Butterflies and Bullfrogs

Happy Independence Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Happy Fourth of July!
(Family pic...coming soon)

We had a relatively quiet day today. Quiet in terms of what we did not quiet in regards to the noise level around here. I am thankful that Carter is still a fairly sound sleeper because both of his sisters seem to get louder when I lay him down for his nap.

We hung out here at the house. Other than a quick trip to the movie store (Jason and Sarah) we went no where today. We played in the pool, grilled burgers, made cupcakes, watched a movie (once the kiddos were in bed)...that about covers it. Watched some fireworks on tv but it isn't the same as watching them over the school in town or on the beach in Grand Bend. It is just too late (& hot) to take the kids to any around here. They don't even seem to have fireworks on their radars yet anyway. I am starting to feel a little nostalgic...missing small town USA.

In other news, I took the side off of Emma's crib today. She was very excited to be sleeping in a big girl bed "just like Sarah". She did just fine going down - she didn't get up a hundred times like I prepared myself for and so far, she hasn't hit the floor. My baby girl is getting big. :-(
(Pic of Emma in her 'new' big girl bed...coming soon)

Speaking of getting big...Sarah starts school in just a matter of weeks. August 10th is the first day of school. She is very excited! I am mixed on the whole matter. I'm sure I'll survive, many a mom before me has and been just fine (that is what I keep telling myself) ;-)
Well, I'm off to dreamland...sweet dreams!

Hmmm?

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:06:00 +0000

The Lord's Prayer is 66 words, the Gettysburg Address is 286 words, there are 1,322 words in the Declaration of Independence, but government regulations on the sale of cabbage total 26,911 words.

Sometimes, you just can't help but shake your head!
(I'm shaking mine are you shaking yours?)

A New Look

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:01:00 +0000

Well, after spending two evenings unsuccessfully trying to edit the html code for my template, I finally downloaded one. Thank you, blogcrowds. I really would like to learn html but I may have to save that for another day. I forgot to copy the code for a couple of things - oops. Hopefully, I can get Jason to help me with that (again). Other than having to add all my widgets back in it was a relatively painless process. However, the next time I get the redesign bug...I think I'll just download the new template.

I've heard it said that inquiring minds want to know, I want to know...What do you think of the new layout? Let me know how you like it. Oh and just so you know, the remodel is not quite complete yet, there are a few things I would still like to play around with...so, keep checking back.

Have a great holiday weekend!
K

Happy Canada Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000

In celebration of our (my Grandpa was Canadian) Canadian heritage...

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

We used to celebrate these two holidays (Canada Day & Fourth of July) in Grand Bend. We would camp at the Pinery (our favorite place to camp!) and go into town to watch the fireworks on the beach. It was so cool to sit/lay on the beach and watch the fireworks explode out over Lake Huron. The reflection on the water, the smell of spent shells, all the people - what a great way to celebrate.

Hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

Carter Boy!

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:12:00 +0000

Hard to believe but Carter is 7 months old. He is sitting up by himself, crawling everywhere, standing in his crib and eating a ton of food. He is (almost) always happy and quite taken with his sisters.
Carter hit two major milestones while we were in Egypt. One - he sat by himself, unassisted (albeit for only a few moments) long enough for Jason to snap a picture. Two - he started crawling. Of course, I was excited however I was also wondering why he couldn't have waited just a few more days. Why did he have to crawl while we were in places where I could not (or maybe would not) put him on the floor...this made for some inventive ways of keeping him contained on a bed.
He started eating solid food (if that is what you can consider baby food) once we returned to the States. This was somewhat later than what his sisters started eating food but it was one less worry for me while we were in Cairo...how to mix cereal and clean his utensils and not have him getting sick! So, we waited! He seems to be making up for lost time - can he put the food away! He has always been a good eater and there is no sign of that changing anytime soon.
I suppose that is all for now. I have some back posting to do to get caught up but like my scrapbooks I'll start current and work my way backward.

PS. I am the photographer responsible for this picture. This photo would not have made the cut had it been taken with Jason's camera (not sharp enough). He is quite brutal when it comes to going through his work. I don't save all mine but ones like this that are not quite 'perfect' but cute just the same get saved. I can just see Jason shaking his head now and wondering if he has taught me anything...

What Happens at House Church...

