tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368183982024-03-13T13:14:53.679-07:00Sinner RedeemedMelindaBrummetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354756010881312195noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36818398.post-36655339331441520562010-05-17T23:45:00.000-07:002010-05-17T23:56:12.692-07:00Thirteen year Reflection<p>So time of reflection: Thirteen years ago I stood at the end of an aisle and looked down at was at that time the man of my dreams. So many hope and dreams, fears and excitements in my head and all I want to do was run down into his arms and say really today and forever. I looked at him for what felt like an eternity and then my dad ask if I was ready. I wonder if he meant the walk, the wedding, the day or the amazing life that was waiting for me down the aisle. Yes to all of it! I looked at the end of the aisle and saw the most loving man and I could not believe that God had made this man just to be mine and made me just to be his. Thank you God! So after thirteen years I still look at that same man and think you are and always will be the man of my dreams. Thank you for thirteen amazing years, four wonderful children, eight homes and countless joys. I would do it all again, you are my best friend and my love. </p>MelindaBrummetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354756010881312195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36818398.post-48873654830555649452009-04-11T20:47:00.000-07:002009-04-11T20:57:10.215-07:00RamblingsWell I failed at writing all the time. But I am going to try again. It is Easter weekend and I am so glad God loves us. I look at us and often think would I love us. Most of the time I would have to say no. I am glad I am not God. Well Micheal has been home for a week and I think I could get use to it, he made me breakfast every morning and the kids lunch. He did not get in the studio to art, but he got some computer stuff done. He is the coolest guy. (don't tell him I said that) I am so blessed he is my husband. Well that is some of the ramblings of my silly little mind.MelindaBrummetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354756010881312195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36818398.post-57493018757551790702008-08-13T23:06:00.000-07:002008-08-17T23:19:59.728-07:00come and seeWell I love that saying. Come and see -it gives way to so many different emotions. Excitement, anticipation, and the thrill of the unknown. When you are a child and you go to your parents and say COME AND SEE -what I can do, or what I did do, or what I made. There is so much joy and pride in your voice. Now as a parent I love to hear those same words spoken by my children for the same reason, they want me to look at or watch or sometimes imagine with them. As much as I love to hear those words if I am totally honest I would admit it scares me a little to. In the back of my head I sometimes think, "oh no what did they do." But most of the time that goes away very quickly. Why is it that as kids we can't wait to show our new discoveries, but as adults we are often afraid to be child like in this way? I love the gospel of John because it is about adults saying come and see. I wish we could share Christ that easy with others. Come and meet this man -He speaks with great wisdom. Did His wisdom die on the cross? No certainly not! He still has all wisdom and power. "Hey come and see this man, He knew every thing about me." Have you ever really thought about that? He knows every thing about us, He knew EVERYTHING about her and she was glad. How different would we be if we lived in a way that showed we where glad we are known like that? Anyways, I love watching people and John is a great book to 'people-watch' and learn. "look I found the Teacher, come and see" "are you the Teacher?" "come and see" "Come and see the one who held me" "Are you the one we have been waiting for?" "Come and see" "He knew everything about me! Come and see him." He changes me every day as a mother, a wife, a friend and most as a follower. Please ... come and see.MelindaBrummetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354756010881312195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36818398.post-38129176664391102422008-08-04T21:00:00.000-07:002008-08-04T21:29:07.320-07:00writingWell I have not been the most consistent about writing on a regular basses. But my new goal is to write something at least once a week. My hope is to start writing down my thoughts and feelings about life, parenthood, my new job, being a wife,or most importantly my faith. Some days I feel like I get it all right and other days I feel like I am feeling, but I never give up and pray that He who strengthens me will give me another day to try again. So I well be writing it all out and throwing in some fun as well. I will be writing soon.MelindaBrummetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354756010881312195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36818398.post-57404780772702414812008-02-27T16:19:00.000-08:002008-02-27T17:39:00.762-08:00Stuff about meHere is some stuff about me<br />I was tagged by my husband so here I go.<br /><br />Four jobs I have had in my life:<br />1. Music teacher at a preschool<br />2. Hair stylist in Malibu<br />3.Hotel front desk<br />4. A personal fashion stylist<br /><br />Four movies I've watched more than once:<br />1. Star Wars<br />2. Monty Python search for the holy grail<br />3. Emma<br />4. Four Weddings and a Funeral<br /><br /><br />Four places I have lived:<br />1. Jackson, MS<br />2. Vancouver, WA<br />3. Campbell, Ca<br />4. Malibu, CA<br /><br /><br />Four TV Shows that I watch<br />1. House<br />2. Lost<br />3. Good Eats<br />4. Numbers<br /><br />Four places I have been:<br />1. Nairobi, Kenya<br />2. London<br />3. Austria<br />4. Italy<br /><br />Four people who e-mail me (regularly):<br />1. Michael<br />2. Deiga<br />3. Tim Tinnon (woodlawn site council)<br />4. Freecycle<br /><br />Four of my favorite foods:<br />1. Anything Greek<br />2. Stir Fry<br />3. Shrimp<br />4. Fajitas<br /><br />Four places I would rather be right now:<br />1. Florence, Italy<br />2. Hawaii<br />3. camping with huby and kids<br />4. sleeping<br /><br />Four things I am looking forward to in the coming year (next 12 months):<br />1. Greater Financial Stability<br />2. Seeing my husband get a show at an art gallery<br />3. Starting a printing business with my husband<br />4. Dawson sleeping all night in his own bed!!!!!