01-JAN-2007
Zachery's Incision
He had his operation and is now recovering just fine. Had a few days that we didn't know how it was going to turn out but the good Lord kept him strong. Thanks all for the prayers!
28-DEC-2007
Full Moon Edit
Took another moon shot that I took a few months ago and layered it on top of the other moon.
22-DEC-2007
Zachery
This is my son, Zachery. Today we celebrated Christmas early because of his disease. Nice present wouldn't you say.
Zachery is having a hard time gaining weight and is losing 5 lbs every two weeks because of his crohns disease and is in constant pain. He doesn't have much more weight to lose. We are going to the doctors which is 4 hours away to get some test done before his surgery. Please keep us in your prayers. The weather here is very unpredictable. Thank you all!
Christmas 4 days early
We are opening presents today. Weeeee..the kids are excited. Zachery has a doctors appointment early Monday morning for an upper GI. They need all these xrays because he is going in for surgery to take out the bad part of his intestines. His pre-op on Wed. and not sure when surgery is from there. We are a bit nervous but excited to get this kid better. He is losing 5 lbs every two weeks and he has fevers off and on. Please keep him in your prayers...Thanks!
Things that Irritate Me
I am not one to speak out about my opinions but I got to speak up about this.
I was sitting watching TV with the family and of course went through a ton of commercials. The one that got my attention spoke about your little child getting his/her identity stolen by credit hackers. This company who advertised is willing to give you insurance to protect your credit from these bad folks. Well...hmm.. why on earth should I have to pay to protect my name?? The government needs to step in and help these folks out that are being victimized and do something about the security in this system.
ok all done.
30-OCT-2007
Reading First Sentence
Wooohoo..she is on the road to becoming an awesome reader. She loves to read and picks up very quickly. Way to go, Lila Mae!
14-OCT-2007
Black Widow
Found her in my garage. We are keeping her as a pet.
Update on Zachery's condition:
Update on Zachery's condition:
Zachery has had crohns and ulcerated colitis for about 8 years now. He has been on constant medication most of those years but this past year I chose to take him off the meds because his body wasn't getting any better. I changed his diet and put him on baby food. He did get better until we started introducing other foods to him. It has been a long year trying to find what he could and could not eat but come to find out.....
4 years ago I asked them to do some test to find out if he was allergic to wheat and milk products and they said the test come out negative, but when we hired a nutritionist, she was going through all his paper work and found that the test was actually positive. This whole time we were killing him when we thought we were helping him.
Praise God for this nutritionist who found this! The doctors said that if things wouldn't have changed he would have died in two months of starvation. He is down to 87lbs and is close to 5' 7" tall at the young age of 16. He is a walking skeleton..just skin and bones.
He has been so depressed because of all the pain that he wanted to just give up.
Being a week on this new diet (gluten free) has made him a happier guy. He isn't by any means better but he sure is on the road to a quick recovery.
They don't have him on any medications that they did before which is good. He is on iron, B12, hehe gummy bear vits. and pentasa. That is all he needs the nutritionist said.
Just goes to show that doctors don't know it all. Good to get an opinion from every
direction.
Thanks for the prayers and the ear.
05-AUG-2007
Week 29 photo 2
This was an exciting weekend. My (little) brother called me saying he was coming to Gillette to watch the bull riding at the fair and wanted to visit. It had been a LONG time since we seen each other. We spent Sat. and Sun. together and had a blast. We met his wife Sarah also and she is a sweety. The girls took to them like there were old buddies. Went to the rodeo and discing. We had a ton of fun. Thanks guys! (hugs)
02-AUG-2007
Week 29
Chandraya's new friend, Brett. He is doing a hip hop with her. Great kid!
29-JUL-2007
Week 28 Day 3
I love this shot and just had to post this.
29-JUL-2007
Week 28 Day 2
Went out of town a few miles this weekend and caught 63 baby toads. They are so cute. The girls had a blast seeing them all over the ground hopping around. Lila Mae would get so excited and about mash them while trying to pick them up. The boys of course were with us and amazed at how many there were. Thought about selling them foro 5 bucks each but I guess you have to have a license to sell them sooo we let them go yesterday in the same area. Hey, but we kept 5 of them and plan to raise them to be good toads someday. :-)
28-JUL-2007
Week 28
Mike and the kids had the telescope out looking at the moon. I had to (of course) get my camera out and take a picture. Hey, at least there is a photo. :-D
25-JUL-2007
Week 27
Chandraya and some friends. Had a photo shoot yesterday with the one in the middle. Fun girls!
