tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29681779443787044192024-03-13T21:10:13.790-07:00Covenant FamilyKelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-57414955575634463452012-04-30T11:33:00.000-07:002012-04-30T11:33:06.438-07:00A little time offQuick note for Kelly.<br />
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We are blogging on our other site for the time being:<br />
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<a href="http://ourkenilworthhome.blogspot.com/">http://ourkenilworthhome.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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see you there!Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-33599913472091484572012-02-06T12:36:00.001-08:002012-02-06T12:36:32.005-08:00Cat…girls???<p> </p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-31AC3TiLk3E/TzA5zigk9_I/AAAAAAAAAlM/2DmWlnlo0wc/s1600-h/IMG_1923%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1923" border="0" alt="IMG_1923" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1G5xJJiiOz4/TzA5zx2bfhI/AAAAAAAAAlU/TCGHb_iWIuY/IMG_1923_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> <p> </p> <p>The girls had tons of fun this week….. </p> <p> </p> <p>Here they are posing in a very..uh.. intimidating.. stance.</p> <p> </p> <p>Beware, Greater Lebanon Area!</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-547183825502757922012-02-04T05:40:00.001-08:002012-02-05T15:33:14.364-08:00Sweet 16<p>Luke turned 16 on Tuesday, the 31st of January! We had a fabulous day. </p> <p>As the kids ate breakfast, I told them about the morning Luke was born – about feeling my very first contraction and thinking, “Hmmm…. I’ve never felt anything like<em> that</em> before!” About driving myself to the doctor’s office a couple of hours later – speeding a little and kind of hoping a policeman might want pull me over to ask me why I was.. Glenn had wanted to come home from work to take me – I think maybe he had the same thought I did.</p> <p>Luke was our biggest baby at 8lbs. 4oz! How surprised we were to find out he had red hair!! People have always asked him where he got it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p0Ih_h4R1lQ/Ty01R_2-3YI/AAAAAAAAAkc/aPabT5GrsVY/s1600-h/DCP_0296%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DCP_0296" border="0" alt="DCP_0296" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HtTpsWp0vGM/Ty01SbOw81I/AAAAAAAAAkg/FaaziKBZGTE/DCP_0296_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>He has been our precious little guinea pig. We are very proud of the godly young man God is growing him into. He is a devoted big brother, loves and honors Glenn and me, and loves God. </p> <p>He’s been driving with a Learner’s Permit for several months now, and he’s so conscientious about following the driving laws that it’s made me more careful myself. But, it will still be hard to watch him drive off by himself for the first time! </p> <p>Luke loves music – and is especially fond of Christian Rock/Metal groups. Words are important to him – he thinks the groups’ lyrics should respect God, and I think he knows all the words to most of the songs he listens to. He also reads up about the groups to make sure they are professing Christians. When I’m skeptical about the sound a particular group is making, he’s quick to show me what they’ve said about their faith and why they make music. I have to admit, sometimes I find myself humming some of the songs..they do tend to stick in your head.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7u7rS-gZkk4/Ty01TNTGi4I/AAAAAAAAAks/7LdGM32tNX8/s1600-h/IMG_1355%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1355" border="0" alt="IMG_1355" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ns1SsFo5rVs/Ty01Tf5dpDI/AAAAAAAAAk0/2w6AreLVxy0/IMG_1355_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> I read something once by Pastor Doug Wilson in which he stated he thinks young men like metal and rock music because the sounds they make are like heavy equipment and big machines. Luke grinned when I told him that – he agreed. </p> <p>This past Tuesday, he and I went to 5 Guys for lunch (his choice), and then to Sam Ash to look around. We looked all around the store, and then he tried out all 9 drum sets on the floor, in fact a couple of them he had to play twice. He loved startling me when he tapped a cow bell with the drum stick. It was a lot louder than I expected! Then he put some earphones on and hooked up to some kind of machine and played a couple of nice-looking electric guitars. I sat and watched him for a while. </p> <p>He’s asked me at least 3 times since Tuesday when we can go back again.</p> <p>One of the sweetest memories for me from his birthday this year happened right after breakfast. Isabella came up to me and asked quietly, “Is Luke of marrying age yet?”. When I told her he still had a few years yet, she gave a big sigh of relief and said, “Oh good!” Amen to that!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PqJpIUjJHog/Ty01T6g6NPI/AAAAAAAAAk8/ppkEstCtG0g/s1600-h/IMG_1308%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1308" border="0" alt="IMG_1308" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rx8Ft7GdDEI/Ty01UBG7iAI/AAAAAAAAAlE/REOUkGyHVNQ/IMG_1308_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> Happy 16th Birthday, Lukey! We love you!!</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-10955330582502118252011-12-22T03:56:00.001-08:002011-12-22T04:16:00.910-08:00Happy Birthday!<p>Our two beautiful, tiny little girls were born 8 years ago today!! They came 2 months early – weighing only 3lbs 10oz and 3lbs 13 oz. </p> <p>Although tiny, they were strong. Thank you, Lord!!</p> <p>Happy Birthday to our Isabella Faith and Sophia Grace- born at 1:01 & 1:02 pm respectively!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HAdusr_4QOI/TvMawYgY2jI/AAAAAAAAAi8/h4V_cNLaci4/s1600-h/DCP_1069%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DCP_1069" border="0" alt="DCP_1069" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6SGfcdffmfo/TvMawrOqlwI/AAAAAAAAAjE/hitRrl-hW8w/DCP_1069_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> here we are – just a few weeks beforehand..unaware of how soon we would see them. No, I am not making this picture any bigger than it already is.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G6gTYp39p64/TvMax8UpVII/AAAAAAAAAjM/fwMlNp27ld0/s1600-h/DCP_1112%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DCP_1112" border="0" alt="DCP_1112" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rksu5b7skzM/TvMayCV3IcI/AAAAAAAAAjU/Y1ImxyEfikc/DCP_1112_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="296"></a> </p> <p>Sophia’s first picture!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d4T9L-rY4aI/TvMazU70zQI/AAAAAAAAAjc/i8wptvRGCLo/s1600-h/DCP_1113%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DCP_1113" border="0" alt="DCP_1113" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OoXqc1VJLPc/TvMazpZHhCI/AAAAAAAAAjk/gDSb7a1u18A/DCP_1113_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="298"></a> </p> <p>Here’s Isabella!</p> <p>Although all those tubes look frightening, the girls were actually doing great – they just had to have CPAP for a bit initially.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fLJqeB-BOgQ/TvMa0P8g75I/AAAAAAAAAjs/DxqiCdC2Ep0/s1600-h/DCP_1160%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DCP_1160" border="0" alt="DCP_1160" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qcJRgSTgGw0/TvMa0WS2VrI/AAAAAAAAAj0/jB7XiFx2rFI/DCP_1160_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="243"></a> </p> <p>The day before they came home at 3 weeks old – 4lbs 1oz each!