Naughty Day 2

'Pouty' Day 1

Little Updates

I hope everyone had an awesome Turkey Day. It was pretty special for us. We started new traditions while incorporated old ones... even down to the food. And even though it was just us, we still dressed nicely and made a huge beautiful meal. It was fun! We watched Christmas movies and played lots and lots of games. There was one thing though that makes the holidays very ODD... we had our air conditioner on!! Yes, it has been absolutely beautifull lately and warm. But as I was saying... we have the old traditions and the NEW!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Lots of you have been asking how the kids are doing, if they are adapting well...new school, new home, etc....
Emiliah has just learned how to read (she's in kindergarten) and she received an award for her grades and attitude in school.
Obi (for those who know what we have been through with his reading hurdles- he's in 2nd)has scored srtaight A's and on top of that he is at a 3rd grade reading level!! YES!!And he received an award for an art project (out of the whole school!WOW!)
And then Jesh got straight A's, a few different awards, about 5 gift certificates and he received the highest award that is given in elementary school and is a big deal in Florida.WOW!! I am so proud of each of them (wish I could say they get that from me... but you all know me too well).The kids are adapting just fine.

I almost forgot... Obi has become a young jedi.
He got to fight Darth and defeated him. He has always done well as a young padawon, but now he is a true Jedi!! He has earned his name... 'Obi Wan'

Some of My Photo Albums

I've been needing to get these pictures up to share with you all. These were taken in August. For Obi's birthday, he really wanted to goto the go-karts. He is always so easy to please.With his 8th birthday I was thinking about his life. Does anyone remember the trouble we had with him as a toddler? We used to call him "Jeckle and Hyde". I remember many,many days of crying. Days of tackling him down wrapping my legs and arms around him as he would flip out, scream and cry, hit, and kick. And many days of him going from being so loving and lots of hugs to the next minute being so hateful and even looking at us with hateful eyes. At times I had talked to his doctor thinking there must be something else going on. His doctor even did a head scan because of how extreme things were. I prayed so much for him. I would kneel down beside him as he slept and pray for him a many nights. I wasn't sure if I was gonna make it, if Ben was gonna make it.I tried so many discipline ideas. Then, (I remember this so clear) the week of his 5th birthday it was like an amazing change. The Lord had answered my prayer, a miraculous change. The sweet, loving, joyful side of Obi had won over. And as the years have gone by he grows in that direction. He has this huge heart...HUGE heart for everyone, but especially his family. He is always wanting to do for others before himself. And this amazing, uncompromising discernment for what is right and just. And the things he finds funny just makes you laugh along with him. And this year his mind just amazes us. We went to Disney and instead of being enamored by the show or ride his mind goes straight to figuring out how it all works... and not the typical child figuring out, but getting technical and in detail with Ben and I looking at eachother while shaking our heads in amazement. And then on top of it all, he is the kid that is easy-going, easy to please, and has this "everythings okay" attitude. I am so proud of my Obi and I thank Jesus everyday for allowing me to be his mommy... I am honored!!

Obi's Bday

1st Day of Metrowest Elementary

And I just thought this picture was cute. Frankie's not too into the beach.

We Made It...7 Weeks Ago!!

