I wanna set the world on fire
Until it's burning bright for You
It's everything that I desire
Can I be the one You use?
I, I am small but
You, You are big enough
I, I am weak but
You, You are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
There's nothing I can not do
Nothing I cannot do
I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the Father's hands
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
There's nothing I cannot do
Nothing I cannot do
My hands my feet
My everything
My life, my love
Lord, use me
I wanna set the world on fire
I wanna set the world on fire, yeah
This week begins a journey, not only for myself but for my family as well.
The countless doors of opportunity that will be open to me to help people once my RN degree is complete is as vast as our ocean is wide (well, o.k., maybe not THAT vast...but still the opportunities are pretty amazing).
Graceful, the youngest of my womb dwellers, went to her first day of preschool yesterday. I have some beautifully sweet pictures of her and her cousin Nora.
I will try and post them soon, I promise.
Until then, eat chocolate in my honor, and encourage,
~Raine
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
~~~Queen of Tarte~~~
I regret that I didn't take more pictures. The lighting in the barn wasn't very good and with all the people it was difficult to get some good shots.
I especially regret that I didn't take a picture of this adorable little beaded pumpkin that had a glittered crown on the top. It was very cute.
Thank you to my friend and her family for a wonderful day shopping in the Land of "Tarte". We must do it again soon!
I "heart" polka dots. Isn't this the cutest little bed?
I would have never thought to put moss on a light fixture before, would you?
I think this pillow is sweet and a classy way to welcome in the fall season.
Corn beef hash for everyone!
This cabinet was cute!
Is it wrong that I want a chair upholstered in cowhide?
The cow thinks so!
Encourage,
~Raine
I especially regret that I didn't take a picture of this adorable little beaded pumpkin that had a glittered crown on the top. It was very cute.
Thank you to my friend and her family for a wonderful day shopping in the Land of "Tarte". We must do it again soon!
I "heart" polka dots. Isn't this the cutest little bed?
I would have never thought to put moss on a light fixture before, would you?
I think this pillow is sweet and a classy way to welcome in the fall season.
Corn beef hash for everyone!
This cabinet was cute!
Is it wrong that I want a chair upholstered in cowhide?
The cow thinks so!
Encourage,
~Raine
Friday, September 25, 2009
friday "show & tell"
A few people have asked me what type of camera I use so I thought I would have show & tell today!
This is actually my "hunk o' burning loves" camera...but what is his... is mine...right?
This little baby is just mine....but the "hunk" can borrow it if he gives me a foot rub.
Both camera's work well, the smaller one is not fancy but it is a GREAT alternative to lugging a "ginormous" piece of equipment in your purse. I use the little one when we are out at the park or at the beach.
The software that I just started using on the pictures is from Flickr and available to anyone. It does cost money (but only 25 buckaroos which is reasonable) and you are able to do a great deal of fun and easy editing with the program.
Once you create an account at Flickr (which is also free) you can upload your pictures and they will keep them for you. So if your computer crashes and you didn't remember to back up your digitals then they will be safe on Flickr.
I like this.
Some more things I like about Flickr:
Easy to use site.
It's Free (or if you upgrade...it is a reasonable charge).
The photos on there from other artists are AMAZING!
You can blog other people's photos if they give permission (many do!).
You can order prints or coffee mugs or mouse pads to your hearts delight.
Things I don't like:
You need to be careful when your family is viewing this site. The human body is an art form (one of the most beautiful handiwork's of God). However, sending your prepubescent son on the site without mom and dad acting as a "filter" could wind up causing you some angst.
In other words, use your head and watch your children closely when online.
I am a novice. I have no idea what I'm doing when I work with the camera, I just click the shutter...a lot! And usually, I get one or two that I really like.
One day, I will slow down and take a class and actually learn how to adjust shutter speeds and light apertures. One day, I will buy photoshop (oh how I love thee) and I will learn how to adjust "temperature" and "saturation" and it will be lovely.
One day.
Encourage,
~Raine
This is actually my "hunk o' burning loves" camera...but what is his... is mine...right?
This little baby is just mine....but the "hunk" can borrow it if he gives me a foot rub.
Both camera's work well, the smaller one is not fancy but it is a GREAT alternative to lugging a "ginormous" piece of equipment in your purse. I use the little one when we are out at the park or at the beach.
