Welcome To Camp Funk

2012-02-01T04:31:00.000-06:00

moments

what is the insignificant thing you have to do today
that isn't insignificant to all
through the eyes of God
you might miss the moment through simple obedience
what is that thing you do back and forth that seems not to matter in your eyes
changing the diaper
wiping buts
making dinner
tying shoes
doing the laundry
every single day
God says
there's glory in that moment
it's an act of worship
walking through that trial with an aging parent
it's a moment
a supernatural moment
we need to recognize the moments we are in to prepare for the moments ahead so we can take the moment we are in and allow God to catapult us to the moment that's before us.
that way we don't get stuck talking about what God did way back when
he is always working and creating moments
we serve a 365 24/7 God
he is with me in every moment
all moments are not created equal
when someone is about to bring you down it is a sure sign that god is about to raise you up
the stronger it gets
probably more desperate the devil is, to keep you from going where there about to go
your so close to taking back what the devil took from you,
that he's trying to hit you with his best shot
greater is he who is in you than who is in the world
how many times have you missed god's yes
because you took somebody else's no as the final word
the best way to prepare your heart and trust god in the moment that is ahead
is to remember the moments he was with you
they are a preview for what's coming ahead and what he wants to do
the lord is fighting for you
walk in his presence all day long
this moment may never come around again
enjoy this moment
did you ever waste so much time worrying about what they said
maximize this moment
walk in this moment
i found out they couldn't stop
don't you let a voice from the outside or the inside tell you that your moment isn't here
walk in purity
walk in holiness
when your in your moment
no devil in hell can take it away
obey him
obey him in the next moment and the next
back and forth
back and forth

i believe in every moment you send into my life is meant to be an opportunity for me to become what you've made me to be

I won't miss my moment

2012-01-31T04:49:00.000-06:00

nightly chats
we have a bedtime routine that
may make you crazy but
in our house we love it
the kids would not know what to do if we didn't
when we go upstairs to bed,
Dave and I lay with each kid for about 10 minutes
there is a lot of shuffling around
but we always make sure everyone gets both of us for at least 10 minutes
sometimes Dave and I both pass out before 8
and wander down to bed whenever...
It is always fun to see what they ask
it's always questions
and it's a wide open invitation to speak the truth to them
who created the abc's?
who were Adam and Eve's children?
are their pastors in prisons?
why is there the death penalty?
why did god call a horse a hose and a cow a cow?
why does my heart hurt for people that make bad choices
why people talk sassy or in different voices at times
when I talk to the girl next to me her eye looks another way
what are birthmarks
why boys on the playground like to argue about kickball at recess
why some boys are so concerned with themselves and how good there doing in a sport to meet the requirements of social status
making good choices when everyone else makes bad choices
what are these 2 little rolls for on my stomach
mommy today at school I sucked on a smelly marker because it smelled so good
today at school I accidentally ate a booger
why do people do things just because others are doing it
love this life God has blessed me with

2012-01-30T04:22:00.000-06:00

Jonah's Birthday

these are his cupcakes he brought to school

he did a great job ddecorating them

Odin and I made a lego cake

the head was the easiest...

this is what he picked for lunch

thank you all for the wonderful gifts

he loved everything!

2012-01-26T04:13:00.000-06:00

Happy 7th Birthday Jonah
(we will be celebrating tomm. because we have some other things going on tonight.)

our little miracle

loves bugs and animals

very quick and witty

loves the Lord

quite a dancer

Lego builder

loves with an open heart and mind

question ask er

social guy

very emotional

will give you kiss after kiss until you actually get out the door

huge heart

pure joy

we love you dearly and thank god for you every day!

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

Jeremiah
was taking a nap the other day
and when I went to check on him I couldn't help but notice a car sticking out of his mouth

Apparently it must taste better than his blanket!

2012-01-24T04:24:00.000-06:00

my little helper

love the way they want to help with everything

i am one who really does not care about the mess

it can always get cleaned up

those little hands love to help and
their little hearts will always remember
love being a mommy!

2012-01-23T03:46:00.000-06:00

lite bright

we got out my old lite bright and the kiddos started creating

they were so much fun
I cannot find the little black sheets that go with them anymore though
those ones with designs already on them.
this was so fun as a kid

we received a huge blessing this weekend.
thank you so much for your generosity and for all your support!
we are so richly blessed!

2012-01-21T03:44:00.000-06:00

Sunday will be the last day of the grant contest

ending at 11:59 pm

Go get your shopping down now!

Don't forget to click our name in the checkout

so we get the credit!

Thanks for your support!

2012-01-20T06:03:00.000-06:00

scrabble

Odin and I are having so much fun playing Scrabble

I used to play it with a friend of mine after we got out of high school

for hours at a time.

Don't forget the grant ends Sunday!

click on the Ordinary hero site to the side

and choose our name when you check out.

Thank you so much for your support.

We are hoping to get some sledding in here if it warms up!

2012-01-19T04:22:00.000-06:00

Olivia

check those out

this girl is so much fun!

so richly blessed

I love my life.....

2012-01-18T05:19:00.010-06:00

Ordinary Hero Grant Contest still going

until Sunday January 22nd.

3 $500 grants will be rewarded

to the top 3 sellers

lots of new things in store

click the square on the right

and don't forget to pick our name(in the affiliate box) in the checkout

so we get the credit in our account

                                                    help a great cause
                                    get shopping and
                               thanks for your support!