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qzSdUXG2irw/TvMa1fveQrI/AAAAAAAAAj8/jrDPf_6IakY/s1600-h/DCP_1199%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DCP_1199" border="0" alt="DCP_1199" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-94MJP_hjGuw/TvMa1qLVuOI/AAAAAAAAAkE/sgqvDf_p35c/DCP_1199_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> one of my favorites pictures of them when they were newborns…</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GGZwjFGAQp8/TvMa2n0KQ5I/AAAAAAAAAkM/ndG_kgGVFyA/s1600-h/IMG_1318%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1318" border="0" alt="IMG_1318" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-131yvgvIBiE/TvMa2y4kMlI/AAAAAAAAAkU/8Qbb5Q96OVA/IMG_1318_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="273"></a> and here are they are now! Playing with Sophia’s homemade laptops with attached headphones. </p> <p>Happy Birthday, Girls!! We love you!!</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-20329259433769185242011-12-12T02:44:00.001-08:002011-12-12T02:44:07.631-08:00Of the Father’s Love Begotten..<p>We’ve been busy here with birthdays and Christmas excitement, Advent gifts and sewing projects, Christmas Teas and weddings. Yes! All that in just the last month!</p> <p>But one of my favorite things we’ve done lately is to sing Christmas carols to a sweet friend. She lives alone now since her husband died a few years ago – although one of her daughters is close by – as are many of us in her church family. After a recent surgery for cataracts and a rotator cuff issue, she accidentally stepped on her cat, fell – and broke her hip! She is home now and recovering, but she has had weeks of pain and perseverance. </p> <p>So a group of us – 18 kids and 8 adults trooped on over to her house after church and sang Christmas carols to her in her living room, while she alternated between huge smiles of joy and tears of happiness. A simple thing for us – singing songs we love about the Savior we love. But for her – His love in action. God reminding her through us, that He has not forgotten her, nor forsaken her. He loves her – and so do we!</p> <p>After we left her home, and piled noisily into the van, I thanked the kids. I asked them if they could see how much their gift meant to Mrs. G. Of course they could tell – she had been absolutely delighted! And I reminded them how important it is not to forget people when they are sick, or hurt, or old… That although what seems a simple thing – singing Christmas carols- seems small to us, it is evidence of love – the Father’s love! – to someone else. Often, we need to be reminded of our Father’s love for us, and then show our gratitude by sharing His love with others – maybe just when they need to be reminded, too!</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-71955921904487484212011-11-13T18:18:00.001-08:002011-11-13T18:18:35.980-08:00A Bevy of Beauties<p>After church today, several girls came to spend the afternoon with us. It was very impromptu and very fun! Our 3 littlest girls went to visit cousins and friends, and we had cousins and friends here with us. </p> <p>Let’s see – we had girls ages 17, 15, 14, 14, 13, 13, 12, 11, 11, 11 – plus Luke and Noah. They played a favorite game called, “Family”, watched a couple of home-made video productions (mysteries), drew pictures, made their own video production, played the piano, and one of them even helped me make homemade applesauce. I popped them some popcorn and laid out the brownies left over from the fellowship meal today at church. </p> <p>What a delightful day it was – I love each of those girls and am so thankful for their friendships with our girls. Lovely young ladies, every one. </p> <p>We’ve always hoped our kids would invite friends here often as they enter their teen years. We want them to come and enjoy each other’s company, have plenty to eat, and feel welcome to relax and have fun. Lord willing, we will enjoy many more days like today with our kids and their friends!</p> <p>(grateful thanks to the parents for “lending” them to us!) </p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-13595009730041529892011-10-02T04:15:00.001-07:002011-10-02T04:17:21.525-07:00Paper flowers<p> </p> <p>No pictures of our little people this time – but a crafting idea for the crafty people. </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vnmSVtUAzBY/TohHrmy4vCI/AAAAAAAAAis/h6RE8mIuDM4/s1600-h/IMG_1231%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1231" border="0" alt="IMG_1231" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QKD6fnymCvk/TohHr3tfzjI/AAAAAAAAAiw/Au3TicdUoDE/IMG_1231_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="271"></a></p> <p>Alix had an idea that inspired me to make flowers out of craft/wrapping paper. The gift was for the bride-to-be, Crystal. The paper wrapped around the gift is the same paper we used to make the flowers. </p> <p>I saved several cans, cleaned them out, and Glenn kindly punched 2 holes on opposite sides around the rims. We threaded some jute string through them and then hung them from some trees at Crystal’s outdoor bridal shower. </p> <p>They were so simple, but I loved how pretty and delicate they look.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GRscLDHTVjA/TohHsq9gtVI/AAAAAAAAAik/WthNCog8xcM/s1600-h/IMG_1236%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1236" border="0" alt="IMG_1236" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gT-A2leP8qg/TohHtEViaRI/AAAAAAAAAio/1tfhttyKRAc/IMG_1236_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>We’ve made tissue paper flowers before, but this was a first. It gave us all kinds of ideas about what could possibly be used to make flowers!</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-2065796855099220152011-09-25T14:54:00.001-07:002011-09-25T18:02:53.343-07:00Grace<p>Luke is working on his new Catechism question. It is so good – that all week I have planned to put it here. Finally! I did it.</p> <p>Westminster Larger Catechism, Question #71:</p> <p><em>How is justification an act of God’s free grace?</em></p> <p>Answer:</p> <p><em>Although Christ, by His obedience and death, did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God’s justice in the behalf of them that are justified; yet inasmuch as God accepteth the satisfaction from a surety, His own only Son, imputing His righteousness to them, and requiring nothing of them for their justification but faith, which also is His gift, their justification is to them of free grace.</em></p> <p> </p> <p>Even now, as I read it again, I am amazed, and so very thankful to God for His goodness.. and His beautiful grace.</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-35478032541480202022011-09-20T12:08:00.001-07:002011-09-20T16:09:32.287-07:00Pumpkin Pie Cake<p>Every month, I have lunch with my 3 wonderful sisters-in-law (Vickie, Julia and Marianne), Aunt Pauline, and Marilyn (Glenn’s step-mom). We were at Aunt Pauline’s this time, and she served a wonderful meal – but of course my favorite was dessert! It was sooooo good – and so perfect for this time of year, that I had to have the recipe. I haven’t made it yet – but I can definitely vouch for its goodness. </p> <p>You really should try it! You won’t be disappointed!</p> <p>1 32 oz can pumpkin</p> <p>1 1/2 c sugar</p> <p>1 tsp ginger</p> <p>1/2 tsp ground cloves</p> <p>1 large can (about 15 oz Eagle Brand) of evaporated milk</p> <p>4 beaten eggs</p> <p> </p> <p>2 sticks butter </p> <p>and a yellow or white cake mix</p> <p> </p> <p>Mix together the top 6 ingredients and pour into a 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with the box of cake mix. Melt the 2 sticks of butter and drizzle over it all. You can top with pecans if you want. Bake at 325 for 1 1/2 hours.</p> <p> </p> <p>I only wish I had a picture…<img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u8k3LZPpQYk/TnjkwPLr0ZI/AAAAAAAAAiY/NfVXn2AltSA/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-59938111959978999782011-09-10T18:56:00.001-07:002011-09-10T18:56:51.996-07:00Lake Michigan<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ghv81G8otxo/TmwVBiBehSI/AAAAAAAAAgs/az0inncEq08/s1600-h/IMG_1225%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1225" border="0" alt="IMG_1225" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Otwma7zDkMo/TmwVCFXle_I/AAAAAAAAAgw/s6IAUyGhdOk/IMG_1225_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> A few pictures from our recent trip to Lake Michigan with the Worleys and Gilberts… so much fun…</p> <p>Great weather, great food, great times with our family! </p> <p> </p> <p>There was a little digging in the sand….