My town!

A Brief History
Taken form here.

In the month of August, 1869, a band of men, headed by R.W. Wright, left the city of Oswego, Kansas. They hoped that somewhere in the newer regions of the state, they might find a favorable spot, and become the founders of a city. Steering their course to the west and south, they reached the banks of the Verdigris River.



After a first failed attempt with an already existing city they decided to begin a new, with a city of opposition. and the name of the new settlement should reflect this, Independence. Frank Bunker was the first to build a log cabin. Within a week after the town was founded, a paper called the Independence Pioneer was published.

The post office was established in Independence July 1, 1870.

Independence became designated a a "village" on July 23, 1870. Only to out grow that designation very quickly. The first mayor (J.B. Craig) and council were elected November 28, 1871.

The first school in Independence was taught by Miss Mary Walker in 1870.

The first religious services in Independence were held in Mrs. McClug's hayshed residence, in December, 1869.

mad photo skills!

That's what I got! Well OK maybe not. But here are some cool pictures I took while we were playing with bubbles!


My dad and sister are in town this weekend. There is a wedding we have to go to. So have a great weekend! I know I plan on it!

Waiting time

I have been noticing a theme in my life. It seems to continue to pop up from time to time. This theme is waiting. Waiting to get married (Our engagement was a smidgen long). Waiting for a job for Adam when he laid off. Waiting to become pregnant. Waiting to adopt. Waiting for the job transfer. Waiting on selling the house. Waiting to hear about layoffs. Those are just the big things in the past few years. I know there are more. Seasons of waiting are pretty prominent for me I guess. I know there are many others who suffer from this same phenomenon, some worse. Amazingly I am at peace through the current waiting out the layoffs.

My mom has asked me how I can stand it. She had been through a similar time in the early 80's. My dad was in oil when the bust happened. So they spent week after week waiting to hear if dad was laid off. To make matters more "interesting" she was a stay at home mom (with me). Hmmm Sounds familular. I only explination is that I am resting on the promises from the Bible. My love letter from God. He has blessed me with abundant peace!

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:15-17

I have been bombarded with these promises as I read my bible. He has a reason for this season. and in the end I know we will grow to become more like Christ. Because of one of my times of waiting I have been able to come along side a close friend and encourage her through her struggle of waiting on God's perfect timing.

Now I am not saying there are not times I wrestle with having to wait. I have thown my share of fits. "Why not now? When? Why are we not 'the ones? 'Why move us here, just to possibly move us a few months later?" Agh! I could go on the the whys, whens, and it's-not-fairs I have prayed (whined) to God. Now I rest on the fact that I am diffrent person now. My character has changed and I have grown to be a better person.

Cake final

A few weeks back I mentioned I was taking a cake decorating class. It was a lot of fun! This week was our final week. And our final was to bring a cake pre-iced and decorate it.So here is my final product!


It was a one of a kind. The other two students went with a traditional white iced cake. They looked great too. I had meant to take my camera but in the rush I forgot it.

I was inspired by the story of Daniel. We have been reading about Daniel in the lions den. My daughter likes to "Rarrrr" like a lion. And the yellow coloring I bought turned out more orange than yellow. I thought it would be fun!

I had some leftover chocolate icing so I made this to show (off for) my husband.

Yes it is on a saltine. Classy huh?

How could I forget a picture of my daughter? Someone got caught wit their arm in the cookie jar (or puffs container whichever).

I really enjoyed this class. It was very laid back and we had a good time chatting. Now I have to decide if I want to take the second class. Good thing we will hear about the layoffs before it starts. That is a pretty big factor on what to do next. I am leaning on this promise:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

our weekend in pics

Here are some random pictures from our busy, wonderful weekend.

Ruby got a hair cut:

Friday we explored yet another lake near us:




Some friends came to visit us:

On Sunday we went to a bridal shower. These two crazy kids are getting married next month. They were in my youth group. (The bride practically carried me at summer camp when I had a kidney stone.) These two know how to make a person "feel old."



Oh, my daughter pretty much stole the show. Silly girl!

Memorial day

"Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure."

President Abraham Lincoln

In honor of Memorial Day I dedicate this post to those who have before us. Those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our family will be praying for our military (past and present) today.


PS My town will be back next week. Although this is a picture from our cemetery. It is huge. (largest in Kansas? )

I scream for ice cream!

We went for a walk yesterday. Dairy Queen was calling. And we all walked even Naomi. So it was a nice stroll. Our DQ is about 2 blocks away and Naomi walked it! She was a bit tired. That night. But here is her first ice cream cone! She shared with daddy. She also stole some of my Raspberry Truffle Blizzard. I think it was a great sucess!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

James 1:17

a Great Debate

So I need some input. Adam and I have differing opinions about this dress. We got it as a hand-me-down so there is not reference as to how the dress is supposed to be worn. so hee is the question:

How should this dress be worn?

