The Answer to Yesterday's Answer

This morning is the morning. But I am feeling stronger than I was yesterday. My mind still tends to do the what-ifs, but peace has overcome me...one that can only come from my Savior. Let me share what I read yesterday.

Psalm 3

O Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”

But you are a shield around me,
O Lord;
You bestow glory on me and lift
Up my head.
To the Lord I cry aloud,
And he answers me from his holy hill.

I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord
sustains me.
I will not fear the tens of thousands
drawn up against me on every side.

Arise, O Lord!
Deliver me, O my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
Break the teeth of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.

I must have read that passage 20 times yesterday. And I keep reading it. God is my comforter, my shield and my protector. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for Larah and her life. I love you!!!

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The Answer

It is 5:43 A.M. The snow is falling, the roast is in the crock pot, the jello is made, the laundry is going, the hubby is preparing his morning sermon and all the children are sleeping. On a normal morning all this would bring me such joy and I guess today it does. But I woke up with a heavy heart and I am feeling sad. Life since Christmas day has been challenging. Those of you who know us, know our situation. And for those of you who don't, maybe someday I will be able to share. But for now all I can say is we need your prayers. I know God is in control. I know he has all our days planned. I know I am not to worry. But I am having a struggle with living all this knowledge. I have my moments of peace and rest and then something is said or I have a thought and then I am right back to being worrisome. I am cluing in now...the answer is to get off this computer, go into the living room, open my Bible, read His promises, get on my knees and pray. I think I'd better go!

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"Tebecca Tendra" Has Arrived!!

Congratulations, my friend, on your new blessing. She is absolutely beautiful. I am so happy for you and your family. I know she will be surrounded by much love and adoration. I look forward to watching her grow up. Do you suppose I will be her "Bucca"?

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Peace and Happiness

Merry Christmas

2007

This picture describes without words how I am feeling this Christmas. It is not necessarily a Christmas picture, but it is a picture of true peace and happiness. May your season be just the same.

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Need a Good Laugh?

For those of you who homeschool, this is a video worth viewing. Even if you don't, you might enjoy it. I, personally, think it is hilarious. Let me know what you think.

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Today

Fourteen years ago today Tim and I were married in an itty bitty chapel on the campus of East Texas Baptist University. Our wedding was absolutely perfect. Our first years of marriage were full of good times. However, we did have a few years that were quite trying. But God is good and He proves faithful. Today I am married to my best friend. He is the one person with whom I can be 100% me. He probably knows me better than I know myself. I find joy and pleasure in being his wife. I am in awe of how God can bring two absolutely different people, with two absolutely different backgrounds together and form them as one. But He did and for this I am forever grateful. He is an AWESOME God who gave me an awesome husband. I love you, Tim!

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Mike Huckabee Responds to Evolution Question

This is awesome! All I have to say is GO MIKE!!!!

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December 5, 1969

"For this reason a man shall leave his mother and father and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." ~Genesis 2:24

Thirty eight years ago Marsha Lynn Durinski and Stephen Ray Marjason committed their lives together in marriage. Today, December 5, 2007, my mom and dad celebrate their 38th wedding anniversary. I am so thankful to God that they have beaten the odds. Statistic state that more than 50% of all marriages end in divorce. By beating the odds, my parents have shown me the gift of love and commitment. They have fought some pretty hard battles and I have been witness to the sweet success of overcoming pain and heartache. It is incredible to see how "in love" they truly are. I love you, Mom and Dad, and am so thankful God made me your daughter. Thank you for your commitment to each other and thank you for your never ending love. You guys are awesome.

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That was then, This is now

Silvercreek

November 4, 2007

Five days ago we had 4-6 inches of snow and now we have none. Above is a picture of Silvercreek...the same location my previous post picture entitled "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" was taken. Most of the Northwest has been hit with floods. Randle did not get floods as bad as it did last year, but the river and creeks are all high and flowing fast. Below is a picture of our local WalMart, 65 miles from Randle. I don't think we will be doing our grocery shopping there this week.

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Brock Gill on The Logan Show

Well, I couldn't give up on trying to figure out how to post a video from You Tube. Justin and Matthew helped me find just the right one. This guy went to school with Tim at ETBU. I hope this works. And whatever you do, don't try this at home.

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Christmas with a capital "C"

A friend of mine sent this to me. It's kind of a catchy little tune. I don't quite know how to post a YouTube video, but I think this will work. Someday I'll be cool and have an actual YouTube video on my blog. Until then...this is whay you get. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ

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Happy Feet

How 'bout them there perty feet? I am spoiled. Karen, a friend of mine, took me for a pedicure. My first ever. It was a birthday present...just a few months late but that's okay. I'll take late gifts like this all year round. The only sad thing...there was snow on the ground so I couldn't wear sandals. Karen and I have decided this is going to be our November tradition. But now that I am thinking about it, we should make it a June tradition. Then I could be wearing sandals. I do think next time I will go with a different color. This one didn't turn out like I had anticipated. Oh well, my feet are still happy!

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Cleaning My Computer

I was cleaning my computer tonight...trying to get it to go a bit faster. While going through file after file, I came across this one. It is entitled "My Dad" and was written by my wonderful daughter, Cayla. It is so humorous I just couldn't keep it to myself.

MY DAD
I love my dad
He makes me glad
He is hardly ever mad
Not even sad
I am so glad
That he is my dad.
His pits do not stink
Not like a skink.
He never makes a mess
I am glad he does not wear a dress.

