Book(s) Recomendation

I don't know who likes to read, but I have been reading these books (series) by Brock & Bodie Thoene...

The first series is called the Shiloh Series (3 books) - takes place the last part of WWI, and during the stock market crash, etc.... follows 3 guys who were in the war together... AMAZING & AWESOME. Talks about hard things.... the KKK, prohibition, etc. I'm amazed at how real the characters are.

The second series, which I'm only on book 2 of the 9 book series, is called the A.D. Covenant series. These take place pre WWII, and (I'm assuming) thru WWII. Oh my goodness...if I thought I knew about persecution of the Jews...I didn't know anything!

Brock Thoene is an educator and historian. He did all the research for Bodie, and she wrote the books. They are unbelievably real.

I do not have the Shiloh series, but I do have the A.D. Covenant series, if anyone wants to borrow them. The Galesburg Library does have the Shiloh series....

Congrats, Brandon

My "little" brother graduates from college this weekend. I am very proud of him. He actually is the first of us "Wheeler clan" to get his bachelor's!!!! So, I just wanted to send the Kudos out to him.

We will be heading to Missouri tomorrow to watch him graduate, and celebrate with him.

I love my kids, but...

Does anyone else have one of those days, where your kids are the last person(s) you want to be around? UGH. I do love my kids....they are the light of my life! But today, they have been the thorns in my side, and the pains in my neck, etc., etc., etc.

Shawn "finally" got home around 6:30 p.m., and we are all sitting down to dinner, and I couldn't even eat. My whole body is just tense from CONSTANT (no, I'm NOT exaggerating) bickering, arguing, fighting, calling of names, under the breath comments, rolling of eyes, annoying another, being hateful...the list seriously could go on. And, it's not just from one of my kids! All four. Yes, even baby Tanner (OK, he's 2) was in on the "fun". Smacking his lips, because he knows Brock will yell and whine....

CALGON.....take me away! So, I'm telling Shawn all of this - and he says, "just leave for awhile". Well, leave where? Anywhere I go - it's temptation to spend $$, and the Good Lord knows that I do NOT need to spend any money. So, I decide to take Shaley (the dog) for a walk.

When I get in the door, all the yelling, etc. is still there, so Shawn takes the crew outside, and I'm by myself in my house. Rare occasion! So, I just thought I'd blog and VENT...

Farewell, Dear Friend

Our beloved, Valentine, passed away early this morning (Thursday, 3/29/07). Although, we are glad she went as peacefully as possible, at home, we are deeply mourning the loss. She has been a part of our family for 11 years. Shawn and I were still newlyweds (married 8 1/2 mths), and getting ready to move to Galesburg to our own house, so we (I) wanted a dog! Not just any dog - a Dalmation. She was the spunkiest of the bunch.

We've had lots of good times - and some bad times (like eating one or both of my best shoes/boots, etc. The only thing she ever touched of Shawn's was his Bible!). But she was our first "baby"...and the best protector (keeping Hunter safe, when he got lost in the 'high' cornfield when he was 2)! She was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed!

Sunday Services Cancelled

I thought I'd post here - in case someone checked... Pastor's house is without power tonight (Sat), due to all the ice...

No Services Sunday - Feb 25, 2007

Frosty & The Karns

We had great weather and sticky snow...perfect for building a great snowman. So, meet Frosty (the kids aren't real creative with names). Now, we just have to build Crystal (female snow"woman") before the snow melts.

Disney World Oct., 2006

Well, it's only been 3 months since we went to Disney. I'm finally getting a few of our digital (off of the cam-corder) here. I'll put more on after I scan them...