</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HyaPmhIemXg/TmwVEIQhQPI/AAAAAAAAAg0/nGWwohijL8U/s1600-h/IMG_1118%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1118" border="0" alt="IMG_1118" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5_3jjhtIrAo/TmwVEoXn2HI/AAAAAAAAAg4/zDxTiw66dYs/IMG_1118_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X6v3O04HG6s/TmwVFqixwnI/AAAAAAAAAg8/KmNRtpShxGY/s1600-h/IMG_1190%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1190" border="0" alt="IMG_1190" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lRev6gwZUN4/TmwVGHffrzI/AAAAAAAAAhA/MbNvIa2ZmL8/IMG_1190_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lmY9l0tOd9M/TmwVHsGNcJI/AAAAAAAAAhE/2hvx0Wl_XxI/s1600-h/IMG_1115%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1115" border="0" alt="IMG_1115" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yDABkp0ruqU/TmwVIMMyBcI/AAAAAAAAAhI/7W0z3WCwQXk/IMG_1115_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> </p> <p>There was a little swimming in the lake….</p> <img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1114" border="0" alt="IMG_1114" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F7OAa-xBTTc/TmwVIoDjN_I/AAAAAAAAAhM/bJN92UlppNw/IMG_1114_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ryxH7isEhxs/TmwVJcqw_KI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/wMsPR0k0wXY/s1600-h/IMG_1155%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1155" border="0" alt="IMG_1155" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--cDXZY_8fgE/TmwVJ0H096I/AAAAAAAAAhU/tFeVy2Q-3AE/IMG_1155_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2Xb-fDxlc6E/TmwVKs7U96I/AAAAAAAAAhY/jvOsiBcM2K8/s1600-h/IMG_1143%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1143" border="0" alt="IMG_1143" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yHTd6NbvN4o/TmwVLHyiUwI/AAAAAAAAAhc/BId4Zm-fbkA/IMG_1143_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6fWSweLTwdA/TmwVMN9tddI/AAAAAAAAAhg/u9FPlxa2NXc/s1600-h/IMG_1158%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1158" border="0" alt="IMG_1158" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NicOF_YCCR4/TmwVM98R9PI/AAAAAAAAAhk/pUJHVBM5pp0/IMG_1158_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d6rW58HjWuA/TmwVNwBF-mI/AAAAAAAAAho/JsCqLQU4TeM/s1600-h/IMG_1137%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1137" border="0" alt="IMG_1137" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OgaK28uPEpA/TmwVOXpQYmI/AAAAAAAAAhs/ltCfn-Qsjgk/IMG_1137_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SpZG8blZ8cY/TmwVPWo7r5I/AAAAAAAAAhw/8OHRtXxYlWA/s1600-h/IMG_1181%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1181" border="0" alt="IMG_1181" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S3OEcKJRWwM/TmwVP1SaasI/AAAAAAAAAh0/7naPYSlJg6w/IMG_1181_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>And then finally, a little rest….</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jq_3XxNGGQU/TmwVRVsssuI/AAAAAAAAAh4/1Ar61hcmnWk/s1600-h/IMG_1202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1202" border="0" alt="IMG_1202" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-300H-aQsxP8/TmwVR7e_SpI/AAAAAAAAAh8/29OC7w5OKa8/IMG_1202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Giq-k-2oW9E/TmwVTAP7fxI/AAAAAAAAAiA/4OndXy1ml2k/s1600-h/IMG_1223%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1223" border="0" alt="IMG_1223" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Px875JbMJoQ/TmwVUGQesqI/AAAAAAAAAiE/WvVLB_1-65A/IMG_1223_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wB_K8Solado/TmwVVJaJIjI/AAAAAAAAAiI/3E_H5z0GTec/s1600-h/IMG_1201%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1201" border="0" alt="IMG_1201" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ihufOyj3gQk/TmwVVjVVVYI/AAAAAAAAAiM/lhWtSxYZP2Y/IMG_1201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Goodbye Beachaus!! Thank you, Gilberts, for sharing your wonderful home with us!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y5rhDj4nz0U/TmwVX52o4LI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/bL9wrdQT4Bw/s1600-h/IMG_1224%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1224" border="0" alt="IMG_1224" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jjo9dnmiVMg/TmwVYn-8TFI/AAAAAAAAAiU/ytbzFWU-EZU/IMG_1224_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-29020972591674574902011-09-10T18:35:00.001-07:002011-09-10T18:35:27.068-07:00Babies (?)<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CgLhbdCuhRI/TmwQWs67mSI/AAAAAAAAAgg/cshAZPs1IZM/s1600-h/IMG_1110%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1110" border="0" alt="IMG_1110" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gdDXLBZ2DmQ/TmwQXLWNG1I/AAAAAAAAAgk/uPacwbEYyxQ/IMG_1110_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> This was too cute not to post. After watching “Babies” with the Cox girls, Alix wrapped Olivia the way we watched the Japanese nurse wrap a Japanese baby! She’s just a wee bit bigger than that baby. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xz_n6qln9Mw/TmwQXck7nBI/AAAAAAAAAgo/qokRyO4oTo4/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-77990566730166574092011-08-11T18:07:00.001-07:002011-08-12T13:16:11.796-07:00Encouragement<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uJa_W0XeQO0/TkR8wCdm0pI/AAAAAAAAAgY/k9H2sYlRoAY/s1600-h/IMG_0835%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0835" border="0" alt="IMG_0835" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UpRxiodjC7A/TkR8wv_rtUI/AAAAAAAAAgc/chUo4CmFY0o/IMG_0835_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="318"></a> </p> <p>We’ve recently been studying the Renaissance artists. Kate dressed Olivia and Isabella up in their Thanksgiving dresses and posed them – so she could paint a picture, inspired by this beautiful painting by Johannes Vermeer. </p> <p> <img src="http://www.students.sbc.edu/mclemore10/IMAGES/Large%20Milkmaid.jpg" width="254" height="285"></p> <p>I especially love his “girl with a pearl earring”. </p> <p><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Johannes_Vermeer_(1632-1675)_-_The_Girl_With_The_Pearl_Earring_(1665).jpg/300px-Johannes_Vermeer_(1632-1675)_-_The_Girl_With_The_Pearl_Earring_(1665).jpg" width="300" height="429"></p> <p> </p> <p>Copying the masters is a well-known approach to learning how to draw. As long as you don’t compare yourself too critically to the master, who was after all.. a master, but realize that you are learning bit by bit. </p> <p>Through the years, I’ve read and heard wonderful advice by some very godly ladies, who have encouraged me not to compare myself too often with others, but to be inspired by their good examples. I’m reminded of this sometimes when I talk with a friend, or listen in conversations among women. We talk about our convictions, our reasons behind choices we make for ourselves or our families. Sometimes, I have made similar choices to my friends’, sometimes I have done things differently. </p> <p>Being gracious to one another is important at times like these. Occasionally, we might be tempted to feel a little defensive about our own position, to want to pipe up about our choices and insist that we think *this* is a good way to do something. </p> <p>But I wonder if oftentimes, it’s better just to encourage each other. Instead of assuming someone is trying to trump us or change us, assume they are telling us why they do such and such because they value our support – they want it. Assume their intent isn’t to compare themselves with us – but to share themselves with us. </p> <p>Assume God is giving us a perfect opportunity to do something good for the friend – encourage them! </p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-52574364208388587352011-08-05T09:31:00.001-07:002011-08-05T09:32:45.627-07:00the niceties of necessities…<p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p1H6-xa_qFI/Tjwa1yQzq6I/AAAAAAAAAf4/QrJZIFhHo5o/s1600-h/IMG_0828%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0828" border="0" alt="IMG_0828" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hYzaYMh5IDY/Tjwa2Tkl0pI/AAAAAAAAAf8/wlefm5jCKWg/IMG_0828_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> </p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E-7dmSwecOY/Tjwa270w7OI/AAAAAAAAAgA/AN7jySzWdBo/s1600-h/IMG_0832%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0832" border="0" alt="IMG_0832" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ue5aYoDaYHI/Tjwa3cs2AJI/AAAAAAAAAgE/qmLU09f2HhU/IMG_0832_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <p> </p> <p>Sometimes it’s not enough to just put it away.. fun must be had with it….the need for creativity can’t be ignored….