Why every train needs a cow catcher...

Earlier, on facebook, you may have read  of my kids' crazy conversation as they created their gingerbread train. The phrases "time of death" and "blood and gore" are not the usual words you hear as kids are busy with their gingerbread creations. My kids, however, are "just a bit different odd strange.

Anyway, for those who read those words on my facebook status update, below are the pictures which help to explain. And, in case you wonder where they get it from? I thought of the cow. (Thanks April for that part of my birthday gift last year... as you can see, it came in handy!)

Hope you enjoy!
Love, Kim

It's a blustery day out Piglet!

I received a call an hour or so ago from my brother. In St. Louis. Where the tornadoes ripped through. He's fine, and so is the family. RELIEF!

The weather has been interesting here, balmy and gorgeous one day and blustery and blowing another day. It seems that I've been the same. Some days calm and peaceful and other days storms rage inside. (And I must admit this whole post was inspired by my friend on her blog.. her last post). Nevertheless, this has been a long time coming.

Aunt Sue (the baby)
Aunt Carol (the big sister)
Mom (my mom!)

I've been blogging for a number of years now. Different names, different hosting sites. Different writing styles. All the while I've been writing these posts to family far and near so they could "keep up" with us even though we don't get to see each other often. Because, in truth, they are always as near as my heart and my prayers. I miss them VERY Much. This weekend I get to see my mom. FINALLY. It's been a long two years... give or take. Long story behind all this, but God is always at work and I'm so very grateful. Then in a few months I head north and see my aunt and uncle. Our mutual trip to a state park was just too much for them, and so we're trying this new approach. And just a week or so later my other aunt will be down here for a family reunion and I'll even see my cousin. I can't even remember the last time I saw her!

Meanwhile, life changed so much last year as Chronic Fatigue took such a huge toll, along with a previously unknown case of mono. YIKES! I'm learning to live a different way, trust God in different areas, and enjoy each moment more. Usually. Not always. But I'm trying.



"For to such belongs the kingdom of God."
an assemblage completed in November 2010
(still for sale)



Previously this blog consumed me. Hours a day of writing. I wanted so badly to be heard. To be noticed. To be listened to. Now I'm happy to live and learn from God. I still enjoy creating, but am creating more at home and not as much for sale. Although the sale will still happen in November, Lord willing.



Josh... learning so much from God.
I'm just excited to watch him grow.



Aaron...enjoying a bit of free time.



I think what I'm learning is to learn to live life HERE. At Home. Not online. As the time approaches that my boys both  graduate college, same school year!, I'm realizing that time with family is more fleeting than I realized. And, while our oldest is nearby, and will probably stay nearby, our second hopes to end up in Africa. As in across the ocean, south of the equator, far away. And, that's as it should be. As I seem to have always known it would be. The Lord had called him, from the womb. And, truth be told the Lord has called each of us to something... some to be saved, some not, some to serve over seas, some to be served, He has a purpose for each of us. I want to fulfill the purpose He has for me.



At the birth of Canaan. Such a blessing!



So, I'm living life. Searching for his will. Learning to love my husband more. Enjoy my kids more. And not to worry so much about what everyone thinks. It's all learning and sanctification and I thank God for the process.

Shalom!

~Ode to Bluebell~

This is Bluebell.

She was lonely and covered in snow.

Today she was not covered in snow.

She was not lonely.

She was jumping around the parking lot at church.

Today I learned, sort of, to drive a stick shift.

Bluebell really wants to go to a big auction or a great garage sale.

But only if there is easy parking that doesn't require hills or backing up.

Isn't she pretty?

I tried to find another photo.

I have no idea where it is.

Bluebell... you are going to have so much fun this summer.

Once I learn how to let the clutch out.

SLOWLY!

Blessings, Kim

p.s. if you want to see some cool photos of my art and craft work jump over to

http://whimsyandtheword.blogspot.com/.

bookmark it.

become a follower.

find some cool art.

comment.

you get the idea :~)