Move Across America

We made it across the US with no problems... actually it was almost boring! The route we decided to take was the safest, most mellow, fastest, BORING way to go. We went through a lot of nothingness. Click on the album and then watch it as a slide show (you'll feel like your along for the ride). If it wasn't for two stops I would've gone bonkers- Shashone Falls in Idaho (Niagra of the west) and then to my biological grandparents farm in Illinois (haven't been there since I was 2).
Its amazing how the Lord does things, even when you don't ask. Ben and I just assumed we would live in either a low income neighborhood or a really old one. We just don't even think about anything upscale. When we got here we looked and looked and looked on the east side of Orlando. There is a good mixture of okay, good and great neighborhoods. We didn't even try to look west. Part of northwest Orlando is called Pine Hills (also called crime hills) and I have bad memories of some men jumping out of their car with what looked like a gun, yelling things at me, and coming up to Jeshuah's side of the vehicle. I took off, up the shoulder of the road, in a ton of traffic, almost caused a huge accident. They chased me for only a couple of blocks and then I wasn't worth it anymore. When I stopped,(in a safer spot) I realized I had never been so terrified in my life and then I lost it. I started shaking so bad I couldn't drive anymore. Then below that is okay area, but below that and it covers all of western Orlando is very, very expensive upscale areas. Some is new some is old but its all very nice. And the schools are great, the parks are nicer, even the grocery stores are nicer. So of course this wasn't one of choices to go look. But we got to an end of where to live. We got a little scared too. We had looked and looked but absolutely nothing for one reason or another. And it was looking hopeless. So one morning we kind of jokingly said, "Lets just go drive around the west side and the Lord will say, 'Here is where you're going to live and its the right price!'". So we drove around looking at absolutely beautiful houses, way way way out of our price range... just for fun! I said, "Hey, theres a street with 'junky' houses on it." They were nice houses just didn't compare to the other streets. So when we turned down it, there was a for rent sign around the corner. It was a 3bdrm house with a fenced yard, tiled flooring, carport and driveway, and a screened-in pool. Ha Ha Ha, lets call to see how much, we were curious. It was at the top of our price range- stretching it but do-able- and they accepted our application no problem. We were asking the Lord, "Are we supposed to be in western Orlando, not eastern. Are you sure Lord?" And then something amazing happened. A plane in the sky spelled out... "Jesus Luvs You. Trust Jesus" with a big smiley face. Amazing in itself, but this is the 2nd time He has done this for us. Last time we moved to Florida and we were looking for a place to live and we were headed to look at a place in Kissimmee (just below Orlando) and the same thing was just ahead of us in the sky.
So the next day we decided to keep looking in western Orlando and get some options. We found a nice apartment, gated and alarm systems on each apartment, and in( I don't know how) our price range in Metrowest( very nice, newer, ritzy neighborhood). We have police that are paid to sit on our street just to be a presence (its a program they just started this year). And the school is the best elementary in the county. And they accepted our application. Oh yeah, there is also a fireplace in each apartment (?). So we even had options. We went from feeling hopeless and scared to having options... nice options.WOW! So of course we took the cheaper and moved into the apartment. We also thought it would be easier to get involved with people in an apartment.
We have had our fair share of trials, but we just keep going- knowing we are where He wants us. The door hasn't opend for us to start anything yet for a fellowship, but it will happen! I keep getting these great ideas (well I think they are great)for our future church family, so I just keep tucking them away until we actually have a church family.
Please, please keep praying for us for whatever the Lord leads you to pray. He is so good to us and we totally do not deserve it. May God reign in my life and yours.

This will be the last post for quite awhile, so it will be a long one. I need to catch up with my photo albums for the last month. We stayed really busy this last month to fit in everything we wanted to enjoy before we are no longer here!! It starts off with Church Family Camp. We went up for one night and it was a lot of fun... treasure hunt, skits, food and worship around the campfire. And then Sunday service the next day next to the lake and Ben taught through the book of Galatians- the gospel of GRACE.

Strawberry Fellowship Family Camp

Then for the 4th we decided to treat the kiddos (and ourselves) to the Boise waterpark and amazing fireworks. The kids have been so patient with us doing all the house stuff and not getting much of a summer. Boise hasn't had fireworks for a couple of years because of some financial crazyness until this year. And they were the best I had ever seen ever. They had some that I had never seen before...heart shaped and one that looked like an American flag and some that were so BIG. Then the Grande Finally was WOW!! For about 5 min. they let off HUNDREDS at a time.

WaterPark July 4th

So then things have dragged on with our house so we had some time to go on a few hikes. First we hiked up to Strawberry Lake. One of the best hikes I have ever gone on. It is worth it to travel over here to hike Strawberry Mountain!!

Strawberry Lake Hike

Then we went to the John Day Fossil Beds and hiked the Blue Basin where they have found lots of fossils and are still finding them. The area looks like you are hiking on the moon because it is this hard blue-grey ash.

Blue Basin- JD Fossil Beds

And then we decided to go camping at Strawberry and hike the next morning up to the top where the falls and Little Strawberry Lake is at. Absolutely Beautiful!!This was a lot of fun and took from 10AM till 3:30PM I got some great Falls pics. The boys made some homemade fishing poles and everytime we took a break they were fishing.

Strawberry Falls

And of course we have been swimming at our local lake and jumping off the log in the middle of the lake.

Magone Lake

So we have had our fill of fun and have enjoyed to the fullest what God has given us here. Now He is saying its time to go. Our house did sell back in June but it has been one thing after another because of the new owners loan. She is a single mom with little family help and we are SO ready to go that we dealt with all the sillyness. There does have to be one last inspection from the loan officer (7th) and its a federal loan so our house has to be perfect... please pray that this goes well. And then closing is on the 8th early morning and we were told to be out in 48 hours after that. We have our UHaul reserved for the 10th (Ben's BDay!!)YEAH!!
The computer and phone are being shut off so this will be the last news from Oregon. I am jumping for joy that things are finally on there way but My heart is HURTING because I will miss our family and some amazing friends. I feel so RICH because of some of the people that I know and the family that we have gotten to know even more than before. I do not deserve this great love but I thank you!! Thank you for your prayers and your hugs- I am going to get homesick for those.
"I thank my God in all my rememberance of you,always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I HAVE YOU IN MY HEART, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partakers of the grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:3-8
The Knudson Fam.

