2008 August — We are THAT Family

THAT Family Tree Society-Issue 7

12:01 am Bykristen

THAT family photo of the week:

The Week in Review: After his first day of school, in which my six year old proudly proclaimed he, “Only interrupted his teacher 5-6 times, my little man donned his Abe Lincoln hat and went swinging. For a long time. Who knew Abe was so carefree? My 3rd grade daughter has already deemed this the ‘best school year ever!’ And my toddler wandered the house looking for ‘Bubba and ‘Titter’ all week. She was pathetic!

Our newest featured member of this oh-so-very-important-and-trendy-club is Cheri. She says this post pretty much sums up her life of running after her two kids and enduring a high maintenance chihuahua.

1. Tell us a little about your blog (name/reason why you blog):

My blog name is “What is it NOW?” I’ve basically been somewhere between muttering or screaming that since the moment I became a mom to a very, very active boy. And things didn’t really simmer down once his mellow sister came on the scene. I blog because I love to write. And I don’t have time to write anything of substance that might actually get published, and since any fool can blog . . . . well, I knew I’d found my home.

2. How long have you blogging?

2 1/2 years

3. How would you define THAT family?

Someone is always complaining about something. Or crying. Or yelling. Or all of the above.

4. When did you discover you were a part of THAT family?

When my naked 3 year old son (he rarely wore clothes as a toddler) let the dog out the front door, ran after her and watched her go #2 in the neighbor’s yard. All the while screaming from the edge of the drivew ay, “Yeeeeeeeeee haw! Go, Ginger, go!! Yeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaw.” My husband had just driven in the driveway from work and had a meltdown. THAT was over 9 years ago and we’ve been a “THAT family” ever since.

5. Where can we find your blog?

www.cheri-beri.blogspot.com

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DIYP #14-This Is Why I’m Caught Up on Laundry

12:01 am Bykristen

A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you how I feel about laundry.

It was a sad post.

My hubby agreed that a happier laundry atmosphere might help me fall in love with doing laundry.

Okay. That is pushing it. But it couldn’t hurt right? I mean, look at this before photo:

Clothes would hang there until I ran out of room. I wasn’t exactly inspired, ya know?

I saw this amazing idea at The Nesting Place of putting a counter on top of the washer and dryer. (My laundry room is small, so my hubby attached the ‘counter’ to the walls to make a faux box around my washer and dryer). And I’m so glad because I have an old drier, but a two year old washer (different brands) and they aren’t level, so my stacks of laundry fall over!

I used a tension shower curtain rod to hang my Walmart window panels ($15 for both!)

Since I deemed this a no-sew project, I got out my handy glue gun and glued the tabs up like a hem, since I hung the curtain upside down. I stuck the rod thru the hem pocket.

My hubby even installed a little light, so I could see the controls on my washer/dryer. (My hubby built the counter about six inches above, so I could reach in and turn it on. I don’t mind this little inconvenience because I love the look of it!)

I didn’t like the boring cabinet, but this was a makeover on a shoestring budget, so we took the doors off and added baskets.

I shopped the house for the decor and painted the tiny room a yummy coffee color (off the discount rack at Walmart for $6 bucks).

And this is my favorite part: My mini-mudroom. I saw this here, but needed it smaller so my backdoor would open (plus it cost about a bazillion more dollars than I have). Because I’m all about functioning.

Since my laundry room doubles as my mudroom and my kids enter thru the garage, I wanted a shelf and cubbies for them to drop their backpacks and lunch boxes off. I keep their socks in the little baskets on top (thank you, Rocks In My Dryer’s Works for Me Wednesday). My kids painted the chalkboard signs, so we can keep the baskets organized.

My hubby hired some helpers to build the little cubby from scratch:

Isn’t he it gorgeous?

I painted it white. Look how organized I am, and just in time for the first week of school!

After:

Total Project Costs:

Wood for counter: $85

Wood for cubby $30

White Paint: $10

Room Paint: $6

Curtains & Rod: $25

Light: $10

Large jar for Soap: $15

Misc: hooks, nails, etc $25

Grand Total: $205.00

Effect on my current laundry mood? Priceless.

Make sure you check out some other awesome Before and After projects over at Rhoda’s!

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My Sizzlin’ Summer Vacation

10:00 pm Bykristen

Thanks for linking up everyone! I hope you had as much fun as I did! The door prize winners can be viewed below…if you see your name, please email me your address (kristenwrites@yahoo.com). Thank you also to the companies who donated something! And if you have a chance this weekend, please blog hop and read everyone’s awesome posts! Happy Labor Day.

Welcome! I’m so excited you’re here. I’ve been looking forward to this Sizzlin’ Summer Vacation Spectacle for a long time. I’m excited to read and see photos of your sizzlin’ or fizzlin’ trips.

Don’t forget to link up your story at the end of this post. I will be announcing door prize winners all day long, from 7 a.m until 10 p.m. Friday night (CST). Door prizes are only for Linky participants. (I am giving away 4 prizes for commenters on this post…keep reading). You only need to link up your vacation post ONE TIME to be eligible to win one of the door prizes. And your post doesn’t have to be a current post, just one from this summer’s vacation (day trip), but I would appreciate a link back here.

Here is the list of 21 door prizes (not in a specific order) that total around $800.00! I will update winners every couple of hours, so please check back as often as you can. Some of the prizes were donated locally and do not have links and these will be given away first, so Please take time to visit each donator that has a link. These business/blogs have been so kind to donate the following:

Prize #1. Travel Scrapbook ($25 value) Winner: Tonggu Momma

Prize #2. $25 Gift Certificate to Ultra Beauty-4-You Boutique

Winner: Kellyn @ Fritz Facts

Prize #3. Two Beautiful Wooden Frames for your vacation snapshots ($25 value) Winner: Craft Junky Creations

Prize #4. Huggable Kid’s Digital Photo Frame ($30 value)

Winner: The Diaper Diaries

Prize #5. Personalized Set of Cards from Creative Blessings by Stacey ($20 value)

Winner: Marcy@Glamorous Life

Prize #6. A Kid’s Travel Activity Lot ($25 value) Winner: Forty b4 Forty

Prize #7. Shawn is offering a $15 Gift Certificate w/free shipping to Shawnsbidness Collectibles (ebay store) Winner: Lisa@ Stop and Smell the Chocolates!