2012-01-17T04:42:00.000-06:00

cleaning & organizing

washed out all of our cubbies from top to bottom

it's amazing what you find

it always feels so good to tackle these projects after the first of the year

odin's idea of wiping out and cleaning cabinets

this guy will be a good husband some day

he is a little to organized

2012-01-16T03:53:00.000-06:00

daddy was going away for the weekend
and this is the note that Odin left him

he attached a little $5 gift card for A&W

that he got for Christmas

love that they miss him dearly and love him so much!

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King!!!!

praying for us to get rid of these colds

ran out of Kleenex and have now gone through 3 rolls of toilet paper

on another note

my husband is ecstatic about the 49ers......

2012-01-13T05:28:00.000-06:00

Ordinary Hero Grant Contest Starts Today

goes until Sunday January 22nd.

3 $500 grants will be rewarded

to the top 3 sellers

lots of new things in store

click the square on the right

and don't forget to pick our name(in the affiliate box) in the checkout

so we get the credit in our account

men's shirts

donations to children in Ethiopia

bracelets

kids shirts

hats will be in later this next week

Please go shop and get some great gifts and help a wonderful cause!

Thank you for your support!

2012-01-12T13:30:00.000-06:00

I guess

I should look at the paper my children are cutting before they start crafting

i am one of those that uses scrap paper from whoever wants to give it to us for free

it's always interesting what the kiddos come up with out of it

2012-01-11T04:22:00.001-06:00

kids with a camera

the kiddos wanted to take some pictures and this is what
they came up with
i love to see what they capture.

2012-01-10T03:34:00.000-06:00

a new kind of pirate

love how Jeremiah has his sword through his underwear.

now the sword is a bridge to the tree

one of these days the tree is going to fall over

and I will not be surprised...

2012-01-09T05:47:00.000-06:00

Jeremiah

Happy 4th Birthday!

(January 8th)

you are so much fun

your smile lights up a room

and your always filled with such joy in your heart

I love of how you just love life

whatever your doing

fishy cupcakes for school today

Odin wrapped up a book and gave Jeremiah some of his own money

nicely tapped to the book

Nanee did the cake this year

it turned out great

we had a wonderful day and are so thankful for you in our lives!

2012-01-06T04:09:00.000-06:00

first snow

sledding

snow angels

shoveling with all the kiddos

runny noses

lots of wet clothes to be dried

hot chocolate

ice skating

we are so happy the snow is here!

Have a great Friday!

2012-01-04T04:15:00.000-06:00

In with 2012 and out with 2011

Wow, it has been one roller coaster ride of a year
can you believe we have started this adoption journey
over 2 years ago.
what an ride that has transformed our whole family in so many ways.
deepening our faith along the way
waiting and hoping to see what this new year brings.

it always feels so good to take the Christmas decorations
and have that fresh clean feeling in the house
the kids kept asking if we could leave the tree up all year
Odin decided that he will do that in his own house when he is older!
we have learned so much this last year and God has been so faithful

God must break you to bless you
when God is taking you ,
all you know is that you were not where you were anymore
he takes you so he can bless you

god has blessed me
not always like I wanted to but he has blessed me in so many ways
When God is blessing you it makes all the taking worthwhile
god, thank you for taken me everywhere I've been.
you don't always see this in the taking stage but you see it in the blessing stage
don't ever be ashamed of the blessing stage
God got you there
but just when you get to that stage and enjoy it a bit

God will brake you
God cannot give bread to the world if any of it hasn't been broken
when god breaks you he has a purpose for it
the only way he can bless you is to break you
God doesn't give away bread that he hasn't broken

whether god was
taking it, blessing it or breaking it, the bread never left his hands
your still in his hands
no matter where you are
he has a purpose
if you just stay in his hands he'll use you
everybody God ever used was broken
God never brings pain without purpose
God here I am
Use my life for your purpose

2012-01-02T04:07:00.000-06:00

will be back tomorrow
our littles go back then
we are having to much fun
sledding, playing uno and hanging out
this is why I love this break!
Have a great Monday!

2011-12-29T05:18:00.001-06:00

Christmas pictures

making our birthday cake for Jesus

Reese's peanut butter cake it is!

decorating

                                             they were so excited to get their food bags
                                   i forgot to do it this year but my mom did and they loved it
                                     so it looks like we will go back to doing it every year.

breakfast with my parents

we had such a wonderful day together

so thankful for family and such great friends.

2011-12-28T04:55:00.000-06:00

Bess Funkhouser
This is David's grandmother who recently passed away.
She was 101 years old and was to turn 102 in january. I hope to live that long. Isn't she just beautiful? The family had a private graveside funeral yesterday where she lived with Dave's dad in Hawaii. We couldn't go but we were there in our prayers. God bless you Bess.

2011-12-27T04:13:00.000-06:00

making cutouts

this little one lost her first front tooth also.

we had so much fun making cookies

we only did 1 batch because I end up eating most of them

I dare not give them away either

because when you do the

kiddos are looking for that exact cookie to eat

2011-12-25T10:43:00.000-06:00

So Blessed...

May each of you be surrounded by God's grace,
comforted by God's tender touch and
overtaken by the wonder of the miracle that took place over
2000 years ago.

Merry Christmas!
Thank you for all the prayers, support and blessings.
we couldn't do this without you!

