Carnival of Family Life * Family Travel

Spelunking
Adventure and wonder is tied up in our hearts.
Every so often it must be unfettered to safely fly and stretch wing into flight so matter how courageous.

The men took the kids on such a"Grand Day Out".
After a very long drive to the high country the day was all but spoiled when the navigation's failed on the GPS.
All would have been lost were it not for the quick reflection of Godly kids and a Dad who lead them.
They prayed...
Moments later in that vast forest the opening of the cave was exposed.

Sliding on bottoms you enter the small opening.
A cave Daddy man has often visited in his life as a native Arizonan.

The flows, straws and stalagmites/stalactites were a wonderland for eager minds.

Everyone was well equipped (except I would of liked to see them roped together personally)

This is the first pool

very tall and about 2 1/2 feet deep.
Clear until they mucked in it.
COLD!

The children had a instant shocking study in the temperature difference an under earth pool has under the above ground.
Like 40 degrees. They were shocked by the cold water.

All was well I am told except after these were to be placed back on.
The socks were BLACK!
I told Daddy Man to remember this...
When they get to be melting down on you give them food! A snack every so
He reported back the wisdom of my council and the quick effect of said snack, it saved the day!

Clicking on images will enlarge them.
See the ceiling straws.
The children know not to destroy.
Dove was the first on across the pool.
The girl loves an adventure.
(I would of liked a rope :)

This is the wall you have to climb to get to the pool.
It is the wall of the first chamber as you slide into the opening.

On top of the wall the children caught first sight of the first pool and the far wall.

Fun
fun

Spelunking is caving.

Me I stayed home and played in the solitude.

Hello!

The Carnival of Family Life will be hosted this coming Monday, September 8, 2008, at Colloquium! This will be a special Harvest Edition.

Submit your family-related posts by using this link: http://blogcarnival.com/bc/submit_294.html

Alternatively, you may submit your post by email. Please put "Submission" in the subject line and reply to this message. Be sure to include the following information:

Article Title
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The categories are:

* Parenting Tips and Advice
* Family Finance
* Family Health and Wellness
* Family Spirituality/Belief/Worship
* Family Humor
* Family Pets
* Education
* Family Fiction
* Family Travel
* Family Crafts and Activities
* Family Cooking & Recipes
* Family Relationships and Self-Improvement

The deadline for submissions is each Sunday at 12:01 a.m. (Pacific time).

I look forward to having you participate in the Carnival and an opportunity to read all of your excellent posts!

Best regards,

JHS
Carnival of Family Life

Chrysalis Marriage Monday "Why Romance Matters."

~Come away, come away, come away with me my love~

Captivating we await and long to be swept up into touch. "Am I beautiful?" we wonder. His embrace assures us , yes... "I am longed for". It is not simply the intercourse of flesh upon flesh for that is the least of it. It is in the intercourse of three strands woven into a moment by moment, hour upon hour. A day by day, month after month remembering to treasure one another. It is not just in expectation of night fall and its pleasures. It is in the thrill of his breath as he approaches your neck as you stand in apron at the kitchen sink sudsy handed. It is in the heart of his desire to create your dreams and desires as best he is able, and visa verso. It is in doing him good all your days, never doing him evil. Embracing him in the sandwich that loving hands prepare morning by morning. Stepping up to great his arms in yours as he enters the door. Longing for full presence, body ,mind and spirit. Unity in the triad of our God. Opened eyed, gazed fixed within the honesty that every day affords. No shame, not needing to look away in any moment of hurt. Amends and restorations and a stroke on our hair. Upon his head a kiss, without the complain if it is sweaty, and if it is... Thanking him for his labor.

Longing fulfilled is as hope met.
Hope differed make the heart sick.
Romancing of heart is hope met.




On Monday Sept. 8 2008, please join us for the Marriage Monday Meme. By majority vote, this Monday's topic is "Why Romance Matters."

