Congrats to Ryan For Highest Honors!

Just wanted to spread the news of Ryan's accomplishments thus far. He currently has a 4.0 and received highest honors for his grades at ITT. He had a lot more work this past quarter and didn't receive as much help from me, although I did quite a bit of cheering and encouraging to stick it out. Way to go Ryan!

Mustard Seeds has a Charm Giveaway!

Go on over to Christina's blog and check out how to get in on this giveaway! Just click on Mustard Seeds above to find out more.

Here's What Five Weeks Does to Growing Kittens

The kittens have reached the stage where they are oh so cute, and yet oh so much trouble!!! They are getting into EVERYTHING and praticing their dueling skills with anyone and anything. The picture above is our favorite time as they do absolutely nothing. That usually lasts all of 20-30 mins. or until Thomas locates their where-abouts and snatches them up, tormenting them. I figure the kittens will either be really tame or really mischevious due to all the boys put them through. I am actually amazed they have lived through these five weeks. We found out that one is a girl who is very uptight and nervous and the other is a boy who is laid back and carefree. We are getting so attached that it will actually be hard to let the girl go as we are giving her to the Igarashi's from church. But, she will have a great home/farm and I know she will be well loved by all those kiddies and goats ;)

Update on Collections for John McDonald's Troop

We are thrilled by all the responses and donations we have received from family, friends & strangers. We have had one monetary donation of $25 and I was able to get some clearance outfits for the baby along with some nice body soap/lotion for Cindy. I also have been working on John's box and have it 3/4 of the way full with books, games, snacks, candy, & personal hygiene items. Ryan and I recently took care of the nursery at church and got all the little ones to color up some pages I made to send to the troop. All of that was right in the beginning and then it kind of trickled off, but we were pleasantly surprised and blessed to find some items in the collection box at church. I have had a few people promise monetary gifts and items that we are waiting for before we send the boxes out, the boxes are flat rate after all.

Here are the pictures of our progress:



Here is the progress on the box for Spc. John McDonald in Afghanistan



Here is the progress on the box for John's Wife and Baby in Texas

Urgent needs for our troops!

After posting my previous post I felt a desire to help these soldiers in anyway I could here in the states, especially after speaking to John’s mother, Teresa. John had the luxury of calling his wife, Cindy & daughter, Savannah this past Sunday and give updates. The situation out there is dyer. With no running water this means to restroom facilities. They have no way to wash their hands or bath for that matter. There are about 20 men total in his troop and they are finding shelter in a shack made of 2x4’s and a tin roof on the side of a mountain. The average temperature is 130 degrees. They have no electricity and no means to call/email home, except for every 2-3 mos. when the government provides them with a special military satellite phone. Currently they have not built their guard tower so his job in tales keeping watch while sitting in a hummer. He works three hours on three hours off, rotating shifts. When they first arrived to their location they thought they were under attack, but it ended up being off in the distance. They have not experienced any attacks since then. They have been told that he will have leave to come home in Nov. or Dec. but often times plans change. His total deployment time with be 12-15 mos.

Back home his wife and 3mo. Old daughter are keeping their spirits up, but weary at times. She has befriended to other military wives, whose husband are in the same troop. She decided not to come back to TN or GA to stay with family because she didn’t feel right to be here without John.

My reason in writing you this letter is to explain their circumstance and ask that if it is on your heart to do so, that you would help out with their many needs. The needs are varied and you can really give as much or as little as you please. Please do not feel obligated to do so, as we believe you should only participate in this act of giving if the Lord presses it upon you and so provides the means for you to do so. My desire is to pull enough items and financial resources together to possibly send enough for all 20 troop members. Also, I would like to put together an additional box of items for Cindy and baby Savannah (so as to not forget the sacrifice they are making too). Many items are specific due to information from the soldiers.

Food:
Beef Jerky (Slim Jims, etc. with no cheese)
Non perishables (no cans)
Twizzlers, Tootsie Rolls, Suckers, hard candy, Gum
Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, Gatorade (the small dry pouches you add to water)
Nuts/seeds
Instant coffee
Granola bars, cereal bars
Pretzels, Cheetos, Fritos, Chex Mix
Easy Mac, Ramen, Soup mixes
Cookie packs & cracker packs
Condiments, spices, sugar, dry creamer, lemon juice (in packets)

