Super-hero wardrobe malfunction

My nephew, Joey, loves his costumes from years past. He has this Pokemon kind of costume that he just really really likes. So, he decided to put it on tonight after Thanksgiving dinner and wanted a ride on Uncle Larry's shoulders. No problem. So, Uncle Larry was giving him a ride around on his shoulders when he turned to go the other way and there is was...right cheek covered in undies hanging out of the costume where it is ripped.....

Thanksgiving 2010

T H A N K S G I V I N G 2010

Today was a wonderful day getting together with family and enjoying a good feast of delicious food prepared by various people in the family. Everything was absolutely tasteful and such a blessing to enjoy. I have so much to be thankful for today and every day, really. In fact, I am thankful to know we have a "Thanksgiving Day" in which we can gather together to celebrate our thankfulness for all that we are blessed with compared to the world around us. Truly, we as Americans have bountiful blessings no matter what our circumstances may be and really should be thankful today and every day for all we possess. As for Christians, we should ultimately be forever Thankful to our God in Heaven who gave us the ultimate gift ---the sacrifice (in our place) for atonement of our sins--His one and only Son - My Jesus! God has blessed my life abundantly through and through; even in the midst of struggle, I can see His hand at work in my life and the lives of those around me. God never said life would be easy, but He did promise that He would be with us every step of the way, guiding us, as long as we believe. So, on this Thanksgiving Day 2010, I am undeniably thankful to My Lord and Savior for allowing me the freedoms I have, the "things" I possess; for without Him my life would be lost.

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

...My Father in Heaven
....My family
....My friends
....My Amanda and my Larry
....My little puppy, Al
....My Grandma (and those who await me in Heaven, too)
....My nieces, nephews, and extended family alike
....My in-laws
....My house, car, and other life's necessities
....Larry's employment, and financial means to help support our family
....Angels among us - those who have helped me and yet only God knows who they are
....My church family, and my beautiful 6th grades girls
....Gift of Eternal Life



A glimpse into my Thanksgiving 2010.....


**Lausen Family ~ (l-r) Joey, Jeffrey, Becky, Jake, and Jimmy

**Lausen Boys ~ (l-r) Jimmy, Joey, and Jeffrey ( in chronological order)



**My beautiful daughter, Amanda

**Amanda and Memaw and Grandpa

**My parents with several of their grandchildren

**Alannah and Hunter...best buddies

**Jimmy and Olivia

**Baby Olivia

**Grandma, Daddy, and Amanda enjoying dinner

**My Sweet Sweet Larry

**Jake carving the turkey

**Sweet Lizzie

**Alannah

**Jimmy and Cayden

**Pilgrim Joey-Joe

**goodies

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS ONE BY ONE. LET THE BEAUTY OF THE LORD SURROUND YOU.

The Perks of Being an Uncle...

Hanging with Uncle Larry!

Today, we had the privilege of having our youngest niece over at our house (yay!) and let me tell you, Uncle Larry sure does love all the little ones (and Aunt Anne does, too)! Larry is so good with the nieces and nephews; and he loves each and every one of them with all his heart. He rocked Olivia to sleep today for me before I went and laid down (thanks to me having a migraine) on my bed with her. It was so precious to watch him sing Jesus Loves Me to her as she tried to fall asleep in his arms. Larry indeed would make an awesome daddy (it shows through his interaction with Amanda) but unfortunately, God has not allowed us to have any children, but that's okay, He has truly blessed our lives with Amanda and 15 nieces/nephews :)

**say cheese

**Jesus Loves Me...

**this I know...
**for the Bible tells me so...

freshman english dessert party!

Finals week...ever the daunting thought for any student. But Amanda faced Monday with a positive attitude regarding her finals, and hopefully she was successful on the first two. So, two down and 4 to go; then it is Thanksgiving break for her until Monday.

I found out over the weekend that Amanda was "volunteered" by some of her friends to bring a cake for her English class dessert party. Ok, I'm up for the task, sure. {I am still trying to teach her the evilness of procrastination}. Since her class won the homecoming week contest her English teacher had they won a dessert party...and she wanted a "literature-themed" cake. Say what?! After working several hours on my second cake project in a week (for Amanda at school)....this is what I created:



*literature-themed cake




*Lord of the Flies and To Kill a Mockingbird were the two novels the class read this trimester
*the class enjoyed it as did Amanda's teacher, Mrs. Schilling

I am still learning with my cake decorating skills, but frustration and all, I am really really enjoying it!

Synagogue...made out of cake?

