Before I go to bed tonight, I am going to be officially switching Pipes' Dreams to The Charlebog.
Please write this new address down!!!!
http://thecharleblog.blogspot.com
Tomorrow morning when you wake up, that will be our new site. http://pipesdreams.blospot.com will no longer work!!!
I hope you'll keep reading! And to those of you who have links to this blog on your blogs, I would love it if you would update your templates to reflect the change as well!
Thanks!
11.04.2006
11.03.2006
Borat - DO NOT GO SEE IT!!!
Last night, JP and I took a friend and my brother to a free advanced screening of the new film "Borat." We were excited about going - Borat is an offensive character played by comedian Sacha Cohen, but he's pretty darn funny. However, we had no idea what we had gotten ourselves into and I would recommend that NOBODY GO SEE THIS MOVIE.We were expecting the movie to be offensive and cross a few lines, but there were a couple scenes - two in particular - that were so crude, so gross, so vulgar, that it ruined the entire movie. And one of the scenes was sooooooo long. I had to keep my eyes closed through it and have JP tell me when it was okay to open them.
There is also quite a bit of Jew bashing in the movie.
I was so disappointed, and I know of quite a few people who have been excited to see this movie...so I just wanted to give you all a head's up. If anything, wait till it comes out on DVD so you can fast-forward through the crude spots.
11.02.2006
The Patriotic Side of Sears
I checked this out and it is true:
"I assume you have all seen the reports about how Sears is treating its reservist employees who are called up? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up...Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years. I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution.
I suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.
Sears needs to be recognized for this outstanding contribution and we need to show them as Americans, we do appreciate what they are doing for our military!"
"I assume you have all seen the reports about how Sears is treating its reservist employees who are called up? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up...Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years. I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution.
I suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.
Sears needs to be recognized for this outstanding contribution and we need to show them as Americans, we do appreciate what they are doing for our military!"
Deer Opener
Saturday is firearms deer hunting opener in the state.
Here's a little something to make you hunting types drool:
This lady - Deb Luzinski - took down this 24-point buck with a bow and arrow last week. It could be the biggest non-typical deer ever killed by a female bowhunter in Minnesota. That's one big buck for such a little girl.
Luzinski's a member of a group that helps control the deer population. She says she was just looking for a doe when she came across this monster.
Here's a little something to make you hunting types drool:
This lady - Deb Luzinski - took down this 24-point buck with a bow and arrow last week. It could be the biggest non-typical deer ever killed by a female bowhunter in Minnesota. That's one big buck for such a little girl.
Luzinski's a member of a group that helps control the deer population. She says she was just looking for a doe when she came across this monster.
11.01.2006
Baby Update - AND - Please Pray
I had my 7 month checkup today and everything checked out just fine! I gained another 4 pounds last month...which puts me at 14 total so far. The doc said that as long as I keep on track with this (and don't have any crazy abnormal swelling or anything like that) I should end up right around the average 25 pound mark when all is said and done.
I was also tested for gestational diabetes today and praise the Lord, it came back negative. Baby Rae is around 2 pounds now, and she is very active.
That is the praise report!
Here is the prayer request:
Last month, my doctor was unable to make my appointment due to a family emergency. Today I found out why: he and his wife lost their 9 week old baby girl to SIDS.
They have six children: One biological son and 5 adopted kids. This was their most recent adoption. Dr. Spencer (who is a Christian and works in a Christian clinic) had been giving free care to the baby's biological mother during her pregnancy because she was a minor and from out of state, had no insurance, had other kids, etc. Toward the end of the pregnancy she asked him if he and his wife would just adopt her baby, and they agreed. They got to be there for baby Magdalene's birth, Dr. Spencer cut the cord and everything. They took her home when she was just 12 hours old.
I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child. To go from kissing your sweet newborn goodnight...to her being gone the next morning...would simply be unbearable. A miscarriage would be hard enough, but this is a baby they held and kissed and cared for 9 weeks.
