wrong. Only in this give and take and bowing the will of oneself for the other can we truly find happiness and joy. Through being considerate, patient, forgiving, we will truly know the indescribably close bond of being husband and wife. Only then will we know the depths and beauty of being truly "in love." Marriage is for happiness, but it's not through the path that Cameron Diaz or Bradd Pitt will lead you. It's through a lot of sanctification and selflessness. And it is truly a beautiful thing.

The Twelve Days of a Large Family Christmas

2008-12-18T09:21:00.001-08:00

I have heard every one of these stranger comments at least a dozen times. Very fun. Merry Christmas!

Six Months Old!

2008-12-08T20:06:00.001-08:00

634, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Patience decided to give us a present for her six month birthday. She's not only crawling all over the place, but she's now officially sitting up on her own. Sorry for Grace's foot in the picture but it's not easy getting a picture of Patience all on her own. She's usually got a brother or sister or two hovering around waiting to hug and kiss and play with her. :)

Santa Claus

2008-12-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

We've made it a point to teach our kids the truth about Santa Claus from the beginning. We want them to always be able to trust that we will never trick them, fool them, or lie to them. We have two neighbor kids that often talk to our kids through the fence along our driveway. Yesterday, Noah told them that Santa Claus isn't real. These poor kids defended their belief to the end, even to the point of saying they knew it was true because their parents told them so. Then they told Noah that his dad didn't know anything. I feel sorry for these kids. One day they will realize it is actually they who have been duped and by their own parents at that.

Go listen now!!

2008-12-07T19:37:00.000-08:00

Colin is on the Chalcedon podcast tonight with Chris Ortiz and Andrea Schwartz. He did a great job!! He's so smart and really interesting to listen to. I learned a lot by listening and I'm married to the guy! :) Don't go watch tv tonight, listen to this instead!

Whatdoyathink?!

2008-12-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

Do y'all like my new template? Now that Colin has more time on his hands, he comes up with some of the greatest computer tricks for me. I am so excited to come to my blog now just so I can look at the pretty chocolate. Mmmm... With bailouts and layoffs and whatnot, we're talking about stocking up on food and supplies. I told Colin we'd better make sure to have lots of chocolate on hand if something does happen. Otherwise, things might get really ugly around here ;)

Leaving the couch

2008-12-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

Ironically, just a few days after posting last, Colin got laid off from his job. A sign of the times and not his work ethic for sure. But it got me thinking a little more about what I wrote. I should not have implied that Colin's great work ethic is the only reason why we have prospered. It is God alone who makes rich or poor and not man. Colin worked hard, but he could just as easily have had nothing to show for it and no job for the last five years if God had not allowed it.

This takes me to motivation. The reason we work hard is not so that we get things or prosper. We try to work hard because God is a hard worker and we want to be like Him. The Commandments teach us to work six days, but our culture teaches us that five is more the norm and only eight hours at a time too. After that and you deserve to sit in front of the tv for 4-5 hours to decompress. Oh, and don't forget about those 2-4 weeks of vacation that we need too. I have soo been guilty of this line of thinking. It really is just one more way that God's ways are not the world's ways, and, many times, not middle class America's ways.

I've been following Amy's posts about "How We Did It" and they are full of good advice. One of her main points is about her work ethic. Her vacations consist of home improvement projects and her leisure time is spent learning or working on things that will benefit their family. This is not to say that we live for making money, but that we are good stewards of what God has given and that whatever we do, we do it for the glory of God. I dare say, that couch potatoes aren't glorifying to God (finger pointing right back at myself here).

Thanksgiving

2008-11-19T14:18:00.001-08:00

This blog is admittedly, mainly fluff. I usually don't have time or energy to try to make myself look like a prolific writer or appear eloquent in any way. I'm not either of those things, and I've come to accept this about myself among many, many other faults. However, now is the time to remember how thankful I am for my two most important earthly blessings, my husband and my children.

When I met and agreed to marry Colin I knew the most important things about him. Namely, what he believed about God and how he believed he should obey Him. There were many aspects of Colin that were a surprise, but in a very, very good way. One aspect is that He is an extremely hard worker. I really had no idea to look for this in a husband, nor did I realize how incredibly important that particular characteristic would be to me and my children. It has blessed me financially, but it has also taught me how lazy I was. Really, really lazy. And the worst part was that I had no idea. But the best part is that I'm learning to be a harder worker, and to enjoy the fruits of labor which I would have otherwise never seen.

The second blessing is of course my children, collectively speaking that is, of course I know there is more than one of them. I used to say, before I had children, that I always wanted at least six kids. After number two came along, I was sure I couldn't handle anymore. But, God in His great wisdom and mercy and patience, taught me that I know nothing. He so far has given me four more kids. We'll see what he's got in store for me later :) Through these kids, I've learned to trust and rely upon God better than I ever could have if I'd only had those first two. I've learned to be more patient, to be more selfless, and to be more organized. I've also learned that I can work harder and longer on much less sleep and while more exhausted than I could have ever imagined. And it's all been a blessing, albeit not always the fun or pleasant one that I imagined. On the other hand, sometimes more joyful and beautiful than I could have ever dreamed.

Psalm 128
A song of ascents.
1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table.

Patience picture parade

2008-11-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking she's waiting for a kiss.

Cuteness defined.

Forever friends.