A

B

I appreciate your input!

Princess

I don't tend to call Naomi my princess. I have tried to stay clear of that nick name. Why? I am not sure. Maybe Adam has rubbed off on me and it is "too popular." He has always stayed clear of anything popular. But about two weeks ago Naomi was a princess. Our Kiddie Park has a castle in it. Complete with throne, flag, and a bridge. She loved sitting on the throne and trying to scale the castle bridge.

So here is my princess.


And Naomi is a princess. She is a child of God. And He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. As believers in Christ we become co-heirs with Christ:

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:16-17

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

My town!

Naomi, Rubia, and I have taken to walking in the mornings. This way Rubia (and I) get exercise, Naomi gets to be outside and we all get a dose of Vitamin D (which we know Naomi needs a little extra of). On that note she is down to only having to take the vitamins once a week. So I guess that is a good sing. I just have to remember each week. Anyway... Here are some of the sights we see on our morning walks...

The high school PE classes must be doing a section on tennis.

The flamingo was a friendly prank from someone. (The note hanging off of one of them told me so)

Not every one can say they have a princess living near by. Hi ho! Hi ho!

This house has a ton of peonies across it's front.

Look carefully. There are three vicious dogs in that window.

This happens rarely. She usually is wide awake.
I think it had been a rough night for her. The poor thing.

Our weekend!

Thursday we all went out to play tennis, and so I could play with my camera. Adam and i hit a little but Naomi was too distracting for me. So I finally gave up and started shooting.

Friday we mostly just stayed at home. Adam had to work most of the day so it was a "short weekend" for us. Friday Naomi decided the best way to eat was with out hands.

We played outside and went for a drive. Very enjoyable considering this was our first weekend with out somewhere to go. We spent some time talking with the neighbors. The ones to the north have a black cocker named Lexi. She and Ruby wanted to play. It was fun to watch them chase each other.


Oh, and Naomi decided to do some cleaning. I doubt I will be able to get her to so this when she is older.


I hope everyone's weekend was just as enjoyable!

Call to prayer and waiting

The economy is going crazy these days. No one can own an airplane with out being looked down upon. So where does this leave us? Did anyone know that the US is (was) the largest plane manufacturer? Now the crazy people in DC are damaging that part of our history!

So why the tirade? More layoffs to come at Cessna. The stress we have been under has not been fun. Every month they keep having to layoff people. This round is still leftovers from last month. I guess they like to drag things out. Adam came home and informed me that his chances are not looking good. They are going to layoff 40% of his department. Also there are two of his position, The other guy has experience with the plane they are moving so he has the"immunity idol" (according to Adam) for this round. So things are looking pretty grim. If you are a praying person please pray for us. Adam is not taking the aspect well. He has started looking for jobs and has started signing up on job search sites. We will be finding out around June 8, and if you get notice, you will be escorted out that day.

Kind of scary. Honestly we had been resting on the fact the we were pretty safe. They are moving the Bend, Oregon plant here. They paid to move us here for Pete's sake. I know God is with us. I am not sure what is going to happen but I know I can rest in His understanding for "Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite," Psalm 147:5, and a our header states we will "remember the Lord." So as we wait to see if we are entering yet a new season of transition for our family. We covet your prayers.

Now for an awesome picture of my daughter! Have I mentioned I love my camera?

Flying lessons (part 2)

After watching the bird learn to fly Naomi decided to give it at try! I am so proud! Just look at her!



OK! Time to fess up I guess. I took that picture while she and daddy were playing outside between rain storms. Here is what was really going on.


And the first picture was not "PhotoShopped" more than just adjusting the colors and a bit of cropping. (Note: I don't even own PhotoShop) I was able to take it with my new toy!

In case you cant tell I am a bit (OK, OK, a lot) excited! I have been saving for it for over a year. Once Adam found out he said that our tax return this year could cover what was left. Am I spoiled? Yep! God has blessed me with a wonderful husband who wants to help nurture my hobbies. I have always had a fascination with photography. In yearbook I was always willing to pick up a photography assignment when our photogs could not cover an event.

I spent last night playing with the camera. I am amazed at the difference. The old camera I have is a Kodak Easy Share CX7530. It was wonderful and we are not getting rid of it even though it has some crazy quarks. But here is a picture with that one:



And now with the new one!
Yes these were taken on different days but I am in shock of the clarity! OK I will try to calm down and share some of the other "practice shots I took:

Love the color

The detail is great!

I totally freaked these kids out! It was great!

OK I have to confess Adam actually took the last one. He wanted to play too!