Hygiene:
Hand Wipes (individually wrapped)
Hand Sanitizer
Chap Stick (squeeze tubes so it doesn’t melt)
Instant cold packs (that activate when squeezed)
Finger tip tooth brushes that are disposable
Toothpaste
Mouth wash
Liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner in small bottles
Q-tips
Foot Powder
Razors (disposable)
Shaving soap or cream (no cans)
Travel toilet tissue
Kleenex pouches
Deodorant – unscented
Sunblock
Bug Spray
Shoe Insoles

Misc.
Writing materials
Envelopes, paper, pens, mechanical pencils
One-time use cameras
Hand written letters, cards to boost their spirits
Crossword/puzzle books
Bibles (new or used in good condition, no writing in them)
Godly Books (small)
Tylenol, IB Profen packets/samples
Small toys (Frisbees, balls, hackey sacks
Playing cards, UNO, Yo-yo’s
Travel sized laundry detergent
Flash lights that are friction generated (not battery)

Cindy & baby:
Calling cards-to call family
Nice bath soaps, lotions
Candles
Small things that women like
Handwritten cards, letter to boost her spirits
One-time use cameras
Godly books
Small baby toys (3m. & up)
Baby items
Gift cards
Stationary

*Since this is going out worldwide I ask that you make monetary donations if you do not live in the East TN area (email me at rprmsr@hotmail.com to see about sending the donation). If you do live in this are please contact me to let me know where to pick up the items from you (contact me before you make purchases to make sure you are not to far out to pick up the items). If you do not have the time to buy the items listed you may also give monetarily. Money will be used to buy these items and also for the postage. I have gotten free flat-rate shipping boxes from the USPS and it costs $10.95 per box to ship, no matter the weight, so I will be using every square inch of the boxes. I will be mailing them out to John and he will distribute them among the troop. I will send them out as soon as I have enough items and money to do so. I encourage the children to get involved and make little crafts to send the men. If you have any questions please contact me at church or home (865)657-9543 or rprmsr@gmail.com . I appreciate in advance your considering what the Lord would have you and your families to do. May God be glorified as we meet the needs of these soldiers. Most importantly than giving is praying for these soldiers and their families through this time.


Thank You,
Megan

Urgent and Continual Prayer Request

Ryan's brother's step-son, John McDonald, was deployed to Afganistan on July 3, 2008. This is his second deployment (previously in Iraq). He is now an Army Specialist and they have changed his job to, Security as a Guard Tower Sniper & a Checkpoint Guard. This is one of the most dangerous positions to be in. To make matters worse, he was not sent to the area they had originally told him. He is now in a 100+ degree desolate area with no running water or electricity and his only means of communication is USPS(mail). He leaves a wife and 3 mo. old daughter back in Nolanville, TX. She has family in GA and TN but decided to stay in TX. Ryan's brother, John Reed, Jr., has asked for anyone who has a church prayer list, to please place this family on such list. Also, I encourage anyone who feels a desire to send letters or care packages please let me know, I can give you their addresses or send it out to them myself. I know both John & Cindy need encouragement in this difficult time.

Dollywood Adventures!

We got in another visit to Dollywood this past week. With Ryan off all week it was a nice break from our cabin fever. The nice thing about season passes is, we can come in later and not kill ourselves trying to ride everything. We had a day full of veggies, heat, water, rides, heat & water. The veggitales were at the park and got to enjoy a live show in the AC of their theatre. Hopefully we can go back before Zaboomafoo leaves.



Joseph & Daddy pose by the Dollywood Express that we got to ride.



Thomas & Daddy pose too!



Here the train engineer is loading up the coal in the fire to prepare for the ride ahead. The last two times we rode we sat in the first car and since it's an open car, we ended up with coal dust all over us. It's also very loud up there.



There was a sandcastle making exhibit. There was actually a person there making this castle as we watched. And believe it or not this was 100% sand & water. Incredible!



Joseph finally got up enough guts to ride these cute little duckies after seeing Thomas go alone. Joseph, Joseph, Joseph...What are we going to do with you?!





Here are the boys at the Beaver Creek area of the park. It's a great place for little ones ( and Mommys ;) to cool of in the running water. Both boys managed to break the no running law and both left with bumps on their heads to prove it.



Here Ryan and Joseph rode together on the 50s style Rockin' Roadway. Ryan was sure glad he didn't get the pink, purple or aqua car.



Thomas drives Mommy around on the Rockin' Roadway. AAAAHHH!

The Kitties are Here, Jen!

