May 31, 2011

A little bit o' wonderful!

I remember when we were home (in Croatia) and we would go to the grocery and find something from home (USA) we would be ecstatic. I remember finding Dr. Pepper in Austria and blinking several times 'cause I didn't actually believe what I was seeing. Or seeing Oreos on the shelf was like finding a honest politician. I know those seem like menial things but to us homesick Americans it was AWESOME!!!

Anyhow, now that we are in the states on furlough we are in reverse want. There are just some things I miss. Actually there are a lot of things and people I miss, but there are some foods that I miss and that's why I'm so excited about my finds.

I found VEGETA and I've been using it in rice and eggs and it's just a little piece of home. Oh ye and NESCAFE is my morning ritual in Croatia. I love this instant coffee. It's so good! I was excited to find it in the Spanish section at the grocery store. And last but defiantly not least.....MAGNUM ice cream bars. These things are so delectable. We found them at Kroger and the kids were way to happy.

One of the great thing about being a missionary is that we get to have two homes, two cultures and get to enjoy the foods of two lands. Boy am I lucky blessed!

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May 28, 2011

It's DONE! CONGRATS CODY!!!

This whole furlough has brought many changes and last night was another milestone in our family. Our oldest son Cody graduated from high school.  I'm amazed that he or we are old enough to be graduated. But it's true, he and we are. 

He walked the isle with one other graduate.
His Daddy proudly presented him with his high school diploma from our Croatia Baptist Academy home school. 
Cody with our pastor Dr. Todd Lasseter. 

Presentation of the two high school graduates and the kindergarten graduates also. 
Cody and his very proud Dad. 
Proud Papaw and Mammy (Johnny's parents)
Josh with the graduate. It's not long till we do the same with him. He's a 2013 graduate but he'll wait until May 2014 to actually go through the ceremony. He can't wait. 
Proud parents. I look like death because I did a little crying. It hit me so hard that this was so permanent and in a few short months we would be leaving our young man in America. I'm expecting to have to use some of that grace that God offers so freely. 
Cody will be planning Bible college in the fall and majoring in missions. His will be returning to Croatia as a missionary unless God changes his direction. We have told him that we would rather have him in Africa in God's will than in Croatia out of His will. We are praying that HIS will is for Cody to come to Croatia but we'll be happy as long as he is in God's will regardless where he is. 
  The graduates: Cody and Paul
 Cody with his display at the reception. 
 Congrats to both Cody and Paul. Now the fun begins!!
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May 25, 2011

Back to school

Well with Cody graduating on Friday and 1/3 part of my mothering seeming to be almost over I've been thinking. Have I equipped my children spiritually and physically enough for them to make it as adults? I remember being a young lady and not knowing a lot of what I should have known.

Anyhow, Cody will be moving into the dorms before long and I'm checking to see that I have all the bases covered. Here's a great list from Margery D. Rosen, Family Circle, how many can you check off?



To help our kids become happy adults, we have to give them the gift of competence. Kids who can handle everyday tasks, from laundry to banking, are happier and more confident. Whether they're still under your roof or heading off to college, it's never too late to start teaching them how to be self-sufficient.




Food Skills
use a microwave
plan and shop for a healthy diet
read nutrition labels and know what's good and what's not
prepare, serve and store food to avoid spoilage
cook a well-balanced meal
know which kitchen tools and equipment to use for which tasks


Money Skills
make a weekly or monthly budget and stick to it
use an ATM
open, use and balance a checking account
apply for a credit card and use it responsibly
save up to buy a desired item
set aside money for charity
keep track of important papers


Clothing Skills
sew on a button
mend a seam
iron garments
fold and put away clothing
follow fabric-care labels
do laundry, including treating simple stains
wash and dry items by hand
fold clothes
pack a suitcase


At-Home Skills
find the circuit breaker and use it
locate and use water and furnace shutoffs
use a fire extinguisher
perform basic first aid
fix a running toilet
do laundry, including treating simple stains
use all household appliances, like loading the dishwasher the right way


-By Margery D. Rosen, Family Circle


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May 24, 2011

Random Pix!

So these are just a few photos I have taken and I actually meant to blog about each place but, well, I never managed to get it done. Anyhow, I blog for you all but I also blog for me. I have gone back and read my blog many times and I love seeing all the old photos. So here are some photos over the last couple months.

Cody and his favorite MOM, Nebraska
Hannah and her oldest friend Beth, Rendon, Texas
Sitting Bull Falls, NM
"
Josh and Hannah contemplating a swim, yes in their clothes!
Carlsbad, NM
The Family, Carlsbad, NM
My boy Josh - Carlsbad, NM
Somewhere in NM
Old Town, Albuquerque, NM
Trying to get a good photo in NM
Still trying in NM
Oh a door, lovely huh?
Posing...
The truth
Hannah and the goat in KS
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May 22, 2011

Disappointed!

Well I guess old Mr. Camping was wrong. I'm still here this morning and pretty bummed about it! Actually I knew upon the authority of the BIBLE that the LORD wasn't coming when Mr. Camping said HE was but a girl can hope can't she? Oh well, I guess I'll keep waiting.
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