Brilliant! ETA - not so brilliant apparently

2008-11-08T21:36:00.001-08:00

I owe my love of these 80's movie theme's to my older brother Todd. He also gave me a deep love for The Beatles, The Police, and all things Journey. :)

ETA - Apparently the guy lip synced this. Bummer. I'm such a sucker! I fall for this kind of stuff all the time. Oh well. It's still a little cool. :)

Patience's baptism

2008-10-18T09:50:00.001-07:00

nikon_oct13_08 289, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Acts 2:38-39

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

What God says...

2008-09-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

Exodus 18:21
21 Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

God clearly spells out for His people the qualifications for elected leaders. I really don't believe that God simply forgot to add women in this verse. If we don't look to His word to guide us in our paths, then we will look to our culture's or our own wisdom, of which there is none. It is not a matter of what we feel is good, but what we know God says IS good.

The Most Awesome-est Music Video ever, EVER

2008-09-27T08:54:00.001-07:00

You all have probably seen this already but I thought I'd send you into the weekend with something to make you smile. If you haven't seen this before, be prepared to LOVE this video. Although I can't decide who is my favorite band member, Rico Suave lead singer man or Mr. Magoo guitar-player-dancing man. Have fun watching!

Hair Cuts

2008-09-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight was hair cut night. Here is Noah getting a new "do" to go with his cammo look. It looks like I had him in a vise grip. I swear I did not hurt the boy.

I'm concentrating. "Don't cut the ears...don't cut the ears..."

Knox pre-cut but with red-fire candy from the firetruck birthday party we went to today. Sorry there's no after pic for him. I'm obviously an amateur blogger. Hmmm...no wonder I never have more than like five readers a day.

Somebody decided to give Patience a new "do" too.

Gracie has decided she wants an Ipod. Don't know where she even heard about Ipods as neither Colin nor I have Ipods. (Am I even spelling "Ipods" correctly?) Howerver, she is determined to earn the money to buy one, and yes we've discussed how much they actually cost. Tonight she earned one dollar by cutting Colin's hair. She did a great job but, clearly, Colin is not happy about paying for haircuts after I've been doing them for free all these years. Sorry there's no picture of the actual hair cutting. I was laying on the couch playing on Facebook. Again, maybe if I got up and took pictures you people would come back to my blog more than once a year. But I'm tired, people! I have six kids ya know, get off my back already will ya?!

Would you prefer pics?

2008-09-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Patience is all smiles. Don't be fooled. Beneath those fat rolls is a lot of muscle. She's rolling over, trying desperately to sit up, and just started bouncing herself in her rainforest jumper

Admiring the ceiling fan.

Fantastic Four. Please notice the Princesses posing on the left, Chuck Norris/ninja man, and Spidey-hands on the right.

Mercy with her birthday cake. Poor girl, nobody thought to wipe off her spaghetti birthday dinner face. And she apparently was left to fix her own hair as well. That's what happens when you're number five...left to fend for yourself. Although, I don't know, it kind of works in a cuter-than-anything-two-year-old sort of way.

Fairy princess Molly. Yes, I let her dance on the furniture. It was her birthday after all.

Uh-oh... Something tells me that someone knows they're cute.

2008-09-17T20:46:00.001-07:00

Boy, I got a little rant-y there didn't I?! Well, some things just get me fired up I guess. I thought I'd learned not to blog when miffed, but looks like I didn't. Okay, well more cute kid pictures coming soon, Lord willing. We'll see ya next time. Y'all come back now. Ya hear? :)

Make no mistake...

2008-09-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

Let me be clear that my last post is not an endorsement for Mrs. Palin as VP. I think she is a very respectable and admirable woman. The fact alone that she has five kids and still manages to have her hair and makeup immaculate is amazing! ;) However, I also believe that God's Word is clear that women were not created for government leadership.

Biblical exhortation on this subject is found here. Pastor Morecraft gives clear teaching on why Deborah is not an excuse for voting for Sarah Palin. I encourage you to listen to the whole thing. It is very moving.

My personal feelings on the matter can be found here. The Botkin sisters are so courageous to speak out on the topic of biblical womanhood. I've seen first hand just a small portion of the attack launched on people when they dare to speak out against the cultural norm of feminism. Such bravery in ones so young! I hope they will inspire many other women as they did me.

Matt Damon rips Sarah Palin

2008-09-16T13:18:00.001-07:00

People, Hollywood is not our friend. We spend a lot of time watching these actors/actresses at the movies or curled up on our comfy sofa, so we feel relatively comfortable with them. Make no mistake, Christians, if they were with us in a room, they would openly mock and scorn us for our beliefs. This video was a wake up call for me. Why do I waste my time and money supporting their business?! I pray we will not love our appetites for entertainment more than we love our Lord.

Cool :)

2008-08-15T21:21:00.001-07:00

Birth Control pill is abortion

2008-08-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

Finally!! It has long been know but covered up that the birth control pill is abortificent. Here is a link to a CNN video about the possibility of changing the laws to include birth control pills in the category of abortion drugs. It is a fact that if the pill's first method of preventing ovulation fails, then the back up plan is to create a "hostile womb" so that the fertilized egg, aka baby, will not be able to attach itself to the wall of the uterus. Thus aborting the baby. I'm very sad that so many Christians use this method of birth control unwittingly aborting their own babies. Whatever your beliefs about planning your family size, please don't use this method of birth control!!

One more

2008-08-08T08:52:00.001-07:00

DSC_0185, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Because you can never have too many Patience pictures :)

Sooo sweet

2008-08-08T08:51:00.001-07:00

DSC_0190, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Knox is a great big brother!

