It has been entirely too long since my last entry. I am still knee deep in this college thing. (What was I thinking???) Nevertheless, I couldn't let Bethani's birthday go by without a few pictures.
It was a wild ride--I have to admit that. We had 12 girls at first, but only 9 of them stayed the night. Notice I said only! Have you ever entertained 9 squealing giggly 10 year-old (approx) girls??? Tiffani and I traded off and on. I don't know what I would have done without her help organizing the social part. The girls also really enjoyed her salon expertise Saturday morning.
Apparently Twister is a big hit at this age. I wouldn't recommend it in a mixed crowd, however.
Showing posts with label Bethani. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bethani. Show all posts
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Our Godly Fruit
God has been good to us. I am so thankful for our children. What an awesome responsibility I feel to set a good example before them. I know that everyday I make mistakes--my prayer is that even in that they will learn and find themselves gracefully righting their wrongs.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Bumper Crop of Tomatoes
Just when we thought that the season was over, our tomato plants came to life! Thus far it seemed that it was a futile attempt, but they came through after all. Bethani has assumed the job of resident cherry tomato picker.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Girls of Grace
Bethani and her friend Melissa
There is a precious woman at our church who has a deep love for the young girls in our church. Cheryl Vaughn has made it her ministry to mentor train and teach our 10-12 year old girls how to gracefully transition from that awkward stage we call adolescence to godly young ladies. This past weekend she and her staff pulled together an incredible sleepover conference at our church. They went all out decorating and making this a very special time for everyone involved. There were various booths set up to teach the girls on coordinating and stretching their wardrobe, hair care, preserving character, crafts, and even dress up clothes (hence the picture.) From what I am told, there was pizza, and snacks and fun well into the night, and then more food at 8:00 in the morning before devotions. There was a very special speaker who ministered to them on their level.
I am so thankful for a church body that cares enough about this upcoming generation to invest their time, energy and resources. Thank you so much to all who helped to make this possible, and thank you Sis. Vaughn for loving our girls.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
The Easter Outfits
For all of my growing up years, each Easter was the same. Here is the scenario that played out year after year:
My mom would sew my Easter dress--sometimes matching hers and Grandma's. Of course, true to her personality, it was almost always done last minute. The Saturday night before Easter was the same. Mom would be in the sewing room hurrying to finish my dress, while I would be in the adjoining kitchen dying the Easter eggs that she had signed up to bring for the next day's egg hunt at church. I would invariably have stained hands to go along with my new dress. (Mom always told me that is why the tradition of Easter gloves.)
After my egg dying was finished, and I could no longer keep my little eyes open, I would guiltily recede to my bedroom while my mom continued to burn the midnight oil. The next morning I would awaken to find my new Easter outfit hanging from the poster of my canopy bed.
We had purchased an ivory dress for Bethani some time back that needed a short jacket. It seemed perfect for Easter, so I decided on Wednesday that I should sew Bethani’s jacket. I went to my closet and found nothing with which to make it. I did, however, find a piece of salmon colored silk dupion. So, I made up a dress. Of course, it was a sleeveless dress, so now instead of ONE jacket, I needed to make TWO. I apparently didn’t help my cause any.
Thursday we went to the store and bought material for the ivory jacket. Friday I made the second jacket and helped Bethani make her American doll her own matching dress.
Saturday morning I woke up and wondered, “Hey, what about me and my needs???” So, I went to the infamous closet and found a nice piece of blue linen, picked out a pattern, and by midnight had a new suit for myself. It was totally unplanned, but typical of my Easter weekend--in fact it wouldn't have seemed normal any other way.
While I was upstairs sewing, Bethani was downstairs dying eggs. To her dismay, however, the next morning she could only find one glove for her stained hands.
Today, Bethani sleeps in the bed I grew up in. There have been several years when she too has awaken the next morning to find her dress hanging on the post of her canopy. This year she asked if she could hang her Easter dress on the post even though it was finished 2 DAYS EARLY!
Memories, sweet memories...
(The ivory jacket still isn't made. I wonder what the aversion is? I really need to get busy.)