The software that I just started using on the pictures is from Flickr and available to anyone. It does cost money (but only 25 buckaroos which is reasonable) and you are able to do a great deal of fun and easy editing with the program.
Once you create an account at Flickr (which is also free) you can upload your pictures and they will keep them for you. So if your computer crashes and you didn't remember to back up your digitals then they will be safe on Flickr.
I like this.
Some more things I like about Flickr:
Easy to use site.
It's Free (or if you upgrade...it is a reasonable charge).
The photos on there from other artists are AMAZING!
You can blog other people's photos if they give permission (many do!).
You can order prints or coffee mugs or mouse pads to your hearts delight.
Things I don't like:
You need to be careful when your family is viewing this site. The human body is an art form (one of the most beautiful handiwork's of God). However, sending your prepubescent son on the site without mom and dad acting as a "filter" could wind up causing you some angst.
In other words, use your head and watch your children closely when online.
I am a novice. I have no idea what I'm doing when I work with the camera, I just click the shutter...a lot! And usually, I get one or two that I really like.
One day, I will slow down and take a class and actually learn how to adjust shutter speeds and light apertures. One day, I will buy photoshop (oh how I love thee) and I will learn how to adjust "temperature" and "saturation" and it will be lovely.
One day.
Encourage,
~Raine
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Boots how I love thee.....
I love them.
I love them because they make me look taller.
I love them because they make me look sassy.
I love them because they were $6.99 at our local re-sale shop.
I took them for a test drive on Saturday while I went shopping with my sisters.
They hurt my feet after about 4 hours.
I still love them.
Encourage someone today and compliment them on their shoes (girls like that kind of thing)!
~Raine
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
"new" ...old wheels
This week Internet, we bought a car.
Meet Billy and Ronda.
I worked with Ms. Ronda for that past two and a half years. She is neat.
Billy is her friend and he was selling his dads car. Billy's dad passed away two years ago and it was an emotional experience for Billy to let it go.
His mom is 81 and she just wasn't quiet ready to sell it until now. They were happy it was going to a family who needed it and I think this made it easier for them. They prayed for us, that the car would bless our family and serve us for the two years I will be driving it to the coast for school. This made my heart melt.
I think it is 1988 "chic". But my son thinks it is a 1988 mistake.
I promised him I would pick him up from school and drop him off at least one block away.
Wild Olive thinks it is super and she has visions of cruising it around town one day.
As soon as she puts some clothes on. (Hey, they don't call us "rednecks" for nothing.)
Encourage,
~Raine
Meet Billy and Ronda.
I worked with Ms. Ronda for that past two and a half years. She is neat.
Billy is her friend and he was selling his dads car. Billy's dad passed away two years ago and it was an emotional experience for Billy to let it go.
His mom is 81 and she just wasn't quiet ready to sell it until now. They were happy it was going to a family who needed it and I think this made it easier for them. They prayed for us, that the car would bless our family and serve us for the two years I will be driving it to the coast for school. This made my heart melt.
I think it is 1988 "chic". But my son thinks it is a 1988 mistake.
I promised him I would pick him up from school and drop him off at least one block away.
Wild Olive thinks it is super and she has visions of cruising it around town one day.
As soon as she puts some clothes on. (Hey, they don't call us "rednecks" for nothing.)
Encourage,
~Raine
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
And the emmy goes to....
Kristin Chenoweth!!
Why I love this lady.
She is 4ft 11''
She can sing like a rock star or an opera diva.
She is funny.
She is 4ft 11''
She LOVES Broadway (heck...she IS Broadway).
She loves God.
She is 4ft 11''
She is a tiny bit wicked but mostly good.
She is my "soul" sister (except I can't sing!)
She is 4ft 11''
She is 41 and I like people who are older than me.
She is adopted and I'm so thankful her mommy gave her life.
She is 4ft 11in''
She won her Emmy this weekend for her role on "Pushing Daisies" as Olive Snook. The show was cancelled this last year (probably because it had real talent with real actors instead of these "reality" drama's that have people living in houses acting like babies while they bad mouth one another....oh...ooops...did I rant? Sorry! (not really)...no really! (she is telling a falsehood)...shhhh!!)
Today dear fellow lover of all things silly and sweet, I salute you! and I will try and hit a high C in my shower today....in your honor.