Prize #8. Travel Disney Scene It: To Go ($15 value) Winner: My 3 Wisemens

s="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Prize #9.$25 Gift Certificate to Me Oh My Paper Boutique

Winner: Rohal Call

And three companies have offered grand prizes:

Prize #10. Pine Cove Family Camp is donating a Prize Gift Box (over $50 value) consisting of: 3 Pine Cove T-Shirts (1 Adult, 2 Children’s), 2 Pine Cove Outback Car Decals, an Outback Boomerang and stuffed kangaroo and Pine Cove’s Newest Worship CD: Second Life of Mattresses. Winner- Life at the Circus

Winner- Simply Shannon

Prize #11. One free night plus 4 all-day waterpark admissions to the amazing Key Lime Cove Indoor Water Park and Resort in Illinois! Go check out this amazing place. (Value $150; in your comment please mention if you’d like to win this and would be able to use it, expires December 2009).

Prizes #12-21 Lonely Planet is offering 10 Travel Guides (up to $30 value each). Winners have can pick the travel guide of their choice! You can view the choices here. !

Winner -Kelly’s Krazy Kids, (pick a book here!)

Winner- Frantically Simple (pick a book here!)

Winner- Sandra (pick a book here!)

Winner- AgSoccer Mom(pick a book here!)

Winner- PS He Loves You (pick a book here!)

Winner-Neurotically Yours (pick a book here!)

Winner-Carolina Mama (pick a book here!)

Winner-Rockin Mama (pick a book here!)

Winner-Little Toes & Cheerios (pick a book here!)

Winner-Demos (pick a book here!)

PLUS, these amazing guides (Florida, USA, (2)Blue List: Best in Travel in 2008) will go to 4 lucky commenters on this post (that’s a total of 14 Travel Guides from Lonely Planet. This is a total value of approximately $400!

Winner- World’s Greatest Mommy-Travel Guide- USA

Winner- Simple Things-Travel Guide-Florida

Winner- Natalie of I Am (Not)- Blue List: Best in Travel in 2008

Winner- Robin~PENSIEVE Blue List: Best in Travel in 2008

Before you link up, indulge me and check out my Sizzlin’ Summer Vacation. We went to Pine Cove Family Camp in Tyler, Texas and had an incredible week.

It was simply amazing. Here are some other highlights:

Redneck Hubby with a Gun, Shooting some Skeet.

One little boy conquering his fear and flying down a zip line for the first time.

A fearless girl who lived on the giant water slide and Blob!

Our first family boat trip was awesome.

Oh. And the water balloon fight was pretty spectacular.

Watching my family fly off the Water Rocket was hilarious!

Falling into the water, upside down & backwards was cool!

Swinging with Daddy was the best!

The Breakfast Trailride with my hubby was awesome!

But most of all, the best part of our vacation was reconnecting with my hubby, my kids and God. That was the greatest!

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Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You-Bathing Beauty Part 3

7:00 am Bykristen

Hi, Y’all! Welcome to the 3rd and final week of Bathing Beauty’s. This is week 3. And to be honest, I have no idea why I’ve posted these photos. But once you humiliate yourself, it only gets easier.

That tip was free and it was sponsored by my pride that is no more.

You can read about this weekly gathering of people with un-scrappable photos here.

I’d completely forgotten we had a hot tub on our back patio until I saw this picture. And yes, I am laying on top of it. Because if anything, I’ve always been resourceful.

And I look exactly the same as I did in Part 1 and Part 2 because it was the same day.

It’s called a wardrobe change for a photo shoot. And I know you are thankful I only had three swimsuits or this could go on until Christmas.

Anyway, our hot tub, which was for medical purposes only, was awesome.

Sidenote: Mom, I don’t think I ever thanked you for hurting your back, which in turn caused the insurance company to partially pay for our hot tub. It really helped me out in the popularity area of my life. So, thank you.

And I’m also glad that this pose spares you a full view of me in a bikini.

And before I slap up Mr. Linky, don’t forget that tomorrow (Friday) is the first annual Sizzling Summer Vacation Spectacle (I will be hitting the publish button at 10:00 p.m. tonight (Thursday). *Hint, Hint*)

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Filed Under'Fro, Uncategorized 26 Comments

Bucket Filling Book Winners

6:59 am Bykristen

Congrats to these Bucket Filler Book Winners-email me your address, okay?

Robin’s Life, Kelsey@My Sweet Life, Lauren of Team Giles, Kate@Life As I Live It, ispeakbeanish, Crayl, Life with the Hunts, Full of Boys, Memarie Lane, Valerielea, Bunch of Bull-ers, Layton Family

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What’s in Your Bucket?-Giveaway

7:00 am Bykristen

My kid’s elementary school has a theme this year.

They have deemed themselves a “Bucket-Filling School.”

It’s based on this award-winning book: Have You Filled A Bucket Today: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids, by Carol McCloud.

Basically, everyone has an invisible bucket. Our buckets are filled with words and actions.

It makes people happy to have their bucket filled with good things, like compliments, happy thoughts and kindness.

But if you are unkind in your actions or words, you are a bucket-dipper. Bucket dippers aren’t exactly celebrated.

Don’t you just love this? The kids will be rewarded all year for filling buckets.

And every once in awhile from the playroom at home, I hear, “You just filled my bucket, thanks!” or “That hurt my feelings, you bucket-dipper!”

I love this biblical concept. And, I love the way it’s impacted our home.

It’s a darling children’s book.

But let’s be honest, it’s not just for kids.

