"So happy just to see you smile underneath the sky of blue..."

Monday, October 06, 2008

Friday, October 03, 2008

  • Sarah Palin

    "The people are right that America has desperate, crying needs. However, Mrs. Palin’s nomination for the Vice Presidency is not answering the cry — it is making it louder.  Looking back over the last year, what’s glaringly obvious is that what America needs is more qualified male leaders.  The real cry of the moment is: Give us men!

    Seeing women in leadership does not inspire men to be better leaders.  We believe Sarah Palin’s example will not inspire men to be men — it will inspire them to make way for more Sarah Palins....

    So why are we inspired by Sarah Palin?  Because her example puts a stronger fire in us to answer the cry, the way we believe God intended.  We are more inspired than ever to help our father, brothers, husbands and sons to fill the role we are not called to fill.

    It has rightly been observed that women have already been elected to the highest position they can hold, and that any “promotion” in the civil sphere would be a step backward.  Their womanly sphere is where this hurting nation needs them most.
    So let us resolve to give the world what it really needs, in the way that only women can give it.  We have our work cut out for us.... It will call out every gift and talent within us.  In doing so, we’re not just answering the cry — we’re obeying God, Who holds our first allegiance.

    Mrs. Palin, you have inspired us to take stronger action for our God and for our country."

    source:  http://visionarydaughters.com/2008/09/why-sarah-palin-inspires-us 

    Please note that I don't agree with all the ideas of those who are labeled 'evangelicals' who oppose Sarah Palin, and I don't even agree with everything from the article where I got this quote.  However, I do share many of the same concerns, and I thought this was well put.  

    "For Jerusalem stumbled, and Judah is fallen, because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of His glory.  The look on their countenance witnesses against them, and they declare their sin as Sodom; they do not hide it.  Woe to their soul! For they have brought evil upon themselves.  'Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.  Woe to the wicked!  It shall be ill with him, for the reward of his hands shall be given him.   As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people!  Those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths.'  The LORD stands up to plead, and stands to judge the people."  Isaiah 3:8-13

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

  • Post-Convention Drama

    We're a little bit interested in politics around here (or more than a little, perhaps, depending on which of us you talk to, or about which aspect).  So we watched some of both major parties' convention speeches.  This was an enjoyable family activity, and the children were actually fairly attentive.  They know WAY more about politics than I did at their ages.  The most memorable thing I recall learning about Ronald Reagan when he was still in office was that he liked jellybeans. 

    Since the conventions, the children have been playing 'Convention' themselves.  They stand on a chair for a stage, the back of it being in front of them for the podium.  They take turns giving 'speeches.' Whoever is not speaking at the moment will hold up 'signs' (hangers) and clap and cheer at every pause, just exactly like happens at the convention (Dad/Mom join in the cheering at times).  There is occasionally music, which is them singing, and the speech-makers walk around waving and smiling at that time, accompanied by much applause and discussion of how confetti and balloons and fireworks are going on right now....  They absorbed the routine pretty well. 

    Here is some of what I could catch from the first speeches I heard (I was in another room trying not to laugh aloud while I wrote it down).  Please don't mention to them that you know anything about it until they're older, just in case they'd be embarrassed.... deal? 

    Peter gave the first speech I heard, which went something like this [me in brackets]:
    "Al-Qaeda has surrendered.... We must fight the Iraqs.... And remember when they got into the building?  We must clean up the trash.... [something I missed here]  We can't have it!  They will destroy our houses, of wood, brick, stone, or anything.... [More I missed]  We must have atomic bombs, nuclear weapons, and other things....  A few days ago I discovered how to make a better jet or bomb [maybe something else here too]....  Last night an Iraq who didn't know I was an English, told me how to make weapons of mass destruction.... [missed more maybe]  Several days passed by that we had fought the Iraqs.  Our English had died, the Iraqs died.  Osama bin Laden has gotten his troops into power.... [Then he began a story about him being a pilot.] I was trying to get Osama bin Laden out of power.  [There was something in here about a plane crash I think.  Didn't get the following part right exactly either but the gist of it at least is there]  Osama told me about trouble he had had, and I told him about trouble I had had, and he helped me with the trouble I had.  And I said I wasn't going to help him and he got all grouchy with me, and -- I'm a Russian -- and I said, 'I don't like you!'.... [He went on a while about other things, then this last sentence was near or at the end.]  To fight the Iraqs, we'll have to have good stuff to fight them with!"