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Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

This is tonight's forcast. FUN-FUN!! We are located in the left corner of the map. How about that pretty little snowflake I added.

Here is a picture of what we woke up to Thursday morning. We are expected to get more tonight and all day tomorrow. As I sit at my computer and write on my blog, Tim is dozing (and snoring very happily) by the fire and 5 of the 6 kids are outside playing. It is Saturday evening, 8:18 PM...they should be in getting ready for bed and for church tomorrow. But they are so excited about the snow, I didn't have the heart to tell them they had to come in. Maybe tomorrow I can post some pictures of them playing in it.

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WOW!! I Stand Amazed!

I enjoy reading the Biblical Womanhood blog. The author, Crystal Paine, is a young mother and wife and is on fire for the Lord. Although young in years (well, young compared to me) she is thrifty, wise and continuously full of encouragement. I got on her blog tonight and read an article about a woman named Toni Vernelli. Toni, at the age of 25 had an abortion, and then at age 27 was sterilized. "Having children is selfish. It's all about maintaining your genetic line at the expense of the planet," says Toni, 35. I am amazed and shocked. I thank the Lord for each one of my children and even more so now after reading the article. If I am considered selfish, may I always and forever be so. Click here to read the article.

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Revisions and a Picture

Revision #1: Barbara, you will be happy to know I changed my music to Christmas music. I am sure it is not the same as yours but it will have to do. Love you girl!

Revision #2: Tim, you will be happy to know I changed the picture on the post entitled Smiles. Is she prettier? And no, that is not Mother Teresa.

Revision #3: I need to add one more thing to the list on the post Our Family Bed. Today it was used as a trampoline. Lucas and Cayla were having me score their skills at twists and flip twists. I gave them each a 10 and then kicked them out of my room.

Now that I've got that all straightened out I'll find a picture to post. Let's me see what I can find. Okay, I found a good one of Cayla and Dot. This picture was taken on Thanksgivng Day. I took her to the farm so she could spend some time with her horse, Dot. She was able to go for a short ride. The sun was shining, but boy was it cold. If you are interested, Cayla has started her own blog at http://www.theblogofcayla.blogspot.com/. Of course her first post is about Dot. She would love for you to read it and leave a comment. I'm going there now.

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Happy Thanksgiving

From our house to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Day this year is going to be a bit different. Normally, we would pack up the family and head to Longview (Washington), where we would enjoy our day with good friends, Ms. KayKay and Papa David. We would leave on Wednesday and come home on Friday. But this year Tim is in Africa and so things just aren't the same. Justin and Lucas will be enjoying their day with the Goodrich Family. Thank you Goodrich Gang for allowing my fine sons to join in on your festivities. You guys and gals are so wonderful. Matthew, Cayla, Katie, Larah and I will hang out at home...by choice, not because of lack of invites. I did receive 5 invitations to join other families, but I declined each one. Thanks be to each and everyone of you who invited our family to be with yours. We appreciate your thoughtfulness. With Tim gone, I want to be home, or at least in close proximity. My plan for the day is to just enjoy being together...coloring, painting, reading books, watching movies, cooking, eating, taking a walk and whatever else might come up. No turkey has been purchased...it might be spaghetti or it might be scalloped potatoes and ham or it might be steak and shrimp. My vote-steak and shrimp. And some Martinelli's. I bought 3 bottles of Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider. This is going to be our new Thanksgiving family tradition. But that's a surprise for the kids. Shhh...don't tell 'em. That pretty much sums up what The Washington Walkers are doing for Thanksgiving 2007. I hope that you and yours have a great Thanksgiving day.

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Cayla and Ms. Linda-The Best of Friends

Tonight Justin, Matthew, Lucas, Katie, Larah and I went to a friend's house to hang out for the evening. While we ate tacos and played games, Cayla and her great friend, Ms. Linda, stayed home and bonded, doing a science project and crafts. The science project consisted of making crystals and the crafts...well, you can see in the pictures. I was the receipient of the wonderful crafts. They were so cute I couldn't help but post them on my blog. The dogs are my favorite. They are made out of one piece of construction paper and they each say something different...'You're a dog-gone great mom'...'You are dog-gone pretty'....and 'You are dog-gone nice.' I am going to keep Cayla and Ms. Linda in my life. They are so good for my ego. Thank you ladies.

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Smiles

“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”---Mother Teresa of Calcutta

What a quote. So simple. So powerful. So true.

In our quest to get out of debt, I have been selling unused school books online. When someone purchases books from me, I wrap them in a brown grocery bag and address the package. On the back of the package I draw a huge, goofy smiley face. A fellow homeschooling mom living on the other side of the U.S., who purchased books from me, received such a package. Huge, goofy smiley face and all. She shared with me that the day she received her books in the mail was a particularly hard day for her and her family. She thanked me because of the smiley face on the back of her package. She said it was just what she needed on that particular day. I had no idea that such a small act would have such a great impact on someone. So whatever you do today, wherever you go, whatever you send, smile. A simple, powerful, true smile. You may have an impact on someone's not so good day.

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Homeschooling Perks

Cayla working with Katie on how to write her name

Homeschooling is full of perks. One of the best perks is older children working with and teaching the younger children. Yesterday Katie started doing school. We have some workbooks that she is going to work through. She did 5 pages (I was going to have her do one, but she just kept going and going and going...) and then throughout the day asked me if she could do more. Her last question before drifting off to sleep was, "Mom, could I please do more of my school tomorrow?" How exciting to have another student to teach. I hope she is always so motivated. Thank you Cayla for your help with Katie. You are a great teacher.

