Forever since posting.....

I have really slacked on this particular blog. What have I been up to lately? Hum where to begin.

I have been working on the homeschooling with kids. Learning new things and ways to teach. I am working to not be weak when my kids fuss because they don't want to do something. Trying to keep up the house so it all don't fall apart around me while I am doing this. And as weird as it is, its been easier in that way.

Then there has been good and bad things going on in my life. Good is how amazing my kids and hubby are, HAIN volunteers doing a really sweet thing for me as a "random acts of kindness" gifts. Our whole family was so blessed by their gifts. I do not deserve such wonderful and kindness such as them. They are a true God sent.
My mom she has been just pouring her love on us and this has been a hard year for her. But God is really giving us a peace in Christmas this year. I decided this year I was going to celebrate even if we have nothing. We have one another and that is all that matters! Period. Besides we do have much more then many people in countries I can't complain.

Bad is not worth mentioning and getting myself all worked up over!


In schooling I have been reading some out of a book every school day. The first book was good. I caught myself weeping in front of the kids "Summer of Monkeys". The last book was "I am Rosemarie" it was about a girl who survived the Holocaust. And this new book is "Kavik" the wolf dog. All are good reads. My kids have really enjoyed reading time.

Brian had taken thanksgiving off/ And that week he had off there was a beautiful snow that came down!

Animals were thrilled by that as you can see in picture.
We also decorated our tree and put up the manger scene and Christmas village

We even strung popcorn for the tree. We made allot of homemade Christmas ornaments.

Our tree def has character

That's about it for now.

Oh yeah we also found a nice home for our goats. They were starting to ruin the neighbors property we are using
The family who got them are amazing and doing great. They are a FHA family. So that worked out great!

Family

Family is so important. With out family there is nothing. Family is a word that doesn't seem to have the glue that kept you together. Seems the family unit is falling apart piece by piece. When I think of my own family, my close family I think of the laughter, the fun times, the risky times and the all out love we have for one another. I hate seeing my family struggle, I hate seeing struggles I can't fix. Honestly it breaks my heart when there is strife. It makes me sad when there is any kind of fight or disagreement. I never want to take sides. Always want to love and get along. Families sometimes do fight however and many times the bond grows even stronger in the end.
My mom always said to us growing up "treat one another as if it was your last day on earth because you never know your time and how short it is" and boy that was hard to grasp onto when you couldn't stand the other ones face (laugh out loud). But its so true what mom said so many times, so many years ago. What if something terrible were to happen and we were to never see that person again? Would the little things we fight about matter while seeing them in their casket? Would those hurtful words, or evil stares, or delete option buttons be what you would want to be between you if that was the last thing you had between you and that loved one lay in his/her casket? Think about your answer for just a minute with your heart.
I have personally had some heartbreaking things happen in my life with my own family. But I walked away with one thing and that is give it to God, pray for them and look at them how God sees them (as His child) because that is how God see's us.
Each of us are guilty, each one at fault. I am at fault and guilty. The Lord is working on my every day that I breath. I never want anyone to look at me lay in my casket and would rather never see me alive. I want to leave a legacy, a blessing behind. I want to know when its my time that I left a legacy of love, compassion and laughter. A legacy of love for family and God (not in that order).
Family is most important!!

Weddings...

This past week-end I went to a beautiful wedding of a cousin of mine. She was a beautiful bride! Anyway we pull up to a home that looked like a golf coarse. Matter of fact when we pulled up I thought we were going to a gulf course. They had a beautiful pond with lights all around it and floating lamps in the water. They had a wonderful DJ and lots of laughs and good times. The family always treats us with the kindest and most loving of any family I have ever seen. We are honored to be apart of this wonderful celebration! Congrats to a beautiful couple!

Home schooling and moral choice

Brian and I decided to home school our kids. There are many, many reasons we made the decision to do so. It has been heavy on my heart for along time.
The moral in the school system is getting further and further away, to a point its sickening. I see obvious agenda's being taught to our children little by little. One decision is when I found they are talking about taking the constitution out of our history books. Our country was built on God's foundation and slowly but surely our country is being robbed of our rights to worship and religious beliefs. While other religions can practice what they believe and somehow it is accepted. This is no news, but I am responsible for me children and their upbringing.
I have heard many arguments where people say "yeah but that is not the real world what are they going to do when faced with reality" I say seriously so if the reality is that every man was a child molester shall I say well kids, you need to live in the real world cuz one day you will face it? Maybe so but what is wrong with keeping my kids innocent for as long as I can?
Not saying that parents are bad for putting their kids in a public school. Its their choice as this is mine. Parents have choices for their own family and this one is mine and what I feel is best for my children.