    Next Bethany spoke.  She had apparently studied Sarah Palin, and imitated her wave and even some of her expressions pretty well.  Portions of her speech follow [again me in brackets]: 
    "We must have weapons of mass destruction.... We must have nuclear powder [yes, that's what she said ].... Also we must have good food.... We must give lots and lots of money to Marilee.  She is my best friend almost.... We must buy lots of books.... NO public schools, only home schools, or good public schools IF the parents want them to go there....  [missed some here, part was about houses]  The roofs must be made of leaves, wood.... [more I missed]  Parents must have enough money to buy good swingsets [the swings on our set broke recently].... Jael, who is my husband, is very funny, I'll say....  [missed some more]  We will go in the racing serpent, the rainbow serpent, and all my little cute serpents [these are her imaginary Viking-inspired ships].... We will fight the Iraqs and soon we will have won and we'll come home!...  And God bless America!"

    Zion didn't give a speech at that time, but she has given some I've heard since.  They are shorter and usually say similar imitative things to what her siblings just said.  The most memorable part of her speeches is how she commandingly says in her little voice several times throughout, "And I will SAY...." before finishing out the rest of her sentence.  It's pretty cute.

    Tirzah isn't giving speeches yet, but she still has some sway on the floor with this party.  They call her "Little Queen" and try to encourage her to give a speech, cheering enthusiastically at anything she says as though it were profound.  But she hasn't been coaxed onto the 'stage' successfully yet.  She's happy to wander about amongst her loyal subjects in the audience.

    Hope you enjoyed the 2008 Morris Family Convention.  This is Amber, signing out.....


    "But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them."   Hebrews 11:16

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  • Florida Photos From April





     















     




















    Hope your evening is as pretty as a picture.



    "Oh come, let us sing to the LORD!
    Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
    Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
    Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
    For the LORD is the great God,
    And the great King above all gods.
    In His hand are the deep places of the earth;
    The heights of the hills are His also.
    The sea is His, for He made it;
    And His hands formed the dry land.
    Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
    Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker."  Psalm 95:1-6

Monday, April 21, 2008

  • A Lovely Lady At Any Age



    Happy Birthday to Calvin today, whose birthday I can remember because he shares it with my grandma. 

    Happy Birthday to Grandma, too.  Since I have pictures of her and I'm kind of in the swing of posting pictures on birthdays, why not continue?

    Here's a picture I really like from 2006, on her 80th birthday celebration:




    Here's one from a few years back.



    Another:


    A couple from when Tirzah was new.




    Here's one from last Thanksgiving.



    And here she is more recently, at the beginning of the month, with Peter and Zion.



    Bethany on the same occasion, and some familiar faces in the background.


    Cuteness at the school ground across from Grandma's house.



     "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.   Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates."  Proverbs 31:30-31

Friday, April 18, 2008

  • Currently Reading
    Fifty Famous Stories Retold (Yesterday's Classics)
    By James Baldwin
    see related

    Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow...


    We're home from Florida again. Yay for trips to the beach and boat rides in the Gulf twice in 8 months!  But it's nice to be home, too. 

    It's odd to see Spring so far in progress down South, and then watch it regressing, like rewinding, as you drive further north.  But, our peach tree is in bloom!  I like Spring.

    SO thankful to hear that Tom's surgery went well. 

    Lots of catching up to do on here, as usual.  I promise some pictures in my next post, even if they are completely random. 