As I'm sitting here....Katie just climbed out of bed, still sleepy, and asked, "Mom, may I do my school now?" No "Good morning, Mom", no "What's for breakfast?", no hugs and kisses, just school. How cool is that!!

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Playin' and Bakin'

It is Wednesday morning at our house. The temperature outside is 35.1...I am soooooo cold. I just woke Justin and Matthew up so they could build their sweet, adorable mother a fire. We are having company for breakfast so I must get busy. But first I wanted to post a couple of pictures.
Cayla had a friend over yesterday. I meant to take more pictures of their time together but this is the only picture I managed to take. This multicolored track actually served two purposes. Purpose #1: a road system, complete with bridges and tunnels, trees and signs. Most would assume that a road system would be for some type of moving vehicle. But not so in this case. This road system was built for about 20 caterpillars. Yes, they had caterpillars traveling in all directions. Poor little creatures. Purpose #2: a horse coral, as in the picture. When we received this track as a gift for Christmas several years ago, I just knew that it would be played with a few time, put back in the box and forgotten. But to my surprise, the kids have found use after use for it. Thanks Lolanda.

Here are Chef #1 and Chef #2. Cayla and Justin made this delicious dessert....just because. It blesses me to know that my children like being with each other...that they can come into the kitchen and work on a project together and be successful, both with the recipe and with their relationship. We do have days where our house is chaotic, but days like this assure me that all is well. Thank you Justin and Cayla for investing in each other. You guys are awesome (and so was your dessert).

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New and Improved

Matthew and I have been redesigning my blog for quite some time this evening....notice the time. Our brains are tired, our eyes are weary and our bodies are about to shut down. But we are most impressed with my new and improved blog. Check out the changes and let us know what you think. Good night for now.

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I Want Your Knowledge

Tim arrived in Gaborone, Africa on time and with his luggage. I have not been able to talk with him, but I did receive an email. It was fairly short...one to let me know he made it. I am not being so pathetic this time. The trip to Dubai was so hard for me, but this one...I am handling a bit better. Okay, now for the real subject on hand.

Vaccinations: To do or not to do???

Those who know me well know that I do things just because that's the way it's always been done. I get stuck in a rut and I am not one for change. But I am facing a challenge and would appreciate your voice as I seek to gain knowledge on such a controversial issue. All of my children, except Larah, are up-to-date on their shots. When Larah was old enough for the routine vaccinations I had to ask myself "Why?" Lately I have been doing research online at www.909shot.com, the National Vaccine Information Center, and reading a book, VACCINES: Are They Really Safe and Effective? by Neil Z. Miller. I am slowly coming to the conclusion that they are unneccesary and potentially dangerous. I have talked to Tim about this subject and I continue to pray, seeking God's guidance. I would also like to hear from my fellow bloggers. Please share your thoughts. If you have other resources than the ones I have listed, I would appreciate those too. Looking forward to your reply.

On a side note: here is a funny look at the flu shot.

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Success

Here is a random picture. Just because I like it and because I now know how to post pictures from the Internet. I feel special. I have tried and tried and tried and tried and tried and tried and tried to learn how to do this and FINALLY I have succeeded. Thanks Babe!!! You are incredibly awesome.

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Our Family Bed

One piece of premartial advice that we received and welcomed almost 14 years ago was to purchase a king-size bed. We took this advice and how happy I am that we did. Our bed is used daily. Most people make a lot of memories around the kitchen table. We do this, however we also make lots of memories on our bed. Here is a list of things that take place on our "family bed."

Sleeping
Reading books with each one of the kids
Doing school
Changing diapers
Praying
Singing
Family time
Cuddling with the little ones
Heart-to-heart talks
Hiding under the covers
Folding and stacking laundry
Eating breakfast
Playing games
Taking naps
Corrective discipline
Wrapping gifts
Giving it up for welcomed guests
Talking on the phone
Writing letters
and of course...
The obvious (hee-hee)

I know there must be more I could add to the list, but that is all I can come up with at the moment. One thing that hasn't taken place on our bed, but maybe, just maybe someday will, is to give birth. The idea excites me, but the lack of a very large black bathtub with jets persuades me to drive to Onalaska. Thanks for reading...now go make memories.

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"Mama in Training" or "No"

It was afternoon at the Walker home. Some were doing school, some were playing games, one was crawling around on the floor and one was bored. The bored one decided to be a "mama in training." What looks like an e-bay ad (see above photo) is actually Katie's creative and time consuming activity. She went into her room, pulled out all of Larah's 'too small' clothes from a tub (I love tubs) and hung them all on hangers. She brought each piece out, one by one, for inspection and I gave the anticipated compliments........"Perfect", "Great", "Fantastic", "Wonderful", "Awesome", "Keep it up", etc. Upon completion of hanging the clothes on hangers, she then, oh so carefully and skillfully, decorated our hallway cabinets and drawers.

At the beginning of her "being mama" I was complaining in my mind, "What a mess. Why is she doing this...to me? Why can't she sit down and color? Why must I have to fold all these clothes and put them back away? Can't my house stay neat for just one minute?" It is always my first reaction to say no...or in this case, put the clothes away. A great character flaw, but one I am working diligently to overcome. So after contemplating her busyness, I gave in. I allowed her to continue 'making a mess'. The satisfaction she was receiving for doing such a great job would have been crushed if I would of had her put away the clothes, not make a mess, keep the house clean. What Katie was doing that afternoon was training to be a mama.