No Week 26
To busy to take pictures. If it counts I do have a video. The girls did the summer dance camp and had a blast. Lila Mae did a character with a group of girls her age and younger and Chandraya did a hip hop with a group of girls. They had a good time. Been swimming most everyday. Zachery has been pretty sick so trying to get him back to his old self. Prayers always help with him. I have had 4 photo shoots in the past 5 days. Wow, talk about busy with that stuff. I am teaching Chandraya and two boys a hip hop dance on Fridays. That is going very well. They are fun to work with..eager to learn. That always helps.
Heading to Bootleggers tonight for a fancy dinner with the hubby. Woohoo.. No dancing though..(sigh)
08-JUL-2007
Week 25
Had a wedding to shoot in Kalispell, Mt. this week. After all was said and done we headed to Glacier National Park. Getting up to the top was freaky because the road looked like it was going to give way as we drove up the mountain. Beautiful, beautiful area..I would recommend everyone at least going up there once in their lifetime. Amazing how green everything is and nice and cool during the hottest time of the year. There was still snow on the ground in some areas. When we got to the top we headed out for a 1 1/2 mile hiking trip with sandles on. Pretty cold hiking through snow but we made it and wow, was it beautiful! We seen bighorn sheep, rams and the strangest looking mole rat looking thing.
Stayed a week with Mike's mom and dad. Helped them get rid of a few beehives and just relaxed before we headed back home.
03-JUL-2007
Week 24
Chandraya's awards she received for performing a lyrical solo to “Above All” by Michael W. Smith choreographed by Sonja Foos.
D,C Starquest Dance Competition, Regionals: "High Gold", 5th overall, a special ribbon for putting her "Heart and Soul" into her performance and Miss Petite StarQuest.
B,M Spotlight Dance Competition, Regionals: flawless diamond, 2nd overall, technical award, and the dance button award.
C,W Spotlight Dance Competition, Regionals: Flawless Diamond, Category Winner, 1st Overall, Technical Award, Miss Petite Spotlight and "Stealing the Spotlight" Award.
Branson, Missouri Spotlight Dance Competition, Nationals: Flawless Diamond, Category winner, 4th overall and Miss Petite Spotlight. She was also asked to perform at a local show that evening.
You did an amazing job and you have grown so far with your dance abilities. I am so proud of you and you should also be proud, not just because of the awards but what you have done with this gift that God has given you. Keep spreading His word! I love you, Moo!
29-JUN-2007
Internal
Experimenting with "still life" photography.
24-JUN-2007
Week 23
Taken on our way back from Branson, Missouri.
16-JUN-2007
Week 22
Taken in South Dakota in the Bad Lands.
Tornado by Zachery Blake (cell phone)
We had quite the scare while at the rec center last week. While practicing our dances my husband calls me and tells me there is a tornado warning. I went outside to check things out and got a call from my boys telling me they were filming a tornado out at the park with their cell phone. Talk about a scare! I can't believe they were goofing off trying to follow it. Can't imagine who they get that from. :-)) As we all headed home it started to hail. I couldn't even hear the blinker clicking it was so loud in the truck. I had Brooke, Chandraya and Lila Mae with me. Chandraya being the sensitive one was crying as if she was going to die, Lila Mae I think was in shock and Brooke was very calm. A little hyped but in control. We raced for the nearest parking garage by the hospital and pulled up right in front of their door. It was comforting to know we were under cover. My boys got cover at the banks covered parking lot downtown. All was safe, storm subsided and off we went home to tell our stories. Here is a picture of the tornado as my boys were storm chasing.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Very busy these past couple of weeks with the dance stuff. Will post more in a few weeks.
06-JUN-2007
Recital Week
Chandraya and her ballet classmates. I love the backdrop and the dance!
30-MAY-2007
Lullaby
Hush my love now don't you cry
Everything will be all right
Close your eyes and drift in dream
Rest in peaceful sleep
If there's one thing I hope
I showed you
Hope I showed you
Just give love to all
Oh my love…in my arms tight
Every day you give me life
As I drift off to your world
Will rest in peaceful sleep
I know there's one thing that
you showed me
That you showed me
Just give love to all
Let's give love to all
13-MAY-2007
Week 19
My oldest son, Troy. He is graduating this year. Wow, can't believe how time has passed. I can still feel his little fingers in my hand for the first time. Enjoy them all the days of their childhood and beyond.
Woohooo!
Lila Mae learned how to tie her shoe yesterday. She has perfected it today. She can even double knot to prevent them from coming untied. Mommy is so proud of you! You are such a quick learner and listen very well.
10-MAY-2007
Little Bunny Foo Foo
This little guy loves our yard. I think it's because of all the dandelion flowers growing out of control. Either way we are glad to have his company.