Yes, there have been times I have been a bucket-dipper in the way I’ve spoken to my hubby or criticized my kids. Or gossiped about a neighbor.

Ouch.

And, I’ve met some pretty nasty bucket dippers in my day.

Even in the blog world.

Not you, though. You are a bucket filler. Yes, I’m talking to you. My bucket is about to burst with all the sweet things you’ve said lately.

Be a bucket filler.

Resist the urge to knit-pick your kids. And talk about your friend’s friend. Don’t belittle your family or refuse to tip the overworked waitress at dinner. And use your blog to impact the world in a positive way.

Everyone has a bucket. What are you filling it with?

Leave a comment and tell me who has recently filled your bucket. The author is generously giving away 12 autographed copies to 12 of my readers! I’ll choose some random winners tonight (Wednesday) by 10 pm (CST) I know you want a copy for ~~you~~ your kids! Value $10 each.

So, bucket-filling works for me, my family and my kid’s school! Check out other tips at Works for Me Wednesday!

And please visit, The Bucket Fillers they hold amazing seminars and presentations!

If you are a teacher, a PTA member or just an involved parent, I think you mighte be interested in learning more. Here is an excerpt from their website:

The Bucket Fillers travel across the U.S. to present at schools, churches, and parent, community and business groups. In two years, we have read and discussed our books in more than 700 presentations to encourage and empower more than 70,000 children to be daily bucketfillers. We have also inspired thousands of teachers to create bucketfilling classrooms and schools. Read more…

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Teasing You with My Amazing Laundry Room Makeover

6:00 pm Bykristen

My laundry room got a makeover!

Check out Kelly’s to see more!

The Before:

And The After:

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Filed UnderDecor, DIYP, Uncategorized 66 Comments

Getting to Know The Persecuted Church Part 3

7:00 am Bykristen

Once again, the blog community has surprised me. Blessed me. Left me feeling overwhelmed, but not alone.

Never alone.

I didn’t know I would meet a family of refugees (Part I) from The Persecuted Church at the local swimming pool. I never planned to eat dinner with them and listen to their amazing story of survival (Part 2). Part 4 is here.

Thank you. Thank you for your comments, your emails, your suggestions, your invitations to have this family come speak at your church and mostly, your prayers for them. They are not in vain.

A few days ago, Igor and Katerina called and invited us to their home. They wanted to serve us Russian food and fellowship more.

You cannot imagine my excitement as I put away the spaghetti noodles.

I told my kids what we were going to do and explained that they had to like the food, or at least pretend to like it. I knew this couple would give us their best and I wanted our response to be great.

Only one word describes the look on their faces as they greeted us at the door of their modest, rented home: pride.

“Look what God has given us. He has blessed us with this and this…” Igor said as he pointed out the sofa, dining table in their simple, beautiful home.

We arranged ourselves around the table and joined hands to pray. The food on the table was colorful and it smelled wonderful. Igor explained that the main dish, called Plov, was a meal only served for celebrations. Tradition states that only the men of Uzbekistan are allowed to prepare the delicious meal of rice and meat. (I knew Katerina had been cooking all day, but so had Igor. They were giving us their best and I felt very unworthy).

It was delicious and my kids ate every bite! There was also a cucumber-tomato salad that was incredible and it was accompanied by an eggplant appetizer. Just between us, I could have seriously devoured the whole eggplant dish, because yummy doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Katerina was kind enough to translate and share these recipes:

Appetizer:

1 eggplant

2-3 tomato

1-2 pieces of garlic

>2-3 tbl. spoon of mayonnaise

some green onion

loaf of french bread

Slice eggplant like a wheel. Sprinkle salt and fry in oil in frying pan. Lay eggplant out on paper towel.

Sauce:

In small bowl put mayonnaise, add pressed garlic, add some black pepper. Mix everything.

Put sauce on eggplant, then put tomatoes on top of eggplants. Sprinkle salt and green onion. And place on piece of bread.

Salad:

3 tomatoes

1 cucumber

green onion

green cilantro

<
span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">olive oil

black pepper,salt

lotus flower (asian section of grocery store) I think this is the secret that makes it taste so good!

Cut tomatoes and cucumber in salad bowl. Then small chop green onion and cilantr o. Add olive oil, black pepper, salt and lotus flower. Mix all ingredients.

The Strawberry Shortcake I brought paled in comparison to the ‘Nest of Birds’ cookies Katerina brought to the table, served with Russian hot tea. And my kids, yeah, it was embarrassing how many cookies they ate. In her broken English, she explained how to make these incredible cookies, but she lost me after the 14th step which involved thinly rolling the dough. Ya’ll know cooking is not my gift. an>

After dinner, we sat around and talked. We learned more of their story and about their current ministry to the former Soviet Union and how they use the avenue of sports to reach people for Christ. If you can read Russian, you will enjoy their website, if not, you will think that it is pretty, like me.

I’m still very deep.

Before we left, my hubby asked if they had any immediate needs. I know this was hard for them to answer. They feel so blessed by what God has done for them. “We have everything we need,” they replied.

My hubby pressed further.

“Well. We could use another pair of shoes. We have only sports shoes,” Igor said as he pointed to his tennis shoes.

And Katerina, hesitated and said something to her husband in Russian, “Katerina, would love to have curtains some day, but it is not a priority,” he said has he pointed to the uncovered window.

I looked around at their modest dwelling. I couldn’t help but notice a 5 gallon bucket serving as their trash can and that they shared one English Bible between them. Their 4 and 2 year olds were happy with their small collection of toys and they considered one pair of shoes, enough.

And they felt rich, like kings.

And thinking of the hours I had spent decorating my own home and my closet full of shoes, I felt like a pauper.

So, yes they have needs, but I don’t think they are huge priorities for them. They have raised 17% of their budget for next year. And while I would be freaking out with worry, Igor shook his head and said, “We don’t worry about that. We just do exactly what God wants us to do. Look at the miracles He has provided all ready.”

