Show & Tell

I remember in elementary school the excitement of showing off a find which was special and could be classified as a treasure. One special treasure was a quartz rock found by my then uncle Jim who loved to explore caves in some remote areas of middle Tennessee. Then there was the special rock I found in the creek shaped like the state of Tennessee (I wished I would have saved those things). One summer, when Greg & I spent a week or 2 with my grandparents, they were in the process of digging a sewer line to install a bathroom in their house. Oh the treasures we found!! Hundreds of arrowheads - truly this was a site previously inhabited by Indians!! When we returned to school that fall, it was so exciting to be able to show off those treasures found that summer.

Last week I kept Logan in - he had been complaining about his throat burning, then early Wednesday morning he woke up vomiting. Thursday he seemed a little better, but still not to his old self so I kept him in that day as well. By the end of the day, him & Katrina were starting to fight & he seemed to be a little more naughty so Friday I sent him to school. The kids in his class are assigned a day during the month to bring snacks for the whole class & Friday was his day. With that responsibility, they get to share, with the class, an item from home for show & tell. I really didn't pay attention to what he chose but he seemed really excited to bring it!! This morning I had to take something for Katrina to school & saw Logan's teacher. She asked how he did over the weekend then I walked with her to the class to give Logan a big hug!! She began to comment on Logan's item for show & tell & how she shared with her husband how funny it was. Logan had brought an urn with our dog's, Benny, remains. His first comment about the item was "I brought my dog today!" Of course, the children were curious about how they could get one of those!!

Benny was Logan's first dog & they had a strong bond, even though we only had him for a short time. He had a hard time getting over that loss & will sometimes talk about missing him. He has somewhat moved on - we have 2 dogs now & one, Abby, he calls his. You can sometimes find them cuddled up on a bed or the couch. When he was sick this past week, she was right there watching over him.

Isn't it funny what we call treasures!! The dictionary states that a treasure is a thing or person that is highly prized or valued/to value greatly; cherish. For a 6 year old, the bond of a favorite animal was a true treasure that needed to be shared!! Matthew 6:21 says that where your treasure is, there will your heart be also!! What is your treasure? Who is your treasurer? Let them know how valuable they are today!!

Another Year

$5.37. That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bell said to me. I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and something that used to be a Jolly Rancher. Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change when the kid with the Emo hairdo said the harshest thing anyone has ever said to me.He said, "It's OK. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount." I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me. "Only $4.68" he said cheerfully.

I stood there stupefied. I am 48, not even 50 yet? A mere child! Senior citizen? I took my burrito and walked out to the truck wondering what was wrong with Emo. Was he blind? As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil. Old? Me? I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, and there he was waiting with a smile. Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, like I could be that easily distracted!What am I now? A toddler? "Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, eh?"

I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind."Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly!It could happen to anyone!"I turned and headed back to the truck..I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. What now?I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing.That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rearview mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rearview mirror. Then, a few other objects came into focus. The car seat in the back seat. Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten doughnut on the dashboard. Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba, I flew out of the alien vehicle.Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. That is when I felt it, deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, only it was nowhere to be found.
I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, and strode back into the restaurant one final time. There Emo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?" All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here?" At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle, and then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits.
Emo had no clue.

I walked back out to the truck, and suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention. He was holding up a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in my truck by mistake." I took the food and drink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized. She offered these kind words: "It's OK. My grandfather does stuff like this all the time."

All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40.. Yes, Iwas racing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius.. And no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast.

As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket. I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blanky. The good news was I had successfully found my way home.

-*-*-*-*-*-*- READ BELOW !*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Just in case you weren't feeling too old today.
The people who are starting college this fall were born in 1991.
They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up.
Their lifetime has always included AIDS.
The CD was introduced two years before they were born.
They have always had an answering machine.
They have always had cable..
Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.
Popcorn has always been microwaved.
They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.
They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.
They never heard: 'Where's the Beef?', 'I'd walk a mile for a Camel ', or 'de plane Boss, de plane'.
McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.
They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.
Pass this on to the other old fogies on your list.
Did you notice the larger type?
That's for those of us who have trouble reading.
P.S. Save the earth.. It's the only planet with chocolate. Happy New Year and many more

Reflection on the past year

Can't say that 2009 was as event filled in the lives of the Scotts as years past, but when I look at what God did for us, I'm amazed. He is such a great God. We have a very beautiful & functional kitchen. Our white van was in need of major repairs that were too costly to fix, so we were able to purchase a newer, used Town & Country without taking on more debt. For the first time in several years, we were able to go on a vacation to Arkansas & Missouri to see my youngest niece graduate from high school. My kids have been healthy. Was able to take care of a health issue that I've been dealing with for the past several years through surgery.