My prayer for Katie, Larah and Cayla is that they will be a mom someday...that they will have the privilege and desire to be at home...that they will have the joy of daughters making messes and decorating the house and that their first response won't always be no.

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Slide Show

Well, here is my initial attempt at making a slide show. These pictures were taken today. The weather was absolutely wonderful. The kids raked leaves and played in the pile for quite sometime. You will notice that Justin is not in any of the pictures. He was out being social at The Bean Tree with friends. Enjoy the slideshow.

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# 10

I would take time to blog but all my children are still outside looking for the tenth dime. Gotta go...

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I'm Pathetic

Two more days and my man will be home. And just in case you don't know...I AM READY! What am I ever going to do when he goes to Botswana for 16 days? I can't even begin to imagine. But that's not until next month so I just won't go there yet.

The phone is ringing...

Out-of-area...

Tim, it was Tim. Oh...the pitter-patter of my heart. Calm down, calm down. Breath, breath. Okay, I can breath again. Golly this is harder than I ever thought it would be. My blogging thoughts are gone now...so I guess I will leave with "Good night and sweet dreams."

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Homecoming 2007

It was a joy and a pleasure to be with you last night. Thank you for allowing and desiring for me to be a part of your evening. It was fun to see you so excited and yet, so nervous. I am extremely pleased with the man God is making of you. Thank you for turning your heart toward Him and for making wise choices. Your dad and I enjoy you more and more with each passing day. Thank you for being who you are. You are awesome. I am thrilled to sit back and watch as your friendship with Audrey grows. She is a beautiful young lady who is being molded into the image of Christ. I am amazed at how you are handling this relationship. You two were great last night. I am glad you had the opportunity to enjoy each other's company. May you have many more fun and memorable moments together. Just make sure it is when your dad is home. Gosh, I miss him.

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The Call

It came. About 9:30 PM. He has made it to Dubai. Tim is officially 9300 miles away from home. The long awaited call came as we were all getting ready for bed. Caller ID showed an out of area call...one we wouldn't normally answer. But the anticipation of seeing who was on the other end overtook me and I yelled for Justin to answer it. It was my very missed man. Justin talked to Tim for what seemed an eternity. In all actuality it was only 2-3 minutes. Finally I was able to hear his voice. Oh, what a soothing sound to my aching loneliness. He seemed tired, but happy. Dubai is 11 hours ahead of us, so as we were finishing our day, his was just beginning his. He said the trip was long...with a lot of delays due to bad weather and rescheduled flights. He made it into Dubai at 5:30 PM (our time), but his bags? Who knows where they might be?

The kids and I are doing fine with him gone. Let me rephrase that...the kids and I are coping in his absence. Whoever said, "Absence makes the heart grow founder" was crazy. Absence stinks!! If he wasn't absent I wouldn't be sitting at my computer at 4:00 in the morning missing him so much. I'd be snug in my bed, sound asleep, knowing in just a half hour he would be up starting his morning routine.

But truth be told he is absent and it is all for the glory of the Kingdom. I am excited beyond words at the opportunity that is before him. He is doing what he does best...telling the good news of our savior, Jesus Christ and teaching men and women of Dubai, UAE the importance of discipleship. My heart and prayers are with him as he fulfills God's calling on his life. May his trip be fruitful and full of joy as he carries out God's commands.

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A Few of My Favorite

For today I only want to post scripture. It is continuously uplifting and forever reassuring.

Proverbs 3:5-6~Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Jeremiah 29:11~"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Philippians 2: 5-11~ Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Chirst is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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3200 Cheeseman Place

Not such a great picture of Larah but for some reason

or other it's the only one I took of her!

Justin, a dedicated homeschool student, working on grammar.

Matthew being a goofball during a game of SkipBo!

Cayla wining a Texas Hold'em game! She's so cool!

Lucas at the kitchen table after a game of Go Fish.

I'm thinking by the look on his face, he may have lost.

Katie coming down from the loft where we slept.

Our family was blessed with a 3 day, 2 night stay at a cabin in the middle of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It was wonderful. It was a time of much needed rest and relaxation. It was just like camping, except inside an awesome cabin. There was no running water, no electicity and no phones. We took walks, read books, played games, slept...just enjoyed being together, being family.

Thank you, Father, for times of quietness and rest.

Thank you for friends who are willing to share so that we can be revived.

Thank you for loving us and for being our provider.

You truly are an awesome God!

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Thank You Mom

I vowed as a child growing up that I would never ever wash and reuse plastic baggies. I also made such a vow when it came to washing plastic, disposable plates and eating utensils. My mom, bless her heart, made us wash plastic. She was vicous. She was cruel. She was brutal. Did she not realize they were made from plastic and were made to be tossed in the trash after the initial use? Did she not realize the pain and agony she caused me and my siblings each and every time we had to do dishes? Because I was tortured as a child, I vowed to myself that my children would never ever have to participate in such ridiculous and foolish activities. My, oh my...how things have changed. We are getting out of debt; we are living on a tight budget; we are cutting costs wherever and whenever possible. Because of our new way of living I have had to force myself to be creative when it comes to saving (not spending) money. So guess what? I have turned into my mom. My children and I wash plastic. Thank you Mom for engaging me in unpleasant and miserable tasks. Thank you Mom for being extremely mean and cruel. Thank you Mom for teaching me to be frugal. You have played an important role in our financial future. And for this I am extremely grateful.