    Hope you are having a good morning.  Good to read you all.


    "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.  Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'"  Matthew 9:36-38

Monday, March 10, 2008

  • Currently Reading
    A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the Twenty-first Century
    By Oliver Van DeMille
    see related

    Peter's March



    Happy Birthday

    #6

    Peter!

     (Lyric quotes from "Lord, Protect My Child" by Bob Dylan.  I like a lot of the lines with regard to all my children, but the lyrics are written for a son.)

     

    "He's got his mother's eyes."  (Peter isn't really keen on the picture-taking process, hence the please-don't-take-my-picture-again expression.)


    He does have a nice smile he shares now and then for the camera, though:

     
    "There's gladness in his heart, he's young and he's wild.
    My only prayer is, if I can't be there, Lord, protect my child."

    These next few go well with "Just to see him at play makes me smile."  They were taken during a very serious  'storm-chasing' event last fall.  I like them because they capture his intensity.

    This may look like a mess, but it's very important storm watching equipment.  Oh, of course.


    Man at work.


    What?!  Interrupt my important work for another picture?  

     
    Well, all right.  Since you're my mother.  But this is serious business, so please don't ask me to smile.


    Back to work. 


    "He's young and on fire,
    Full of hope and desire...

    If I fall along the way,
    And can't see another day.
    Lord, protect my child."


    Now, here are some he selected. 





    This last one was in the back seat of the van on the way home from CO.  In both of these he has his blankets arranged in a very particular way. 


    Now, a flashback:

    Aw, look at those cheeks!  2004



    June 2005, with Zion.  How little they were!


    And, from this evening, some shots of the 6 year-old:


    Opening birthday presents.


    Hey, money is useful!


    Greeting me from a crawl-space-only house/tent they made this evening in the living room.  Later they made an improved model in the dining room (tables are useful for such things) with much more space beneath AND a second story above! 

    I got all Peter's pictures up in one post, yay!   Now that all the birthdays are done I'll surely get to go back and catch up on the girls, hopefully including Tirzah even though she's not a birthday girl again until October (and I'm glad -- it's going to take a while for it to sink in that I now have 4, 6, and 8 year olds!).  

    * The answers to the questions in the last post were: 1) Luke 24:50, just before Jesus ascends, and 2) Judges 5:24, "Jael nailed" is a good way to remember that story -- thanks Kumquat.

    Want to play again?  How about these verses?  They contain Peter's first and middle names, respectively.

    1)  "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, 'Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.'"  [there's a song John wrote that quotes this one, it's fun]

    2) "Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem."



    "Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."  Acts 2:38

Thursday, February 28, 2008

  • Currently Reading
    Sterling Biographies: Abraham Lincoln: From Pioneer to President (Sterling Biographies)
    By Ellen Blue Phillips
    see related

    Next on the birthday list...


    Happy Birthday to Bethany!




    This was last night before bed -- one last time to photograph the seven year-old! 

    She is 8 today -- can you believe it?!



    This was last month, next to a bobcat statue she liked at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.  Both these pictures were chosen by Bethany.

    Here's a little quiz.  You get extra points if you do it without a concordance/index of any kind, and even more if you don't have to reference a Bible at all.

    * What Bible book is each of the following verses from?  What story goes with each verse?  I chose these b/c they contain Bethany's first and middle names. 

        1)  "And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them."

        2)  "Most blessed among women is Jael, The wife of Heber the Kenite; Blessed is she among women in tents."


    I owe you some pictures of Zion from her birthday, and I also hope to put some more up of Bethany.  Those things will have to wait, though.... 

    Have a lovely day, all.  And Happy Birthday to all the other February people!


    "...For what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." James 4:14b

Sunday, February 17, 2008

  • February Means Birthdays!

    Happy birthday to Zion Grace, who turns FOUR today!
    (Four funny smiles and one to grow on)

    This was taken in 2006, her second birthday.  She carried around this balloon and bear we gave her almost all day and talked about "My happy birfday!"  It was so cute.

