Farmer's Market


pic037
Originally uploaded by kerri318

Josh told me a couple of weeks ago the books he would be reading our our trip. Here they sit, ready and waiting. I, on the other hand, am taking one book: Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer. Speaking of our trip, shouldn't I be packing right now?


pic022
Originally uploaded by kerri318

The liturgical cycle divides the year into a series of seasons, each with their own mood, theological emphases, and types of prayer. The decorations in a church, scriptural readings, and themes for preaching follow the liturgical year in most Lutheran, Anglican, and other protestant churches.

Generally, the liturgical seasons in western Christianity are Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time (Time after Epiphany), Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time (Time after Pentecost or after Trinity). These seasons revolve around Christ's birth, death, resurrection, and even the history of the church.

For example, the first season of the liturgical year begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Historically observed as a "fast", its purpose focuses on preparation for the coming Christ. Last Sunday, July 13th, was the 8th Sunday in Trinity. We read Romans 6:19-23 and Mark 8:1-9.


pic004
Originally uploaded by kerri318

In Mark 10: 17-22, we learn about the rich young ruler, who came running to Jesus, knelt before Him and asked, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." It is this passage in Mark that inspired Francis to abandon the goods he was selling and give a beggar everything he had in his pockets. His friends quickly mocked him for his act of charity, but he continued to live a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Josh and I hope to visit Assisi on our upcoming trip to Italy!

Underneath his St. Francis book is the Concise Dictionary of Christian Theology, by Millard Erickson. The post it notes are the papers that Josh lets the kids draw on when they come to visit him in his "oppice".


pic020
Originally uploaded by kerri318

Here is a better picture of Beda Guadalupe.


pic016
Originally uploaded by kerri318

We can't remember who gave us this silver globe paperweight, but we sure do like it! Behind the globe is a picture of Beda Guadalupe. The picture is stuck to the glass in that frame, so we will never take her out, and why would we want to? I will never forget her. When we worked for Joshua Expeditions in Costa Rica, we frequently worked in a Nicaraguan squatter's village called La Carpio. Often, Beda Guadalupe and her brother would stand on something in their yard and watch us as we walked by her home. One day, I asked her name. Beda Guadalupe!!!! she would tell me confidently. Beda Guadalupe? No. Beda Guadalupe!!!!! she would tell me even more emphatically. OH! Beda Guadalupe. NO. BEDA. Beda? No. I never could get her name right. But, for the record, when I introduced her to Josh, he couldn't get it right either, so I'm pretty sure it's Beda Guadalupe. :)


pic051
Originally uploaded by kerri318

Last Saturday night, Josh and I went on an organizing closet rampage. This involved putting a new bookshelf in our downstairs closet , which was piled high with boxes and junk. It also involved putting another bookshelf in the closet in Josh's study. That's right, this picture is the AFTER shot. After moving all these bookshelves around (how dare we box any of the books), I realized how much I love Josh's study. So, on Sunday afternoon, I took some pictures of his/our stuff. Keep in mind, they may be a little blurry, because there were no lights on in the room, and I didn't use the flash.

I am embarrassed to admit how much time it is taking me to figure out how to embed a slideshow. I think I will take a break from it all to highlight a few that have made this summer memorable.

Turkey legs
I had never tasted a real turkey leg until I went to my first rodeo this past weekend. I mean, I eat turkey at Thanksgiving, but my Grandmother has never served me one whole turkey leg. Well, getting in to the rodeo was quite expensive, not to mention the money we were about to spend on food. All four of us were hungry when we arrived, and the smells of 'walking tacos,' cotton candy, and nachos didn't help. At first we settled for a huge gatorade, which Anna and J. Ross shared. After we found our seats, and watched a few children's rodeo events, we realized the inevitable - we would have to buy some food. Thus, we began the search for our rodeo food. There were several requirements for this perfect meal:

1)Dinner-ish(meaning, no cotton candy),
2)Unique to a rodeo or state fair,
3)Good price, AND
4)Not messy.

We searched for several minutes. *If anyone has ever been to the grocery store with my husband, eh-hem, he/she knows that no decision is made quickly. Every week I have 3 different choices of cereals than I had the week before (in my pantry). No doubt, he always gets the best deal, and the 'coolest' cereals in the store.* We finely landed on a possibility.



Hmm. Smoked turkey legs. $6. They smell good. They look good. We bet they tasted good too. One turkey leg, please. And the rest was history. The four of us shared that turkey leg, and when I went to bed at midnight that lovely 4th of July evening, I was still full. The kids never asked for another snack either. It was like Thanksgiving in July.
















Tickets
At the beginning of the summer, I decided I would need to have a new reward system for my children. Something to get them excited about good behavior and good choices. I implemented a system I used with my 5th graders (not my idea of course). Anna and J. Ross may earn tickets for various types of behavior. Possible rewardable actions:

1. buckling one's own seatbelt with no help,
2. finishing meals,
3. pee pee in potty (one ticket for pee pee, etc.)
4. cleaning up room
5. not crying when we leave a certain place

At the end of every "week" (or so), I draw one ticket. Whoever receives the most tickets in a week has a better chance of winning. The winner gets to choose from the treasure box.

Well, Anna Belle earned way more tickets than J. Ross the first week, but J. Ross's name was drawn. Second week - J. Ross wins again, when Anna had, by far, the most tickets in the box. Anna was such a good sport. The third week, I rigged the drawing, so Anna could win, and the 4th week, I decided to have a bonus drawing, meaning, I drew two names, so they both got to choose. Who will win next week?


Basketball Shorts This is a picture of my son, who fell asleep on the stairs last week. Notice the outfit he is wearing. Those would be one of his many pairs of 'basketball shorts'. I am not sure where he gets this idea, but, when we return home from running errands, he strips down immediately. "I want to wear my basketball shorts." Sleeping clothes are basketball shorts and a matching basketball shirt. If we are at home he is in his basketball shorts.

































Are you happy to me?

As much as I want my son to learn proper grammar, I just don't know if I'm ready to let go of one of his favorite questions. First of all, I've actually thought about this. What would be a better way to say, "Are you happy to me?" Some alternatives might work: Are you happy with me? Or, do you love me? Are you pleased with the thing I just did? No. I don't think any of these convey what J. Ross means. His choice of words is simple, and I understand exactly what he is asking me. In fact, Josh and I have started talking this way. You know, I let you sleep in this morning - are you happy to me? I made coffee this morning - are you happy to me? So, if anybody has any ideas of a better way for us to speak, I am open to suggestions. As for now, however, I will stick with being happy to J. Ross.

P.S. I am trying to figure out how to link to a flickr slideshow of our trip to Eureka Springs. Until then, here are some pictures taken on the property where we stayed.