Summer Time Fun

Enjoying a Sunday afternoon!

Interesting Observation

Last fall I had a garage sale where I began getting rid of the baby items I had been keeping in the storage building behind our house. Wes was so thrilled for me to finally part with the kids crib, toddler bed, and ten or so plastic totes full of kids clothes. I ended up having a successful garage sale last fall, but only because a friend (who was also having a garage sale that day in Valliant) sent people out my way. Sometimes living outside the city limits is nice, but it makes things a little challenging if you're trying to have a garage/yard sale.

This weekend a friend, who lives in Idabel, was having a garage sale and offered to let me bring a few things (i.e.: the infant carrier/car seat & stroller I didn't want to part with last fall) over to her sale. I loaded up my truck with the rest of the baby items, clothes, and some household nick knacks that had been packed in plastic totes since our move from Wynnewood to Valliant four and a half years ago. There were several small decorative items from early in mine & Wes' marriage and a few ceramic bears & things that had been my mom's. None of the items had any sentimental value anymore and it was time to get rid of them.

Today when I began helping my friend pack up the items that did not sell at her garage sale I noticed something very interesting. My decorative nick knack items sold EXCEPT those that were my mom's. This stands out to me, because last Thursday, May 20th, was the 13th anniversary of my mom's death. Last Thursday was also the day I priced all the items I would be trying to sell. I don't believe in superstitions or signs, but I do find this very interesting. And, I will be keeping those little ceramic bears for a while longer. :-)

Katherine, Sebastian, & Corn

On Tuesday Katherine and Sebastian spent the day visiting the Camp family. I'm still not sure who enjoys it more the kids or the Camp's. Anyway, Virginia was nice enough to send me this picture of the kids in the corn patch. I think the goal is to take a picture every time the kids visit to see whether the corn outgrows the kids. I think the corn will win the growth contest. What do you think? It will be fun to see the progress over the weeks to come. Thanks Nelson & Virginia!

My Tongue Equals Trouble

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world... Philippians 2:14-15

My tongue gets me into all sorts of trouble! I have a habit of grumbling, questioning, & complaining.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32

There are many times corrupting talk comes out of my mouth. More negative words flow from my mouth than positive words. I do not build up others as much as I am called to do. My words and actions more often than not grieve the Holy Spirit. Yes, I struggle with bitterness and anger, which I am called to "put away from me". God calls me to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to others like He is to me. There are some days I can do this very well, but too many days when I fail miserably.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:19-21

I am not quick to hear, slow to speak, or slow to anger. What does that say about me? Scripture tells me "for the anger of a man (me) does not produce the righteousness of God".

I said somethings yesterday with an attitude not of Christ. The above scriptures are what God brought to my mind this morning followed by repentance & forgiveness.

Bookcases

Several weeks ago Wes put together the new bookcases for the living room. I'm slowly putting all our books and things on them, but here's a couple pictures.


Here's the rest of the living room. It hasn't really changed.

Backyard Project #2

We expanded our back porch!





As you can see, it was only a small expansion. Not! It is now large enough for our pool to sit on during the summer, and plenty of other outside items the rest of the year. We LOVE it already!

Backyard Project #1

Phase 1: Unloading the heavy railroad ties.


(and NO I wasn't lifting only holding it steady for Wes to reposition it to get it off)

Phase 2: Laying the ground work for the pea gravel.

Phase 3: Spreading out the pea gravel.
The longest & hardest part of this project!

Little helpers.

Working hard.


Taking a break for a picture.

Phase 4: The finished project!



Woohoo! Not sure who is more excited Wes & I or the kids to have this project completed.

Katherine's Puppet Show

Spring Changes

Wow!  Spring is flying past, and it's been crazy around the Kenney house.  Maybe I should say busy rather than crazy, but crazy is how I feel.  Anywho,  we have been making some changes around our house which we've wanted to do for awhile, but were unable until now.  Instead of starting and finishing one thing at a time, we jumped head first into several projects, which is why I feel our lives have gone crazy. 

On Monday I had LASIK surgery on both my eyes to correct my vision.  I've worn glasses or contacts since I was three, and absolutely love that when I wake up now I can see across the room without having to reach for my glasses first.  I am excited to see!  Wes commented this morning how weird it was to see me reading email using my phone without glasses.  It's awesome! 

(Deb on Monday afternoon after surgery.)

Last week we finally upgraded our internet at our house. When Wes and I began to play with our iChat video, we discovered my computer's microphone wasn't working.  Bummer, but the video feed was great!  My computer has been at the Apple Store at Stonebriar Center in Frisco, Texas, since Friday, and I'm looking forward to getting to it back Thursday.  Thankfully we have a laptop I can use until then.  

After leaving the computer at the Apple Store Wes, the kids, and I decided we would stop at Ikea. Wes and I had decided several months ago we wanted several bookcases to make a unit in our living room.  I've want bookcases for storage for a while, so we decided to get them since we were there.  We also picked up a storage unit for Sebastian's toys.  Needless to say Wes spent the rest of the weekend putting together bookcases.  