    Here are some more random pictures of Zion I found:


    Very new.


    Not much older.  This is a dress I wore, and all my girls wore it.


    2005.


    2006 again.  Here she was sitting in a baby doll bathtub and looking at a little Bible.  One of those moments when you just have to grab the camera and try to catch it before it's gone.


    2007.

     
    2008.  Pigtails are her favorite way to have her hair done.
    These last couple were taken in Colorado last month.

    Just now she's napping, and I haven't gotten any pictures of her today yet.   I'll try to put one on later.


    "But I am the LORD your God, Who divided the sea whose waves roared--the LORD of hosts is His name.
    And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, that I may plant the heavens, lay the foundations of the earth, and say to Zion, 'You are My people.'"  Isaiah 51:15-16

    "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."  Revelation 22:21

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

  • Colorado -- "Some sort of window to your right..."


    We were in Colorado recently.


    Colorado Springs sits in the shadow of beautiful Pikes Peak.


    Incredible rock formations.

     

     



    Lovely.


    Even if it does snow a lot.  It really wasn't too bad, only snowed one day I think.  The children were kind of hoping to see a blizzard (Laura Ingalls Wilder style I think was what they had in mind, since we've read those books), but it was only a gentle snow. 



    Colorado Springs meeting house.  Sorry this isn't the best picture -- I think Didactic1 had some from a while back that were better though if you're interested.   I think I vaguely remember that neat window from my childhood. 


    The seating also gave me that old I've-been-here-before feeling, and this picture felt rather nostalgic to me. 



    Almost the entire group that meets there -- Cindy had already gone home.  In the picture are Janette, Art, Cleta, and Betty.



    Part of the group that meets at Jay Street.  This was taken at Dale and Betty's apartment.  Muriel S., Becky G. (visiting from AZ), Dale and Betty L.


    Another shot, including our little people.


    Some of the members of Pueblo:  Bruce and Mary E., Lee and Rhonda M.

    These congregations on the "Front Range," as they call it, are suffering.  There is a widespread lack of souls, lack of a feeling of connectedness with other brethren, even a lack of funds in at least some instances.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.




    These last pictures were taken at Casa Bonita, which was later referred to as Casa Piñata and Casa Burrita by our little gringos. 



    "Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful."  James 5:11
             

Monday, February 11, 2008

  • Hello World

    "Girl, where ya been so long?"

    Actually I'm home almost all the time.  I like being home, so I guess I'd make a good hermit.    We did make a trek out west in the past month.  Otherwise I'm trying to keep up with the children and the house and the schooling and all the other tasks that come my way.  This is basically just a post to let you know I'm still alive.  I hope to make another post this week, and if I do I promise I'll include some pictures.  Here's a recent one of Tirzah to tide you over.



    She's growin' up.  Love that look in her eye.

    Have a nice Monday.

    "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23

Sunday, January 13, 2008

  • Currently Reading
    Little Walrus Warning
    By Carol Young
    see related

    Bethany's Book Review

    It seems to take me a while to think of something to say on here.  So I asked Bethany what she would want to say in a post about what she's been doing lately, and of course she had no trouble at all thinking of something.  Here's what she came up with:

    "Little Walrus Warning is one of my favorite books.  Peter and Zion like it, too.  It is a very funny book.  It is about a mother walrus and her baby walrus traveling.  There are many other walruses traveling, too, and when they are on an ice chunk, the walruses are so heavy that -- WHOOOSH!  The ice chunk tips on its side, and there they go, all into the sea!"  (she chose this face, too)

    Here is Bethany with the book:


    So there you have it.  And this counts for schoolwork!  Two birds with one stone.  Maybe we should do this more often.