I asked Igor to prepare a list of needs that we as a blogging community could meet and I hope to share them with you soon.

In the meantime, I opened a Paypal account for them. If you would like to donate $1 or $100, please let God lead you. If you or your church would like to support this beautiful family every month, please email me directly and I will give you more information.

100% of the donations will go directly to this family!

I found out that today is Katerina’s birthday. I can’t wait to take her shopping for new curtains!

*Update* Thank you for the donations today: $117.00! The amount you donated will appear to be ‘unclaimed’ until the account is verified which I’m told takes about a week.

(please feel free to use this button!)

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Filed UnderThe Persecuted Church, Uncategorized 41 Comments

The Entertainer’s Secret

7:00 am Bykristen

I will never forget the day I met my hubby. I was 18 years old and it was my first day of college. He was two years older- cute, tanned, popular and a social butterfly.

Those things were appealing, but there was one very unique thing about him: his voice.

I was immediately attracted to his raspy, rugged, scratchy melody.

We spent the next 4 years as best friends and then went our separate ways into the real world. But in the end, it was that delicious voice recorded on my answering machine that got me. He said something simple like, “Hey, why don’t you come see me.” And that is pretty much all it took to get me to fly several hundred miles and marry him three months later.

I didn’t exactly play hard-to-get.

My hubby works in the medical field and everyday someone asks him about his voice: a)Are you sick? b)Do you have a cold? c)Have you ever been checked for nodes? d) Can I scope your vocal chords?

Well. Here are the answers a)no b)no c)yes d)sure, because my gag reflex is awesome

The other day my hubby returned to his Ear, Nose and Throat doctor because not only was he blessed with a raspy voice, he was also gifted with sleep apnea.

He is one lucky duck.

It’s been two years since he’s been sleep-tested (sleep-testing is where they hook you up to machines and record how many times a night you stop breathing. Exciting stuff. The first time my hubby did this, the Respiratory Therapist who dropped off the sleep apnea machine explained that my hubby had 60 arousal’s in a 1 hour period. And you would think I would know that there is more than one definition of that word (in context it was referring to how many times he stopped breathing. I am still blushing about what I asked.)

I digress.

The ENT said, “Yes, let’s order another sleep test, but let’s spend some time talking about your voice.”

And so they did. For a very long time.

When my hubby came home, he told me all the many and various theories and explanations and blah blah blah the doctor came up with.

Then my hubby dropped this bomb, “I’d really like my voice to be normal.”

And he pulled this from his pocket: Entertainer's Secret Throat Relief

The Entertainer’s Secret, throat relief spray. But it’s our secret and that of many entertainer’s, apparently.

My 8 year old was eavesdropping on this conversation and burst into the room, “No, Daddy, I love your voice. You can’t do that! I think we need to have a family meeting about this!”

And I did what all good wives would do, I agreed with my daughter.

Because y’all, I love that voice.

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Filed UnderI love my hubby, Uncategorized 27 Comments

Just a Pleasant Reminder from Your Friendly Blogger…

6:45 am Bykristen

Don’t forget that the Sizzling Summer Vacation Spectacle is THIS Friday! There will be more than $600 in door prizes! Yes, you read that right!

You are only eligible if you link up your vacation story, so get busy! I will be throwing up Mr. Linky Thursday night at exactly 10 pm (CST) because I just realized that this weekend is Labor Day weekend. I will start announcing door prizes all day long on Friday!

You can link to an older post or write a new one…just as long as it’s about a vacation/or a fun summer day!

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THAT Family Tree Society-Issue 6

5:00 am Bykristen

THAT family photo of the week:

The Week in Review: School starts tomorrow, so I finished up some last minute shopping with three kids in tow. That is always a treat. My son has been working out feverishly on the Wii Fit, that was bought so the adults in the family could get into shape. On his last weigh in, it said he was malnourished. I long for the Wii Fit to say I’m malnourished.

And now, I’m excited to introduce you to Cathy of Mommy Motivation. She’s joined our popular club with this post, a 5-in-1 THAT family moment.

1. Tell us a little about your blog (name/reason why you blog):

Mommy Motivation ‘cause I thought I was going to change the world into better mommies one at a time. Hmm. I’m thinking I might change my blog name to better reflect my purpose. Something like: Me! It’s all about ME!

2. How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging for – let me check my counter – I don’t know these things. I can’t even remember my age without calculating back from my year of birth, which is === . Ha! You didn’t really think I would…<
/span>

3. How would you define THAT family?

Oh my goodness I used to think it was the white trash. Now that I got me some of that, I’m starting to think it is about honesty and humor. And I don’t know about honesty or humor… but I’ll just stand around and watch y’all. K?

4. When did you discover you were a part of THAT family? I am!? What?!? You mean my PERFECT family? That was before I had children. Man I was smart and pretty darned good at most things. Did I mention I now have three?

5. Where can we find your blog?

To REALLY learn how to be a good mommy, stop by Mommy Motivation. www.tibbles.net/blog and read my thoughts on sahm’s!

Oh, I have to go pee now.

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DIYP #13-Easy, Mess-Free Tie-Dying

12:01 am Bykristen

Welcome to this weekend’s project! I had several people ask me if we made our Family Camp tie-dye shirts and I’m hoping they asked because they liked them.

You know I just had the thought maybe they were asking because it’s not easy finding such hideous clothing at actual stores.

If it’s the second one, don’t tell me, m’kay?

I’ll just proceed now.

Tie-dying at home has always invoked horrible visions, until my daughter brought home this idea from Science Camp. It’s super easy and basically mess-free!

Take a white t-shirt, rubber band and small cup. Place cup inside shirt and put the rubber band over the cloth. Like so:

Grab some colorful permanent markers-I used Sharpies and draw about a quarter-size design. You can get creative here. My daughter did a lot of circles in different colors and my son did some unique shapes (I’m still not sure what to call them!)

Drop about 20 drops of Rubbing Alcohol onto the Sharpie drawings. (If you add too much, it will bleed thru to the back of the shirt-See hubby’s shirt).