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:40:00 +0000

....gets published on my blog. :-)

We host our house church at our house. That means every Sunday afternoon we usually have at least 10 extra adults in our home (give or take a couple).
Tonight was no exception. The girls are here of course and will either be sitting with any one of us (usually Codi - doing her hair), playing outside or in their room or watching a movie in daddy's room (this is a very special treat!). This week Jason set them up in his room with their princess chairs and Ice Age 2 - The Meltdown (which of course is what we try to avoid). They stayed in his room watching the movie and laughing (thanks Great Grandma - good choice). (I am noticing a lot of side comments in this post.) :-)
Anyway, they were in daddy's room watching their movie and having a grand ole time. They are not screaming or crying or yelling just giggling away...so we just left them alone - if it isn't broke... Well, I suppose we should have checked on them earlier because at some point Codi comes to me and says "I don't want to get anyone in trouble but there is white stuff all over the floor in the front room" to which I respond "white stuff!?" I walk across the kitchen and look around the corner to see this...!

Turns out Emma's chair had a hole in it. A hole that is big enough for little hands to reach into and pull out the stuffing. Pull out the stuffing they did!

My initial response was one of horror!

"What are you doing? You know better than this!" To which Emma replied..."Look, mommy we're making snow angels!"

(Finished snow angel)

So, even though I was a tad upset at the mess they made (for me to clean up) I grabbed the camera and snapped a few shots. How could I pass up such a good blogging/scrapbooking opportunity? Besides, we do live in Arizona...they really don't have any other options when it comes to making snow angels. Guess it could have been worse...it always can can't it?

Blessed

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:21:00 +0000

My husband has made a post to his blog that is very honoring to me...A Wife of Noble Character

Thank you - husband! You are my light and my inspiration. I am blessed to be walking through this adventurous life with you.
All my love!

If you'd like to see some pictures from our trip to NE Africa...click here or here.

Enjoy your life!
Kim

Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:16:00 +0000

It seems to be time, time for a change.

I have been blog surfing a little the last couple of days and have been bitten by the redesign bug. While it would be so much easier to pay someone to update my blog with a new design, that is a luxury right now that I will have to pass on. So, in light of that, I have decided that I can figure this design thing out, right? (Should I get really stuck...I can always have Jason fix it, right? ...shhhh, don't tell him) :-) I am sure this will be a slow and painful process (more so for me than you) but I thought I'd give you a heads up anyway. So, next time you visit things may not be the same around here. On the other hand, it may take some time before any changes are visible - kids, household chores, dinner, diaper changes, etc seem to take precedence over learning technical things related to my blog...ahhh, who am I kidding? Learning technical things related to my blog could take awhile even without all the (interruptions) responsibilities.

Anyhoo, it is 9:20ish and I am up past my new bedtime...my bedtime has gotten MUCH earlier since my trip to Africa. I am quite exhausted - that could account for my current babbling!
...brb...

Sorry, we interrupt this blog update with a hungry baby whose schedule it way off track because of an overseas trip to Africa...

Okay, I'm back...I'll close now and go to bed! :0)

Oh yeah, one more thing before I go, I wanted to share a link to a post on a blog I discovered today: The Life, Faith & Creativity of Jessica Turner
This post in particular caught my attention (or maybe it was the Holy Spirit...hmmm) she asked a great question that has me thinking about what season I am in and am I stalled? Maybe I'll be able to process through my thoughts enough to be able to share them in an intelligible manner (we'll see). Read the post and share your thoughts. I am looking forward to reading more of her blog (especially the scrapbooking posts)...I am in need of scrapping inspiration (and a little time).
I found the link to Jessica's blog on another blog that I have been following: Bring the Rain: 4:7
Read the latter with a box of tissues near by...this blog belongs to a friend of a friend.

While I pray that I would not have to walk in the shoes of some of my friends or others that I read about, I am constantly encouraged and in awe of their faith - the strong, unyielding, unfailing kind of faith that is only forged by walking through the fire. To you who are in the fire - you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God strengthen you and bless you.