Where we live is known for Meth and some of the kids coming out of the schools makes me sad for them. I see so many children that have not only been taught there is no hope but live like there is non. Yes we are suppose to reach those kids, I agree. But if my kids are not learning about hope and being a light in the darkness how are they suppose to be the light by being taught the darkness of some of the curriculum of today?
I am not trying to completely shelter my kids or keep the anti social. I am actually planning on teaching them how to give, love, have compassion, sincerity etc...

I think every parent just wants best for their kids, and that is all I feel like I am doing!

I am excited to get this venture going...ordering stuff tomorrow to make it happen!

Things kids say...

Paul almost 2 yrs ago

  

So recently I decided to start listening to my dramatized audio bible (has Jim Caviezel) anyway the other day my son Paul tells me its like being tortured because he doesn't understand what they are saying. So I tell him he can play but needed to be in the living room (something on my heart I felt I needed to do) so anyway he finally does and as I thought he relaxes. (he is a hyper child) so the next day (yesterday) I decided to put the audio bible in again (there are 20 cd's we had only listened to a couple) as we were listening to it about an hour later the electric goes out (tree had fell on power lines) and all of a sudden Paul says " man I was just getting into that" he seemed upset. That evening while we were praying Paul wanted to out loud pray for the first time. So we were praying and its Paul's turn. He starts talking about the audio bible saying "Jesus was healing people" and as a matter of factual says "and he made a bunch of stuff come out of a man and gave it to the pigs, I hope know one ate those pigs" now if you know Paul you would laugh your bottom off.

I now realize that listening to these my kids listen and are learning and understand so much easier then trying to learn it by reading it. Paul is 8 almost 9 and for him this has been so calming to him. But he now thinks Jesus is pretty darn cool!

Visiting the Coast

Our family does not very often go on a family vacation. But this year we finally did. We spent 3 days and 2 nights in Manzeneda, OR  right on the coast. it was beautiful!! We had a blast. We got to witness a beautiful sunset (as seen in the 3rd picture) I literally took over 500 images. There are so many pretty images. God's creation is magnificent! Brian and I took a stroll around town, there was music and on the porch of one of the houses down town was a family playing music together. It was AWESOME. The town had lots of character. Small touristy little town but adorable all in its own little cozy area. Had such a neat feel about it. The beach line was nice too. On the way back we got to witness some beautiful scenic too. Lots of old barns and buildings which I love. I think our family is going to make this a tradition and plan for something each year. My kids were so happy and it showed in the glowing in their eyes. It was wonderful to see them so happy!
Hubby chipped his tooth and cracked another one on the bottom of a pool at the motel we were staying at. Poor guy. But he was a trooper and insisted on a good time!

Hiking and time with kids

Spending time with kids hiking and having a picnic was fun! We had a wonderful time sitting in the beautiful mountains and eating snacks and then getting back up and huffing and puffing lol The view is to die for and the sweating is worth it. God made a beautiful country.

The kids were happy to get out too. Got lots of pictures of some beautiful nature. Hope to get out this summer more often with the kids and have a summer to remember.

Busy time in my life

We have been having babies born left and right, sadly we are still having problems with varmints and so many of our babies are no longer. The above is a picture I took of our baby ducks that hatched. What is silly is this momma duck also hatched some baby chicks (Chickens), my animals always give me beautiful opportunities to take pictures.  I have been working on my photography here is my facebook fan page:  Mary Mae Photography . I am loving it. I am building a portfolio right now. I have been  learning so much this past year.  I am so grateful for all the families who have in trusted me taking their pictures.
This is one of these tiny mushrooms  I took

There were some beautiful images shot that day. Here is one my hubby loves

This one was a challenge to take. My hubby had to hold me up for balance. He pointed this image out to me, so he really deserves the credit for it.
 I recently attended another Tea Party. I went with my mom

and on the way home this was showing and I had to have a picture of it

I darkened the closer up so to bring out the snowy peaks. This is the three sisters mountains. (Oregon)

My passion however is to capture people living where they live, doing what they do. Little like national geographic images of people living. Though I never limit how God uses me to capture beauty in all things.