Piglet with Hunter & JayCee












Nana, Brock & Hunter at Animal Kingdom












Tanner & Papa at Dinoland












Uncle Brandon, Papa and Tanner












Mickey's Not So Scarey Halloween Party
Hunter (a Muskateer), JayCee (Snow White) & Brock (Capt. Jack) with the Queen of Hearts












Papa and Hunter Snorkeling w/ Sharks and Manta Rays












Brock & Daddy Snorkeling










Uncle Brandon throwing Hunter into the Tidal Wave











JayCee & Cinderella strike a pose

4 Days To Go and Counting...

We will be seeing some very good friends of our, who live in Orlando, FL, this coming Saturday (see picture insert). We haven't seen these friends for 5 years, Hunter was just 3, and JayCee spent her 1st birthday with them. So, this will be Brock and Tanner's first time to meet them all.

We're going to eat lunch with Pooh and friends the day we get there, Goofy, Mickey & the gang are having us over Wednesday (the 18th) for dinner, then Cinderella invited us to eat with her in her Castle on Friday (the 20th)...then I believe we'll be eating with Chip n' Dale one of these days.

We normally only visit our friends for a short week, but this time, we are going to stay with them for 10 days. We should be closer than ever when we leave.

The kids are so excited, and everyday, they tear off a day of our Countdown To Disney calendar we made. (Ok, Mommy's pretty excited too!) Nana & Papa are going with us, as well as Uncle Brandon...so we are going to have plenty of fun.

Keep us in your prayers...for a safe, sunshine full 10 days! I keep watching the weather - and thus far it looks promising, with only a couple days of (extended forecasted) rain. We may have to re-evaluate some of our days at which park we're going for, but I'm sure we'll have a blast regardless.

Love you all....

Schools In...Summer's Out

This is our first child...er, dog...Valentine. She was born the end of Jan., 1996, and we got her right before we moved to Galesburg. Doesn't seem like it's been 10 1/2 yrs. Anyway, I don't know if you can tell or not, but she's sticking her tongue out. Actually, she was licking, and Shawn just captured it like this.

This is how I feel. I just want to stick my tongue out at everyone/thing, and say FOOEY.
Ok, let me whine for a minute - just to get it off my chest.

Not only did we lose one of the most precious persons in the world right before school started, but we changed curriculums and are trying to get into a routine there (and the curriculum is GREAT, but a lot more for mommy to do right now), the kids are in their fall sports (which means mommy is a true "soccer" mom - & football & dance & Latin & piano), and we have all been sick for the last week with summer/fall colds - the nasty kind, and sick daddy leaves EARLY in the a.m. for Vegas (for work) until Sunday night leaving sick mommy & 3 out of 4 sick kids. WAAAA (Sarah, did I spell that right?).

It's now 12:10 a.m. (Thur), and I'm wide awake, even though I just took 3 "knock-you-out" cold pills...so here I am. Done studying for tomorrows lessons...kids in bed & asleep...dogs all tuckered out...Shawn trying to get a few hours in before he gets up at 2:30 a.m., and even though there are a lot of words, I don't have a lot to say. Hmmm.

Ok...well, now that I've gotten my whining done...I'll try to go to bed.

Quick Edit: It's now 1:08 a.m. Just got back from the kids' rooms... Hunter came down with a bad earache (so make that 4 out of 4 kids sick). So I found his ear drops - gave them to him along with a little nyquil to help him sleep. I go in to make sure he's getting in bed ok, and JayCee is up in Hunter's bunk bed...crying, and Brock was walking around in circles in the middle of the room. So I have JayCee go back to bed, and get Hunter up in his bed, and get Brock settled back in the bottom bed. Then go make sure JayCee's ok. I asked her why she was in Hunter's bed - and she said (crying the whole time) "becasue Hunter told me to get in his bed at 3 o' clock". Now, I have no idea if she even knows what she said!!!! But...this is just another day in the...no make that NIGHT in the life at the Karns'.

Thank You

Pete & Lorraine Karns 2005

Shawn & I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all who sent cards, flowers, support and all your prayers during the death of Shawn's mother. We appreciate everyone so much!

We sure miss mom very much, but are rejoicing with her as she dances above us with her Savior and lover of her soul! It's a JOY to know she's at Peace and effortlessly breathing Heaven's fresh air.

