Radical

Looking for a good book this summer? Pick up the book, RADICAL by David Platt. "David Platt challenges Christians to wake up, trade in false values rooted in the American dream, and embrace the notion that each of us in blessed by God for a global purpose..." Here's an excerpt to wet your appetite for the book: "I [David] was in Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, teaching in an Indonesian seminary. Before they graduate, the students in this seminary are required to plant a church, with at least 30 new, baptized believers, in a Muslim community. I spoke at their commencement ceremony, and as the graduate walked across the stage, I was captivated by the humble yet confident look on their faces. Everyone of them had fulfilled the church-planting requirement. The most solemn part of the day was a moment of silence for two of their classmates who had died at the hands of Muslim persecutors. It was a privilege getting to know these students and listening t their stories. One man, Raden, shared his testimony. With a fiery look in his eye and an intense tone in his voice, he said, "Before I became a Christian, I was a fighter. I learned ninja, jujitsu, and a variety of other techniques for taking people down. I nodded. I was making a mental note: Don't mess with Raden. He continued, One day I was sharing the Gospel i an unreached village with people who had never heard of Jesus. I was in one house sharing Christ with a family and the witch doctor from he village came to the house. Witch doctors and magic men are common in villages like these. They hold sway over entire communities with their curse and incantations. The witch doctor called me out. He wanted me to fight him. Raden smiled as he confessed, My first thought was to walk out there and take the witch doctor down. But wen I turned to go outside the Lord told me that I no longer need to do the fighting. God would do the fighting for me. So Raden walked outside, pulled up a chair, and sat down in front of the witch doctor. He told his challenger, "I don't do the fighting. My God does the fighting for me." Raden recounted what happened next. "As the witch doctor attempted to speak, he began to gasp for air. H was choking and couldn't breathe. People cam running to see what was wrong and within a few minutes the witch doctor had fallen over dead. "By now the entire village had crowded around the scene. Raden said, 'I had never seen anything like this, and I didn't know what to do. But then I thought, "I guess this is a good time to preach the gospel." The name of Jesus had the power to cause evil spirits to flee and to bring more hardened hearts to God. And the reality is, 2000 years later the power of Jesus' name is still great!!! RADICAL.....get it!

Flooring, Birthdays, and Boys....

Well we loved our kitchen so much we decided to work on the playroom and Micah's room upstairs. Prior to this flooring, this room had teal carpet. I didn't take a 'Before' picture but imagine teal carpet with mystery stains. Then imagine more stains. It was a mess but we figured the boys will continue to ruin it so we might as well wait until they are potty trained. But this flooring cleans up so nicely. In addition, Micah was having some breathing problem so we thought we might as well rip up the old carpet now. If you look closely you can see the teal carpet at the entrance of this room. Oooo La La

We we moved Micah into this Big Boy Bed....I went up to check on him during his nap and this is what I found. Spank.

Just wanted to thank everyone for making my Birthday so Special. Travis and the boys decorated the table and we had a nice lunch together.

Went to Indy with the Girls! So blessed to have you in my life! :)

Muah!

House Projects...

We've lived in our house for almost 6 years now. And for 6 years, we have needed some new flooring. We kept on thinking that we would wait until I went back to work to begin such a project until....my sister told me about this amazing flooring. It's vinyl but looks so much like hardwood. It come in 4in x 36in pieces and you can cut it with scissors. We weren't looking to spend a fortune in flooring so this was defiantly the answer. So for a whooping $230.00 we were able to replace the flooring in our kitchen, bathroom, and utility room. Travis and I worked together and it took us about two days [we worked while the boys were sleeping].

We still have to replace the trim in this picture but I think it looks great for the price!

Ohio Family to Visit the Great State of Indiana!

Here is Mike. Mike is Great. Mike was Babysitting [so my sisters and I could catch-up]. Mike Got Bored. Mike had a personal Photoshoot. With Himself. We love UNCLE MIKE! Sisters. Couldn't be more different. Couldn't love em' more.

A bit of the chaos....

The morning after their first cousin sleepover. Kids were a bit groggy due to lack of sleep. Caleb woke up with a big piece of tape in his hair... We're not sure what happen upstairs but 'what happens upstairs, stays upstairs.'

Micah and his Bulldoz [as he calls it!]

Sibs came to visit and I've said it before- it was the best!!

The cousins are at a great age for independent play which allowed for a ton of sister bonding time. To inlcude, but not limited to: Shopping at some of Kokomo's finest shops [Target and Old Navy], Fruit Slicer, Scrabble Blitz, a bad movie, great appetizers, shared desserts, ping pong talk, and wonderful memories!

Buying stock in shaving cream...

We dared to go to the Children's Museum on their FREE day! It was a madhouse but the boys didn't seem to mind. "How do I get in there?"

Aunt BZ and Micah admiring the trains!

I wish I got a frontal view of Caleb's face. The boy is just so animated.

Going a little Stir Crazy...Go for a DIVE!!!

...A DUMPSTER DIVE!! On the way home from Caleb's preschool I found a pretty sad looking puppet stage. I loaded it into the van and took it home. I cleaned, painted, and refinished it. The result: hours of entertainment for the boys as they helped clean it up and now use it! Next to the puppet stage was this beauty. I washed the pads and Lysol-ed the wood. The result: a lovely rocking chair that will provide a comfy place to read books with the boys! Down the road I may put fabric over the green pad but for now, it's perfect! Finally, this desk was in fair condition but I polished and cleaned it right up! Not sure if we'll be keeping this find but I'm sure someone will use it!

Not a bad way to brighten up my Monday! On Tuesday I woke up feeling awfully sore. Travis then reminded me that I had hauled these heavy treasures into my van and into the house the previous day. My adrenaline was so high I didn't feel a things...until Tuesday! haha All in a days' work!
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2.12.2011

My In-Laws graciously volunteered to Babysit on Thursday night so Travis and I could go out for Valentine's Day!! We had a wonderful evening enjoying eachother and the peace that came with being home alone! Words can not express how grateful we are for Sheila and Bruce who provide us with these 'breaks' from our boys so that we can spend time just the two of us! THANK YOU!
Here we have sweet little Micah 'observing a time-out.' He's on the fence about it....

A group of mothers from Kokomo, IN started an organization entitled BLUSH. It seeks to inform girls about the importance of purity. My group of friends and I serving at their Worship Concert last weekend! It was a riot. What a great ministry that God has continued to use and bless here in Kokomo!

All in a days work!

As Caleb would say, "Mom, I'm working hard for the money today!"

More from the Caleb Diary of Funny Things He Says:

Last night at dinner I was praying for our meal and said, "Thank you God for our food." Caleb interrupted me and looked up at heaven and said, "Sorry God, I don't like the meat." !!!!

I dumped out both toy boxes and was sorting through the toys in one of my de-cluttering moments.
Caleb said, “Mom- this is like a toy landfill!”

Lisa: “Caleb pick up your trucks.”
Caleb: “Mommy, can you help me? That would be called TEAMWORK if we do it together you know.”

Caleb: Micah does not talk that much. Not like me, I talk a whole language!!”