Ten Reasons I'm Thankful for Rain

Ironically, Jodi just did a post about reasons she's thankful for the desert - as I already had this one in mind. (I bet hers was easier to come up with......)

It is a time for being thankful – so in honor of that, I’m going to try to put aside my differences with my arch-nemesis and give reasons why I’m thankful for it. Here goes:

1. When it’s raining here, it means some where, high enough, it’s snowing (like on the mountains Jodi looks at everyday) and, I LOVE SNOW!
2. It keeps our community green and I really do like green and lots of happy plantlife
3. I don’t have to worry about wasting water taking lots of baths (because I’m so chilled from getting soaked outside….oops, slipped…)
4. It gives my dog the opportunity to have so much fun! (but cleaning her up is a whole different story.... ooops, slipped again!)
5. If I wear my hair naturally curly, I can “freshen it up” just by stepping outside
6. Without steady rain, these little visitors would have never showed up in front of my house
7. It helps me to never take for granted sunshine in the valley from November to May
8. It really does make a soothing sound at night
9. The kids love umbrellas – need I say more
10. When the rains begin their assault on Oregon, it means I get to decorate for this – and that makes me VERY HAPPY!
(Hollie, I picked these two photos because they showed the two things I got on clearance last year from At Home America.... they make me think of you!)

Curious George

In the spirit of thankfulness, I find myself especially appreciative for the cartoon, "Curious George" which airs at 7am on PBS. BOTH my kids love this delightful little show so much, that they are very upset if I wake them up late causing them to miss it. Yes, that means no arguments these days about getting up - Hallelujiah! You couldn't ask for a sweeter, non-annoying show to have on while they have breakfast either. Yes, indeed, I am thankful for Curious George.

A Couple of Questions XXXXIV

I'm sitting with my new favorite beverage - Nestle cocoa mix and International Delight's Peppermint Mocha (dairy case) creamer. Throw some whip cream on top with sprinkles.... ahhhh.

I'm debating on starting in on decorating. I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I love CHRISTMAS (as if you didn't know), and given that the rains have started in again (and according to the weather, will last through the week) - perhaps that's just what I need to do. Besides, I have a friend visiting my house for the first time this week and Michele and the kids will be coming up Tues. and Wed. so it might be nice to have it done. Hmmm, that's a lot of work, though, for a day that I'm feeling especially lazy. Last year, Michele was around a lot at this time of year - I've missed her and the kids being around so much. But, with them now enrolled in public school, it's not as easy to accommodate. Sigh.....

It's a good thing UO Football Season Ticket holders don't have to commit to purchasing their tickets at the end of the season. By spring when we do have to commit, I'm already missing the festivities and antipating the fun, crisp September days full of expecation, hope and celebration. Yesterday's experience at Autzen, however, was nothing like it. I was well layered and it was still bone-chilling cold, which conveniently matched the attitudes of the fans watching our team self-destruct so pathetically. (Can you say SIX turnovers!) John joked that he'll be wearing orange and black to next week's Civil War with Michael.......that's how bad it was.

We have Brayden's first basketball game this afternoon, perhaps I'll take some pictures and discuss it next time I write. He is such a hoot to watch in sports!

On to the questions-

1. What are your plans for Thanksgiving?

2. What is your favorite traditional Thanksgiving food?

I Don't Want to Sterotype, But...

I know lots of people that do not fit the classic male/female gender roles. I'm not talking sexual preferences or anything, simply those stereotypes of what men or women are "usually like". For instance, the man who prefers "cuddling" (vs. the woman) or the woman who avoids communicating (vs. the man). John and I defy a few of the stereotypes, but, by and large, we fit the model pretty close and have gotten a kick out of watching Gary Smalley on videos and how well he can pinpoint the way men or women think. (On a total rabbit trail, one of my favorite lessons from that series involved Gary explaining to the man how to get a woman involved in sports - describe the players and their personal lives.... A woman (generally) will be much more apt to enjoy a sporting event - or at least tolerate it - if she becomes emotionally involved in the lives of the players - it's not just #42 running down the field to score a touchdown, it's the guy who grew up on the wrong side of town, talks to his mama everyday and just had twins with his new wife..... that, according to Gary Smalley, is what draws a woman in..... And, in my own life, I've found that to be true - funny, eh?)

So, on to the real motivating force for this post. Not to generalize, but, for the most part, women are better "finders" than men. I'm not talking about a real "hunt" being called for, that would involve a whole male instinctual conquering thing and that's not where I'm going. I'm talking about the lack of vision a male has when trying to find the bread in the freezer, or the crackers in the pantry. I have to believe that many of you women reading this are nodding your heads - I can't think it's just a coincidence that both my dad and John have the same chronic deficiency, oh, did I mention Brayden having it too? Yes, that's the point of this post. Once again, I'm finding my children exhibiting one more tendency that shows that each is becoming more and more like their like-gendered parent. Brayden can barely find the nose on his face, and yet, Mikayla can not only tell you the location of virtually every item she's come in contact, but, (and here's the clencher), is willing to look and, 99% successful in finding, an item that is seemingly invisible to her brother. Sadly, I think she's helping to enable him.., but, then again, I don't want to have his future wife not have that satisfaction of being such a huge help-mate to her spouse! Because, of course, satisfaction is always at the top of my list of feelings anytime I hear, "Honey, are you sure we have _________, cuz I just don't see it anywhere?" Hmmm, I don't think so.....

This Week's Devotional

This was today's devotional that was emailed to me. I thought, given my deep thoughts on Monday, it would be appropriate to share this week.

Home Sweet Home
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

“In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2

When I was in college, my psychology professor had our class participate in a test. The test was that each student in his or her mind envisioned a journey along a path. Each student was told to create his or her own details of the journey. At the last part of the path was a wall, where we were told to write down what that wall looked like and how we got to the other side of it. Then, we shared some of our own differing details out loud. At the end, the professor explained what each detail about the wall and getting to the other side of it represented in our life.

