apachensarah's Xanga

Funny Little Excerpt from our Crazy Lives...

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:45:53 GMT

I caught Brandon playing by himself ... I believe it is a Car Wash or maybe a Dishwasher for Toys... lol Please excuse the messy kitchen... and yes, his "Man Panties" are on backwards - part of the joys of potty training! lol The creepy "HHhhiiiiii" is Joseph pestering me whilst I record... :)

a rare moment of getting along... :)

Another rare moment... lol

a drawing I did...

Another drawing I did ....

That's about all for now. Hope you liked!

another thought about Peace

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:01:53 GMT

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18

God knew that not all would obey His commands, and that is why Christ warned:

Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. (Mark 13:12)

The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (Luke 12:53)

I have seen this in my own family, and various others. But not only is it true for families, it is true for countries... if we would all love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 19:19) there would be no need for violence and war. But since not all have obeyed God it is now an unfortunate necessity, and world-wide peace will Never be accomplished until God does away with the evil one.

"And the Prize goes to ----- Mr. Smoothtalkingdoesnothing!"

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:30:21 GMT

I tried writing this as a facebook note but fb wasn't working and letting me post, so here it is on xanga.

outrage at our nation's capitol is nothing new - its reasons may change with the acquisition of new members and presidents, but it is always there for something. Why are we surprised and outraged now for a seeming injustice of lowering the standards and value of the Nobel Peace Prize by giving it to someone who has so far, only spoken "beautifully" and for futuristic views and dreams? Who has so far done nothing to earn it?

Maybe a better question is, why is it that the people who win office seem oblivious to the bold facts staring U.S. citizens in the face on a daily basis?

Why is another deserving candidate for the Prize neglected in order to honor someone who only knows how to mold words that are pleasing to ears of Americans? Who has so far done nothing to physically further the object of Peace?

following excerpt from news story http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20091009/us_time/08599192939500

"Compare this to Greg Mortenson, nominated for the prize by some members of Congress, who the bookies gave 20-to-1 odds of winning. Son of a missionary, a former army Medic and mountaineer, he has made it his mission to build schools for girls in places where opium dealers and tribal warlords kill people for trying. His Central Asia Institute has built more than 130 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan - a mission which has, along the way, inspired millions of people to view the protection and education of girls as a key to peace and prosperity and progress."

This is never going to change. The standards of the Nobel Prize have been shamefully lowered, yes. But gladly we, as christians, know that this is only the beginning - a small addition to a growing list, a list that has been around since the beginning of time. The Nobel may be viewed as a highly prestigious and honorable award - but we know one that is far Greater. Be thankful for a True Leader who will never lead is in false hopes, dreams, and promises. All of God's promises hold true, now and forever. Praise His Perfect and Holy Name!

Now to end on a lighter note... Also an excerpt from the above link,

"There comes a time when a President needs to take a real risk - and putting his prestige on the line to win the Olympics for his home town does not remotely count."

But - that's why they gave him the prize isn't it??? He finally broke a sweat!

The promised snow pictures

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:52:36 GMT

ok, I'm finally doing this... if it'll do it more than one at a time that is... xanga seems to have gotten slower and facebook faster.... oh well! I love facebook's photo uploader because it lets me load as many (up to 200 I guess) as I want from any folder... YES!

That is Thursday's picture, it was cloudy, so I tried again Saturday.

Aaand this is Saturday's edition.

can anyone see the moose in the above picture? It IS there. .. .... ...... ........... .....

Wow.

my camera was just slow enough that instead of getting it between the cars, I got it right in front of the white care, meaning I didn't get the shot. AARGH

This is the second try at getting a picture of papa moose. yeah. Not a moose. lol

lol lil cowboy... needs some clothes on.... haha

That's all I'm doing for xanga... :) Wanna see more pics? you should go check facebook!

There's snow on the mountains!

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:22:25 GMT

when we go to church I'm bringing my camera to take pictures and post for you all. Meanwhile I am just typing to type because I'm in a wierd mood.

are you shocked?

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 09:31:16 GMT

maybe the title got you curious or you just want to see what new wierdness I have come up with... either way, you're probably in my homepage (unless you read new posts in your email, in which case, I'm going to talk about what is on my xanga homepage so you can go look at it now, lol) .... so let me explain my heading up there....

Gambling is something us as christians generally frown upon... but this is not actual gambling. I think of it as taking chances, learning new things, experiencing new things, and trying new things, but all with the foundation of God's teachings to keep you well grounded in Him.

This being said... WHY am I not in the White House this weekend, waiting for an appointment with someone higher up in the United States Government to plead my case? Because I am afraid of gambling. ... and I don't think I can become unafraid. How very little faith I have wouldn't you say?

I'm ending this wierdness now and going to bed. It was just a thought.

I'll throw the following in because I like it. We ought to always remember CHRIST'S sacrifice, as well, but this is also important, tho less so.

Oh, one more parting shot: hasn't xanga gotten QUIET since the onset of facebookness? wow!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:54:35 GMT

I don't know the exact date that I realized he was my best friend... it's been a while ago. But after finally realizing it, and anxious to grow more together and learn more about eachother, looking more and more forward to each and every day, week, month, year we have together.... even a small wait seems impossible to bear...

I longed for the day I could honestly say this:

My husband is my best friend....

Seven

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:02:33 GMT

I was trying to make this my new profile photo but it says it's "too large" and I have NO CLUE on how to size it down.

Anyway, the SEVEN is for 7 long years with my hubby as of today. My dear and my frustration, my husband and father to our children.... I love you!! Wish you could see this!!

For those reading this, please pray for him to be able to return soon.

the joy of being in an american kitchen

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:16:41 GMT

YES! I'M BACK!!!!