Blessings,
Kim

Catchin' Up

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:54:00 +0000

Well, we have arrived safely back in the US after spending two weeks in North East Africa (NEA). The trip was good - hard emotionally, physically and mentally but good overall. Carter did pretty good flying considering we had long layovers going and his schedule was turned upside down. He had some difficulty sleeping at night, all in all, he was quite the little trooper.
Our entire team got sick (thankfully not all at the same time) so we rotated staying in the hotel and going out and accomplishing the task at hand. If you want to see some pictures from our trip head over to Jason's blog (http://blog.labombard.net). Why take my camera when he had his?
The girls are quite tan after spending days on end with Grandma and Papa in the pool. Carter is 6 months old now and started army crawling just before we left. He became quite proficient at that skill while we were in NEA. He is getting the rocking down on his hands and knees - I am sure it is just a matter of days now and he will be fully mobile on his hands and knees. I'll try to get a picture of him up soon.
Free time is over for me...time for lunch.
Have a blessed week.
Love,
Kim

Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:49:00 +0000

Just wanted wish the moms reading a Happy Mother's Day.
I hope your day is full of laughter and joy and no housework. :-)
This is a little story that a good friend of mine sent me. I hope you enjoy.
Love & Blessings,
Kim

A newborn's conversation with God

A baby asked God,
'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow,
but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?'
God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.'

The child further inquired,
'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.'
God said,
'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you.
And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'

Again the child asked,
'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me
if I don't know the language?'
God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'

'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?'
God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'

'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.'

'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said,
'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven,
but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked,
'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'

God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'

--Annemarie Ezzo from Growing Kids God's Way

Another step

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:55:00 +0000

Well, I guess we are definitely on our way to being potty trained...and by we I mean Emma. Tonight marks the first time she has come to me and told me she has to go potty BEFORE going in her diaper. So, off to the bathroom we ran and sure enough her diaper was dry and a moment later she was announcing her accomplishment.
I am quite excited and hoping it lasts. I cannot take any credit for these happenings...I owe it all to her big sister. It is a time like this I am glad Emma wants to be like her big sister!
Way to go Sarah!

Potty Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:43:00 +0000

I cannot believe how quickly time goes by. It has been over a month since I last had a moment to post... The posts may be on the light side for the next little bit as we are preparing to go to Africa....now for the real news!
This morning marks day number 5 that Emma has been going on the potty! She doesn't get there every time. But, I will take some time over no time!
It all started on Sunday evening. We had finished up with house church and were just chatting with a few of our friends when, once again, Sarah & Emma were out of bed. Sarah ran into the bathroom with Emma hot on her tail. Next thing I know Sarah is screaming from the bathroom that her sissy has pooped on the potty. In I go to see a very proud of herself little Emma sitting on the little potty telling me what she had accomplished. With the pertinent business taken care of and a diaper back on her buns she runs out into the living room (where we talking with our friends) and announces to everyone (whilst jumping up and down) that she has pooped on the potty! She gets high fives and wahoos from everyone and her special piece of candy for going on the potty.
It took some time after that to get both girls calmed backed down and asleep but all was finally quiet and we were on to a new phase of life. So far, Emma has used the potty every night before going to bed - today is the first time she has used it in the morning. Progress for sure.
Once again there is light at the end of the diaper tunnel. I am looking forward to once again only having one in diapers.
As I mentioned earlier, we are busy preparing for our Africa trip. Just a short amount of time now before we are in the air. If you would like to know more about what we are doing or how you can be a support partner (prayer or financial) please email me. I'd love to share more about how God is moving in our family.
Have a great weekend!

Rollin', rollin', rollin'...

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 05:49:00 +0000

Carter is rolling over!
Today, I went in to get him out of bed and just as I walked in he rolled over from his back to his tummy. I was so excited! He then rolled back over to his back (a move he has had down for some time now) and then to his tummy again. Twice in a row! A little while later, during tummy time on the floor, he again rolled to his back and then to his tummy! For now he only goes back and forth...no rolling across the floor (yet).
That is all that was new today.
Hope y'all are healthy and enjoying the (dare I say it?) spring weather in MI/Canada. I am hoping for you that this is the break in the nasty winter weather.
Love,
K

Is it bedtime yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:11:00 +0000

It is one of those days. You know the days...you are ready for it to be bedtime half an hour after the kids are up in the morning. We have, at least, managed to make it to nap time. Here's hoping the afternoon is calmer than this morning has been.

I am once again without my computer. I am currently using an old laptop we had given Sarah for her computer learning games. A fact she noticed this morning while I was checking my email..."Mom, why are you using my computer?"

So, if it is a while between blog posts - that would be why. I am sharing with a quite studious four year old. She loves her learning games and is quite good. Sometimes she asks me for help only to end up showing me how to do it...who needed the help??

We are gearing up for a trip to Africa. We are excited and looking forward to all that God will be showing us and teaching us while we are there. Please be praying for safety, rest, good health and open doors for making contacts while we are there.