Consider writing about your favorite restaurant, your favorite song, or the little things you do for one another throughout the week. What tones down the tension, and tunes up the tenderness? How do you encourage your husband to nurture the romantic side of your marriage? I want to know!

Your entry doesn't have to be a long one. With all the back-to-school activity going on right now, I understand. Once you've posted, return to Chrysalis and add your permalink to Mister Linky. Then take a few minutes to visit a few of the other contributors. EASY. See you on Monday, OK?

Day of Sweet Solitude

(Stock Image)

The family and another Father and Son all went Spelunking (caving) today up in the North country. A time for the Fathers to take their young ones on an adventure (for all) of courage and daring (especially for the Fathers ha ha).

Little ol' me...Well after a morning hour nap I followed my hearts desire right to my beading station. I have no camera today for the Men took it with them. Mr U ( my sweet darling) took treasure of my hearts desire and moved my table. I have not even had an interest in a while to bead. After some prayer I realized it was too dark of natural light (a priceless commodity) and all the lamps in the house could not satisfy the need.

I had a vision of the table under the far window. Mr U moved it for me . IT FIT WITHIN A 1/4 of an inch!!!! He and I both had a romantic moment with our God grateful and acknowledged his loving presence. As we did just before they all pulled out today.

After packing everything up and re assembling the whole room (let alone the whole house) much pleasure is found in creating it the way I would of had we really moved. When you gather things for years they just sort of fill in the places available. I am now placing the item just where my heart would of always desired and setting things up in an ergonomic professional way.

I have been thinking about what happened with a thing that could of been joy but turned sorrow and grieving.

In my church there was a invitation for a fellowship of beading once a month. I was almost overjoyed to tears at the opportunity of being with others who could share knowledge and even receive some from me if I were able to offer it (this a life long dream). It did not turn out that way.

First meeting she shared a cup of tea...then tried to include us in a pyramid purchase so she could earn another cup and saucer she desired...I over looked it. She shared wonderfully her skill and knowledge of soldering. It was wonderful and she shined...but no one else had any opportunity too. :(

Next meeting She offered us $30. of her product if we opened our home and invited all our friends...to her, so she could do a show to sell her work... :( grieved...Then she showed us "her wonderful idea (it was) for a lovely "gift of the spirit" necklace very cute. Conversation however was halted when I shared some idea about movement adding to one piece a real character. Leaving the necklace on the table with two or three others she then said ..." they are $25 if you are interested...and that is a really good price"....

"and the Spirit grieved"....I wept that night and have been so very sad at the loss (both hers and my own)

Next Monday night...I think I will stay home and set the time apart to bead with Papa. It is so good to be with a "friend" with clear motives.

Today He and I are having a lot of fun. You know He really loves color, order and silence. It's good enough with Him if we just hang out. He hasn't even tried to sell me anything.:) He has showed me some really good ideas though. I even shared my heart with Him, and He liked it!

Bird Knowledge

Songbirds Duel With Duets Jennifer Viegas, DFiscovery News

Can You Hear Me Now? | Watch Animal Videos

Sept. 4, 2008 -- Harmonious bird songs may sound pleasant to people, but a new study has found that at least some birds fight by singing, using melodic tweets to defend their relationships and territories.

For the full article go here

It has been a very full day I left at 8 am and just returned at 2 pm.

I had my I have had so much good fortune that the sun shone on me so it almost blinded me with Goodness! As The kids were going to get ready to leave I was able to get in for my Mammogram at 8:45. The buss pulled up and I drove off. Then to the well visit. At each appointment I got a shady spot and arrived right on time. I them got another shady spot right at the door of the apocacary shop and left on perscription and picked up another.I followed the "Goose"...There was a hearing aide center next door and I steped in. I asked them it they had any cool gadgets for children with hearing aides. She returned with THREE books, a stuffed oil and a highlighter and tape of songs? FREE? Asked I ...Yess Bless him with them...total stranger:) I asked her then about adult hearing aides and if they used my insurance carrier. She is a service provider for them. I may one day get the hearing aides I need. I took her name and thanked her.

