I'm sure there are many curious folks out there who have been checking our family blogs to find out info on the status of Chris and Penny's trip to Russia. My apologies for causing any agst!
It's been a hectic couple of days and here's why...
While my brother and his wife were in Russia, my mom and I decided to take advantage of their unoccupied house and spend a little time getting the boys' future bedroom up to par. Penny had already purchased quilts for their beds, great-mamaw had bought cribs and Granny & Grampy picked up a table and chairs and a couple of other items. We went to town painting, adding a closet maid system and organizing. The boys room is 98% complete. All that's left is a little decorative painting on the walls, maybe some shelving and of course.....the boys! So as you can see I've been spending every waking minute shopping for closet shelving, painting or putting cribs together....thus, no posting!
Now to a bit of what you're probably waiting for! I will leave the bulk of the tale for Sweet Penny and Proud Chris to tell, but I will say this. Despite the debilitating jet lag, freezing cold weather, and a nightmarish flight from Moscow to Krasnoyarsk, the trip was an amazing one for them. They were overwhelmed by the prayers going out on their behalf and God gave them great strength and peace throughout their stay. They will have wonderful stories to tell of God's grace and abounding love pouring over them as they found themselves quartered in a hotel at the uttermost ends of the earth waiting to meet the new loves of their lives! And oh, yes, technology is a wonderful thing! They were able to stay in touch with the family through Skype, faithfully keeping us informed and putting our minds at ease.
So thank you all for your prayers. Don't let up! The journey is not over. As I type they are in the air from Kras to Moscow (the really BAD leg of the trip!) and will arrive in Miami at 11 p.m. tomorrow night. Even after they arrive home and share hugs & tears, stories & pictures, the hard part of this adoption journey is far from over. They had to leave their sons half way around the world to be cared for by a loving and wonderful staff at one of the largest orphanges in Russia. No matter how perfect the setting, however, it is not with them and that is gut wrenching. It will be many weeks before they are permanently united. So as Chris and Penny await their court date in Kras, please continue to bring them before the Lord. Remember to check Life & Times as well as Goeppner Adoption, as I'm sure they will have more to say in the weeks ahead.
It's been another hectic week, nay, month, in the lives of the Kush family! Someone once said that days are the pages and months are the chapters of the book called "Life". How true it is....sometimes the pages of a book are slow reading, not very interesting and ocassionally downright dull. Other times you come across a chapter that doesn't let up and leaves you breathless with exhaustion. There's certainly and ebb and flow to life. Well, this month has left me breathless! I won't go in to all of the little details, but suffice it to say, I'm ready for a lull! Seeing as it's so near the holiday season, though, I doubt I'll experience any type of slowing down in the weeks and months ahead.
For those of you who have never opened the link to my brother's blog, I encourage you to do so over the next few days. They departed from Miami International Airport at 12:30 p.m. this afternoon and, as I type, they are en route from JFK airport to Moscow and then on to Krasnayarsk, Russia. They are on a whirlwind trip to meet their little boys. This is the first of two trips they will take before bringing them home. If you've never been through or been a witness to the adoption process, believe me when I say, it's a physically and emotionally arduous task for the parents-to-be. Please stand with us as we pray them through the "final hours of labor & delivery". I'll keep you posted as things develop, but will likely refer you to their blog for specifics.
Tomorrow is our firstborn son's 16th birthday. How time flies! He's growing into a handsome, kind young man with a heart for God and people. We are so proud of him! To celebrate, Dave arranged for two of Andrew's closest friends and their dads, Grampy (my dad), and Andrew's youth pastor, Kevin, to meet at Gator Guns, a shooting range. A friend and co-worker of Dave's has ties with this venue and was kind enough to set up a private session with the group. He instructed the boys (and dad's!) on gun safety and proper usage. He also brought along his personal stash of fire arms for them to try. They fired everything from small caliber handguns to assault rifles. Can you guess what Andrew's favorite was?
Once they had their fill of target practice they wandered over to a favorite local pizza joint - Mario the Baker - and then made their way to Granny and Grampy's house, where the father's & sons met up with the rest of their families. We all enjoyed cake and gifts and then the kids had more fun with a little swimming and "Man Hunt" in the back yard. The whole evening was a great success - great memories were made and Andrew felt loved by those he loves most!