One down, two to go...at least one more to go. The boy is hungry and will go back down...our princess will just read a book, color or work on her computer while the little ones nap. AHHH, peace and quiet.

Have a blessed day!
Kim

Welcome to the Lipstick Style & Makeup Store

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:08:00 +0000

Well, today I had an 'appointment' with 'Kelly' & her little assistant to get my hair and makeup done.

It was the most relaxing appointment ever! :-) During my makeover I was informed by my talented stylist that "...at the Lipstick Style & Makeup Store you can get your makeup done as much as you want as long as you have money..." Where do they come up with this stuff?? There was so much more that she was chatting about whilst making me beautiful - I wish I had recorded it!
Jason just got home and 'Kelly' greeted him at the door saying "Wait till you see this girl!' Jason walks in and takes one look at me and asks if I am ok - no seriously! He thought I had two black eyes. It looks as though the girls have a promising future in theatrical makeup.
Oh well, just thought I'd share a bit of my day. I am now off to finish dinner for my family - spa time is over.

Have a blessed day!

A jewlery giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:47:00 +0000

HAPPY ST. PATTY"S DAY

I found this contest at one of my UBP blog finds. I thought I would share with you...

Buster and boo is having a jewelry giveaway.

You can win this lovely tile necklace!

All you need to do is visit PamperingBeki Jewelry and follow the contest directions .
Super easy - you could be the lucky winner.!
Be sure to check it out - I did!

Have a great week.

Blessings,

Kim

I can relate - how 'bout you?

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:43:00 +0000

Okay, I am taking a few minutes today to go through my email box. You may have noticed since this is my second blog post in about 5 minutes. My very good friend, who now lives far away sent me this YouTube video. Amazing all the things a mom says in a day (no wonder I am tired at the end of the day)! Anyway, my friend & I had a good chuckle over this I hope you do too.

Enjoy!

From the mouths of babes

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:26:00 +0000

So, I don't always have time (or take time) to read emails that are forwards...sorry! Anyway, I was going through my email box today and ran across this post from YouTube. Just thought I'd share. It is such a gentle reminder of all that God has given to us!
Blessings,
Kim

You're Invited to our blog party!

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Do you need a little girl time? I can always use a little girl time!
Join me & the girls for the ultimate blog party 2008.
My girls are setting up the party right now - they are quite excited!
What shall we have today? How about...
Caramel Lattes & German Chocolate Cheesecake - YUM YUM!
We have a seat saved just for you ... the party starts when you arrive.

Okay, so the party's almost over and I finally have a chance to get back. Since this was my first time doing anything like this I wasn't sure how things went...after visiting a few site I realized I did this party thing pretty low key - some of you women really know how to rock it! I know I am a little late on this but here are some bits & bites on who I am ... I am a thirty something wife of 15 years and a sah mom of three. I have two beautiful daughters (4 & 2) and a precious baby boy 17 weeks. I have a newly kindled passion for Jesus & His kingdom. I am in training to live cross culturally (wonder what I am talking about? Email me - I'd love to share. I love scrapbooking, jewelry, cheesecake, knitting & crochet (thanks to my grandmas!), blogging, coloring, blowing bubbles & flying kites...not that I have time at all for too many of those things. :-(
I have enjoyed blog hopping this week. I have met some really interesting women. I hope to stop by more places as the weeks go on. So, have a happy and leave a note letting me know you dropped by.
Next year I'll know how this goes. :-)
Blessings,
Kim & the girls

PS: It was hard to decide on prizes - they are all SOOO good!
First choice: #24 blog design
Second Choice: #3 Beady Queen, #46
Third Choice: #37 Moby Wrap
after that here are a few more (not in any particular order) that caught my eye...
#7, #20, #29, #31, #32, #40, #46, #48, #62, #67, #79, #100, #103, #11, #14, #26, any starbucks g.c...
Thanks to all who gave so generously - YOU ROCK!

Ultimate Blog Party Blogs

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:46:00 +0000

This past week 5 minutes for Moms hosted the Ultimate Blog Party. As of this post, there are 1464 blogs participating in this year's party - WOW, That is some party!

You can check out the blog list here.

Following are a few of the blogs I visited and bookmarked. Have fun looking around.

the lylah blog - Lylah is a gracious woman of God. I am blessed to know and have her speak into my life. Thank you, Lylah!

the chocolistas - Chocolate - need I say more? Stop by, say 'HI', and enter their drawing for some yummy chocolate.