December 24th...

took some kringle to the police officers working

2011-12-24T05:39:00.001-06:00

December 23

we ran to the post office after school and dropped off some goodies...

my little helper

2011-12-23T04:06:00.000-06:00

December 22

I called the homeless shelter that we cook at and asked if they needed any gifts for Christmas

and our wonderful friend Jennifer said yes, I do

for a 15 and 17 year old boy and girl

so Jeremiah and I went and got 2 of these

and made a card and dropped it off.

it's such a wonderful feeling to be able to bless others

just like we have been blessed in so many ways.

god is so good and faithful.

thank you Stacy for the meat and granola bars....

we greatly appreciate it and how did you know the kiddos love those bars?

2011-12-22T05:22:00.000-06:00

December 21st

Jeremiah was still napping
do you think Jonah is having fun.....

this is the lady who was behind us and received the gift card.
i was going to ask if the kiddos could stand by her and take a picture
but thought it would be a little to much
she greatly appreciated it and said Merry Christmas to the kiddos!

2011-12-21T05:35:00.000-06:00

December 20th

Olivia made this cute little creature

                                                               we love our mailman
                                                      thank you for all your hard work!
                                                         we write notes back and forth
                                                    and we even share colored pictures too...

2011-12-20T05:44:00.000-06:00

December 19th

we had a dusting the other day

they were not there so we left them on the counter!

2011-12-19T06:08:00.000-06:00

We couldn't do December 17th yet. I will post when we can.

December 18th

we bought $5 gift cards and wrote up a little note to leave on random cars in parking lots around town. we had so much fun watching the people come out to their cars and find the gift cards. the kids loved watching what the people do and how they look around trying to see if they can find who did this.

a couple people walked past and stopped to look and read the cards. after a father and son did it, we waited for them to go inside and then we put one on their car. they were very surprised to find it when they came back out.

we had a lot of fun.

2011-12-18T04:30:00.000-06:00

December 16th

we called the Humane Society in Chilton, WI to see what they needed

and stopped at Walmart on the way

we picked up these

they had so much fun looking at all the animals there

Jeremiah was hoping to see an alligator

and of course Odin always wants to bring a parrot home.

not sure why but he has always wanted a talking parrot.

wonderful people and a beautiful facility to care for these animals.

2011-12-17T06:45:00.000-06:00

December 15th

we decided to make the rolo turtles for the department of public works. Dave always says how hard those guys work, especially when it snows and they have to plow the roads so we wanted to share some treats

2011-12-16T04:02:00.000-06:00

December 14th

we headed to McDonald's because that's the only thing in our town with a drive through

i forgot..... we just got a drive through pharmacy.

that would be interesting to do that.

we like to do this once in awhile when we are out and about as well.

the kiddos love to see what the people do when they get up to the window

sometimes they honk and wave and sometimes nothing

but we sure have fun doing it!

my passed out kiddos

lately they have been so tired

not sure what it is....

maybe because they get up at 5?????

2011-12-15T04:05:00.000-06:00

December 13th

we like to visit the assisted living home in our area about 4 or 5 times a year.

the kiddos love this as well and the residents are so fun to talk to.

the kids always ask so many questions and they learn a little bit more about life each time we visit!

we brought them some goodies and handmade crafts.

it was great to see some of them still had things up in their rooms we have brought them before.

the assisted living facility we visit is beautiful in every way.

i just have a passion for older people

used to work with them with my mother

and the residents that live there have a special place in my heart

they make me laugh and cry

love to see the joy in their hearts when they see the kiddos and the twinkle they get in their eyes when the kids talk to them and give them hugs

brings them back to their own childhood and their grand kids they have now

oh how I love it...

I am glad I looked in the car mirror before I entered

because Olivia did my hair and she had put a headband on with a huge pink flower, clip earring in my hair, and 2 other floral clips all over my head.

i couldn't believe Dave wasn't going to say anything..

                                                            this is the one we did last year.
                           this one lady had told Dave about the Cross we gave her last year
                                                and she remembered Olivia giving it to her.
              she now has a grand daughter named Olivia and she has it hanging over her crib.

brings tears to my eyes and such joy in all of our hearts!

thank you

2011-12-14T04:10:00.000-06:00

December 12th

we decided to take some candy bar Carmel corn to 6 neighbors

so they each picked 2 families and we went walking in the dark...

2011-12-13T06:01:00.000-06:00

December 7th

Since was like 15 degrees outside that day...

we decided on using a different act of kindness.

Tape some change to a vending machine for someone to use

the kiddos wanted to wait to see who used it....

2011-12-12T09:02:00.000-06:00

December 8th

the kiddos had a blast doing this

daddy took them to walmart and met a wonderful man that was so delighted

to get some hot cocoa

it was about 10 degrees outside.

Then they ventured off to the mall to do their next random act of kindness

Sorry about my numbers being all mixed up

the bake sale threw me off

the little kids were so delighted
it was so much fun all around!

2011-12-09T03:58:00.001-06:00

Homemade Craft and Bake Sale

Today
283 E. River Terrace Kiel WI
(our house)

Time: 7am-3pm

All proceeds from this sale will go to support the expenses for our family’s adoption.

Items for sale include: Homemade bread, cookies, bars, cakes, cinnamon rolls, homemade mittens, craft items, necklaces, earrings, candies, coffee, hot chocolate, holiday gifts, and more!

All proceeds go towards our adoption!

2011-12-08T10:46:00.000-06:00

our tree

free candy candy canes from the tree farm

and this is Sally at the top of the tree

Sally was given to us when Odin was a baby

and she is a dear part of our family.

She is a doll from the make a wish foundation and the kiddos love her.

we hide her all around the house and sometimes she doesn't appear for like 2 months.

so we thought this year she would be a good tree topper.