Obviously they took it pretty hard. Dr. Spencer said it was the worst day of his life - and that he wouldn't wish it on Hitler. At the same time, he was very strong in his faith...praising God that his little girl didn't have to struggle through this world. She got to go straight to Jesus.
His wife took it even harder. Her brother was murdered 20 years ago, and with this recent loss she became quite angry with God. Her heart has since softened and she is just thankful that they got to be the ones to care for Magdalene while she was here. Dr. Spencer's sister is an atheist, and he said he's been able to have some really great conversations with her about the Lord as a result of this tragedy.
"Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning." The pain we experience during this breath of a life is nothing compared to the eternity Dr. Spencer and his family get to spend with Magdalene.
Please keep the entire Spencer family in your prayers. Their remaining 5 kids range in age from 2 years to about 12 years, so this is bound to be hard for them to deal with and understand. And thank God for the hope we have as believers. Losing a child is something you think you'd never get through - and without God, you probably wouldn't. But Jesus offers a hope that is to beautiful to be described.
I was also tested for gestational diabetes today and praise the Lord, it came back negative. Baby Rae is around 2 pounds now, and she is very active.
That is the praise report!
Here is the prayer request:
Last month, my doctor was unable to make my appointment due to a family emergency. Today I found out why: he and his wife lost their 9 week old baby girl to SIDS.
They have six children: One biological son and 5 adopted kids. This was their most recent adoption. Dr. Spencer (who is a Christian and works in a Christian clinic) had been giving free care to the baby's biological mother during her pregnancy because she was a minor and from out of state, had no insurance, had other kids, etc. Toward the end of the pregnancy she asked him if he and his wife would just adopt her baby, and they agreed. They got to be there for baby Magdalene's birth, Dr. Spencer cut the cord and everything. They took her home when she was just 12 hours old.
I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child. To go from kissing your sweet newborn goodnight...to her being gone the next morning...would simply be unbearable. A miscarriage would be hard enough, but this is a baby they held and kissed and cared for 9 weeks.
Obviously they took it pretty hard. Dr. Spencer said it was the worst day of his life - and that he wouldn't wish it on Hitler. At the same time, he was very strong in his faith...praising God that his little girl didn't have to struggle through this world. She got to go straight to Jesus.
His wife took it even harder. Her brother was murdered 20 years ago, and with this recent loss she became quite angry with God. Her heart has since softened and she is just thankful that they got to be the ones to care for Magdalene while she was here. Dr. Spencer's sister is an atheist, and he said he's been able to have some really great conversations with her about the Lord as a result of this tragedy.
"Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning." The pain we experience during this breath of a life is nothing compared to the eternity Dr. Spencer and his family get to spend with Magdalene.
Please keep the entire Spencer family in your prayers. Their remaining 5 kids range in age from 2 years to about 12 years, so this is bound to be hard for them to deal with and understand. And thank God for the hope we have as believers. Losing a child is something you think you'd never get through - and without God, you probably wouldn't. But Jesus offers a hope that is to beautiful to be described.
Still Here
Pipes' Dreams was experiencing some technical diffculties today. I finally figured it out and we are back up and running. Thanks to all of you who checked today and cared enough to wonder what happened to the blog. :)
We have not moved to TheCharleblog yet. I intend to make the switch this weekend - probably Saturday afternoon. Stay tuned!
Remember - the new blog address will be http://thecharleblog.blogspot.com. Write it down so that when the change happens you know where to go!
We have not moved to TheCharleblog yet. I intend to make the switch this weekend - probably Saturday afternoon. Stay tuned!
Remember - the new blog address will be http://thecharleblog.blogspot.com. Write it down so that when the change happens you know where to go!
10.30.2006
Rebellious Child
I have been reading a book on child training called, aptly, "To Train Up a Child" by Michael and Debi Pearl. (visit their website at www.nogreaterjoy.org - lots of great parenting insight!)
Recently I read a bold statement that really stood out to me. This is not a direct quote, but the "jist" of it was that even if a child is perfectly obedient in everything except for ONE SINGLE area...that child is COMPLETELY rebellious in his or her heart.