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

By God's wonderful blessings, I was asked to do an aerial photography job for the city of John Day's Airport (for good pay also!!) Above is a picture of our shadow against the field.IT WAS AWESOME!! I had so much fun and enjoyed every minute of it. I was so nervous... not about flying but about doing commercial photography.But I can actually say it turned out great!!



I took about 200 pictures and narrowed it down to 50 to give to them... these are just some samples.The one is the city of John Day below the airport with the mountain range behind.
The best part was flying though!! One of these days I have to take some flying lessons. We were in a very small plane and it was just an amazingly PEACEFUL experience. And beautiful! And then to have the window open and have my camera... it was just awesome!!
I cant wait to do it again!!

Kiddo Photo

These were taken at Aunty Abby's while visiting with friends we've known for 10 years. Their oldest, Lili and Jesh have been best friends since birth and haven't seen much of eachother for the last few years. But, they are so comfortable around eachother (which is big at this age). I had some fun with a few pics... take a look at the one with Toby in the middle. You know, if anyone ever has some constructive critisizm or encouraging words on my pics. please share!! I like to take in ideas and I have soooo much to learn. Remember though, that I do want to expand my talent in the non-traditional, creative, artist photography (sometimes Ben says, "That pic is really weird or off, I don't like it!")But please email me your input, advice, or anything you may have learned!!

The Kiddos

A True Friend

Frankie has wanted to stay pretty close to Obi since he got hurt.I did a few creative pics of them.

Best of Friends

Our 'FUN' Week

Is this week over yet?????? We have gone into the fiery furnace not just once, not twice, but a few times in a few days this week. But, I still just have to give PRAISE to the Lord!!Let me share a couple with you...
A step of faith brought about a teenager recommitting her life to Christ which brought about a scary, messy situation that put us in a little danger which brought about the teen seeing how much she is loved!!WOW!
And stunt-man Obi broke his arm... but, he didn't just break it like a normal child, he wanted to give Mom some gray hair. In his forearm one bone was broke and displaced and the other was bent(not fractured, just bent) which pulled the ends out of their sockets at the wrist and elbow. Because there is growth material in children in these areas, we were told to goto Bend for immediate surgery or the arm wouldn't grow properly and would begin to twist backwards!We drove 3 hours to Bend a 'little' worried and had the absolute BEST experience ever in a hospital. The doctor and nurses and anathesiologist were amazing! They would come up to Obi and say, "We are so excited to meet you, Obadiah. When we heard you were coming, we just couldn't wait to see who you were with this cool name" And of course, the attention and praise eased Obi as they rolled him away. By the way, that is one of the most horrible feelings to see your child being wisked away on a hospital bed. I had to fight my 'mother bear' in me and trust the Lord. Not much later they were trying to find us... they didn't have to do surgery. The doctor said, "I've never had to use so much pressure on a child before, the anathesiologist had to turn away and not watch. I kept waiting for that bone to break and it never did. But the bone went into place and is straight and I didn't have to cut him open!!" Praise the LORD!! With what did happen was the best-case-scenerio of what could have happened. You see, Obi and Jesh were putting a 2x4 on the brick BBQ and climbing up it. Obi fell backwards, hit his head on our little 4-wheeler and hit the ground. He could have done something worse to his head or broke his neck. Jesus has continually had his hand on Obi, protecting him every step of the way.
Also, in the midst of all this our house has sold!! YEAH!! We actually had 2 offers on the same day. We accepted the higher one. She already has the loan approval and the realator says the loan officer wants things pushed along in a hurry- within 21 days for release of funds!! So we should be on our way to Florida by the end of this month. She told us she would keep us updated for when Ben should put in his 2 week notice at work!!
Here is pics of Obi at the hospital...
I am going to sleep and then ENJOY our weekend that God has blessed us with!!Truly!!

Obi's 'surgery'

Our House is a Very, Very Nice House

So last week we got a call from the realator... "I think this is our miracle!!" An older gentleman and his dog from Ca. saw our house over the internet and was interested. He was asking for pictures of the inside of the house. He was paying with cash from the sell of his house that he was just receiving last week. Now don't get too excited yet, we haven't heard back since Thur. But please pray, pray,pray!! We really need to get on our way... hurricane season has officially started- August is usually the worst month though; Ben is working only one job now so money is slimming down; we gave all our furniture away so we are camping in our house; the kids health insurance ends this month; school starts the first week of August; and we are packed and ready to go. But... I know... God's timing is perfect and He knows when we need to go! Here's the pics. of the inside of our house. Ben is amazing when it comes to building and remodeling on a frugile budget... take a look.

