We are having a great summer. Craft day is always a big hit with the kids, although some have more patience to finish a project than others.
More summer pics coming soon!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Craft Day!
We are having a great summer. Craft day is always a big hit with the kids, although some have more patience to finish a project than others.
More summer pics coming soon!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Long Time, No Blog
Until now I didn't have anything to write that I wanted everyone in the world to read... until I tried Coppertone Continuous Spray sunscreen. It is amazing. The Shewmakers were boating with the Parker boys on Bartlett Lake in Tonto National Forest for 6 hours last Saturday and no one got even slightly pink. That's not a big deal for my kids that have Dan's ability to tan with ease. I, however, am Scotch-Irish and do NOT tan. I sprayed this sunscreen on when I arrived on the boat and didn't reapply it for 4 hours. When we got home that afternoon, I didn't even have a hint of a sunburn.
Now the bad news. It was expensive (the cheapest I have found it was $8, which is what I paid at Walmart) and the can won't last nearly as long as the lotion sunscreen you have to rub in. Also, you shouldn't spray it on your face as the alcohol in the spray that causes it to dry quickly can burn eyes. On our faces I used Coppertone Water Babies lotion SPF 50 for the kids and Hawaiian Tropic Oil Free Faces SPF 30 for myself. Those were my only "downs" to the spray sunscreen and they are heavily outweighed by the easy spray application (especially on the kids), it dries almost immediately, and best of all no one got sunburned!
So, hopefully there's some useful summer shopping advise on sunscreen from a mom who found one that is really convenient and really works.
Really.
Kate and Daddy in the water, thanks again Jeff!
Now the bad news. It was expensive (the cheapest I have found it was $8, which is what I paid at Walmart) and the can won't last nearly as long as the lotion sunscreen you have to rub in. Also, you shouldn't spray it on your face as the alcohol in the spray that causes it to dry quickly can burn eyes. On our faces I used Coppertone Water Babies lotion SPF 50 for the kids and Hawaiian Tropic Oil Free Faces SPF 30 for myself. Those were my only "downs" to the spray sunscreen and they are heavily outweighed by the easy spray application (especially on the kids), it dries almost immediately, and best of all no one got sunburned!
So, hopefully there's some useful summer shopping advise on sunscreen from a mom who found one that is really convenient and really works.
Really.
Kate and Daddy in the water, thanks again Jeff!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Shewmaker Reunion
Last weekend, the Sam Shewmaker family had a short reunion before Sam and Nancy return to the mission field in Africa this September. We were blessed to have Jon and Gayle come to AZ from AR to have all the children and grandchildren together, the first time since Christmas 2005! We had a wonderful time of fellowship, food, laughter, food, playing, food, and prayer. I love each member of this family more than I can adequately express in words. If you ever have the chance to get to know any of them, you will be equally tied to them, I just get to be related!
For a family photo to commemorate the occasion, we drove to Sedona on Saturday. This picture was taken south of Sedona, as on the north side of Oak Creek we received rain and snow, which are not conducive to taking photos with small children. We did have a great time, just not much hiking around in the weather.
May the LORD continue to bless the Shewmaker and Roberts families as we follow Him in complete obedience. Although far in distance, we are ever close in heart.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Wisdom of Children
Several states have adopted laws enforcing "hands free" phone technology for drivers with the intent that it will make cell phone use while driving a car less hazardous. My own children have shown me how absurd this is. Let me give you an example of what happens in my house when I take a phone call. And mind you, I'm not driving a car. I'm just making lunch.
(phone rings)
Hello. Oh, Hi mom! Kids, Grandma is on the phone, could you please stop doing the Tarzan yell for just a minuet? Sorry about that, mom...
What was that, mom? I apologize, but I couldn't hear you over the crash of the lamp hitting the floor.
You'll have to repeat that last thing you said, your grandson just picked his sister up by her ankles and is trying to put her in the trash can.
At this point, I usually excuse myself from the phone and have a quick little talk with my children about respecting the person on the other end of the phone and that they need to be quiet while mommy is talking.
Back to the phone call:
I'm so sorry about that, but you know how kids are when you get on the phone (laugh). Anyway, you were saying...?
And as I continue in my grown-up adult conversation for a few minuets in beautiful silence, I am blissfully unaware that my kids have gone to the living room. I don't know how many of you have had that awful sick-to-your-stomach sinking feeling that it has been way too quiet for way too long, but this is definitely one of those times for me.