I knew I was "back" last week, upon arriving at the anchorage airport..(or before that in my layover in salt lake - I actually sighed with relief).... however.... I never really KNEW I was back until I took command of the kitchen once again! I had "command" of a kitchen in Mexico too... in fact my mil acted like she had allergies of being near me in the kitchen, so I had it to myself... which was kind of nice, to a point....... However, it was so much harder there because of the lack of modern equipments and cleanliness and just plain.... convenientness. I know that's not a word, but who cares. Anyway what all this is getting to, is that it is so refreshing to use this totally American kitchen with all I need to make a good, old fashioned, American meal. I'm sure I'll still cook Mexican, but not for a while. I do have burritos on the menu for this week, but those are SO american it's hilarious. There is no taco seasoning down in Mexico. I figure it's another pizza trying to be italian. haha

Anyhoo, today I made a delicious american meal in my (Mother's) kitchen, and here are the results:

Yummy Oven roasted chicken, that I thought rivalled the rotisserie style. Not to be conceited, I was just pleased with the way it turned out. (who knew that covering the whole skin with seasoning salt and just a dab of butter, and baking it for an hour at 450 could make such a delicious chicken?

Obviously the picture can't tell you how good it tasted cause it looks wierd.

No American meal is complete without soft and moist dinner rolls. (purchased frozen dough but man are they delicious!)

Add it all together with a salad, topped with ranch mixed up from the Hidden Valley packet, and couscous flavored with the drippings from the chicken....

And there you have the delicious American meal!

Brandon and Elena enjoyed their drumsticks:

Elena was trying not to bother her gaping holes. She has recently lost three more teeth, making it 5 in all that she has lost already. Two have grown back almost fully, though, so that makes it easier for her to eat.

Brandon's tough guy stance. His smile kinda gives away that he's not really all that tough.

On to other things....

A lovely picture of Elena posing with the butterfly she colored. You can see where she hurt her forehead (if you read my facebook status from earlier today).

A closer look at her "owie" and teeth missing. one on the bottom, two on top.

hehe I told him to smile, and he said, "smi-oo" (the oo part always landing on the time I clicked the button... after several tries this is the best I got)

I found something wierd in our trash...

I thought it was oddly shaped!

Little Man.

What I look like as I post this... just with different clothes on...

Mary 'n' Elena lounging

I see a potential mess here... but nothing happened. In their church clothes ready to go.

Brandon is sporting the super stylish sombrero I brought up from Mexico for Joseph when we went on vacation together in June. In fact, I'm pretty sure we have a funny picture of Grandpa with that same sombrero on. ... ok I looked and can't find it. But I know someone has one because I saw it!! oh well, here's joseph with it on:

He had another hat though. I almost told him to give me back the sombrero. haha j/k

Well, that's all I'll do for now. If anyone wants to see more pics of Mexico or whatever let me know.

A New Image

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:38:33 GMT

As I have already told some, I came back from Mexico with new goals and a determined mindset. Whether or not I stay determined and don't screw this up depends on my new-found though weak self control and GOD. It's just with regular every day life things, but that if I do them right and consistently, could change my life - for the better.

I determined to do these things:

Make menus that combine money saving, fun and healthy meals, and learning new meals.
Find ways to make money at home - make aprons and purses to sell, sell goodies, etc.
EXERCISE more...
stay dedicated to God, His church, and grow through them.
Split chores with Joseph so we won't be overwhelmed by too much of a load laying on either of us, and to relieve mother...

I guess I got inspired, seeing how different everything is there and how blessed we are here. I mean really, I have an automatic laundry washer AND dishwasher! How spoiled can we get? I ought to be happy that things are easier here, and that ought to make it easier for me to do the easier work. haha Anyway, being there taught me a little about the hard work that my grandparents grew up with. I'm tired of being a fat, lazy slob!

So, here's to the new me!

Here is a small taste of pictures for the road, since I have to go and cut Joseph's hair, then go to sleep so I will be alert during church tomorrow. How wonderful that sounds!!! I can go to church on Sunday!!!!!!!! I'm so excited! What a glorious, beautiful blessing! What splendid things God gives us! What selfish ungrateful creatures we are for forgetting it sometimes!

These three pictures were taken with Apache's cell phone that he bought from a friend... who had also bought it from a friend... on down like four or five people. This one and the next he has on his screen. The top, brandon and elena, are on his regular screen and the next (me and him) he has as the screensaver that pops up before the power saver kicks in.

cutenesses!

These aren't very good quality because they were taken from far away, at night, but it's something they did on the square in Mexticacan right before the Swine flu epidemic swept through - they had to cancel the rest of the activities but this at least happened. It was a very interesting part of their cultural dances and festivities.

And these are the purses I made to give to the ladies I saw on my short vacation in June, when we all went to Idaho and California. Sarah Jill Duckstein got the one on top right (peach cream and tan stripe), one beside it (white and tan with flower) Leah Bown got, next (yellow and white) Becky, next (maroon and cream) Stephanie Buehler, one down (white with blue stripes) Sarah Aurora Duckstein, Flowery one, one of Aaron and Sarah's girls, Purple in the middle, Mary, orange and pink and green, Mother, Yellow and purple and white on left, Lisa Bown, then Andrea and Melody got the little peach and little pink bags, Hannah got the other pink bag (triangle), Sarah Aurora got the little tiny blue one, Purple on right Elena, and orange one another of Aaron and Sarah's girls.

These were the purses I want to make to sell too. Any orders? I brought a bunch of the yarn up with me from Mexico - I've never seen it sold here. It's a tough plastic yarn - it doesn't break or pull apart either. It's as tough as bale twine, only lots prettier! :)

I better close now but that's what's been on my mind. Love you all!