Remove the rubber band and pick another spot on the shirt.

Try it. It’s really fun and it took my kids several hours over a couple of days to make theirs. A perfect indoor activity!

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The Persecuted Church: At My Backdoor (Part 2)

7:00 am Bykristen

Last week, I told you about the family who escaped religious persecution eleven months ago and ended up living less than 5 minutes from my house. I met them because God stepped in.

On Friday night, we met at Chick Fil A and I was happy to see them drink sweet tea. Because you know how much that means to me. It was a little awkward at first since our hubbies were meeting for the first time and because of the language barrier. But our kids hit it off and played while we sat down to eat.

Normally, I would not like this kind of situation. But nothing about this meeting was normal.

I wish I could have recorded the conversation. I wish you could hear their beautiful Russian accents and the excitement in their voices as they shared the miracles God performed. I wish I could tell you the whole story, but it would take pages to do so. I wish I could adequately explain the impact it made on my hubby and I. We were deeply moved.

And I am sure we will never be the same.

Before I share the details of their story, you must first understand how dangerous it is to be a Christian in Uzbekistan, which is 98% Muslim. Right now, it is one of the most persecuted countries in the world. If someone is caught with two or more religious items (Bible, Christian t- shirt, pamphlet, booklet) they are fined 20 to 100 times their monthly income. If they are caught twice, they are fined 100 to 200 times or sentenced to corrective labor (prison) for up to 3 years. Christians have been fined, imprisoned, beaten for preaching about Jesus.

Here is their story (while I have their permission to share this, these are not their real names): Igor was born in Russia and maintained Russian citizenship even though he moved to Uzbekistan as a young boy. He became a Christian, after his sister viewed The Jesus Video. (When Igor said this, I started crying. I worked for The Jesus Video Project about 15 years ago). Even though it was unlawful, Igor could not hide his love for God and His Word. He began leading summer camps along with his sister’s husband in Uzbekistan. The camps were held as recreational events with the underlying purpose of spreading the Gospel.

Eleven years later, after meeting and marrying Katerina in one of these camps, Igor and his brother-in-law were planting house churches, holding camps and intensely teaching new followers of Christ with Bibles they smuggled in and literature they secretly printed.

In the height of their underground ministry, Igor was arrested and told that he must leave the country within 48 hours (Uzbekistan officials were hesitant to imprison him because he was a Russian citizen). Igor was shocked at his deportation.

He called his wife and told her to pack some things from the house they had just built. After 22 hours, the police told Igor his time was up. He hid in the mountains, but after his look-alike brother was arrested and held hostage until he reappeared, Igor decided to turn himself in. His wife and children hid in a dirty, abandoned apartment.

He was put on an airplane without any belongings, without knowing where he was heading and without his wife, toddler daughter and 15 day old son. The government knew his wife and children would follow because Igor was told they would be killed if they were seen.

(At this point in their story, I’m crying ya’ll, and breathing deeply).

The family finally reunited in Moscow and lived in a one bedroom apartment with 11 other people for a year, facing much hardship. Katerina’s papers expired and could no longer stay in Russia; she had to return to the place of her citizenship: Uzbekistan, where they faced death.

A family without a home, a family without a country.

They found safety at the United Nations as persecuted refugees and came to America, with $200 in their pocket.

For the past year, this amazing family has learned English, a new culture, and a new way of life.

But do you know where their heart is? They are working tirelessly thru the Internet and Skype to continue their ministry and disciple Christians in their heartland.

Their funding runs out at Christmas, so they are trying to raise monthly financial support so they can continue reaching others. My hubby and I feel compelled to help them get into local churches and share their unbelievable story.

God stepped into their lives and although they faced unbelievable suffering for the cause of Christ, they stood firm. I can’t help but wonder what I would do if serving Jesus cost me my life….

Please pray that their financial needs will be met so they can continue to impact Uzbekistan and other parts of the world. I’m hoping to do some kind of blog fundraiser for them in the future. (What do ya’ll think about that?)

Something Igor said moved me, “My arrest and deportation was terrible. And leaving our possessions and our family was very hard, but leaving the work, the ministry and the disciples…that is the hardest, even today.” And he said this knowing they may never see their families again.

I am in awe of their faith and passion for Jesus.

God stepped into my path to remind me what it’s all about. And He’s using this sweet family to turn me inside out.

Part 1 to this story is here.

Part 3 to this story is here.

Part 4 is here.

And you can donate to them here:

Food for the Soul:

“I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”- Psalm 16:8

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Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You-Bathing Beauty Part 2

11:59 am Bykristen

Welcome to “Sincerely (Humiliated) ‘Fro Me to You!” You can read all about this crazy carnival here.

I’m so glad you’re here, especially after last week (Want to know why I’m sharing these terrible photos, read last week’s post). You may rethink your decision to stop by after you see this week’s Bathing Beauty photo. But I am here, as your humble servant, to make you smile, laugh, roll-on-the-floor.

It’s good for your health.

I thought I would end summer with a bang.

Let’s talk about this photo, shall we:

1. The Black Bar-I used my mad photo editing skills to cover up the inappropriate cleavage produced by my eager elbows. This is a family show, after all.

2. The Hair-It’s ghastly, but my ‘dookie’ roll is in fine form.

3. The Expression-I remember posing for this picture. I was going for sultry, sexy, stunning! I look thoughtful, don’t you think?

4. The Bathing Suit-It was one of those one-piece bikini’s. Remember them? My Aunt bought it for me at Miller’s Outpost and I felt very grown-up in it. Look how tiny my tummy is! When my 35 year old tummy saw my 15 year old tummy, it wanted to throw up!

5. The Hole- See the little hole cut out in the fence post behind me? My ingenious Daddy did that so our little toy poodle could leave the patio area and go potty in the grass. We call that Southern Engineering and while it doesn’t have anything to do with me modeling my gorgeous swimsuit, I thought you’d like to know.

