Nathan's First Cottage Fair

As each quarter comes to an end at Edu-Prize, every class has a “cottage fair” (an open house you might call it). Tonight’s was Nathan’s and it was truly wonderful.

We began with a class potluck on the kindergarten playground. Each kid had to bring something to share that began with the first letter of his/her name. Nathan picked nachos. We made queso dip to drizzle over the chips. Yummy!

Next, we went into the class for the kids to sing a few songs. I love hearing little voices just belt it out with huge smiles on their faces. Nathan was adorable as he kind of crept back a bit behind his friends, not wanting the spotlight. After the songs, Nathan sat on our laps and showed us a pile of fabulous work he had been storing for this special night. Boy has he done a lot these past 10 weeks!
(Nathan with 2 of his "many" buddies...Andrew and Michael)
Finally, we ended up in the kinder ‘garden’ where each family got to plant sunflower seeds. How cute!

Nathan loves his classmates and his teacher Mrs. Zavisch. This quarter was so much fun exploring the theme of ‘me’.




Some have asked for the nacho queso dip… (this fed 20 families)
2 large blocks of Velveta cheese
2 ½ pounds of ground meat (we use turkey)
1 large can of diced tomatoes in green chilies

Cook ground meat, drain. Dice up the cheese in a saucepan. Heat on low until melted. Add meat and tomatoes to the mixture. Keep warm when serving.

Meeting Brooke White

Today we signed Nathan up for his first sporting endeavor, baseball. He’s beaming like the Kool-Aid man non stop, it’s adorable. While in the cafeteria turning in paperwork, we came across fliers posted all over the junior high walls with Brooke White’s photos. Being the American Idol fans that we are, we immediately were attracted to finding out more about our hometown #5 finalist from this past season. Today was her homecoming from finally being off her fifty-something show tour. She was going to be at a music store singing autographs and then later that at night giving a free concert, benefiting Malaria, just minutes from our home in the Mesa Amphitheater. We had other plans for the day but we dropped them for Baylee’s sake the most, and jumped on that “spontaneous bandwagon” once again. It’s starting to feel good…lol.

With just an hour to spare before the signing, we raced home to grab our camera and then headed to the music store to join in on the gigantic line. The wait was well worth it. This sweet charmer was as genuine as she appeared on television, very kind, humble, and a natural beauty. Owen was a crack up because once good ol’ Brooke was in sight; he wouldn’t stop beaming, yelling “Hi Brooke!” She kept waving and smiling then later on calling him a heartbreaker and real cutie (which we agree). All three kids got her autograph and Baylee and Brooke went cheek to cheek for a once in a lifetime photo. Once we walked out the doors, Owen freaked out wanting us to return for a photo shoot for him too. Go figure…three year olds!

Tonight’s concert was fun. The weather was absolutely perfect as there was a constant breeze among us. It was fun just sitting on the grass, listening to her cutie stories, hearing her heart, and her pretty voice. Poor Jon had to miss out. My favorite song she sung I didn’t recognize but the lyrics were so neat. She said that as a young girl she fell in love with Carol King and this one particular song. She printed out the lyrics and always had them on her bedroom door to ‘live by’.





After coming home and getting the kids to bed VERY LATE (see the trend in my life?)…11PM, I ‘Googled’ the song and listened to the original. I actually did know the song but truly liked Brooke’s style much better. Here are the lyrics for you too.


Beautiful :
You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes, you will
That you're beautiful as you feel

Waiting at the station with a workday wind a-blowing
I've got nothing to do but watch the passers-by
Mirrored in their faces I see frustration growing
And they don't see it showing, why do I?

You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes, you will
That you're beautiful as you feel

I have often asked myself the reason for sadness
In a world where tears are just a lullaby
If there's any answer, maybe love can end the madness
Maybe not, oh, but we can only try

You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes, you will
That you're beautiful as you feel

Friday Night Fun!

Spontaneity is something that does not come naturally to me; I’m a planner however it is a characteristic that I really enjoy from other people and one of the biggest things that attracted me to Jon in college! I long to be a little more spontaneous, I admit, and this weekend I’ve really worked on it (without even intending to which is really cool cause that means that I was even spontaneous/impulsive with that too, right?)!

