Life In A Family Of Ten: February 2009

A Great Picture

Here is a GREAT picture of Albuquerque NM! (Taken by a friend's friend.)

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

I just want to quickly note that if anyone on or before February 14, 2009 tried to comment and they couldn't because they didn't have a "blogspot account," I have fixed that so you all can comment now. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Monday, February 16, 2009

What Is It?

Just for fun I decided to post this picture to my blog and you have to guess what it is. Type your answer down in comments and by March 1, 2009 I will answer the people who are correct by commenting myself. So, what do you think this is?

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Kelsey's Business

Below is a link to some of Kelsey's products on Etsy.com! She is adding more products daily.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5508034

Friday, February 13, 2009

New Mexico Sky

Here is ANOTHER sky picture! Gorgeous, isn't it?
This picture reminds me of Psalm 8: 1-9 which says:

"1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;you put everything under his feet:
7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"

Amen!

Josiah

As most of you already know, Josiah is the boy in our family who can't keep a straight face when getting his picture taken. Well, Kelsey decided to give it a shot. Here's what happened:

Kelsey never did get that "perfect" picture!

Two Birthdays

Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln

I decided it would be appropriate to write about these two men since it is their birthday. Yes...they are dead!

Charles Darwin was the man who started the theory for science: evolution. He didn't believe that God, in six days spoke the world into existence. Darwin believed in the Big Bang. The Big Bang was an explosion that "created" the world. I would advise you to take a look at an erupting volcano and see what happens once it's done. The final result isn't exactly like Yellowstone or the Everglades national park. It will probably look more like, a volcano just erupted! He also believed that humans, millions of years ago, were monkeys. He wrote a book that became popular known as The Origin Of Species. I do not believe in evolution. I believe that God created the world in six days and made man from the dust of the earth and women from man's rib. (Now excuse me while I go swing on a couple vines and eat a banana or two!)

Abraham Lincoln became our 16th President. He was born in Kentucky and mostly raised in Illinois. Lincoln's mother died when he was just nine. He was a prolific reader and even would walk LONG distances to borrow ONE book! Lincoln became President later in life during the Civil War. He was against slavery and wrote a speech known as The Emancipation Proclamation. (Click HERE to read the speech.) The speech announced freedom to millions of slaves. Slavery ended and so did The Civil War. He was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre later. Abraham Lincoln is one of my favorite Presidents of all time.

There you are! A short sketch of two completely different men born on the same day at a different time. You probably knew everything I just wrote but it is still good to refresh your memory. They are dead now, each leaving behind them different legacies.We all will be sooner or later. So, what kind of legacy will YOU leave behind?

Thursday, February 12, 2009

More Pet Pictures!

Here are a couple more pictures of our pets.
Tiki

Tiki Continued..

Zoe

Tiki Again

This is a beagle we used to own named Tucker. We gave him away after he escaped from our property for the 17th time! :(

Chiquita

Joy

Left To Right: Tiki and Tommy

Thanks for looking!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

More of Kelsey's Poems

Here are some more of Kelsey's poems!
This is a poem Kelsey did in 2007. It is one of the more funny poems!

The King's Crazy Day
There once was a king, his name was McNell
He walked in his castle but then: it fell!
He went to his garden to get a sweet rose,
But when he sniffed, it went up his nose!
He went to his baker who then said : “Beware!
I’m eating your food and I’m not going to share.”
He went to his servants who were making his bed.
He asked: “where is my pillow?” “Under the castle they said.”
The king said: “I’m hungry so where is my food?”
The baker then reminded him: “it tasted very good!”
The king cried: “what is happening? !” And the baker gave him a cup.
“Drink dear king!” his subjects cried “and oh yes dear king: WAKE UP!”
So the king opened his eyes and found himself safe in bed.
The End

The Grip Of Hell

Love the Lord with all your heart
Commit your works to him.
It is by Him that you’ve been saved
No matter what the sin.
It’s by the Lord that your alive
And it’s by Him your free
Saved from a death of terror and fire!
A pit- that no mortal man sees.
Satan’s fist has tried to clench you
The icy grip we think we know.
Until the fingers hold to our thoughts
We’re stuck- with no place to go.
It is then, that you reach out your heart
To the Unseen above
He’ll take you in his arm’s with joy
And surround you with His love.
Then see His power and His grace
Think yourself not clever.
Don’t be afraid, accept His call,
Be it now or Hell forever.

The Creator’s Story of His Gift: //Rejected//
This young gift that’s in her womb
Has become this baby’s tomb.
Just he and God, as darkness falls,
The baby breaths his last-as Jesus calls.
This young child could have blessed the world
But instead to death this one's been hurled.
He wants to hold his mommy’s hand
And say, for you I’ll shine!
But call you didn’t for your sweet babe,
This gift you say: “is mine.”