~Raine
Why I love this lady.
She is 4ft 11''
She can sing like a rock star or an opera diva.
She is funny.
She is 4ft 11''
She LOVES Broadway (heck...she IS Broadway).
She loves God.
She is 4ft 11''
She is a tiny bit wicked but mostly good.
She is my "soul" sister (except I can't sing!)
She is 4ft 11''
She is 41 and I like people who are older than me.
She is adopted and I'm so thankful her mommy gave her life.
She is 4ft 11in''
She won her Emmy this weekend for her role on "Pushing Daisies" as Olive Snook. The show was cancelled this last year (probably because it had real talent with real actors instead of these "reality" drama's that have people living in houses acting like babies while they bad mouth one another....oh...ooops...did I rant? Sorry! (not really)...no really! (she is telling a falsehood)...shhhh!!)
Today dear fellow lover of all things silly and sweet, I salute you! and I will try and hit a high C in my shower today....in your honor.
~Raine
Monday, September 21, 2009
Childhood friends
Speaking of childhood friends Internet. Meet these two...
Graceful & Hannah Bananna
They are little "fashionistas" and they let the camera know it.
They are proudly showing off the sunflower that Gracie grew from a small seed in her Sunday school class. All summer she has been taking care of her "fowler" and watering it with her little watering can.
Sunflower grown by Olivia Grace-age 4
After these "Vanna" shots were taken....Gracie immediately picked her most prized possession, presented it to me, and told me that I was the best mommy in the whole WORLD!!
I love her.
Whatever you do today, encourage~
Raine
Graceful & Hannah Bananna
They are little "fashionistas" and they let the camera know it.
They are proudly showing off the sunflower that Gracie grew from a small seed in her Sunday school class. All summer she has been taking care of her "fowler" and watering it with her little watering can.
Sunflower grown by Olivia Grace-age 4
After these "Vanna" shots were taken....Gracie immediately picked her most prized possession, presented it to me, and told me that I was the best mommy in the whole WORLD!!
I love her.
Whatever you do today, encourage~
Raine
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Thats "anne" with an "e"
When I was MUCH younger...I used to watch this...
O.K., I confess...I still watch this and I still love it. It speaks to my 14 year old soul Internet...the countryside, the vintage houses, the farm animals, the beautiful clothing, the red hair...the freckles.
When this came out on video,for the first time I felt beautiful. I was in junior high, I had reddish dishwater blond hair (cut in a fashionable mullet) and I was disdainfully FRECKLED. I cried a lot.
Then I found her.
"I've always dreamed of having a "bosom" friend...a true kindred spirit"
My bosom friend, my kindred spirit. I found her in the 8th grade. She made me laugh and she made me cry and she loved me for me. We would talk about our dreams and our future husbands and having tea on the veranda. She was my maid of honor in my wedding and I hers.
To my dearest and most loveliest friend. Thank you for getting me through the 8th grade, for talking me into growing out my mullet, and for thinking that freckles were cute.
I love you.
Encourage,
Raine with an "e"
P.S. Yes, I think I will use my middle name as my "pen" name. And yes, my parents DID really name me raine...with an "e".
O.K., I confess...I still watch this and I still love it. It speaks to my 14 year old soul Internet...the countryside, the vintage houses, the farm animals, the beautiful clothing, the red hair...the freckles.
When this came out on video,for the first time I felt beautiful. I was in junior high, I had reddish dishwater blond hair (cut in a fashionable mullet) and I was disdainfully FRECKLED. I cried a lot.
Then I found her.
"I've always dreamed of having a "bosom" friend...a true kindred spirit"
My bosom friend, my kindred spirit. I found her in the 8th grade. She made me laugh and she made me cry and she loved me for me. We would talk about our dreams and our future husbands and having tea on the veranda. She was my maid of honor in my wedding and I hers.
To my dearest and most loveliest friend. Thank you for getting me through the 8th grade, for talking me into growing out my mullet, and for thinking that freckles were cute.
I love you.
Encourage,
Raine with an "e"
P.S. Yes, I think I will use my middle name as my "pen" name. And yes, my parents DID really name me raine...with an "e".
Friday, September 18, 2009
Teal Power
My first day of school...
We started it off right...with caffiene and sugar from Starbucks.