It seems like lately my kids’ bedtimes have been very late. I’m emphasizing V-E-R-Y L-A-T-E! But I feel like it’s okay. I guess it’s because of my work schedule that I feel like I need more “time” with them and if they have any energy to play, talk, read, snuggle, I do it too, thus the LATE nights/tuck ins.

Last night was a very spontaneous night. While teaching, a sweet new friend (mom in my class) invited our family to meet them at Peter Piper Pizza for dinner. We had nothing planned and it sounded so nice to have fellowship (especially since Jon was working) so I jumped on that invitation with a quick YES! We had a great time over dinner then left late. As I was driving home, I thought, “Boy, I bet the kids would love a donut at the new Dunkin Donuts that just opened this week.” Needless to say, I drove up and we got out! You should have heard the kids’ squeals of delight! They asked, “Do we have to save the donuts for the morning since it’s so late?” My natural side would have been to so say YES but instead I thought, WHY NOT! So upon Nathan’s request we sat outside and ate donuts around 9PM.

Next to our table were at least 9 firefighters having a late treat too. Nathan struck up a conversation with the Battalion Chief and soon after that; I was watching my three kids being escorted in the city’s five-month old truck learning about all the ‘bells and whistles’ from two of the firefighters. Baylee, Nathan, and Owen were so elated and I was delighted to be a close up observer!

Our Friday night was super, a true gift of joy given to us all. Here’s to spontaneity!

Prayer Request

This painting hung in my Grandma and Grandpa Bailey's walls all my life. I loved looking at it, imitating the man, and talking about God and prayer to my dear sweet Grandma. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer. I pray numerous times a day, just holding a conversation with my “Father” and sometimes wish I could just dedicate a day to just doing that and absolutely nothing else.

Please duplicate this image and pray. Jon's father's cancer is back. We just got word tonight.

September 22nd, a Time to Celebrate!

Without a doubt, I love fall! There must be some part of me that cheers for it for the simple fact that the Arizona summer heat is “soon to be” part of the past which means playing outside, riding bikes, as well as many family traditions right around the corner. Part of those traditions is being in the kitchen. We love making popcorn balls, caramel apples, dinner in a pumpkin, and my all-time-favorite…hot cider! In fact, the first day of fall always accompanies me either making my first batch of delicious hot cider which fills my home with the most perfect aroma or heading to Starbucks for their hot spiced caramel apple cider concoction. All day on Monday, since it was the first day of fall, my mouth would not stop watering. I couldn’t wait for my mug full of heaven but because it was 102 degrees out (yuck), I just couldn’t grab a cup until the sun at least had gone down for the day. So over dinner, I finally got my treasure. My taste buds were jumping up and down screaming “hip hip hooray!” but my body was truly sweating. Cooler weather, fun times, beautiful sights, and glorious smells here we come. The Kempiak Party of Five can’t wait!

Gratituesday-Todd

His name is Todd. I heard of him often through the past four or so years but only met him a handful of times, if even that. He was my brother’s friend. They met in a men’s center, Crossroads, when both were working on their sobriety. My brother came along side Todd and befriended and mentored him. Their friendship was always beautiful.

He was my brother’s only local friend his last stent here. They went to dinner and lunch, spoke of God and understood each other. It was a special relationship to watch.

Todd was broken when we made the call to him that my brother had died. He went to the funeral but didn’t come talk to us. Weeks went by, months, and then one day I had a knock on my door. It was Todd. He asked to come in. We spent the time somber, just reflecting on my brother, telling stories. Once our conversation became silent he asked me if he could “look at my pool,” the very place my brother hung out when they spoke by phone. I agreed so we walked in the backyard. He then proceeded to ask me if he could give us a gift, in honor of my brother and keeping his memory alive. Todd wanted to be our “pool guy” (his profession) and come weekly to care for our pool.

It’s been over a year now and I see Todd weekly as he quietly comes and goes, cleaning our pool and keeping it under some great TLC. Never has there been an exchange of money, just a hug and a short “catch up” talk.

Today I was reminded of what a gift it’s been. Not only having my pool clean but being in a life of a person that has a deep heart and that is succeeding beautifully with Christ’s power, in keeping sober…drug free.

Seeing Todd outside my window was my “sign”…he’s my Gratituesday this week. I am grateful for Todd!

No Flu!