God is good...and we've had reports that Dad Karns' neighbor's came over and asked Pete how there could be such a peace at the funeral - they never felt that before...so dad had the opportunity to witness, and they went to church with him yesterday! Even though God decided to take his humble servant, He's still working and using her memories to win souls!

Thanks again to all our friends.

Love, Shawn & Amber Karns

Off to Cali we go

I haven't posted FOREVER...but I did want to ask everyone's prayers while Shawn & I are gone to California this week.

Shawn is taking a business trip to Irvine, and I'm taking a "resting" trip to Irvine with him. I plan on doing nothing but read, scrapbook, sit at the beach, read, etc.....

The kids are going to be....everywhere. Between Sarah, Anna and my parents, they will be well taken care of, and I'm sure they're looking forward to having a "refreshed" mommy when I return!

I'll be back Monday night (the 19th), and Shawn will stay the rest of that week and return Sat. night (the 24th). We'll spend my birthday and Father's day in California. So, we'll be celebrating Fathers Day on the 25th :).

Well, dear friends, be praying for us, and we'll be praying for you!

Ma & Pa Kettle, Doing Math

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=FB7D5DFBA4DF5EA8

Our House - What should we do?

We are wanting (maybe I should say I am wanting) to take out the hedges on the front, right side of our house, and put in a small patio area. I just wanted to get some opinions of others. If we do this, I'm wanting to take out the big tree next to the drive (not the one in the forefront of the picture below), and the big hedge under the bay window. Maybe replace with nice patio bricks - instead of a concrete slab?


Does anyone have any suggestions?

Then, maybe next year we'll do something with the left side of the steps?

Happy Easter 2006

Easter Pictures of the Karns' Kids

Five Little Monkeys....

The last time I glanced at the clock this morning was 3 am. No more TALL glasses of Coffee & esspresso for me late at night - I have enough trouble sleeping. I was finally asleep when Hunter decides to crawl in bed. Well - I'm barely aware of him anyway, so I let him stay.

Probably not 1/2 hour later - here comes Brock. So, I keep scooting closer to Shawn. I realize Brock came, but I'm too tired to do anything about it. So I let him stay.

Next thing you know, I wake up, in a scrunched up position. Valentine (our Dalmation) decided she wanted on the bed also - so she laid at my feet - all 75 lbs of her, then I notice Hunter and Brock were so close to me I'm surprised I could breath.

It's now 5:30 am. So I get up to use the restroom, and when I went back to my bed - there was no place for me! The boys decided to spread out, and Val was still at the foot of the bed, and I was too tired to argue or move anyone, I pulled up the bed spread, next to Valentine (who had been outside for 2 days straight and didn't smell the greatest) and went back to sleep at the foot of my OWN bed!

I'm sure Shawn had to be wondering what in the world was going on when he woke up - because as usual, he slept thru it all!

Crazy Life

Is life crazy for anyone out there? I know, in the Karns household - there's always something NUTTY happening. Right now, just trying to get everyone healthy is a huge focus. I don't know about you, but we have had the worst year EVER for being sick! The kids seem to be passing it back and forth, and we're getting no where.

I feel like, even my prayer / worship/ reading the Word time has gone out the window (since we can now open windows)...and life is just...YZARC (crazy spelled backwards for those who can't get it).

Easter was today - Pastor gave a great sermon - about "proving" the resurrection. He did an awesome job! We ate at my parents house, visited with Shawn's parents and had a great day with family, and a man from our church who has no family here. Sarah got to drink coffee, and our kids got to watch TV (Lent being over)...what else could you ask for?

Well...I can think of several things. A deeper love for Christ. A stronger hunger to know Him more. Our church to have a BURNING desire to reach the lost. My unsaved loved ones to know HIM as their Savior. Galesburg to have the Spirit of darkness and confusion lifted from it.