I am baking like a mad lady for our bake sale this Saturday

so I will post the advent days soon.

2011-12-07T09:21:00.000-06:00

December 6th

2 for mom

1 for dad

and one scribble for the mailman...

2011-12-05T04:15:00.000-06:00

We have finally signed on with 147 million Orphans to help us with our fundraising efforts as well.

Works just like Ordinary Hero does....

We get 30% of your purchases sent right to our adoption agency.

They have a ton of neat things
for everone..

men's
kids
women's
necklaces
earrings
get shopping for Christmas.....
Thank you so much for your support!

2011-12-02T05:01:00.000-06:00

Homemade Craft and Bake Sale

283 E. River Terrace Kiel WI

Date: Sat Dec 10^th

Time: 7am-3pm

All proceeds from this sale will go to support the expenses for our family’s adoption.

The Dells

2011-12-01T11:28:00.000-06:00

Blessing
We were truly blessed with a wonderful gift given to us by a dear friend of ours.
We were invited to go away for a few days to the Wisconsin Dells and stay at the Wilderness Resort with 2 families and our dear friend Gary all from our church.
It was such a blessing and so much fun!
The kiddos all had a blast.
Water parks for 3 days
glow in the dark laser tag
3d glow in the dark mini golf
arcade games
an awesome and HUGE play area big enough for the adults to play too
riding a shuttle bus back and forth to our cabin
deer in the backyard
raccoons on the deck
movies on the big screen
running around the cabin
crazy loud kids
lots and lots of great food
great fellowship
It was such a special treat.
We are so grateful for these wonderful friends.
Thanks for everything Gary!

2011-11-30T03:32:00.000-06:00

Sorry about no updates....
we are missing in action since Sunday and will be back on later this week...
Have a great day!
Love the Funk's

2011-11-24T04:33:00.000-06:00

thankful

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
We are so richly blessed!
Thank you for all your prayers and unconditional love and support!

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High; to declare Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness by night... For Thou, O Lord, hast made me glad by what Thou hast done, I will sing for joy at the work of Thy hands. How great are Thy works, O Lord! -Psalm 92:1, 4-5

2011-11-23T04:22:00.000-06:00

Grandma Mimi's visit

Grandma Mimi got the kiddos their own little tree with decorations

they had a blast decorating it together and making memories

board games

wii

dancing

crafts

pottery and painting

shopping

talking about life

sharing lots of laughs

and creating lots of memories together

it's always hard to say good bye

thank you for a wonderful visit Grandma Mimi

2011-11-22T10:28:00.000-06:00

friends

One Saturday every kid in my house had a friend over
it was so much fun
love to see their little relationships going on
and I really love a loud and crazy house!

2011-11-21T04:05:00.001-06:00

Operation Christmas Child

we always have so much fun doing these every year.

wish we could do more and wish the boxes were bigger

the kiddos always want to cram too much stuff in there.

Grandma Mimi's last day here today

we have had a fun visit and done lots of fun things together

It's always hard saying goodbye...

2011-11-18T04:15:00.000-06:00

roasted vegetables

I make this dish at least 2 times a week

It all depends what veggies are on sale.

Cut up some squash(any kind)

sweet potatoes and onions

sometimes I'll add peppers if I can get them for cheap.

drizzle with Olive oil

add some salt and pepper

toss to coat

Cook in the oven at 400 for about 25 minutes

Delicious!

2011-11-17T03:17:00.000-06:00

Beauty

we sent out 5 more profile books the other morning

praying, praying, praying

2011-11-16T04:11:00.000-06:00

Another blessing

I got these free from a great friend of mine

so I did this

and this

and then did this

and got this

It is so delicious!

We are so blessed!

2011-11-15T05:10:00.000-06:00

birthday cake for the teacher

Grandma Mimi flew in late last night too....

2011-11-14T04:10:00.000-06:00

thank you
Just wanted to say thank you to the 3wonderful dentists that worked on our children's teeth while they were at school the other day.
What a great program they offer for families without dental insurance.
The kiddos are always a little sketchy about going to a new dentist but it was all free and they even used good materials for the sealants and the one filling we had to get.
I am so thankful for this and we are so blessed.
Now if they only took husbands...

2011-11-11T04:56:00.000-06:00

thankful books

I started something with kiddos a year ago called thankful books
Every Sunday after church and lunch we sit down and write 5 things we are thankful for.
They cannot be the same things
they always have to be different
We used to do it daily but I couldn't stay on top of it..
Maybe when we start to homeschool.....that is something we will go back too.

Jeremiah is thankful for the wii...

Have a great weekend!

2011-11-10T04:19:00.000-06:00

love these moments

2011-11-09T04:08:00.000-06:00

daddy's birthday
a little late...
started the day with hashbrowns and eggs
and then carved pumpkins and did some projects outside
his choice for dinner was weiner rollups and frozen french fries
can't beat that.
ended the night with a movie, cake and a few gifts from family

m&m's are daddy's favorite gift

thank you for being such a wonderful husband and daddy

2011-11-08T04:04:00.000-06:00

Olivia's way to wear a scarve
to school

2011-11-07T04:25:00.002-06:00

Blessing Bags

packing bags of goodies to be delivered to the homeless. we carry some of these in the car because you never know who you will run into and what's going on in their lives.

the kids thoroughly enjoy doing this
especially meeting the people their blessing
wish we lived closer
they would love to go a few times a week if we could.
we have such great conversations afterward and they always seem to talk about the people they meet
...we truly live a rich life!