So many people have lifted me up in prayer. Thank you. Good news...no flu! Bad news, I guess, I never had the flu. Instead, I was/am having a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotic I was on from my allergic reaction to the bee sting. Follow that? Scottsdale Osborn hospital caught it fast and pumped me with tons of fluids and got my 104.1 temp down. Now it's the waiting it out game which includes rashes all over my body and in my throat. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Good news! We found the beehive. Now pray we can get it taken care of. It's not on our property; it's on the golf course in a brick wall between the course and a home. It'll be interesting to see how this all pans out. One thing I know for certain. It has to be taken care of very soon. We are tired of being hostage in our home from our yard…it’s been 2 weeks AND we know 2 out of 5 of us (possibly more) are allergic to the bees.

Thank You For Your Prayers!

I'm going to be a woman of few words today. I am sick with the stomach flu however I wanted everyone to know that Jon's parents made it out of Texas just in time and are home safely. Praise God! They were completely impressed with the state of Texas and how organized their evacuation took place, including 75 busses to help transport people out of the area. The place they were staying was completely demolished and the little island they were on, Galveston, is all underwater.

Prayer Request

Please lift up Dick and Carol Kempiak, my inlaws, to the Lord. They are vacationing on the coast of Galveston, Texas right now. Hurricane Ike is heading that way and we can't get in contact with them to know their "plan".

Here's the latest information sent to me from a prayer chain that I am on headed up by the President.

"The situation in the Gulf Coast is dire according to breaking news reports. People in coastal areas axzre being warned to “get out now” or face certain death. Hurricane Ike is huge and is packing winds with speeds over 100 mph that threaten to tear into Galveston, Houston and other coastal areas. The after-surge of flooding could destroy what the winds don’t.

This is a time to pray!

Houston is home to more than 4 million people, hundreds of thousands have evacuated; its surrounding area has a large concentration of oil refineries, resorts and the Johnson Space Center.

Please, join me in praying for coastal Texas and Louisiana:

For the storm to lose energy and move away from the coast
For citizens in need—particularly the marginalized, the ill and the homeless—to have assistance and guidance as they evacuate
For churches to step up and provide shelter, supplies and support when and where possible
For the protection of all involved—for police, fire and emergency medical workers, for those responsible for utilities and transportation and everyday citizens seeking refuge
For deaths, injuries and damage to be minimal"

7 Years Ago...Still Remembering

It almost seems impossible that the attacks on September 11th are now seven years past. I still can remember them vividly. I found out just seconds after swinging the doors open of our home, shouting Happy Birthday to Justin, my dear friend Lara's son. Her face showed no sign of happiness. Then she broke the news. I'm curious where you were when you heard the news, please post it.

I remember repeating Psalms 56:3-4, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?"

Please join me in prayer today for the families who lost loved ones. Today is a hard day for our country but nothing comes close to the pain as the ones "left behind" are feeling, I'm sure.

For those that question why this happened...

MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan ... I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all knew Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

Gratituesday-teaching

Teaching is a passion of mine. I feel alive in the classroom. Without a doubt I love to inspire, love, and motivate children into becoming confident citizens and thinkers. I will forever be grateful to Baylee’s teacher, Kelly, for asking me to teach her wonderful group of 20 kids while she is out on maternity leave. It’s been a thrill! Only 3 more weeks to go!

Hostage...Not BEEcause We Want To!

Help! We are being held hostage right now. Since last Saturday, our pool has been a “rest stop” for dozens of bees. They swarm to the side, grab water then fly off to the golf course we are backed up to. Our assumption is that they are building a hive, yet we cannot find it, although our efforts have been great. After being stung on my arm Sunday, the kids have been less than eager to go outside so now we have to wait to water our garden, play, and swim until the sun has disappeared as well as the bees. Oh please Lord, help us find the hive soon so we can get rid of these awful intruders!

I Love Listening to My Kids Talk

While driving this evening to Costco, the kids were singing, this time Baylee took the lead. Her tune was an unfamiliar one to Owen; “I’ve got the joy- joy- joy- joy down in my heart (where?), down in my heart (where?), down in my heart, “I’ve got the joy- joy- joy-joy down in my heart (where?), down in my heart to stay.”

On to the next verse, “I’ve got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart (where?), down in my heart (where?), down in my heart, “I’ve got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart (where?), down in my heart to stay.”