Bold & Free - Jan Parrish has an obvious heart for God. I am looking forward to spending some more time at her blog.

Living for God - I mentioned to a friend, while chatting this week, "It's nice to know there isn't just junk on the internet" - it is refreshing to see so many moms striving to "train their children in the way they should go". It is encouraging to see blogs that are Bible based and not ashamed to say so.

I will add more - this is just a few of the many I visited. I have had a ton of fun blog hopping...but for now there is more laundry to be done.

Blessings,
Kim

Hip Mama's Place

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 06:30:00 +0000

WOW! There are over 1200 blogs right now participating in the Ultimate Blog Party 2008. 5 Minutes for Moms is hosting this fantastic blog party. I have been pleasantly surprised at the quality of blogs that are out there. I am also encouraged to see so many faith blogs. It has been fun meeting new women and seeing all the creativity that is out there. Tonight I visited a blog - Hip Mama's Place. You will find reviews of trendy new products for mom & baby, contest to enter for some FABULOUS prizes, and links to some other cool sites. So, if you want a fun place to look around after a day of chasing the kiddos, head over to Hip Mama's Place and sit a spell. I think you'll be glad you did (I know I am).
There's still time to join the Ultimate Blog Party...we're having fun until the 14th - check it out.
Blessings,
Kim

It's a Calgon Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:34:00 +0000

You know those days - the days where you have all kinds of things you want to accomplish:
Laundry (washed, dried & put away), dishes, change the sheets - general house cleaning, garage sale preparation....on and on goes the list; and the kids do everything they can to keep you from getting ANYTHING done. That is my kind of day. The only reason I am able to blog about it at the moment because two of my three are in bed for naps. Nevertheless, even as I type my oldest is repeating the same thing over and over in spite of my direction to lie down and rest for a little bit.
Aaahhhhh, the joys of motherhood.
Here's hoping you are having a great day!
For me...Calgon take me away!
Blessings,
Kim

Interview w/ Roberta Simpson, author of Nana's Bible Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 08:01:00 +0000

I have the privilege of introducing you to a wonderful new children's author. Roberta Simpson. Roberta has recently published a children's Bible story book, Nana's Bible Stories, the delightful illustrations are done by Susan Mitchell. The book also comes with a CD with narration either by Sheila Walsh, speaker with Women of Faith, or actress Jane Seymour.

Roberta, thank you for taking time to share with us today. It is a privilege to share your story and introduce others to your wonderful book.

It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to share some of my personal thoughts and experiences as a new author with you, Kim, and the Butterflies and Bullfrogs ladies! I am so blessed to see the work you are doing to help and encourage each other!

There are so many gifts lying dormant in the lives of women—just waiting to be discovered or understood. I pray not only that my book, Nana’s Bible Stories will be encouraging to the children in your life—but, also that my personal story will be of encouragement to many of you as you pursue your calling.

Q: You have been telling stories to your five children and nine grandchildren for many years. Why do you believe the art of storytelling is so important…and why do children respond so well to stories?

ROBERTA: Storytelling is so important firstly because you are engaging a child or children for a special time. I love to use my grandchildren’s names in the stories as I have done in Nana’s Bible Stories.

I believe storytelling is an adventure, and what you are doing is bringing children into the story. It is also a great time for cuddling, and being close to the kids – it is a time for bonding, and engaging their trust. I find there is not a child I have met who does not just LOVE having a story read, or told to them!

I believe that children respond to stories (if they are good stories!) because it is a time where they can listen to a story about someone or something else other than what they see and feel everyday, and many times can place themselves into the story – e.g. “What would I have done?”

While playing with kids, I love starting a story – “Once upon a time, there was a…” then I would point to one of the kids, and they would have to make up something. I would continue this way until all the kids had a turn, and we had a story! It was crazy, fun, and lots of loud laughter.

Q: Your personal story is one of obedience. You didn’t plan to become an author. Tell us about some of the challenges you faced from family, friends, etc. on your journey.

ROBERTA: Challenges do come, and they come often. Some years ago, I did a writing seminar, here in Barbados. I remember being so excited, as I did want to write, but up until then, I had only written articles for the newspaper, and a few plays for church.

The gentleman who read and corrected all that I had written scribbled all over them with a nasty little red pen. On the bottom he wrote, “You can’t write!” I shrugged and thought, “I have five kids to raise and I have lots to do, so never mind!” He was a very influential man in Barbados – in fact, he was a well known Pastor! Lesson to be learned in this? When God says you can do it, even a well known Pastor cannot get in the way with his negative comments!