“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”

Isaiah 58:10

Let’s be the hands and feet…

2011-11-06T14:45:00.000-06:00

One Day. One Voice. One Purpose
Orphan Sunday

Don't forget to pause my music at the bottom.

2011-11-04T04:22:00.002-05:00

months waiting on Domestic

and

months waiting total

Please keep praying for us,

we greatly appreciate them.

Happy Friday!

2011-11-03T04:20:00.001-05:00

Legos

after an hour of creating..... this is our new home for our lego people

it was so fun to see what everyone came up with.

sure beats stepping on them in the middle of the night

when I am up with the kiddos

2011-11-02T04:07:00.000-05:00

part 2 of the camping trip pictures

look at all those people

i thought this was an interesting idea

a new kind of ear muff she said...

i am not a fan of a mask on anyone's face

these guys freaked me out

very eye opening and sad

when it comes too how much money people waste on

Halloween in America

thank you again for the wonderful gift

we had a great time as a family and made some wonderful memories!

2011-11-01T04:18:00.000-05:00

Thank you!
We got a wonderful gift of Halloween camping at Kohler Andrae State Park
It was very last minute but it worked out well.
We had so much fun in the cold and all the crazy people out there.
seriously...who in the world decorates like this.
It was CRAZY!!!
I am not a Halloween fan at all..just never really liked it
but it was a great time
Lots of pictures.......grab a cup of coffee

part 1 of the pictures

2011-10-31T10:07:00.001-05:00

mix up...
it was so dark the other morning when I put my shoes on I didn't happen to notice this until later

2011-10-27T07:16:00.000-05:00

I will be having a
Matilda Jane truck show
today
6:00
at my house
If you cannot join us here,
join us online : www.matildajaneclothing.com/shop.php
and do some shopping there.

People wanting to order should email their order to: carriet@matildajaneclothing.com

Thank you so much for supporting us..
we greatly appreciate all your prayers and blessings as well!
Lots of Love from the Funk's

2011-10-26T05:48:00.002-05:00

Fall

It's just so beautiful in WI this time of year
colorful leaves
crunchy apples with sweet carmel
crisp air
cold wind nipping at our ears
warmth from our campfire on our driveway
hot apple cider
kids running around outside like maniacs
late into the evening hours
enjoying those last few nice days of fall!

2011-10-25T04:23:00.000-05:00

Odin

how did this happen so fast

he is growing right before my eyes.

Love that his heart is always where it should be

God is just breaking it for things that break his

he asks so many questions

seriously..how do they come up with this stuff

love having these deep conversations with him

talking about situations and role playing scenarios with him

I love this life we are blessed with

He wrote this sweet letter to his 2nd grade teacher that he misses

Him and his teacher

attached with a picture of himself

I asked him why he liked her so much and he said

because she hugs me and loves me like a mother does

I am so richly blessed....

2011-10-24T10:06:00.000-05:00

lesson learned

this is what happens to your wrist when you never take your watch off....
apparently I had mine a little to tight.

2011-10-21T04:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday David/Daddy

the kids Elementary school has been talking a lot about heroes at school

Olivia picked Daddy as her hero and so did Odin

they had to share some things and pictures about them

so sweet to see what they love about him and

that they want to do things exactly like him

a godly man

a generous man

honorable

well respected

Jesus copied His Father,

we are to be like our Heavenly Father.

Do what he does.

Walk like he walks.

Say what he says.

Be what he is.

Only by close interaction and contact with the parent will a child pick up the same habits, tendencies and character of the parent.

And so it is with us.

To learn to be like God and His son,

we must be constantly in His presence, following Him around like a little shadow.

The Father desires His children to learn of Him,

to listen to Him,

to obey Him, and

just to be with Him.

This is true with all the other qualities of God.

I want to be like my heavenly Daddy.

In order to do that, I need to keep my eyes on Him, watching His every move.

Years ago, Amy Grant sang a song entitled “Her Father’s Eyes”. The last part of the song is a perfect prayer:

On that day when we will pay for all the deeds we’ve done
Good and bad they’ll all be had to see by everyone
And when you’re called to stand and tell just what you saw in me
More than anything I know, I want your words to be…

She had her father’s eyes, her father’s eyes
Eyes that found the good in things when good was not around
Eyes that found the source of help when help would not be found
Eyes full of compassion, seein’ every pain
Knowin’ what you’re goin’ through and feelin’ it the same.

Lord, may I have Your eyes to see the needs of others, their pain, unrest, and confusion. May I be Your hands of comfort and strength to life them up, Your lips to give Your words of encouragement, Your ears to listen to them, Your shoulder on which they may lean, Your feet to walk with them, and Your heart of compassion to offer what they need. Amen

2011-10-20T04:11:00.000-05:00

movie night at the Funk's

every Friday night

buttered popcorn and a hidden treat in the popcorn

this week it was Charleston Chews

they did not like them.

If you ever wanna join us let me know

we have lots of room!

