JWCC Episode #1

A friend of mine recently started creating educational videos for kids. They are fun to watch, and of course, very creative. Josh is extremely versatile which you'll see in the videos as he portrays several hilarious 'characters' .

Watch the video and share them with your kids. If you (or your kids) have any feedback or comments for Josh, post them here and I will be happy to pass them on to him. Enjoy!

100 Things About Me

Some of you know me very well and probably don't need this list, but others of you have no idea who I really am. This list originated on an old blog I had years ago, but I've decided to re-vamp it and type it up again for this blog. I was inspired by my friend over at Pages of Our Life. Go congratulate her on her 100th blog post. This isn't my 100th post, it's actually my 279th post, but there's no way I'm writing 279 things about myself - 100 is hard enough!! Ha Ha

Here goes:

1. I am happily married to my best friend.
2. I am 42 (almost 43) years old and am not afraid to admit it!
3. I became a Christian when I was just 5 years old while kneeling beside my parents bed.
4. I LOVE homeschooling my children.
5. I was a missionary in South Africa from 1988-1990.
6. I play the flute and have taught for years. I love music.
   
7. I love to scrapbook and wish I had more time to do it.
8. I met my husband at my home church - he was new there and wrote me a letter after I played a flute solo one Sunday morning. At first it was like I had a stalker, but then he became my best friend and then husband.
9. I am Scottish and am proud of it! Aye, Dinnae I tell ye a'fore?
10. We went to Scotland for 2 weeks on our honeymoon. Totally awesome!
11. I have 2 beautiful children.
12. I enjoy rubber stamping - cards, in my scrapbook - on anything!
    
13. I LOVE coffee!!! No really, I LOVE it!!! Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts...you name it! I love my Keurig coffee maker too.
    
14. I've traveled to Europe twice with a local Symphony which was awesome! We went to England/Wales, Germany/Austria/Switzerland.
15. I live only 1 mile from the ocean but hate swimming in it or visiting it - I'm a lake person.
16. I always wanted to be an architect - I did design our kitchen though!!
17. I went to college for 5 years to become a Social Worker - only worked 1 year before marriage and kids though.
18. I got pregnant on my honeymoon!
    
19. Jesus is EVERYTHING to me!!!
20. I enjoy the computer and am better at it than my hubby.
21. I have 1 older sibling - a sister who is 2 years older than I.
22. I rode on an ostrich and was on TV while doing it in South Africa.
23. My Mom was my best friend (next to my hubby of course).
24. My Mom died in 2001 after having cancer for 7 long years. Dad died this year after having Alzheimer's Disease for 7 years.
    
25. My favorite comedienne is Mark Lowry - totally funny. I LOVE humor.
26. I am generally an optimistic person.
27. I'm a closet Brady Bunch show lover. Shhhh! I watch it with my kiddos.
28. My favorite movie is Sense & Sensibility - as if you couldn't tell by my blog!
29. I'm married to a chef. (He went to school with Emeril Lagase)
30. I'd rather spend a quiet day alone with my husband than be out with lots of friends.
31. I had a gerbil named "Happy" when growing up. We now have 2 gerbils named Mozart & Beethoven.
32. I always wanted 4 children - boy, twin girl/boy then another girl. God had other plans in mind though - of which I'm thankful. I am very content and feel complete!
33. I love that my son loves to hug and snuggle at age 13 - shhhh!
34. My daughter has beautiful hair - I'm so jealous!!!
35. I love that my husband is also a musician - he plays the clarinet and saxophone.
36. I love a good Bible study - especially on Revelations and the 2nd coming!
37. I love funny stories, jokes etc. Laughter is a gift from God.
38. I had surgery 2 years ago and absolutely loved the experience - although I'd never do it again if I had the choice. Yeah, I'm sick aren't I?
39. I love a good rainy day.
40. I love to watch "Hetty Wainthrop" with my husband - awesome British TV mystery show.
41. My children were both big babies, 9.0 lbs and 10.2 lbs.
    
42. I love to bake.
43. My children are my pride and joy...as if you couldn't tell.
44. I love milk and drink it often.
45. My family used to perform concerts at churches on Sunday evenings when I was young.
46. I once went para-sailing.
47. My trademark holiday 'cookie' is Scottish Shortbread, but don't ask me for our secret family recipe. I'd have to kill you if I told you.
48. I love to read, even in the bathroom.
    