07-MAY-2007
Week 18 Photo 2
Lila Mae and Chandraya goofing around in the water. Messing with different affects. Comments?
07-MAY-2007
Week 18
We got a ton of rain these past few days. This is Chandraya playing in the water where we disc golf.
23-APR-2007
Best Friends
Brooke and Chandraya being goofy as usual. Love you, Girls!
Revisited Thought
Thought I would revisit this quote:
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace."
17-APR-2007
Week 16 shot 2
I just had to post this shot. I thought the arrow was perfect as the squirrels ran that direction. We were feeding them fries.
17-APR-2007
Week 16
Me and all the kids, yes all the kids went to the park and tried to fly this huge kite. I think the tail is a bit heavy or the wind was just to windy. haha..either way we had a good time.
April 16
Spotlight Dance Competition Results (C,W):
Kick Hoppin' Dance Studio:
Lyrical solo to "Above All": Flawless Diamond, Category Winner, 1st Overall, Technical Award, Miss Petite Spotlight and "Stealing the Spotlight" Award.
Open solo to "Burn for You": Diamond
Hip Hop Duo to "Addicted to Mountain Dew": Ruby, 4th Overall and Showmanship Award.
Yvette Sparks Dance Center:
Ballet Solo to "Lullaby": Diamond
Tap Solo to "Video Game Mix": Diamond and Category Winner.
Ballet Large Group to "Winter Wonder": Diamond, Category Winner and Costume Award.
Lyrical Small Group to "Once Upon a Time": Diamond and 1st Overall.
Tap Small Group to "Hick Hop Tappers": Diamond, Category Winner and 5th Overall.
Wow, I feel so blessed right now. God has really been working in our lives. So much happened this weekend, not just great placements and awards but other things that include my future. I am following Gods lead to completion.
Chandraya, you did such an incredible job this weekend. I am soooo proud of you. I am sure there were people out there who felt the Grace of God. Keep it up, little one!
By Paul Harvey
Paul Harvey says:
I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution. Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game. But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect-somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.
If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.
If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.
And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome, etc.
But what about the atheists? That is another argument. What about them?
Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer! Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating; to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us...
And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority don't care what they want. It is time the majority rules! It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray; you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right. But by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back ... and we WILL WIN!
God bless us one and all .... especially those who denounce Him. God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all. God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.
May 2007 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions.
Keep looking up.
03-APR-2007
Week 14
Oh yeah! I got my jackets in today. woohooo! I am so jazzed about these. God is working!
30-MAR-2007
Week 13 2nd photo
This was a strange last couple of days. We got so much snow that it shut everything down. The girls took advantage of the white wet stuff that covered everything.
29-MAR-2007
Week 13
Nothing like a winter storm in March. Hopefully the last one of the year but I bet not. We are all stuck in the house playing halo, messing on the computers, dancing and reading.
Matthew 5:9, 7:5
Jesus said, "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God"
Confess your part of the conflict.
Jesus said, "First get rid of the log from your own eye; Then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend' eye."
24-MAR-2007
Week 12
Lila Mae had a dance performance today and did such a wonderful job with her group. They are so cute at this age. You just got to love them. Way to go, Lila Mae..you did an amazing job!
Competition Results
Spotlight Regional Dance Competition went well.
Kick Hoppin' Dance Studio:
Chandraya and Brooke’s Hip Hop Duo to (Addicted to Mountain Dew by KJ 52) took a Ruby (1.10 away from a diamond) and a special ribbon award called “hit it” They hit it right on the mark. Awesome girls!!!
Chandraya performed a lyrical solo to “Above All” by Michael W. Smith and received a flawless diamond, 2nd overall and technical award. Wow, moo! Way to go!
Yvette Sparks Dance Center:
Chandraya's
Ballet solo: Flawless Diamond
Tap solo: Diamond
Tap Group: Emerald
Ballet Group: Ruby
Lyrical Group: Ruby, 4th overall and special award???
Chandraya also received an award that isn’t given out very often and to just anyone. It is an award that was created by a man named Chris Collin.
This is what they had to say to her:
Dear Chandraya,
We at Spotlight Dance Cup are excited to recognize the “Driven” spirit that shines in you as a dancer. We want you to know that we believe you are a phenomenal dancer and an amazing person. You were so positive all weekend. Even after slipping during your solo, you displayed such a positive attitude that other dancers looked to you for encouragement. You really displayed a beautiful personality and we loved working with you! We want to award you with an Awesome Dancer pin not only because of your incredible talent, but because of your drive, passion, and love of dance. Congratulations! And don’t forget to “pay it forward”! Way to go, MOo!
