From snowsleds to snorkels

One life! One Love! Let's get together and FEEEEEL alright! I think that mantra will be with me for a while. We decided that being together almost 10 years was worth celebrating. We are so thankful and in awe of God blessing us enough to go. We would have never guessed that when I quit my job that we would be able to leave this road, much less this country! We had a great time in the sun and sand. We went to an all-inclusive resort so the most work I did while we were there was just walk to the food and drinks. It was pitiful. We did get off our chairs (see the two in the picture on the end of the sand strip--that is where we sat most of our days) to snorkel and zipline. The ziplining excursion was neat because we got to drive through the Jamaican countryside and see how they really lived. You can see the pictures of their market, bars, and homes at the end of this post. Their houses are simple shacks built into the mountainside (mostly concrete buildings) with clothes hung out to dry everywhere. There is no shortage of bars though! In the rainforest they gave us free mosquito repellent--thank you! I was amazed at the roots of the trees. There is limestone all in the mountains of Jamaica which I learned proves that the entire island was once underwater. We saw banana trees (see picture), sugar cane going to market (see picture), and groves of oranges. I thought that fruit would be "the thing" but it was actually veggies! They eat a ton of greens! Even for breakfast they had steamed cabbage, things with spinach, and pumpkin in just about everything. Still the pineapple and juices were great. AND--they are some milk loving people! Everywhere I turned they wanted to put milk or coconut milk. Their famous Blue Mountain coffee grown up in the 7k foot mountains there (that is twice as high as Denver CO) was delicious with whip cream and some cinnamon. The resort had 3 specialty restaurants for evenings. We tried just about everything but still we could not say we liked Jerk Chicken. It was just too spicy for us. We found out that we just don't enjoy their favorite spice--allspice. Still, we ate squid, mussels, conch fritters (they love to fritter and fry just about anything--even spinach), esquivich *fried* fish, fried plantains, yams (which are yellow and are at every meal)and coconut milk. We even had a fresh almond from the tree! I have to confess that the things I did not try were curried. I can't stand curry and even with a zest for adventure of all sorts I could not eat curried mutton folks. But, their "national" dish is the red fruit you see in the picture. It is ready to harvest when it naturally opens on the tree and it is called "Ackee." Ackee has high nutritional value and is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin A, zinc, and protein. The fruit was imported to Jamaica from West Africa (probably on a slave ship) before 1778. The country was full of great culture and people. The Jamaican people are so pleasant and kind. I will miss them for sure this week. Where else does your Taxi driver hug you when he drops you off at the airport?

The roadsigns were one of the things that made me laugh the most.
1. "Cover your head-Don't get dead!"
2. "Wanna see your family again? Don't speed. Speed kills."
3. The best one though--"Drive, Walk, and Ride Good."
4. You may be DEAD WRONG if you overtake carelessly. These folks don't care about lines on the road, or oncoming traffic...they will pass others. It is just how they roll !

I took my hair straightener for some odd reason. Well, I found out in about 5 mins that that would NOT be happenin'. I could have had dreds in no time. My hair was kinked so tight it was crazy.

Folks, I did not take my nice camera so these pics are the best I could do with our 10 year old point and shoot!

Some things I thought were interesting.
1. There are lots of churches and most of the folks I had the pleasure of talking to believed in Jesus! Still, of course, the Jehovah's have churches all over as well. Still, Baptist are the majority of folks!
2. They all have cell phones and LOVE to use them. AND, they are only 25 American dollars a month.
3. Very few have their own cars and those that do seemed to barely run! There were broken down cars all over. Most folks have to send their kids to school in a taxi and get to work in a taxi--that is NOT cheap.
4. They have the Blue Moutains and we have the Blue Ridge--both have a blue hue that is beautiful.
5. Rules are not really rules...if they have them,they don't enforce them...no one really cares if you are late or WHATEVER you do.
6. Their Walmart, Megamart, is for the richest of folks only.
7. The people love Americans and even though you don't have to tip at the resorts--you feel terrible if you don't since they are so sweet and loving.
8. Healthcare in Jam. is free, but they think it is a sham since everything else is so costly. The interest rate from the BANK is 25% so there are unfinished structures all over the place.
9. Road workers actually were laying in their orange vests and helmets under the trees with no scorn from the public! Hey, mon, that is No Problem. I am not saying that some Jamaicans don't work hard...but most of them don't have that American work ethic for sure!
10. There are 10 women for every one Jamaican man. Omar told us that this makes women very insecure in their country and he always has to tell "his lady" that she is the only one for him. I had a laugh with him about that. I told him that most all women were insecure no matter what ...botox, surgeries, etc., in America..he was amused and amazed at the lengths folks go to!
11. Jamaicans are very proud of their country and people. In fact, they are even proud of their termites. Our guide pulled over to show us a termite mansion (see picture) and poke it so that they'd ooze out everywhere. It looks like about 20 of our hornet's nests put together. YUCK.
12. Reggae music is more than Bob Marley. There are whole stores and its own Reggae MTV channel there.

