Ben ~ Football

Well, once again I got off track with blogging! So now I have alot of catching up to do :)
 Here are a few pictures from Ben's football season ~ only 2 games left.

Ben ~ #45

I wasn't sure what Ben was doing but thought it would make a neat picture ~ He later told me he was praying.

It's so hard to believe he will be 15 in less than 2 weeks!

Balloons being released at a home game! Go Rams!!

My camera wasn't working very well earlier in the season so I don't have alot of pictures. These next two games I hope to get some good action shots.

Life has been very busy around here lately~ I will do an update post soon!

Count Your Blessings!

~JanMarie

9/11

                                  Today I'm praying for our country as we remember 9/11. 
                                                             So much sorrow...........
                                                             So much courage..........


Many lives were lost that day and many more in the last 10 years as the fight against         terrorism has lingered on. 
I'm grateful to the soldiers who have paid the ultimate price and to those who continue to serve our country.
                                               

 I'm humbled by a Savior who died on a rugged cross to give us true and lasting freedom.

        


                                                                          ~JanMarie

The Story Behind "Blessings" - Laura Story at WGTS Gateway

This song is so encouraging! This journey through life is not always easy.......But......when we look at everything we go through as an opportunity to draw closer to God & look to see how He's working in whatever it is we are going through.......therein lies the blessing.
 I am sharing 3 videos. The first two share the story behind the song ~ I'm sharing both because I couldn't decide. I really enjoyed the perspective she shared in both of them.


 






One of the phrases in this song that really speaks to me is: "What if my disappointments or the aching(s) of this life is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy?"

I know in my life I too often get disappointed over people not being who I think I need them to be.

Jesus is the only one who satisfies completely, the only one who brings a perfect peace. We need to encourage one another and lift one another up but we are human and we will disappoint one another in all our relationships......marriage, family & friendships. Jesus is the Completer ~ the One who makes us whole :)

 Be blessed today!

                                                              ~JanMarie

A Quick Note

Just wanted to check in real quick to say I'm sorry I didn't post football pictures yesterday!


It was so hot at Ben's game Thursday! For here anyway ~ 100* & it was almost a 3 hour game. We were sun screened and under umbrellas and sat drenched in our sweat. Taking pictures went to the wayside.
Oh, the things we do for our children :)


Ben played really well but they got their behinds kicked ~ 57 - 6. Here's hoping this weeks game goes better!


 ~ My thoughts and prayers go out to all those on the East Coast who are battling Irene as I type!


                                                                      ~JanMarie

Here We Go!

And here we go again ~


Another school year has started! It's always fun to go school supply shopping :) Creating a fresh start with things like new paper, pens and pencils is somehow exciting!


Heather is continuing her path towards getting her RN. She's going to school and working full time as a CNA.  She has a compassionate heart and loves her job. She's so darn cute in her scrubs too :)


Danielle is a senior ~ Even as I write that I find it hard to swallow......should she be that old already? She is one hard worker! She worked full time all summer cleaning condos. She was able to pay her car off and put a chunk in savings. She will continue to work weekends during the school year.
She gave herself a pretty heavy schedule this year ~ several AP classes which  count towards college. She loves learning and wants to be an elementary teacher.


Ben is in 9th grade ~ He trained with the high school cross country team all summer for the exercise. He loved it but is now playing football :) His first game is today! It's supposed to be 98* today ~ yuck :(       I will post pictures tomorrow.
He's taking Publications this year which means he'll help put the yearbook together. I love that he's always wanting to try new things!


Can I just say I love my kids! 
My prayer has always been that God would fill in the gaps where we mess up in our parenting. As I look at our kids I am so grateful that God is faithful!
I am proud of each one of them ~ 
                                     



                                                               ~JanMarie
              

Check These Quilts Out!

One day I would love to make at least one quilt ~ My lack of patience is a bit of a hindrance! I so admire others who create beautiful quilts :)


While I was in Klamath Falls I had the chance to see some extraordinary quilts. My dad has a good friend who is an outstanding photographer! His name is Jeremy Franklin and he and his wife are a bit like family now :)


Twenty quilters got permission to use 3 of Jeremys pictures and made a slice quilt out of each picture. Amazing! It took them about a year and now the quilts travel around and have been on display in different states.


If you want more information on what a slice quilt is and this project in general I'll direct you to Jeremy's website ~ www.wildernessperspectives.com (copy &paste). Click on Basin Vistas to find out more on the quilting project.
While at his website take a minute and check out Jeremy's photography! He's that good! Extraordinary really....

What I thought was so amazing is that different quilters worked on each slice independently. They got together periodically to make sure they were all on track but otherwise worked on their own. Also the texture that is sewn into the quilts is really fascinating. Things like raffia, embroidery thread, etc.
Truly a work of art!

                               Maybe this winter I'll attempt a quilt........hmmm........maybe.......


                                                                  ~JanMarie

New Family Pictures

Earlier this summer we had the chance to have our family pictures taken as a fundraiser. A lady at our church is a photographer and for $50.00 we got a 30 minute photo session and she sent us a cd with the pictures. The money went to the youth going to the Phillipines on a mission trip.

We got each picture in both color and black & white. One of the family pictures will be used for our Christmas card this year. Yeah for no last minute panic trying to get a current photo!!

So here are some of the pictures......

                                           ~JanMarie