    "Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all the depths; fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
    mountains and all hills; fruitful trees and all cedars; beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl; kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth; both young men and maidens; old men and children.  Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven."  Psalm 148:7-13

Monday, December 03, 2007

  • Funny Monday

    A while back John was reviewing with the children the story about Elijah calling Elisha, and Zion told her interpretation of Elisha slaughtering the oxen (1 Kings 19:21).
    Zion: "He rolled up the meat and put it on the stove, and gave all those hamburgers to the people."

    ----------

    Peter, concerning Abraham Lincoln:  "He was shot in the head a few years ago."

    ----------

    Bethany, singing "Lord Lift Me Up" while playing church meeting:  "Lord, lift me up... and put me down..."

    ----------

    Hope you're all having a nice day.  :) 

    "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31


Tuesday, November 27, 2007

  • I've Been Tagged -- 8 Things


    For the rules, see numerous other sites (I know, I'm such a rule-breaker). 

    1.  I've seen Bob Dylan and Paul Simon together in concert.  I was just there to see Bob Dylan, though.

    2.  I have a harmonica that once belonged to Bob Dylan, too.  One of his stage hands gave it to me after a show and said it was from Bob (true or not, I thought it was pretty cool, even though I don't know whether he ever actually played it).

    3.  I still know the lyrics to the majority of Bob Dylan's songs, even though I hardly ever listen to them anymore.  I considered making this a list of quotes that apply to me, but decided against it for various reasons -- one being that it would give the impression that I'm still really into Bob Dylan, which isn't the case.   No, really. 

    4.  I once kept a folder containing original quotes and definitions that were popular amongst some of the "young people" (read in Tom Dennis voice) at the time. In it, I believe I was formally defined by my future husband as being a "man-hater." 

    5.  I don't understand people.  Not even myself. 

    6.  I have a tendency to stay up late.

    7.  I melt when my youngest looks at me and says "bup" (up), especially if she's bringing a book she wants me to read.

    8.  You might be a homeschool mom if you know why this one is super exciting.... I now have two tables in my dining room!  I was pretty thrilled when I discovered that we had a table available for this purpose, and that I could actually make room for it without too much difficulty.  This is an organizational triumph b/c this room also houses our art/craft supplies and the children's school binders, etc. in a shelving unit and numerous drawers -- not a lot of extra space in there. 
     
    I tag my favorite Xanga stalker who's been considering going public for some time (this would be a perfect opportunity, yes?), Clor, m82626 (both of you, pretty please?), and anyone else who hasn't been tagged and wants to be.


    "And He said, 'The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.'"  Mark 4:26-27

Thursday, October 25, 2007

  • Happy Birthday!




    Who could be having a birthday today?




    Peek-a-boo, it's Tirzah!  The big numero uno!

    Sorry those pictures were dark.  Here are some more of the birthday girl, which were taken this morning:












    "Look at me standing!"  

    Happy Birthday, Tirzah!  You've brought us so much delight!  We love you!

    "Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it;
    Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.
    It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late,
    To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.
    Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.
    Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth.
    Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
    They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate"  Psalm 127

Sunday, October 21, 2007

  • What's a Tishmite?

    A discussion at the supper table tonight:

    Peter: There's hundreds of tishmites in your house!
    Bethany:  What's a tishmite?

    At this point I was chuckling to myself about "tishmite," and thinking that it sounded like "Tishbite."  So I didn't quite get what Peter said then, something about it being something that looks really scary. 

    Bethany was still confused, so I clarified that it's  DUST mite. (Peter had brought me a book he was looking at earlier today with a picture of a magnified dust mite, wanting me to read about it.  Actually there are MILLIONS of them in your house.  And they eat dead skin flakes, just in case you wanted to know that.) 

    Then Bethany said something like, "Oh, I was gonna say... Elijah was a Tishmite."

    Peter:  No, Elijah was a Tish-BITE.


    I guess we've got that straight now.

    "And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.'"  1 Kings 17:1

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    • Name: Amber
    • Member Since: 4/20/2005