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My Weekend

I have had a pleasant and restful weekend. Saturday morning...well let's start with Friday night. Friday night Tim and I took a 3 1/4 mile walk, together, alone, without the kids. Wonderful, very wonderful. Then we came home and watched We Are Marshall. He watched, I dozed. Saturday morning was spent with a friend. We went to a garage sale that was advertised to be Saturday and Sunday. It was closed for Saturday. We were both a little confused...how do you have a garage sale that is closed? Just a bit odd, but acceptable because we live in East Lewis County. After the closed garage sale we headed to Glacier Espresso. Interesting. Very, very interesting. At Glacier Espresso you can order huge ice cream cones, extra large hot dogs and a variety of drinks. But wait...that's not all. You can also enjoy a 3o minute workout. HUM! Hot dogs, ice cream, espressos and exercise. Once again, we were a little confused. Just a bit odd, but acceptable because we live in East Lewis County. We left the espresso (after Kendra spoiled me and bought us buy 1, get 1 free drinks...thanks Kendra) and drove to Morton, where I bought eggs, bananas and sour cream. All 3 items on sale...I saved us $2.74. The rest of Saturday day was spent at home with the kids. In the evening, I, along with my cute helper, Katie, cleaned the church building. I cleaned as Katie made pancakes and caught frogs. Both imaginary, but nonetheless, important to my favorite 3 year old. Sunday morning was spent at Randle Baptist Church. I was in the nursery, both for Sunday school and the morning service. We did have a baptism this morning...that is always exciting. Go Billy, you cool man of God! Lolanda spent the majority of the day with us. We had lasagna for lunch and lasagna for dinner. Tim, Lolanda and I played 3-handed spades and ate popcorn. I won. Tim-490, Lolanda- 190, and Me-500. Yep, I beat Tim by 10 points. That doesn't happen all too often. That pretty much sums up my weekend. We will be gone for the next three days. We'll be back sometime Wednesday. So until then, smile, have fun and praise the Lord, for He is good.

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Sodium Bicarbonate

I love learning new things. I have learned to add links and now that I have accomplished such a feat, I will bore all you wonderful readers with things I find online. Like this one on baking soda. I have known for sometime that baking soda is useful, but I had no idea it was this useful. I hope you can glean valuable info from this link....this is so much fun.

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Posting Links

Good evening. I, like my friend Kendra, want to learn to add links to my posts. So Kendra, here it goes. I hope you don't mind that I used you to be my Guinea pig. Did it work??? Oh, I hope so.

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Cookies that Lead to Sin

Last night, looking online from new menu ideas, I came across a recipe for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. I already had my "favorite"recipe for such treats, but I now have a new one. After finding the recipe and realizing I had all ingredients needed, I put on the apron and got busy. My kitchen was smelling delightful. Let me share my new find with you.

2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp mapleine flavoring (optional)
2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups flour
4 cups oatmeal
2 cups raisins

Sift dry ingredients; add wet ingredients; add flavors; fold in raisins and oatmeal. Bake at 375 for 7-9 minutes. Should be firm, not hard.

I am oh so pleased with my Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Although I won't be making them too often, as I would probably eat the whole batch within a 24 hour time frame...gluttony. And I don't think I would be sharing with the kids...selfishness. Two sins I don't need in my life.

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In Memory of Micah

Micah John Walker

September 5,2007

11:44 PM

Child of My Love

Child of My love, lean hard,

And let Me feel the pressure of your care;

I know your burden child. I shaped it;

Balanced it in My Own hand; made no proportion

In it's weight to your unaided strength,

For even as I laid it on you, I said,

"I will be near, and while you lean on Me,

This burden will be mine, not yours;

So I will keep you, My child with in the circling arms

Of My Own love." Here lay it down, nor fear

To impose it on the shoulder that upholds

The government of worlds. Yet closer come;

You are not near enough. I would embrace your care;

So I might feel you, My child reclining on My breast.

You love Me, I know. So then do not doubt;

But loving Me, lean hard.

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My Matthew, My MadDog

Matthew, bless his heart, was feeling a bit left out when he saw his brother, Justin...The Muffin Man, on my last blog. He asked if I had ever posted a picture of him. So together we scrolled down all my blogs, searching for just the right picture. I found pictures of him with the prairie dogs, but they were not good enough. He wanted a blog all to himself. Or at least all about himself. So this blog is dedicated to My Matthew, My MadDog.

Matthew was born 2nd in our family on September 15th, 1994 at 2:11 a.m. at Longview Regional Hospital in Longview, Texas. He just celebrated his 13th birthday three days ago. Matthew is a fine young man, full of life and ready to make anyone laugh. His full name is Matthew David Walker, also known as MadDog...a nickname given to him by his Papaw. Matthew because we like the name and David in honor of his Uncle Josh (Joshua David).