God’s Sweet Love
This is a gift from God up above
A delicate child, blessed in His love.
Clothed in a goodness we cannot replace,
Given by truth of His compassionate grace.
Shown a sweet glory like never before,
Glistening with love for our God on that shore.
His tender sweet mercies are ever renowned!
As this day I know, it’s His love I’ve found.

That's all for now! Please leave a comment! :)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

I Forgot!

Here is another new pet we have that I forgot to post. His name is Tiggles and he is a Beta fish.

Tiggles

More New Mexico Photos

Here are some pictures taken by Kelsey and Jonathan. (Great job guys!)

Sunset

Sunset continued...

Sunrise (Red sky in morning sailors warning...)

Sunrise continued...

Sunrise still continued...

The "sailors" were warned that morning! New Mexico storm.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Quesadilla' Express

It was a chilly day today getting down to the 30s so we started a fire in our wood stove. Then, for lunch we were having quesadillas for lunch. (Quesadillas are tortillas with cheese.) So, Jeremiah decided to makes his own the old fashioned way...over a fire, and it worked!

"Ah! Just right!" (Jeremiah Hoppman)

President Obama

As EVERYONE knows Barack Obama became the 44th President. He wasn't every ones choice. Some people wanted John McCain, Ron Paul, or Chuck Baldwin. Even though he doesn't stand on the principles that Christians believe in, he still needs our prayers as he is now our President with the weight of America on his shoulders. As 1st Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV says, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings, and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." We need to pray that President Obama accepts Jesus Christ as his Savior and that he will make the right decisions.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Clouds In NM

Here is a picture Kelsey took of New Mexico's "puffy" clouds.

Kelsey's Poems

Here are a couple of Kelsey's poems. I can't put them all on this blog because there are so many.

Jesus: The Light of Hope

I was walking in the light
When darkness overcame
The thunder rumbled from afar
And from the heavens came the rain
Temptations circled round me
To make me sin no doubt
With pouring rain upon my face,
“My Jesus!” I cried out.
I began to feel so sorry
That I had come that treacherous way.
“It would have been simpler to stay!”
Thought I, as the sky turned darker grey.
Then soon this pity of myself
Crept deep within my heart.
“If only storm and rain would cease,
Or else, I’ll fall apart!”
Just then a glint of sunlight,
Peeped it’s golden head
For darkness cannot dwell within
That light of golden red.
I knew that through my pouting face,
I acted very wrong!
The bright sun seemed to show me this
My complaints are now long gone.
I then heard a strong sweet voice:
“Stay close, I’ll give you strength!
You are my child, I’d never leave you
For any given length!”
I am now enclosed in darkness,
And once again, alone.
But I’m not afraid, I have no fear,
For God’s mercy I’ve been shown.
Eventually I know this road will lead
To places all unknown.
At that time the sun will shine
In my everlasting home.
If you feel like you’re in the dark,
Don’t worry for you’ll see,
Our Lord, our Hope, our All in All,
Jesus Christ will set you free.

America
America great and beautiful
Let us show for all to see
America, you, who once stood tall
Was meant to be born free.
When we, God’s children have gone astray
Have hurt you Lord, in any way
Let us remember as we live
This life will pass, cause “things” don’t stay
Though we may boast
Of this nation who stands tall
If we depend on objects to bring us
Our great nation will soon fall.
If we God’s children rely on Him
America will, again begin
It starts with us to make that change
Even if this change means steering from sin.
Again may our nation, who once stood tall
Rely on our Maker, the creator of all.

But Not Alone
I smiled at little things, knowing not of life’s long way
Falling down and getting up, these lesson’s, smiles, and play-
But not alone.
I walked through the path of childlike faith
Going through life with a tear and a laugh-
But not alone.
I grew even more as I learned of life’s deep truths.
Stumbling many times, learning how to lose-
But not alone.
This life I found was hard and this pathway rough
It may not be easy, and I’ve traveled though it’s tough-
But not alone.
The farther I’ve come on this path of life, the more I see mistakes.
I know now, I can teach the young, of the wisdom that life takes-
But not alone.
Old and feeble in my bed, only lonely day’s I know.
There’s but a thin pillow to rest my head, labored breath just seems to grow-
But not alone.
And now, I finally shall close my eyes, my last breath now upon me.
My spirit rests in quiet strength, to heaven eternally-
But Not alone.

My Mothers Hands
When I see my mothers hand
I see all of the love-
The care to completer each task
That has been given from above.
I see the loving touch she gives,
The gentleness and helping hand
I see the care that’s been put in
So that her house, won’t be built on sand.
I see the many times,
When sharing was the choice
A quiet and meek spirit
And as well, Her gentle voice.
My mother is called blessed
At the gates she will be praised
It is love that keeps her going
Through life’s hard and tiresome maze.
It’s her hand that shows the care
Of meals kindly done.
All through life she trusts in God,
In Christ, she’s always won.
My mothers hands, as well show faith
In Jesus Christ with trust
Every prayer with clasped hands sent up
In faith, she knows she must.
When ‘er I see my mothers hands
It reminds me of her grace.
Her love to care for people like me
As well as joy’s full case.