I have also been working on family images and more. I am working on building a website and blog.  Of course HAIN will always be more important. I am also trying to work on bringing my family closer together as well. They have sacrificed so much because of HAIN being a bigger part of my life, meaning less time for them, no regrets just reality. This year is my goal to make them priority over things and dull out and slowly release the responsibility to who God puts into place to take on the responsibilities. HAIN will ALWAYS be my heart.
My other big goal is to have God  # 1 in my life. Though God never leaves me, nor forsakes me. I catch myself busy and forget to include God in my decisions etc. This I will be working on as well.

Lord I give you my life, my family, my heart my passions and desires. With-out you God then life is not worth anything. Lord thank you for being my Father. Thank you Lord for blessing me with my husband, children and family. Amen

My 17 year Wedding Anniversary

Brian and I got married in a historical church in Mt. Vernon, MO March 28th, 1993. Brian's dad Paul walked me down the isle. Looking at my future husband dressed in a nice suit waiting to take my hand in marriage. My knees were knocking with excitement. We were so young looking back I am surprised everything fell together at all. All who did make it work a HUGE thank you! 










Brian is a tall handsome man who makes me laugh. He has become the most amazing man I know.With age he gets even more amazing. Brian took on as a father to my son Justen and has raised him like his own son. He still to this day 17 1/2 years later still doesn't call him anything different other then.  I never asked him to be, he just did.

We have been through some amazing times. We have laughed until we cried and through the most difficult times sometimes laughter is what got us through. We have suffered the loss of 2 of our babies. We have learned to become best friends and learned to depend on one another. Know matter what! I am a proud wife of the most amazing man I know. He is also the hardest working man I know. I have never had to worry about going hungry or if we would survive. I have always known my husband would work to make sure we were taken care of.

We are happy. I hope we have 17 more years ahead. Pretty much growing up together you get to know one another. Though things haven't always been easy all the time. I would do it all over again.   Through the tears, laughter, song, dancing, playing, wrestling, smiling, pictures, running, hiking, walking, swimming, laughing some more, stories, jokes, movie nights, all you can eats and more laughter. Of course the typical arguments to the heated discussions. Love makes it through those things. Some how when the hardest times are you cling on and survive. If you want something bad enough its worth fighting for. Love is sacrifice. Love is kind. Love, true love can only come by allowing God to hold it together.

I love you Brian Patrick Glynn. Thank you for asking for my hand in marriage and showing me what a real hero is. You are mine!

Song my baby sister dedicated to Brian and I. She said it reminds her of us.

Happy Birthday Gabriel

Gabriel was 2 pounds 10 ounces when he was born. He was tiny baby, he reached as low as 1 pound 7 ounces. I was 26 week pregnant when I had him prematurely. He was in the hospital for 2 solid months. Gabriel was a fighter though and we got to take him home weighing 4 pds. Gabe is a smart young man now. He is turning 11 years old March 17. Yup he was my saint patty's day baby.

Gabriel is good at math and loves to make you laugh. He has a major funny bone. He also has a heart of gold. He is sensitive and caring. He is also very loyal.  I am proud of him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABRIEL!

What have I been up to since posting on this blog last

Well the day after my grandma was buried, it was valentines. My hubby took me on a date. We went out to eat at a Chinese restaurant, then we went to Barnes and Nobles in Corvallis, OR we always try and go there when we go to Corvallis. I got 2 books and am reading one of them now. Its a book about the Holocaust. I am fascinated how people can survive such atrocities. Its so important that, that never happens again. We must be careful that we do not make our country a socialist one. Did you know Hitler was a believer of socialism?

Anyway I am off subject. We also stayed the night out and the kids stayed with my niece Ashlee. We had Madi and baby J the evening before. We had such a good time with them. Snuggling with Madi all night was simply amazing! She is such a sweet little girl. And it was so fun to watch baby James wear my kids plum out. He ran and ran and by bed time my kids were begging him. It was such a satisfying thing (pay backs lololol). I did not take pictures of them while they were visiting..darn it!

I recently took some newborn pictures of Saxon. Saxon is my sister Kim's nephew. What a doll!! I had a blast doing this. I hope to take many more in the future of him.

Madi recently got out of the hospital for yet another brain surgery. Her first shunt in her head failed. Apparently this one is doing really good!! Madi will need this surgery every 3 yrs anyway, but sometimes the shunts can fail. Ashlee and James have a pretty special girl. She is a blessing in our family. We love her so very much.

Well that is about it.