Matthew's favorite song is Let Go by the group RED. Matthew's all-time favorite group is RED. His favorite color is RED. His favorite author is Frank Peretti and his favorite foods are monkey bread and pizza. Matthew's favorite dog is a golden lab, his favorite number is 94 and his favorite friend is Bradley. His favorite bible scripture is the first chapter of Hebrews and his favorite praise and worship song is Take Me In by Kutless. Matthew's favorite X-Box game is Halo 1 and his favorite PlayStation game is Need for Speed-Most Wanted. His favorite fishing hole is Dark Lake. His favorite school subject is math, his favorite state is confused and his favorite drink is Monster. I'm not quite sure why because his father and I don't allow him the drink such junk. His favorite mom is ME!!!

Matthew enjoys camping, riding his bike, skateboarding, listening to his ipod, and playing with sisters, Katie Jane and Larah. He is cool enough to hang out with kids and mature enough to carry on conversation with adults. He is very motivated to do what he knows and scared to tackle the unknown. I think he gets the later from his mom.

This concludes my blog to and about Matthew. Matthew, in all seriousness...I love you and am honored to be your mom. You make me exceptionally happy. Keep making me coffee and hugging me before bed. You are incredibly awesome.

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Just Peachy and Green Beanies

The Muffin Man says, "Eat your beans!"

Canning 2007

This is what I have been doing this past week. We were blessed with two boxes of peaches and bucket loads of beans. The two boxes of peaches made 27 quarts and so far we have 42 quarts of beans. I still have a brown grocery bag full of beans waiting to be pressure cooked. That's on the agenda for tomorrow. I'm thinking the only other thing I will can this year will be apple juice. We have an abundance of apples on the tree (or in our orchard, as Tim calls it.) What blessings!!

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Two Months and Two Days

Oh my!! It has been two months and two days since I last wrote on my blog. It has been a busy, busy two months and two days. Most of you readers know the going-ons of my life so I won't bore you with a lengthy catch up. I will say that God is great and His plans are awesome. I don't fully understand them, nor will I ever, but I love Him and I praise Him. May you and yours have an incredible day with the Father.

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Girl's Day Out With Papa

Today was a good day. I awoke early and was able to lay in bed with Tim for quite awhile. This is one of my favorite things to do and it doesn't happen as often as I'd like. Sometimes it's the only time we get to talk ALONE...imagine that. I cherish such mornings. Lucas got up around 7:00 and got Larah out of her bed. Katie was up at 7:10. He entertained the two of them until about 8:00. What a guy!!! By this time Larah was REALLY needing her mama. I had no choice but to leave my comfy bed and awesome husband, and drag myself to the living room. After taking care of Larah's needs, I showered and got ready for my day.

Tim, Cayla, Katie, Larah and I left Randle at 10:00 and headed out town. Except for today we didn't go to the normal out town. We traveled north along Highway 7 and went to Yelm, Lacey, Olympia and Centralia. It was a beautiful drive. Our first stop was Jack In The Box...for brunch. Then we went to Home Depot...and had fun. We purchased 4 gallons of paint...2 gallons of paramount sage and 2 gallons of bone white. We also purchased rollers, brushes, a light fixture and a ceiling fan. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Maybe, just maybe, tomorrow I will start redoing our bedroom and bathroom. We have 4 weeks to do our bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen. If I remember I will take before and after pictures and post them on my blog. Well, I should probably just post the after. The before will be pretty scary.

After Home Depot we went to Petco, where Cayla purchased a crab and two fish. She saved her birthday money for such creatures. She named them: Crystal the Crab, Carley the Calico and Aussie the something or other. She is quite pleased with her new aquatic friends. After departure from Petco we walked to Barnes and Nobles, where Cayla bought a Mad Libs and I bought Tim a Patrick McManus book for his birthday. Tim was asked to leave Barnes and Nobles. Apparently Petco shopping carts are not welcome in such a place. He was slightly unimpressed. From Barnes and Nobles we headed to Olympia for gas at Costco and made a quick trip to Fred Myers for a John Wayne flick. I was surprised we were buying a John Wayne movie. I thought Tim already owned all of them. We dined at Azteca in Centralia and stopped at Dairy Dan's for an ice cream cone before heading home.

Our poor, ol' lonely boys were left at home to fend for themselves all day. But we came home to a very clean house and 3 happy boys. Lucas said it was the 'funnest' day he's ever had. I think he enjoyed hanging with the big boys...without the sisters. Any day is a good day when I leave my house trashed and I come home to organization and happiness. Plus on Justin, Matthew and Lucas. Thanks boys!!

That sums up my day. I thoroughly enjoyed being with Tim and the girls and the boys seemed to handle the home front just fine. It was a great day from start to finish. And that takes me to..."Good night and sweet dreams."

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Thing #1 and Thing #2

Larah is down for the night, Katie Jane and Lucas are watching a movie in the playroom and Justin, Matthew, and Cayla are at our friend's house swimming. Tim is sitting in his Lazyboy, finishing a bowl of Dryer's ice cream (similar to BlueBell) and watching a movie. I am exhausted... but I don't want to go to bed and I don't want to watch a movie...so here I am. My mind is incapable of coming up with great things to blog and my imagination is out of order. So I will share with you fellow bloggers two things recently added to our home. Two things that are very simple, yet they have brought me such happiness that I must not keep them to myself.

Thing #1: A shower caddy purchased at our local Home Depot for just under $20. I know, how exciting can a shower caddy be? Let me tell you. I have never personally owned one. Now I do and I love it. We have 7 people showering daily. With seven people showering comes several different shower items. We have 3 bars of soap, 2 bottles of facial scrub, 3 kinds of shampoo and conditioner, cups, and toys. Oh yeah, 4 bottles of Bath and Body Works body wash...I have to pamper myself. I am sure there are items I am forgetting. But with this new handy-dandy shower caddy all is organized. No more dropped, broken bottles and no more "Dang its" because of crushed toes. Life is so good!