I run around the corner to the living room (the only real "adult conversation" area in our home, complete with antique piano and off white sofa that we purchased before we had kids) and there I behold the mayhem that has taken place while I was on the phone with the grandmother of my sweet children. What a blessing for them that I spend a lot of time in prayer asking God for wisdom in raising them to fear God and not me.
I've gotta go, mom. Please pray for my sanity and that I don't make the six o'clock news with what I want to do to myself or your grandkids.
This is some of what was on the floor:
-all the cushions, pillows, blankets and books that had been on something else
-all the Kleenex from a brand new box
-all the Spanish moss from my silk bamboo along with most of the leaves from the bottom third of the tree
-the baby's diaper that she decided needed to be changed ("change you di-po" is currently her favorite sentence)
I think my kids are genius children, however I think that they have capitalized on something rather obvious. After all, they are 2 and 3-years-old, but they know the benefit of my inability to comprehend what is going on right in the other room if I'm on the phone.
There are documented psychological studies that prove brain function actually slows down while talking on a cell phone, even with a hands free devise. You can read this as one example.
So why have some states gone ahead and made it ok to use a cell phone as long as you aren't holding it? I mean, come on, if my two-year-old has enough sense to know that she can get away with murder when mommy is on the phone (and I'm not even driving a car!), why can't all lawmakers see that driving while talking on the phone might not be a good idea regardless of where your hands are?
I found this info from cellular-news with the current list of requirements for countries and states for cell phone use while driving. Take Massachusetts, for example. They have a partial ban where drivers are required to keep at least one hand on the steering wheel while holding a phone. What?! When I was in driving school I was told I shouldn't take my hands off the 10 and 2 positions to change the radio station! And don't get me started on the ban in seven states for school bus drivers using a cell phone... they had to make that a law?
If you're still reading this and you're waiting for my opinion (just in case you haven't already figured it out), here it is...
Stop driving and talking on the phone at the same time!
(phone rings)
Hello. Oh, Hi mom! Kids, Grandma is on the phone, could you please stop doing the Tarzan yell for just a minuet? Sorry about that, mom...
What was that, mom? I apologize, but I couldn't hear you over the crash of the lamp hitting the floor.
You'll have to repeat that last thing you said, your grandson just picked his sister up by her ankles and is trying to put her in the trash can.
At this point, I usually excuse myself from the phone and have a quick little talk with my children about respecting the person on the other end of the phone and that they need to be quiet while mommy is talking.
Back to the phone call:
I'm so sorry about that, but you know how kids are when you get on the phone (laugh). Anyway, you were saying...?
And as I continue in my grown-up adult conversation for a few minuets in beautiful silence, I am blissfully unaware that my kids have gone to the living room. I don't know how many of you have had that awful sick-to-your-stomach sinking feeling that it has been way too quiet for way too long, but this is definitely one of those times for me.
I run around the corner to the living room (the only real "adult conversation" area in our home, complete with antique piano and off white sofa that we purchased before we had kids) and there I behold the mayhem that has taken place while I was on the phone with the grandmother of my sweet children. What a blessing for them that I spend a lot of time in prayer asking God for wisdom in raising them to fear God and not me.
I've gotta go, mom. Please pray for my sanity and that I don't make the six o'clock news with what I want to do to myself or your grandkids.
This is some of what was on the floor:
-all the cushions, pillows, blankets and books that had been on something else
-all the Kleenex from a brand new box
-all the Spanish moss from my silk bamboo along with most of the leaves from the bottom third of the tree
-the baby's diaper that she decided needed to be changed ("change you di-po" is currently her favorite sentence)
I think my kids are genius children, however I think that they have capitalized on something rather obvious. After all, they are 2 and 3-years-old, but they know the benefit of my inability to comprehend what is going on right in the other room if I'm on the phone.
There are documented psychological studies that prove brain function actually slows down while talking on a cell phone, even with a hands free devise. You can read this as one example.
So why have some states gone ahead and made it ok to use a cell phone as long as you aren't holding it? I mean, come on, if my two-year-old has enough sense to know that she can get away with murder when mommy is on the phone (and I'm not even driving a car!), why can't all lawmakers see that driving while talking on the phone might not be a good idea regardless of where your hands are?