When it came to the wall, some classmates saw a large concrete wall with barbed wire or a brick wall that they had to scale and struggle to get over. The professor called on me and asked me what my wall looked like. My answer seemed very different from the others in the class. My wall was the wall of a home and to get to the other side, I simply opened the door and walked in. My professor looked at me for a moment, and said, “Interesting.” For, according to the professor, the wall represented our view on death and how you get to the other side represented the amount of fear one has in facing death.

My professor may not have understood my answer that day, but I knew. For a Christian, death from this life means going home to heaven. I don’t need to be afraid of the afterlife or dying or what comes next, for I have the promises of Jesus in my life. I have been given the mercy and grace of a Savior who died for us all so that we may have eternal life.

No one is absolutely sure what heaven looks like or will be like. The Bible gives us a glance, but not an ultimate picture of what is waiting for us. What we do know about heaven is this: It will be home. Jesus has gone ahead to prepare a place for each person who believes. We may know little about what is on the other side of this life, but here is what else we know: that is where our Master and Maker is. We will spend eternity in something greater than we can even imagine, simply because Jesus is there. And that is enough. There is no reason to be afraid.

Christmas Fun I

I am going to try to infuse a little festivity on the blog - by adding a weekly post of something funny and "holiday-ish". If you come across something, please email me (jsbmriley@msn.com) and I'll post it. This first one is a bit lengthy, but cracked my mother-in-law and myself up when she came to visit last..... Enjoy! (P.S. I edited a few words from the original version, but this still doesn't quite fit my usual G-Rated posts - I hope no one is offended....)

Twelve Days of Christmas
Warning - Before you send all of the gifts described in the song - "The Twelve Days of Christmas" - read how it can go TERRIBLY wrong... as described by the series of letters from the recipient of such lovely Christmas gifts to the gift-giver...

December 14th
Dearest John:
I went to the door today and the postman delivered a partridge in a pear tree. What a delightful gift. I couldn't have been more surprised.
With dearest love and affection,
Agnes

December 15th
Dearest John:
Today the postman brought your very sweet gift. Just imagine, two turtledoves. I’m just delighted at your very thoughtful gift. They are just adorable.
All my love,
Agnes

December 16th
Dear John:
Oh, aren't you the extravagant one! Now I must protest. I don't deserve such generosity. Three French hens. They are just darling but I must insist.... you're just too kind.
Love,
Agnes

December 17th
Dear John:
Today the postman delivered four calling birds. Now really! They are beautiful, but don't you think enough is enough? You’re being too romantic.
Affectionately,
Agnes

December 18th
Dearest John:
What a surprise! Today the postman delivered five golden rings. One for each finger. You're just impossible, but I love it. Frankly, John, all those squawking birds were beginning to get on my nerves.
All my love,
Agnes

December 19th
Dear John:
When I opened the door there were actually six geese a-laying on my front steps. So you're back to the birds again, huh? Those geese are huge. Where will I ever keep them? The neighbors are complaining and I can't sleep through the racket. PLEASE STOP!
Cordially,
Agnes

December 20th
John:
What's with you and those birds? Seven swans a-swimming. What kind of joke is this? There's bird dung all over the house and they never stop the racket. I'm a nervous wreck and I can't sleep all night. IT'S NOT FUNNY. So stop with the birds.
Sincerely,
Agnes

December 21st
OK Buster:
I think I prefer the birds. What the heck am I going to do with eight maids a-milking? It's not enough with all those birds and eight maids a-milking, but they had to bring their own cows. There is cow poop all over the lawn and I can’t move in my own house. Just lay off me. SMART-ASS!
Ag

December 22nd
Hey Butthead:
What are you? Some kind of sadist? Now there's nine pipers piping. And man do they pipe. They haven't stopped chasing those maids since they got here yesterday morning. The cows are upset are stepping all over those screeching birds. No wonder they screech. What am I going to do? The neighbors have started a petition to evict me.
You'll get yours,
Ag


December 23rd
You Rotten Dork:
Now there's ten ladies dancing - I don't know why I call those women ladies. They've been with those nine pipers all night long. Now the cows can't sleep and they've got diarrhea. My living room is a river of cow dung. The commissioner of buildings has subpoenaed me to give cause why the building shouldn't be condemned. I'm sic'ing the police on you. They know where you are.
One who means it,
Ag

December 24th
Listen, Doormat:
What's with the eleven lords a-leaping on those maids and aforementioned "ladies"? Some of those broads will never walk again.
Those pipers ran through the maids and are now after the cows. All 234 of the birds are dead. They have been trampled to death in the nasty affair. I hope you're satisfied, you rotten swine.
Your sworn enemy,
Miss Agnes McCallister

December 25th
From the law offices of Dewey, Cheatem and Howe
This is to acknowledge your latest gift of twelve drummers drumming, which you have seen fit to inflict on our client, Miss Agnes McCallister. The destruction, of course, was total. All correspondence should come to our attention. If you should attempt to reach Miss McCallister at Happy-Dale Sanitarium, the attendants have instructions to shoot you on sight. With this letter, please find attached a warrant for your arrest.
Dewey, Cheatem and Howe
Attorneys at Law

A Couple of Questions XXXXIII

Talk about temptation, I'm sitting next to 2 dozen cookies the kids made, Mikayla's half with peanut butter chips, Brayden's half with mini M&M's and chocolate chips. They wouldn't notice if just a couple were missing.... My only saving grace, thinking about how they licked their fingers after putting each scoop of dough on the cookie sheet - but then again, I share those germs constantly. I'll let you know if I get through the morning without doing a bit of a taste test.....

1. What do you want for Christmas? Yes, generic question, but I'd love to hear specific random answers

2. For the moms out there - What have been some of the biggest "hit" presents you've given to your kids that they've rewarded you with playing with a lot?

Enjoy the morning!!!!!!

Deep Thoughts at 10:18 pm

Many people live for those "defining moments" in life. In pursuit of moments that mark achievements: academically, financially, physically, socially, and emotionally - we go about our lives striving for these things, waiting to attain them - and, just as soon as we arrive - we are forced to come up with a new pursuit.