Some things I learned about resort-living:
1. always take your own mug to all-inclusive resorts...it stays colder, and their cups are small.
2. Buffets disgust me even more now. I know that is the only way to feed that many folks, but I got so sick of seeing folks lick their fingers and then touch the serving utensils! GROSS--and I am not a germaphobe.
3. Canandians are nice folks...most of the folks there were Canadians.
4. Most folks don't venture very far from the swim up bars so the snorkeling and the good spots on the beach for us were quite wonderful! No crowds where we were!
4. 4-5 days of doing nothing is enough for me. I know that is strange to say. I did love reading in peace. Jonas and I love to play, but we also love to work hard and such and that was just almost too much of too little to do for us! ha!
5. Foreigners love to take their clothes off NO MATTER what their bodies may look like!


I was thinking today when I put Caleb down for nap that there is really not much more relaxing then lying next to your child hearing and feeling his breath while you smell the scents of home and read the Three Little Pigs. Stll, it is a joy to take a break from the toils of normal life as well!

It was an awesome 10 days with J after a week of snow and being together at home and then a week of sun just the two of us! Overall, I was so happy to go, happy to be there, and still happy to be home and see my babies and America! We are a blessed nation for sure.

Snow Storm 2011

I have to say that I was a bit skeptical that the Snowstorm of 2011 would really amount to much and boy was I proven wrong! These pictures remind me that these are the best days of my life for sure. We may be more broke these days raising little kids, but I know and live like these are the richest days of my life when it comes to cherishing them and making memories with them (even on non-snowy days)! We've had fun in the snow folks, but to be honest I am still a summer girl.

Uncle Jacob came over and played with us in the snow on Day 1 since Daddy has been working hard clearing parking lots all over town with Papa D. They are making some dinero, but we missed Daddy. Thanks Jacob for playing with us! Then, on our 2nd day we enjoyed watching the last two Sarah Palin's Alaska's (sooo sad), snuggling, and sledding and playing with Daddy.

Caleb stays out about as long as it takes him to get dressed. He, of course, goes out and does his own thing digging, stomping and carrying around his rifle to "hunt" elk. He has absolutely no interest in sledding or making snowmen or snowballs. Then, after he does his thing out there he comes in and watches "Ole Yeller" with "his dog", Sarah, until the rest of us get done playing.

Jeb loves to sled and be pulled behind the four-wheeler and he even rode his four-wheeler out there a bit.

Bailey was raring to go when we let her out this morning. I think she lives for this weather. Some folks think animals are like humans and bring even big dogs in for winter, but it is obvious from her snow angels and mushing with the tail wagging that some big dogs are right in their element in the elements! She is so happy. Jonas points out every time we take pictures on the farm that is hard to catch one that this dog is not in. She will be so missed many years from now when she is no longer with us. She lives to run around the farm with us. We go and visit our elderly neighbors and they always laugh that I bring an entire entourage of animals...even our cat comes over!

When I look out over the pastures right now all I can think about is whoever coined the term "blanket of snow" was right on the money. Amazing! It is hard to imagine looking at God, but we might be catching a small glimpse--see below!

Daniel 7:9
"As I looked, "thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.

Matthew 28:3
His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.

Revelation 1:14
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.

Psalm 147:16
He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.

Psalm 148:8
lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding,

Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Kicking off 2011

We spent our first days in 2011 just the four of us having fun on our new Wii, and doing other more important and substantial things like discussing how we can live more "radically" for Christ, things we desire to do and sell, and spending quality time together in the outdoors.

We found some frozen lakes and the boys hiked 480 ft. straight up to a gazebo that was built ages ago by the CCC and it was a nice overlook. They boys poking out from the tree is a fun memory because they always like to run ahead when we hike and then pop out and "scare" us. Sometimes Jonas pretends he is hunting them and they like that too!