I found this info from cellular-news with the current list of requirements for countries and states for cell phone use while driving. Take Massachusetts, for example. They have a partial ban where drivers are required to keep at least one hand on the steering wheel while holding a phone. What?! When I was in driving school I was told I shouldn't take my hands off the 10 and 2 positions to change the radio station! And don't get me started on the ban in seven states for school bus drivers using a cell phone... they had to make that a law?
If you're still reading this and you're waiting for my opinion (just in case you haven't already figured it out), here it is...
Stop driving and talking on the phone at the same time!
Glory Defined
This song really said a lot to me today, that my faith is rooted in God and nothing will ever change that. People will disappoint, but the LORD is steadfast and unchanging by the Power of His Name. I am holding to His promise of that.
There's always a better way
There's always a bridge that needs crossings
There's always the straight and the narrow
The wide and the shallow
But I know that you're guiding me
And the best is yet to come
You've given me hope for tomorrow
And I know some day
I'll wake up to find
Your glory defined
and I will finally bow at your feet
I will lift up your name in honor and praise
when I cross over Jordan
I know that I'll be running home to you
It's always the simple things
It's always the obvious that crashes over me
It's always in front of me
It helps me to remember
This is what I live for
And I can't wait
I'll wake up to find
Your glory defined
and I will finally bow at your feet
I will lift up your name in honor and praise
when I cross over Jordan
I know that I'll be running home to you
There's never a question in your message
Never a moment without your presence
There's never a doubt in my mind
That I'll wake up to find
Your glory defined
and I will finally bow at your feet
I will lift up your name in honor and praise
when I cross over Jordan
I know that I'll be running home to you
Glory Defined by Building 429
There's always a better way
There's always a bridge that needs crossings
There's always the straight and the narrow
The wide and the shallow
But I know that you're guiding me
And the best is yet to come
You've given me hope for tomorrow
And I know some day
I'll wake up to find
Your glory defined
and I will finally bow at your feet
I will lift up your name in honor and praise
when I cross over Jordan
I know that I'll be running home to you
It's always the simple things
It's always the obvious that crashes over me
It's always in front of me
It helps me to remember
This is what I live for
And I can't wait
I'll wake up to find
Your glory defined
and I will finally bow at your feet
I will lift up your name in honor and praise
when I cross over Jordan
I know that I'll be running home to you
There's never a question in your message
Never a moment without your presence
There's never a doubt in my mind
That I'll wake up to find
Your glory defined
and I will finally bow at your feet
I will lift up your name in honor and praise
when I cross over Jordan
I know that I'll be running home to you
Glory Defined by Building 429
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Easter
New Easter Bibles!
Both of the older kids have started asking philosophical questions of my husband and me. Our 3-year-old son has already asked us "God is Jesus. How is that?" Amazing, this is a profound mystery that scholars have wrestled with for over 2000 years!
What a blessing to have children who's questions about the LORD make me reaffirm my own faith and beliefs so I can "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Monday, April 16, 2007
The Crucifixion
After Easter, I spent some personal time with the LORD in contemplation of the crucifixion of Jesus on Passover and His resurrection on the third day. The LORD spoke to my heart with some awesome insights, as I knew He would, in His love for me as His child and partner in Covenant.
I first thought about the act of crucifying the Christ on the Passover. Just as the Israelites had been commanded to sacrifice a lamb to receive a "pass over" of the angel of death, Jesus was sacrificed to deliver us from eternal death. Ok, that one I've known for a long time (it probably deserves further explanation, but that will be for another post). But, as I let the LORD speak to me further about the resurrection, I wondered if there is any significance in Christ remaining in the grave the day after He died. Surely He could have been raised on the second day, but He was not, it was the third day. Was there any significance there?
God does nothing by chance or without specific reason, so I let myself think and pray about it more. The Holy Spirit revealed profound Truth, as is every revelation from God in His Word. I heard the Spirit say, "The Christ, as God, had to remember the Sabbath day and keep it Holy." There was no way that God could break this or any of His commandments, as that would negate every other commandment and what would I have then? A God who changes His character and His Word... this is impossible and not a God I would want to worship!
Exodus 20:8-11
8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
10 but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you.
11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.
I let myself imagine the "rest" God was allowing Jesus to receive. After the horrific slaughter the Christ endured as my passover lamb, God the Father allowed Jesus to spend the next day in His Holy presence; basking in His Glory, communing again with His Spirit after total and complete separation from Them both when He took my sin upon His body on the cross.