I'm guilty of striving for these moments. Perhaps because, by the grace of God, I have attained a lot of the things I'd always hoped for, or perhaps because my imagination and goals are small - but the moments I seek to pursue are not huge. No, I'm simply guilty of spending much of my life planning and pursuing "happy experiences". I am guilty of working very hard at making those "Kodak Moments" happen in our family, to reach that spot where everyone is giddy and happy and we look around at each other and think, "How could I ask for more?"

But, and here's the clencher, how long does this feeling really last? Seconds, minutes, perhaps sustainable up to an hour? Then, the endorphines, attitudes, emotions, and rotation of this great planet kick in....... and it's gone. Let me give you a few examples - these are the sorts of things that I exert tremendous amounts of planning and energy to "get to"-

THE MOMENT: Walking into the gates of Disneyland. Kids are wearing their new Disney shirts, "Zip a Dee Doo Da" is playing in the background..... We have arrived!
WITHIN MINUTES: Kids are arguing, the line for the Dumbo ride is way too long, John has motion sicknes, we're arguing, and I have a headache......

THE MOMENT: Sitting in the hot tub at Sunriver, peppermint cocoa with sprinkles in hand, an excellent Christmas romance novel being read, and snow peacefully falling and re-blanketing the ground
WITHIN MINUTES: The snow is turning to rain, I feel incredibly fat and bloated from all of the food I've consumed, I'm depressed by the idea that the Christmas season is almost over, and the house we've rented is completely trashed

Get the picture? I'm finding these "happy places" that I spend so much time trying to attain, are fleeting at best. Am I saying that the experiences themselves aren't worth it? Of course not! But, should I begin changing my perspective so that I'm not expecting the long-term happiness I'm constantly seeking in these moments to last? You bet.

Perhaps, that's why, many people struggle with the idea of Heaven lasting for Eternity. There isn't one "thing/activity" that I can think of that would work for me forever. Boredom, lack of challenge, shifting interests..... all common concerns for what it will be like for us; we know no other perspective.

HOWEVER, (and this is my "ah-hah" moment that happened last night), if I think of Eternity, it doesn't seem concerning at all if my thoughts go not towards activities, but to relationships. Consider that person[s] in your life that you love, absolutely love. Be it children, friends, spouse, siblings, family - those people that make life better just by being in your presense. Don't have an example coming to mind, how about that initial feeling of "true love forever" with a person you fell for - where all you wanted to do was soak in more and more time just being around him/her? If you'd been asked, you could only have dreamed for it to last for eternity. When I think of eternity in terms of relationships, all of a sudden, I want to cry. How I long to have that endless time with my best friends: my husband, sister, children, parents - and special friends.

So, if Heaven is then meant to be all about the RELATIONSHIP vs. the EXPERIENCES - what should I be putting my thoughts and energy into now? Let's be honest - with as much as I'd want an eternity with these loved ones, I wouldn't want them to be right next to me all that time (or lack of time!). Even the people in our lives can't satisfy all of our deep rooted needs. Yes, it satisfies longer than the "pursued-for moment", but relationships are still fickle and, here on earth, and quite undependable. Except One - (yes, you knew that was coming). God doesn't "get old", let us down, or become fickle in His love and affection for us. He is constant, yet vibrant and not-boring. He sustains, challenges, renews, encourages. The life he offers isn't about the fleeting "happy moments" it's about "life abundant". I love that word, "abundant"- oh, the possiblities.

I'm losing my computer power, and John is gone with the charger (see, fleeting moments!), so I'll end this novel here. I learned some things about myself last night and the futility of devoting so much of myself for things that won't last. As Steven Curtis Chapman so appropriately sums it up, "There's more to this life"......

The Fairfield Inn

Just to paint a little picture here:

-John and I are sitting in the "coffee table" area, with the hide-a-bed pulled out and elevated up, so we feel like we are in a hospital bed. We both have our laptops on our legs, sharing the snowman down blanket I brought. I just finished my second holiday magazine, painted my toenails a pretty glittery red, and am simultaneously watching a very surprising football game in which the bottom-dweller Arizona team is currently ahead of the Pac Ten leader, California. Go Wildcats!

-Both kids are sitting at the base of the "real bed" watching "Pirates of the Carribean" and seemingly getting along. As soon as their movie is over, we'll switch places and begin watching the OSU game, as, for some odd reason, Channel 14 only is received on that tv.

In the last 48 hours, this hotel room has seen 7 different guests. We decided to come up to Portland to see the OMSI "Star Wars" exhibit, and as we researched hotel options, we realized it was actually more advantageous to stay 3 nights. (Points issues). So, since John didn't have the opportunity to take Friday off, Lisa came up with me from Thursday to Friday. We all had a very good time, swimming, relaxing, indulging in KFC, and trashing the room that we knew the housekeeper would clean. Lisa left at about noon, and John joined us about 5 hours later - tomorrow we'll hit the exhibit.

In the meantime, I'm going to continue to soak in the coziness and store this tranquil time away as the busyness of the holidays soon begins to set in.

A Couple of Questions XXXXII

I'm pleased to announce that I planted bulbs this morning. Last January I lamented over not getting around to it. So, after much procrastination, many bulbs are now underground. I don't think I did a good job of putting them there, but hopefully they are strong little bulbs and will reach the surface when my heart needs to see them the most!

I know these questions have been asked in various forms already, but in light of Colie's request for Christmas album favorites, I thought I'd revisit them.

1. What Christmas albums do you "highly recommend"?

2. What is a holiday tradition that you do that you hope to repeat again and again because it is just so FUN?

This Week's Devotional

Pretty cool....