Way to go, MOo!
11-MAR-2007
Week 11 Image 2
Chandraya and Grandma. Gotta love those kisses!
11-MAR-2007
Week 11
Lila Mae and Grandma. You can't pick a better Grandma than this one. She rocks!
06-MAR-2007
Week 10
This was the last shot I could take on my card because it was full. So my test shot is my photo of the week. Was trying for a dramatic blur in the forground with a lot of empty space.
1 Peter 5:8
This scripture really hit home today:
Stay alert! The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.
Thanks God for helping me to overcome and walk away from sin.
I was very disappointed with some of the kids and their parents today. Being in the dressing room with the other competitors made me realize how selfish some people can be. Very sad to see such fight to win... they tend to fog the rest of the world out.
If anyone reads this I hope you look at who you are and try to change. Be there for the other kids and other performers. Life isn't all about winning. Yes it is fun to get a trophy and to have bragging rights to friends and family, but remember those others who didn't win and the ones that may never win. They are in an entirely different situation then you. Those are the ones that are usually humble and respectful to the others..complimenting and wishing them luck.
Parents should always be supportive of all kids. Let those kids and your own enjoy the competition without yelling and being disappointed with them in front of others. Did you ever think that your kids don't do so well because they are so nervous that they anticipate the thought of you yelling at them if they tend to make one little mistake?
All the kids performed beautifully and were a joy to watch. It is awesome to see such talent in our community. I hope to see more next year and will strive to get the word out.
Stars of Tomorrow
Wow, way to go, Brooke and Chandraya! I am so proud of you! You did an awesome job with your duo. Keep up the good work and remember to always be positive whether you win or not. God has reason why we win and don't win. Always try to make everyone around you feel confident and proud of their accomplishments. I think God is proud of you for your attitudes. Way to go! You two make the cutest pair and I love you both!
03-MAR-2007
Week 9 (taken by Chandraya)
My friend Misty and I goofing off at the Charity event. She is a lot of fun! Her daughter dances with my daughter.
03-MAR-2007
Week 9
Chandraya and Brooke performed their Addicted to Mountain Dew routine for the Chuckles for Charity. It is a charity event for the Garf program. The didn't place but they sure enjoyed the time spent there and of course performing in front of a crowd always makes them happy.
We got a little bored and thought we would take some pictures while waiting for the other acts. Here these two are being goofy. This was a stage set up. Not real drinks!
Romans 12:2
Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God.
1 Peter 5:8
Stay alert! The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.
05-FEB-2007
Week 6
Oh yeah..another self portrait..had some ideas about stock shots, so I thought I would goof around a bit. Usual me.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Sometimes we become so focused on rules and on who gets credit that we miss the point of our work for God.
"the whole armour of God"
"the whole armour of God" -- faith, truth, righteousness, the hope of salvation, and the word of God.
01-FEB-2007
Week 5 ...second entry
My other daughter Chandraya. This will be given out as a Valentine Card.
Perfection verses Perseverance
This wise writer tells us to simply persevere, not perfect. My dictionary defines perseverance as "continuing strength or patience in dealing with something arduous," while perfection is "a propensity for setting extremely high standards and being displeased with anything else."
Give me perseverance! I’ve had enough perfectionism to last me a month of Sundays.
Thank you, God, for wise men and women who temper our compulsions and lead us toward wholeness and healing. Amen.
29-JAN-2007
Week 5
I know..it is a bit early. I got this ready so I can get prints for Lila Mae's dance class. Going to get one of Chandraya tomorrow.
Exercise
I have started my workout today. Went to bed early and got up around 5:30 am. Did step aerobics and worked my abs and shoulders(the weaker part of my body). I am starving now. Eating oatmeal right..mmmm.... I want so badly to get into shape again. I have lost control of myself the past 2 years. I want my kids to know that taking care of the body is an important part of their life. I am also thinking about taking some aerobics workshops so I can teach.
25-JAN-2007
Week 4
This is chandraya putting her ballet shoes back on. I just had to get a shot of the ruffles on the back of her tutu..hahaha..
The ballet teacher at the studio is teaching Chandraya a ballet solo. Her costume is just amazing as well as the dance Belinda choreographed for her. Awesome teacher to work with.
Wow, talk about an interesting few days. The studio here thinks I am going to take their students. hehee.. NOT! I just wish they would come to me first before shooting off with their assumtions. Although it is a bit funny to think of me as a threat to them. Let's see if they have the guts to come to me. Probably not.
Again as a stated in the new years resolution..I am wanting to help kids, NOT destroy the studio. God seriously needs to do His work in that studio and I pray he works with all the teachers there. Will write more later.
Struggles
Life has brought me lots of struggles and trials to overcome. I was thinking about this..what if I hadn't gone through what I did? Would I know what I know now? Of course not, and for that I should look at these struggles as a growing experience.
What times in my life do I remember the most? For me it is the times when I am wrestling to get back on my feet.
Life is a lot like building muscles..when you work out you begin to hurt because of the struggle you are putting your body through and when your body stops aching you have grown muscle.
Everyone becomes a stronger and more confident person after a hard time in their life, if of course they grasp the concept that God has layed in front of them.
Not only should we take pleasure in the effortless times in our lives but we should be greatful for the blessings of hardships.
21-JAN-2007
Week 3
StarQuest Competition
Wow, what a weekend. I really enjoyed this weekend. Very calming and less stress than the other competitions that I have been to. Misty and Brooke went with Chandraya and I. The girls performed amazingly! I am so proud of them both.
Brooke took a tap solo that Jessica choreographed for her and took a "High Silver" for her award..way to go, girl! I love that costume and you just shined on stage with your wonderful smile!
Brooke and Chandraya performed a duo together that I choreographed and they took a "Gold" for their award. You two were so fun to watch on stage. I never expected to see such attitude from the both of you. You both work so well as a team...loved it!
I choreographed a lyrical solo for Chandraya and she took a "High Gold", 5th overall, a special ribbon for putting her "Heart and Soul" into her performance. She is also the Miss Petite StarQuest for Denver, Colorado. One thing that really made my eyes swell up with tears is when the announser asked Chandraya who choreographed the dance..she sayed "My mom, Sonja Foos". He than asked her another question and she said, "My mom wants me to spread God's word through my dance so that everyone feels Him". Most everyone in the audiance went... awwwww... I hope she at least helped God touch someones heart that day and maybe brought someone who has walked away from God, back to Him. Thank you, God for giving her such a wonderful gift.
13-JAN-2007
Week 2
We have been busy with dance this past week because of a competition coming up this Sat. I am a bit nervous but I am sure the girls will do fine. This is Brooke and Chandraya posing with one of the props they are using for their dance. Song: Addicted to Mountain Dew by KJ 52.. Christain rap artist.
03-JAN-2007
Week 1
My precious girls! They bring so much joy to my world. Today the oldest was carrying the youngest and throwing her on the couch. hehee.. what a way to enjoy an afternoon.
January 1st
2007
Another year gone by. Depressing almost to see the years flashing before my eyes knowing there was so much more I could have accomplished. Makes me desperate to do and see more. I guess what I am trying to say is, I figured out what my goals are for this upcoming year (2007).
PaW: photo a week
These past 2 years I took photos of my family doing things they love and put them in a photobook, added some quotes and they are now being shipped to me. I would love to have a photo(blog)book but having trouble finding one I can set up with space for lots of text. soooo...a photo a week will go in the 2007 yearbook.
Get back into shape:
My life has become so busy with my family, computer, pictures, and dance stuff that I hardly have time to work out anymore. I want to get motivated to exercise in the mornings.
Advertise:
I need more advertisement for my photography business that is doing very well right now but could do better with more advertising within the surrounding states. I would love to travel to photograph weddings. I have a wedding in Montana in July that I am pretty excited about and would love to have more opportunities like that one.
My dance studio:
Look for a place to teach kids who can't afford the prices that a studio in town charges. There are so many kids who want to dance and perform also kids who are overweight and would like other weighs of losing weight besides basketball, football, soccer and such. I want to give all the kids in the community a chance to try and learn new things. All kids deserve a chance to succeed and feel self-worth in life not just the ones with money.
I have a feeling I am going to make a few people angry because of my decision, but this isn't something I am doing for revenge, evil tactics or to split apart the current studio. Those are not my intentions at all. I actually don't care to take anyone from the studio and don't want them if they are upset with anything that is going on at the studio.
Like I said at the beginning...."Depressing almost to see the years flashing before my eyes knowing there was so much more I could have accomplished.". How many of you have helped someone in need? How many of you took money from someone when you knew they couldn't afford it? Were we place on this earth to only help ourselves grow? I don't think we were and I want to help others. Since I was a young girl I knew there was something out there for me..placing that something was a bit difficult, but I guess I wanted God to place it before me when all along I should have been hunting for it. Persueing my purpose instead of hoping it would drop in my lap.
Stock:
I need to get motivated to do more stock photography. I just don't have the energy to mess on the computer anymore. I need to set a schedule for myself and stick to it!