Confirmed...

Trader Joe's is coming!

A Date!

Last night David and I left the boys with a sitter and went on a date! It was our 7th anniversary present to one another...tickets to the Counting Crows/Goo Goo Dolls concert here in Charlotte. It was a lot of fun hearing all the songs that we listened to during the years that we were friends, dating, and early in our marriage.

The GooGoo Dolls sang pretty much every song I wanted to hear them sing. They were really LOUD...too loud, because the lead vocal was distorted by the speakers being overloaded. But I think that's what everyone expects of them...they're loud, they're from Buffalo, get used to it!
GooGoo Dolls set

Then the Counting Crows came onstage and OPENED their set with David's very favorite song, "Anna Begins." I thought he was going to jump out of his skin. They played a beautiful set. There are seven of them, so they have a lot of tight vocal harmony. The instrumentalists are really talented (I always cheer when a band hauls a baby grand piano around with them!), especially the one man who was jumping between the piano, organ, and accordion like it was no big deal to change instruments mid-song.

A long December/and there's reason to believe/maybe this year will be better than the last

And it's one more day up in the canyons/and it's one more night in Hollywood/it's been so long since I've seen the ocean/guess I should

 

Our Weekend

I am getting behind on blogging with our new school schedule! Sorry about that.

Here are some highlights from our weekend...
On Friday night we went to one of the last Kannapolis Intimidators games of the season. Their last home game was actually last night (Tuesday). Here are some pictures...

Waiting to get in

Now that Jonathan is almost a year old, we can start feeding him all sorts of fun stuff, like fried dough (or an elephant ear, or a funnel cake, depending on where you're from. It's still the same fatty, sugary yumminess). He stuffed it all in his mouth at once.

I stuffed my face a little, too.

On Saturday, the boys had their first soccer game. Here are the under-6 league rules: 4 5-minute quarters; no goalies; no scorekeeping; three players per side on the field at a time; parental and coach involvement on the field is encouraged. It's a good thing our coach was out there, because otherwise I think the ball would have gone in the swamp and the kids would have sat down begging for water.

Coach and his assistant warming up the team (they have more fun than the boys do)

"Can I play guys? Huh? C'mon, let me play!"

Coach rallying the troops

A Baptist Catechism

This summer we have been taking turns instructing the children who are part of our small group in a Baptist Catechism. The boys have been doing really well with the memorization, so I thought I would brag on them a little and post videos of each question and answer here. I've included the text of each one above the video since the audio is not superb.

Some people have asked me about this catechism -- great questions, all! -- and I found the thought process in answering these questions really helpful, so I have included them as well.

1. Do the kids actually understand what they're saying?
Yes and no. As we've taught them each part, we have done a short lesson about what each one means, and we follow that up with plenty of reinforcement. But these answers include plenty of hard words, like "infallible," and "effectually." I don't think that the boys will understand these things fully for years to come, but now -- when their little minds are primed for memorization -- is a wonderful time to have them hide these things in their hearts. I also do not shy away from using adult terms around the kids. We read a great deal of classic literature to them, which includes a vocabulary not usually used in 2006 in America, particularly with 5 year olds! But if these words are a part of their everyday interaction, they can use them just as effortlessly as we do. For example, I could teach Andrew that when he falls and a purple mark appears, it's a "boo-boo." I could just as easily teach him that it's a "bruise" or a "contusion." He will associate the word with the meaning.

2. What's the precedent for and point of doing this?
I'll let Pastor John Piper address this:

Is there a Biblical pattern of doctrine?
Several texts teach that there is.
For example, in Romans 6:17 Paul gives thanks that "you have become obedient
from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were committed." 2 Timothy 1:13 says, "Follow the pattern of sound words which you heard from me." Acts 2:42 says, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching." 2 Thessalonians 2:15 says, "Stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us." And Acts 20:27 says, "I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God." So it appears that there was a body of authoritative instruction and even a way of teaching it in the early church.

Why is it important?
1) We are required to "continue in the faith, stable and steadfast" (Col. 1:23).
2) We are urged to "attain to the unity of the... knowledge of the Son of God...so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Eph. 4:13-14).
3) There are many deceivers (1 John 2:26).
4) There are difficult doctrines "which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16).
5) Leaders must be raised up who can "give instruction in sound doctrine and also confute those who contradict it" (Titus 1:9).

3. Where did you find this?
Well, look here. It's taken from the London Baptist Confession of 1689. It's very close to the Westminster Confession.

Question 1: Who is the first and best of beings?
Answer: God is the first and best of beings.

Question 2: What is the chief end of man?
Answer: Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.