<br /><br />Four significant/memorable gifts I have received:<br />1. my wedding ring<br />2. money to pay my legal bills<br />3. my mustang in high school<br />4. all 4 of my kids<br /><br />Four Books that have impacted me the greatest:<br />1. <span style="font-style: italic;">the Bible (Ephesians, Revelation, 1,2,3 John, the Gospel John)</span><br />2. His Needs Her Needs<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br />3. Boundaries <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Workbook-When-Take-Control/dp/0310494818/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204161848&sr=8-2"><span class="srTitle">When to Say Yes When to Say No To Take Control of Your Life </span>by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend</a><br />4. I am so tired I can thank of the name<br /><br />Four People who have changed my thinking and continue to do so:<br />1. Christ<br />2. My Husband<br />3. my kids(especially Bevan)<br />4. my dad<br /><br /><br />Here is the deal. Copy it paste it on your blog and change the list if you are...<br />Cheryl, Deiga, Michelle Partain, Sarah WolfgangMelindaBrummetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354756010881312195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36818398.post-30204693154287044812007-12-25T13:13:00.000-08:002007-12-25T13:39:04.094-08:00Christmas Get to Know Ya<em>1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? <span style="font-weight: bold;">I love wrapping presents. I am actually just started<br />doing professionally, so any of you have a gift give <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">occasion</span> just let me know.</span></em><br /><br /><em>2. Real tree or artificial? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Artificial this year but prefer real</span></em><br /><br /><em>3. When do you put up the tree?</em> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Traditionally the weekend after thanksgiving </span><br /><em></em><br /><em>4. When do you take down the tree?</em> <span style="font-weight: bold;">The weekend after new years</span><br /><br /><em>5. Do you like egg-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nog</span>?</em> <span style="font-weight: bold;">YES!!!!!!</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"></span><br /><em></em><br /><em>6. Favorite gift received as a child? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Big multi-colored umbrella and a music box</span></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>7. Do you have a nativity scene? </em><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">no</span></span><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>8. Hardest person to buy for?</em> <span style="font-weight: bold;">DAD</span><strong></strong><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>9. Easiest person to buy for?</em> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael</span><br /><em></em><br /><em>10. Worst gift you ever received?</em> <span style="font-weight: bold;">sweeter from my nanny(grandma)</span><br /><em></em><br /><em>11. Favorite Christmas movie?</em> <span style="font-weight: bold;">good taste Leah.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">White Christmas: Bing Crosby, Rosemary </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Clooney</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">...</span><br /><br /><em>12. When do you start shopping for Christmas?</em> <strong>as soon as I find something</strong><br /><em></em><br /><em>13. Have you ever recycled a present?</em> <span style="font-weight: bold;">no</span><br /><em></em><br /><em>14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?</em><span style="font-weight: bold;"> scotch-a-roos</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"></span><br /><em></em><br /><em>15. Clear or colored lights on tree?</em> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Colored </span><br /><em></em><br /><em>16. Favorite Christmas song?</em><span style="font-weight: bold;"> little drummer boy</span><br /><br /><em>17. Travel or stay home?</em><span style="font-weight: bold;"> At home this year.</span><br /><em></em><br /><em>18. Can you name all of the reindeer?</em><span style="font-weight: bold;"> probably</span><br /><em></em><br /><em>19. What is on top of your tree? </em><span style="font-weight: bold;">An angel.</span><br /><em></em><br /><em>20. When do you open presents?</em> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Two on Christmas Eve, the rest on Christmas... a tradition</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">from both our families we love to do with our boys.</span><br /><em></em><br /><em>21. Most annoying thing this time of year?</em><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Rude people </span><br /><em></em><br /><em>22. Favorite ornament theme?</em> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Home made with kids</span><br /><em></em><br /><em>23. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? </em><span style="font-weight: bold;">Turkey Dinner/pees-n-cheese</span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><em></em><br /><em>24. What do you want for Christmas this year?