Stuck in Owen’s head now, he began singing the catchy tune’s second verse, with his twist on it. “I’ve got the piece of pizza that’s passing down in my heart (where?), down in my heart (where?), down in my heart, I’ve got the piece of pizza that’s passing down in my heart (where?), down in my heart to stay. Yum!”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Nathan’s norm is to be very compassionate, sweet, and cuddly. Often times he tells me sweet things that melt my heart. Tonight’s one was a biggie! I’m writing it down because I want to remember it forever. “Mommy, do you know that I fell in love with you before anyone else?”
“You did Nathan?” I asked wondering where his thoughts were.
“Yes! I grew in your belly and in your heart at the same time which made my heart love you!Nobody else has done that for me before.”

Gratituesday- Live Laugh Love

I’ve blogged about them before but not on Gratituesday. Hands down I’d have to acknowledge these sweet friends I’ve met with each month in my home over the past year, my Live Laugh Love group. Some I knew deeply, others a little, and then one not at all. Yet now, I can call them each marvelous friends that have touched my life in very profound ways. We were transparent with one another, sometimes in tears and other times through laughter. We connected, healed, shared, and enriched our lives, much like the company promised. Although we came in many different forms and backgrounds, we made a beautiful puzzle scene together, intertwining perfectly. We had topics to focus our discussions on; respect, presence, flexibility, potential, commitment, tolerance, moderation, generosity, dependability, purpose, stability, and acceptance. When else would I have put thought into these issues then taught them to my children?

This week we meet for the final time. I’m saddened by it but also know that it won’t be the ‘end’ at all. April, Denise, Kristin, Lara, Laura, Shanna, Shannon, Tiffany, Tami, Yuko, and last but not least Yvette…I thank you for being my “Gratituesday”. I genuinely love each of you.
(photo taken at the final LLL meeting while we missed Shannon, Lara, and Yuko!)

I've Never Seen Anything Like It!

Last night we experienced a lightening (Monsoon) storm like I've never seen! In addition to the normal lightening bolts, our sky was like a strobe light. It wouldn't stop flickering, keeping the sky totally lit up, almost as if it was shaking. The electric storm hit near 9PM while we were driving home from dinner and Jon even commented that we didn't need our headlights. We gave it a try, he was right. Little did we know that we were in a category 1 hurricane and the eye of the storm seemed to be right with us. The winds weren’t horrible but the sound of the thunder at times was deafening and lasted up to 1AM.

Although Jon was right about not needing headlights, he was wrong with one thing. Right before entering our neighborhood he commented, “It doesn’t seem like the lightening is hitting ground”. Five minutes later, once we were in our home safely, the sirens of fire trucks got louder. One by one, at least eight emergency crews passed our home, causing our kids, especially Baylee, total distress and curiosity on our part. Jon and I had to see what was going on! I went first with the boys who were pleading and by that point; the rain was coming down like I’ve never seen. It was as if the whole Pacific Ocean was emptied right over our heads. There weren’t raindrops at all, just huge amounts of rain plummeting the ground, seriously! I followed the flashing lights and saw quite a commotion. A one-story home, right behind us was hit by lightening! I guess because of the heavy rain though, there wasn’t a flaming fire too. Amazing! God sure had all of our attention on his amazing power. Once I got home, Jon went out not able to get to the home any longer. Police and news crews were on site and blocking any more curious neighbors.

It was a very late night. The kids had to wait until the storm was gone until they felt safe, knowing our two- story home and others were not going to be struck. We had many blessings to talk about and lessons on God’s will until we were able to rest, with flashlights in hand.

(Thank God Jon was home from his business trip!)

Museumday

Thousands of museums throughout the country are offering FREE admission on Saturday, September 27, 2008. Go to www.smithsonian.com/museumday to see if a museum near you will be participating and to get your free Admission Card.

These are the ones in Arizona:


Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park
Tempe

Arizona History Museum of the Arizona Historical Society
Tucson

Arizona State Museum
Tucson

Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
Bisbee

Challenger Space Center
Peoria

Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix

International Wildlife Museum
Tucson

Mesa Historical Museum
Mesa

Phippen Museum
Prescott

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
Phoenix

Sharlot Hall Museum
Prescott

The Bead Museum
Glendale

The Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix

Gratituesday-dinners

I can’t believe it’s been a week since I last blogged. Everything on my list “trumps” my fun outlet. Oh well.