This Is Awesome! Because our LORD never changes, I can bank on His Word to reveal Truth to me every time I seek Him in His Holy Scripture. Praise God, He DID raise from the dead, and through His resurrected life, I can enter the Kingdom to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
I first thought about the act of crucifying the Christ on the Passover. Just as the Israelites had been commanded to sacrifice a lamb to receive a "pass over" of the angel of death, Jesus was sacrificed to deliver us from eternal death. Ok, that one I've known for a long time (it probably deserves further explanation, but that will be for another post). But, as I let the LORD speak to me further about the resurrection, I wondered if there is any significance in Christ remaining in the grave the day after He died. Surely He could have been raised on the second day, but He was not, it was the third day. Was there any significance there?
God does nothing by chance or without specific reason, so I let myself think and pray about it more. The Holy Spirit revealed profound Truth, as is every revelation from God in His Word. I heard the Spirit say, "The Christ, as God, had to remember the Sabbath day and keep it Holy." There was no way that God could break this or any of His commandments, as that would negate every other commandment and what would I have then? A God who changes His character and His Word... this is impossible and not a God I would want to worship!
Exodus 20:8-11
8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
10 but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you.
11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.
I let myself imagine the "rest" God was allowing Jesus to receive. After the horrific slaughter the Christ endured as my passover lamb, God the Father allowed Jesus to spend the next day in His Holy presence; basking in His Glory, communing again with His Spirit after total and complete separation from Them both when He took my sin upon His body on the cross.
This Is Awesome! Because our LORD never changes, I can bank on His Word to reveal Truth to me every time I seek Him in His Holy Scripture. Praise God, He DID raise from the dead, and through His resurrected life, I can enter the Kingdom to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Saturday, April 14, 2007
So Long Self
My new mantra...
Well if I come across a little bit distant
It's just because I am
Things just seem to feel a little bit different
You understand
Believe it or not but life is not apparently
About me anyways
But I have met the One who really is worthy
So let me say
So long, self
Well, it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long, self
There's just no room for two
So you are gonna have to move
So long, self
Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me, farewell
Oh well, goodbye, don't cry
So long, self
Stop right there because I know what you're thinking
But no we can't be friends
And even though I know your heart is breaking
This has to end
And come to think of it the blame for all of this
Simply falls on me
For wanting something more in life than all of this
Can't you see
So long, self
Well, it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long, self
There's just no room for two
So you are gonna have to move
So long, self
Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me, farewell
Oh well, goodbye, don't cry
So long, self
Don't feel so bad (don't feel so bad)
There'll be better days (there'll be better days)
Don't go away mad (but by all means)
Just go away, go away
So long, self
Well, it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long, self
There's just no room for two
So you are gonna have to move
So long, self
Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me, farewell
Oh well, goodbye, don't cry
So long, self
Farewell, Goodbye...
So Long Self by Mercy Me
Well if I come across a little bit distant
It's just because I am
Things just seem to feel a little bit different
You understand
Believe it or not but life is not apparently
About me anyways
But I have met the One who really is worthy
So let me say
So long, self
Well, it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long, self
There's just no room for two
So you are gonna have to move
So long, self
Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me, farewell
Oh well, goodbye, don't cry
So long, self
Stop right there because I know what you're thinking
But no we can't be friends
And even though I know your heart is breaking
This has to end
And come to think of it the blame for all of this
Simply falls on me
For wanting something more in life than all of this
Can't you see
So long, self
Well, it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long, self
There's just no room for two
So you are gonna have to move
So long, self
Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me, farewell
Oh well, goodbye, don't cry
So long, self
Don't feel so bad (don't feel so bad)
There'll be better days (there'll be better days)
Don't go away mad (but by all means)
Just go away, go away
So long, self
Well, it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long, self
There's just no room for two
So you are gonna have to move
So long, self
Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me, farewell
Oh well, goodbye, don't cry
So long, self
Farewell, Goodbye...
So Long Self by Mercy Me
Friday, April 13, 2007
Bye, Bye Baby
Although she still refers to herself as "baby", she is no longer a baby. We now have a toddler. As hard as ending the baby chapter has been, I didn't cry. Well, I did shed a tear on Monday, her last full day of being a one-year-old.
May God bless our sweet girl in this new year full of discovery and wonder at His creation and may He grant my prayer to be filled with His wisdom to raise God fearing children.
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