Simply Sam
 |
|
• Comments (0)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
 |
|
• Comments (2)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
|
It's been a long time since I've written here and it has been fun to read over the posts from long ago. Some things have changed while many have not. Another Christmas and New Year have come and gone and still there is a sense of being rushed in my weekly life. Oh, enough about that for now, here are some pics from Christmas: Well, I'll be adding them later-photobucket seems to be having a problem right now! I'll be back! |
|
• Comments (0)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
|
The time has come for me to say goodbye to Homeschoolblogger. Its been a great bloghoster but there are others out there who are more user friendly and I've decided to join their bandwagon. My new blog is located at: http://thekicksfive.blogspot.com/ If you have been so kind as to link my blog on your blog please make the appropriate changes. See you over there! |
|
• Comments (0)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
|
"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" --Patrick Henry March 23,1775
|
|
• Comments (0)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
|
My sweet girl has quite an imagination, especially when it comes to her love of animals. I have to take some credit for that since I spent most of my childhood pretending that I lived in a magical world filled with elves, fairies and animals who could talk ( oh the joy when I discovered The Chronicles of Narnia!) Last week I was upstairs cleaning and doing laundry when I happened to notice a big ugly mess in her room, right in front of her bed. I was about to jump into one of my nice tirades about "keeping our rooms clean" and "helping mommy" when I happened to take a closer look at the "mess". What I saw brought back my own childhood memories and I had to smile... Hannah had made a small village out of various cardbord boxes. Each house has a door, windows and of course beds and couches for her little friends to relax on. Aren't kids fun?! She probably has all of the Littlest Pet Shop shops but there's something about her own creation that she loves even more. A great opportunity to remind her of her Creator and how much He loves her. That she is made in His image, giving her the desire and ability to also create. A great reminder to me as well.
|
|
• Comments (2)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
|
The Happy Couple
The Getaway I love you, pal! You're my best friend, my love, my everything! This song's for you, Happy Anniversary! |
|
• Comments (5)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
|
This past weekend a group of us from Church went away on our second annual scrapbooking trip. We left our homes to carpool around 3:00 and arrived at our great little "cabin" around 8:00. Some of us were wondering if we would even make it amidst the many weird events that happened on that Friday! We had cars breaking down ( poor Kathy We arrived after a great dinner at Cracker Barrel and got to work. We set up our many little tables and the nine of us worked diligently for a day and half amidst great music, much laughter and yummy food! We reminisced while we worked pouring over our own and each other's pictures. Being a newbie, my girls encouraged me in my efforts and gave me stickers, papers and everything I needed to make a great baby album for Ethan. I have to admit, I'm really hooked and can't wait to make even more albums! Here are some pictures from our fun weekend together!
|
|
• Comments (4)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
), babysitting problems, sickness ( poor Sara
) and I'm sure I'm fogetting other things!