Thought I'd share the kids' 2007-08 class pictures. I try to do these every year for our 4-H group and this year we did them at the park on Monday. Homeschool class pictures are very different than traditional school pictures in a couple of ways. First of all we usually get them to pose toward the end of either playing football or tag or something else that would cause red cheeks and dirty perspiration. Forget the perfect outfit for picture day! Mom's don't even care if they've combed their hair. Food in their teeth? No problem, just "airbrush" them clean! Honestly, we're just grateful to be able to document the fact that they had a school year, whatever the grade!
Yesterday our 4-H group had their first field trip of the year. We made our way to a local park for a picnic & I took "class pictures" of the kids. We loaded into our cars and caravaned to John MacCarthur State Park, just a few miles up the road. A park employee ushered us into a small air conditioned theater where we were shown a short video of the park, its history and habitat. A park ranger then lead us on a walking tour of the Lake Worth Lagoon, over a long pedestrian bridge, through a winding wooded trail, over the dunes and onto the beach. As you can see it was a magnificent day, a little warm (hot by the whole groups estimation!), but gorgeous just the same. We all were educated on the local plant and wildlife, actually walking away with some fascinating facts. Did you know that mullet jump and slap the water to remove bacteria that grows on its scales? I never new that! All in all it was a terrific interactive component added to this years 4-H study of Florida History.
In the midst of watching Ohio State vs. Michigan State our TIVO captured a funny....listen closely as one commentator compliments another on his tie....(remember to turn my music off at the bottom of the page so you can hear it)
Friday I had the honor and privilege of enjoying the company of our Scott Family friends, currently living in Orlando. They bravely made the three hour trek down the turnpike to our home in Royal Palm. We enjoyed some warm & tasty cheese pizzas from Pizza Hut and did a little catching up while waiting for the rain to break. I'd prayed for an overcast day...high noon light doesn't make for good pictures...but maybe I prayed a little too hard, thus the buckets of percipitation! Anyway, God was good, as usual, and gave us enough of a break to squeeze in some individual shots of the kids as well as some group shots. They are a beautiful family, as you can see! That always makes my job much easier when it comes to getting just the right pose! I warned Mom Scott that her offspring would likely become "blog stars"! So here they are, pulling of some of my favorite smiles...
I'm holding my tongue here, giving all broadcast rights to my dear sister-in-law...she deserves them. All I'm sayin' is check out Life & Times and/or Goeppner Adoption and then keep monitoring them for the next couple of days!
The recent hype in the media is the purported high levels of lead in certain lipsticks. I wasn't sure what I thought of the whole mess but I certainly wasn't frightened enough to throw any of my Maybelline or Loreal into the trash can. But in my monthly e-letter from the infamous Cosmetic Cop, Paul Begoun, she writes a compelling article which has set me free to stay the course with my decision to hold on to my favorite lip palettes. Any of you out there in a quandry? Check out Ms. Begoun's report - you'll be glad you did!
Mollie had an orthodontist appointment today and the office happens to be a 40 minute drive (yuck!). But it's worth it because the doc is the best and as a bonus, there's a Dunkin Donuts right across the street. Today we decided to pop in and pick up a treat. Mollie settled on her usual....a small iced coffee, light & sweet, and I collected my piping hot medium caffienated version with extra cream, no sugar. In addition to our liquid refreshment , we couldn't refuse the temptation of a seasonal fall favorite...a tasty, moist, freshly-made pumpkin muffin. If you haven't tried one of these babies yet, get them before they're gone! They are lip-smacking, melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
And I'm on to the next book. Today I'm starting Becoming a Person of Influence by John Maxwell. I've read several of his books and am a big fan so I'm expecting good things from this 1997 publication. The back cover promises I'll "learn simple, insightful ways to interact more positively with others, and watch your personal and organizational success go off the charts." We'll see about that! A couple of things I DO know I'll get from this book....a giggle, a few nods and an "a-ha"! Stay tuned for my review which is sure to come soon...
