Quick update!

Just wanted to say thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to our toy fund for the kids in Africa.

As of this morning we have a total of $245 and 4 sacks of toys!

Happy Birthday to...

Dad! My dad is 63 years old tomorrow. So over the weekend we went out to his favorite place for dinner and the gave him a nice gift. His favorite place...Red Lobster! It was the endless shrimp night. Always a plus. Here is Dad after 50 or more - we lost count - shrimp.
He looks a teeny bit over - full.


But we did manage to get a nice picture of him and Mom, not always an easy feet. Dad is not what one would call camera friendly. : )

Well, we ate a lot of food (we even got an appetizer - that never happens) and had nice conversation. Dad also got one of his favorite things... CLAMPS!

So happy birthday Dad!

So close

The trip is getting ever closer, and I am getting ever more excited and freaked out.

Why is it that vacations always loom over you as you try to accomplish everything before you leave? Why is it that I feel the need to anticipate every issue, question, concern, or even thought that could be thought before it happens?

Its just silly.

However, on another and brighter note, I really am beginning to feel God's hand on this trip. Everything is kind of falling into place - especially with the trip to the school and the fund-raising. So far we have 4 or so bags of toys and $150, with a few more days to go! Everyone is so generous. I am so, so excited about the potential to share some excitement and God's unconditional love with these kids! Thanks to those of you that have contributed!

Well, since my list continues to grow, I should continue to work.

New Door

Weekend project #1 of oh so many.

We installed a new storm door and painted the front door red. As always, these projects take so much longer than they seem. Mom (Lori) told us the storm door would be tough - and it was. Ryan worked so hard all day to get it done. But it looks great! It also is great for some air circulation. The only downside - the entire house filled up with flies during the installation process!

I have wanted to paint the door red for a long time. I love red doors! But we have been waiting for nicer weather so we could take the door off and not sweat to death in the house - but then we got a storm door! So for one night we left the door off the hinges in the garage and "slept" with just the storm door. I didn't like that. The idea that people could see in creeped me out. However, the door is back on and it looks great - don't you think? Except for the dead plant...shoot.

Oh yeah!

And, this week, I got my little sister - Destiny! She is a 2nd grader here in Newton. I am so excited!

Overwhelmed...but good.

So, today is a good day. I think its been growing over the past few days. I love seeing how a few can change the world for the many! Its so amazing that no matter how many times I doubt it or how many times I try to do things myself - when you're in it with God - you're in it to win it. He just makes it happen!

Nearly every day when I come to work, I find more people who are excited about making a difference here in Harvey County. Today, I got an unsolicited check for $500. The donor saw one of our ads and sent in a check to help us LIVE UNITED. Pretty awesome.

Another woman, in her community in Iowa, is making a difference all over. Here's her blog. Two days after she posted her plan, here is the response. People all over are starting up their own version of the project. Its amazing.

I love, love seeing things come together, and that is what's happening with Judgement House. After our practice last night, things are molding, meshing and mixing. Its good.

Finally, I am praying for my first project - collecting toys and money for disabled kids in South Africa. I hope it works out. I know it will work out for God is good and he will and does provide. This is one of the boys we are collecting for.

Did you know?

Did you know that to make all the shopping bags Americans use each year it takes 14 million trees and 12 million barrels of oil?

Imagine how much that is world wide...

Plans for Africa

Well, I have new plans for my trip to South Africa. I am very excited about it too. We, Kristen, Tiffany, and I, will be visiting a school for mentally disabled kids, most are orphans or at risk to be orphans, in the town near Kristen's (Mokopane). Our project is to take supplies (toys and art stuff) to these kids. The funding for this school is so low, the only toys Kristen has seen are deflated soccer balls.
We would love your help to support these kids. We are collecting things like colored pencils, coloring books, dolls, Legos, and any other items you might have that are packable. We are also collecting money to purchase larger toys, that don't pack well, in the city when we arrive. Please keep in mind that $5 goes much futher over there. We would love your help with this.

Anything you want to give, I will need by Sunday, September 28. As I will be leaving a few days later. Thanks so much.

Candy anyone...

What do you think of us as m&m's. This is a little of Ryan's handy work. The scary part...no one has any trouble guessing its us. Guess there's a little m&m in everyone...just waiting to come out.















Make yourself into an m&m at http://www.mms.com/us/becomeanmm/

Denver Trip

So Ryan and I have made an unusual number of trips to Limon last spring and over the summer. The Frasier Family is constantly embarking on some new adventure. However, we shouldn't complain, because as much as we hate the drive from Goodland to Limon (better hope you don't need fuel after 7 pm cuz everything is closed), we usually have a great time once we are there!
So here are a few photos from the latest trip. We went for Uncle Mark's wedding. But also spent Saturday afternoon in Denver with some friends.
This is one of them...














I got a little camera happy, I love cities and taking pictures of them. Sadly most of them happen to be taken from moving vehicles. In this case, the bus that takes you down the 16th Street Mall. For example,















But all in all a good time was had by all. However, I think we may have set the family record for greatest number of hours in the car in a single weekend. (Sidebar: Ryan is the fastest car sleeper ever created - even when he is the navigator.) 17.5 . Oh yes, a world record perhaps.

Inspired

And so...we have post number one. I created this blog site a while ago, but have so far been uninspired to post anything. However, after reading anothers post of what they call 101 in 1001 days. I think I would like to try it.

Basically its a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

So, as I compile my list...perhaps you should ponder yours!

Lindsay