Then we met some new friends..
Meet the graduating classes of 2010 & 2011!
We've already been caught roaming the halls...without a hall pass.
Thankfully, we didn't get into too much trouble. But the year is still young. ;0)
Encourage,
J
We started it off right...with caffiene and sugar from Starbucks.
Then we met some new friends..
Meet the graduating classes of 2010 & 2011!
We've already been caught roaming the halls...without a hall pass.
Thankfully, we didn't get into too much trouble. But the year is still young. ;0)
Encourage,
J
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Mirror, mirror, on the wall
In our house, we write on our bathroom mirror.
Sometimes, I write a famous quote. Sometimes I leave my family simple little love notes. Sometimes...I leave a little bit of "silliness" because well, this is who I am.
During a particularly trying day, I wrote a Bible verse on the mirror. Something to remind us that God holds and directs us...always.
About a day or two after I wrote the verse on the mirror, two of my children surprised me with this.
and with this...
Be still my heart.
Encourage~
J
Sometimes, I write a famous quote. Sometimes I leave my family simple little love notes. Sometimes...I leave a little bit of "silliness" because well, this is who I am.
During a particularly trying day, I wrote a Bible verse on the mirror. Something to remind us that God holds and directs us...always.
About a day or two after I wrote the verse on the mirror, two of my children surprised me with this.
and with this...
Be still my heart.
Encourage~
J
Monday, September 14, 2009
The first day of school
The very first day of school.
This is when mom picks out a new outfit for you....but you wear something that is worn and well loved instead.
Everyone works together to bring your teachers a little bit of September cheer.
Mom lines you all up...
One by one...
and the little one jumps in for fun.
Our tummies feel funny because we have new teachers...
But they give us a smile...
And they make us laugh...
And they give us reassuring hugs.
And the little one, the baby....she and her mama get a special treat.
And I hold her close...maybe a bit too close because she turns a little red and says "mama, your squeezing me too tight".
"Oh...I'm sorry baby. Do you know how much I love you?"
"How much?"
"I love you more than lollipops and rainbows!"
And she smiles....
It is going to be a great year.
Encourage~
Jodi
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Just like that
And just like that...we kiss our summer days goodbye. We fold our memories into the clouds and tuck them into bed.
Encourage,
Jodi
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Summer Lovin'
We did something unusual this summer Internet.
We went camping. It is this thing where you basically pack up your home and drive to the woods. Then you unpack your home in the woods and you sleep on the ground.
I know. You think I am weird (shhhh..don't tell anyone).
You see, we haven't been camping since my third born was just six months old. That was 6.5 years ago...and it was a nightmare.
This time was different. This time I didn't have to bring diapers or wipes (should have rethought this one) or the other gazillion things that you have to have when you bring a baby with you. This time was gonna be different.
We brought only the essentials....like a playfort made of pink dreams!
And an oven...cuz a family has got to eat.
And don't forget to invite some friends....who have one of these!
And of course, your favorite sleeping buddy...bring him too!
Home sweet home....
We rode bikes.
And we had some street races...he makes me "hot"!!
We did a lot of this (they make it look soooo easy!)
And a whole lot of THIS!!
We played LOTS of fun games...this is the "gesture" queen...well o.k....not really...but isn't she adorable!
We stood around in a circle and sang some songs...."I've got friends in low places..."....o.k.....not really. We did try to sing but then it just got all weird and uncomfortable and so we did what any normal person would do...we tried to find the bathrooms in the dark.
We pretended that we were "mermaids" on the beach. The pic of me in my bikini is pretty "sweet" but this is a "G" rated site so you know....maybe next time.
We enjoyed the company of a couple of different families....I swear this family also has two boys but for the life of me...I have no idea where they all escaped to.
Oh look! I found one...I wonder what he was up to?
Hopefully...he wasn't hunting down poor little innocent fluffy woodland creatures.
We made a special cake for a very special birthday lady.
Shhhh....yes I helped...the "queen of burnt" but don't tell anyone because then they might expect more of me and who needs that!
The strawberry flavored "mermaid" cake had to have some adjustments made before we could take a photo...it wouldn't be "proper" if she wasn't fully dressed.
The happy birthday girl with her "mermaid princess cake" and oh look!....the other Sipos boy!
I made some of the crew stop for some pictures because I'm mean like that.