A Sense of Wonder
This devotional was written by Robin Dugall

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14



Lately, I’ve been taking more and more time to reflect on the fast pace of life. I’ve thought it through extensively, looking for excuses to blow through life at a supersonic pace. You know what I’ve found? There are so many things that we rob ourselves of when the pace of living goes up and up. It seems like the faster we move, the more we miss. Not only do we miss the wonders of God’s creation all around us, such as sunsets, flowers, the beauty of a smile, and the awesomeness of the changing of the seasons, but we also miss out on one of the greatest wonders in life: the person who God has created us to be. When was the last time you took a moment and simply reflected on the miracle of you? When was the last time you thought about how wonderfully complex you are? Here are some amazing facts I read recently about how God has made you:



50,000 of the cells in your body will die and be replaced with new cells; all while you have been reading this sentence!
In one hour, your heart works hard enough to produce the equivalent energy to raise almost 1 ton of weight 1 yard off the ground.
Scientists have counted over 500 different liver functions.
In 1 square inch of skin there lies 4 yards of nerve fibers, 1300 nerve cells, 100 sweat glands, 3 million cells, and 3 yards of blood vessels.
There are 45 miles of nerves in the skin of a human being.
In a year, a person’s heart beats 40,000,000 times.
Most people blink about 25 times a minute.
Nerve impulses to and from the brain travel as fast as 170 miles per hour.
Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks otherwise it will digest itself.
10. Your left lung is smaller than your right lung to make room for your heart.



Amazing, isn’t it? What a wonder you are! I love this quote from St. Augustine, “People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long course of rivers, and they pass by themselves without wondering.” Today, take time to recognize and then thank God for the wonder of who you are!

Music Recommendations

I know, I know, - it's still early for Christmas music. I have this rule for my own life that it is "allowed" after Halloween, but preferred to start at Veterans' Day.... but I think the weather influences my decisions each year as right now, the rain is definitely calling for a start to the cozy endorphines brought on by some good music.

So, I made a chance discovery at Target and found two CD's that I am really enjoying. They are found at their Christmas music kiosk (the kind where you can sample them and play the songs) - and it is called I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS - TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS VOLUME 1 AND SILVER BELLS - TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS VOLUME 2. Doris Day, Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Burl Ives - all the oldies but goodies by their original artists. Very fun.

Mikayla is definitely MY daughter - she is loving the music, singing along to each song, and her favorites are mine as well. I'm loving it. This morning brought two very funny things from her mouth, here you go:

Upon listening to the McGuire Sisters sing "Frosty the Snowman" she said:
"Those girls sad a bad word, Mommy"
(Knowing immediately what she was referring to-) "No, honey, they said 'button nose' not 'butt on nose'".

"Winter Wonderland" started to play and she said:
"What is that song - it sounds like 'Frosty' but I don't think it is?"
"No, it's called 'Winter Wonderland'"
"Oh, is that what Alice listens to all the time because she lives in 'Wonderland'?"

Too Precious!

This Dog Roots for the Ducks (Not the Dawgs.....)

"Captain Bogey" adorned in his UO sweater for Halloween

Little to Say

Sorry my posts have been few and far between this week - not much to say. I finally got all of the laundry put away from Disneyland only to have 3 bins to put away from laundry just this week. Back to routine.....

I'm currently at Michele's for a quick overnite visit. We had to come check out Ruby and Mimi - Nati's new teddybear hamsters. Cute, but glad they're not mine. I know Michele feels the same way about Sydney.....

Right now, Michele is taking off with the girls to Walmart and the boys are out in the rain in rubber boots getting completely filthy and wet - good ol' country fun and just the place to do it at (not my house getting destroyed with dirt....)

John is home right now suffering from a nasty head cold. Hopefully Sydney is being a good nursemaid to him. His illness has led us to sell our Husky tickets. Hmmmm, watching the game in 50 degree rain at Autzen, or home with 100 hundred extra dollars watching the game on TBS, with a fire roaring, candle lit and magazines a plenty....... Sorry you are feeling crummy, honey, but thankful that it gave us an excuse to opt out!

John's family will be joining us on Sunday, so I should have some fun pics to post from that - until then, keep dry and enjoy your weekend!

Too Funny to Withhold....

Everybody that has read this has gotten such a good laugh/smile out of it - I had to share.....


A cabbie picks up a Nun. She gets into the cab, and notices that the VERY handsome cab driver won't stop staring at her. She
asks him why he is staring. He replies: "I have a question to ask you but I don't want to offend you."

She answers, "My son, you cannot offend me. When you're as old as I am and have been a nun as long as I have, you get a chance to see and hear just about everything. I'm sure that there's nothing you could say or ask that I would find offensive."

"Well, I've always had a fantasy to have a nun kiss me."

She responds, "Well, let's see what we can do about that: #1, you have to be single and #2, you must be Catholic."

The cab driver is very excited and says, "Yes, I'm single and Catholic!

"OK" the nun says. "Pull into the next alley."

The nun fulfills his fantasy with a kiss that would make a hooker blush. But when they get back on the road, the cab driver
starts crying.

"My dear child," said the nun, why are you crying?"

"Forgive me but I've sinned. I lied and I must tell you, I'm married and I'm Jewish."

The nun says, "That's OK. My name is Kevin and I'm going to a Halloween party."

Boo!

Given the lack of comments to my recently posted questions, I'm not sure if anyone else celebrates Halloween - so I hope I don't offend anyone with my pics of our celebration! (Just kidding, of course, no pressure ever to feel like you have to comment)

We had a great evening. Due to the anticipated 25 degree lows for the night, we decided to trick or treat first, then have dinner. It worked wonderful, I'm surprised it's taken us this long to figure it out. I had about a half hour of high stress time, a few early guests, kids not in costume, and high expectations of Mikayla's hair that didn't have the time to turn out like I'd hoped.... (not to mention last minute meal prep, cleaning up, and high blood pressure from the kids' messes). Fortunately, all got done, and seeing the effect of the dry ice in the waterfall snapped my attitude back to where it should have been from the start. Hope you all had a fun Halloween yourselves... (if you chose to celebrate =) !!!!)
Captain Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth - in the "fog" created by the dry ice in the waterfall
846/1450/1600/groupphoto.0.jpg">Here's the group of kids that ransacked the neighborhood
The effect of the dry ice on the waterfall.....eerie!
Here's the pumpkins I hastily worked on with the kids this afternoon - does good "Mommy-kids bonding time" count when the kids are threatened to not trick or treat if they don't clean up the mess?
Another shot of the pirates.....
Mikayla looking spooky.... (it was fun applying all of the make-up - but the grown-up look freaked me out every time I looked at her.....)

