Ten on Tuesday

1. Summer needs to slow down a bit. July 4th is this weekend. It's all down hill from there.

2. I've been inspired once more to get back into shape. Meaning feeling strong and not completely saggy. A friend of mine just ran a marathon; she looks fabulous. Another friend of mine just went to Hawaii; she looked awesome in her swimming suit. I was quite jealous of her ripped arms. They are both around my age so I know it's doable.

3. In fact I know it's doable since 2 summers ago I was there. I felt great. I felt strong. I went on a baking spree and the rest is history.

4. So I have been jumping on the trampoline with my kids almost daily. It's been fun. I've thrown in a little back handspring here and there. I wish I knew someone who could spot me on a back tuck. I know if I threw a tuck a few times with a spotter I could then do it on my own. I'm just to chicken to try solo.

5. My goal by forty which is looming around the corner is to check off something on my bucket list. That something is trapeze lessons. I have always wanted to learn. Couple years ago I learned that Chicago had a place that provides trapeze lessons, and while researching I discovered that my home town of Tulsa provided trapeze lessons. Next summer I will do it with my strong self.

5. This morning has been filled with marshmallow wars with home made marshmallow air guns, laundry, crafts, trampoline jumping and my kids are now wanting to play on the slip-n-slide. Ahh summer, it is going too fast.

6. I just love garden fresh fruits and vegetables. This morning I picked blueberries, snow peas, and green beans. Yum!

7. If you have time and are interested in a good blog read, head on over to Coal Creek Farms. She is another Pioneer Woman in the making. She has been retelling her birthday surprise adventure that her sweet husband did for her on her 41st birthday. I started reading midway and now I am chomping at the bits to read to next saga. Check her out here.

8. If you are in the Lawrence area and are wanting beautifully custom made jewelry head over to my girlfriend's store that is just opening. Hip Mom Jewelry is at 10 E 9th Ste E, right next to Dr. Hay & Dr. Heinbach in downtown Lawrence.

9. I took some 4th of July pictures of my kiddos yesterday. Here they are.







10. I try to take monthly pictures of my kids for the yearly calendar that I make for my husband for Christmas. I'm sure these pics will be in next years calendar.

Flag Day

In honor of Flag Day



Grateful for our country
and for the men and women who have served and protected it.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Summer break is in full force here at the Klamm household.

2. We just returned from the free movies at the Legends. Despicable Me is quite entertaining.

3. My goals this summer is to read more, my kids and I, have friends over weekly, and spend a majority of our time near water.

4. So far our goals are being met. We've been to the pool three times so far and water play in our backyard is quite a hit.



5. My son had a Mario birthday party on Sunday. I can't believe he is 8. It seems like the parties get easier and easier.






6. His gift from us was a trampoline. It's pretty much a family gift. We all have used it, and I plan on practicing my gymnastics on it :) I guess adult gymnastics is the latest trend. Take a look here. My goal is to be able to do a back handspring at age 40+. Unfortunately that is not that far away.

7. To my neighbors: I apologize. It was my kids laughing and screaming at 7:30 this morning on our new trampoline.

8. My husband bought me a new bike so our family can ride together. I think I will need to invest in a special seat. My tush has not been the same since last Friday afternoon's ride.

9. I stubbed my baby toe yesterday. It still hurts and is discoloring. I'm wondering if I fractured it. I hope not since I made fun of my brother-n-law a while back for breaking his toe and using crutches.

10. Here are some fun pictures of Mario look-a-likes. 2 are my favorites, and they are not of my son.

Beautiful children

I can't get over how beautiful this baby girl is.

But then again her brother was just as gorgeous at her age. Here is a pic from 2 years ago.

She's just super cute.

And loves to examine and explore.

What a little cutie and delight.

These two are simply beautiful children.

Thanks again "T"family. I always enjoy watching your children grow and capturing it with my camera.

Joplin

I'm still wrapping my brain around my experience with the relief efforts in Joplin. What I thought was going to be a one day trip turned into repeat trip on Memorial day with over 40 people from my church joining in the efforts. To say that the tragedy that fell upon Joplin was horrific is an understatement.

Sights that I will always remember....
*walking on drenched carpet with shards of glass everywhere.
*tornado mud paste splattered on the walls.
*open sky where there once was a roof.
*neighborhood streets with no street signs but mounds of debris where homes use to lay.
*bark blasted off trees.
*collapsed home with the only thing standing is the bathroom.
*room walls completely blown off, but a washer, dryer, shelves and detergent standing unaffected.
*metal twisted tightly around a tree.
*an SUV spun into the ground and tires punctured.
*church parking lots turned into relief stations.
*the numerous people driving by the tornado stricken neighborhoods giving food and water to any one who would accept.
*a large ranch style house blown and turned at least 10 feet from its foundation.
*an American flag blowing in the wind in midst of all the ruble.

I was amazed...
*that God graciously spared so many lives: by the mass of physical destruction the death toll should be 4 times it claims currently.
*by the stories of miracles.
*by the mass of people who wanted to help.
*that many victims declined help and asked that we provide help to those less fortunate even when their home was completely destroyed.
*by the attitudes of the victims. I kept hearing many say how fortunate they were again even when their home was completely destroyed.

I am praying...
*for the victims, my heart goes out to them.
*for Joplin, that they would be resilient and strong.
*for the tireless volunteers that have worked long hours to help those in need.
*for communities outside of Joplin to come alongside and help their fellow men.

If anyone is interested in helping families in Joplin, contact me. Grace Baptist Church in Joplin plans on being a relief station for over a year and will need man power and supplies in the coming weeks and months.

Ten on Tuesday

1. I've been in a solemn mood as of Sunday. Sunday morning I heard that one of my MOPS friends had delivered a still born baby. Later that afternoon the tornado that hit Joplin, hit home to me.

2. My sister lived in Joplin for quite a few years and had relocated a couple years ago to the town where we were raised. My nephew was born at St. John's Hospital in Joplin. The first time I held him was there. By friend's accounts my sister's former Joplin home was hit by the tornado. I can't even image if she had lived there currently. She has a friend that still is not accounted for. My heart aches for that town.

3. Monday I woke up, let our dog outside and noticed that our flowers were blooming, the grass was shimmering green. I had a unscathed roof over my head and children playing in the background. I was thankful, tearfully thankful.

4. I'm trusting in this verse for the people of Joplin:

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem." Isaiah 66:13

5. Confession: I have watched way too much Joplin coverage. It is not good for my mental health. I even watched a you tube video of people taking cover in the midst of the storm. Not good for my psyche. Now that there are potential tornado storm activity in the next 24 hours, my anxiety has risen to an all time level.

6. I just looked outside and saw massive dark clouds.

7. I think I need to meditate on God's word.

⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:5-10

8. On lighter note, my son's last day of school is tomorrow. Ye haw! I'm looking forward to summer vacation.

9. I haven't posted a Ten on Tuesday post for a while. Been. way. too. busy!

10. Here are few pictures of events that I attended with my kids the past few weeks:

a. the zoo field trip with my daughter.

5.




b. field day with my son.









Love on your family - Jen

Wedding Bliss

Just in case anyone is interested....

Here is a glimpse of some wedding pics from this weekend
of a beautiful bride and groom.

I hope the newlyweds are enjoying their time in Colorado.