My business is steadily improving with new clients. I purchased a massage chair with plans to enter into agreements with businesses for employee services. Ron has registered for school to get his doctorate in organizational management which will take approximately 4 years or more to complete - he's always wanted to do this. Everything just fell into place for him to go at this time.

Katrina is in Second grade, in Girl Scouts & is taking guitar lessons. Her guitar instructor has been inducted into the Iowa rock and roll hall of fame and he is very impressed with her. If you want to know anything about the people in the neighborhood, just ask Katrina & she'll be able to tell you.

Logan started Kindergarten this year and the teacher nominated him to be a class student council representative. She is very impressed with him - he's always wanting to please and he is very respectful of his classmates!!

My prayer is that we draw closer to each other as a family and most importantly, drawer closer to our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.

Happy New Year everyone!!

Wonderful time was had by all!!

We had a wonderful time with my sister, her family, my mom & dad and my youngest brother, his wife & boys!! The kids got along so well - we were all proud of them!! We miss being around them all the time - the laughter will ring forever in my heart & mind!! Wish my oldest brother and his wife could have made it - that would have been the icing on the cake!! However, I know he has a lot of demands on him.

Anyway, to start the Christmas season off here's a song I want to share with everyone!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO_Wc8xiui0

Love to all!!
The Scotts
Ron, Sandy, Katrina & Logan

A letter most women have thought about writing!!

I just had to share this!! This is the most hilarious email I've ever received and thought all the women in my life would find it humorous!! Enjoy!!

This is an actual letter from an Austin, Texas woman sent to Proctor and Gamble regarding one of their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph. This was PC Magazine's 2007 Editors' Choice award-winner for the best letter sent via e-mail

Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts.

But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.' Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you freak 'in kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James?

FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong'.

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bull. And that's a promise I will keep.

Always…

Wendi Aarons

Austin , TX

Another muscian in the family!!

It's been awhile since we've blogged!! Will try to do better!!

We took Katrina to her first guitar lesson last night. She was very excited and her teacher said she was real attentive. Her teacher has a rock band & has been inducted into the Iowa music hall of fame!! Very impressive. She received a guitar from Santa Claus at Christmas this past year. We didn't know if it would be good enough for lessons or not, but the teacher said it was a pretty good one to start on. So of course she got a case that can also be carried like a backpack and some purple picks!! If she continues being interested in this, we'll get her a pink guitar. She seems to be a natural at it. I would also love to find a children's choir for her to join - she has a very pretty voice. She's real good with pitch.

Logan desires to play the violin & possibly drums. A lady at our church gave us a 1/2 size violin with case & bow. She was going to just let us borrow it, but felt the Lord say to just give it to us. That was a real blessing!! Ron found a Suzuki method teaching book - which is a little different than how he learned, but will try to figure it out. Now to make sure Ron makes consistent time for him to learn - Logan's attention span is very short - go figure - he's only 5.

Here's a little funny that happened the other day. One of Ron's co-workers received a call - it was someone asking for "Juan". The co-worker said that he didn't work there & the voice said "yes he does" - the call ended. A few minutes later the same person called back asking for "Juan" - and again the guy said "you must have the wrong number". The person hung up. Finally Ron receives a call & it was Logan. He had been the one calling for Ron but his "R's" sound like "W's". The guys in Ron's office got the biggest kick out of that.

Anyway, it's getting late & I need some sleep. Have a blessed day!!

YouTube - Diamond Rio BANNED In God We Still Trust

YouTube - Diamond Rio BANNED In God We Still Trust

Chapstick's New Use

We had this great 10-year-old cat named Jack who just recently died.

Jack was a great cat, and the kids would carry him around and sit on him and nothing ever bothered him. He used to hang out and nap all day long on the mat in our bathroom.