My Mothers hands may be worn
But that’s what makes them glow.
Shining like silver, even gold,
For these hands of my mother I know.
So know proclaim to every parent
To sister and to brother.
This is who we proudly call
Our dearest and sweet mother.

That is all of the poems I will post for now. Maybe I will post more later. Thanks for reading!

Moving...Or NOT!

Our house is off the MLS. (Yay!) We will not be moving to Tijeras New Mexico. My Dad checked the prospect of moving to Belen, New Mexico, Lawton Oklahoma, Keene New Hampshire, Farmington New Mexico, Las Cruces New Mexico, or even El Paso Texas. All of these places had offered Dad a job but Dad turned them down because we believed it wasn't God's will. (And also because we hadn't sold the house.)

Personalities

In order to know a person well you get to understand their personality. So, I have decided to tell you all more about my siblings. (And me.)

Me: I am the kind of person who, for instance, tries rushing out the door and finds out it's locked after slamming my body into it. I am also the "techno geek" in the family. :) I am the kind of person who puts down a pen and seconds later is trying to remember where I put it last. I am somewhat like the comic relief person in our family too. I love to read and am interested in Christian filmaking and political leadership. You can read my profile for more info.

Kelsey: Kelsey is the pianist in our family. She is currently learning how to play the song, Fur Elise. She is a great babysitter, poet, and artist. (I will post some of her poems later.) She is very compassionate and an wonderful sister too. Her goal is to be a stay at home mom and she has her own business called Kelsianne bath and spa. (Website coming soon.)

Jeremiah: Jeremiah is our handyman and loves taking things apart and finding how they work while putting it back together. He wants to be an architect and is a gentleman. (When he's not in cohorts with his brother Jonathan! :)

Jonathan: Jonathan is the other comic relief person in our family. He also is the one that when we go out to the grocery store little old ladies run up and start hugging him exclaiming, "God bless you deary! God bless you!" (That really did happen!) He is a Hotwheels collector and wants to be a policeman or a mailman. He is our little weatherman as well. He is a wonderful runner!

Micah: Micah is a little gentleman. Micah is my roommate and loves to read. He is also our drummer and has a good ear when it comes to music. He loves to draw. (That kind of runs in the family). Micah aspires to be a veterinarian.

Mykaela: Mykaela wants to be a farmer's wife and hopes to have ten children when she grows up. (Five boys and five girls.) She is terrific with children and her siblings. She is really sweet.

Josiah: Josiah is the one who can't keep a straight face when getting pictures taken. He loves playing with cars and riding his tricycle. He is gracious enough to use the scrap paper when he makes cards for us at least two a day per sibling.

Keturah: Keturah is "mommies little helper." She and Josiah are hardly ever found apart. She will "style" her own hair to the way she likes it and hopes to be the next Cabbage Patch Doll. Just kidding but she is cute enough to be one!

So there you are! The personalities of every one of my brothers and sisters. You may not have met us but you can understand us a little better!

More On TeenPact 09'

During TeenPact all the alumni, (or the people that had been to TeenPact more than once), all got to talk and compare three ancient civilizations. We discussed ancient Rome, ancient Egypt, ancient Israel. It was fascinating. First we compared the three civilizations on how they viewed religion. What we discussed was that ancient Egypt was very religious. They would teach their children at a very young age about their religion. (They had the god of the sun, the god of water, etc.) Ancient Israel was deeply religious as well. They trusted in the Lord, Jesus to deliver them from their enemies when it came to battle time. If not for believing in God, the ancient Israelites would have died off. The Israelites did, however, turn away from their religion a lot and turned to the god Baal or Asherah. The ancient Romans had a religion but it was not their top priority. Their religion was influenced by the Grecians. (Set, the god of chaos, Nepture, the god of the sea, etc.) We discussed a couple hours later about the three civilizations and how they viewed family values and entertainment. Now, Egypt was not very military minded but they all were very literary. The ancient Egyptians did not exactly view entertainment as top priority. What they did for entertainment was go on hunting trips and play board games. The ancient Romans, however, LOVED entertainment. They especially enjoyed bloody "entertainment." That is why they built the Coliseum in Rome and had gladiator fights and set wild cats to attack people who weren't armed. The Romans did not really have any strong family values. In a typical Roman family the father could choose to raise or kill his children. He also owned everything in the house. In contrast, the ancient Israelites did not center their life around, "me, myself, and I." Their only entertainment included talking and getting to know each other and dancing or playing instruments.

The conversation we all had at TeenPact was very thought provoking and stimulating. I wish I could record it all. I got the main points down and if the topic interests you, you can always research it yourself! Remember, God plays a BIG role in government. If our government strays from Him, our nation will fall like ancient Egypt and Rome!