Yesterday evening "Lady" went into labor with her kitties. She insisted I stay and mid-wife the whole thing as she followed me anytime I left her. So for 3-4 hours straight she labored and birthed three cute grey kitties as I assisted. I know I must sound like some crazy animal lover who thinks cats are human, but really they pretty much do the same thing we human-women do. I have to give it to them for birthing multiples and some other gory stuff they have to do that I won't mention. She's been a good mommy cat and doesn't get to bothered when we handle them. At one point I was handling a kitted who started to scream and "Lady" gave me a genlte nip as to tell me, "I really don't mind you holding them, but I think I should take over now." Unfortunately the first one was still-born even after my attempts to revive it. I think she just labored to long with it as it was the largest of the three. Here are the pics.:



This was kitty #1 who didn't make it


This is kitty #2 who is the laid back of the two.


Joseph was excited at the chance to hold this wiggly kitty as Mommy-Cat birthed #3 (He was also hyped up from all the chocolate ice cream Daddy gave him)


Kitty #3(left)who is feisty and a little more slender. He gave me a scare as he struggled to breath at first. Good Mommy-Cat nurses one baby while cleaning up the other.


By the way there are plenty more yucky pictures if anyone is teaching biology! ;)

My Crazy 24+hrs. with Four Kiddies In Tow

(Quentin's hiding inside the yellow sleeping bag as Thomas pounces him)

My sister called about a week in advance and was desperate for someone to watch her kiddies, Quentin-7 & Cheyney-5. I gladly accepted and got out the pool for the first time this summer (I'm kinda lazy about outdoor stuff this year). It took me more than an hour to pull out the pool, blow it up, fill it with water and swim toys & catch my breath! It took the kids 20 mins. to have their fill and muck up the water with grass clippings, oh well! We also made fourth-of-july cookies and went to the local park. They are two good kids and were eager to help for the most part, as much as kids can be I think. Thomas was actually the most difficult to deal with as he learns how to share his toys. So please, we invite all to come over with your kiddies so Thomas can learn how to play with others. The great thing was that I caught myself telling Ryan, "This isn't so bad, I think we could handle four kids." So praise the Lord for showing us he will always give us everything we need to care for our children or future children. Above are the pics of our outdoor fun & the 2 hour long going to bed process(whew, they wore me out getting them to go to sleep):

Obama, please do explain!

Hilarious

Here in the past few years we have cought a lot of grief over our choice to homeschool our children. No matter how much we explain it to people, they still seem almost disgusted by our choosing to exercise our freedom to educate our children in our own home. The internet has opened up a whole world of fellow homeschool like-minded people. It's encouraging and I am starting to see our oddity as amusing, as seen in this GodTube video (yes, that's right, a Chrisitan version of YouTube). What will they do next?

In Support of Homeschooling

Here is a great article that I found on a fellow bloggers site that was writted by an alternate author:

SONNY SCOTT:Home-schoolers threaten our cultural comfort
6/8/2008 9:39:01 AMDaily Journal

You see them at the grocery, or in a discount store.

It's a big family by today’s standards - "just like stair steps," as the old folks say. Freshly scrubbed boys with neatly trimmed hair and girls with braids, in clean but unfashionable clothes follow mom through the store as she fills her no-frills shopping list.

There's no begging for gimcracks, no fretting, and no threats from mom. The older watch the younger, freeing mom to go peacefully about her task.

You are looking at some of the estimated 2 million children being home schooled in the U.S., and the number is growing. Their reputation for academic achievement has caused colleges to begin aggressively recruiting them. Savings to the taxpayers in instructional costs are conservatively estimated at $4 billion, and some place the figure as high as $9 billion. When you consider that these families pay taxes to support public schools, but demand nothing from them, it seems quite a deal for the public.

Home schooling parents are usually better educated than the norm, and are more likely to attend worship services. Their motives are many and varied. Some fear contagion from the anti-clericalism, coarse speech, suggestive behavior and hedonistic values that characterize secular schools. Others are concerned for their children’s safety. Some want their children to be challenged beyond the minimal competencies of the public schools. Concern for a theistic world view largely permeates the movement.

Indications are that home schooling is working well for the kids, and the parents are pleased with their choice, but the practice is coming under increasing suspicion, and even official attack, as in California.

Why do we hate (or at least distrust) these people so much?

Methinks American middle-class people are uncomfortable around the home schooled for the same reason the alcoholic is uneasy around the teetotaler.

Their very existence represents a rejection of our values, and an indictment of our lifestyles.