On to the flight of the "Goose" ( the spirit)

I drove to a Ross store and there saw a old time friend of 20 yrs. She was once an employee of my sisters at the tailor shop. We had a nice visit. Our husbands once worked togeather in a long ago day.

I had called for another appointment for a bone density test My Doctor had ordered, and got in at 1 pm today. Drove over and got a spot right near the door! :) Test finished and long drive home. All these things took place up in the city we used to live in. We had a home there 16 years and sold it to be able to bring Dash home. That is how we wound up here wher we are. This is a much nicer building but not in as nice of a city.

Kids will be here in 45 minutes. The day flew.

I had a wonderful visit with a few different folks. Had a nice healthy dose of adult conversation. Test results will come later this week.

Thankful Thursday

Good Morning!

A much better day today. The post op visit went well. Today my legs are more in agreement to holding me up. I did not loose all my tomatoes only a few and the green beans are tall. Peas are up and cantaloupe is taking off. The children are so sweet this morning. Dove showered when asked and did so appreciatively and they are both eating breakfast by 7 a.m.. I am having a bowl of grain but the incision is now stinging badly. This mouth will take up to three weeks to stop hurting he said. They had to cut my cheek side about an inch and a half and pull it away from the bone. The implant is an inch or so long and 1/4 inch screw. I was startled but now I understand the level of pain a bit better.
I dreamed a lot last night and a woke feeling sure of who I am. A wonderful feeling. I let the dogs run through the master bedroom and out the door, them I went out and watered the food stuffs, chickens and dogs. The kids found me in the garden. I made lunch for Mr U and the kids and breakfasts for all.
Just poured a cup of coffee, and noticed I had not opened yesterdays mail. Kids got a Lego catalog and I got a chicken catalog!!how fun!
This laying down the feed sack and resting a while helped today feel a little less heavy on my shoulders. I got a field trip with Dash today to go see "stone soup" a story I am very fond of.
I just had a flock of geese fly over head. Coffee is gone and the peace is overwhelming.
I had a song in my head when I woke up

My soul was in the lost and found .But then you came along and saved me. You make me feel..you make make me feel...you make me feel you feel like a natural woman.
" Now I 'm no longer doubtful of who I am living for....If I make you happy Baby (God and husband and family and self) who could ask anything more.
You make me feel so good inside.
My soul was in the lost and found .But then you came along and saved me. You make me feel..you make make me feel...you make me feel you feel like a natural woman.

Got a bit of a burdon

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.” Psalm 55:22

There was a man carrying a heavy load of grain down a country road. Another man in a horse-drawn wagon saw him and said, “Mister, do you need a ride?” So the man walking got in the wagon, but he kept the load of grain on his shoulder.

The wagon driver said, “Man, put that down and relax!” But the man answered, “Oh no. It’s enough to ask you to carry me without having you carry this also.”

Good Morning.

I have my post operative visit today for the dental implant and yesterday I had the second set of injections in my knees.

I had some good news that my hips are clear of the degenerative arthritis. I have some starting in the L4,5,6,7, vertebrae they each have spurs on them but nothing major! Bless God for his goodness. My left knee is minimal and the right knee is moderate so news is in. Life will hurt and a knee replacement for the right knee is in the future as far out as we can milk it. Mid 50's is the goal. I am sad about that. I am also angry about it too.

My mouth and knees are pained. I had another set of injections yesterday. The surgeon accidentally hit the bone and so the discomfort washed pushed to the stage of "grumpy":) .I am looking forward to the last set being over with next Tuesday.

I want to do so many things today.

Tomorrow Dash has his first field trip and I really want to be able to attend.

Pain pills have been a way of life now for a week and a half. I know it will pass soon. I know all that good stuff and do cling to it. Just laying the grain sack sown.

Happy Labor Day! Fall color palate.