2011-10-19T04:04:00.000-05:00

spiders

Look at that thing...I don't like them

2011-10-17T04:38:00.000-05:00

Rummage/Matilda Jane trunk show

getting things done in my basement for the next rummage this spring
simplifying and cleaning out
changing summer things over to winter
and getting rid of things we do not need
if you are interested in donating items from now until spring for our next rummage
we would be glad to take them off your hands
we will take anything that is clean and in good shape
and worthy of selling

We will be having a Matilda Jane trunk show on
October 27th
at 6:00 at our house
They have wonderful women's, and girl's clothes.
Even if you live far away you can still order through our show and the money will go towards our adoption.
Go and check it out at
www.matildajaneclothing.com

great gifts for Christmas

2011-10-14T04:33:00.000-05:00

Auction was a success!
Thank you all so much for your support and for spreading the word.
we greatly appreciate it.
we made an extra $591 towards our adoption
We will be trying to sell the things we did not sell,
on Craigslist to raise some more funds.
We greatly appreciate your prayers and support.
We couldn't do it without you all.
You have all been so helpful and supportive
and it means so much to our family.
Thank you!

2011-10-13T04:12:00.000-05:00

random pics

finding pure joy when they sing in their water bottles

it rarely happens to be quiet in our vehichles

Olivia never seems to wear headbands on her head

love to see how she creates her own style..

2011-10-11T04:14:00.000-05:00

blessings

we were blessed with 2 huge blessings on the same day and we are so grateful.

front row tickets to the Brewer game

and I was even able to score 2 Brewer shirts at Goodwill for $3.

they were men's

but my oh so handy mother cut them apart and made them fit the boys just perfect!

they couldn't believe how close they were and what they could all see

Thank you so much for the awesome memory, they will never forget!

thank you also to a dear friend for all the wood they gave us.

We will be using it to heat the house through the winter!

We are so grateful and thankful for wonderful friends like you!

“The world of the generous gets larger and larger – the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller” (Proverbs 11:24)

2011-10-10T04:30:00.000-05:00

after school delight

my goal for this new school year was to try to have a
homemade snack for the littles after school each day
hang out and talk about our days
sometimes,
chocolate is just so much better than healthy snacks!

2011-10-07T04:33:00.000-05:00

bothered
A couple of months ago we were in a restaurant
across from us was a family with 1 child and grandma
the whole time they sat there from start to finish
the boy watched a video with headphones on
it just broke my heart
the mama fed the little boy food off of her plate with her hands only
like he was a little baby bird
the little guy just sat there
wishing I could turn back time and invite him to sit with us.
feeling bad that he wasn't part of our joy, loudness and craziness
he just kept turning around and looking at us
I secretly think he wished he was sitting with all of our crazy family
feeling so thankful and blessed to have such a life.
God is good

2011-10-06T04:19:00.000-05:00

flour = joy

this guy was getting carried away

he was rubbing it in like lotion

2011-10-05T04:02:00.000-05:00

Quinn

this is my brother's little guy

isn't he just cute.....

2011-10-04T04:16:00.000-05:00

Papa Paul
Papa Paul just left
back to Oregon and then back home to Hawaii
we only get to see him once a year
we had a good visit and lots of fun
it's always great to see how much the kiddos love on him even though they only see him once a year.

he wanted to go to the zoo

and then

he took the kiddos out for ice cream

played lots of games

we also visited the little farmer.
it's nice that it's still free
so the kiddos can run around and play and feed the animals

Olivia decided to climb all the trees in flip flops

Papa Paul bought them Carmel apples

lots of stories and snuggle time too.

thanks for all the great memories

2011-09-30T04:16:00.000-05:00

Last Day of our Online Auction
Auction ends at 7:00 tonight!

Click this link to go to the auction: www.32auctions.com/auction_registrations/new

Enter the auction ID: campfunk

Enter the auction password: funkhouser

Christmas

Birthdays

Showers

Just to say thanks or I love you!

Please let me know if you want more pictures of something or if you have any questions.

-You do have to create a user name and password in order to BID on an item. This way I know how to identify and contact the winners of each item.

-If you make a bid and you are outbid, you will receive an email from 32auctions telling you so. (Only if you have the highest bid and are then outbid.) You should also receive a confirmation email when you submit a bid, telling you if you are the leading bidder. If you don't, check your spam mail.

Winning bidders will receive an email letting them know which items they have won. Winning bidders will then be able to pay for their items via credit card or PayPal.

-Most items ship at the winner's expense. Books will ship at USPS media rate, and other items will ship in the most economical manner possible, unless otherwise requested. I will not be calculating shipping until after the auction closes for simplicity's sake. If a winner decides, after hearing what their shipping will be, that they no longer want the item, I will move down to the next highest bidder.

-All monies earned, once commission is paid to 32 auctions and PayPal, will go right into our adoption account.

Thank you for all your support!

2011-09-29T04:13:00.002-05:00

crazy kids

this is what they do when they go to my parents house

2011-09-28T04:22:00.000-05:00

Out of the mouths of babes!!!

I was changing in our bedroom and

Jeremiah says: Who put all those stamps on you and why would they do that?

That's not very nice.

Referring to my tattoos

We were all laying outside in the grass and

Odin says: I am going to use my resources.

Me: How?

Odin: Well, you see I have a booger in my nose that I need to pick

Me: Ok

Odin: I will save a tissue by using a leaf

I will be resourceful instead of just wasting a tissue.
How do they come up with this stuff......

Jeremiah comes in from outside
he was looking outside for our neighbor John
Me: what are doing outside by yourself
Jeremiah: talking to Mr. John but now he's talking to a guy on a tractor that has a big belly
Me: I couldn't help but chuckle
I said what are they doing?
Jeremiah: talking by the shed and one has a cup(very excited about that)
Me: really
Jeremiah: i sink it's coffee, but I didn't know Santa drank coffee..

I love being a momma to these children God has blessed us with!

2011-09-27T04:02:00.000-05:00

Online Auction has 4 days left!