Imagine - your child obeys absolutely everything you say except for one thing. Maybe he gets up out of his bed when he's supposed to be sleeping...or perhaps she doesn't come the first time she is called. To almost anybody, that would be a wonderful child. Yet because there is one area in her life where she CHOOSES whether or not to obey, she is rebellious all the way through. She does not respect you completely. She makes her own decisions.
That is a bold statement, but I hope you can see the truth in it.
The same thing goes in our lives. If there is just one area in my life where I decide whether or not I'm going to do what the Lord tells me, I am rebellious through and through. I do not fear the Lord. Obedience is every time...not every time I feel like it.
Lord, help me to obey You every time, because I love You and I want my children to love and revere You.
Recently I read a bold statement that really stood out to me. This is not a direct quote, but the "jist" of it was that even if a child is perfectly obedient in everything except for ONE SINGLE area...that child is COMPLETELY rebellious in his or her heart.
Imagine - your child obeys absolutely everything you say except for one thing. Maybe he gets up out of his bed when he's supposed to be sleeping...or perhaps she doesn't come the first time she is called. To almost anybody, that would be a wonderful child. Yet because there is one area in her life where she CHOOSES whether or not to obey, she is rebellious all the way through. She does not respect you completely. She makes her own decisions.
That is a bold statement, but I hope you can see the truth in it.
The same thing goes in our lives. If there is just one area in my life where I decide whether or not I'm going to do what the Lord tells me, I am rebellious through and through. I do not fear the Lord. Obedience is every time...not every time I feel like it.
Lord, help me to obey You every time, because I love You and I want my children to love and revere You.
10.25.2006
The Charleblog
Effective very soon, "Pipes' Dreams" is going to be undergoing a change. Instead of being my personal blog, JP and I plan to make it more of a "family" blog...with both of us posting thoughts and updates. We call it "The Charleblog." You can see the change in the header already.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
One week from now, our web address will change from this current address to http://thecharleblog.blogspot.com. I'm not changing it just yet, so everyone can get the update.
JP is looking forward to joining the blogger world. While he probably won't post as much as I will, it will be fun to hear his thoughts from time to time. Hopefully it will keep things dynamic.
I'll post reminders as the date gets close for us to change our address.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
One week from now, our web address will change from this current address to http://thecharleblog.blogspot.com. I'm not changing it just yet, so everyone can get the update.
JP is looking forward to joining the blogger world. While he probably won't post as much as I will, it will be fun to hear his thoughts from time to time. Hopefully it will keep things dynamic.
I'll post reminders as the date gets close for us to change our address.
Here She Goes Again...
...Stepping on toes and offering no apologies.
Everybody needs to check out this article posted on World Net Daily.
Excerpts to perk your interest:
"A new study from the Mayo Clinic has concluded that there is 'a measurable and statistically significant' connection between the pill and pre-menopausal breast cancer, re-enforcing the recent classification of oral contraceptives as Type 1 carcinogens."
"Dr. Kahlenborn focused on the younger, pre-menopausal women who had been on the pill before having their first child. He found 21 of 23 studies showed a connection between the pill and cancer, something that certainly should be alarming women.
"However, as Andrea Mrozek, manager of research and communications for the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada, noted in an article:
'Perhaps it is because the pill has long been the darling of feminists – a veritable icon of female empowerment. In some circles, suggesting the pill might kill you is seen as tantamount to issuing a press release that women belong in the kitchen.'"
"A woman's lifetime risk of breast cancer was one in 22 in the 1940s, but by 2004, it was one in seven."
HEED THE WARNING, friends. Birth control has not set us free.
Everybody needs to check out this article posted on World Net Daily.
Excerpts to perk your interest:
"A new study from the Mayo Clinic has concluded that there is 'a measurable and statistically significant' connection between the pill and pre-menopausal breast cancer, re-enforcing the recent classification of oral contraceptives as Type 1 carcinogens."
"Dr. Kahlenborn focused on the younger, pre-menopausal women who had been on the pill before having their first child. He found 21 of 23 studies showed a connection between the pill and cancer, something that certainly should be alarming women.