Those families are willing to render unto Caesar the things that Caesar’s be, but they draw the line at their children. Those of us who have put our trust in the secular state (and effectively surrendered our children to it) recognize this act of defiance as a rejection of our values, and we reject them in return.

Just as the jealous Chaldeans schemed to bring the wrath of the king upon the Hebrew eunuchs, we are happy to sic the state’s bureaucrats on these “trouble makers.” Their implicit rejection of America’s most venerated idol, Materialism, (a.k.a. “Individualism”) spurs us to heat the furnace and feed the lions.

Young families must make the decision: Will junior go to day care and day school, or will mom stay home and raise him? The rationalizations begin. "A family just can't make it on one income." (Our parents did.) "It just costs so much to raise a child nowadays." (Yeah, if you buy brand-name clothing, pre-prepared food, join every club and activity, and spend half the cost of a house on the daughter’s wedding, it does.) And so, the decision is made. We give up the bulk of our waking hours with our children, as well as the formation of their minds, philosophies, and attitudes, to strangers. We compensate by getting a boat to take them to the river, a van to carry them to Little League, a 2,800-square-foot house, an ATV, a zero-turn Cub Cadet, and a fund to finance a brand-name college education. And most significantly, we claim “our right” to pursue a career for our own"self-fulfillment."

Deep down, however, we know that our generation has eaten its seed corn. We lack the discipline and the vision to deny ourselves in the hope of something enduring and worthy for our posterity. We are tired from working extra jobs, and the looming depression threatens our 401k’s. Credit cards are nearly maxed, and it costs a $100 to fuel the Suburban. Now the kid is raising problems again, demanding the latest Play Station as his prize for doing his school work … and there goes that modest young woman in the home-made dress with her four bright-eyed, well-behaved home-schooled children in tow. Wouldn’t you just love to wipe that serene look right off her smug face?

Is it any wonder we hate her so?

Sonny Scott a community columnist, lives on Sparta Road in Chickasaw County and his e-mail address is sonnyscott@yahoo.com.

Appeared originally in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 6/8/2008, section 0 , page 0

(some edits made by blogger)

A Daughter's Gift on Father's Day

This Father's Day, I received the best gift. This Sunday I invited my Dad & Mom to church with us and they were glad to come. I was so excited and Joseph really thought that was neat to sit between them through the service. I enjoyed introducing them to our Pastor and friends. The last times they came was for our wedding and soon after at my baptismal when Ray Rhodes preached. I was really shocked to hear the really enjoyed the music of our music team, as they grew up with choirs. In fact, my mom sang in chorus in high school and grew up singing in the choir with her sister and father. So she has a lot of neat memories doing that. After church they took us to Ruby Tuesday's to experience their weight loss secret: The Ruby's Garden Bar. Between them both they have lost 80 lbs. That's more than Joseph & Thomas combined. I, however, have lost a measly 9lbs. We really had a great time.

Previously on Saturday, we did Father's Day for Ryan. I made him a fold out of pictures of him and the boys, as well as a poem:

Thank you Daddy,

For cuddling me with your big strong hands,

And loving me from day one.

Thank you Daddy,

For teaching me right from wrong,

Even though it hurts my bum.

Thank you Daddy,

For working so hard at work and school,

And taking time to build me trike for my fun.

Thank you Daddy,

For your will to jump on an animals back,

And showing me that petting a goat is fun.

Thank you Daddy,

For playing on the playgrounds,

Even though your thirty-one.

Thank you Daddy,

For taking us to the surf and sand,

Even when you wanted to learn a ton.

Thank you Daddy,

For teaching us about the Lord,

In hopes we'll know Jesus, God's own Son.

Daddy opens his new lounge pants. Thomas opens up Daddy's new belt.

Daddy opens up his new Starbuck's coffee mug that he thought he was getting and then lost hope that he was, when I wrapped it in something different. That's why there is such a big grin.

Daddy reading his Father's Day poem and looking at all the pics. of him and the boys.

Joseph giving Daddy his Father's Day kiss.

Thomas giving Daddy his Father's Day kiss.

Daddy took Joseph for a spin on the Wharf St. runway.

This went on and on until Daddy crashed on the couch with exhaustion, much to Joseph's disappointment.

Joseph's version of dress-up.

He gets Daddy in on the fun too.

I also made one for my Dad, who is known by our kids as Papu:

Some may ask,

What is a Papu?

Well I have a Papu,

He's well past fifty-two.

My Papu is as big as a bear,

that's why he's affectionately known as Pooh.

My Papu loves the beach,

But be careful he needs not too much sun.