Click this link to go to the auction: www.32auctions.com/auction_registrations/new

Enter the auction ID: campfunk

Enter the auction password: funkhouser

Please let me know if you want more pictures of something or if you have any questions.

Autographed Green Bay Packer football

Lots and lots of handmade goods

Purses

Hair Clips

Autographed Cd’s

Books

Gift Certificates

Hot Air Balloon Ride

American Girl Doll Clothes

Thomas the Train Railway

Christmas is right around the corner!

This will be our last fundraiser for the year!

-You do have to create a user name and password in order to BID on an item. This way I know how to identify and contact the winners of each item.

-If you make a bid and you are outbid, you will receive an email from 32auctions telling you so. (Only if you have the highest bid and are then outbid.) You should also receive a confirmation email when you submit a bid, telling you if you are the leading bidder. If you don't, check your spam mail.

Winning bidders will receive an email letting them know which items they have won. Winning bidders will then be able to pay for their items via credit card or PayPal.

-Most items ship at the winner's expense. Books will ship at USPS media rate, and other items will ship in the most economical manner possible, unless otherwise requested. I will not be calculating shipping until after the auction closes for simplicity's sake. If a winner decides, after hearing what their shipping will be, that they no longer want the item, I will move down to the next highest bidder.

-All monies earned, once commission is paid to 32 auctions and PayPal, will go right into our adoption account.

Thank you for all your support!

2011-09-26T04:15:00.000-05:00

tomatoes

I'm not a gardener

but wish I was.

I tried at one of our old homes and forgot to water everything.

my mom planted some tomato plants for us this year

and they have done great.

the kiddos love picking them

so we chopped and froze 8 bags for soups for the winter.

would love to learn how to can and make applesauce too.

2011-09-23T04:34:00.000-05:00

emotional roller coaster
Is this a ride I signed up for?
would you?
if that was the new ride at the theme park.
if God put something on your heart to do
knowing that it was going to be hard
would you listen?
even if it's uncomfortable
even if it means less sleep
even it if means you lose friends and family
even if you look crazy
even if you don't have the money
even if it means no shopping, beauty salon, massages, eating out
whatever else seems to be the norm in this world...
seriously...
We have had so so many baby situations come at us over the past few months it's becoming easier to just see what God's plan is verses our plan.
we are being very open and
patience is becoming my best friend
and not by choice.
God has been so good to our family.
Where does your strength come from?
It isn't until you've been tested and tried in your faith that perseverance through these trials,
that you really get to see,
feel and
understand
where your strength comes from.
We are so thankful for the Lord's plan in our lives.
It may not be normal for the world's standards
but it is so worth it!
we are full of faith
we believe the truth God has revealed to us through Jesus Christ and His word.
faith in God is not wishful thinking or hoping that all our personal desires will be fulfilled.
It is believing that God created us, loved us, redeemed us and is in the process of transforming us.
I am truly fulfilled!

2011-09-22T04:09:00.000-05:00

he is not a happy camper in this picture

he somehow massively twisted his ankle a few weeks back

so he had to wear this for 2 weeks.
He liked it for all of an hour and then it wasn't fun anymore
he is good to go now!

2011-09-20T04:17:00.000-05:00

online auction still going

PLEASE, share them.. via blog, Facebook, Twitter, or email.
Please copy and paste!

In order to view the auction which is going on now until next Friday September 30th at 5:00 pm.

Click this link to go to the auction: www.32auctions.com/auction_registrations/new
Enter the auction ID: campfunk

Enter the auction password: funkhouser

Please let me know if you want more pictures of something or if you have any questions.

Autographed Green Bay Packer football

Lots and lots of handmade goods

Purses

Hair Clips

Autographed Cd’s

Books

Gift Certificates

Hot Air Balloon Ride

American Girl Doll Clothes

Thomas the Train Railway

Christmas is right around the corner!

This will be our last fundraiser for the year!

-You do have to create a user name and password in order to BID on an item. This way I know how to identify and contact the winners of each item.

-If you make a bid and you are outbid, you will receive an email from 32auctions telling you so. (Only if you have the highest bid and are then outbid.) You should also receive a confirmation email when you submit a bid, telling you if you are the leading bidder. If you don't, check your spam mail.

-You can "like" items which will them post them on FaceBook. Your friends can then come into the auction and take a look around, without requiring the auction ID and password.

Winning bidders will receive an email letting them know which items they have won. Winning bidders will then be able to pay for their items via credit card or PayPal.

-Most items ship at the winner's expense unless you live close, you can pick them up too. Books will ship at USPS media rate, and other items will ship in the most economical manner possible, unless otherwise requested. I will not be calculating shipping until after the auction closes for simplicity's sake. If a winner decides, after hearing what their shipping will be, that they no longer want the item, I will move down to the next highest bidder.

-All monies earned, once commission is paid to 32 auctions and PayPal, will go right into our adoption account.

Thank you to everyone who donated items to the auction SO GENEROUSLY. We have more than 90 brand new items for folks to bid on. Once again, you have blown me out of the water with your support.

ENJOY YOUR SHOPPING!!

2011-09-19T04:03:00.000-05:00

frog catching again

we had so much fun looking for frogs

the grass was very wet

they were hopping around everywhere

catch and release is how we roll

this momma accidentally kills a lot of frogs

2011-09-16T05:21:00.000-05:00

Online Auction Starts Today

Ok, here are the details! PLEASE, share them.. via blog, Facebook, Twitter, or email.
Please copy and paste!