Pro Life

2008-08-08T08:50:00.001-07:00

DSC_0092, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Here we are protesting the Planned Parenthood's indoctrination of Waco youth at the Nobody's Fool conference.

Me

2008-08-08T08:49:00.001-07:00

DSC_0089, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

In case you wondered what I looked like :)

Dancing babies

2008-08-08T08:48:00.001-07:00

DSC_0080, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Knox holding Patience. The kids like to pretend she's dancing on their laps.

More chocolate

2008-08-08T08:47:00.001-07:00

DSC_0049, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Gracie and Molly making chocolate cherries

Birthday doll

2008-08-08T08:46:00.001-07:00

DSC_0027, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Gracie and her twin :)

Mmmm...Chocolate!

2008-08-08T08:44:00.001-07:00

DSC_0050, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Molly making chocolate cherries.

Worst picture ever

2008-08-08T08:42:00.001-07:00

DSC_0076, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Here's Mercy while making chocolate covered cherries with Daddy. Somehow she got a hold of cheerios too. Those are NOT her teeth - just so ya know ;)

Two months!

2008-08-08T08:24:00.001-07:00

DSC_0196, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Yea!!!! Colin uploaded some new pics to the computer today. I'll try to post lots more. Here's Patience this morning at exactly two months old :)

Eight is Great!!

2008-07-17T00:33:00.001-07:00

DSC_0175, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

2008-06-27T22:07:00.001-07:00

Patience is almost three weeks old now and we're settling into a nice routine. She's such a sweet and even tempered baby. She's awake a lot more now and usually just sits there looking around peacefully. The kids love her! Gracie, Noah, and Knox can't get enough snuggle time. Molly cracks us all up trying to tickle her. Mercy giggles with delight when she sees her and keeps trying to kiss her head. Sorry no pictures. Colin is in Scotland for two weeks and took the camera. Not that I'd know how to use it if I did have it! We've survived so far thanks to a really amazing Aunt Amanda. I could NOT have made it so far without her.

A poam by Gracie

2008-06-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

Yipee Patiense is here!
i like to hold her a lot!
Her face is all red!
And so is her body!
Patiense is cuter then cute!
i love Patiense

Birth Story...

2008-06-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

If you remember my horror birth experience with Mercy, then you will understand all my fears and trepidation at my impending birth of Patience. I just could not bear the thought of going through that torture again. However, this experience was amazingly calm, peaceful, and joyful - exactly what I'd prayed for. God was so kind to show his graciousness and love to me through her birth. I have been so blessed in so many ways.

Sunday morning, two days after my due date:
6am Water breaks. I wake up to a weird feeling and run to the bathroom and there is a huge gush of water. I immediately start shaking as I think things are about to get rough really fast. I call the midwife and decide to wait until the first contraction comes along before I head to the hospital. I take a shower to try and calm down.
6:55am First contraction. After waiting nearly an hour I finally have a contraction but it is so mild I know this isn't really the beginning. I have a couple of sporadic and mild ones so I decide to lie down and rest.
7:30 am First "real" contraction. This one is intense and feels much more like my beginning labor contractions. I call the midwife and decide to head on into the hospital while there's still plenty of time. I want to get settled in early so I can have time to relax before the end. I have 3-4 more intense contractions on the way to the hospital. I have two more as I walk from the car to the entrance and my midwife Christy meets us outside during the second one.
8am Arrive up to my floor and tell Christy and Colin that I want an epidural. I'm not in pain but the memories are flooding back just from being up at the labor and delivery ward and I'm anxious to avoid my previous experience. Christy looks at Colin who shakes his head then she says, "Hmm.. do you always feel that way at the end?" I say, "No you don't understand!" She says, "Well, let's get to the room and see where we are." I'm thinking I don't care I just want out of this deal now!
8:20am Get checked. 8cm. Now I'm still doing great. The contractions are far apart and fairly easy. The nurses and Christy are fantastic and back off quietly during contractions. Super understanding and helpful. I'm even able to make a joke or two between contractions. I am amazed at how God is caring for me through this and making it a truly easy and wonderful time. Things are feeling "pushy."
8:45am I think Lord, this is great, but could you please get this over with in the next contraction?
8:46 am Overwhelming push and there is Patience Olivia!

She's beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and precious. I am so thankful to God for all He has done for me and for blessing me with another amazing daughter.

ETA: 8lb 10 oz. :D

Biggest and Littlest

2008-06-10T20:27:00.001-07:00

DSC_0897, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Home

2008-06-10T20:26:00.001-07:00

DSC_0876, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

She's Here! Patience Olivia Gunn!

2008-06-08T20:58:00.001-07:00

First contraction

2008-06-08T04:52:00.000-07:00

6:55 am
Fairly mild... Let you know more soon. Please pray

Water Broke!

2008-06-08T04:30:00.000-07:00

Around 6am - still waiting for some strong contractions.

Loved this...

2008-06-03T21:04:00.001-07:00

DSC_0378, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

Okay, so I still don't know how to upload photos and Colin has been too busy to do more, so these may seem a bit repetitive. Anyway, I just loved this pic of Gracie. It is SO her!! Full of fun and spirit :)

In other news... due date is a couple more days away and I go back and forth between utter exhaustion and huge energy spurts. I also go back and forth between slight discomfort and not being able to walk at all. Good times... I got a birth ball to try to get labor going, but I end up letting the kids play with it more than I end up sittiing on it :) We are all very excited about getting to meet little Patience, let's hope she really is little ;)

Look what we got!!