My Papu like to cut would,

His projects always weigh a ton.

My Papu loves to take pictures,

Of me and of you.

So if you see a Papu,

Take a picture or two.

I love my Papu,

And he loves me too.

Uncle Brandon's Cool 35th Birthday Party!

My brother, Brandon, turned 35 at the end of May and we celebrated over at his house with his wife & kids. Also joining us at the party: Tiffany & her children, my parents & my sister-in-law's sister, Nicole & husband Maurice (sp?). We had a great time and it was actually more geared towards the kiddies than the adults. The kids, ranging from age 2mos.-9 years, thoroughly enjoyed the badminton, slip-n-slide, & kiddie pool. The adults, well we just tried to keep cool with the 98 degree storm infused humid weather.

Cheyney(5) splashes around with Joseph & Thomas

Quentin (7) & Ethan (9) play two on one with Uncle Ryan (not shown)

Joseph is a little confused on what he's suppose to do with the slip-n-slide

Thomas kept laying down on the slip-n-slide and asking the bigger kids to push him. Jonah & Cheyney give him a helping hand.

Riley takes on the slip-n-slide with grace.

Our fun quickly ended as Danielle, Tiffany and I had just finished asking on another, "When do you think we should round up the kids and go in?" Just as the sentenced ended a loud crack and lightening appeared, followed by three squawking mothers exclaiming, "Time to go in kids!" Next up, Jonah's birthday party in July. See you guys soon.

Congratulations to Ryan for passing his first two classes with A's

Florida Fun!

Well, we made it back home from the beach in one piece. We had such a great time that it was hard to leave and after being back to the "real world" for a couple of days we deeply miss it. We went to Panama City Beach, FL with my parents, my Aunt Shirley, twin cousins (Ashley & Alyssa), Shirley's boyfriend (Mike) & Iowa friends (Bob & Sherri). We all (except for Ryan & Thomas) rented a pontoon boat in the bay for 1/2 a day & cruised around shell island. We spotted several dolphins, fish, crabs, cranes, & pelicans. There was a neat little area to pull into that was secluded and the water was only 2-3 feet deep. Since there were no restrooms we used God's natural restroom, the ocean. Of course Joseph thought it was pretty funny. However, I should have told him that we only do that in certain situations. Later we went to the side of the island that tour boats drop people off to hunt for shells and as we are all searching for any shells that weren't broken, I turn around to find my son, with pants down to his ankles, as he pees in the sand. I was pretty red & not in the sunburned way.

Thomas repeatedly threw himself in the pools at the condo (even when there was no one there to catch him). We had one successful rescue attempt when he literally fell in and began to swim and then sunk (My mom felt so bad as she was suppose to be watching him). All is well that ends well and by the end of the trip Thomas learned to hold his breath under water and swim about a foot. Joseph's fear of the water seems to grow stronger every year. I really don't think he ever got his hair wet, although he really enjoyed the sand.

Wed. night the boys stayed overnight with my parents and Ryan and I got to go out for a well needed night alone. We ate out at "The Back Porch" & enjoyed Mahi Mahi sandwiches. Then headed back and walked on the beach for a short time and then put our feet in the hot tub. We really wanted to get in but Ryan developed his usual rash early in the week. I think the sun and him don't get along. It was so nice to just have a calm night and remember that we are married. Sometimes we seem to forget that as we are tending to the boys every need.


Lastly, Friday night, as we are getting together with everyone for one last hurrah before leaving, Thomas does a face plant into the tile floor and had a gusher of a cut on his bottom lip. Thankfully no ER visit came of that one.

We're already working on Daddy to go back next year. He's been great to take us the last three years. Maybe we can push out one more trip to the beach next year. My love for the beach is getting so bad that on the way home we threw around the idea of moving there.

The boys improvise seats as they watch the cartoons that we don't get back home.

Every day was a struggle to get through lunch and many days the boys never made it to the table as you can see here.

Dad as the skipper of our grand voyage, it was a four hour tour and we made it back!

Joseph enjoys his first ever boat trip.

Bob & Sherri share a laugh on the boat excursion.

Ashley & Alyssa take a break from texting to take a quick picture. Cute girls.

This is the only time Joseph would play with his floatie, since we weren't in the water.

Our camp site down in front of the condo. I am sure all the other vacationers were glad to see our circus tent go at the end of the week.

Daddy & Thomas

Joseph & Thomas

Mommy & Thomas

Mommy & Joseph

Thomas shows off his battle scars from his face plant.