49. I'm addicted to the "I Love Lucy" show!
50. I hate feet! Clean or dirty - eew - they gross me out.
51. I want to move to Colorado with my family. We were going to move now, but my husband can't get a job transfer, so who knows what we'll do. We can't afford to live where we do any longer!
52. I rode on a mule named "Hairy" down the Grand Canyon in 1986 while on a college trip.
53. My daughter has a thing about bows - she hates them which bothers me since most girl's clothing has them. She's getting better though.
54. I'm a home-body. I love being home, yet I also enjoy going out now and then.
55. My son plays the violin (very well!) and I'm hoping he'll keep it up and find a profession where he can play and enjoy it one day.
    
56. I like my first name, many people don't. My name really isn't 'Elinor', it's Kim. Shhh!
57. I enjoy a nice hot cup of tea each night before bed - decaf. of course.
58. We had a Cock-a-Poo dog named Buddy years ago, but now we have a Goldendoodle named Cody. He's an amazing dog!!
59. I went to a ball in Germany (The Tyrol Ball) where I danced like a princess all evening. I was 15 years old.
60. I love being outside but not when it's hot and humid. Yuk!
61. Sadly, I don't like all my neighbors. I wish I had someone next door to have a Lucy/Ethel relationship with!
62. I'm hardly ever cold.
63. I was in a plane crash when I was young - we were on the ground in a cottage when a Piper plane crashed into it totally destroying the house and killing everyone on the plane but one person. Praise the Lord we were spared!
64. I went on several safari's while in Africa where I got to see lots of God's handiwork - His amazing creation.
65. I love nature but I dislike bugs! Eew!!!
66. I enjoy thunderstorms.
67. My favorite color use to be peach, but I think it's green now. It keeps changing. = )
68. Both my children accepted Christ as their Savior when very young. I'm so proud of them for their decision to follow Christ!
    
69. I got a proposal before my husband's proposal - glad I said 'no' to the first one!
70. I love playing board games, especially trivia ones.
71. Autumn is my favorite time of year.
72. My husband has the best handwriting - better than mine.
73. I love taking photos and want a new camera for Christmas this year - hint hint honey!
74. I used to be a private duty Social Worker for a suicidal man who used to be a mortician. Made for a very happy situation huh? Oh the stories he'd tell me.
75. I went to 2 different colleges - both Christian Colleges. One in Pennsylvania, and one in New York.
76. I changed my major 2 times - thus the 5 year plan. (As Mark Lowry says..."I squeezed 4 years of college into 5 years." Gotta love it.)
77. I hated high school and never wish to attend a reunion.
78. I love reading to and with my kids.
79. I have big feet. My Dad used to say "I have a good understanding - or a strong foundation." He was always a kidder. I miss him!
    
80. I have never broken a bone in my body - and hopefully never will.
81. Contrary to most people, I love my in-laws.
82. I sold my Dad's house in only 6 days and it never even made it to the open house date.
83. I worked at a Christian summer camp for 10 summers in upstate NY.
    
84. I never smoked or drank in my life and I'm proud of that. No drugs either.
85. I don't like antiques - unless they're personal family heirlooms.
86. I love to watch my children sleep.
87. My favorite family heirloom is my Grandfather's Bible.
88. I started a homeschool group that is still growing - it's in its 7th year.
89. I was on bed rest during my entire 2nd pregnancy.
90. I love eating turnips.
91. I was an extra in the movie Mannequin - although I don't like to admit it...it's a horrible movie!
92. I enjoy watching reality shows like The Amazing Race and Survivor.
93. I still have my favorite stuffed animal (dog) from when I was a baby. His name is Poogie and he's lost all his fur, plus his stuffing is crunchy on the inside now, but I still love him!
94. I don't live near tornado alley, but I was in, and survived, 2 tornadoes.
95. I once got so mad at my parents, I walked into my room, kicked off the wooden Dr. Scholls shoes I was wearing and one of them flew through the glass window and landed outside in the bushes. Yes, I got in BIG trouble for that!!
96. I absolutely love to travel. I'd rather go to Europe than to Disney.
97. I love anything to do with history. The older the better.
98. I love figure skating and can watch it all day. I love watching Sweet-Pea skate now.
99. I used to be the best prank phone caller in high school and college! Thank goodness there was no caller i.d. back then or I'd have been in big trouble I'm sure.
100. I always wanted to be a great singer, but my voice isn't that good.
     