You are welcome.

Now, you, go:

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I Call Him Slugger

7:00 am Bykristen

My son is playing baseball. For the first time.

He’s got muddy cleats.

A sweat-stained baseball hat.

He’s learned to spit. And adjust.

He surprised us with a love for the game and a small competitive streak.

Huge strides considering he used to be a cross dresser.

He’s done pretty good too.

Until last week’s game. He struck out three times. In a row.

On the third strikeout he took off his batting helmet, threw it to the ground and stomped away.

Not exactly honoring the YMCA sportsmanship pledge on the back of his jersey.

My daughter had a volleyball game going on at the same time, so I missed the spectacle.

But my hubby did not. He coached him thru his bad attitude and encouraged him out of quitting. They worked on batting during the week a time or two. And his big sister even encouraged him with stories of her sports failures. Although she had few, she made sure she mentioned seven times.

I reminded him that everyone has off days and it was just part of the game.

My hubby and I switched places for the next game and he went with my daughter to volleyball and I followed my son to the baseball field.

He was called first to bat.

I wrung my hands nervously.

Since this is YMCA ball, they give the little guys about six pitches.

The first five, he swung and missed.

Now, to everyone else this was not a big deal, but I knew it was huge to my little boy.

And I’m telling ya’ll, I prayed and begged so hard, it was just plain wrong. I mean, The God of the Universe was surely busy on that humid Saturday morning. But I was desperate and so was my son’s self esteem.

I had my first hot flash on the sidelines. I rocked back and forth in my seat, willing him to hit the ball.

On the sixth pitch he made contact.

I stood up and screamed like one of THOSE moms. I made a complete fool of myself. I almost did a cartwheel.

Be glad I didn’t, mkay?

And there were tears, ya’ll, real tears. I just couldn’t help myself. The look of relief on my son’s face was huge.

He didn’t make any major plays and was caught once picking flowers in the outfield. But he felt like a winner because he persevered. At one point, he held up the game and in front of all the parents said confidently, “Hey Mom, could you squirt water down my back? I’m working hard here.”

Ahhh, my boy was back and he was real slugger.

And call me crazy, but I think God was in the stands.

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CAUGHT!

5:00 pm Bykristen

I caught my hubby reorganizing and straightening the linen closet.

And people don’t believe in answered prayers.

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I Feel a Makeover Coming On!

7:00 am Bykristen

*Updated* Thank you for all the laundry tips!

You guys are awesome!

I CAN’T WAIT to show you my laundry room makeover….

Congrats to Amanda on winning the sign. I will email you.

(Stay for a giveaway that will encourage you to do laundry, all while delighting your spouse!)

Laundry is my nemeses. My foe. My arch rival. The bane of my existence, the thorn in my flesh, the thief of my joy.

I may have gotten a little carried away. Sorry.

But I think you get the picture.

It’s not so much the chore itself. It’s just that I’m never done.

I used to get very frustrated. I would work all day to catch up and then two days later, the mounds would be out of control. Again.

And then I realized something. Call me intuitive, but I finally understood why there was always laundry:

Because the people in my house keep wearing clothes.

I know, it’s powerful.

But that helped me. I still do laundry, a little every day

or none. I know it will be there, waiting for me.

Since I spend a lot of time in that room,

it occurred to me that I would feel better if I decorated it.

Right now, it’s pitiful.

So, I shared my deep laundry concerns with my hubby.

And guess what? We started on a small renovation in the tiny clothes preparing place since I spend so much time in there.

I can’t wait to share the results, as soon as I, well, finish it.

But I think you’re going to like it.

Until then, I bought this:

Because it made me laugh.

And beca
use it was $4.00. That’s almost free!

Guess what? There were two signs, for $4.00!

So, I bought you one.

Yeah, you, the lucky random reader who comments on this

post before 10 pm (CST Tuesday night) and gives me a laundry tip!

Here’s my tip: I have found that doing laundry without pants on, is just plain interesting.

See? It’s a great sign!

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My Parenting Has Reached New Levels

7:00 am Bykristen

In a couple of weeks I’m going to be sharing some great parenting tips I learned at Family Camp. We returned with an armful of books and a plan to parent our kids.

We’ve already seen some amazing changes in our home.

But this is a freebie. And I give myself full credit for this stroke of brilliance!

The other day on our way home from the store, my oldest daughter started screaming, “He wiped a booger on me! A booger!”

She held up the defiled arm so I could confirm it in the rearview mirror.

I looked at my son’s smiling face. Do you know what I saw? Pride. This wasn’t the first time he had disrespected his older sister.

Passing back a tissue, I said sternly to my son, “You need to respect her. That is very gross and when we get home, you are going to get in trouble.”

We finished the car ride in silence, my daughter rejoicing in her brother’s pending doom and my son reflecting on his immediate future.

And that’s when I had my stroke of brilliance.

“Son, you can choose one person in this house….to wipe a booger on your arm.”

He just stared at me.

And then he burst into tears. ”But that is so gross, why, Mom?”

I used the opportunity to share with him how his sister felt.

He took a minute and said, much to my relief, “Okay, I choose her,” pointing to his big sister.

And she said, “Oh, man. I wish I had known that because I just had a great one.”

I didn’t ask where it went.

Yes, we are that classy around here.

Once, the deed was done, my son hugged me and said, “Thanks, Mom. I will NEVER do that again.”

And I felt like I had reached an entirely new level of parenting.

I also felt sick to my stomach.

P.S. If you know my family in real life, please resist the temptation to mention this post to my hubby. He’s not exactly a fan of this parenting technique and as for posting about it, in his words, “Honey, you have to draw the line somewhere.” To which I responded, “Oh, I d0. I do.”