</p> <p>later it will serve it’s ultimate purpose… but for now…. </p> <p>stack it..</p> <p>pile it..</p> <p>surround yourself with it…</p> <p>stand tall next to it…</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_T0O3asEu_o/Tjwa4EFFX6I/AAAAAAAAAgI/8UNo4PgQA_E/s1600-h/IMG_0833%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0833" border="0" alt="IMG_0833" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LGSuREfZ_mc/Tjwa4RpU-AI/AAAAAAAAAgM/7YR64XIyljY/IMG_0833_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>ok, girls, time to take the telescoping dust pole out of the middle and get those rolls a’rollin’……</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-1864459137998964332011-07-28T03:42:00.001-07:002011-07-28T18:29:45.038-07:00when I was 2…<p>Olivia likes to refer to things in the distant past as happening, “when I was 2.” She used to do lots of things she can clearly remember now… “when I was 2.”</p> <p>A few weeks ago, we were at Clint and Marianne’s for the first extended Orr Family reunion we’ve had since I’ve been an Orr. I think someone said it was the first in 30 years. Anyway, one of the fun things we did was take a walk in the family cemetery. Several of us scattered around the cemetery, reading dates and names of Orrs who had lived and died; some of them I knew, most I didn’t. Olivia skipped around the headstones, the hot sun on her blonde head, stopping every now and again to stare at the stones with their etching, and ask me a question. As we stood in front of one that reported the death date as 1843, or something close to that, she said, “That was the one I knew when I was 2.” She said it very firmly – as though she knew without a doubt it was the truth. It made me laugh.</p> <p>I’ve been reading <em><u>Charlotte’s Web</u></em> to her and the twins. We’re at the part where the old sheep just told Wilbur that the farmer is fattening him up for Christmas Dinner – and Wilbur is horrified, of course, and runs around squealing and crying. So yesterday, Sophia asked me why people want to eat pigs for Christmas. Why not some other kind of animal? Why not the goose? I told the girls that some people do in fact eat goose for Christmas Dinner (remembering a funny story about a friend’s stolen Christmas goose). Olivia piped up and said, “I did. I had goose when I was 2.”</p> <p>She definitely did a lot of things when she was 2.</p> <p>Most of them she still remembers.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z-hgglM8B_U/TjE8_xQ4W4I/AAAAAAAAAe4/YrVWcAzaCcg/s1600-h/IMG_6552%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6552" border="0" alt="IMG_6552" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1pSVuKgPtz8/TjE9AD5o5AI/AAAAAAAAAe8/h7_n5LhKGY4/IMG_6552_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>Her 2nd birthday. Very.. girl in the world but not of the world…</p> <p>other things she did when she was 2..</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ckztH2tsqqE/TjE_pQwflPI/AAAAAAAAAfA/ZYJYdzlaKxA/s1600-h/IMG_6464%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6464" border="0" alt="IMG_6464" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VNPmlcBjBRM/TjE_pxnuhLI/AAAAAAAAAfE/S29mKgyMqGU/IMG_6464_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ksy-NFRraAA/TjE_qyxIjzI/AAAAAAAAAfI/f33PAQphUxI/s1600-h/IMG_6693%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6693" border="0" alt="IMG_6693" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_BWLVJrxoh8/TjE_rI121-I/AAAAAAAAAfM/eGZFdO8QFF0/IMG_6693_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Rz_-ZF2_A2w/TjE_sGyRRiI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/U9r9uXaCUsU/s1600-h/IMG_6607%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6607" border="0" alt="IMG_6607" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SqxDr_EBdo0/TjE_sirUyeI/AAAAAAAAAfU/nMT-UyxFws8/IMG_6607_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3GJpQf38la8/TjE_ttrfN9I/AAAAAAAAAfY/s-Z6PlAimXc/s1600-h/IMG_6723%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6723" border="0" alt="IMG_6723" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5jgzt4ClXKI/TjE_t9LfhmI/AAAAAAAAAfc/fWEcZwAa1xI/IMG_6723_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I6O4PW_kUeE/TjE_vDhfO2I/AAAAAAAAAfg/9Kr0e6o7uDo/s1600-h/IMG_6775%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6775" border="0" alt="IMG_6775" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ztT1v9ix-nE/TjE_vTPl0fI/AAAAAAAAAfk/j4JY0cAEa4w/IMG_6775_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tvpxXmaihxM/TjE_v2XU8hI/AAAAAAAAAfo/sCMrPPkgag0/s1600-h/IMG_7008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7008" border="0" alt="IMG_7008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nvF1YeRFBws/TjE_wWWGazI/AAAAAAAAAfs/ro3wkCsZpbo/IMG_7008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ju_TgBQWwF8/TjE_xW4FABI/AAAAAAAAAfw/SzCu29e90U4/s1600-h/IMG_7096%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7096" border="0" alt="IMG_7096" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K3_ebLxZGMM/TjE_xtz_efI/AAAAAAAAAf0/gKDOomBytTA/IMG_7096_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-52705842657083253772011-07-20T19:24:00.001-07:002011-07-21T09:53:46.288-07:00Gratitude<p> It seems like we are regularly given opportunities to teach the kids about gratitude. This past week and a half it has been about the air conditioning, or lack of it, in this very hot and humid weather. After the first day, when we reminded them that God has provided a clean, safe, beautiful home for us even if the AC is acting up, no one murmured a word of complaint. We told them that some people will never experience the luxury of AC – and endure much hotter temps than this. We only have to endure it for a very short time. During family prayers, we’ve heard a lot of words of thanks for giving them this “trial” of no AC. </p> <p>We’ve talked about trials often – especially this last year as the kids are getting older and it becomes more real for them. Our Spurgeon devotions have been very helpful in this way. Here is an excerpt from today’s:</p> <p>“<em>Changing circumstances often causes the anxious believer to ask, “Why is this happening to me?”….Is this part of God’s plan for me? Can this be the way in which God would bring me to heaven? Yes, it is even so. These trials are for the testing and strengthening of your faith- they are waves that wash you further upon the rock- they are winds that steer your ship more quickly toward the desired haven. Do not think, believer, that your sorrows are out of God’s plan; they are necessary parts of it. Learn, then, to “count it all joy…when you meet trials of various kinds.” James 1:2”</em></p> <p> </p> <p>We had been talking about place settings for our etiquette time today. The kids each took turns setting a proper place setting with fork, knife, spoon, napkin, and plate. So after reading the devotion above, the Lord inspired me: I picked up the plate, handed it to Noah, and told the children that this is what God does for each of us. He gives us a plate – filled with all manner of things – things desirable to us, and things that seem not so desirable. And no matter what is on it, we should accept the plate eagerly, with a thankful heart, knowing He gives it to us for our good and His glory. </p> <p>When you are given a plate with something unexpected, maybe even something you really didn’t think you needed (or wanted), ask God to help you to “Consider it all joy…” and take the plate with a heart of gratitude. It is being given to you by One Who loves you and takes care of you. </p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-51484129227865732112011-07-09T19:05:00.001-07:002011-07-09T19:05:49.302-07:00Fun on the Fourth<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S2qIkH-2wEw/ThkIlYpaR9I/AAAAAAAAAcY/dB6BXpQ1W8w/s1600-h/IMG_0300%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0300" border="0" alt="IMG_0300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lkJX-rpgpiw/ThkIlj1julI/AAAAAAAAAcc/EFWzwHnJxCc/IMG_0300_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> Our parade wagon – bedecked with bunting..