Congratulations, Mom and Daddy on 41 years of marriage! You've been a blessing and encouragement to many. Some intentionally, others unknowingly. But without hesitation, time and again, you pour wisdom and blessing into the lives of couples, families, teenagers, young children--you're no respecter of age, religion or race. I've watched you over the years struggle through hard times and never give up. You bring joy wherever God takes you and your love for Him shines in every life situation. Thank you, for the example you've set for me & Dave, Chris & Penny as well as your grandkids. We are rich because of you.
Those of you living in any part of the world near the Tropic of Cancer will relate well to a Floridians' excitement over the first "cold" front of the fall season. After a scorching six-month long summer, any time the air temperature drops below 85º & the humidity is less than 90% is reason for celebration! Time to crack out the 3/4 length sleeves, put your car windows down, and crank up the air conditioning so you can pretend winter's coming!
By the way, I define successful as COMPLETING 3 miles without stopping, walking, or passing out!
10. A hot cup of coffee pre-run. 9. A sun visor (key in South Florida!) 8. Right time of day...never after 8:30 a.m.! 7. A nice breeze. 6. Against, not with, the traffic (prevents surprise drive-bys!) 5. iPod earbud cord tucked behind and under running top (dangling cord is BAD). 4. Comfortable running shoes & socks. 3. iPod 2. Perfect playlist - on shuffle (Switchfoot, Sanctus Real, Chris Tomlin, The Afters, Delirious, Reliant K, NewsBoys....you get the picture!) 1. Attitude of worship.....running is impossible without continually giving God credit for me actually moving my feet! (I'm serious!!)
Okay, so I started feeling guilty for my post on books yesterday. It seems totally unfair that I actually judge books by their covers. Please understand, paperbacks are all over my house and I DO buy them. Many times when I'm looking for a title, there is no option but softcover. I would have that over none at all, you see? You have to admit, though, they really aren't as charming. And there are qualifying factors with hardcovers, as well. I really don't admire the shiney variety with illustrations on the front and sides. It's the traditional linen bound spine with gold or silver, even black lettering that make them special. So my heart is clear now. I love and accept ALL shapes, sizes and styles of publications (even pretty magazines!). I'm really not prejudice, just preferential!
I love books. Yes, I love to read them, but I enjoy holding them, looking at them, and arranging them beautifully on my bookshelves (after removing the jacket!) almost as much as mentally retrieving the information from them and storing it in my sometimes not so sharp mind. There is only one prerequisite for any particular volume finding its way into my home.....they must be hardcover to obtain the right to be displayed. The paperback versions are less tempting for me to purchase and definitely won't find themselves predominantly exhibited in my home. Those guys wind up behind cabinet doors and inside decorative baskets and most likely loaned out to a somewhat trusted friend. My hardcovers are rarely placed on loan to another...I'd more likely purchase another copy and gift it away. When it comes to purging my bookshelves once they become crowded to overflowing, I find it near impossible to decide what to keep and what to discard (i.e., give away--NEVER throw away!). Even the soft cover variety will find me fretting over their fate. My husband and mother tease me about the number of shoes I buy each month always wondering exactly how many are stored in my shrinking closet. The funny thing is, they never have caught on to the fact that I actually procure far more books than shoes or anything else for that matter. And the most popular gift I receive for birthdays and other holidays....books. Yes, I love books. Have I mentioned that?
Today I'm making chicken pot pie to take to a friend and church staff wife who recently donated her kidney to her father. What an amaizing sacrifice, huh? Not the pot pie, the kidney donation! Dinner is the least I can do for this sweet family and their selfless mother.
This recipe is a staple for my convalescent visits as it's definitely a comfort food and certain to get eaten up. Since so many ask for the recipe I thought I'd pass it along to all my friends in cyberspace. I always make two pies, one to keep and one to give away as a wise woman once said "you should do at least for your own family what you do for another....don't fix a delicious gourmet meal to give away and then feed your own children and husband frozen pizza!"
So here's the approximate (I say approximate because I've never really measured, so adjust as you see fit) recipe. Unless your into all fresh/no frozen/ready made ingredients, I think you'll love the simplicity of it!