Christeen McKinney-Loved and missed

 

April 19, 1923 — Feb. 10, 2010
E. Christeen McKinney, 86, of Lebanon died peacefully Wednesday while under hospice care at Lebanon Rehabilitation and Specialty Care.
E. Christeen was born in Corning, Ark., the daughter of France and Annie (Wilson) Wood. At a very young age she was placed in the care of J.W. “John” and Mary (Cabbler) Hustson. Mary was the grandmother of the Storey Family: Halland “Buck,” Clyde, Thelma “Bootie” and Chester, who she considered her brothers and sisters. They have all preceded her in death.
E. Christeen Wood married James W. McKinney on Oct. 3, 1936, in Hatfield, Ark. They lived and worked around Vanervork and Hatton, Ark. The couple moved with their children to Idanha and settled in Lebanon with their five sons in 1956.
E. Christeen was a busy housewife and mother. An active member of Trinity Baptist Church in Lebanon, she served at the church for more than 50 years as a Sunday school teacher and Sunday school director, in woman missionary service and as a leader in mission support. She was active in the church choir and many committees serving the church. She also served the association and Northwest Baptist Convention as Sunday school leader of children, teaching and traveling to support children workers in churches in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
She is survived by four sons Ron, Dennis and Alan, all of Lebanon, and Travis of Portland; 11 grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and six stepgreat-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and foster parents; her husband of 68 years, James W. McKinney; and her second son, J. Keith McKinney.
Viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Huston-Jost Funeral Home and from
10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Trinity Baptist Church. A funeral service will be at
1 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Lebanon IOOF Cemetery.
Huston-Jost Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Trinity Baptist Church and sent in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355.

Grandma and memories

Grandma has always opened her home to any child that needed. One thing about grandma is she always had something in the oven and if you were ever hungry and needed food she always opened her home to you. She took the time to talk with you about anything and always tried to give good advice. She was a Sunday school teacher and her class was always fun! I first learned about Christ and His love for us in her class. Grandma always had the most yummy apple pies around! Plus she made scrumptious peach cobblers. Don't forget the goulash!   Grandma always kept her home as a refuge. She would sit me down and say "Mary Mae" I never went to school and I want you to do better then me, she would sit me down and try and teach me time. I remember her reading doctor Seuss books to me "go dog go" I loved when she read to us. 

Seeing grandma so sick was hard. She has always been so strong to me. She had bruises from her meds, hard to see her like that. When my youngest sister Dawn was brushing through her hair grandma just closed her eyes and was taking in all the pampering. It made me go back to a time I remember grandma standing in front of a mirror pampering herself, she was brushing her hair and putting on her maroon lipstick. While doing so she would take the opportunity to tell us the importance of taking care of ourselves. Looking at her closing her eyes while my sister was brushing her hair was priceless for me. My sister taking care of her grandma like grandma did for us many times was humbling and beautiful.

Funny thing about grandma though is as soon as she heard news on anything the whole town would know it by the end of the day. She could call people quicker then most on cell now days. She loved people and still does. Being so sick she still welcomes people to surround her and still somehow talks and entertains them. 

Grandma is a great woman. Seeing her pass away sadly in the near future is going to be hard on all of us grandchildren. We loved her. Even with me not being her flesh and blood- I didn't know it and she treated me even more special. She told me many times that is wasn't right for me to not have a father and grandparents and that she understood how I felt as that is what her life was like and she would tell me that I was hers and she loved me like her own. She NEVER once treated me like I was different, not once. As soon as she see's me she still says "there's my Mary Mae" and yesterday telling family friends as she is looking at me "isn't she a good woman" looking at me proudly. It will be hard when she is no longer with us!

The things that keep me busy and thinking

My Animals keep me busy, there is always a picture to take. Animals are such a big part of my personal life.
I have been working on my photography skills. I am having a blast creating works of art I hope bless others. I am just an amateur, but am passionate about it. It seems so new in my life, but never had an opprotunty until now to bring my passion for photography out until now.


This morning was a gorgeous morning for picture taking. It was just breath taking. The above picture is a beautiful seen of some fog settle on the ground. in person it was beautiful. When you live next to a river we get allot more fog, but it can be stunning to see. Everything is beautiful and just glorifies our creator.

I have also been working on the end of the year receipts for HAIN . Keeps me busy this time of year. Plus our newsletter is also needing work!

I started a sock but may take it out. I found a beautiful pattern I will try and post it on my knitting blog HERE. Plus I found some neat patterns for sheep/lambs on ravelry . I love, love that site!
Then of course Fabebook keeps me busy too. Ok I admit I am addicted :) . I can meet all my friends and family in one place. Some near and some far. Its nice to have a place to share pictures and your thoughts!
Then in church we are keeping busy with the experiencing God study. Pretty good, but very basic study.
Will post more later......