Years later, when I knew God spoke to me about writing, I felt excited and flew home (I mean drove!) and started to write. I believe what was important at that time, was obeying God, and not listening to man!

Friends and especially family have totally encouraged me on my adventure, and this is really special!

Q: The seven stories featured in Nana’s Bible Stories are biblically correct – but, you have a unique style of storytelling. You have created stories within stories. Would you please explain why you used this style?

ROBERTA: When reading the Bible, I tend to stop and meditate on what I have read, and often, especially looking at characters in the Bible, I wonder how they felt, where they lived, etc. My heart always went out to the leper who Jesus healed. For instance, did he have a family? His heart must have been broken at having to leave home. I believe other people—including children—might wonder the same things…so I thought it would be interesting to develop stories around the stories.

I do a lot of research and I insist on maintaining the actual story from the Bible. I do not remove the tiniest meaning from the Word!

I had a wonderful time writing “A Father’s Miracle.” Here is a little boy, who I invented, who just loved his Abba – Daddy. His dad gets sick and has to move away from his home, and all he loves. I wanted kids to be able to identify with this child. It could have been them, and many kids face this sad experience – maybe not leprosy, but sickness and death!

I believe kids will be encouraged and inspired, like the little boy, and pray for loved ones who are sick, and have faith that they will be healed by Jesus, who is the same today as He was yesterday!

Q: Your stories are told from the perspective of a child or an animal. Why is this beneficial to the child listening to the stories?

ROBERTA: I believe that when a child listens or reads the stories about other children, they can identify with the child in the story. I hope that they will say to themselves – “I could have been that boy/girl!” I also believe that they will see how much Jesus loves children, and they were always uplifted and loved by Him in the stories.

I just love animals, and so do children. It is fun writing about them, and I know that God was pleased and loves all He created and He sure created a beautiful animal kingdom!

Q: Why do you believe it is important to introduce our children to the Bible when they are young?

ROBERTA: I do believe, and it is also scripturally true, that if you train up a child in the scripture, and encourage that child to have a personal relationship with God, then when he/she grows up they will truly not depart from it. I have done this, and seen the results. I can truly say that all my children, and their children, know the Lord!

If we can promote the Bible as interesting, exciting, etc. then children will want to know the content. I want my stories to be exciting and truthful, so that my book can serve as an introduction to the Bible, and they will want to read more!

We need to reach kids when they are young, when their minds are open to accepting new concepts, characters etc. Look at how easily young kids can pick up new languages. When I was five years old I went to a Welsh school, where no English was spoken. I could choose to hide in a corner, as I did the first day, or jump in and learn the language. I chose to learn, and learn I did!

The minds of children are so open, and accepting. When kids learn the Bible at an early age, it teaches them great values, and greatly influences the development of their character!

I think it would make such a positive and wonderful difference in children’s lives if they were required to learn Bible stories!

Thank you for allowing me to share a part of my life and calling with you. If you would like to learn more about me or my book, please go to www.nanasbiblestories.com. You may download one of my favorite stories, The Butterfly and the Cross—the story of the crucifixion as told through the gentle and tender eyes of a butterfly. I have also included a special devotional for the story which you may share with your children this Easter season. Cuddle up with a child and enjoy!

Roberta, Thank you again for visiting B & B. I look forward to being able to share your next book with my family, friends & visitors.

Please be sure to visit Roberta's website: www.nanasbiblestories.com
Blessings,
Kim

Sunnyside Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:17:00 +0000

Confession time - Carter sleeps on his tummy - I know, I know...babies are supposed to sleep on their backs. Well, all my children have slept on their tummies (the girls both still do). It used to be that when I would go in to get Carter he would pretty much be in the same spot where I laid him down. Then one day, I go in and he is at the opposite end of the crib from where I laid him; this happened around week 6 or so. Today marked another new milestone, I walked in to get Carter this afternoon and he was on his back. That's right - Carter rolled over! Now I know it is easier to go from front to back than from back to front but he stilled rolled over. Well, my minute is up - Sarah is begging to play crazy eights so I'm off to play cards.
Have a great day!

12 Weeks Old

noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly LaBombard) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 06:25:00 +0000

Carter Boy! 3 months old. You are my sweet baby boy. I could not have asked for a better baby - you are such a special little gift from God.
I love you - Mommy