What's in a Name?

Ecstasy (n)- 2. Excessive joy; rapture; a degree of delight that arrests the whole mind; joy may rise to ecstasy. (Websters 1828 Dictionary)
Doldrums (n)- A sate of inactivity or stagnation.(Dictionary.com)

Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Death of Common Sense

This is from an email Jess sent me a month or so ago. It's sad, but true:

An Obituary printed in the London Times- interesting and sadly true


Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

- Knowing when to come in out of the rain

- Why the early bird gets the worm

- Life isn't always fair

- And maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies ( adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6 year old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have and abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;

I know my rights

I want it now

Someone else is to blame

I'm a victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.


Think about it America!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Ethan's Determination


"Amanda, you're my girl. I'm going to marry you."
"No, you can't. I'm going to marry someone else and you're going to marry someone else."
"No, I'm not going to get married and if any man comes around to try to marry you, I'm going to stop him."
"No!"
"Yes, I'll just say, 'stay away from my sister!!'"
"Why didn't you do that with Kayla?"
"I would have, but I was sleeping when he did the finger!" (i.e. when he put the ring on her finger to ask her to marry him!)

Friday, July 22, 2011

A Tale of Two Visits Part 1

This year we were blessed with two visits from the Johnson in the space of two months!
Jenna in her looovely outfit- even her socks match! ; )
A beautiful blue day in Freeport.

Jenna sporting a chic hat in the British goods store.
A funny candy bar in the British Goods store.
Lamentable.
Trio in Beans. Love those two sisters!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Mother's Day at Popham

As is our tradition, we went to Popham for Mother's Day.
Marshall throwing sand.

The wind blew it back into his face!
Nanny and Marshall
A seal. This is the third year that the Lord has blessed us with seals for mother's day!
Ti bearing the Moody double chin!!
Cool fort. Cool boy.

Uncle Ethan was writing his name in the sand...
...so Pip wanted to try too.
Ethan's name.
Marshall's name.
Sweet mommy and Ti baby.
Nappin'





So thankful for my mother, as well as the many mother's who exude the sacrificial love of Jesus in their daily lives toward their children!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

God's Wisdom

March 11

"Does God always give us what we ask in prayer?"
Sometimes His answer is no. He knows what we do not know. He knows everything and His negative answer is part of His plan for our lives.

My life is but a weaving, between my God and me.
I do not choose the colors, He worketh steadily.
Ofttimes He weaveth sorry, and I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.

Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly,
Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful in the skillful Weaver's hand,
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that in faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me.
~ Psalm119:75

Lord, it is hard to accept a negative answer, but keep us humble enough, patient enough, faithful enough to trust. Thank You that You always answer our prayers in Your way with a yes or a no. How good it is to know that You never make a mistake.

~ From Each New Day by Corrie Ten Boom

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Snapshots from June




I went inside for a minute, came back out and found this:
He must think he's a present! : )


They went swimming and were cold, so they came in and went swimming in the warm tub!
Eager enough to swim in a pool 1/4 of the way filled!


All-Stars for Ti!

"Mommy, I want a Green Smoothie!!"



Monday, July 18, 2011

A Day at the Coast

Take a look at the lobster boat- it's tres patriotic!

At the beginning of June, Ethan and I were invited on an expedition with the Shivelys to Pemequid.
Brielle in front of the remains of a tavern in what was the original Pemequid Colony.

Growing up we spend a weekend every summer with my mom's side of the family in Pemequid. My Aunt Brenda's in-laws owned a cottage right on the water and we played for hours outside and on the beach. If you've ever read the book Roxaboxen, you'll get an idea of what Kayla, my cousin Roxie and I spent exorbitant amounts of time doing.
Our Tour guide for the fort.


What was once a tower on one of the flanks of the fort.

Fort William Henry
This big rock was originally where the Native Americans would hide whilst attacking the colonists. So, a wise move by the colonists, they built the fort around it!
The Harbor.
Reuel
We were able to see a gun demonstration. Lock, stock and barrel!

As part of the tour, we went on a boat ride for a Puffin watch.
Four eager sailors!

One sunburned sailor.
Now don't quote me on this one, but I believe this is Monhegan Island. One of Maine's most famous Island villages.
The bird island. We saw 3 puffins- so cute- different kinds of seagulls, comrants and turns. Birds are fascinating!
Photo by Jo-Jo : )
We were also able to scout out some seals.
Jo-Jo
Ethan (He typed in his own name!)
Brielle
Tiersa

There is so much rich history in Maine! I encourage you to explore as much of it as you can!