A Couple of Questions XXXXI

Amazing the changes in October - it's one roller coaster ride from summer to winter - outdoor activities to the cozies of fireplaces and snuggly blankets. The week in Disneyland has put me behind in my holiday perspective - I'll need to do some serious catching up this week..... but, first things first - Halloween.

1. What are your Halloween plans this year?

2. Are you planning on dressing up - and/or - what are your kids dressing up for this Halloween?

We're currently watching "Incredibles" again as a family - enjoying the extra hour this morning before church. Yippee! Love this movie.....hope you're having an enjoyable weekend as well.

This Week's Devotional

I thought this was a good one....

You Are God's Pumpkin
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you boast, boast only about the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

For most of the country, the crisp cool air of autumn is upon us. A sure sign of autumn is that Christmas decorations are popping up everywhere in retail stores. Halloween costumes and disguises are sold out from shops as trick-or-treaters are ready to take over the streets. A popular symbol of both harvest time and Halloween is the pumpkin. I was thinking recently that being a Christian is a lot like being a pumpkin. Perhaps you are visualizing this orange, round vegetable and wondering how you could ever be compared to one of these squashes! Simply put, like a child chooses a pumpkin to carve and mold an image upon, so God carves and molds His own unique design in you.
The Scriptures tell us that the Lord chooses us. He lifts us up and washes the dirt from our skin. Then he opens us, connecting deep inside to scoop out all the slimy, yucky stuff, including seeds of doubt, spite, lies, fear, etc. Then He carves a new creation, and makes our faces shine by putting His light inside for all to see.
Sometimes I feel like I don’t want my light to shine because I am ashamed of a thought or action or pattern in my life. I try to hide the light Christ has put in me, and blend in with the crowd. What I forget is that when God carved me, created me, and gave me His Son, I no longer had to count on my own strength. I can count on the Lord’s. It is He who washes me clean; it is He who gives me a spirit of strength and perseverance; it is He who makes me pure; it is He who frees me from sin; and it is He who gives me hope. When I realize that my part of the equation is to rely on His strength and power, then I can do as Scriptures say, and shine His light through the power of the Holy Spirit.
What starts as an everyday squash turns into a lantern of light. What starts as an everyday person turns into a beacon of hope for all to see. At times, it is hard to imagine that we can be cleansed through Jesus. As the Scripture says, Christ has made us right with God. He has purified us and freed us from sin. Through our union with Christ, we are given the light and wisdom of the Holy Spirit who enters and dwells in our lives. It is He who picked you out and carved you just the way He wants you. So make sure you keep your lantern lit for all to see.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What sins are in your life that you need to release and allow the Lord to scoop out for you?
2. Each time you see a pumpkin this autumn, think through why it is so important for you to be a vessel of light representing our Lord.

A Couple of Questions XXXX

I feel like we have thoroughly hit nearly every nook and crannie of Disneyland and California Adventure - including shows. The funniest moment of the day was Brayden, who was among the chosen to learn how to be a Jedi Knight in the Jedi Training Academy, did not pay attention to the sequence of moves that he was supposed to do against Darth Vader - and instead just tried to take him out. We have the whole thing on video, but I was hysterically laughing at the commentary by the "Master Jedi" in assessment of Brayden's performance. - Too stinkin' funny.

Due to the bad cold/cough - I no longer have the ability to scream in excitement - I'm a week behind Michele in this little virus, so she can't scream either - it's this nasty little croak... oh well. I'll be walking to Target in the morning for some serious cough drops to help with our final day.

As you might expect, we're on a theme this week, so the questions aren't any different - when answering, feel free to answer for what you think right now, or what you liked a long time ago - or simply a generic answer to rides in general.

1. What amusement park ride (Disneyland or otherwise) could you repeat endlessly?

2. What park ride would you absolutely never do - or, perhaps, never do again after having suffered through it the first time?

Legoland - Day 2

Day two brought us to Carlsbad where we adventured in Legoland. I would definitely say it is an ideal location for 3-9 year olds - lots of places to play and yes, bring your swimsuits - huge water area to get soaked. It was a nice change of pace to have the temperatures drop with the marine breeze and the crowds be significantly less intimidating.
This is not a good pic - best that it's a distance shot - but it shows how formidable our group of 16 looks
Isn't this adorable - Ellie was growling at Grandpa, and giggling so much- I can't even begin to describe how great it was to have Mom and Dad there with us these two days-
Miniland at Legoland - the boys were so enthralled, Grandpa and Mark included
What happens when Amy gets tired - Brayden was a little peeved
Isn't this too cute? Petting the Lego dog
Invading the San Diego In and Out Burger restaurant - by far our cheapest meal of the trip
This is the view of the house my dad is working on in Coronado - it is taken from the dock of the ocean bay..... pretty cool to come view his craftsmanship

Day One of Disneyland

I think it's best to let the pictures do the talking. We arrived in our hotel Friday night at about 8 and planned to spend 16 hours in Disneyland (8 am to midnight) on Saturday - what a day-----
This many kids scared many adults in the waiting area prior to the plane arriving
Our family - excited to get through the Disneyland gates
They've really done a lot this year to celebrate Halloween/Harvest - very festive
Oh, what a joy---Grandpa and Grandma greeting all their grandkids in Disneyland!
Goofy child meets the original Goofy
Michele said that after taking this picture, she could leave Disneyland happy....
The kids are puzzled why Pluto walks on 2 legs - they think they need to talk to him about this
John asleep in Paradise Pier - while the kids and other adults were on the over the top Ferrris Wheel. Shortly after, he needed to go back to the hotel as he was so exhausted and nauseous, poor guy.
Why the 16 hour day only last for about 12 hours.....and some wondered if that double stroller would be worth bringing.......

Random Thoughts

We're leaving for a week in Disneyland on Friday with Michele's family and The Meyers again. This time, my parents get to join us for the first weekend - one day in Disneyland and the other day in Legoland. I think we'll be actually at the park on Saturday (Disneyland and California Adventure) from 8am until midnight.....we're hoping for the best!