Question 3: How do we know there is a God?
Answer: The light of nature in man, and the works of God, plainly declares that there is a God; but his word and Spirit only, do effectually reveal him unto us for our salvation.

Question 4: What is the Word of God?
Answer: The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, being given by divine inspiration, are the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

Question 5: How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God?
Answer: The Bible evidences itself to be God's Word by the heavenliness of its doctrine, the unity of its parts, and its power to convert sinners and to edify saints. But only the Spirit of God can make us willing to agree and submit to the Bible as the Word of God.

Question 6: May all men make use of the Scriptures?
Answer: All men are not only permitted, but commanded and exhorted, to read, hear, and understand the Scriptures.

In the market for a new car?

Try the Ultimate Tailgating Truck.

For Cathie

Ugh.

WIN or die trying...

...that's our team motto for the boys' AYSO under-6 team, the "Sirens." I think "kick it in the right direction" or "stay on the field of play" might be better!


We had our first get-together on Saturday afternoon, and the kids got their uniforms (Tarheel blue, what a surprise!). I am excited about this soccer team, because it's very low-key. There are no practices, just a practice/game every Saturday from now until early November.


The real challenge for me as a new "Soccer Mom" will be keeping little brother off of the field! Andrew once again impressed us with his natural playing ability on Saturday.

Yellow Jackets!!!!

David was working in the woods on Saturday when he encountered a nest of angry yellow jackets. He came running into the house after he was stung on the eyelid, and no less than TWELVE other yellowjackets followed him in!! We quickly shuttled the kids upstairs into a closed bedroom and I waged war in the kitchen with our (now almost completely ruined) fly swatter. David ended up getting stung four times; I was stung once (on the top of my ear).

Naturally, when everyone asked on Sunday, "what happened?!", we told them that I punched David's lights out. That's not so good for the lady who taught on "Respecting Your Husband" this past Thursday!

"Let's Go At Charlotte"

Andrew's newest composition.

Our Visit to Massachusetts

Mom's cat, Lucy, hiding from Jonathan, who enjoyed pulling on the scruff of her neck a few times.

Jonathan and Rhiannon playing.

Cousin Rhiannon (this was our first time meeting her!)

Jonathan playing with a doll (don't tell Daddy!)

Playing pat-a-cake with Grandma

Our First Day of School

We started our studies in earnest here at the Keller house this morning. Here are some pictures from our first day...


Cameron doing Math.

My friend Carla gave me this great idea...it comes out when school is "in session." Andrew can scoop and play in this huge box of beans as much as he wants! He loved it.

Ben decorating his binder cover.

The age difference of my students became apparent at the end of the morning, when Cameron was still coloring every "Egypt" picture he could get his hands on...

but Ben was happy to play with his toys!

I left my camera up in MA, so no pictures of my trip to post yet. So instead, I thought I'd do a.....

Thirteen Things I Love to Eat (in no particular order) 1. In 'N Out Burgers 2. Pesto 3. Garden Tomatoes (though I have had my share of these lately) 4. Big Macs (I know, it's disgusting but true) 5. Steamed Lobster 6. CPK's Classic Chopped Salad (if you have not had this, please go NOW to your nearest CPK and order one!) 7. Chocolate (any kind) 8. Ben and Jerry's "Phish Food" 9. Junior Mints (the best movie candy -- "It's very refreshing!") 10. Sesame Chicken 11. Garlic Mashed Potatoes 12. Cracker Barrel breakfast food (I know that's broad, but it's how I feel) 13. My famous post-Thanksgiving sandwich

My weekend

I am flying to New England tomorrow to visit my mom, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy about a week and a half ago, and Jonathan and I are going up there to break up the monotony of her recovery :) .

With all the "excitement" today, please pray that we are able to get through security smoothly. I know I fall under one of the exceptions, having a little baby with me, but security checkpoints already stress me out, and now they'll be that much tighter!

Anybody want any souvenirs from Massachusetts?

Talking to people rather than about them.

Found on Justin Taylor's blog, what Pastor John Piper left out of his sermon on Sunday.

Another music post

I just discovered that Sandra McCracken will be at the Evening Muse in NoDa on September 9th.

C'mon you live music lovers!!! Come with us!!!

Attention Music Lovers

On September 1st, DW will be making his new album, "Mockingbird," available for free at this site. Here's a little explanation for why he's doing this. Please do not listen to this album if you want to have your white, middle-class Repulican side stroked. It's thought-provoking to say the least.

Also, if you want to see DW's tour with Andrew Peterson, please make plans to join us at Meck Community Church on December 14th at 7 p.m.

The Husband Store

A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates. You may visit the store ONLY ONCE ! There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch . . .. you may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband . .

On the first floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord.

The second floor sign reads: Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids.