OK, there you have it. 100 things about me. If you get the time, make up your own list and let me know you did...I'd love to read it!

A piece of my heart

Over the years, I've met some pretty amazing people in the blog-world...many of whom live in, or have lived in South Africa. A huge piece of my heart was left there many years ago when I left to come home to the USA.

I was just out of college...young, impressionable, and extremely excited to be venturing into a foreign land. What was I doing there? I was a missionary in a small town called Port Shepstone, just south of Durban, smack on the outskirts of Kwa Zulu! I went down there to work at the Skogheim Christian Conference Centre for a year, from 1988 to 1989. I then returned home for a few months to earn enough money so I could go back in 1990 for a couple months. After that visit, they would not allow my work VISA to be renewed since there were still sanctions against the country. I was sad, but God knew what He was doing because I met the man I would one day marry, only days after I got home!

Here are a some photos to share with my South African bloggers...PLEASE keep in mind...these photos are 20 years old and the style was very different back then! ha ha

Photo of me for my missions card


Standing outside the Conference Centre


The main entrance


I lived in a Rondaval while there...it was awesome! The tree just outside the front door was filled with thousands of fruit bats. They were cool to watch sleeping during the day, but at night...look out!!! Yuk!


This is the Norwegian Settler's Church I attended while living there. The people of this church welcomed me with open arms and I felt like a part of them while there.


Part of the conference centre was on a banana farm. Here I am (looking simply lovely - gag!) holding up some bananas I cut down. I was in the middle of painting, so that's why my hair is a disaster and my clothes are covered with paint! Oh yeah...see that snake near my feet?....


The little sucker almost bit me! It was a small puff-adder.


Here I am (3rd from the left) with a group of kids I had regular Bible studies with. They were amazing and I would love to know what they all are doing now! It's been 20 years!!!


Kwa-Zulu, where most of the people I worked with, and taught Bible Study to lived. This home was right down the road from the conference centre.


These are the workers of Skogheim. I miss them lots and had great times teasing with them. The lady in the front center (light blue dress) was the Indian cook. She was a very dear friend!!! She since has passed away yet I still think of her often and miss her dearly.


This is the man who I looked up to the most while living in South Africa! He and his family 'adopted' me while I was there, and I couldn't have been prouder or happier. They owned a beautiful cow farm, and I loved spending time with them on the farm. They even named a calf after me!


Here I am with my adopted Mom and a couple of their farm dogs.


Standing in the field with 'Dad'...who since has also passed away. I spoke with him on the phone one day, and less than 2 weeks later, he died. It was a very sad day for me!!!


My 'adopted brother', 'Mom', and a friend.


Durban - which was approx. an hour's drive north of Skogheim.


Gorgeous elephant at Kruger National Park!


My absolute favorite animal in South Africa was the giraffe!!! They're so beautiful, especially when they run.


These guys couldn't have posed for a better 'family portrait'.


Stayed here while on holiday - it was VERY creepy, but fun!! It was also over 120 degrees there which didn't help...with no running water. That's what I call "Africa Hot!"


Standing on the swinging bridge over Storms River in Tsitsikamma...part of our holiday. My adopted family took me on a one month holiday all over the entire country! I was totally and completely spoiled, but I loved every minute of it. I got to see one of the most beautiful countries ever!!


The Three Sisters in the Karoo - simply gorgeous!


Well, I could post a gazillion more photos, but I didn't want to bore you. Maybe another time I'll post more. I only picked out a sampling for you to see this time around.

Our newest family member has arrived!!!

Well, Cody arrived home and is safe and sound!! We are so thrilled to have him in our home. As of now, he is still quite traumatized from flying in from Kansas! He went through a lot yesterday, and it will take some time for him to get used to being here in his new home. Here he is with Lionel:



Cody is a 15 month old Goldendoodle and looks more like the Golden part than the doodle part...if that make sense. He is Lionel's dream dog since we can't have a Golden Retriever due to allergies.

Please pray for us and for Cody...that his transition will go smoothly. He is very quiet and is not being social right now as he is trying to figure out what happened to him yesterday. We are giving him lots of love and are doing our best to be patient with him. He will need to be leash trained as he was a farm dog - always outside and always without a leash. It won't be easy, but with persistence and patience, we'll get there. I did talk with the vet today and they were encouraging.

Here are a few more photos from our trip to the airport to pick him up...

The plane landed safely...


Getting ready to unload...


Unloading the baggage and cargo...Cody is there somewhere!


The first moment we met...one very nervous (and rightfully so) dog!


Finally home...time to unload.


At home in the kitchen...where he is still wondering where he is and how he got here.


I'll be posting more photos once he comes around and livens up. I don't want to take too many and scare him even more with the flash! Please remember to pray for us all...thanks!

Our family is growing!

No, I'm not pregnant...gone are the days of diapers, strollers and sleepless nights! What's the good news then? How is our family growing? We're getting a dog!!! An adorable 14 month old Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle mix)!!

I'd like to introduce you to: Cody


The breeder told us today that we will be getting him on either Monday or Tuesday of this next week. Yipee!! Lionel is beside himself with joy, but Sweet-Pea is a little bit nervous about the whole thing. Our previous dog was a lot smaller, and she doesn't remember him much since she was just a baby when we had him. So...please pray for her. Pray that she is comfortable around Cody, and that he is the perfect fit for our family...a gentle and loving dog. We really put a lot of thought into what kind of dog we wanted, so we're hoping we chose well.

I will post photos of his arrival and update you on how he's doing some time next week.

Secret Sisters

Well, despite all the absolute craziness going on in my life right now (will explain in another post), I've decided that I am going to participate in Secret Sisters #3. I was involved in the first session and had a great time, so I'm excited to do it once again and can't wait to see who I've got!!

See...I told you I was Elinor!!

"You are Elinor Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are practical, circumspect, and discreet. Though you are tremendously sensible and allow your head to rule, you have a deep, emotional side that few people often see."



Take the Quiz here!

Our Blessings

One of the best decisions Edward and I made together, was that we would homeschool our children. It was definitely something God pressed on our hearts separately. When we came together to talk about Lionel's education 9 years ago, we originally talked about private school. We thought we'd pray about it for a while and then talk about it again before making our final decision. One night I approached Edward and told him that I felt that God was calling me to homeschool. Well, to my surprise, he was thrilled. It was what he wanted all along, but he wanted it to come from me rather than him since I would be doing most of the teaching and training. God worked it out in each of our hearts separately, so when we had to make our final decision, we were in perfect agreement. We haven't regretted one minute of it and are so thankful that God is allowing us this privilege!

Let me introduce you to our beloved children...'Lionel' is 12 and is in 8th grade. His passion is trains, thus the nick-name Lionel. He is extremely smart and talented, especially on his violin. We are very proud of the young gentleman he's becoming. 'Sweet-Pea' is 6 and is in 1st grade. Her passion is dancing and dolls. She has a very sweet spirit (the reason for her nick-name) and we are truly blessed to be her parents.

Psalm 127:3 "Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him."

A new beginning...

Let me begin by saying how much I have missed blogging! I used to blog elsewhere, but the site got too slow and people were all moving to another site, so I just stopped. I finally decided to start blogging again (thanks to my dear friend), so here I am.

A bit about my blog name and title....As you probably noted from my profile, I love the Jane Austen book 'Sense & Sensibility'. Elinor is the main character who falls deeply in love with Edward Ferrars. Neither of them admit that they love each other throughout the book, so they are both heartbroken and miserable. Elinor was forced to move to Barton Cottage with her mother and 2 sisters after Mr. Dashwood (their husband/father) died. Finally towards the end of the book, Edward came to see her at Barton Cottage where he revealed his love for her and asked her to marry him. It is such an intense and passionate book, I highly recommend it!!

Here is the scene from the 1995 movie where Edward professes his love for Elinor. Ahhhh...such a sweet moment!