</em> <span style="font-weight: bold;">a cumputer</span><em></em>MelindaBrummetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354756010881312195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36818398.post-60634764775402321522007-09-29T18:57:00.000-07:002007-09-29T21:38:46.879-07:00The Lord is Our ShieldHere's the latest update on our situation and it is truly a case of the Lord's protection. While it is not over yet, the situation has turned far better than we could have imagined. We were able to retain the lawyer and the Lord has worked miracles. Via a phone conversation with the DA our lawyer told us that it would most likely be upwards of $5000 in fines and probably a year and a half of probation. So then, a day or so later our lawyer got everything together and actually went to the DA's office to finalize everything and the DA said that he actually looked further into the case (somethiing he rarely, if ever, does) and concluded that this was most likely an honest mistake (which it was) and that if we could come up with about $3100 in fines by the end of October there would be no probation AND he would reduce the charge from a Class 3 Felony to a Misdemeanor (traffic violation) AND we would not have to travel to Abilene to resolve it. PRAISE GOD!!!<br /><br />Oh wait- you're probably wondering what the actual charge was! (We weren't sure for a long time) The actual warrant was issued for 'Tampering with Government Records" which is a Class 3 (read 'very bad') Felony. We were on Food Stamps in Abilene and one of the times that we had to report our income I had forgotten to note that Michael was teaching at ACU, I had only mentioned his weekend job at Michaels Arts & Crafts. (Probably one of those times when I'm filling out the form, and then something happened with the kids and when I returned to filling out the form I just moved onto the next line! So totally accidental- in fact, usually Michael filled out the forms, so this was just an odd turn of events from the very beginning!). So we find it rather strange that a federal felony can be reduced to a traffic violation but we're not going to complain!<br /><br />Now in the midst of this good news there is still the reality of having to come up with the $3100 by the end of October. To that end we are going to try and utilize Michael's artistic skills. We're going to hold an art sale to try and sell many of his previous artworks that we have as well as several drawings that he is going to draw over the next couple of weeks. We'll get back to everyone soon on the details of that. We are also open to anyone who would be willing to donate to this cause- we've had a couple of people that said they would be willing to give or donate money and so we are certainly open to the blessings of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Until then we thank everyone for their prayers and support.MelindaBrummetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354756010881312195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36818398.post-78551680543902139772007-09-08T13:43:00.000-07:002007-09-08T14:22:32.004-07:00Satan Attack'sSo many people have asked us to blog what is going on in our lives right now. So I wanted to back up a bit and give everybody a brief summary- especially the events from this past weekend.<br /><br />Michael and I were driving down to the FaithQuest youth rally at Camp Yamhill on Thursday evening. I was driving and upon entering Yamhill, the speed limit dropped rather dramatically, and there was a cop on the side of the road, and...well... you know how it goes. So he pulls us over and asks for my license and then he's taking a really long time to get back to us. Finally he comes back with a ticket and then informs me that there is a warrant out for my arrest from Abilene, TX!!! We were dumbfounded. The officer didn't have all the details but what he did say didn't make sense- that the warrant was issued in 2006- we weren't even in Abilene in 2006! Michael was told he could not follow the officer and I to the station, only that he needed to call after I was 'processed' in about an hour. Michael tried calling but basically was told there was no hope of contacting me or posting bail or seeing me until my court appearance the next day. Fortunately I was able to make a call and was able to reach him on the camp's phone (due to the location, our cell phones had no signal). So I was able to speak with him that night but because it was so late and the bail they posted was so high, there was no way for Michael to get me out so I was forced to spend the night in jail.<br /><br />To make a long story short, I was able to get out the next day (due to a very generous friend) and though we will still have to go to Abilene to resolve this, we can at least make our own travel arrangements rather than using 'government transport.' We have been able to retain a lawyer in Abilene which will make our situation easier as he can do much on our behalf and hopefully make our visit shorter and less painful when we do have to actually go there. <br /><br />Here's what we do know: the charge is 'Welfare Fraud' apparently arising out of a situation that we thought was already resolved. While in Abilene we were on Food Stamps and there was an issue that arose regarding one the reporting of one of Michael's jobs. They had informed us of the inconsistency, we complied with their requests and provided statements from Michael's employer and we lost some of our eligibility for food stamps and so we believed that everything had been amended. Apparently not.