"However, as Andrea Mrozek, manager of research and communications for the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada, noted in an article:
'Perhaps it is because the pill has long been the darling of feminists – a veritable icon of female empowerment. In some circles, suggesting the pill might kill you is seen as tantamount to issuing a press release that women belong in the kitchen.'"
"A woman's lifetime risk of breast cancer was one in 22 in the 1940s, but by 2004, it was one in seven."
HEED THE WARNING, friends. Birth control has not set us free.
10.23.2006
10.21.2006
More Bloggers
Thanks to Deb, I am now aware of a few more blogger friends of mine out there in webland (See righthand sidebar). I'm hesitant to call you all "friends" since you never told me that you had blogs to begin with. But I have decided to put my hurt feelings aside and add you all to my sidebar nonetheless.
HOWEVER, what is up with nobody posting WHO THEY ARE on their blogs? Do you just expect people to be able to read your minds and figure it out? That's why blogger invented these handy things called PROFILES. You fill them out...put your name, interests, a photo or some other distinguishing object on them...so that people know who you are when they come to your blog.
I was able to figure out who a few of you were (Traci, for example), but I still have no idea who "Seeds of Change" is. And Molly, I know you have a blog out there somewhere, but I can't figure out which one is yours!
So please, everyone do me a favor. Go to your blogger sign-in page and click "Edit Profile." Add your name and some distinguishing tidbits, maybe a photo. That way I, and everyone else, will know who you are for future reference.
P.S. Molly & "Seeds of Change"...I will add you to my sidebar once you identify yourselves! :)
P.P.S. You guys all know I love you.
HOWEVER, what is up with nobody posting WHO THEY ARE on their blogs? Do you just expect people to be able to read your minds and figure it out? That's why blogger invented these handy things called PROFILES. You fill them out...put your name, interests, a photo or some other distinguishing object on them...so that people know who you are when they come to your blog.
I was able to figure out who a few of you were (Traci, for example), but I still have no idea who "Seeds of Change" is. And Molly, I know you have a blog out there somewhere, but I can't figure out which one is yours!
So please, everyone do me a favor. Go to your blogger sign-in page and click "Edit Profile." Add your name and some distinguishing tidbits, maybe a photo. That way I, and everyone else, will know who you are for future reference.
P.S. Molly & "Seeds of Change"...I will add you to my sidebar once you identify yourselves! :)
P.P.S. You guys all know I love you.
10.20.2006
Happy Belated Anniversary
I didn't get on the blog yesterday...thus this wish is one day late:
A very, very happy Anniversary to JP's parents, Gail & Larry Hyster (aka, GG & Lar Dog)!
We love you guys - and we're so blessed to have you in our lives.
A very, very happy Anniversary to JP's parents, Gail & Larry Hyster (aka, GG & Lar Dog)!
We love you guys - and we're so blessed to have you in our lives.
The Dawning
by George Herbert
Awake, sad heart, whom sorrow ever drowns,
Take up thine eyes, which feed on earth,
Unfold thy forehead, gathered into frowns,
Thy Saviour comes, and with him mirth.
Awake, Awake,
And with a thankfull heart His comforts take.
But thou dost still lament, and pine, and cry,
And feel His death, but not his victory.
Arise sad heart; if thou dost not witstand,
Christs resurrection thine may bee,
Do not by hanging downe breake from the hand,
Which as it riseth, raiseth thee.
Arise, Arise;
And with His burial-linnen dry thine eyes.
Christ left His grave-cloths, that we might, when greif
Draws teares or blood, not want an handkerchief.
Awake, sad heart, whom sorrow ever drowns,
Take up thine eyes, which feed on earth,
Unfold thy forehead, gathered into frowns,
Thy Saviour comes, and with him mirth.
Awake, Awake,
And with a thankfull heart His comforts take.
But thou dost still lament, and pine, and cry,
And feel His death, but not his victory.
Arise sad heart; if thou dost not witstand,
Christs resurrection thine may bee,
Do not by hanging downe breake from the hand,
Which as it riseth, raiseth thee.