|
I have a reoccuring event taking place in my life lately. Well, I probably shouldn't say "lately" because its been happening for awhile! I feel a little lost, a little out of control, and I'm sure very scatterbrained to those around me! So here it is, drumroll please... I keep forgetting things!! It seems to have gotten worse lately. My friends and family invite me to do something for the following week and sometimes I've forgotten that I have even spoken to them! Other times I will remember the event but not the specifics like the time or day. I'd like to blame my forgetfulness on keeping up with my three children but I know many other moms who seem to do just fine remembering their appointments and dates while seeing to their little ones. Our calendar is not full with sports, music lessons, or even school right now but I still feel as busy as a bee and hanging on for my life( ok, maybe a bit dramatic) I've whined to many of my friends about this in the past, including Melissa So dear ones, forgive my forgetfulness and the next time I happen to schedule something with you make sure I pull out my cute calendar and write it down...assuming, of course, that I remember to purchase it! |
|
• Comments (3)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
 |
|
• Comments (6)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
 |
|
• Comments (0)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
I know Mother's Day has just passed but I couldn't resist these pictures...and Father's Day is right around the corner.  |
|
• Comments (3)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
|
by Amy Carmichael
From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee From fearing when I should aspire, From faltering when I should climb higher. From silken self, O Captain, free Thy soldier who would follow Thee. From subtle love of softening things, from easy choices, weakenings, Not thus are spirits fortified, Not this way went the Crucified, From all that dims Thy Calvary, O Lamb of God, deliver me. Give me the love that leads the way, the faith that nothing can dismay, the hope no disappointments tire, the passion that will burn like fire, Let me not sink to be a clod: Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God |
|
• Comments (0)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
|
Hellooooo, is anyone still out there?! It has been over a month since my last post-this must be a record! This also means I might be writing for my own enjoyment since all my friends have given up on me... My trip to South Africa was amazing! From the moment we left, to our return 12 days later, I have compiled more stories than I could possibly try to squeeze into one little post. ( I'll do my best!) THE ADVENTURE BEGINS  LAYOVER IN SPAIN Dad's plate of sea creatures  Pizza and a coke-what more could I ask for?!   Sweet Family: Uncle Peter and Aunty Wendy  EATING AT MOYO (an amazing restaurant-outside under tents-African dancing and singing-fantastic foods and my favorite-dessert! Don't worry that's just paint on my face!)  The amazing view from our B&B  Our B&B ( very European )  Another view of the B&B  Dad and I were also able to be a part of my cousin's wedding. It was a beautiful event, something from the pages of a bridal magazine. My cousin, Lee, had asked me to sing at the wedding months ago when she found out that we would be making the trip. I felt so honored and humbled to be a part of the ceremony. The Wedding Chapel
 The Bride and Groom  The Bride surrounded by family  The 4 Siblings:Dad(Don), Wendy, Audrey and Lorna  Apart from visiting with my family and consuming scones and tea daily, Dad and I decided to head off on our own to explore our surroundings. We left from Somerset West and explored every inch of the Cape area. We laughed and laughed through our many adventures which included pulling out onto the wrong side of the road ( on more than one occasion!), bartering for African mementos and driving along roads that had "Danger: Falling rocks" signs. Besides that, the countryside was beautiful! I'll include pictures because my words won't do it justice. The last time I had visited the Cape I was 6. I remembered Table Mountain and Lion's Head but a child's perspective is obviously quite different than an adult's and I experienced the beauty of the country for the first time on this trip. Shopping for the first time in Stellenbosch ( wine country)
 A local artist ( I purchased a small Cheetah print here)   Gordon's Bay ( about 20 min. from B&B)Not on the map
 Tea and scones of course ( with cream and jam)!  My close encounter with a Cheetah ( "Enigma"-22 months old)  Dad and I with the family having fish n' chips  Dad and cousin Alan with their fish 'n chips-they were very happy!  Cape Town  A typical African market  Hout Bay-taking a boat to Seal Island