Thing #2: Three white laundry baskets purchased at our local Wal-Mart for about $3 a piece. And just why were these purchased? Yes, laundry. Justin's laundry, Matthew's laundry and Cayla's laundry. A friend of mine shared with me how her older children do their own laundry. I thank God for such friends. Because of Lori and her wisdom, my older children are now doing their own laundry. I can't believe how much time this saves me. Like I stated before...Life is so good!

Well that is about all I have for tonight. I hope that maybe my simple yet life changing ideas might be helpful to you. Let me know.

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Fishing Fun

Can you see any resemblance??

Cayla and her catch!

3.5 lbs and 18 in. Bass

It's a keeper!!

Thanks Audrey for a fun day!!

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8 Weeks and Beatin' Strong

Yesterday we went out town. Yes, out town. Not...to town, not...out to town, but out town. That's what you do when you live in East Lewis County. Anyway, we stopped by to see Laura, our midwife. Tim had made her a votive candle holder on his wood lathe several months ago...a small token of thanks for everything she does for us. I don't know which was nicer...the candle holder hand-crafted by my incredible husband or the creme brulee candle inside the candle holder. Oh, how I miss Mary's Candles. Laura promised me she would make me Laura's Candles with the creme brulee scent. I'll be patiently waiting. Now...to get to the point. While we were at her house, she asked if we wanted to see our baby. Our baby was conceived just 8 weeks ago and we were able to see it moving inside of me. The heartbeat was just a beatin'...strong and fast. It was such a bittersweet moment, remembering twice in our life when we went to hear a heartbeat and heard nothing but complete and utter silence. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of life inside me and thank you for allowing us a glimpse at your newest creation to our family. You are truly amazing.

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Heartsong and Family

Here is the picture of Heartsong with our family...excluding Tim. He was taking pictures...of course. I think he will forever and always hate being in pictures. The team members in order, starting from left to right are: Tyler, Garrett, Aubrey, Amy, Keith, Nate, Dana and Tim. Katie and Aubrey were inseparable. Notice even Bun-Bun made the picture. What a good time.

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The Past Few Days

I have had a busy but fun last few days. Here are some of the highlights.

Highlight #1-Heartsong...a group of 8 students from Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio. They arrived Tuesday afternoon. I made a huge pot of spaghetti and the Yo-Ads contributed garlic bread and cookies. I burnt the noodles BAD but they were all so sweet about it. After eating spaghetti, Heartsong put on the most excellent concert at our church. After hearing them sing and hearing some of their testimonies our family purchased 3 of their CD's. When the concert was over they separated and went to host families for the night. They met back here Wednesday morning, we packed sack lunches and said our good-byes. They informed us they had a concert Wed. night and had somewhere to stay but they didn't have anywhere to go Thursday and Friday. So we were blessed again Thursday afternoon when their white 15-passenger van and trailer pulled back into our driveway. Late Thursday afternoon Tim took them on a short journey toward Mt. St. Helens. They didn't get all the way to the lookout, but they did get to see some sights. After their road trip to the mountain, we met up at Pollman's for a bonfire and hot dog roast. Some took walks, shot guns and rode horses. A great time was had by all. We left Pollman's around 11:00. Friday morning started with Monkey Bread. What a way to start the day. Overall it was a pretty relaxing day. Six of the group, along with Justin and Matthew, went hiking. Tim took a few for a short ride to see some more sights. I stayed home all day...did house work, visited and took two naps. Yes, two naps. Being pregnant and staying up til 1:30 AM is not a good combination for me. Heartsong wrote Tim and I a note, gave us cash, babysat all 6 kids and told us to go on a date. WOW!!! They are down-right cool. We went to the local restaurant and enjoyed our time away. When we returned, dinner for everyone else was ready and the kitchen was cleaned. They had made homemade pizza. Like I stated previously...they are down-right cool. Right now ( Friday night at 10:52 PM) they are all in our living room watching Madea's Family Reunion. They are pulling out tomorrow morning around 9:00 to head toward Spokane and at that time we will have to say our final good-byes. It will be a sad few moments. Especially for our kids. They have fallen in love with the team. Saying good-bye is always hard, but knowing we will spend eternity with them helps. Sometime tomorrow I will post a picture of the team with our kids.

Highlight #2-Matthew's new tooth. MadDog had a dentist appointment Wednesday morning at 8:00. Needless to say...he didn't wake up in a very good mood. As a matter of fact, a few tears were shed. He got an extra-long morning hug from Mama. After sitting in the chair for over 2 hours and falling asleep 3 times, he came home with a new front tooth. He is very proud of it. He smiles more and shows it to everyone he sees.

Highlight #3-Thursday morning Tim went to Longview to pick up Lucas and Cayla. They spent 3 days at Karen and David's house. It was a long 3 days. We are used to having all of our kids around 24/7. To have two of them gone was quite different. The plan was for them to stay in Longview til Saturday but Tim got to missing them...BAD. So he went and picked them up early. I think they were glad to come home. They did have a great time, though. I thank the Lord for adopted grandparents who love our children and want to spend time with them.