I’m really amazed at something and wanted to put it out there as my Gratituesday! I’ve been working for 3 weeks now and can you believe that every week, I have had a student’s family make dinner for us, the Kempiak Party of Five? I’ve never announced it, never asked for it nor acted like we needed it, yet God’s brought people into my life that has wanted to bless us in this way…and what a blessing it has been! The first week Landon’s mom’s van pulled up at student pick up and said, “When you’re done, come here.” She then passed a yummy complete dinner to me telling me that she knows I’ve been working many hours and this was her “thanks”. WOW!

Week two, Maggie’s family invited the kids and me to come to dinner once I was done in the classroom. She patiently waited for me to be done at 6:30 before putting dinner on the table. Double WOW!

Then tonight, sweet Elise’s mom brought us a meal saying, “I know your husband is out of town and I know how hard that can be, especially working, so I wanted to bless you!” TRIPLE WOW!

I pray the Lord blesses each of these precious families for blessing us. I am in awe!

(If you are part of "my class"...this is not a hint. LOL)

A Splashing Good Time!

The Kempiak kids had a blast inviting their friends the Keller’s over to our backyard pool for some “private” swim lessons twice a week this summer with Miss Catherine, as they liked to call her.

Baylee and Daniel swam together exploring all four strokes. Baylee’s favorite was the Butterfly and she’s good at it too. And because of her “modesty” (I guess that’s what you call it), she asked Miss Catherine to rename another stroke from Breaststroke to the Frog Stroke. “Breast” was just not okay with our little gal! Baylee and Daniel also loved swimming relays (like the Olympians), diving for items at the bottom of the pool, and even began flip turns at the end!
Nathan and Benjamin became great swimmers too. I couldn’t believe Nathan’s endurance and adventurous ways! Both boys loved swimming together and were braver as a result. I can honestly say that Nathan is a swimmer now, a HUGE goal I had on him. Before it all began, Nathan could only swim about three or so strokes to me without fear and lack of skill but by the end, he easily swam the length of the pool! On his free swim time Nathan is really focusing on getting his chest up out of the water for the Butterfly"!

Owen and his buddy Ethan “swam” together as a team too. Miss Catherine worked on some fundamental swimming strategies; holding breath, bubbles, faces in the water, and most importantly, survival skills (like floating to your back and getting out of the pool). If only they could have kept their lessons going through the rest of our hot months.

Miss Catherine was a wonderful, gentle and encouraging teacher. We wish her well as she heads off to her first year of college! We’d love to snag her up for 2009!

Baylee and Nathan are “swim team” bound for next summer. They’d love to have some friends join them. Is anyone game?

Gratituesday-Denise, Nana & Papa, Lisa, and Laura

Heading back to work, even though it is for a short time, ten weeks, has been a very big challenge for us all. The one who’s had to adjust the most is our sweet Owen. And really, he hasn't "adjusted"! He’s being shuffled about each day and confusion has totally set in. “Why does Baylee and Nathan get Mommy and not me?” he cries.

My level of “to do’s" is even higher than it has been in a long time (which doesn’t seem possible) however this is for sure…I still need to stop and express my gratitude to God in the midst of it. He’s in control of this “chaos”.

There are four people that have really stepped up during this time, helping in huge ways. For them, I am humbled and thankful.

To Denise, I am grateful. You lovingly take care of our Owen Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays. You do it as he has a total “attitude” about being there and cries hysterically as we walk to the door and as I leave. You are an angel in clothes. Thank you for gracing my life with your gift of service. I am so glad that Owen and Little Ross and Daniel's friendships get to grow over this time! You have such sweet boys and a fun family!


To Nana and Papa, I am grateful. You drive the hour distance to allow Owen to be home for a day to play with his toys and be in his home. It brings him comfort to be here and with you. Thank you.

To Lisa, I am grateful! Fridays are your only “non homeschool day” but that doesn’t seem to matter to you. You willingly and happily take in our sweet three year old boy! Owen absolutely loves his buddy Ethan and eating blue cookies with him.