We have three kids, and at the time of this story, they were 4 years old, 3 years old, and 1 year old. The middle one is Eli. Eli really loved Chapstick. LOVED it. He kept asking to use my Chapstick and then would lose it. Finally one day I showed him where in the bathroom I keep my Chapstick and explained he could use it whenever he wanted to, but he needed to put it right back in the drawer after he finished.

That year on Mother's Day, we were having the typical rush around and try to get ready for church with everyone crying and carrying on My two boys were fighting over the toy in the cereal box. I was trying to nurse my little one at the same time I was putting on my make-up. Everything was a mess, and everyone had long forgotten that this was a wonderful day to honor me and the amazing job that is motherhood.

We finally had the older one and the baby loaded in the car and I was looking for Eli. I searched everywhere and I finally went into the bathroom. There was Eli. He was applying my Chapstick very carefully to Jack's ... rear end.

Eli looked right into my eyes and said, "Chapped." Now if you have a cat, you know that he is right -- their little bottoms do look pretty chapped. And, frankly, Jack didn't seem to mind. The only question to ask at that point was whether it was the FIRST time Eli had done that to the cat's behind or the hundredth!?!

And THAT is my favorite Mother's Day moment ever because it reminds us that no matter how hard we try to civilize these glorious little creatures, there will always be that day when you realize they've been using your Chapstick on the cat's butt.

A Child's Version of the Bible

Ron's cousin sent this to us - really funny!

If you need a laugh today, then this should do it! A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible. This is amazing and brought tears of laughter to my eyes. I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching???

Through the eyes of a child: The Children's Bible in a Nutshell

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.

Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.

Then God made the world.

He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden......Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.

God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.

Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.

There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had beenborn in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats.

Jesus also had twelve opossums.

The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.

But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

Why did Jesus fold the Napkin?

Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin? I received this in an email & it really touched my heart - hope it touches you.

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this.... The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple ran out ahead of Peter and got there first. He stopped, looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side. Was that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished. Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'. But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because.......... The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!' He is Coming Back 'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything.'

Done With Kitchen

Wanted to share some pictures of our finished kitchen. The dinning & living room are still a mess - hopefully we'll get the floors in sometime this week plus finish painting the dinning room. It is actually fun to work in my kitchen now!! We love it!! God is Good & most definitely faithful!!!!!!!!

Update on Remodel

Still living in clutter - yuk!!, but have a come a long way with the remodel. We had walls up by Wednesday last week w/3 layers of tape & mud by Friday. Monday the walls were painted (I love the color) Yesterday the electrician did some more work and the sub floor was put down. Today we have cabinets!! Flooring should be put down either tomorrow or Friday with the trim work on the windows. Said Monday we should have all the appliances. After we unload boxes, we'll have the floors for the living & dining room put down. Anyway, here are some pictures.

Ready - Get Set - Remodel!!!

We have started remodeling our kitchen. Monday they demoed - the electrician & plumber got a lot done and yesterday, they put the new back door, side door & windows in the kitchen. Today they're putting up drywall. I'll add pictures so everyone can see our progress. These are the before pictures.

Here's how it looks since Tuesday!!

We'll update as we go along!!

Love,

The Scotts

(Ron, Sandy, Katrina & Logan)

Ready - Get Set - Remodel!!!

Yes, we started our remodel on Monday, February 1st. It's Wednesday, and a lot of progress has been made. The demo was done Monday - even the electrician & plumber got a lot of stuff done.

Burrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!

Woke up this morning with a temperature of -18 with a windchill of -38. I've kept Logan in today because he was throwing up yesterday at school. He seems to be feeling a little better today. I have 3 clients to work on today so Ron will be getting off early.

We met with our contractor last Thursday to finalize our remodel plans. We start with the remodel the first of February. I remember mom & dad's remodel in Little Rock. Greg had to do the work when he got off and on the weekends. Can't remember how long it took - probably a little longer than usual. Our contractor said probably 3 weeks - we kinda of laugh because we think of the movie the money pit where the contractor kept saying 2 weeks which lasted over a year. I know it probably won't last that long but we'll see.

Not much more going on right now - Just trying to stay warm. The least amount of time outside the better!!