In order to view the auction which will be live starting at 5:00 a.m. on Friday September 16th and will go to Friday September 30th at 5:00 pm.

Click this link to go to the auction: www.32auctions.com/auction_registrations/new

Enter the auction ID: campfunk

Enter the auction password: funkhouser

Shop till you drop!!! It will be open for 2 weeks.
Please let me know if you want more pictures of something or if you have any questions.

Autographed Green Bay Packer football
Lots and lots of handmade goods
Purses
Hair Clips
Autographed Cd’s
Books
Gift Certificates
Hot Air Balloon Ride
American Girl Doll Clothes
Thomas the Train Railway

Christmas is right around the corner!

This will be our last fundraiser for the year!

-You do have to create a user name and password in order to BID on an item. This way I know how to identify and contact the winners of each item.

-If you make a bid and you are outbid, you will receive an email from 32auctions telling you so. (Only if you have the highest bid and are then outbid.) You should also receive a confirmation email when you submit a bid, telling you if you are the leading bidder. If you don't, check your spam mail.

-You can "like" items which will them post them on FaceBook. Your friends can then come into the auction and take a look around, without requiring the auction ID and password.

Winning bidders will receive an email letting them know which items they have won. Winning bidders will then be able to pay for their items via credit card or PayPal.

-Most items ship at the winner's expense. Books will ship at USPS media rate, and other items will ship in the most economical manner possible, unless otherwise requested. I will not be calculating shipping until after the auction closes for simplicity's sake. If a winner decides, after hearing what their shipping will be, that they no longer want the item, I will move down to the next highest bidder.

-All monies earned, once commission is paid to 32 auctions and PayPal, will go right into our adoption account.

Thank you to everyone who donated items to the auction SO GENEROUSLY. We have more than 80 brand new items for folks to bid on. Once again, you have blown me out of the water with your support.

ENJOY YOUR SHOPPING!!

2011-09-15T04:03:00.000-05:00

beauty
I just happen to catch this out of the corner
of my eye the other day when I took the kiddos to school

i have a different take on spider webs after watching Charlotte's Web!
the donations for our online auction are pouring in from all over the world.
we are so excited, grateful and thankful for all of your support.
It will start this Friday and be open for 2 weeks!
Please check back!

2011-09-14T04:02:00.000-05:00

waiting

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” Isaiah 40:31 NKJV
When we are bound to the Lord,
we need to let him set the pace and the direction.
As we wait upon him in peace,
and allow him to be in charge of the where,
the when,
the who,
the how,
we will experience His promise, that "His yoke is easy, and His burden is light," and our strength will be renewed.

2011-09-13T04:25:00.001-05:00

Months on the Domestic Waitlist

II Corinthians 5:7

We walk by faith, not by sight.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

2011-09-12T04:06:00.000-05:00

first day of school

Jonah is in 1st, Odin is in 3rd, Olivia is in Kdg. and Jeremiah is in preschool

she was super excited

this guy wants to go everyday where the big kids go.

most of them still want me to home school.....

they all had a great day and I didn't know what to do with all this quiet time.

I realize how loud and busy I like it!
boy, I miss them!

2011-09-09T09:01:00.000-05:00

Happy 9th Anniversary Yesterday!

Jonah took this picture

I cannot believe it's been nine years

We are so blessed and so full of joy in this happy family!

We have been on such a wild journey and I love every minute of it.
thank you David for these wonderful 9 years!

God has given me such a gift

we look so much younger there

how does that work,

because I still feel so young.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

"Love is patient, love is kind.. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in sin, but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always hopes, always trusts, always perseveres. Love never fails."

Did something different this year for a gift.
We usually don't get each other gifts but this was pretty simple.
came up with some ideas for dates
a lot of silly, easy, almost free yet fun things we could do around our house or close by
will need the help of Nanee and Papa babysitting for us though

He loved it of course
I'll be sharing what we did each month as well.
we are always loking for a nice cheap date night.
God knows we need them, right!

2011-09-08T04:26:00.000-05:00

Online Auction ...Coming Up

We have just finalized our details for our online auction
It will start Friday September 16th and go 2 weeks until September 30th.
We have over 80 wonderful donations.
Great gifts for
birthdays
Christmas
showers
or
just to let someone know you love them

we have
books
cd's
necklaces
earrings
shirts
art
headbands
hair clips
tiles

purses
doll clothes
toys
please check back on the 16th and help us raise the rest of our funds for our adoption and be part of this wonderful journey!
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.

2011-09-07T03:56:00.000-05:00

one of those dayz....

this was our dinner

2011-09-06T04:09:00.000-05:00

Circus World

we had free tickets to Circus World Museum in Baraboo, WI
from the kids reading program at our local library.
We were not sure what to expect but we had a blast!
I have never been to anything like a circus and it was great.

these guys were from London

she was from russia and she was crazy with the hula hoops

clowns are always funny

Jonah did not think they were funny

this guy was from Russia too

he has some crazy balancing skills

he did a full 360 balancing like that

Fun was had by all!

2011-09-05T03:56:00.000-05:00

Mirror Lake ...part 2

my dad and Jeremiah

my parents came for a visit on Sunday

Jeremiah getting a free ride from my mom

riding on the trails

teaching Jeremiah how to make his own s'more

happy camper

swimming at Devil's Lake

just beautfiul

these 2 wrestled for hours

a sweaty mess

dirty feet before bed

pancakes for breakfast

We had such a good time

we are so grateful for such wonderful gifts!

God is good!