Hightlight #4-Thursday afternoon Larah and I met two friends at the restaurant for lunch. I put Larah in her jog stroller with Mr. Bacon, I put on my ipod and we walked and we walked and we walked. It was wonderful. We walked from our house to the restaurant. I don't know if we made good time or not, but we enjoyed ourselves. We were able to wave at several people we knew, talk to some horses and we each got some sun. Next time I will have to remember sunblock. After lunch we trekked back home, meeting up with Matthew about half way. I did have to take a quick detour to One Stop...my bladder was so full, I couldn't make it home. I had to stop for a potty break. I was impressed by the cleanness of the bathroom. It was not what I expected. Thanks One Stop.

Highlight #5-Friday afternoon I received a phone call from a friend, Anne, asking if she could come over. Of course I said yes and an hour later she came for a visit. She stayed for about an hour and a half. We haven't visited together for quite sometime. I see her every Sunday and we always talk, but today we really talked. It blessed my heart that she took time out of her busy schedule to visit with me.

That pretty much sums up my last few days. It is 11:22 PM and I think it would be wise to hit the sack. Morning comes so fast. Sleep tight and I will post a few pictures tomorrow.

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Breeder or Blessed?

Several months ago I read an article in a well-known christian magazine about children. My memory in general is lacking but I do remember one thing...reading the term "breeder". I read on further in this article and concluded that Tim and I are "breeders". I don't get offended, as a matter of fact, it doesn't even bother me. It does, however, sadden me. Reading a magazine is just that...reading a magazine. It is an article on a piece of paper, written by someone I don't know, and more than likely will never meet. But a couple week ago Tim was at a home here in Randle. He was being introduced to someone new and the person introducing him stated..."This is Tim Walker...he's a breeder...children everywhere." That brought the term closer to home. It made it just a little more real. And it still doesn't bother me...it just saddens me all the more. By hearing this local call my husband a breeder brought forth a challenge to me. To live in Randle and to be a witness, in the area of children, to my community. I love living here and I love my children. I pray that as I live here day to day, at the library, the store, the gas station, the local flower shop, etc...that I would always and forever view my children as a blessing and a delight. And that others would see me doing so. Maybe, just maybe, by God's grace they will change their view...for children truly are a blessing from the Lord!!

Here is a poem a friend shared with me. She is a new friend and I look forward to getting to know her more. She loves her children as I love mine.

Here is another sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss;

Here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery.

Here is a soul to train for God,

And the body in which it dwells is worthy all it will cost,

Since it is the abode of a kingly tenant.

I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all,

To whom, while I minister in Christ's name,

I make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation

My other darlings have left me.

Yes, my precious baby,

You are welcome to your mother's heart,

Welcome to her time,

Her stregth,

Her health,

Her tenderest caress,

To her lifelong prayers!

Oh, how rich I am, how truly, how wonderfully blest!

(Stepping Heavenward, Elizabeth Pretiss, 1800)

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One Great Week

This past week, Monday, May 28th thru Sunday, June 3rd, our family spent the week camping just outside of Prineville, OR in the Ochaco National Forest. We camped with another family and a good time was had by all. Our family bond was made stronger and friendships grew deeper. Some of the good times included sitting around the campfire just visting...eating smores and popcorn...walks in the woods...a log cabin...dirty faces...camp food...laughter (lots of laughter...bust your gut til it hurts laughter)...baths in a five gallon bucket...a thunderstorm...the spotting of wild horses and an albino red-tailed hawk...spiders, more spiders and even more spiders...a beautiful creek...catching fish with hands...camp boogers...last but not least...ministering to the farmers of Central Oregon by blasting away a creature called Prarie Dogs. I am proud to say I shot one on my first try. Let me share some pictures.

Lucas and Matthew

What a team!!

Katie spotted it and Matthew shot it.

Princess Cayla on her 10th birthday.

Kacey and Rebecca gettin'r done!!!

Bathtime for Katie and Larah

The Coolest Log Cabin Ever!!

Built by Anders Pollman and Justin Walker

Kung Fu Justin

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Sarah Dog

Good bye, Sarah. Thanks for the memories.

You will be missed.

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My Favorite Things

Here are are a few of my favorite things...in random order.

My children's laughter
My huggin' pillow
Popcorn and Diet Pepsi (together or separate)
Moolack Shores
Time (alone) at the library
Trying to surprise Tim
Camping
Going out for breakfast
The color GREEN
My midwife
Fresh cut grass
Playing cards with "The Neighbors" (and winning)
The smell of clean laundry
Hearing my children pray
Phone calls from my Schister
Pulling Tim's boots off after a long day
Mother's Day
French Vanilla 'Why Bother'
George Winston, Yanni, and Fernando Ortega
Listening to Lucas read
Saturday mornings with Kendra
Getting mail from a friend
Flowers delivered just for me
New tennis shoes
Ticonderoga #2 pencils
Garage sales

I have many, many more, but my blogging for now must come to an end. I hope to continue soon.

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A New Blogger

I am uneducated when it comes to blogging. But I figure the only way to learn is to jump in and just do it. So here I am. It is 11:58 PM, Friday night. All the children are sleeping and my hubby has gone to Longview for the night. I am enjoying Yanni in the background and the thought of my children tucked snug in their beds. The youngest one, Larah, will be up in three hours for her nighttime feeding. I love the nighttime feedings. It is just her and I. Alone. Quiet. Peaceful. I am in awe of GOD and how he continues to bless us with the gift of children. May I never take them for granted.

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