Oh God - help us to NOT get comfortable. When have we TRULY felt uncomfortable? My kids have a habit of saying, "I'm starving!!". Shawn & I have really started to talk to them about REALLY starving children, and that we shouldn't mistake being hungry for a meal to being STARVED for food you haven't had for a few days.

When have we felt Unsafe? Recent situations with a good friend of ours has left our friends' feeling unsafe to stay at their home. However, God, being the Creator of all - will work this situation out for His good.

When have we felt Helpless? I like being in control. However, when my husbands company decided to sell his company to a competitor, we were, and ARE helpless. We have to wait and see what will happen with insurance/doctors and all kinds of other things we took for granted. But - God is showing us already that He is preparing us to lean on HIS provisions.

When have we really felt MESSED UP? For a good month and a half, God has been "messing" Shawn & I "up". It started with the Eagles' Wings conference, and it just keeps going from there. He is getting us ready for something truly awesome!

God is doing something in Galesburg! He is truly REFINING us, but we have to go thru the fire. It's sometimes painful, sometimes scarey. But God is still there - the Refiner.

What a DAY

When we first moved into our house - almost 10 years ago now, our side yard by the pool was beautifully landscaped - professionally. It was gorgeous, and we enjoyed the beautiful colors of the flowers - the plants were so green and pruned just right. I remember sitting out there just enjoying nature and thinking - WOW...I wonder how hard it is to keep up with all the weeds that may grow...

10 years later - here we are. Well, maybe not quite that bad, but there has been a lot of changes at the Karns'. We no longer have the beautiful landscape area. That came up and in planted grass so that the kids could have an area directly in the back yard to play. Out went the small fence around the pool, and in came the 6 foot fence with the safety latches and the strongest "cover" you can find. Out went the big open side yard and in came the privacy fence and play fort, trampeline, etc.

Isn't it amazing how many changes there are in a few short years. I really - really - could go on and on about what we have done/changed/improved/destroyed, etc. at this house. But - I know that one area I could improve is gardening. I started last year, and did a pretty good job at planting flowers around the pool fence, and kept them watered and weeded. Until about August. Then I was "burned out". Well - as I was out there pulling weeds today - which should have been done last Sept/Oct., I am once again determined to have beautiful flowers around my pool area. I've already called Shawn, then my dad asking if / how much$ / & when we could pour more cement to make my patio bigger. The kids have played outside since after breakfast (yes - everyone seems to be better - Tanner's still getting there). It's warm out - and a good long walk seems inevitable.

I'm so excited! I think Spring is really here!!!!

Eagles Wings Conference

Just a Reminder for everyone...the Eagles Wings Conf. is tomorrow in Bolingbrook (near Chicago). We will be leaving the church at 2:00pm, so be there early. If you don't want to eat "fast food" we will be taking lunchmeat, etc. we can eat while others are eating fast food.

I'm expecting GREAT things! I'm so excited to go!

To Splurge Or Not To Splurge?

I went grocery shopping at 10pm last night. My quiet time (sad life, I know). But, if we were to have any breakfast in the morning, it had to be done. I'm walking through the aisles - taking my time (literally my only break for the day without any kids), and go down the best aisle in the store! The coffee aisle.

There is NOTHING in the world like good smelling coffee (sorry Sarah - Lent's almost over). My senses started taking over...drawing me to the coffee bean display. Should I? I've never ground my own beans before... It's kindof expensive. Hmmmm...

Well - I'd like to say that judgement got the best of me - but my selfish nature took hold. I picked up an empty bag, filled it with caramel toffee coffee beans, poured them into the grinder - and ground away! I was so happy - thinking the whole time, I do deserve this, right?

Well - as I sit here, drinking my Caramel Toffee, I'm thinking it's ok to splurge every once in awhile. Mmmm, is it ever good!!!

~Amber

Karns Kids Blog

Ok, since everyone has the "bug"...Hunter & JayCee wanted their own blog. So, if you look at the bottom of my links, there's a link to {My Kids}. They would be thrilled to have a comment :)