This is my sweet and my three lovelies....they make me happy and manic depressive all at the same time.
This is "our son"...he is funny, plays with fire and is kind of a weirdo. He makes us proud.
This little one was feeding the woodland creatures (cuz..this is what a good fairy princess would do).
BINGO!! (Yes, we brought "Bingo" with us...don't judge...it isn't nice)
We gave each other names...like "running black foot" and "only #1 in the Raven"...
Then the worst thing in the WORLD happened. Even worse than being in the moutains with 21 other people, a dead motorhome and NO SHOWERS!!!
My camera DIED. Sniff...
So I have no glorious "group" photos to share with you. They do exist though...and I will have to find them and show you just how many of us were there...and yes even the boys (who were hunting rabbit...or is it duck season?) are in the photos.
The long story even longer Internet...is that camping is hard work. You have to pack everything...you don't have room service...or electricity. You have to cook all your own meals and "find" stuff to do without your tele or your computer. You have no ....cell service...GASP!!
Instead, you have this thing called fellowship...mixed with laughter and even a little bit of relaxation thrown in. Anyone game for joining us next year??
Encourage,
Jodi
We went camping. It is this thing where you basically pack up your home and drive to the woods. Then you unpack your home in the woods and you sleep on the ground.
I know. You think I am weird (shhhh..don't tell anyone).
You see, we haven't been camping since my third born was just six months old. That was 6.5 years ago...and it was a nightmare.
This time was different. This time I didn't have to bring diapers or wipes (should have rethought this one) or the other gazillion things that you have to have when you bring a baby with you. This time was gonna be different.
We brought only the essentials....like a playfort made of pink dreams!
And an oven...cuz a family has got to eat.
And don't forget to invite some friends....who have one of these!
And of course, your favorite sleeping buddy...bring him too!
Home sweet home....
We rode bikes.
And we had some street races...he makes me "hot"!!
We did a lot of this (they make it look soooo easy!)
And a whole lot of THIS!!
We played LOTS of fun games...this is the "gesture" queen...well o.k....not really...but isn't she adorable!
We stood around in a circle and sang some songs...."I've got friends in low places..."....o.k.....not really. We did try to sing but then it just got all weird and uncomfortable and so we did what any normal person would do...we tried to find the bathrooms in the dark.
We pretended that we were "mermaids" on the beach. The pic of me in my bikini is pretty "sweet" but this is a "G" rated site so you know....maybe next time.
We enjoyed the company of a couple of different families....I swear this family also has two boys but for the life of me...I have no idea where they all escaped to.
Oh look! I found one...I wonder what he was up to?
Hopefully...he wasn't hunting down poor little innocent fluffy woodland creatures.
We made a special cake for a very special birthday lady.
Shhhh....yes I helped...the "queen of burnt" but don't tell anyone because then they might expect more of me and who needs that!
The strawberry flavored "mermaid" cake had to have some adjustments made before we could take a photo...it wouldn't be "proper" if she wasn't fully dressed.
The happy birthday girl with her "mermaid princess cake" and oh look!....the other Sipos boy!
I made some of the crew stop for some pictures because I'm mean like that.
This is my sweet and my three lovelies....they make me happy and manic depressive all at the same time.
This is "our son"...he is funny, plays with fire and is kind of a weirdo. He makes us proud.
This little one was feeding the woodland creatures (cuz..this is what a good fairy princess would do).
BINGO!! (Yes, we brought "Bingo" with us...don't judge...it isn't nice)
We gave each other names...like "running black foot" and "only #1 in the Raven"...
Then the worst thing in the WORLD happened. Even worse than being in the moutains with 21 other people, a dead motorhome and NO SHOWERS!!!
My camera DIED. Sniff...
So I have no glorious "group" photos to share with you. They do exist though...and I will have to find them and show you just how many of us were there...and yes even the boys (who were hunting rabbit...or is it duck season?) are in the photos.
The long story even longer Internet...is that camping is hard work. You have to pack everything...you don't have room service...or electricity. You have to cook all your own meals and "find" stuff to do without your tele or your computer. You have no ....cell service...GASP!!
Instead, you have this thing called fellowship...mixed with laughter and even a little bit of relaxation thrown in. Anyone game for joining us next year??
Encourage,
Jodi
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