Amanda had a project that she was well aware of the entire first trimester @ school..and what does she do? She waits til the last minute an informs me she wants me to make her a synagogue out of cake as her project; and when I say last minute, I mean the day before she has to turn it in!! Go figure! I think procrastination is just programmed into most teenagers minds. Anyhow, I stayed up til 11 pm working on this cake for her (and insisted she help since it is her project, which she did). Now, I just wait and see what grade I got on this cake :)

side view

front view

Thank You....Veterans

**be ready to shed a tear or two when listening to this song

In a Foxhole

hunkered down in a foxhole
hearts beating rapidly
anxiety creeping in.

hunkered in a foxhole
shrapnel flying
bombs exploding
gunfire never ceasing.

hunkered in a foxhole
dirt and tears mingle
blood and heartache bonding
a perilous journey has begun.

hunkered in a foxhole
thoughts of loved ones waiting back home
thoughts of imminent danger, too
thoughts of mortality settle in.

hunkered in a foxhole
dark and lonely
a soldier cries

hunkered in a foxhole
thousands of miles away
dark and lonely nights
a loved one cries

hunkered in a foxhole
a soldier whispers, "help me"
God whispers, "I am with you my beloved"

hunkered in a foxhole
a solider sacrifices his everything
for you and me.

~Anne Meyer

I am so thankful to the men and women who have served our country so valiantly. Men and women who wear the badge of true honor, all for me so that I can live in my country free.

My life is filled with brave men and women whom served in various branches of the military (or are currently serving). A moment to thank them:

Grandpa (Army Air Force): Heaven is now your home, yet I still miss you dearly; but, I anxiously await the day I see you once again. Thank you for serving our country PaPaw even though health and age should have kept you safe on U.S. soil. With such love for you country, you opted to not let anyone know your health ailments and went on to help secure freedom for your family.

Daddy (Air Force): Following in your dad's footsteps, you entered the service. Thankfully, you never had to see combat firsthand, but you saw the devastation and poverty of Korea while stationed there. You left your new bride and served our country. I believe you came back a changed man with a heart stronger than ever for the least of these. You served in the capacity that God had planned for you and when He said the time had come to move on, you obeyed and went on to raise the beautiful family He blessed you with. Thank you, my daddy, my hero.

Uncle Mark (Army, 101st Airborne): Like your father and brother, you, too, entered the service and decided to dedicate your life as a career solider. Unfortunately, you did see combat in Desert Storm, but you led your troops so valiantly and honorably, I was proud to say you are my uncle. I remember sitting in school watching Channel One (school news) and seeing clips of Desert Storm and I knew in my heart I saw you on that screen. Though now retired, I know red, white, and blue runs deep within your blood still, and may you know how thankful I am to you for your service.

Dad (in-law) (Navy): At sea for days and weeks at a time, you learned the trade that would eventually gainfully employ you in your own business when you returned from your years of service and married a wonderful woman (who gave you a beautiful daughter and a wonderful son who God chose to be my husband). I remember sitting and listening to you tell me stories of your days at sea...cherished memories for me. It was that one particular evening I knew how special you would be in my life when your son made me his wife. Thank you for your service.

Jake (Air Force): Just a kid when you entered the Air Force, I remember the day I watched you and your beautiful bride, Becky (my wonderful sister) drive away headed to North Dakota. I remember the night of your proposal to my sister..you came home early from your tour of duty and gave her the surprise of all surprises. Though thankfully you did not have to see combat, I can only imagine the lonely days and nights you spent while overseas missing your beloved. You served as a fireman, and can I mention Sparky, too :) and you were very proud of your position and were good at it. Though military service ended up not being a lifelong career for you, your service is not forgotten and in fact, honorable. I am proud to call you brother!

Paul (Air Force): A kid when you entered the Air Force. Military police was your speciality, but was cut too short due to an injury. Honorably discharged, I believe you would have continued your military career had this not happened. But nonetheless, your service is appreciated and I thank you for your time.

Gabe (Jake's twin brother) (Air Force): Just like your bro! You went into the military with one idea in mind...proudly serve the country we live in. God has blessed your life with a wife and children and as dedication to them, you continue to serve this country to ensure their freedom. Being away from your family is not easy, but God has a plan for you wherever He may take you. Think of the lives you will touch! Thank you, Gabe, for your service.

Uncle Jim (Air Force): Retired as a Lieutenant Colonel now, Air Force Academy graduate, you proudly served your country as a pilot (and perhaps that is really how you swept your sweet wife off her feet?). Thank you, Uncle Jim, for your time served and your love for this country you played a part in to help ensure this country's continued freedom.

Cousin Matt (Marines): Currently serving a tour of duty in Okinawa and also spent some harrowing months in Afghanistan. Thank you, Matt for your service. We love and miss you and Andrea, and continue to keep you in our prayers.

Cousin Andrew (Army): Recent West Point graduate, currently stationed in Alaska. We keep you in prayer as you follow your dream of military service.

Uncle Gale (Army)
Uncle Harold (Army)
Ron Garst (Army - currently serving)
Grandpa Meyer (Army during World War 1)
Uncle Warren (Army/Air Force World War 2)
Uncle Bill (Air Force and Navy)
Steven (Marines...wounded in Iran)
Benjamin (Marines)
Pam (Air Force)
Dave (Marines)
Mark W. (Marines)

There are several I am sure I am forgetting, and that does not mean my thanks does not extend to them. Thank you to all the men and women who have fought and/or served this country to ensure my freedom. Also, thank you to the family that stood by their loved ones (or are currently) during their service. May God continue to bless each one of your lives!

Wordless Wednesday