So, today, is the designated packing morning while Mikayla is at pre-school and Brayden at school. I've been accumulating things for weeks now (I am a much better packer if I do it over a long stretch of time than all at once - I literally have stress dreams over having to pack in a hurry). So, today has essentially been simply picking what piece of luggage to put stuff in and using lots of gallon ziplocs to keep things together and keep stuff from leaking. I've discovered today that 11am is a very bad hour of tv. I rarely am around to watch morning tv, so it's been a new experience for me. I eventually settled in on an episode of 24, which is intriguing, but a little unsatisfying to watch randomly.

I'm including a couple of pics. Jodi snapped a shot of her cat lounging, I thought I'd do the same with Sydney.....we'll miss her next week, but we know she'll be happy with her lab-buddy, Koda. Thanks Mike and Janet!

The other picture is the "grocery list" Mikayla decided to do on her own. What a little "Mommy to be". She pulled some treats out of the "snack bin" and started trying to list the names on the notepad. Don't hurry it, honey, that grocery list responsibility will be on you way too soon!

I'll bring my laptop to California, but am not guaranteeing consistent posts. I'm still hoping for more responses to the questions of the week - I think it's neat to see how we are all wired differently.

That's Our Boy-

Yesterday, I asked Brayden what he did during recess. This is a common question for us as Brayden will often not hang with the kids we would think he would, but rather play alone. Kind of odd for a social kid. So, I was pleased when he responded that he had been asked to play soccer by a buddy and had a lot of fun with him. (This is Tanner, a kid I just love, but one who lost points at church on Sunday, by boldly coming up to me and asking, “WHY did you dye your hair?”…..)

I called Tanner’s mom to see if she set Tanner up to asking Brayden and was impressed when she said she had nothing to do with it – good for Tanner. However, after hanging up with Nancy (Tanner’s mom), Brayden informed me that he would NOT be playing soccer the next day (today). Here’s that conversation:

ME: OH, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO INSTEAD?
BRAYDEN: WELL, THERE’S THIS GIRL NAMED TRISTYN IN OUR CLASS, DO YOU KNOW HER?
ME: (UH-OH) NO-
BRAYDEN: WELL, ANYWAY, SHE’S GOING TO CHASE ME AROUND AT RECESS AND I NEED TO BRING A COAT TOMORROW, BECAUSE IF SHE CATCHES ME, SHE’S GOING TO TIE ME WITH THE COAT TO THE POLE…..(BIG GRIN.....I DO BELIEVE HE INTENDS TO BE CAUGHT.....)

I quickly called Nancy back to inform her that Tanner should not be expecting company tomorrow on the soccer field….. Brayden has other plans……

He just cracks me up-

A Couple of Questions XXXIX

Alright, I confess, I had to Google Roman Numerals to make sure I got this one right. I was right, but I would have needed help from here on out anyway as I forgot what 50 was represented by. Oh, the things the Internet helps us navigate through.

We got a phone call from Mikayla's pre-school that the water main had burst - no school for her today. Alright, not too many plans to change which is good. However, I was up until midnight, and then she had me up since 4:30 - so I think I'm going to have her snuggle with me for a nap as soon as I finish this.

Don't worry, I will get to all of JustMe's (Heather's) wonderful question contributions - but these have been discussed much by John and I this week as it has to do with the Bible Study he's involved with. Wanted to see what your responses would be-

Regarding the 5 Love Languages - as outlined by Gary Smalley, (ACTS OF SERVICE, WORDS OF AFFIRMATION, PHYSICAL TOUCH, QUALITY TIME TOGETHER, GIFTS):

1. What is your top love language?

2. Assuming your love language is what is easiest for you also to give to others, what is your LEAST easiest Love Language to extend to others (or your spouse)?

Contagious Joy

Bottom Row, Left to Right- Amy, Lisa (not mrsquigs), Michele, Me, Christy, Kristine Top- Kris, Nancy, Shannon - (BTW - I was the one setting up the timer on the camera which is why I got to be "front and center" - next time I'll have to work on establishing a back row location to run to once I hit the button!)
Our Group in the concourse at the conference
Here's a picture of Christy and I not missing a minute of the Duck game in the MAX on the way back to the hotel....

I just returned from 36 hours spent in Portland attending the WOMEN OF FAITH conference with 8 very good friends. The theme was CONTAGIOUS JOY - and it truly was a joy being with these gals, staying at the Embassy Suites (ooh, la, la - fancy.....), and riding the Max for the first time. The decision to attend the conference was relatively last minute, and clearly God blessed the details - even arranging for excellent seats in the Rose Garden.

The highlight of the experience for me was listening to Robin McGraw (Dr. Phil's wife). She did a great 4 point presentation of 4 choices women really need to make - my abbreviated version:

1. Make the choice to accept Christ as your personal savior and live to follow and glorify Him
2. Make the choice to be positive in your view of yourself and your life
3. Make the choice to take care of yourself - in all aspects - your husband and kids need a healthy you, not a martyr or a person who sacrifices herself constantly
4. Make the choice to accept your husband for who he is....

Item # 3 was a big focal point that I think many women feel like they are allowed to ignore - that somehow it is acceptable and honorable to wear yourself thin to the point of being emotionally and physically ill - However, Robin told the very sad story of how abruptly her mother's life came to an end - and it occurred as she was literally pulling a pumpkin pie out of the oven that Robin had requested her mom make for her..... always doing for everyone else, never taking care of herself. Sometimes, I think women think it is selfish to take a bath, escape reality, hire a babysitter for you to have a "nothing" day - but, in the big picture, if it keeps us healthy and balanced - your kids will love you for keeping yourself alive to be there even longer in life for them.

At the end of Robin's talk we all applauded- and then to the entire Rose Garden attendance's surprise - Dr. Phil himself walked down the aisle to join his wife on stage. He congratulated and praised his wife, made comments about their dedication to promote Jesus Christ as Savior in the best way they could with the platforms they'd been bestowed - then ended it by saying that in the filming of 800+ shows, Robin has walked Dr. Phil off stage every single time. He said it was the least he could do to escort her off stage..... It's been a while since I've routinely tuned into Dr. Phil, but the level of respect I have for both of him has just skyrocketed ten-fold. Very cool.