2008-05-31T14:40:00.001-07:00

DSC_0363, originally uploaded by cgclan2003.

No, the kid isn't new, but the camera sure is! Just in time for the imminent arrival of Patience too. That may have had something to do with the death threat I gave if there were no camera to capture the baby's first few days and moments, but maybe it was just coincidence ;)

Look for more pictures to come soon and pray I can figure out how to use this thing!

BTW - Mercy at the splash park. Notice the pink nails. She brought me the paint and insisted I do her nails. Then she walked around with a big grin like she knew how beautiful she looked :)

Perspective

2008-05-10T10:15:00.001-07:00

I'm at the stage where I'm so uncomfortable that I'm forgetting the reason for my discomfort. There is actually a baby in that big ball in my tummy! Oh, yeah! The pictures from this video helped me to remember that after a really long week:

HT: HeartsforFamily.blogspot.com

Unofficially...

2008-05-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

...we will name the baby Patience Olivia. We hope others like this name too, but if not please keep it to yourself as it could make things awkward for you and her, oh... say... the rest of her life! :)

Thanks to Kristi for reminding me to tell y'all!

2008-05-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, I really am trying to update this thing more than once a year :)

So... I had my midwife appt. on Thursday and she said she thought the baby was about 6lbs. That got me really excited because it just made the birth seem all that closer. She is no longer a little itty bitty thing, but the size of a lot of newborns out there - maybe not my newborns necessarily, but still...! I'm hoping for another 8 pounder instead of over 9 like Mercy and Molly were.

The midwife is really great and she has been trying to reassure me that this birth experience and the hospital nurses are going to be much better than the last. Yay!! I am really praying that this birth will be calm, easy, and most importantly joyful as opposed to crazy, chaotic, and stressful like last time. I can't remember if I ever posted that birth story on here or not. Long story short... really mean, rude doctors and nurses calling me racist, telling me I don't love my baby, and that I should just go home because I was "uncompliant." Basically, I came in at full blown labor and transition, tried to decline the i.v. and couldn't answer some questions because I was too busy moaning through contractions and they couldn't see that I was in labor and not just rude. That all happened within twenty minutes of giving birth, by the way.

Anywho... onward and upward, right? :)

Happy Birthday!

2008-04-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Knox turns five today! What an amazing, smart, sweet, funny, and loving kid I have there. I am so blessed! May he be a strong God-fearing man one day.

Sorry...

2008-04-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

....for not posting in sooo long! Our camera broke and I hate posting without pictures - I'm afraid I'll bore everyone to tears ;) Anyway, we're still here. I'm 32 weeks, about to pop, and would do just about anything to be able to bend over without having to grunt to breathe.
I'm thinking about live blogging the birth - wouldn't that be fun :)

Turning a corner

2007-10-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marks a new era in the Gunn household. Gracie learned how to put sheets on a bed all by herself! She worked so hard for an hour and then called me in to surprise me. I was so thrilled to see her try so hard. The girls beds are particularly difficult because you can't pull them out from the wall. Even I have a hard time getting the corners all the way down. She is becoming such a wonderful helper and companion to me.

In other news, we are thrilled to announce that we expecting a new little one sometime next June! So far so good with the morning sickness, but I'm losing my taste for chocolate :(

BTW- my other computer had a nasty virus on it, so I've switched to another one for awhile. This unfortunately makes me lose access to my pictures so none to post right now. I will try to figure out how to do them on this machine soon.

New

2007-09-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've updated my profile pic!

Sabbath rest

2007-08-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

21 But there the majestic LORD will be for us
A place of broad rivers and streams,
In which no galley with oars will sail,
Nor majestic ships pass by
22 (For the LORD is our Judge,
The LORD is our Lawgiver,
The LORD is our King;
He will save us);

Isaiah 33

Dresses, movies, and new friends

2007-08-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

I promised a while back to post some pics of Gracie in her party dress, but one of her brothers decided to erase them so that he could take pictures of his Spiderman shoes. We finally got some more pictures, and although these didn't turn out as good as the first ones, she still looks beautiful. :)
Last night, we drove to Dallas to a movie premiere! It was a wonderful Christian movie done by the Heumoore team. We really loved this film and can't wait to get our own copy. These are the same men who made the famous Bubble Trouble movie which is one of my kids' favorites. The boys got to meet their hero Gator and Gracie got to meet Reagan. They were beyond thrilled. Noah kept saying, "Mom, I didn't know the people in the movie were REAL!" The viewing was held at the Faith Prebyterian Church where we got to fellowship with some wonderful new friends. Colin made his rounds with the men and I met in particular a couple of beautiful sisters that were so sweet. They are stay-at-home-daughters and are becoming so skilled in the arts of homemaking. They are where I wish I was when I got married. No - they are where I wish I would be now! The Heumoore boys and the Reins sisters are such inspirations to me as I seek to raise my children to be godly men and women. They are proof that with God's grace, it can be done!

Another post about 8

2007-07-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

Happy 8 years to Colin and me!

Random 8

2007-07-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Amy over at Moms3Psalms! I think this is the first meme I've actually done. Let's see if I can do find 8 whole facts to tell.

First, the rules are to post 8 facts about yourself, then tag 8 people when you're done.

So.....(cue drum roll)
1. I sometimes imagine I can sing like Celine Dion. Usually in the car when I'm by myself. I love, love, love singing really loud but I'll only do it when I'm by myself, or with Gracie - looks like she inherited this from me! :)

2. I am officially at the same weight I was when I got married, exactly eight years ago today! This is also the lowest I've been since I got pregnant the first time.

3. I'm very, very introverted but have learned to enjoy being in social situations thanks to God's grace and some pushing from my hubby.

4. One of the reasons I hate being in social situations is because I end up really, really, really regretting something I said - either it was inadvertently rude, or just plain embarrassing.

5. I am often inadvertently rude. If I've done this to you, chances are, that I realized it later and then have deeply regretted it but was too embarrassed to apologize to you. So, for the record, I'm sorry!!

6. My pet peeve is people who are fake. I would rather deal with rude than insincere any day.

7. I admire, in probably an unhealthy way, the Duggar family.

8. I'm secretly very, very sad that I don't know anyone else IRL that isn't quiverfull minded. If I meet someone with several kids, I'll try to find out where they stand on the issue. I think people might take this like I'm passing judgments, when in reality I just want someone I can relate to and talk with on this subject.

Okay, so enough about me. Anyone else wanna play? Tag! You're it!

Tunnel of love

2007-07-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

FYI - Every time I try and leave a comment on a blogger site, my computer does this weird thing and the page freezes up. I just didn't want anyone thinking I was ignoring them!

Weeeeee!

2007-07-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Music time

2007-07-11T09:43:00.001-07:00

It's amazing how quickly dancing and singing....

degenerates into tackling and wrestling.

BTW- Molly managed to lodge our cable for the camera deeply into a hole on the computer so I can't upload any pics of Gracie in her beautiful new party dress she got from Grandma and Grandpa Gunn today. But she L-O-V-E-S it and all her other clothes and presents as well! In the mean time, the above pics are from yesterday with Gracie in one of the other pretty dresses. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa Gunn!! She's really had a blast with all the packages coming her way :)

A walk on the wild side

2007-06-30T23:40:00.000-07:00

That's right! She's officially making her way across rooms. And she's getting her first teeth, a full two months ahead of the rest of the kids. I thank God for these great blessings and mercies!

Ballantyne Books

2007-06-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

I apologize for being so terrible at updating this blog lately. I keep trying to remember to take pictures of the kids so I can have something to put on here, but it somehow keeps slipping my mind. I'm also trying to find time to update my profile pic by getting a decent family photo of us since Mercy's arrival - wow she's already nine months old (blink, blink)!

Anyway, the purpose of this post is to let any readers out there that are left :) of a great giveaway:

Life in a Shoe is hosting a giveaway of Vision Forum's exciting new adventure series, Ballantyne Books.

The sleeping house

2007-06-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know she's not actually sleeping but she is wearing her nightgown, and she just looked so cute!

Luuuke who's One!!

2007-05-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

Win a new header!

2007-05-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

Did I mention I love contests? Being a competetive person by nature, I like to win just about anything, but I'd really like this new prize. Everyday mommy is offering a new blog design. But if you don't want to enter that's fine by me. More chances for me to win ;)

On pizza and cuteness...

2007-05-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

We got pizza this week from Pizza Patron as a little treat and we made up a little jingle that went, cleverly, "Pizza, Pizza Patron! Ahh, aahh, ahhh." Molly must have really liked it because she's gone around the house singing it to herself the last couple of days. Mercy has also started babbling and saying, "mama, dada" and now funnily enough, "'ahhh, ahhh, ahhh" just like in our jingle :)

Commuting

2007-04-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

To all my Bay area friends, I offer my utmost sympathy. I feel your pain.

Yep, they're mine alright

2007-04-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

The kids took a tub of chocolate icing and four spoons out to the back yard today. When caught, they explained, "It's okay , Mom. We're pretending we're feasting in heaven with God." Chocolate as a feast?! I'd say my genes are definitely dominant :)

The Gunn Clan

2007-04-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here we are in Texas this past January! I've been wanting to get a group photo for a while now, but it's not very easy to get everybody in the same place at the same time. How cool is this?! :)

Did you know..

2007-04-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

that Nancy Wilson has a blog now? It's about time. :)

Birthday boy

2007-04-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was Knox's fourth birthday. The camera ate the pictures. That could've been my fault. He got lots of toys from Grandparents all of which he promptly shared with his brothers and sisters - I take no credit here or I'll have to also take credit for the boy/girl who tried to get the grandparents to buy presents for Knox that he/she wanted. He also got a birthday card that sang "Happy Birthday" with a British accent when you opened it up. You should have seen the look on his face - it was like he'd just won the lottery. Then he played with that card for the rest of the day, even taking it to bed with him. I couldn't say enough wonderful things about this kid. He always has a very sweet and jovial take on things. Like laughing after falling down and scraping his knee, or asking for kisses and hugs instead of just plain begging and whining when he's trying to get out of going to bed. I admit I'm a sucker for that last one :) I thought you might like to hear a couple of quotes from the little guy.

In church last week, referring to the big stain glass window at the front: "Mom I can see God from here."

Said everyday since Mercy was born, and with the same level of excitement every time: "Mom, can I hold Mercy? Look she's smiling out me! Look Mercy likes me!"

Said to the Rescue Hero in the bathtub: "Here you can stand on these bubbles like they're the ground. Oh, no it's quicksand! AAAGGGHHHHH!"

Pics

2007-04-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

Keep in mind these pics were taken less than 24 hours apart!Molly loves driving ;)

Knox is always so much fun.
Mercy pulling up. You can get a nice view of some of her rolls.
Noah riding his bike. The boys were enjoying the lovely warm spring day.

Mercy showing off her new tricks. I was hoping you could see her blue eyes. Maybe if you squint.

Gracie's second tooth gone. Noah was playing with the camera and took this one o f me. Gracie drinking hot chocolate and marshmallows.
And now this is why we will have no Easter pics in the bluebonnets :)
Our first sad little snowman attempt. We quit early because we couldn't feel our fingers.
Now that's a decent snowman! Don't worry, Mercy was only out there hatless for a few seconds while we took this pic.

It's snowing!

2007-04-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

That's right, it's snowing in Texas in April! I took pics but they look like our yard with blurry things flying around. I'll try and post some soon though. Right now we're watching Pooh's Heffalump movie for the second time and drinking hot chocolate while snuggling up :) Must go, many such pressing things to do with the most important people in the world. Bye!

Happenin's

2007-04-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Lots has been going on the last couple of months but I've had very little computer access so I haven't posted much. First Colin's had a young gentlemen apprenticing with him for Monstrous Regiment. He's using my computer so I've had to depend on the laptop whose battery died a sad, slow death right about the time he got here. I got this new one in the mail yesterday - can you say, "EXCITED!" I've been sitting here way too much today which I've managed to excuse because I was sitting with Knox who's sick. It's been a crazy two months including brand new floors being installed in the kitchen and den and a stomach virus that managed to take out all the adults at one time - not pretty.

The kids have been great. Gracie started taking piano lessons and has been filling the home with music while she practices on our new(to us) red piano! She's lost her second tooth now. Actually she literally lost it because as soon as it came out, it fell down the drain. Oh, well! Good thing we don't do the tooth fairy. Noah's learned how to ride his bike all on his own! Knox will be turning four next week. Noah's already said he wants all his presents :) I still haven't planned anything yet. Molly's decided she's a big girl in just about every way except going to the potty. She likes to tell people off by talking real loud and pointing at the palm of her hand with her other pointer finger. I'm not sure where she learned that. Mercy learned to crawl and pull up these last two weeks. I tell ya, when that girl makes her mind up, there's no stopping her. She's beautiful with blue eyes and possibly a little red to her hair. She's wonderful, sweet, fun, loves raspberries, her daddy, and NOT being tackled by her big brothers and sisters. I'm so glad God gave her to us. Pictures coming soon, and since Easter's this weekend, I'm hoping they'll be in bluebonnets.

Got video?

2007-04-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

We're in search of a video of a 4D ultrasound to use in our Monstrous Regiment movie. Please email us or leave a comment on the movie webpage if you're willing to share your video. Thanks!

This was beautiful...

2007-04-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

Go watch this video. This comment sums it up..."I stand in awe of parents who love and let go and continue to trust God."

Free Dyson Vacuum Giveaway!

2007-03-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

I've been through almost as many vacuums in my marriage as I've had children. So, this last fall, hubby and I bit the bullet and bought a Dyson. It was expensive and so the tightwads that we are fought our way through it. But, I have no regrets so far. I love that it sucks up just about every ounce of dust in our house, and how you can empty the bin with one hand! Now here's your chance to get one too, but for free!

Works for me Wednesday

2007-03-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, this isn't really a handy cooking or organization tip but it does help for a mama's sanity. I keep an open bag of dark chocolate chips in the freezer at all times in case of an emergency mommy moment... like when husband is out of town and you're potty-training a stubborn two year old and have used up all thirteen pairs of princess underwear in one day- hypothetically of course.

"Babies are like chocolate chips...So sweet and there can never be enough of them." ;)

BIG and small...

2007-02-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

As we remember God's love today, let us be thankful for more ways He is faithful and loving even when we don't deserve it.

First, and more importantly for my friend Karen that the radiation has removed almost all signs of cancer -- PRAISE THE LORD!!! Five months ago, things looked very grim indeed for Karen and her family but God is restoring her to health and we thank Him mightily for this.

Secondly, I got a stomach bug a couple of weeks ago and I think it is safe to say - eighteen days later, that I was the only one in the family to get it - yes this is a miracle too although decidely smaller than the previous one. I hesitate to put something so seemingly minor with such a large blessing, but I think it's important to mention because it shows that God cares not only for the big concerns of ours, but also for the little ones. And anyone who has lots of small children will know how amazing this really is!

Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You. Psalm 5:11

Valentine's

2007-02-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

Today is the day we focus on that thing called love. It's amazing the lack of attention that we devote to the author of Love today. Too many chocolates and candy hearts giving us brain fog I guess. Don't worry, I'm thinking mainly of my own failings on this, not yours. As we eat our homemade heart cookies with pink sprinkles or open our box of chocolates may we remember that they are a gift from our God who loves us dearly and loves to give us good things. He is the one, not our husbands, children, or friends, who really gives us these presents of love today and everyday. He is also faithful and will continue to bless even when we forget to remember Him in it all. Thank Him today for the loved ones you hold dear, for the chocolate that tastes so yummy and puts a smile in your heart and on your face, and most importantly for Christ who died for us. One day we will be with Him in heaven and will rejoice in that we finally truly, truly know LOVE

Marriage

2007-02-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

Gavin Newsome apologizes for his affair with his campagin manager's wife?! I think that this is just sick. I cannot believe that this is the man who tried to put himself in charge of our nation's marriage morals while he is stealing another man's wife and taking her for his own. This poor man was working for his wife's adulterer and has now had to resign as a result. Losing wife and job to Mayor Morality!

Today I was out driving with all the kids. I pulled out of a parking lot and was trying to get into the middle turn lane. I had plenty of time except for the fact that some punk in a Mustang decided he wanted to be ahead of me at the red light and sped up at me. I had to quickly move out of the lane so that he wouldn't hit me. Nay, so that he wouldn't hit the van full of children I was driving! I pulled around him to the other side, rolled down my window, and said, "That was completely unnecessary!" To which he answers, "Okay!" in a very sarcastic way while he pushes the buttons on his flip phone. Who is this selfish brat?! And why did his parents raise him to be so spoiled?! Did they think they did a good job because they provided him with things while letting his personality become so vile?! He had a really trendy surfer hair cut that apparently the girls his age just love, and he's out talking on his cell phone while he drives his very fast sports car in reckless abandon for any concern about the others on the road. Hey, at least he's got his priorities straight, right?

I ask myself, are these two pitiful men what the world is offering up today as examples of manliness? How sad! I hope and I pray fervently that my boys will not be like this. I am so thankful that I have such a wonderful husband and father to be an example for my children. He doesn't sit around all day watching sports, nor chase after women, nor drive a flashy car to show off his manhood. But he is a hard worker, selfless, disciplined, faithful, and more to the point today, CAREFUL on the road! I thank God for him especially as it seems he was the last good one left!!

A happy ending...

2007-01-31T21:10:00.000-08:00

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galations 6:7

Praise the Lord for justice on His enemies and mercy on His children.

Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. Isaiah 44:23

Anti-procrastination challenge

2007-01-29T12:11:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Wilt has hosted a challenge to do things that we've been putting off. My plans were to finally organize the bathrooms last weekend, but thanks to my now intimate friend Mr. Stomach Bug, that got put off. However, I can still play because I'd also put off losing five pounds, but said friend helped me get that done in less than twenty-four hours - wahoo! Now, onto those bathrooms...

Happy Robert Burns Day!

2007-01-25T08:55:00.000-08:00

Lest we forget that my husband is Scottish and therefore I am half Scottish :), let me just wish everybody, happy haggis eating, blessed imbibing, and rigorous reciting of poetry tonight!

HT: Keziah for reminding me what today is.

34 Years of death

2007-01-23T12:04:00.000-08:00

Today is the 34ttfh anniversary of Roe vs. Wade and Carmon has challenged all those who those who are prolife tp take a stand on their blogs. I love a challenge so here is my stance. First of all, I believe abortion is wrong not just because life is a worthy cause, but because God has ordained that life is precious. This is a distinctly Christian moral and is not arbitarily founded.

Noah is FIVE!

2007-01-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated Noah's fifth birthday! He got a Lightening McQueen and Mr. The King cars which he has played with nonstop today. Tonight we'll have dinner out and come home for cake and ice cream. Noah is a great kid who loves all things boyish including, cars, bow and arrows, guns, light sabers, and my personal favorite - cuddling with mom :) He's super sweet and super strong as seen by the car door handle he pulled completely off with his bare hands last week. He also loves helping his dad around the house as seen by the big paint splotch in his hair :) Noah is a great young man and we are so blessed to have him!

Gracie

2007-01-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

My oldest is becoming such a young lady! I've been having terrible back pain for the last couple of months. Some days it is worse than others and today was a bit of a bad one. Gracie worked really hard to help me out. She cleaned up underneath the kitchen table and helped me put away dishes. She also surprised me by cleaning her room up. Notice the great detail of the neatly placed shoes, the duck placed atop the pillows, and the book nicely displayed on the bedside table. She made up her little sister's bed too. She also made herself a snack of hot chocolate as you can see by her shirt :) That girl is something!

Homeschooling

2007-01-17T14:25:00.000-08:00

Kendra posted this on Preschoolers and Peace. It was so right on! Judging by the comments, I'm not the only one who thought so. I especially liked #2 which explains why I get easily frustrated with cleaning a house which is constantly being messed up again! Just today, I've picked up, or rather made the kids pick up, our wooden puzzles at least five times. Somebody keeps thinking it's fun to carry all the pieces around in a basket like they're cookies or something!

2. Unlike homes where the children are gone for eight straight hours, her home is in a constant state of activity. Her children are not only home, they are home making messes. All day long...

Snow!

2007-01-16T20:39:00.000-08:00

I love winter!! We're having an arctic blast today and actually got real snow! The kids went outside for a while jumping up and down and sliding all around. Then they came in with pink cheeks and frozen hands :) We had so much fun snuggling up inside, drinking hot cocoa, and watching movies. What's your favorite thing to do on "iced in" days?

So much to say...

2007-01-14T17:33:00.000-08:00

There's been lots of activity these last few weeks around here. We've had a whirlwind of a visit from my in-laws in which Colin and the three oldest visited Galveston, then he and his brother went to St. Louis, we began the kitchen redo, and all of us went to San Antonio for a visit. Oh, and Gracie got her first loose tooth! Tomorrow is back to the old routine for me and the kids and Colin goes back to work after a nice long vacation time. Here are some pics of our fun but crazy times. The first is Gracie wiggling her tooth for you in front of the old cabinets. Pic two is of the newly painted cabinets. We still have to finish putting the doors on, then we're going to tile the counter and backsplash and add a new sink and faucet. The last pic is of course Mercy - I don't think I can blog without showing her off at least once :) What a cutie and four months old already!

Testing, testing, 1,2, 3....

2007-01-08T14:49:00.000-08:00

I switched over to Beta Blogger a few weeks ago and haven't been able to log in until now. I think it's working now!

Blankets, dresses, and heroes

2006-12-14T18:55:00.000-08:00

Mercy being adorable on a blanket that was knitted for me when I was her age.

Dresses my mom helped me make this week. I love this corduroy fabric that I got for a great deal at the fabric store - I never find great deals so that is really exciting for me :)

I needn't fear any bad guys with these two around! They are always practicing with their light sabers and Noah's getting really good at twirling his around as if he's been trained by a real Jedi. On the right is Annakin and on the left is Obi Wan Kenobi.

Overheard...

2006-12-10T22:29:00.000-08:00

The boys were really rowdy this evening so I tried to calm them by teaching them a sit still game of thumb wrestling:

Mama - See you go like this...One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war.

Noah - Haha, mom. That's good. Umm, how about we just punch each other?...smile...

Ice storm

2006-12-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

This is waaayy late but I thought it was good to keep for posterity's sake.

Last week we had our first real cold front come through and we got snow! Okay, it was ice, but the kids didn't know the difference and, let's face it, any cold weather here is really great.

The table is covered in ice!

The slide is iced too?! What will we slide on?

Icicles!!

Three month old

2006-12-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

Mercy will be three months on Monday. Yesterday she started arching her back showing the beginnings of wanting to roll over. She's getting so big! I thought it was about time for some pictures. Here's Mercy with her brothers. She's warming up to the exersaucer but still needs watching closely because her head wobbles about and her arms easily get stuck in front of her leaving her face down sucking the toys instead of playing with them.

Here's a closeup.She was giving me this great dimpled grin, but everytime the camera flashed, she'd get scared and, well, what you see is what I got :) Still not bad, but not what I was going for.

Best Ever Pumpkin Bread Recipe

2006-11-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

With a title like that, do I really need to explain? :) I got this recipe from my neighbor back in California, and it is without a doubt the best pumpkin bread I've ever had. Whenever I give it away as a present, I am always asked for the recipe, and believe me it's NOT because I'm just such a great cook. Just ask my family! This is a great seasonal dish, but I love it so much I make it year round.

2 cups pumpkin puree
3.5 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup oil
3.5 cups flour (I use whole wheat and it works great)
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. each - cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves

Mix together the first four ingredientsin a bowl. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, soda, salt, powder, and spices. Then mix together the wet and dry mixtures. Grease and sugar two loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for about an hour.

Enjoy!

T-shirt dresses

2006-11-27T21:19:00.000-08:00

Kelly requested the instructions for the tshirt dresses I made. This really is a simple design and if I can make it work, anybody can! Trust me!

shirt of your choice
1 yard of fabric (for child's dress)
thread
fusible hem tape (optional: I don't use this. I just hem the dress but some people find the fusible hem tape to be easier)

Steps: Determine the waistline on the dress, and cut off the shirt 1/2-inch below that point. Sew a stay stich around the shirt bottom (making sure not to stretch the material). This will keep you shirt from stretching out when you are sewing the skirt on. Measure from the waistline to the middle of the wearer's knee (or however long your want the dress to be) to determine the length of the skirt. The width should be twice the width of shirt bottom. Cut 2 pieces of fabric using the length and width measurements. Sew skirt pieces together on sides (wrong side together). Fold the hem over fusible hem tape and iron it in place (or just sew a regular hem). For the gathered waistband, sew 2 running stitches around the side of the waist of the skirt. Pull the threads to gather the waistband until its circumference matches that of the shirt. Sew the right sides of the skirt and the shirt together using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. I sew over this again for additional strength.

HT: to Heather from MOMYS. These are actually her instructions. I'm not near creative enough to figure this out on my own ;)

Strength

2006-11-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

What kind of woman can endure radiation therapy everyday and still keep a smile on her face? What kind of woman can still find the joy when she suffers constant nausea, a painful sore throat, the loss of her hair, not to mention the difficulties associated with finding out you have a brain and spinal tumor? I know I'm not that strong, that's for sure. Please continue to pray for my dear friend, Karen whose faith during this time is inspiring to say the least.

Celebrities

2006-11-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

I had the coolest day yesterday! First of all, Colin and I were planning for a normal day of getting chores done when we got a phone call from some of our friends back in California saying they were in the area. You might remember Pastor Dave Bush from Colin's movie Shaky Town. He and his wife Jennifer and their five kids met with us in Hillsboro at a Starbucks while all our kids played in the outdoor patio there. Now if that wasn't random enough for ya, I'm sitting there looking through photos and chatting with Jen and having a great time, when I see a lady pass by that looks really familiar. On a whim I excuse myself and run up to her and say, "Excuse me, I'm EmilyG aren't you KimC?" To which she of all things replies, "Yes, I am. Oh, aren't you the DuchessofFife?" I couldn't believe it! I ran into Life in a Shoe in Hillsboro, and she actually knew who I was! It was such fun. She and her husband and eight kids were so sweet and stayed talking with us for a while. So, in some random Starbucks along the highway, I had coffee with two celebrities! Then we rush from there to our dear friends' 25th wedding celebration/ball - yes there was Victorian dancing there! - and I run into a soon-to-be-celebrity DanaF from Colin's next movie Monstrous Regiment. We get to talking and she starts telling me about a new friend of hers and I immediately say, "You mean TW?! She's been one of my best friends for ten years!" Well after all those wonderful coincidences I was exhausted but so thankful to God for giving me such wonderful gifts this Thanksgiving weekend. I wound up being so encouraged and happy from all the great fellowship. What a generous, loving, and merciful Father to bless me so!