In striking contrast to the beauty of the land sat acres and acres of "shanty towns" populated by the poor Africans of the area. My first glimpse of these towns was heading "home" to our B&B from the airport. I was shocked-it was like something out of the pages of National Geographic. Apartheid may be over but the Africans living in these towns seem like they are still in desperate need of the very basics that we take for granted. Crime is also a very real issue in SA and most houses and businesses are surrounded by concrete walls with barbed wire. I really never felt as if I could relax completely while I was there. As the week went on, I started to feel the despair engulfing me. I went out onto the porch of my B&B one night feeling sad and missing David and the kids. The Lord reminded me that there is hope where He dwells and in this land of poverty and beauty He does dwell. It was a great reminder to me of His faithfulness, his love and mercy being passed down to thousands of generations. I confessed of my fear and my prejudice and knew peace because of his presence. Seal Island-I was on the lookout for Great Whites!  View from the boat looking back at Hout Bay  Hout Bay-eating lunch out of a shipping container  The penguins of Boulder Beach  Cape Point-we're about to take a strenuous hike!  An Interesting history  The view from the lighthouse at Cape Point  "there's no place like home.."   Did I mention that we had tea and scones?! An English garden in Noordhoek  The outskirts of a shanty town
 My time in our birthplace came to a close and Dad and I were both ready to get home to America. I am completely thankful and grateful to have returned to Africa. Thanks, Dad, for the invitation, the spoiling, and the great time we had together-it was the ultimate "camping trip"! Thanks to my dear husband who encouraged ( threatened) me to go ("if you don't go, I will!") and who wonderfully took care of our precious kiddos! Thanks to Mom who took care of the kiddos the other half of the time while David worked and my dear sisters who prayed for me and of course all of you out there who also prayed for us and our travels. OK, this is sounding like an acceptance speech, so I'll be signing off, after all I need to upload all of those pictures now! The weary travelers return  |
|
• Comments (5)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
Hannah was at a friend's bday party yesterday so I decided to take the boys to the park. Its been awhile and my poor little hermits couldn't get their shoes off quickly enough to feel the cool sand between their toes. And then I mentioned taking a picture or two...such little hams, maybe they're feeling deprived ( as if I don't take pictures every day of their sweet little existence!)   The weather is already beautiful this spring and I am itching to start my garden. My dearest has been working on adding to my preexisting raised bed (severe allergies to boot!), so this year I will have double the space. I really want the kids to have a more active role in the garden this year so we have all been discussing what to plant. So far we have come up with corn (only 1 stalk), carrots, green beans, lettuce, tomatoes...and of course many herbs-the oregano from last year survived! (and my strawberries are already blooming) My thoughts are also leaning towards my impending travels. Only 6 more days until I leave for S. Africa! I feel like I still have much to do. Most of that is in preparing my little family to be mommy-less for a week and a half. I need to make sure that there is lots of "easy" food, complete all the laundry ( have I ever done that?!), and make sure the babysitting schedule is in place and everyone is aware of their times/responsibilties. Thankfully my dear mom is looking after the kids for about half the time and is much more organized than myself. I was joking with her the other day that they will probably get bathed at her house more than they do at home! I also have my boys' bday party to finish planning. Their bdays are only 2 days apart, so for now they share a party. We will be having many friends and family over this Sunday to celebrate and I hope to make it a fun and special day for them. I can't believe that they will be 5 and 3! Well, that's it for now-all of this talk about getting ready is making me antsy and I need to go and do something constructive! |
|
• Comments (2)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
 Once upon a time there were two young people in love with each other and headed for the steeple, but before their time came a pup appeared they named him Jarrett and to their hearts he steered The couple wed, the puppy grew, their love for him he always knew, they welcomed a second, a little girl a furry sweet sister, a rare little pearl Life marched on for the happy little clan the dogs grew up and the folks formed a plan, to buy their dream farm, a place to call home with room to explore, to run, to roam Little did they know sweet Jarrett's last days would be lived on his farm, with his parents loving praise his purpose on earth as God had planned was fulfilled in his love and loyalty, so grand Goodbye sweet boy, you'll always be missed with love in our hearts and kisses on our lips your time with us we will never forget we'll love you forever, our sweet Jarrett! In loving memory of Jarrett Bagdanov 1996-2007  |
|
• Comments (1)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
|
Life is full of ups and downs, sorrows and joys, happiness and mourning. Our human minds and hearts long to escape the miserable parts of our existence but its those very parts that make us seek our Savior. "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold". Ps 119:71-72 Paradoxes of the Kingdom
We are not floundering around on this sad planet with no purpose. We are here to glorify Him. That sounds kind of lofty, unattainable, but I believe its simpler than we sometimes think...confession and repentance, praying for one another, praying with one another, giving him credit with our words and actions for what he is doing in our lives, loving him and attesting to that love when things are falling apart, reminding each other of the gospel.A Puritan Prayer Lord, you have brought me to the valley of vision Where I live in the depths but see you in the heights; hemmed in by the mountains of sin I behold your glory Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up that to be low is to be high that the broken heart is the healed heart that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God"; How can we not love such a Father who speaks to us words like:
"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Is 41:10 "For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope". Jer. 29:11 "The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness" Jer. 31:3 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. Is 43:2 "But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!" Is. 43:1 I know I have probably posted this great hymn before but I am compelled to do it again. Its the prayer of my life:
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word; Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight; Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, High King of Heaven, my victory won, |
|
• Comments (1)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
|
By Mr. Simply Sam Have you ever had one of those moments when you are standing near to or talking to a celebrity? I actually got to stand with a celebrity today and watch him work for a couple of hours in my very own backyard. Literally, he was in my backyard! I met one of those men today, and watched him do his magic. He performed masterfully at his duties and I stood in awe as I watched. I know the suspense is killing you, and you are begging to know who he is. I am an avid fan of the Discovery Channel series "Dirty Jobs", it profiles people doing some of the most disgusting and important jobs in America. The very first episode profiled a man who operated the "Honey Wagon". I met a "Honey Wagon" technician today, otherwise known as a septic tank technician. He found the lid in my backyard on the first try, sucked up over 1,000 gallons (8 years worth) of poo (they call it money), washed it clean, relaid the sod, and rode off into the sunset. I salute the septic tank technicians of the world, for without them our houses would be filled with poo (and other unmetionables.)  Disclaimer: Sam has a different take on the event since she had to mop up the mess that precipitated calling in such a celebrity. |
|
• Comments (4)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
|
This past Wednesday was not only Valentine's Day but also my 20th anniversary of being an American citizen. OK, friends, stop yawning, I know you've heard it all before, but #20 is pretty significant! If you happen to not know what I am talking about here is the link back to my original post concerning my history. As you know, I haven't been back to the land of my birth since we left in 1980.(if you're doing the math, my mom could only take the citizenship test after being here at least 5 years) A few months ago my dad invited me to go back to South Africa with him this March. I was a little hesitant at first, for many reasons; leaving David and the kids, being so far away etc....but now I am completely and wonderfully excited! I'll be visiting family whom I haven't seen in years as well as places that are only a distant memory for me. I even have the privilege of singing in my cousin's wedding. I grew up in Durban with relatives all over including Cape Town so that's where we will be spending our week. Beautiful Cape Town! Oh, and I forgot to mention that we have a day's layover in Spain-a whole day from 7am to midnight! I know I'll probably be extremely tired but getting to see Spain, if only for a day, is definitely worth it! And last, but definitely not least my Dad and I will be able be together just like the "old" days...off on one of our grand adventures! |
|
• Comments (6)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|
|
Melissa and I have been friends for 12 years. We met in 1994 at Teen Missions headquarters in Florida. I was coming back to volunteer since I couldn't go on a team because of college and Melissa was returning to volunteer, take leadership training and co-lead a team to France for the summer. The night we met I had been at Bootcamp a day and as I walked in the dorm room shared by many ladies I proceeded to squish and break her travel alarm clock....yes, the very one she would need the rest of her summer on the field. She forgave me easily and we've been best friends ever since. That Fall we parted ways to our different schools but by the next year she transferred to Moody and we became roommates. We did everything together, including Women's Choir and seeing the world. We both knew missions were in our future and we secretly planned to be on the field together one day telling people about Jesus. At our time at Moody we saw each other through mean boys, broken hearts, realized dreams, and lots of coffee. Sunday nights were time for "pockets" ( chicago restaurant) and long talks about nothing and sometimes everything. Well, I could obviously go on and on speaking of my dear friend, but this post would never end! I post about her today because we have just been able to spend a few hours together over the weekend. Melissa sells The Body Shop products (did you know you could buy them from independent consultants?) and had a big conference down here this weekend. We didn't have much time but it was great to visit with her and talk of old and new times. Here are pictures of us "cooking a cow" together at Bootcamp and our meeting at the airport on Sunday:   I love you, friend!! |
|
• Comments (3)
• Post a Comment
•
Permanent Link
|