<br /><br />The main thing right now is we are trying to raise money to help us pay for the lawyer. We were loaned some money on a credit card to actually retain him and get the ball rolling but that money is needing to be paid back and we do not have the resources to cover it. Plus we are anticipating additional fees and fines and we don't even know how much that is going to be. It was $2500 just to retain the lawyer and so everything that we are aware of to this point is in excess of $5500. (And that's not including the cost of travelling to Abilene that will need to take place sometime soon.) Please pray for us. If you have any ideas or can help us in any way, please contact us.MelindaBrummetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354756010881312195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36818398.post-22194053612493823852007-03-21T21:41:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:17:27.742-08:00We've grown up<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/RgILBH4GctI/AAAAAAAAACc/FX-NPC50J44/s1600-h/100_0195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/RgILBH4GctI/AAAAAAAAACc/FX-NPC50J44/s320/100_0195.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044606646530503378" /></a><br />We feel so grown up now- we've bought our first house! It's kind of blowing our minds. It's small but laid out well (so it doesn't seem so small) and there is a sizeable backyard for the dog and kids to explore. Plus, we can stand in our front yard and look down the street and see our childrens' school. We are so excited to be homeowners, and to be close to the kids school, and in the neighborhood of PUMP- God is good!! We praise Him for this opportunity and the many opportunities that he has brought our way throughout our marriage. We feel blessed (and did we mention, grown up?!)MelindaBrummetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354756010881312195noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36818398.post-36374781838892526632007-01-17T22:05:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:17:28.906-08:00Snow Days<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8QpPXeg0I/AAAAAAAAAAM/OlIbNuakPBw/s1600-h/100_0048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8QpPXeg0I/AAAAAAAAAAM/OlIbNuakPBw/s320/100_0048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021250410227073858" /></a><br />Starting on Tuesday morning with the news that all kids want to hear (and often moms dread)- school is closed due to inclement weather. That inclement weather happened to be snow, which also brought Michael home early from work and kept him home throughout Wednesday (news that made mom very happy). We had much fun playing in the snow with Bevan, Trevor, and Michael taking a skateboard deck (ie- just the wood, no wheels) and trying to turn it into a snowboard on the hill in front of our house. They were actually quite successful, with Bevan surprising us all with his balance and coordination on the slick surface. He by far was the most talented (causing surprise since Trevor is our star skateboarder). <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8RePXeg1I/AAAAAAAAAAU/03rZFDf41DE/s1600-h/100_0042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8RePXeg1I/AAAAAAAAAAU/03rZFDf41DE/s320/100_0042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021251320760140626" /></a><br />The rest of Tuesday and Wednesday was filled with more frolicking in the snow- snowball fights, snow angels, and building a snowman (Michael was particularly excited over this as this was his first ever 'traditional, 3-ball snowman. He described all of his previous attempts as conical or otherwise misshapened 'piles' of snow with eyes and nose. So he was very happy to 'get the ball rolling' and make a REAL snowman.) So enjoy a few pictures of our family in the snow (and meet our new dog, Bilbo).<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8Yg_Xeg5I/AAAAAAAAAA0/Q32Rq5riwBg/s1600-h/100_0036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8Yg_Xeg5I/AAAAAAAAAA0/Q32Rq5riwBg/s320/100_0036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021259064586175378" /></a> Michael and the big boys sizing up the hill.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8ZYfXeg6I/AAAAAAAAAA8/dWTYyB0JtKE/s1600-h/100_0068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8ZYfXeg6I/AAAAAAAAAA8/dWTYyB0JtKE/s320/100_0068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021260018068915106" /></a> Julian eating his frist snowball.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8aB_Xeg7I/AAAAAAAAABE/C051yBhZwHs/s1600-h/100_0061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8aB_Xeg7I/AAAAAAAAABE/C051yBhZwHs/s320/100_0061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021260731033486258" /></a> Dawson taking aim.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8af_Xeg8I/AAAAAAAAABM/wmLRjUg8bTU/s1600-h/100_0058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8af_Xeg8I/AAAAAAAAABM/wmLRjUg8bTU/s320/100_0058.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021261246429561794" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8a_vXeg9I/AAAAAAAAABU/fM0dz67FXxw/s1600-h/100_0059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8a_vXeg9I/AAAAAAAAABU/fM0dz67FXxw/s320/100_0059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021261791890408402" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8bcPXeg-I/AAAAAAAAABc/mDj5NyIkqgk/s1600-h/100_0063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8bcPXeg-I/AAAAAAAAABc/mDj5NyIkqgk/s320/100_0063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021262281516680162" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8b-PXeg_I/AAAAAAAAABk/VWL4o1BtlXw/s1600-h/100_0070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLodRfj52tU/Ra8b-PXeg_I/AAAAAAAAABk/VWL4o1BtlXw/s320/100_0070.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021262865632232434" /></a><br /> There were a lot more pictures and fun, but we hope you enjoyed just a small sample of our snow days.MelindaBrummetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354756010881312195noreply@blogger.com4