Everyone have a good rest of the week!!!

Love,
Ron, Sandy, Katrina & Logan

What a Year!!!!

I sit here reflecting on the past year - WOW!!! What a year it has been. At times it's been a roller coaster, but we made it thru. I finished school and became licensed in Massage Therapy - It wasn't an easy task and my family sacrificed for me. I turned 45 in February and it was hard to make the decision to change my occupation this late in the game, but God had the greater plan.

We lost Martha the end of March. We rejoice because she gave her heart to God. She was admitted to the nursing home in October of 2007 after having some fractured ribs and tail bone - she could no longer take the proper care of herself and we couldn't be over there all the time due to school, work and the fact that kids got on her nerves. She received fantastic care but you could tell by January or February, she had given up life. She resolved her fate would be to live in the nursing home the rest of her life. Anyway, We'll miss you Aunt Martha!!

God has shown favor to Ron in his job. His boss looks to him for a lot of counsel. You couldn't ask for a better employee. Always "johnny on the spot" whatever is needed he's right there. I'll have to say though, Ron has sacrificed a great deal for our family so I could go to school. Thank you Honey!!

We joined the YMCA in August because they have such a wonderful family swim facility. That part in has allowed the membership to pay for itself. The kids took their first round of swiming lessons and had a blast!! We hope to let them continue the lessons until they become Olympic swimmers or until they can stay above water.

My baby girl turned 7 in November. I'll never forget the day she came into this world - it was the happiest day of our lives. She has brought so much joy to us and God has blessed her with the ability to whistle since she was 2. She's my little songbird. She has no care in the world. She loves to listen to K-Love and knows the words to any of the songs played. We look at her in amazement!! She is definitely a daddy's girl - has Ron wrapped around her finger - go figure.

Then, my baby boy turned 5 in November as well. He's my boy!! I know what makes him tick and can turn a crying and whining fit into a calm conversation. I know what chains to pull when it comes to his temperament. Poor Ron gets frustrated sometime and it turns into a battle of wills - I guess the testosterone plays a factor. God told Ron that he would have a boy one day, he thought he had heard him wrong and resolved we would only have a girl. But God knew what this family needed - a red head mild manner little boy that is a comedian. Thank you Lord for this beautiful family!!

Anyway, didn't mean to go on a tangent - but this year we have been so blessed. The feeling of family has been even greater to me than ever before - don't know if it's because we no longer have family here in Iowa or that my family is so far away. I know that greater things are yet to come in the Scott's life for 2009. My prayer for you is God reveals His plan for your life moment by moment and minute by minute until you see a beautiful flower begin to unfold.

Happy New Year!!!
Ron, Sandy, Katrina & Logan

A Good Story for the Day!!

Due to weather and the fact we couldn't get into the church driveway because of foot high drifts, and 40-50 mph winds, (our church is on one of highest hills in the city and the winds are stronger) church was called off today. Our pastor emailed a true story I would like to share with everyone.

This story was Back in 1994 two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on Biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments, and a large orphanage. It was nearing the Christmas season, so for the first time in their lives these Russian orphan children heard the Christmas story. They were told about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem and finding no room in the inn, so they stayed in the animals’ quarters, where Jesus was born and placed in the manger, an animal feeding trough.

They were told how, later, the baby Jesus was visited by wise men from the east as they worshipped Jesus with fine gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Throughout the story, the children, according to one of the Americans, “sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word.” As a follow-up activity to the story, each child was given three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was also given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins, which the children tore into strips the paper and carefully laid them in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel from a thrown away nightgown were used for the baby’s blanket. From pieces of tan felt, a doll-like baby was made.

As the American teachers made their way around the room to observe the children one of them noted, “All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat. This little boy looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy’s manger, I was startled to see, not one but two babies in the manger.

Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. The translator then related how Misha very accurately recalled the story that had been told until he came to the part where Mary put Jesus in the manger. Then the little orphaned boy, Misha, started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending to the story and here’s what he said: “And when Mary laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him, ‘I have no momma and I have no papa, so I don’t have any place to stay.’ Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn’t have a gift to give him like everybody else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift. So I asked Jesus, ‘If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?’ And Jesus told me, ‘If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me.’ So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him – for always.’