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THAT Family Tree Society-Issue 5

12:01 am Bykristen

THAT family photo of the week:

The prevalent thought of the week was, “why can’t Daddy stay home and you go to work?“

The Week in Review: Well. Can I just say it’s been a long week? I think once I uttered the words “I’m ready for school to start,” it went downhill. We only had two minor accidents: one involved a scalpel, a little boy’s thumb, and a microscope slide. Did you guys know blood looks cool under the lens? And the other? I was painfully reminded in Kohl’s why my oldest is still too young to push the cart. I have a bloody heel to prove it.

And now, I’m happy to introduce you to Alicia of My Life as a Mother, Wife, and Woman. Welcome to this happy society of ~~misfits~~ moms. She offers her first experience with poison control as her THAT family post!

1. Tell us a little about you/your blog:

The name of my blog is “My Life as a Mother, Wife, and Woman.” My blog is basically an outlet for me and is also used to keep distant family and friends updated.

2. How long have you been blogging?

I’ve been blogging for a year now.

3. What is your definition of THAT family?

My definition of THAT family is….well, THAT family. The one that is always filled with chaos and oftentimes disorder. And if something unlucky or unfortunate is going to happen, it’s going to happen to THAT family.

4. When did you discover you were a part of THAT family?

I discovered I was a part of THAT family the day I was feeding one baby and rocking another one to sleep with my foot while supper was burning on the stove. Or maybe it was the day I went to work and once there I realized that I had forgotten to brush my hair and still had on my pajama top. Or maybe it was the day I stared at my daughter for what seemed like hours, desperately trying to remember her name. Because you know there are so many of them. Then there was that week when I lost my purse, cell phone, keys and wallet 7 times–in one week.

5. Where can we find your blog?

You can find my blog at www.mylifeasamotherwifeandwoman.blogspot.com

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DIYP # 12- A Project, Mr. Linky & A Giveaway! Oh My!

7:01 am Bykristen

*Update* Congratulations to Domestic Accident! Thanks for playing along ya’ll. I enjoyed reading about your projects!

After last week’s scrap book paper masterpiece, I’m sure you’ve all been waiting with baited breath to see what I did with the paper I decided not to use.

Well. The waiting is over.

See my unsightly mess of cords and games in our Family Room TV cabinet?

BEFORE:

I used my handy dandy packing tape and applied the paper!

AFTER:

And because God gave me an exceptional mind, I made sure the paper matched my sofa!

I also wanted to share my real life friend Karen’s idea! She gave this to someone for a housewarming gift and I love it!

Karen bought an inexpensive watering can and applied outdoor paint with her friend’s new address. She printed the stencil from here, and filled it with some outdoor watering goodies! I can just see one of these cute cans on my front porch. My flowers would probably appreciate it too.

Last week I mentioned, throwing up a Mr. Linky so you could share your DIYP ideas! Can’t wait to read them. One of the lucky linky participants will win a Cath Kidston Dream Home Journal: A Style Sourcebook & Idea Organizer ($20.00 value).

I’ll close down the comments at 10 pm CST on Saturday evening!

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When God Steps In-Part I of The Persecuted Church

7:01 am Bykristen

As I shivered at the edge of the pool, I glanced at the clock.

Again.

Only 5 more minutes of Mommy & Me swim lessons. In freezing water.

I noticed a woman and her children sit near our things, as I bemoaned my decision to struggle with my toddler in the water for two weeks of lessons.

I live a tough life.

We toweled off and my toddler kept saying, “Hi” to the lady I had noticed.

She spoke softly and sweetly to my daughter in a language that sounded like Russian.

“Where are you from?” I asked making conversation.

“Uzbekistan,” she answered in clipped English.

I nodded my head, as if I knew the exact location. “How long have you been in the US?”

“Eleven months,” she replied.

“Your English is very good. Did you move here for a job?

“No, how do you say, we are Christians and we faced persecution,” she answered as she patted her little boy’s head.

It was a surreal moment. Standing in the heat, watching my kids splash in the kiddie pool while talking to an escapee from the former Soviet Union. A persecuted Christian.

5 minutes from my house.

She shared some about her life. Her husband was a Pastor and arrested and later deported for his crime: preaching the Gospel.

“Did you face violence?” I asked.

I will never forget the look that crossed her face, she nodded, and tracked her children with her eyes.

She said a hundred things in that moment without uttering a word.

We exchanged phone numbers.

On the way home from the pool, I told my older kids about the conversation. My voice quivered as I shared her story.

“Mom, do you remember the Sunday School lesson we had a few weeks ago on the Persecuted Church?”

Yes.

“That was the country I prayed for,” she said excitedly.

Yes.

I don’t know why I met her. I don’t know if we will develop a relationship or what the future holds.

I do know that I don’t regret those swimming lessons and I am convinced that God stepped in.

Our families are meeting for dinner tonight (Friday) and I hope to share more . . .

You can read Part Two of this story here.

Part Three to this story is here.

Part Four is here.

And, you can donate to them here:

Food for the Soul:

Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”

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Do-It-Yourself- Project (DIYP) Linky Event- Don’t Forget!

7:00 am Bykristen

Don’t forget Saturday’s DIYP, I’ll be throwing up a Mr. Linky, so you can share your Do-It-Yourself-Projects with everyone! And one random ‘linker’ will win this awesome home decorating journal!

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Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You-Bathing Beauty Part I

7:00 am Bykristen

Okay, ya’ll. I’m bringing out the big guns for the next three weeks of Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You. If you are new here, I apologize. Don’t judge me on this, k? Come back when I’m not um, brave.

And if you want to join in, you can grab the button for your page and read about it here.

In honor of the end of summer, I decided to share some swim suit photos. Around fifteen years old, I started reading Seventeen magazine. I remember spending a lot of time perusing the pages whenever I could get my hands on one. I was especially ~~jealous~~ enthralled with the swimsuit poses and models.

And in a strange moment of self-confidence and insanity, I talked my sister into photographing me. In my bathing suit. Looking as sexy as possible.

Three poses. Three bathing suits. For the next three weeks.

Because I love to hear you laugh!

Let’s just take this in, shall we?