Arise, Arise;
And with His burial-linnen dry thine eyes.
Christ left His grave-cloths, that we might, when greif
Draws teares or blood, not want an handkerchief.
10.18.2006
Watch The Greg Behren Show on Thursday!
A friend who used to go to my dad's church (but now lives on a YWAM base with her husband in Texas) is going to be on The Greg Behren show tomorrow! Normally, I wouldn't promote stations other than channel 4, but this is an exception. :) Apparently Cally filled out some form online about being a disorganized person. The show called her up, flew her and her husband to LA, and the rest is for you to see. Part of the teaser reads: "Robert's so tired of Cally's dumpster-diving clutter, he's literally drawing the line – down the middle of their bedroom!"
Watch the teaser here. It's called "Greg Cleans Up Your Act."
THURSDAY @ 3:00 PM ON CHANNEL 5
Those of us who know Cally know she is a bargain raider...always looking for cheap - or free - stuff anywhere she can find it to use either now or later, as gifts or crafts...basically whatever! She is the goodwill queen.
Per my friend Priya (who told me about the show): There was a guy on the show that gave her some advice. She took the advice and has started a small ministry/business with the Father Heart Maternity gals on the YWAM base. The show flew her out again for a follow up and that show will air later in the month. I think she's going to write a book..about being resourceful and using cheap/free things to care for your household. This is something she's wanted to do..and it's crazy how God is going to make it happen!!!
It should be interesting and fun, so if you're home tomorrow afternoon - tune in!
10.17.2006
Side Effects Include....
I'm watching TV as I sweep my living room...
Does anybody else think its weird that a side effect of AmbienCR (sleeping pill) is next day drowsiness???
Doesn't that defeat the purpose?
Anyhow...that's all.
Does anybody else think its weird that a side effect of AmbienCR (sleeping pill) is next day drowsiness???
Doesn't that defeat the purpose?
Anyhow...that's all.
10.12.2006
The Proof
My tummy has really started to pop the past few weeks. I went to the doctor yesterday and I have now officially gained 10 pounds!!! One month ago I had only gained one pound. That means I gained 9 pounds in 4 weeks. Yikes.I have 4 months left - I'd better start pacing myself!
Baby is healthy and right on track. She was being feisty during my appointment yesterday. When the doctor was trying to find her heartbeat, she kept on rolling over and kicking at the microphone. :)
10.11.2006
Winter is Coming
This is a picture of what happened to my umbrella on the way in to work this morning. Winds were gusting SUPER strong as rain mixed with snow came down. I only had to walk across the street from my parking lot to my work place and in that minute's time, the wind completely destroyed my umbrella.
Hang on, Minnesota. Winter is coming!
10.10.2006
Fall Camping Trip '06
We just got back from our annual fall Harpel family camping trip. It was a little different this year as the entire family couldn't be there (Amber & Pete took the new baby to meet his other grandparents in WI and Joe had to work), but we still had a great time. We went to Itasca State Park and it was gorgeous. We had a very beautiful, very secluded group campsite miles away from anybody else. Malachi stole the show again (what a sweet baby!) and Caleb and Sadie had the time of their lives! It got REALLY cold at night a couple of times, though.
Here are a few of the many, many pics from the weekend.
Here are a few of the many, many pics from the weekend.
10.05.2006
Kitchen Before and Afters
We have finally "finished" remodeling our kitchen - a project that's been in the works for about six months or so. Slowly but surely, it has all come together! All we have left (no telling when it will happen) is to get some new countertops and EVENTUALLY we'd like to get new appliances in black. These ones are a bit archaic.
Here are some before and after pictures. The before pictures aren't actually that great - by the time we took them we had already stripped the lovely blue and pink flower basket striped wallpaper and taken apart some of the cabinetry. But you get the idea.
Before:
And after:
Here are some before and after pictures. The before pictures aren't actually that great - by the time we took them we had already stripped the lovely blue and pink flower basket striped wallpaper and taken apart some of the cabinetry. But you get the idea.
Before:
And after:
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