My mom would sew my Easter dress--sometimes matching hers and Grandma's. Of course, true to her personality, it was almost always done last minute. The Saturday night before Easter was the same. Mom would be in the sewing room hurrying to finish my dress, while I would be in the adjoining kitchen dying the Easter eggs that she had signed up to bring for the next day's egg hunt at church. I would invariably have stained hands to go along with my new dress. (Mom always told me that is why the tradition of Easter gloves.)
After my egg dying was finished, and I could no longer keep my little eyes open, I would guiltily recede to my bedroom while my mom continued to burn the midnight oil. The next morning I would awaken to find my new Easter outfit hanging from the poster of my canopy bed.
We had purchased an ivory dress for Bethani some time back that needed a short jacket. It seemed perfect for Easter, so I decided on Wednesday that I should sew Bethani’s jacket. I went to my closet and found nothing with which to make it. I did, however, find a piece of salmon colored silk dupion. So, I made up a dress. Of course, it was a sleeveless dress, so now instead of ONE jacket, I needed to make TWO. I apparently didn’t help my cause any.
Thursday we went to the store and bought material for the ivory jacket. Friday I made the second jacket and helped Bethani make her American doll her own matching dress.
Saturday morning I woke up and wondered, “Hey, what about me and my needs???” So, I went to the infamous closet and found a nice piece of blue linen, picked out a pattern, and by midnight had a new suit for myself. It was totally unplanned, but typical of my Easter weekend--in fact it wouldn't have seemed normal any other way.
While I was upstairs sewing, Bethani was downstairs dying eggs. To her dismay, however, the next morning she could only find one glove for her stained hands.
Today, Bethani sleeps in the bed I grew up in. There have been several years when she too has awaken the next morning to find her dress hanging on the post of her canopy. This year she asked if she could hang her Easter dress on the post even though it was finished 2 DAYS EARLY!
Memories, sweet memories...
(The ivory jacket still isn't made. I wonder what the aversion is? I really need to get busy.)
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Birthday Girl
Well, it happened. She turned 9.
I have been instructed not to divulge the very special personal gifts she received. Suffice it to say that our little Blueberry is growing up way too fast. I am so very thankful God chose to put this bright spot of Joy in our home. Happy birthday sweetheart. Mom and Dad love you so very much!
Bethani and Tiffani have been having fun with the clay Bethani got for her birthday. They are so creative!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Nothing More Precious
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
III John 1:4
Friday, February 1, 2008
Crochet
Apparently one of Bethani's friends has taken up crochet, and suddenly Bethani really wanted to learn. I saw that Hobby Lobby had their yarn on sale for $.99 per skein, so she took some of her money, bought a skein and a 'stick.' I'm sorry to say that this skill skipped my generation. I have never even tried to crochet. I'm not sure I have the patience for it.
Wednesday afternoon on the way to my college class, Bethani sat in the back seat watching Tiffani crochet (who learned 5 years ago) and trying to copy her. It looked very awkward for her. After about 5 minutes, I realized that she was trying to copy her EXACTLY. "Oh, baby, Tiffani is left handed, try putting your 'stick' in your right hand." She switched hands and said, "Oh, that feels much better."
By the time my class was over 2 hours later, she was stitching a chain so fast, I couldn't keep up with her fingers! She is now working on a scarf, then she wants to make bookmarkers. Ater that...? Maybe she will feel ambitious and make a baby blanket for her new cousin.
For now it is serving as motivation for her to finish her school work early so she can sit and crochet. Our Friday night plans include: a simple dinner, fire, books, yarn, soft music, family.
Wednesday afternoon on the way to my college class, Bethani sat in the back seat watching Tiffani crochet (who learned 5 years ago) and trying to copy her. It looked very awkward for her. After about 5 minutes, I realized that she was trying to copy her EXACTLY. "Oh, baby, Tiffani is left handed, try putting your 'stick' in your right hand." She switched hands and said, "Oh, that feels much better."
By the time my class was over 2 hours later, she was stitching a chain so fast, I couldn't keep up with her fingers! She is now working on a scarf, then she wants to make bookmarkers. Ater that...? Maybe she will feel ambitious and make a baby blanket for her new cousin.