First of all, to my Mom’s credit the perming had ceased.

And this is one of the few times I wore long hair. And after looking at it again, I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to have short hair.

My family liked to call the roll of hair on my forehead a ‘dookie roll.” Because they loved me. I would curl it tight and it would stay perfectly, um, rolled, all day.

The hair, the bathing suit, the muscles . . .

*updated to add* I’m not wearing hose, girls! Mind-boggling, isn’t it?

Words fail me, ya’ll. Is this just awful or what? Link up and make sure you come back next week; I’m aiming for sultry and it only gets worse.

Promise.

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A Sticky Situation

7:01 am Bykristen

I found my toddler under the bathroom sink this morning.

She was digging thru her big sister’s nail polish and fingernail decals.

This is how I found her:

Apparently, she’s planning on converting soon.

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donate

9:38 am Bykristen

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And this Is Where I Hire Someone

7:01 am Bykristen

I am not a Diva.

Nor am I a pampered lady.

I don’t dress my pets or demand that my M&M;’s be sorted by colors.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Ahem.

My first pedicure and eye brow waxing was a Mother’s Day gift when I was 8 months pregnant with my second child. So, about six years ago.

Before that? I made do.

I provided my own personal maintenance.

Even now, I budget a pedicure only a few times a year. Well, because they cost a lot and I have all the children.

Now, don’t misunderstand me, I enjoy being pampered and I would act like a diva if the people would listen. But being a diva all by your lonesome, just isn’t fun. No fun at all!

The other day I made an appointment. As I let the magic massage chair beat the tar out of my back, I closed my eyes. Ahhhhh. Relaxing. Until I heard this:

“What have you been doing?” the lady at my feet inquired as if I’d I worn sandpaper in my shoes to soften my feet.

“Oh, I’ve been taking care of them at home.” I started to mention my handy PedEgg, but thought better of it because she was shaking her head disdainfully. She was also scrubbing my feet quite fiercely. It was bit painful.

I leaned back again and tried to find the zone.

“Why did you trim your toenails like this?” the lady asked.

Because they are MY toes? I didn’t say it like that exactly, only in my head.

She worked for awhile and asked about my eyebrows.

“Oh yes, I need to have them waxed!”

She nodded enthusiastically.

All that nodding? It hurt my feelings. I must look like unkempt, I thought.

I followed the lady back to the room where they violently rip the hair from your body.

It is not for the faint-hearted.

She leaned in with her magnifying mirror.

“Oh, my, this is bad, very bad!” she said, shaking her head.

Before I could respond, she said, “You have almost ruined your brows. See this area? You have removed all the hairs! And this place here? You’ve left too many hairs!!”

‘Um, sorry?”

“Do not pluck your own eyebrows!” she complained.

Okay. At this point, I was a little scared. You know, because she’s got hot wax. I’m afraid she’s going to look under my fingernails or notice the gray in my hair.

I’m also about to laugh hysterically. Because I haven’t been bossed around this much in years.

She finished the job, patted my on the shoulder and said, “You let me take care of you!”

Yes, ma’m! Because I am not meant to provide my own personal maintenance.

And this is where I hire someone. You know, when my ship comes in.

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When a Family Member Runs Away

5:00 pm Bykristen

Dear Loved One,

I know you said you needed some space. I didn’t realize how serious you were until you were gone.

Vanished.

We spent hours searching for you this past weekend.

Our hearts were broken. You are such a special member of our family. Few have lasted as long as you.

I found a becoming picture of you for the Reward posters. I think it shows your sarcastic side. Which I totally get.

And this one captures how you view your life sometimes, behind bars.

Your siblings were devastated when they discovered you missing. There were promises of a cleaner water bowl, more food, more petting and less fur-pulling. And I vowed not to gag the next time I cleaned up one of your special hair balls.

This afternoon I was reflecting on how well you handle THAT family. You let us live in your home and allow us to pet you. You meet us at the door and welcome us. You are like the dog we always wanted, but could never handle.

I was afraid you might have been offended when a recent visiting family member referred to you as a Kitler. And no, I don’t think you are a cat that looks like Hitler.

As I whispered a prayer for your safe return, I peeked out the window.

And there you were, asleep in the swing set playhouse. I opened the door and you grabbed your kitty carpet bag and returned to us.

I’m sure we will hear of your grand adventure. My kids are dying to know ‘where you went potty,’ and you can keep that to yourself, as far as I’m concerned.

Please, dear Alice, I know all about needing a break. The next time you feel overwhelmed, let me know and you can go to Target with me. I’ll bring the ~~chocolate~~ catnip.

Love,

THAT family

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Remind Me of This, the Next Time He Makes Me Mad, K?

7:01 am Bykristen

I woke up the other day with a pounding headache.

Not exactly the best way to start the day.

I have a long history of neck issues and I’m a whiner.

So, I was pretty much a barrel of sunshine by 7:30 a.m.

I took a hot bath, got dressed and fixed breakfast for the kids (hey, unwrapping granola bars counts. Don’t judge me).

My hubby left for work and I took Ibuprofen.

I’m telling ya’ll, I was feeling blah. And not just because of the headache. It was a Monday.

But as you know, the show must go on. So, I filled up the kiddie pool outside and sent the kids upstairs to change out of their pajamas. I put on my clown suit and readied for Act I.

The phone rang. It was my hubby. He’d been gone about 15 minutes.

“Hey, there was a package on the bench on the front porch when I left. Are you expecting something?”

“No, Really?”

“Yeah, it has your name on it. Gotta go.”

I walked to the front door and can I just say if I ever doubted that man’s love for me, I never will again?

Yeah. He gets me.

He knew a large Chick-Fil-A sweet tea would help. Call me silly. But his simple gift spoke volumes to me. Knowing he was rushing to get to work, and taking the time to bring me my favorite mood food, meant the world to me.

I love that man.

And you know what? My head didn’t hurt nearly as bad .

To meet some other great hubbies, visit Living Locurto!

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