2 pkgs. ready made pie crusts (4 crusts in all) 1 roasted chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 pkg frozen hash browns, slightly thawed 1 pkg frozen mixed veggies (corn, green beans, peas, carrots), slightly thawed 1 small onion, diced 1 family size can cream of chicken soup (+ 1 small can of soup if needed) 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup chicken broth 1 stick melted butter 2 tsp italian seasoning salt & pepper to taste
In two pie plates, sprinkle a little flour on the bottom of pan. Place pie crust in each pan. In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients in order until well mixed. Divide and pour into pie shells, spreading evenly. Place second pie shell on top of filling. PInch shell edges together around the pie and trim excess. Poke a few slices in pie crust top with a knife. Place pies on cookie sheet (it may bubble over) and bake at 400º for approximately 35 minutes or until crust is golden brown; place a piece of aluminum foil over top to keep from further browning. Cook an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Let sit a minute before cutting. Enjoy!
One of the ministries I serve in at our church is the Hospitality Team. Our job is to set up, decorate, serve and clean up for various church-wide and/or ministry-specific events. Tonight we'll be hosting an event for the Worship Team. It's basically a fall appreciation dinner that the worship pastor scheduled on the church calendar several months ago. It will be catered by a company we often use for the nicer sit-down dinners. This is actually one of the smaller events we'll be doing this year with about 120 attending.
I always look forward to these little "bashes" not only because of the joy it gives me to serve others, but the pleasure it is to serve alongside the amazing women that make up our team. Each of them are remarkable in their own right! The astounding thing about it is they truly show up to serve. Not to stand in the back and pick people apart, slam the food or smear someone's reputation. These are God-fearing, people-loving women who bring out the BEST in eachother rather than the worst, as is sometimes the case when you put a group of women in a room together. I am incredibly grateful to God for the opportunity He's given us to do ministry together!
After a very long, dry season here in south Florida, God decided to bless us to overflowing with some much needed wet weather. IT HASN'T STOPPED! Maybe I'm spoiled, but days on end of rain is starting to make me crazy. I'm not sure how Noah was able to finish his mission without losing his mind first!
I'm reading Beth Moore's Missionary Devotional, Voices of the Faithful, and every day God challenges me through the words of people I've never seen or met but feel a tight connection with after studying only a few paragraphs of their experiences. It helps me to see this world through the "proper spectacles."
My calendar is filling up quickly for the month of October. It's very overwhelming when I open up my Covey and discover most of the days are crowded with appointments, meetings and other obligations. That's when I have to flip the month page over to the day page and concetrate on the day at hand. An old song is coming to mind...."one day at a time, sweet Jesus..." Someone should write an updated version of that one!
We had our second 4-H meeting of the year yesterday and hosted 17 kids and 7 mom's. Julie the Magician pulled off another terrific lesson on Florida and the students had elections to decide on the clubs officers for the year. I spent a good part of the evening filling out more paperwork for the 4-H office. My next step is to go to the police department for fingerprinting...every volunteer is required to do so.
I haven't been running since Friday. One word.....RAIN! I guess I could still go, but the rain is coming with thunder and lightning and I don't want to look like a scared woman running from a disastrous wet t-shirt contest.
Tonight I'm meeting the girls from our small group for dinner at Bimini Twist, a local seafood restaurant. We're celebrating the birthday of one of our best-loved chicks, Connie, who's now not just 50, but IN her 50's. And she doesn't look a day over 35!!!
Yesterday, on my return from a quick food run to Walmart, a young guy TOTALLY cut me off, almost running me into a car in another lane in order to keep his back bumper from hitting my front fender. All the while, as John Maxwell says, he was telling me I'm #1 through his sunroof! The joys of driving in south Florida. I wonder if Julie will incorporate this in her next 4-H Florida lesson for the kids?
Location: Royal Palm Beach, Florida, United States
I've enjoyed documenting life stories and events through the lens of my camera for a few years now, deciding to take my hobby to the world of blogging. I'm no professional, just a mom with her own take on things who loves to share her perspective with others. I hope this photographic journal inspires you!