</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U1lKbTNaKXU/ThkInwrno9I/AAAAAAAAAcg/mehJ7Uotc7w/s1600-h/IMG_0308%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0308" border="0" alt="IMG_0308" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4XYQCaTOty8/ThkIocuGu1I/AAAAAAAAAck/34KFlN4rH6g/IMG_0308_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>Some of the girls and their friends waiting to follow behind the wagon on their decorated bikes – A couple of dads walked/jogged behind them.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mQSGF441GJc/ThkIp7E0uoI/AAAAAAAAAco/niFCXAjhcO8/s1600-h/IMG_0303%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0303" border="0" alt="IMG_0303" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SutgyN6j0aI/ThkIqONaJdI/AAAAAAAAAcs/ZoP5pLWbIzk/IMG_0303_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> Waiting to get the show, er I mean, parade on the road..</p> <p> </p> <p>After the parade, we went to Mom and Dad’s for the day. Their neighbors kindly invited us down to swim since they were out of town. We had FUN!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vSjbfBrZTG4/ThkIrPhlLII/AAAAAAAAAcw/IR9RFhok0OQ/s1600-h/IMG_0328%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0328" border="0" alt="IMG_0328" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kvQtU4AmNJM/ThkIreBk01I/AAAAAAAAAc0/mIjsQ00ivFw/IMG_0328_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> Olivia <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rLPWYEwQU8g/ThkIsdAwe-I/AAAAAAAAAc4/8nPMWkpKv0E/s1600-h/IMG_0317%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0317" border="0" alt="IMG_0317" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EO0opRMHQX0/ThkIs3X-LpI/AAAAAAAAAc8/hM8IipVWQws/IMG_0317_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> Sophia </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z4gCVTPjY0g/ThkItsqp8SI/AAAAAAAAAdA/2H_8qMmmtB8/s1600-h/IMG_0452%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0452" border="0" alt="IMG_0452" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ExT2dFSgy5A/ThkIt8xVDBI/AAAAAAAAAdE/8lJ9kb_9Ejk/IMG_0452_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> Isabella <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HLgS8bFdqZo/ThkIvBAqLII/AAAAAAAAAdI/HVpYB40PQ-A/s1600-h/IMG_0351%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0351" border="0" alt="IMG_0351" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JcJvaaZJn3o/ThkIv51urLI/AAAAAAAAAdM/vmniE54U5s8/IMG_0351_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a>Luke </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2B9wOYnJjcU/ThkIw5Fpi0I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/g_1T_eJHEms/s1600-h/IMG_0396%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0396" border="0" alt="IMG_0396" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2RaVOLZgXk8/ThkIxAKvBqI/AAAAAAAAAdU/Ahdtl-XHsV4/IMG_0396_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a>Noah <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kerhtIEEd5c/ThkIx4ptPKI/AAAAAAAAAdY/FeLv59fiR10/s1600-h/IMG_0438%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0438" border="0" alt="IMG_0438" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3wfieqeFBPc/ThkIyTsNavI/AAAAAAAAAdc/4-VCmGqzrMk/IMG_0438_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a>Kate <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-veM8NzJwwLE/ThkIzYi284I/AAAAAAAAAdg/uT5ou9dm3o8/s1600-h/IMG_0424%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0424" border="0" alt="IMG_0424" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h7o64-AgWMA/ThkIzoP-hUI/AAAAAAAAAdk/12BvWczitIA/IMG_0424_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a>Alix</p> <p> </p> <p>Cousins</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MLEzlk5U_AQ/ThkI0r5D8kI/AAAAAAAAAdo/8UaXuf-SB8c/s1600-h/IMG_0321%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0321" border="0" alt="IMG_0321" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tZsDqcsFLVg/ThkI0_RGjTI/AAAAAAAAAds/ixbXX6zXGXo/IMG_0321_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gYiXUYDUafM/ThkI2Qab9TI/AAAAAAAAAdw/Vmdlx_cRmKs/s1600-h/IMG_0374%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0374" border="0" alt="IMG_0374" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MD_MDx-3hhY/ThkI24StqOI/AAAAAAAAAd0/baCaiN5A5oQ/IMG_0374_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FDe4-1SxFbQ/ThkI38VT1YI/AAAAAAAAAd4/MCxF6fy3Czs/s1600-h/IMG_0393%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0393" border="0" alt="IMG_0393" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bs0PByvWzL4/ThkI4TF_QkI/AAAAAAAAAd8/gdzaZLD222s/IMG_0393_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iubPnGql3sM/ThkI5K3OEXI/AAAAAAAAAeA/rFTlJa65Pao/s1600-h/IMG_0384%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0384" border="0" alt="IMG_0384" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VAb10nEQUE4/ThkI5Rgg4kI/AAAAAAAAAeE/x2hG0WoVb-E/IMG_0384_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DozJPjHXES0/ThkI6dPCAhI/AAAAAAAAAeI/4IGh5MDx080/s1600-h/IMG_0441%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0441" border="0" alt="IMG_0441" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-57g7gV_WkH4/ThkI63_dYqI/AAAAAAAAAeM/rGdXbTRoZw0/IMG_0441_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M2ScV4WK7Tc/ThkI7ritCfI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/mJNrEOVCExE/s1600-h/IMG_0465%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0465" border="0" alt="IMG_0465" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sprrRH5xu7k/ThkI8DEr-3I/AAAAAAAAAeU/8tBJzIMex40/IMG_0465_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xOhXn1SiUQ0/ThkI8wepD3I/AAAAAAAAAeY/Dwq9cLwUzD8/s1600-h/IMG_0468%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0468" border="0" alt="IMG_0468" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jgOzFpsCoR4/ThkI9VPC6cI/AAAAAAAAAec/vRyAs1kpqVs/IMG_0468_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZOgQ5JleOEU/ThkI-bBzbKI/AAAAAAAAAeg/7a0HaZVQDwg/s1600-h/IMG_0517%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0517" border="0" alt="IMG_0517" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jhQK_viDlB0/ThkI-917_zI/AAAAAAAAAek/EVIHwyBEtx8/IMG_0517_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-4745318607531286092011-07-04T04:03:00.001-07:002011-07-04T04:03:02.142-07:00Happy 4th!!<p>Hope you all have a wonderful, fun-filled day! We’re going to the parade, actually riding bikes and in the wagon for our church in the parade – so we’re all pretty excited about that. Then a day of fun with all the cousins and Grandma and Grandpa! Lots of good food and we’ll be swimming at Mom and Dad’s generous neighbor’s beautiful pool today! The kids are all ecstatic.</p> <p>I’ll post pictures soon!