For now it is serving as motivation for her to finish her school work early so she can sit and crochet. Our Friday night plans include: a simple dinner, fire, books, yarn, soft music, family.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Quiz Tourney
Last Saturday I went to Pastor Foster's church in Dallas to watch Bethani and her team quiz in their first tournament of the year. Bethani has been fairly diligent with memorizing, and thus far has committed about 32 of the required 40 Bible verses to memory. In my opinion, that in itself makes her a winner. The fact that she came home with a red and blue ribbon is just icing on the cake.Watching her at the board was--It was one of those inside proud mommy moments--you know the kind--that moment when you are so glad to be able to say: "That is my child." Now, don't get me wrong, I have had the 'other' kind of moments (you know that kind too). But, hearing her answer question after question of details related to specific Bible verses made me thankful for all of the foundation work that we mommies do throughout their lives. She really has worked hard this year--mostly on her own without much of my help. (Paying her .10 per verse has perhaps been some incentive.) Sis. Jassi does such a good job working with the beginner team.
Now we start on the next 40 verses...
Monday, July 23, 2007
VBS
This week has been VBS at our church. Bethani was the only child young enough to register, but the SALT (Student Action Leadership Training) team worked with the adults to make it a smashing success. There were about 120 children registered, and I believe 10 children received the Holy Ghost. In our family, however, the most exciting thing was how SALT transformed my teens. They were forced to rise to the occasion, and rise they did!
The second day into VBS, after the children went home, the SALT team had practice from 3:30-5:00. Jeremi called me around 4:30 and said that they had started with prayer before practicing, and they were still praying!! They hadn't yet gotten around to practice. He was so fired up about how God was moving and ministering to him and his peers. When they got home, Tiffani was bubbling over with how God had used the Gifts of the Spirit to speak a specific word to them, and it was the teens who were operating in the Gifts!
The week continued in this same way everyday this week. God used Tiffani in the Gifts of the Spirit. I encouraged her not to seek after the Gift of the Spirit, but to seek after the Fruit of the Spirit, and the Gifts will naturally follow. It is awesome to see their enthusiasm and love for the Lord.
Sunday night, the entire youth group rallied around one another, and it was a beautiful thing to watch them pray and support each other. For a while, they set aside their differences, and worked together for a common goal. They asked Jeremi to stand and tell what he felt about the week. He talked about unity and working together to achieve a common goal. I saw the man he is becoming, envisioned the minister he will be, and I felt so proud of him.
Raising Godly fruit can be a long and tedious process. It seems that the fruit will never grow, and then when it does, it seems it will never ripen. I have to confess that there have been many occasions recently where I have wondered if any of what I have been trying to teach is actually getting through to my children. It has at times truly felt FRUITLESS! However, it is the times like this week that I am so thankful that I have not given up. "For in due season, we SHALL reap if we faint not." Thank you Jesus for giving us a hopeful peek into our children's future.
The second day into VBS, after the children went home, the SALT team had practice from 3:30-5:00. Jeremi called me around 4:30 and said that they had started with prayer before practicing, and they were still praying!! They hadn't yet gotten around to practice. He was so fired up about how God was moving and ministering to him and his peers. When they got home, Tiffani was bubbling over with how God had used the Gifts of the Spirit to speak a specific word to them, and it was the teens who were operating in the Gifts!
The week continued in this same way everyday this week. God used Tiffani in the Gifts of the Spirit. I encouraged her not to seek after the Gift of the Spirit, but to seek after the Fruit of the Spirit, and the Gifts will naturally follow. It is awesome to see their enthusiasm and love for the Lord.
Sunday night, the entire youth group rallied around one another, and it was a beautiful thing to watch them pray and support each other. For a while, they set aside their differences, and worked together for a common goal. They asked Jeremi to stand and tell what he felt about the week. He talked about unity and working together to achieve a common goal. I saw the man he is becoming, envisioned the minister he will be, and I felt so proud of him.
Raising Godly fruit can be a long and tedious process. It seems that the fruit will never grow, and then when it does, it seems it will never ripen. I have to confess that there have been many occasions recently where I have wondered if any of what I have been trying to teach is actually getting through to my children. It has at times truly felt FRUITLESS! However, it is the times like this week that I am so thankful that I have not given up. "For in due season, we SHALL reap if we faint not." Thank you Jesus for giving us a hopeful peek into our children's future.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Crusader Camp
I promised to update you on all the happenenings around here, so here goes:
Last Monday, I took a van load of kids to Lufkin, Texas for church camp. There were 12 of us in the van for the ride there, and just two of us came back home. Jeremi and I had a chance to talk--just the two of us, and it was good. All went smoothly, even the Taco Bell stop.(Ordering for 10 kids could be a bit intimidating!) Tiffany Ramirez was a HUGE help. She stayed as the dorm matron, and they had a wonderful time.