To my cousin Laura. I am grateful! You too are in the “back to work” mode, bless your heart and you do so much to help me out. Thank you for picking up Owen four days a week to bring him to me once I am done teaching. He loves being in the classroom, especially to be reunited with his brother, sister, and mommy. And it gives me a chance not to feel “guilty” being at work last to finish up loose ends if my three musketeers are by my side. Laura, I love you and am amazed by you and your relationship with Owen. He'd follow you anywhere!

I am a blessed lady. I have so many selfless friends and family. These are just icing on the cake!

All Because I Said YES!

If you were to flip your calendar open, eighteen years ago to this date (August 15th), you’d be looking the day Jon proposed to me. He totally caught me off guard, which was something I deeply desired seeing that most things in life, past or present, I come to figure out even though they are meant to be a secret. I don’t even “try.” I guess you’d say I have an extra “sense” and it’s one I don’t really like. For me, I’d prefer to be surprised. I like surprises! Especially the one eighteen years ago!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, we were on summer vacation from NAU living in Prescott where I was a nanny. Jon and I headed up to Flagstaff to go to a wedding and between reception 1 (the “formal” reception after the wedding) and reception 2 (just a fun time dancing with other collage friends outdoors in an alley “restaurant”), he told me to close my eyes that he had a surprise for me. He instructed me to lay out my hands and it was then that I felt a small velvety box. “Open your eyes,” his voice cracked and there I was, seeing Jon, the love of my life, on his knee and an engagement ring in my hands!!!!!!!!!!! I was so excited and speechless all at the same time and cried happy tears right along with Jon, my now “fiancée!”

I am thankful for this memory and think how different my life would be without him. I am glad I said yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He Made Me Laugh Out Loud

As Nathan and I were changing out the sheets to his bed together tonight after his bath he asked me,
“Mommy, what if someone wanted to sleep naked in bed.”
With some concern and a lot of confusion I asked, “What do you mean?”
“Well, what would it be called?”
I was silent trying to figure out what to say when he quickly chimed in, “How about Skinny Sleeping like Skinny dipping?”
-He made me laugh out loud!-

Shortly after, we walked down the steps to fetch some water bottles when we found Owen in the playroom, standing with only a shirt on. His backside was to us as he was fumbling through the play kitchen (totally cute image). Nathan laughed and yelled, “Look, he’s Skinny Playing!”
-Again, he made me laugh out loud!-

I sense a theme is in full fruition here at the Kempiak Party of Five’s house!

There's More to This Life

Stephen Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth were interviewed on Good Morning America last week, hosted by Robin Roberts. They spoke out for the first time about their loss of Maria, their five year old daughter, who was tragically killed in a driveway accident earlier this year, with her brother at the wheel. Five of the seven family members explained how they are dealing with their pain and continuing to live.

From watching the interview (on YouTube…since we never have the tv on, nor have a clear reception), I saw an unwavering love in their home. The realness of “loss”, and the hope and faith of a family shined! My favorite part of the whole interview, which brought tears to my eyes was when Stephen tells the audience that as his son was rolled up in a ball in the yard, uncontrollably shaken at the accident from “his hands”, Stephen yelled out to him just before driving away to the hospital, “Will Franklin, your father loves you!” What beautiful words. Isn’t it amazing how the tongue can build up a person? I wonder what my words would have said at that very moment if it was my family involved.

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

(After G.M.A.’s interview with the Chapman family, they also appeared on Larry King. What opposite styles…Robin who had empathy seemed to understand what they were sharing which led her questions and Larry who couldn’t even keep Maria’s name straight, nor showed any sympathy, didn’t “get it” at all, for this reason his questions and responses after their explanations seemed “cold”. The only “plus” to the Larry King show was that he had more “time” for the interview so you got to hear more from this amazing family.)

I am grateful that no matter what I do on this earth and endure, my Father in Heaven loves me. Do you know that feeling? I pray you do.


Let's continue to pray for these precious servants of God as they deal with the grief of losing a daughter and a sister. Their incredible faith and hope is such an inspiration to me!

I'm Back!

There isn’t sand in between my toes, a suitcase full of clothes to unpack, frequent flier miles hiked up, nor a story to tell of great adventures we’ve had on a family vacation, however my absence from blogging may have had you wonder if we were up to something fun. Nope, no vacation here, except maybe a blogging one. Sorry friends. Life has just been hectic! Jon’s out of town right now, so although I am totally exhausted and have other things to do, I thought I’d sit down for awhile to update the Kempiak Party of Fives Chronicles in our blog. Thanks for your patience.