</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-79572281619485647002011-07-04T03:58:00.001-07:002011-07-04T03:58:38.768-07:00praying for Sophia<p>A friend recently asked me about Sophia and how she is doing – especially since that blue episode. I was glad she asked, and I realized others might also be wondering how Sophia has been. So here is a little update, a copy of what I sent my friend. </p> <p><em>You are so kind to ask about her; thank you. Sophia is doing well. She hasn't had another blue episode, praise God. She had an appointment this past Monday with her pulmonologist - a regularly scheduled visit. After she did her blowing tests, I talked with the doctor about them. They measure how much air she is able to push through her lung in a big breath. You may already know that the left lung has 2 lobes, while the right lung has 3. Since her right lung is gone, the tests reflect the air going through the left lung's two lobes. The test measures the ability in the upper lobe - which has larger, thicker bronchioles, and then the lower lobe, which consists of 23 "generations" of smaller, skinnier branches. The 2 numbers for Sophia's upper lobe are in the 50's and 70's, while the lower ones are in the 30's. The doctor's goal is to have all the numbers in the 80's, but she said she's not sure that is possible. A normal child with 2 lungs would have all four numbers around 125-130. </em></p> <p><em>It really brought home to us how compromised she is on a day-to-day basis, as far as her ability to breathe is concerned. In fact, when she had a virus last month, her lower numbers were 22. But, God has really made her such a strong little girl in so many other aspects. She is very skinny- but all muscle! The girl will most likely never need to say no to chocolate chips. :) </em></p> <p><em>After the dr. visit, thinking about the numbers and about Sophia made me want to get down on my knees and thank God - for giving her to us, for taking care of her so well, for His kindness to her. She doesn't know how different her "numbers" are - that she has to work so much harder to breathe. She's just living life - and very happily at that!</em></p> <p><em>But it does give us a good picture of how important it is to pray for her continually - and reminds us of how thankful we are when other people pray for her, too. Thank you!</em></p> <p>If you are one who has faithfully prayed for Sophia… Thank you. I really can’t tell you how much we appreciate it.</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-8790274413808813982011-06-27T06:45:00.001-07:002011-07-13T13:30:48.755-07:00Ballet camp<p>The older 4 girls had a great time last week at ballet camp. They decorated tambourines and gold gypsy scarves, colored Celtic crosses and ballerinas, learned a little tap and jazz, and had a grand time with their friends. </p> <p>I think, though, that the Irish dancing was their favorite. Their ballet teacher, Ms. Hume, had a young man from Indianapolis’ Irish Dance group come every day to teach the girls Irish dance. He was an excellent instructor, very encouraging to the girls, and fun to watch when he demonstrated his competition steps.</p> <p>Here are a few pictures!</p> <blockquote> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fsNafXyY2vM/TgiIfG-ehOI/AAAAAAAAAak/UNwyvrjuaY8/s1600-h/IMG_0178%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0178" border="0" alt="IMG_0178" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tlvwB-e-jMg/TgiIf-WSC6I/AAAAAAAAAao/M5P-VxQRlcE/IMG_0178_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> here is the twins’ class learning an Irish jig</p></blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uegetT_xhaY/TgiIhZ1B4RI/AAAAAAAAAas/Y-AbxlsBK7k/s1600-h/IMG_0190%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0190" border="0" alt="IMG_0190" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KAeWWtnvNmY/TgiIkWnknBI/AAAAAAAAAaw/qBD3tr_eAq0/IMG_0190_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>Colin and the girls</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NMXiwrRpqUw/TgiImNVaQgI/AAAAAAAAAa0/oPg3WVaJ508/s1600-h/IMG_0213%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0213" border="0" alt="IMG_0213" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_LCYmdYL0d4/TgiIpg90T3I/AAAAAAAAAa4/5NMa5PVyeCA/IMG_0213_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>Kate practicing a jump</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-00y9Trmny2Y/TgiIrQQHKnI/AAAAAAAAAa8/pzyDt6ylhOw/s1600-h/IMG_0200%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0200" border="0" alt="IMG_0200" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NLeL7IA8nck/TgiIuJtsIWI/AAAAAAAAAbA/46iutX7x-Tk/IMG_0200_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> I took a close up shot of Colin’s shoes – they have fiberglass blocks on the soles and heels to make the clopping noise when he dances.</p> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NaUyDBPtpJY/TgiIvbWSkUI/AAAAAAAAAbE/ZbNDAnAvLyk/s1600-h/IMG_0219%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0219" border="0" alt="IMG_0219" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5XMCyLn6D1s/TgiIwD3H7qI/AAAAAAAAAbI/NkvPo2BSE4w/IMG_0219_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> Alix and Kate were in the same class.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4YPfa3vVD9I/TgiI0UJxR7I/AAAAAAAAAbM/I5Z1EkDZhoY/s1600-h/IMG_0220%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0220" border="0" alt="IMG_0220" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xIctsHtOy_s/TgiI0mYDw9I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/eTH9uf9sDcs/IMG_0220_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> A lot of girls in that class – I think around 20!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bkTzdpc96Ls/TgiI12Ov3QI/AAAAAAAAAbU/uPq9OSUy8tw/s1600-h/IMG_0255%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0255" border="0" alt="IMG_0255" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sOEEZhdiYak/TgiJCMXKwYI/AAAAAAAAAbc/zk33K5dG-2c/IMG_0255_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R96UvrCjHV8/TgiJFIzjcmI/AAAAAAAAAbg/AfB68Ic6e_E/s1600-h/IMG_0281%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0281" border="0" alt="IMG_0281" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FaN1F6tdaRE/TgiJFmVzosI/AAAAAAAAAbk/Dp_sKzcJoEQ/IMG_0281_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cmHlVwoFy9M/TgiJGywQXPI/AAAAAAAAAbo/OllmQpHmRhU/s1600-h/IMG_0280%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0280" border="0" alt="IMG_0280" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vwknxJm-a_E/TgiJcujiT3I/AAAAAAAAAbs/NQtbg1O6nqM/IMG_0280_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WUJD6zzQ5rQ/TgiJdeLmk2I/AAAAAAAAAbw/TNqcxLJ8t-s/s1600-h/IMG_0170%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0170" border="0" alt="IMG_0170" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GBf89MZJkeI/TgiJd0JUjFI/AAAAAAAAAb0/vFLQYQwJ-r8/IMG_0170_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Thought I should add that Colin is 2nd in the World in Irish Dance. He told me the guy who is 1st is a friend of his – and Irish! So, just a plug for Colin- he’s terrific, and a really stunning dancer!</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-34168487164976960222011-06-15T04:04:00.001-07:002011-06-15T04:06:03.852-07:00Olivia Clare<p>Miss Olivia turned 5 this past Lord’s Day. Our baby!</p> <p>We had a wonderful time at Mom and Dad’s on Saturday with the cousins. There was a pink princess tiara pinata, a 3-layer chocolate cake with pink icing and pink pearls, little pink pots and pans and utensils, and a pink plaid sundress to match Claire’s – the other birthday girl.</p> <p>After church, came Grandma and Grandpa and Mr. and Mrs. Hoke, per Olivia’s request. She was delighted with her ice cream cake and candles – dancing and laughing while we sang to her. She opened her gifts carefully and happily – expressing joy even for the Hello Kitty bandaids. That night, it took a little bit of extra time to fall asleep for our excited girl and her sisters.</p> <p>Monday was our birthday lunch date. She and I went to Red Robin – at the twins’ urging. They told her she would get a balloon – so that cinched things for her. Then we went to Claire’s Boutique and had a fun time looking at all the girly things. Eventually, she picked out a pink and black lemur, since the twins had chosen lemurs at their birthday trip to Claire’s. </p> <p>We sang songs in the car and talked about all kinds of things. My sweet girl! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dJmForY5jac/TfiRsBJlbVI/AAAAAAAAAZw/vW6EMgKUAnY/s1600-h/IMG_0127%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0127" border="0" alt="IMG_0127" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nbRsTTow1hQ/TfiRseTqkYI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/iWn4ZPVsrNc/IMG_0127_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> here she is dancing, hair flying, during “Happy Birthday”</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UajFEW5ZG6I/TfiRtI21D1I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/c6sDM_hOCSY/s1600-h/IMG_0089%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0089" border="0" alt="IMG_0089" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c1OlM0wudX0/TfiRtV1hf-I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/GdQ5GNpndkw/IMG_0089_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> “I’ve always wanted this Barbie..” <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TSLZvW24b2M/TfiRvwIu6NI/AAAAAAAAAaA/-WjLGMC_47s/s1600-h/IMG_0112%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0112" border="0" alt="IMG_0112" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5G40_iis4oE/TfiRwm81-HI/AAAAAAAAAaE/xigJIyOe86U/IMG_0112_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E5k9Pt5XZoE/TfiRxYU6D7I/AAAAAAAAAaI/x_o7GKeQMNE/s1600-h/IMG_0143%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0143" border="0" alt="IMG_0143" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R44mpnx1TEk/TfiRx9-c_bI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/4i2XHgLZ6Sc/IMG_0143_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> after our birthday lunch</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W47cHF4gEEg/TfiRynPT19I/AAAAAAAAAaU/cN3LapF5v8M/s1600-h/IMG_0144%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0144" border="0" alt="IMG_0144" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aySTAxlyV9g/TfiRy079sxI/AAAAAAAAAaY/tWkDvht0cOU/IMG_0144_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p></blockquote> <blockquote> </blockquote><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3ejWsrPAA6A/TfiRzpgSgzI/AAAAAAAAAac/DZn7zB1fXCc/s1600-h/IMG_0145%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0145" border="0" alt="IMG_0145" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FcGdM1wJIfM/TfiR0HE06DI/AAAAAAAAAag/zpS_foZ5oe8/IMG_0145_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> <p> in her new dress up dress and flower tiara</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-10379006729204359462011-06-14T10:35:00.001-07:002011-06-14T14:36:59.677-07:00homeschooling<p>I read something recently where the author reported that at an orientation for an ACCS school, the school said that most classical homeschooling families show up at their school by the third grade – burnt out and looking for help. Really?! Third grade?! Hmmm, I don’t know, but to me that seems amazing. </p> <p>We’ve been following the classical model since we started…11 years ago, now. It is definitely challenging –but it’s hard for me to believe that so many people would be burned out on it by 3rd grade. At any rate, after thinking about it for a few days, I wondered if encouragement for homeschooling in general might be helpful. </p> <p>There have been a lot of days that getting everybody up and moving has gone against my nature. Wouldn’t it be best (for them, or me?) to let them sleep in? But we’ve persisted –and sometimes it has taken a lot of prayer and just plain gumption to move everyone through it all. </p> <p>One thing that has helped us is to have a routine. Developing something – that is flexible enough to change as more little people joined our family, or joined the schooling ranks – but has a framework that is fairly solid. Of course there are interruptions or “special events” which might morph things here and there. But our routine helps accommodate those things, and still maintain structure, stability. </p> <p>So, as part of our routine, something nifty we developed this year is for the kids to make their own checklists. I asked each of the 4 older kids to make a checklist every morning after recitation time. The list had to include each subject and the “outside” school things, like piano, geography, laundry – that they were responsible for each day. It took a little time for them to get it without forgetting something (and without help)– but not long. </p> <p>They became pretty creative with their checklists – doing them on the computer, making reproducible print-outs, putting special clip-art designs on them. But the real blessing was that I didn’t have to prompt them about what they should be doing next. They had to check off each subject – only after they finished it completely. Since they made their lists, they knew what they had to do before they could be done with school for the day. </p> <p>They were more independent. </p> <p>They were motivated to keep going because when they finished a subject they could check it off on their lists and see their progress. </p> <p>I didn’t have to prompt them by asking if they had finished such and such. </p> <p>They felt a sense of accomplishment in finishing everything on their list – without me reminding them. </p> <p>Lots of good has come from the check off lists – it’s not perfect, but it has definitely made a difference for us.</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-29545172455326937992011-06-06T12:34:00.001-07:002011-06-06T12:34:47.549-07:00Jesus- the Real King!<p>We heard Sophia talking to Olivia and Isabella in the car the other day:</p> <p>“Jesus is the only Real King – and the Church is His only Queen!”</p> <p> </p> <p>Amen!</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-21465540298781194802011-06-02T12:54:00.001-07:002011-06-06T11:54:58.155-07:00Sophia<p>Sunday afternoon, Sophia walked into the kitchen, talking as she came. I glanced up from the bowl of yogurt I was stirring to look at her. I was shocked to see that her face was very blue – her lips were deep purple. I vaguely remember moving toward her and meeting her at the end of the counter. She was still talking to me. She had a short, pale pink dress on – and I lifted it up to see the top of her legs. Everything was very blue, an even, solid blue from the roots of her hair to her toes. I told her she needed a treatment, and walked quickly with her toward the school room, where the nebulizer was plugged into the wall. Glenn was coming out of there, looked at her and gasped. I nodded at him and said, “I know, I think she needs a treatment.” He thought she might be cold (the girls had been swimming about 1/2 an hour before), but I had just checked, and found her skin to be normal temperature, and it still was. Her hands were only slightly cooler, as though she had just washed them. She tried to grab Glenn’s hands and swing from them, but he told her to wait till after the treatment. She sat down quietly to draw, and Glenn gave her the treatment. By the time it was finishing, her color was returning. She was pale,but not blue anymore.</p> <p>She seemed completely normal, and her breathing was not affected. I asked about the pool water – all the girls agreed it was comfortable, no one was at all cold. After their short swim, the girls all came in for showers. Isabella and Sophia took a shower together – they both told me the water was very warm. Isabella looked normal. No one was shivering. At this point, they had all been out of the pool for about 20-30 minutes, in addition to the time for the showers. </p> <p>We asked about going under water – how long had Sophia held her breath and how many times? Alix and Sophia both said she only tried a few times, and only briefly. </p> <p>Because she seemed normal, and her color had returned we didn’t feel she needed to go to the ER. If it hadn’t been Sunday, we would have called a doctor then. We were concerned – and confused. We talked about it that evening, trying to make sense of it. Trying to find a logical reason for it. But nothing added up.</p> <p>It was obviously not due to cold – and the blue of her skin was the bluest I’ve ever seen on a person. Her skin was warm to the touch.</p> <p>She wasn’t gasping for breath, and showed no respiratory distress – or any distress at all.