This was Bethani's first time to go to camp as a 'registered, bona fide camper' and she was SO EXCITED!! Bro. Loyd Squires was the camp speaker, and everyone knows he is just phenomenol with the kids. Bethani told me somewhere around 90 kids received the Holy Ghost! Thank God for this precious truth. This Holy Ghost experience is real!!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Build A Bear
February 22, 2007: Bearali was brought into this world by a very excited birthday Bethani. "We share the same birthday" she says.
It was quite a process, mind you. First, the bear skin must be chosen.
Then any music or sounds must be added, and then there is the heart ceremony and the stuffing.
Every newborn must have a first bath.
And then there was shopping for bear clothes... Everyone knows that bears must be in modest fashion! Bethani especially liked this denim dress.
As with any newborn, we had to have a name before we left the 'hospital.' Now, this was no easy task, seeing that we have a set of guidelines for names in our house. Every dependent in our home must have a name consisting of 3 syllables and an 'i' at the end. Thus: Tiffani, Jeremi, Bethani, Emili, Melodi, Chariti, and now, Bearali.
She used her $25 Build-A-Bear gift card from Marissa to pay for Bearali and Grammy & Grandpa's b-day money to finish up the rest.
She was a very careful shopper, and used her money wisely--thinking through each purchase.
When we got home, we duplicated Bethani's birthday shirt for Bearali, and gave her a little jean skirt.
What a fun afternoon this was.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETHANI!!
It was quite a process, mind you. First, the bear skin must be chosen.
Then any music or sounds must be added, and then there is the heart ceremony and the stuffing.
Every newborn must have a first bath.
And then there was shopping for bear clothes... Everyone knows that bears must be in modest fashion! Bethani especially liked this denim dress.
As with any newborn, we had to have a name before we left the 'hospital.' Now, this was no easy task, seeing that we have a set of guidelines for names in our house. Every dependent in our home must have a name consisting of 3 syllables and an 'i' at the end. Thus: Tiffani, Jeremi, Bethani, Emili, Melodi, Chariti, and now, Bearali.
She used her $25 Build-A-Bear gift card from Marissa to pay for Bearali and Grammy & Grandpa's b-day money to finish up the rest.
She was a very careful shopper, and used her money wisely--thinking through each purchase.
When we got home, we duplicated Bethani's birthday shirt for Bearali, and gave her a little jean skirt.
What a fun afternoon this was.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETHANI!!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Bethani's 8th Birthday Sleep-Over
Bethani had a great sleepover last night. We encouraged the boys to find something 'MANLY' to do, and then we girls had the house to ourselves. There were 5 little girls in all: Bethani, Emily, Keilani, Shanna and Marissa. We started out with a tea party, and then they all voted to get right into their 'jammies.' They came back all comfy cozy and we sang happy birthday with the cake and candles. Bethani opened her presents. She got a purse, pens, journal, Polly Pockets, and a $25 gift card to Build-A-Bear. That will be another day of fun!
At one point, Bethani ran downstairs into the kitchen where I was washing dishes and squealed: "Yeah!! My wish came true! I'm having a sleep-over!!!
Someone suggested Monopoly, and that lasted for a while. Then it was upstairs to play make-believe princesses. Somehow that turned into playing babies, and before you know it, here it was 11:00. I suggested we drag all of the mattresses into the school room so everyone could sleep with their heads together. The last of the pretty little eyes closed about 12:45. (I had to crawl under the covers with a few of them to encourage sleep to come.)
I woke up to giggles about 7:30, and decided I better get the pancakes cooking. They especially enjoyed the banana-orange-mango smoothie. We quickly cleaned the upstairs, found lost socks and (oops someone forgot a pair of shoes) then I fixed hair. One by one parents came, and then before you know it, the house was back to normal--well, as normal as normal can be after having 4 extra little squiggly bodies. It was a lot of fun!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