As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed.

The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon or abuse him, someone who would stay with him – FOR ALWAYS!

Hope your week of Christmas is filled with anticipation, family and especially the hope of Christ!!

Love to all!!
Ron, Sandy, Katrina & Logan

WILL IT EVER END???

Hello to everyone!!

Woke up to 10 inches of snow this morning - this was in addition to the 3 inches we received late Monday night. To top it all off, last Sunday was 40 mph winds with blowing snow. The regular temperature was -7 with the wind chill being -21 or more. My poor dogs were hesitant to do their business outside. I was glad our pastor called off Sunday night so we could stay home in our warm house - Thank you God for a warm house!! I think we take things like that for granted sometimes. It is pretty coming down and the glistening of the snow under the moon is breath taking - but this Southern girl does not like driving in it. Although I am getting better at it, when I was coming home from work during our first snow, I came down a

hill started loosing control of the car, hit a curb and ended up popping the tire right off the rim. I've been a little skittish ever since. Anyway, I'm posting some pictures of our winter wonderland.

Love to all!! Ron, Sandy, Katrina & Logan

Time to catch up!!

I was informed by Tom it's been September since we last blogged. However, I have at least 3 drafts I never posted so I'll try to play catch up with this one.

In October we flew to Nashville for my Pawpaw's 100th birthday - made it a vacation. The kids had a blast. We spent Thursday sight seeing in Nashville then went to spend the night with my cousin Vicky. On Friday we took the kids to the creek and I was able to tell stories of taking baths in the there and catching minnows with my wash cloth. Saturday was the big day for pawpaw - as the grandsons helped him get ready then drove him to the party escorted by the local police. It was pretty cool. Sunday we flew back home. I made sure the kids got window seats each flight but one. It was a wonderful experience for both of them. (the picture to the left is the kids on the balcony at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville)

On November 5th, Katrina turned 7 years old. We celebrated (along w/8 of her class mates) with a swim party @ the YMCA. They have a cool family swimming pool with a couple of slides. Logan turned 5 on November 25th. He insisted on celebrating @ a McDonalds w/a play area. I gave him the choice of Chuck-E-Cheese or Mcdonald's and we know what he chose. I'll have to admit I was concerned that not many people would show up being so close to Thanksgiving, but we had 9 including his Katrina. My babies are growing up.

Wednesday before Thanksgiving we left Ron at home (he had to work all weekend) and the kids & I drove to Oklahoma. Except for a few arguments (between Katrina & Preston) the trip went really good. Janean & Deryl are so gracious and hospitable - she purchased tickets for the Christmas train. The kids really enjoyed it and even got to see Santa.

I guess in a nut shell, this is pretty much the jist of things happening around Sioux City with the Scotts. My business has been picking up - have several repeat clients. God is really blessing the Scott household. This next year holds a lot of promise for the future.

Anyway, we love and miss each of you. Stay warm and I'll try to blog more often.

Love to all,

Ron, Sandy, Katrina, Logan, Oreo & Abbey

One of those Moments!!

Do you ever have those moments where you sense it's just you & God and nothing else at that moment matters? Getting out of the car today to go to the grocery store I had one of those moments - an overwhelming sense that God was right there wanting me to know He's with me. I looked at Logan and said "Logan, I declare today that God is Faithful" - then I had to repeat it "Logan, I have to say it again - I declare today that God is Faithful". Just writing these words at this particular moment stirs my soul!! I have been so busy the past year that I've been too busy to have "one of those moments". But God in his infinite wisdom gave me something today - though simple it may be - that has renewed me. Thank you Lord!!!


We've been working out all the details with the chiropractic office and will finally be starting this Saturday. A joint decision was made to work on Tuesday's, Thursday's & Saturday's while the doctor is in the office because of HIPPA stuff with is patients. I'll be purchasing another table so I can also do home visits. I've already done one & it worked out great.

Well, gotta go clean my carpets with 2 kids & 2 dogs and the fact they were installed when Ron was in high school makes it hard to keep the clean. Hopefully we'll be able to replace them in the near future with hardwood or something equivalent.

We love ya,
Ron, Sandy, Katrina, Logan, Oreo & Abbey