Popular fashion etiquette dictates that white should not be worn after Labor Day. Originally it was white shoes that were taboo— white or "winter white" clothing was acceptable. The custom is fading: "Fashion magazines are jumping on this growing trend, calling people who 'dare' to wear white after Labor Day innovative, creative, and bold. Slowly but surely, white is beginning to break free from its box, and is becoming acceptable to wear whenever one pleases. In the world of western attire, it is similarly tradition to wear a straw cowboy hat until Labor Day. After Labor Day, the felt hat is worn until Memorial Day."

Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September. The holiday originated in 1882 as the Central Labor Union (of New York City) sought to create "a day off for the working citizens".

Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894. All fifty states have made Labor Day a state holiday.

Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer.

Well all you traditionalist pull out your brown or navy purses and put away all your white shoes, Fall is in the air. :)

Top 10 Colors for Fall 2008

A summary of the top fall 2008 colors for women are:

The Blue Hues

• Blue Iris - This is Pantone’s color of the year for 2008, according to their report. A rich beautiful blue with purple undertones which has been a firm favorite amongst such designers as Leger, Costello Tagliapetra, Diana Von Furstenberg and Oscar De La Renta. Combining the regal richness of purple with cool and calming aspects of blue.
• Royal Lilac - Dramatic Royal Lilac is a combination of bluish purples and cheerful red undertones. undertones.
• Shady Glade -It provides a willing companion to shady glade, a mossy green base color which is a departure from the more traditional greens of the past.
• Caribbean Blue -Evokes memories of tropical vacations which adds intensity to its color companions.
• Twilight Blue - Twilight Blue is a twist on a classic navy, a strong, powerful steady color.

The Red Hues

• Aurora Red - Reds and purples are a keynote combination for Fall 2008. Given its dash of energy and vitality to the palette Aurora red is not exception.
• Withered Rose - Moving on to dusky brownish pinks, Withered Rose blends with almost any shade.
• Burnt Orange - Powerful and robust, Burnt Orange is subtle enough to be worn by most skin tones, but steady enough to be a backdrop and strong enough to be at the fore front of an outfit.
• Ochre - Adding a touch of lightness traditional autumnal color is Ochre with a hint of mustard against mellow yellow.

Understated Shitake

• Shitake - "The color of a Japanese mushroom, this complex yet modest shade is intriguingly understated," states the Pantone report, "especially when teamed with the robust colors of fall" '08.

The Color Purple - Prominent in Fall Designer Collections

Inky Blues, Greens and purples made up a prominent fashion base for runway designers showing their fall collections. This is likely to be the most popular color in the high-street given its versatility and femininity.

Commonly mixed with red and found in rich velvets, silks and satins, women are going to be finding themselves in a purple haze for the fall season. Already seeping through into spring and summer women's fashion, purples and lilac base colors look set to provide a rich backdrop for our fall wardrobe in evening gowns, figure hugging dresses, shaggy furs and fringes, tops, skirts and shoes.

Blue Iris Royal Lilac Shady Glade Caribbean Sea Aurora Red Shitake Withered Rose Twilight Blue Burnt Orange Ochre

Well I guess I have the palate for jewelery for this fall. I like the withered rose for a hand bag for the fall.Not too many colors I favor but a mixed variety. I have studies color analysis for wardrobe and makeup. I think that those who have the fall tone are going to look wonderful in the Ochre and burt Oranges , Springs s will look wonderful in the Shitake and the lilac. For winters it will be a little less dramatic. The twilight and the red perhaps not just right but close. And I will indulge in Iris shady glen and carribean sea with a bit of the withered rose. I am a summer with the olive skin and blue eyes. I love the years when the colors offered are the ones I look best in. I wait until the season had ended and then scoop up a few basic items when it all goes on clearence. I pay attention to these trends to use the infermation to my advantage when designing jewlery and sewing accesories and such. Advertizers use thes trend to keep your dollor flowing you see you always have to get a new thing to match your top or skirt or new shoes. They do have a very diabolical method to the seaming madness. Use care when combining these some are clashing colors.