Inside of Our House

Sunday In Sisters

Ben's sister Isha and her husband Bobby invited us over to there home for the day in Sisters,OR. What a beautiful day!! Great day to take photos... so I did, of course. I got some family pictures of them. The kids had a blast with their cousins- check out the pictures. I sure do love you guys. I look forward to every time of getting to hang out with you guys- thoroughly enjoy our discussions. And we are blessed to hear how The Lord is blessing you in abundance, swinging open doors for you, and leading you on to serve Him in Grants Pass!! March on faithful, courageous soldier!! You guys are so encouraging and thank you for a great day.

With Starks in Sisters

Bandon Evening

Our 'Memorial' Weekend

We had a great Memorial Weekend. Our weekend started with visiting Jon and his beautiful bride Amy. And meeting our newest 'Knudson', Jonah. He really is a cutey. There is so much about him that reminded me of someone at his age (2-3 mo) and I couldn't decide who it was. Everytime Jon or Amy would describe something about him it was this one person and I couldn't figure it out... I finally figured it out- Jesh, at that age. Its funny how much the characteristics are the same. He doesn't look like Jesh but he sure does act like him.
Then we went on over to Bandon so Ben and Jesh could go deep sea fishing with Jon, Greg(Ben's dad)and Ben's Aunt Tammy and Uncle Bart. The morning of fishing Ben and Obi got food poisoning (Redmond Dairy Queen!!)so Ben wasn't able to go... so I took his place on the boat. It was a lot of fun and I was able to get some pictures of Jesh's first fishing trip. He was 'The Man' and became a professional after the first catch. He did catch the largest fish on the boat (10-12 fishers) and I believe I caught the smallest ( matter of fact it should have been thrown back, but I struggled to get it in and I was so proud of myself that he just threw it in my basket).I had fun, but after a few hours I was done and just enjoyed watching Jesh catch one after another.And it was really special for Jesh to fish with his Grandpa. At one point they were both reeling one in at the same time!
Then we traveled on down to The Rogue Valley to spend some time with my family. Knowing that I'm not going to be around family much in our future is so heart breaking to me, especially when I see my Grandma. She is going on 81 and is fisty as ever. And sometimes when we hug eachother,neither one of us wants to let go.We also went to Mountains Christian Fellowship. It was like walking into the past... its a smaller version of Applegate and on its way to being just as big. We got to see old friends that we haven't seen for about 4yrs. I love connecting with old friends and KNOWING that it was GOD that had allowed our paths to cross again. We have so many special people in our lives.And we also took some time to see some of Ben's family that we haven't seen for years- Aunt Betty and Wally, Junior, Tammy and the kids.
By the time we headed home I felt so RICH!! Friends and family are important to me, but too often we get too wrapped up in our busy lives to take the time. Ben and I have been blessed with amazing families. Thank You, Lord, for these treasures,these family and friends, that you have given us here on earth. May you bless abundantly in each one of their lives, May their salvation be in You, and May they have pure joy.Amen.
Click on the album to see pictures of our trip!!!

Memorial Weekend

Remodel

So I thought I'd share a little of whats going on with the house and moving...
Well we are still not quite done with the remodel. Ben works 2 jobs plus helps out at church so it has been slow going. It has been fun to see the change. It really is a cute house now. Last few weeks we have been residing the house and yes I was out there too. Had my tool bag on my hips using a nail gun and cutting tools... I thought about putting on a tierra because everytime I would shoot a nail in I would close my eyes or I was gripping the ladder with all I had as I would climb (yes I am still very much a princess!!) So we are almost to the painting part and I would like to paint the house white, trim black and door a red. This has always been my favorite color scheme for houses. Click on the picture to see our recent work and leave a comment on what you think for painting ideas.
Our plan for leaving is the second week of June. We feel this is the best time to go for a many of reasons but mostly because Ben feels this is the time The Lord has given us. No we haven't sold the house yet, No he doesn't have a job lined up yet, No we don't have a home set up yet and No the funds aren't there yet either. In our eyes it looks virtually impossible and when I start thinking about it 'logically' my anxiety really goes crazy (shortness of breath, red face, the works!!)Then I talk to Ben and he has this amazing peace and faith. He's like a rock in this. The Lord gave us word and has continued to confirm it and has continued to build us up. Ben just stands firm on what The Lord first said to him and The Lord hasn't said anything differently, yet. And then my anxiety subsides and I start to have that faith too. FAITH= Belief in the things unseen. TRUST=firm reliance,confident belief,faith.And then I know why... He is going to work things out in a way that all glory all praise belongs to Him!! And we continue to bring these things to prayer, to lay these things before the cross, to petition, to "ask and you will receive". So please take a moment right now as you read this and pray for us.