The third floor sign reads: Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, and are extremely good looking.
"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads: Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop- dead good looking and help with the housework.
"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads: Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop- dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.
She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads:

Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!

Monday Morning Riff

• I heard this morning on NPR that a study recently found that teenagers who routinely watch professional wrestling are more likely to demonstrate violent behavior. The head of the WWE said that the study was unreliable. What was unreported was that he stated this while performing a triple pirouette with a wooden chair raised over his head.
• I heard some of the loudest thunder I've ever heard on Saturday night. I guess those 100 temperatures are a thing of the past now (until the next heat wave).
• Currently reading...Home Comforts (I am always reading this book), A Backward Glance, Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church, and Shepherding a Child's Heart.
• Currently studying...I Timothy, James, and biblical submission (I am leading a women's study on this next week).
• Miles logged this morning on the treadmill...1.5, most at a steep incline.
• Yesterday at church we sang the good old hymn, "At Calvary." I love this song, but I always feel like I should be standing in a tent revival meeting when I sing it. The tune and meter seem to demand a tinny piano played by a little lady wearing a hairnet.

one more

This picture of Andrew stirring made me laugh so I had to include it too. The bowl is as big as he is! 

The brine (I did this part)



Cameron was NOT pleased with the smell of the brine!



Making sure all the air is out



Finished product!

 

Pickle pictures

Here are the pictures I took while making pickles on Wednesday.

Cameron and Ben washing the jars

Andrew cutting the cucumbers (please note the plastic knife!)

Sprinkling with salt

Stirring

THE NINETY AND NINE

This is information I found online about a hymn that we have grown to love. We first heard it on Andrew Peterson's album, "Carried Along."

“He rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.” Matthew 18:13
Words:
Eliz­a­beth C. Cle­phane, 1868.
Music:
Ira D. Sank­ey, Sac­red Songs and So­los, 1874

Sankey spot­ted these words in a Bri­tish news­pa­per while on an evan­gel­ism tour in Scot­land with Dwight Moo­dy. He tore the po­em from the pa­per, put it in his pock­et, and for­got about it. Lat­er that day, at the end of their ser­vice in Edin­burgh, Moo­dy asked Sank­ey for a clos­ing song. Ira was caught by sur­prise, but the Ho­ly Spir­it re­mind­ed him of the po­em in his pock­et. He brought it out, said a pray­er, then com­posed the tune as he sang. Thus was born “The Nine­ty and Nine.” This was Sank­ey’s first at­tempt at writ­ing a hymn tune. Not bad for a first try!

There were ninety and nine that safely lay
In the shelter of the fold.
But one was out on the hills away,
Far off from the gates of gold.
Away on the mountains wild and bare.
Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.
Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.

“Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;
Are they not enough for Thee?”
But the Shepherd made answer:
“This of Mine
Has wandered away from Me;
And although the road be rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep.”

But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed;
Nor how dark was the night the
Lord passed through
Ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard its cry,
Sick and helpless and ready to die;
Sick and helpless and ready to die.

“Lord, whence are those blood drops all the way
That mark out the mountain’s track?”
“They were shed for one who had gone astray
Ere the Shepherd could bring him back.”
“Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn?”
“They are pierced tonight by many a thorn;
They are pierced tonight by many a thorn.”

And all through the mountains, thunder riven
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of Heaven,
“Rejoice! I have found My sheep!”
And the angels echoed around the throne,
“Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!
Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!”

Today...

• ...we will make refrigerator pickles with our garden cukes.
• ...it will be 100 degrees. We're staying inside.
• ...we will continue to wage war with the squirrel who likes to snack at our birdfeeder.
• ...will be Mom's most painful day of recovery, according to her doctors.
• ...I am feeling more secure about homeschooling, since I planned for the upcoming unit yesterday afternoon.
• ...I took my first shower since Sunday morning. Disgusting, I know. This is my life sometimes. I did go in the pool yesterday, so I am not completely offensive.

What are you doing today?

DEEP HIGH PRESSURE WILL REMAIN CENTERED OVER THE SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES INTO THIS WEEKEND. THE HIGH WILL LIMIT CLOUD COVER AND ALLOW TEMPERATURES TO RISE SIGNIFICANTLY DURING THE DAYTIME. HIGH TEMPERATURES ACROSS THE FOOTHILLS AND PIEDMONT ARE FORECAST TO REACH THE MIDDLE TO UPPER 90S EACH DAY THIS WEEK. THESE HOT TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH HUMID CONDITIONS MAY LEAD TO HEAT INDEX VALUES AROUND 105 WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. A HEAT ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED TO HIGHLIGHT THE EXCESSIVE HEAT EXPECTED ON WEDNESDAY.

It's hot!!