One of the speakers read a wonderful comparison piece that has apparently been cruising the internet popping into forwarded emails. I thought it was very convicting and worthy of sharing-


I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones.

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it
What if we flipped through it several times a day
What if we used it to receive messages from the text
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it
What if we gave it to kids as gifts
What if we used it as we traveled
What if we used it in case of an emergency
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version

Yup, that hits home......

Finally, I left my camera at home, but Christy (who deserves much praise for taking care of much of the details of this adventure), took hers and when I get access to them - I'll try to add them to this post.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the weekend and are able to experience contagious joy......

History in a Box

Two days ago, while on date night with John at Ross (yes, we do love to shop together.....), I had the opportunity to meet "Trish" - a friend from John's past. I gave her a "once-over", blonde hair, classic beauty, named "Trish"- and knew immediately I was meeting the first woman that John asked to marry him. She was friendly, and bless John's heart, he quickly affirmed to me that I was prettier (whatever, honey, perhaps younger.....but really, it's okay). She was with a man that John also knew, I believe from high school. He said they were a perfect match for each other - I'd go into details why, but that would be negative talk...... so, hope the relationship lasts!

I don't think I'll ever be running into the two men that I discussed marriage with in a Ross store. Last I heard, ex-fiance, Lance, was living in Seattle with his wife. Brinton, serious relationship prior to Lance, was born and raised in Texas, doubt that he'll ever live in Oregon, much less visit. The only thing that remains of their existence in my life is, 1.) memories and 2.) two shoeboxes sitting on a shelf in a bedroom in my parent's house. Within those shoeboxes are letters, notes, pictures, momentos on why that relationship existed in the first place. Some may have a problem that I even keep these shoeboxes. Rest assured, I don't ever look in them, but they are part of my history, and if my daughter ever wants to know what helped shape me into the person I am, or perhaps, because I still hold these men in a relatively high respect - what she needs to "hold out for" in terms of a man that would be worth it for her. Of course, I absolutely saved the best for last and she needs only to look to her Daddy to discover what is best for a husband, so I guess that is a moot point. (On a sidenote: If you get the chance to listen to Mark Schultz's new album BROKEN AND BEAUTIFUL, don't miss "She Was Watching" about this very subject - it will make you cry....).

I was thinking about this "box of history" in bed last night and wondering what sort of shoebox my impact on different people's lives would make. I'm thinking of all sorts of relationships here - not just boyfriend/girlfriend. Would there be notes of encouragement to put in those boxes? Or, if, somehow, emails where printed out, or conversations transcribed, would they fill a box up worth opening and reading through frequently? Would someone ever want to use this box as an example of what a good friendship/relationship ought to be?

I think I'm going to close off and head to the Hallmark store. I've got some work to do......

A Couple of Questions XXXVIII

Courtesy of Heather (JustMe)....... and in a "Mother" theme-

1. In what area do you feel you really excell as a mother?

2. What is a favorite activity that you do with your mom or something you wish you did together?

Thanks again, Heather!

We Made It Through!

So, we made it! In a little less than an hour, we navigated the great "Corn Maize". Actually, I should say, Travis and John navigated it - in a style that made me think that we were part of "The Amazing Race". In fact, on a couple of occassions I had to remind them that we had a four year old walking with us.... losing the kids would have been a very bad thing! We only repeated landmarks a couple of times - good job guys!!!!

A couple things we learned:
- If you are taking kids, a baby jogger would make it through, might be a good idea-
- Take the map (I took a picture at the front entrance) - as well as a pen and mark down where the numbers are on the map. At those spots, there are clue cards you can take with you (with the answers on the bottom), that will insure, from at least those points, you are going in the right direction. We had the map and the clues, but no idea where the numbers were on the map. That would have been very helpful.
- I just can't imagine the horror of navigating this thing during the "Haunted Nights" that they do at night time. - We snapped a couple of pics of some of the scenes within the maze. There are several tunnels, an old school bus which I think you have to go trhough, plenty of places for people to jump out. It would have to be absolutely terrifying......

The cow train was a hoot, they do these roller coaster thing over the hills, the draft horse wagon train for the pumpkins - the caramel kettle corn..... It was an all around awesome day at Lone Pine Farms, another tradition we'll have to repeat in years to come.

A Couple of Questions XXXVII

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN! I hope it is turning out to be a wonderful day for you. You are a joy to all that know you!

Alright, folks, I'm really struggling with inspiration for questions - so, here's the deal - today's "Couple of Questions" is simply a request for you to provide a couple of questions so that I can use them in the coming weeks. Any questions you consider especially thought-provoking or fun? Or, any good resources for good questions? Bring it on!

Hope you all have a splendid weekend. We're headed to our first experience in a giant corn maze on Sunday with the kids and our buddies, Travis and Steph. If we manage to get out, I should have some fun pictures to post Sunday night or Monday.....

The Price of Children

I just sat down at the computer thinking I needed to put some post out and not having anything to write about. I was about ready to chronicle the mysteries I'm experiencing in trying to ascertain what is causing my digestive system to stage revolt, but you know, I just don't think that makes good blogging material...... Thank God for Mary Beth, my sister in law, to send me an email with this, at just the right moment. It looked so good, I didn't even finish reading it before I began the cut and paste process (and removal of all those >>, that indicate an email has been forwarded!

The Price of Children

This is just too good not to pass on to all. Something absolutely positive
for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising
a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this
way. It's nice.

The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition. But $160,140.00 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:

* $8,896.66 a year,
* $741.38 a month, or
* $171.08 a week.
* That's a mere $24.24 a day!
* Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have children if
you want to be "rich." Actually, it is just the opposite.

What do you get for your $160,140.00?

* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140.00, you never have to grow up. You get to:

* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs, and
* never stop believing in Santa Claus.

You have an excuse to:

* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watch Saturday morning cartoons,
* go to Disney movies, and
* wish on stars.
* You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

For a mere $24.24 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get
to be a hero just for:

* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs,
* and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.
* You get a front row seat in history to witness the:
* first step,
* first word,
* first bra,
* first date, and
* first time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all
the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch
a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them
without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the
cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!

Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren & great-grandchildren !!!!!!!
It's the best investment you'll make!

The Coat of Shame

It's no secret that I dream - a lot.... Of course, there's no way of knowing how much I remember of my dreams, but each morning I could go on for at least five minutes in description of something - and, at least once a month, I really wonder if I couldn't write a pretty decent action/adventure or science fiction bestseller off of the creativity that comes from these dreams. Pretty wild.

It's not these creative dreams, however, that have inspired this post. It's the recurring dreams of shame. Most often it has something to do with not graduating from high school, not attending classes, not being prepared for a final (because I haven't attended the class all year), or more recently, not being able to pack up my belongings and make it to the ticket gate at some airport - much less have the ticket to go anywhere. Sometimes, the shame runs deeper - I discover I've left to go to work (subbing) and did nothing to take care of my children in my absence, sometimes it's the lie that I went "all the way" with my first fiance - and having to deal with the ramifications, or that I became pregnant before getting married, or, on rare occassion that I had to own up to my smoking habit. Now, please let me re-iterate, I'm not offering this as a list of condemnation, it is simply a list of the realities that I feel like I am actually living during my nighttime hours. In this "alternate reality" I have to accept the fact that I have indeed let myself down - and those that believed in me, and have to deal with the consequences and ramifications of this. The feelings I have in these latter part of these dreams are full of sadness, guilt, despair, and regret - and sometimes, hopelessness........

Then, I get to wake up. Sometimes, because I've had the dreams so often, I have to consciously work through the fact that I am indeed a high school graduate.... yes, really! That, no, I don't smoke (perhaps I'll have to devote an entire post as to why I can almost guarantee that will NEVER be a habit of mine) and all of the above other fears have not come true. It is the greatest relief - the burden of shame has been lifted.

Now, here's my point. A couple of years ago we were part of a Beth Moore Bible Study that had women from the audience volunteer to come forward to adorn themselves with certain "jackets" that had letters on the back of them. Each letter stood for some common shame that women of our day feel. I tried to find the exact study just now, but it's currently lost...., I'll list from memory - DIVORCE, ADDICTIONS, MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES (DEPRESSION, ETC.), PAST ABUSE, PHYSICAL IMAGE ISSUES, and the list goes on.... It was the most profound visual image - I wish I had it personally on DVD to share its imapct with others. Anyway, the discussion went on about how hurtful and damaging these "coats of shame" were - and what a burden they were to wear - everyone seeing, knowing, judging. But, then, Beth Moore described how Jesus wants to take on these coats of shame, and as part of her demonstration - she asked each woman to remove the coat/shame to symbollicly be free of it - handing the burden to Jesus. It was beautiful. It reminds me of the beauty of waking up from a bad dream, yes, the consequences remain, but if the burden is given to Jesus, freedom truly is ours to take.

Isn't that easier said than done, though? And, I can just hear the thoughts coming from those random readers out there - "Little does she know..." "Has she gone through this?" "What's her basis of experience that she can even address such an issue?". Well, you're right. I haven't gone through an awful lot - but, there are a few things that only a handful of people know about, and there are a whole lot of things that may not earn a "letter on a jacket" but God knows about and it is NOT pretty. Beth described what she called the "cylce of defeat" repeatedly found in His people of the Old Testament - Slavery, Deliverance, Testing (including successes and failures) and then Prevailing Unbelief - which led right back to slavery.......and so the cylce repeats until at some point that Prevailing Unbelief turns to Prevailing Belief - that God is there, the God of Second Chances, the God that wants His people to finally reach their Promised Land.

She had this 5 Statement Pledge of Faith that we were all required to recite each week.

GOD IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS
GOD CAN DO WHAT HE SAYS HE CAN DO
I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM
I CAN DO ALL THINGS IN CHRIST
GOD'S WORD IS ACTIVE AND ALIVE IN ME

It's that statement I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM that I think is hard for a lot of us to accept. If we have asked Jesus into our lives, we are indeed perfect to Him - we wear those coats no longer. I pray that no matter what shame you have felt in your life, that you are able to release it to Jesus - and to live, free.

Camp Putt with Jordan and Rory

Way back in May, a bunch of us attended an auction for Young Life. We all bid on things here and there, but my friend Christy asked if a group of 10-12 of us would be willing to pitch in together to bid on a Camp Putt experience for our kids with one of the stars of the UO Ducks. We agreed - and got the bid - and to be honest, I kind of forgot all about it.

But, thankfully, Christy didn't. She called relentlessly to settle on a date and Jordan Kent agreed upon yesterday (the day after flying to play in 100 degree weather - go figure....). So, Brayden and a bunch of his buddies showed up at Camp Putt yesterday to meet and play with Jodan Kent and his friend, also a Duck football player, Rory Cavaille. I chose to sit this one out -kind of regret that now, but the idea of an afternoon of relaxing appealed stronger. I'm thankful our friend, Tania, was there with a camcorder.

Jordan Kent, just to give a frame of reference, is a star receiver for the Ducks. He is also a basketball player for the Ducks - and a track athlete for the Ducks. This would make his the first 3 sport athlete at the UO in 50 years. Pretty impressive. He caught one of the touchdowns on Saturday, so he's not just a name on the roster either. (He also narrowly missed another one, which apparently he lamented to with the adults on Sunday...) Oh, and if the name sounds familiar, yes, that's his dad - Ernie Kent - coach of the Duck basketball team. He's also an all-around great guy - at least as far as his behavior yesterday testified. What a cool thing to do, to volunteer on your only day off to hang with a bunch of wild boys in order to make money for kids to attend a Christian camp -not to mention totally make the day (scratch that, week) of a slew of kids and their parents. I'll add a few captions as to what happened during the afternoon.

Here's the group of happy Camp Putters....
Here's Brayden, ready for a hole in one...
After golfing, the group moved next door to the pizza parlor and played an imprompto game of touch football. Brayden was on Rory's team and had the opportunity to run the ball down for a touchdown - he was very proud.
Brayden ready to take down Jordan Kent - I bet Jordan felt very threatened by his approaching tackle.....
A final pic of Brayden and his new buddies.....