Rebuilding a House

Mila Is Five

My baby girl is no longer a baby!! For so long things have come up and we've had to tell her, "Wait until your a little older." And she says, "How 'older'?", "Well, until your 5." And at church in class, you get more freedoms and responsibilities when you turn 5. And she has always wanted to go to school (not to learn so much, but there is other little girls at school, she wants to socialize), we have always told her... "You get to go to school after you turn 5." So, April 26th she became.... 'a big girl'!! And you can see it in her eyes, the gleam, the sparkle, like the whole world has just opened up for her. And when asked what she wants to be, she says "A teacher, and do peoples nails, and a doctor!" She wants to do it all and thats always including being a wife and a mommy. Thats my girl!!

Princess Emiliah

Little League Season

Yes its that time of year again. I am so proud of my boys!! This will be Jesh's second year but Obi's first!! I always get so nervous for them whenever they start something new- especially sports. Jesh has always been so small compared to the rest his age and Obi... well, he's Obi (little goofy, little uncordinated, little too much carefree). Its not that I just assume they will fail or that I am that pridefull that I couldn't handle them failing. Its more of I just hate to see them crushed or disappointed. I love their joyful spirit, and it breaks my heart to see that crushed. So I go to practices praying for them and to games-pray,pray,pray!
The first practice, with Obi, with every missed-caught ball, and every ball rolled under the glove instead of in, and every thrown ball 10 feet off its target... I just keep cheering, "Its okay Buddy. You'll get it next time!" And I'm thinking out my strategy of what to say and do to boost his ego as soon as practice is over. But the Lord is GOOD.He takes care of my children and adores them even more than their protective mother. He runs up to me (imagine him saying this in his scruffy,cheerful voice), "Wow, Mom, I'm good, Huh? This is my first year playing and I am like a natural!Did you see me?" And then to top it off, his first game on Monday, he hit the first pitch every time!! Yeah, Obi, you are my natural!!
And then with Jesh.. he always amazes me! On every team he has ever been on, he is their hidden weapon. He never looks like much to reckon with but, watch out. This year he can throw the ball as far as he needs to, he catches everything, and hits anything pitched to him. But the big thing is how fast he can run! Every one watching says, "Look at that kid run!!" And he has usually rounded first by the time the other team realizes what to do with the ball. On Monday, he was headed home, the ball was thrown home as soon as he started running, But... he out ran the ball and made it with ease-didn't even need to slide! I call him 'Cracker J.A.K.' Take a look of my web album of the boys playing...

Little League

Mt Bachelor

New Way To Keep In Touch

Hello all!! My Bro-n-law has been sending us his blog for awhile and I love getting them. I get to hear and see what they are up to on a regular basis. And now they have a brand new little one that we get to hear and see about. Its been an awesome idea, so I'm going to try it out. Also its an opportunity to share some of my work... my pictures. Sometimes I am so excited about a picture and I want to show it off!!
But more important is this..... so many times someone has stepped out in faith or God has brought them on an exciting, yet nerve-wracking journey or they have entered what seemed "the valley of shadow of death" and they have asked us to pray with them. This is such an honor really when you think about it, you have been invited to take part in a glimpse of God's wonderous power. And then be blessed beyond anything to see the Lord's handywork. So... as Ben and I step out in obediance to what God has called us to do (not that we are special or anything, we are just willing) we would like to take you along with us. Please pray with us for wisdom and direction and everything else that goes along with our journey. We will be moving once again (but we feel this may be the last move) back to Florida (to the east side of Orlando) to start a new church. God actually called us to do this once before, but we didn't follow through with His plan. He is so good to not give up on us, just redirect us for awhile. And we now have gotten direction once again and it has been so clear this time, so evident of His calling on this family that we cannot ignore. Since Ben has told me, I have not second guessed it or questioned it. I want the Lord's FULL blessing and I want that for my man and my kiddos, not just here on earth but eternally also!! Pray for us that we stay on the path He has set before us with courage and boldness, with pureness and humility, that we are open and emptied vessels and that our faith, our marriage and our family is strengthened with each step.
Luke 17:10 ..."We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty."