Well, I think Caleb is just about to drop Russian for good, which makes me sad. I try as much as I can to speak Russian to him, but when only one person in your world is speaking Russian to you (and that is only some of the time) and everyone else is speaking English, I guess you choose to speak English. There are a few Russian words that have been really consistent, though, and "mallot" (hammer) has been one of them. The other day, I heard Caleb say the word hammer while he was working with his Daddy. When I asked him to say it in Russian, he said, "NO, HAMMER!!!!"
Sigh... :0(
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Truth
This is from an E-mail I got today. This speech was made in 1999, but is still so true today. Some of you may have actually heard or read this before, but it is still powerful...
Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm?
On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton , Colorado , was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out f or answers. "The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart. "In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent. I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.
Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need!
Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts. "As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine yourown heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!" Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech.
Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm?
On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton , Colorado , was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out f or answers. "The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart. "In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent. I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.
Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need!
Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts. "As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine yourown heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!" Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Caleb is 3!
C had a great first birthday at home! As soon as he was up, he opened 2 of his gifts and had his birthday pancakes (blueberry), topped with whipped cream and sprinkles for breakfast. In our house, this is the birthday tradition. The 3 big kids were just so sweet to C and were just thrilled to share in his special day. We had a very special morning, just the 6 of us...
After the day's activities (work, school, etc.), we were off to C's dream come true... a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. C has been planning this for months. All 4 grandmas and grandpas joined us for pizza, cake, present-opening and lots of game-playing fun! C had a blast, but sure was worn out when it was all said and done. As soon as we arrived home after the party, C said, "Mama, my burfday OVER!" :0)
After 2 hours or so, C was done...
Here's a pic of C playing with his favorite gift- thanks Aunt Becky!
After the day's activities (work, school, etc.), we were off to C's dream come true... a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. C has been planning this for months. All 4 grandmas and grandpas joined us for pizza, cake, present-opening and lots of game-playing fun! C had a blast, but sure was worn out when it was all said and done. As soon as we arrived home after the party, C said, "Mama, my burfday OVER!" :0)
After 2 hours or so, C was done...
Here's a pic of C playing with his favorite gift- thanks Aunt Becky!We are just so blessed to have had C home this year so we could finally celebrate a birthday with him!
Monday, April 13, 2009
C's First Easter
Oops! I just realized these ears have pink bows on them! It's almost the end of C's firsts... his birthday is this Wednesday, so Easter was the second to last of his firsts and C had a great first Easter! Our church dropped the Easter eggs out of a helicopter again this year, so that was the highlight of the day. C was terrified and thrilled all at the same time to be so close to a helicopter. And getting to eat so much candy all in one day was most certainly a close second! For me, the highlight was that C understood in an almost 3 year-old way what Easter is all about. He informed me several times yesterday that "Jesus is alive!".
Praise God for that!
C watching the "heh-clopper" with a mix of emotions
Sadie wanted a turn wearing the bunny ears
Ash and Beans
Look closely and you will see the guy leaning out of the helicopter and dumping the eggs!
Post backyard egg hunt
Friday, April 10, 2009
Ten Years and Counting...
Today is our 10th wedding anniversary!
Just think, honey, 10 years ago today, you were feeling incredibly sick to your stomach (from nerves) and couldn't wait for the day to end (so you could finally be married to me, of course- or was it because you hate big social gatherings and you hate having your picture taken even more!?). Oh- and remember your reaction when you found out you would have to wear a mic during the ceremony? Poor guy... I haven't even mentioned the extreme fatigue you were feeling at the time because you had just spent the previous month remodeling our new home so we could move in the day after we got married. You gave every waking moment and every ounce of your strength (and your last nerve) so we could have a beautiful home. I still cannot express to you how grateful I am to you for that amazing gift. I so admire you for what you did for me... for us.
I am eternally glad you decided to suffer through the pomp and circumstance and all of the hard work to start a life with me. We made it through that day (and you did a great!), and we have made it through many more days since then. We have laughed, we have cried... we have sometimes struggled with how to deal with certain challenges, but I wouldn't go back and change a single second of it.
Happy Anniversary, sweetie :0) The past 10 years have been amazing! I am so blessed to be able to walk through life with my best friend. And our four children have such an incredible Daddy... it is awesome to watch you love them. I cannot tell you how much joy it brings me that they have a Daddy who has a heart for God. I know I don't tell you enough how proud I am of you and all you do. I don't know anyone who could do it better.
I heart you!
Love,
Me
Just think, honey, 10 years ago today, you were feeling incredibly sick to your stomach (from nerves) and couldn't wait for the day to end (so you could finally be married to me, of course- or was it because you hate big social gatherings and you hate having your picture taken even more!?). Oh- and remember your reaction when you found out you would have to wear a mic during the ceremony? Poor guy... I haven't even mentioned the extreme fatigue you were feeling at the time because you had just spent the previous month remodeling our new home so we could move in the day after we got married. You gave every waking moment and every ounce of your strength (and your last nerve) so we could have a beautiful home. I still cannot express to you how grateful I am to you for that amazing gift. I so admire you for what you did for me... for us.
I am eternally glad you decided to suffer through the pomp and circumstance and all of the hard work to start a life with me. We made it through that day (and you did a great!), and we have made it through many more days since then. We have laughed, we have cried... we have sometimes struggled with how to deal with certain challenges, but I wouldn't go back and change a single second of it.
Happy Anniversary, sweetie :0) The past 10 years have been amazing! I am so blessed to be able to walk through life with my best friend. And our four children have such an incredible Daddy... it is awesome to watch you love them. I cannot tell you how much joy it brings me that they have a Daddy who has a heart for God. I know I don't tell you enough how proud I am of you and all you do. I don't know anyone who could do it better.
I heart you!
Love,
Me
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Paka March! It's April!
Paka (pah-kuh) means "goodbye" in Russian. Many of you already knew that, but for those of you who did not, you just learned a new word in Russian! Good stuff...
We are certainly ready to see some warmer weather here in these parts! Winter was fun, but it's time to move on. Clearly the Midwest is not quite aware yet that it is officially Spring. Case in point:
This is what it was like here on Sunday...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)