We are also making some changes in our backyard, but I'll get to those in another post.  My eyes need a break.  I'll add more pictures once I get my computer back.  

Trinity Baptist Church Egg Hunt 2010

Katherine's 2nd Piano Recital

Speed Zone & Ikea

Wes and I had a meeting in Dallas a couple weeks ago, and we took the kids with us. After our meeting we took the kids to Speed Zone, where we rode go carts. The kids played a few video games before we headed over to Ikea.




Enjoying some chocolate cake with milk at Ikea in Frisco, Texas.

Hmmm, it was GOOD!

It was a fun day!

Outside Fun (Pictures)

A couple weeks ago Katherine, Sebastian, and I visited a couple of friends at their school for lunch. The kids were invited to play with their friends class for recess.

Katherine, Sebastian, & Ryan spinning.

These next couple pictures are taken at the park in Hugo, OK.




We're really enjoying the wonderful spring weather!

Red River Museum Field Trip

*Update: Added video

In February our homeschooling group took a field trip to the Red River Museum in Idabel, Oklahoma. After the museum tour the kids had the opportunity to make a clay pinch pot in the activity room. Sebastian wasn't interested, but Katherine did choose to participate. She enjoyed making her clay pinch pot.








Katherine let her pot harden for a couple days at home then she painted it. She now has a cute little earring holder for her dresser.

Spring Break or Blogging Break?

I've been taking a bit of a blogging break this spring, and I'm not sure how long this break might last.

Even though there has been a lot going on in our lives these last couple months it has not been blog worthy. Keep checking in if only to read my twitter updates!

Thanks.

DEB
:-)

Happy Resurrection Day!!!!

Today I received an email update from a family serving in Asia on the mission field that said Happy Easter was translated Happy Resurrection Day. I love it!

Our family is worshiping our risen Savior, and we pray you are doing the same with your family.

So, HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!!!!

Wes, Debra, Katherine, & Sebastian

As I Prepare

This week I am finishing preparations for the 1st & 2nd grade vbs class I will be leading for teachers at the Frisco Baptist Association Vacation Bible School Clinic to be held this Saturday, March 27th at FBC, Antlers.

This year several of the daily scripture verses are some of my favorites, and I've decided to share them with you. Here are the scriptures verses I've been focused on this week...

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14

Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

"For I know the plans I have for you" -this is the Lord's declaration- "plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5

And some people think vacation bible school is only for kids. God has been convicting me with these verses daily as I read and prepare. Oh how I thank Him! I hope you will be convicted and encouraged as well.

Weekend Fun With Dean

Friday night my brother, Dean, drove up to spend the weekend with us. We enjoyed his visit and here is some video of him playing with the kids.



Yes, they LOVE their Uncle Dean!

Draw Me Nearer

For your nearness Lord I hunger
For your nearness Lord I wait
Hold me ever closer Father
Such a love I can’t escape

For your nearness I am hoping
For your nearness Lord I long
Have no need of any other
I have found where I belong
Yes, I have found where I belong

So draw me nearer Lord
Never let me go
Closer to your heart
Draw me nearer Lord
Draw me nearer Lord

In your nearness there is healing
What was broken now made whole
Restoration in its fullness
Lasting hope for all who come

In your nearness I take shelter
Where you are is where I’m home
I have need of only one thing
To be here before your throne
To be here before you throne

So draw me nearer Lord
Never let me go
Closer to your heart
Draw me nearer Lord

So draw me nearer Lord
Never let me go
Closer to your heart
Draw me nearer Lord
Draw me nearer Lord

And keep me here, keep me here
There’s nowhere else I rather be
So keep me here, keep me here
There’s nowhere else I rather be
There’s nowhere else I rather be

So draw me nearer Lord
Never let me go
Closer to your heart
Draw me nearer Lord
Draw me nearer Lord
Draw me nearer my Lord
By Meredith Andrews from her album The Invitation

A Scripture for the day...

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, But emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVEY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11 (New American Standard)

Sebastian Shares His Adventure

*UPDATED: Added pictures.

Last February Wes took Sebastian on a father/son day trip (known as Sebastian's Adventure) to the Dallas Auto Show. Sebastian probably had his best day ever, and since then he has been looking forward to going back to the auto show and taking his mom & sister. Yes, today's the day!

Katherine and I will be joining the guys this year to check out all the totally awesome and cool cars & trucks. Sebastian informed me that we could eat there too, which apparently is pretty important in his precious mind. I'm looking forward to it, and I think I've convinced Katherine that it will be fun too.

I'll try to snap a few photos & maybe some video.

* We had a GREAT time at the auto show.

Texas Independence Day

I am a native Texan and as a rule Texans are proud of their state. Today is Texas Independence Day (March 2, 1836).

Check out some of the fun blogs I read, who also happen to love Texas.

Vicki Courtney
In the Midst of It
Baby Bangs