I have just finished reading David Platt's book Radical. If you want to read a book that will revolutionize your life, how you pray, what you spend money on, what you think about your church, and how you look at the world then this is the book. You can read the first chapter here: They will email you a pdf of the first chapter and I know you will be convicted, moved, and challenged to keep reading. Warning: Don't read this book unless you are ready to do some serious reckoning with God that includes life change. One resource that I plan to use for my own prayers and so the kids can understand the need for Jesus and missionaries in other parts of the world is We started last night praying for the people of Madagascar. This organization has it set up so that you can choose a country or region, see what God is doing there, how you can pray for persecuted Christians, and lost souls that live there. I love my church and I think that we do a ton of things right by focusing on saving lost souls in our community, worshiping authentically, and my kids learn a ton about loving the Lord there. However, it is unlike a more traditional church in that we don't hear much about God's work globally or missionaries. So, another way I am hoping to fill that gap is that our family has partnered with this organization to pray, give, and connect with missionaries in the world . I must say that praying for missionaries and lost souls in other countries has been a major shortcoming in my spiritual walk in the past few years. Hoping to change that in 2011. Jonas and I are also hoping to find a place to go and serve in the next year or so!

From the book:
In Radical, David Platt invites you to encounter what Jesus actually said about being his disciple, and then obey what you have heard. He challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated a God-centered gospel to fit our human-centered preferences. With passionate storytelling and convicting biblical analysis, Platt calls into question a host of comfortable notions that are common among Christ's followers today. Then he proposes a radical response: live the gospel in ways that are true, filled with promise, and ultimately world changing.

Also, from the operation world website they have a great link to articles and ebooks about prayer that are free. I loved the article on Dog and Cat prayers! Cats are basically saying, “Dear Lord, we come boldly before
You and ask You to help us build our kingdom. ”Dogs boldly come before God as well, but they say, “Lord,we’re here with great faith because we need things from You to
help advance Your kingdom. We want to make You famous. We know You will answer our prayers.” I think that sometimes I do and we all do get stuck just praying for our own needs and those around us...not so much focusing on what is God's will and what will bring Glory to HIM. Whew ...praying is tough in a world so busy and with a brain so overloaded with things to do and places to be.

Christmas 2010

Besides that Caleb and I got step throat Christmas was good this year. It was great to hear what gift folks are going to give Jesus this year and what they are thankful to the Lord for from this past year. God's provision in each person's life was amazing. So much to be thankful for! James 1:17--
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Jeb got a 4-wheeler and I don't know who was happier Daddy or Jeb. It brought J so much joy to ride with his son. They were both smiling much of our time together outside! Caleb is content since he got a tractor from Nana Mac and Papa D to ride. He rides out through the pasture like his Power Wheels are gasoline engines. It is funny to watch him. We had a great steak dinner and family time Christmas Eve at Nana Mac's and lots of presents were opened and exchanged. Caleb loved his tractor and his tools, including a welder. Later at my family's Christmas he got even more tools and his own air compressor and that made him proud! Jeb is loving his Wii and Jonas is also enjoying hunting games with Jeb on the Wii. I am reliving my childhood playing Super Mario Brothers. We had fun with all the cousins riding dirt bikes and 4 -wheelers and with our neighbors and family ATV's we were rolling to the tune of about 8 ATV's/dirt bikes out and about. It looked like Moto-cross around here. The snow was as extra-special blessing this year and Jeb proudly reported that he did his first doughnut on the four-wheeler --yikes. It is crazy to have so many kids around, but it is also so much fun. Every year there is less fighting and more fun! The little girls are such a sweet addition to our family the past few years!

I have included an old pic of my dad in this blog, so that for the record folks can see that Jeb looks just like the man. Amazing.

Going to try to trust God for even more in 2011. It seems like each year I say that and I do better letting go in one area while holding more tightly to another. This world is so crazy and uncertain and runs so differently than how a believer should live that each day is another day to wage the war of trusting God instead of leaning on myself. Every day is a struggle to trust God for our finances, to fight greed/materialism, to give of our time/money/talents/comfort/convince to bless others, to do the tough work of parenting/discipline, to make healthy choices for me and my family, to be a wife that blesses my husband, to be patient and wait on God, to be self-controlled, to keep priorities straight...I could go on and on...
Psalm 13:5
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 37:5-6
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Psalm 62:8
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

I am one chapter short of finishing the book Radical by David Platt. If you want a book that completely revolutionizes how you think about your faith, what it means to be a "christian", your finances, your time, your church--READ THIS BOOK. It is by far the most convicting book I have ever read. It has really challenged me to re-vamp some things, but also encouraged me in some areas. I HIGHLY recommend it if you are ready for some serious reckoning with God.