</p> <p>I have no idea how long she was blue before I saw her. </p> <p>I called the pulmonologist Monday morning – but I wasn’t surprised they were out since it was Memorial Day. Meanwhile, Sophia continued as usual, as far as we could tell. I had gone to her room a few times during the night on Sunday and Monday to check on her, but she seemed fine. Her oxygen saturation and heart rate each evening were good.</p> <p>I talked to the pulmonologist’s nurse on Tuesday morning. I explained everything to her – and she said she would have the doctor call me if she had any questions. After a few hours and no return call, I called the pediatrician’s office. The nurse there knows us well, and said she would talk to the doctor and call me back. </p> <p>Shortly afterwards, the pulmonologist’s nurse called and said the doctor was very concerned – and thought it was a problem with the Autonomic Nervous System – the system responsible for involuntary responses. If it happens again, we are to take her to the ER so tests can be run.</p> <p>I talked with our pediatrician soon after and he also told me he thought it was the Autonomic Nervous System. He agreed it was concerning and said he found it very unsettling. His instructions were the same as the pulmonologist – take her to the ER next time.</p> <p>I talked to Sophia and the kids Tuesday evening and told them that if she (or anyone) turns a different color, they need to come to me right away, or call me if I’m not here. The older 3 kids all know how to give Sophia a breathing treatment if necessary.</p> <p>We’re thankful for the many blessings surrounding the episode – she wasn’t in pain or afraid, I was able to see her and know something was wrong, and the only thing we could do – the breathing treatment – made a difference. </p> <p>Maybe it won’t happen again – or maybe it’s God’s way of showing us that something inside her isn’t quite right. He knows, and we trust Him to let us know.</p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-20810918309169684102011-05-20T19:46:00.001-07:002011-05-20T19:46:49.101-07:00Under the weather<p>Please pray for Sophie when you think of her. She has been battling a respiratory virus the past couple of weeks. An x-ray yesterday showed no presence of pneumonia, thankfully, but she’s definitely not up to par. At first, I wasn’t actually sure it was a virus – she was having coughing and labored breathing, but no other cold symptoms. But, now she’s having some congestion, so all evidence points to that. She saw her pulmonologist today and did her pulmonary functioning tests. These are to test how well she is able to move air, and also how much is going through her lung. She doesn’t seem to mind them too much because she gets to pick a game on the computer to watch her progress while blowing through a mouthpiece, at the same time wearing little blue pinchers on her nostrils. She picks the same games each time – bowling, popping a balloon, or blowing out candles. Her scores are usually similar to what a person having an asthmatic episode would have. She has her own baseline - and since she’s compromised by the virus right now, her scores were about 30-35% lower than her baseline. This means that when she’s playing or dancing, she’s out of breath much more quickly than usual, she’s a little paler, and those retractions in her neck are stronger and deeper. She’s been more tired than usual of course, but she’s still eating well. </p> <p>She’s not on any steroids or antibiotics – we’re to continue treatments 4 times a day for the next week, along with pitty-pats (tapping her chest after the treatments). </p> <p>But, we don’t like to see our baby having a hard time breathing. Please pray God would heal her quickly, and that the breathing treatments will be enough to help her clear it all out over the next week. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/Tdcnl-d5P7I/AAAAAAAAAZo/HkCq2xQYljo/s1600-h/SANY0244%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SANY0244" border="0" alt="SANY0244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TdcnmIY_i4I/AAAAAAAAAZs/4RNQLemf1Lg/SANY0244_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968177944378704419.post-2734716616465596082011-05-10T11:15:00.001-07:002011-05-10T11:15:14.666-07:00Mayflower<p> </p> <p>I almost forgot to put in the pictures from the Mayflower. We toured it the same day as Plimoth Plantation.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAg6TH3iI/AAAAAAAAAYg/HOVN7-nf9Wo/s1600-h/IMG_9629%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9629" border="0" alt="IMG_9629" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAhCFGbVI/AAAAAAAAAYk/ZUha4GrLPv4/IMG_9629_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>Here are some of the kids and me, taking the scenic route to the Mayflower. See its masts over there to the left?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAiJ7ZIcI/AAAAAAAAAYo/qH4ny5E99Oo/s1600-h/IMG_9632%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9632" border="0" alt="IMG_9632" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAiXwTpFI/AAAAAAAAAYs/op2_LFhwfEI/IMG_9632_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> getting ready to climb aboard!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAjbMFYhI/AAAAAAAAAYw/l0I1As7dn5c/s1600-h/IMG_9635%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9635" border="0" alt="IMG_9635" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAjkt9vBI/AAAAAAAAAY0/Mo2S1i5aCdQ/IMG_9635_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a>Noah wished he could sail it for a day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAkPHFs_I/AAAAAAAAAY4/7HYxjZ1byHA/s1600-h/IMG_9638%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9638" border="0" alt="IMG_9638" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAka_aUsI/AAAAAAAAAY8/dJf4j8aTCqY/IMG_9638_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>Olivia looking out onto deck from the sailor’s area.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAk4iQKNI/AAAAAAAAAZA/z3HCNjQHQko/s1600-h/IMG_9652%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9652" border="0" alt="IMG_9652" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAlHyq0LI/AAAAAAAAAZE/LmxU97zjvD4/IMG_9652_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>I realize this is a very dark picture – but I included it to show you just how dark the conditions were for the Pilgrims – for 3 months. It took a minute for our eyes to adjust to it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAmyuow5I/AAAAAAAAAZI/2BKGNZkGDTE/s1600-h/IMG_9654%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9654" border="0" alt="IMG_9654" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAnfq0hRI/AAAAAAAAAZM/cwgZjBZ4a3E/IMG_9654_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a> They had some re-enactors here. See the man in the red mop-cap? </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAoeUeNjI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/K5UB9O85TEM/s1600-h/IMG_9655%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9655" border="0" alt="IMG_9655" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAo8-IXiI/AAAAAAAAAZU/HBACUqc1XgY/IMG_9655_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAptajiGI/AAAAAAAAAZY/A2RW_TJJLZE/s1600-h/IMG_9656%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9656" border="0" alt="IMG_9656" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAp0tY12I/AAAAAAAAAZc/2Vi8u1li0yU/IMG_9656_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>On the dock, looking over at the water near where the Mayflower is tied.</p> <p>Good-bye, Mayflower – and Plymouth!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAr3pexLI/AAAAAAAAAZg/ATvudjgRc_g/s1600-h/IMG_9657%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9657" border="0" alt="IMG_9657" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_W3KQizO4bBA/TcmAsGdDBKI/AAAAAAAAAZk/kQsYL94GjoI/IMG_9657_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> Kelly Orrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16615263500123362585noreply@blogger.com0