First Day of School (for me)

It’s official; I am now Baylee’s teacher for the next eight weeks because her sweet teacher, Mrs. Runyon gave birth to her son Kade on Saturday. Everyone needs a first day photo, right? Well here we are just before heading out.

Instructing the twenty precious children Kelly entrusted in my care will be wonderful. They are all so very dear. I treasure this divine time the Lord set before me to teach and take it very seriously. As I did when I was a full time teacher in my own classroom, I begin my day in prayer before the kids fill the building, specifically naming each boy and girl by name.

P.S. Pray for Owen, this is a very hard adjustment on his part. He's sacrificing a lot for his sister's gain. A huge thank you to Denise, Laura, Nana/Papa D, and Lisa for helping me with my little OJ!

Water Wonderland

Our week’s been packed with school related things, including me getting more volunteer hours in at Edu Prize. I’m over half way towards our required 80 hours for the school year already and it’s only the fourth week of school. Yikes! Well, before beginning my “substitute teaching duties,” I just had to squeeze a few more hours in Nathan’s class one last time until I can do it again in late October. I also needed to be in Baylee’s class to prepare my mind, students, and lessons for the week's to come!

With that said, our Party of Five needed some FUN family time to release. I planned a fantastic Friday night, medicine to our souls and uptight schedules. My cousins Laura and Kaydon joined us since Kasey was out of town and Baylee’s friend Sabrina did too since her poor mommy is recovering from ankle surgery.



After school ended on Friday, we all piled in our van and headed out to Tempe to pick up pizzas near the university then straight to Tempe Beach and Splash Park to play in the cool water. The kids had a fabulous time just being kids, running around and enjoying all the water features. And I had a fabulous time as well, watching and joining in on the water fun for a bit. It brings great joy to me to watch happiness on my kids' faces and laughter roll out from their little bodies. Our night was great; we even shut the place down, with the water totally being turned off! We were some of the last to leave. As for our family, we want to go again before it closes down for the season.

The Heat is On (Still)!

It's still hot and will be for a long time. Even our cheap "cool off spot" our backyard pool is warm. It's above the 90 degree mark! I feel like we are swimming in a very large (and somewhat public) bathtub, minus the sudsy blanket we’d have on our bodies. And as funny as it may seem, at times we get a chill on us to the extent that goose bumps protrude from our skin. Crazy!

Gratituesday-technology

Today I have been reminded how grateful I am for modern technology, especially computers. Emailing and blogging has really helped me stay connected to people all around the world, especially since I am not much of a phone person nor have the time to call everyone that I blog and email with. Just today I received various ones that brought this Gratituesday to mind. First I received a blog link asking for urgent prayer for a baby boy in womb whose heart is at 50% function and the prognosis is poor. Also, I got an email from a dear friend of Jon’s from high school Pete, who we haven’t spoken to for many years and another email that a missionary we love is back safely in Arizona. Not to forget that also in my inbox was a sweet note from a friend that doesn’t live too far from here but our lives just don’t cross much. It’s been over a year from our last correspondence and now we’re planning a “double date”. Then tonight, by email, I was able to send out an "all call" to see who in Baylee's class would be interested in making a meal for their teacher who is having her c-section THIS SATURDAY! Could you imagine having to call 20 homes? Ugh! With all that said, today is a fitting day to say praises about blogging and emails.

What are you grateful for this Gratituesday?

Rx for the Soul!

If laughter is the best medicine, then I am one healthy patient! Last night twelve of us friends had an “adult only” night out on the town. We enjoyed a nice dinner together then headed to Jesterz Improv Comedy Theater in Scottsdale for a side splitting time. I love this place! Its style is very similar to the television show, “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” where the audience participation and suggestions put the professional actors on the spot to create hilarious scenes. If you’re a local, I highly suggest this family-friendly theater where you’ll laugh out loud and be amazed at the quick-witted comedians. Come see for yourself!

Kristen/Glen, Lara/Kendall, Tiffany/Earle, Laura/Kasey, April/Rick, thank you for coming out with Jon and I. Let’s do it again soon (adding the rest of our LLL bunch)!