The Philben Family

Closing Shop

2010-12-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Philben family hope and pray your Christmas was all you wanted it to be. Ours was amazing! Jesus' birth was celebrated in style. My aunt brought fresh seafood and my amazing hubster cooked it all to a t. Lobster tails, king crab legs, scallops, shrimp oh my! I will post more about it on my sister site. Speaking of Beverly Sandhills, I have decided to close "The Philben Family" blog and just post everything on my Beverly Sandhills blog. I find myself being torn as to where to post on certain issues so as of now, I will combine the two with the hopes of being more consistant of a blogger. We will soon be announcing some changes with Beverly Sandhills as well. Thanks to all who have followed and would love to have you join us @ http://www.beverlysandhills.blogspot.com/ . Here's hoping everyone has an amazing New Year. We are starting our celebration tonight with a Holiday bowl party with some friends @ their beautiful home in the country. Go Big Red!

Blessings

Roxanne

One Reason for the season

2010-12-05T06:28:00.000-08:00

Please head on over to my other blog, www.beverlysandhills.blogspot.com to read about an amazing day yesterday shared with sisters in Christ.

Blessings

Roxanne

My Father My Friend

2010-06-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you, honor you, respect you, admire you, and believe in you. I praise God daily for the father he blessed me with.

A melanistic turkey and one happy boy

2010-04-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

Great Turkey Season

The first picture is my first turkey of the year and my first kill with my new bow. He had three beards. The next picture is my turkey of a lifetime. He is melanistic which means his pigmentation is all black. As you can see from the picture, the decoy is a real turkey skin which shows how much darker mine is. Mom is cleaning off the top of the piano for the full body mount. Oh yeah. Dad got one too. We are hoping that we can get out again soon because we both still have one more tag to fill.

Jayden

State bound

2010-03-10T14:15:00.000-08:00

We are state bound!!! After 2 months of 5:00 a.m. Saturday mornings, my Ciara has qualified for state in OID speech. We are so proud of her!

Last weekend was districts and Ainsworth came away with 1st place! Every team that competed in districts came away with honors. We were lucky enough to host speech districts in Ainsworth this year and it was so nice not to wake up so early on Saturday.

This is Ciara and her OID team. Four of the five been together since beginning OID. This last year one of their members graduated and they had try outs for the replacement. Larz was the lucky one...or unlucky one.

We're so proud of you CC!

Blessings

Roxanne

The Gift of Giving

2009-12-11T12:24:00.001-08:00

I posted yesterday about our Christmas cookie celebration over @ http://beverlysandhills.blogspot.com/2009/12/gift-of-giving.html. Go over and check it out.

I praise the Lord for the girls he gave me!!!

Blessings

Roxanne

Family pics

2009-11-30T20:25:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share our recent family pics.

They were a lot of fun...who am i kidding? The son was a turd as there was hunting to be done and you can imagine the husbands comments about going to the highest hill for what?
BUT when all was said and done... we love em!

Blessings

Roxanne

Back To the 80's Musical

2009-11-19T08:31:00.001-08:00

Deer of a lifetime

2009-11-15T13:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a day my son will not soon forget. This was his second year of rifle hunting with his Papa and 20 minutes into the morning my Dad spotted this deer. Jayden pulled up to shoot and realized he forgot to put a shell in the chamber. He still made the shot in time. Not sure who is more proud...Papa, Dad, or son.

The whitetail grossed 154 which I guess is amazing. Dad said when he shot it, Jayden said "Thank you Jesus".

It's comments like that that bless this mom. Congrats son!

Blessings

Roxanne

Even in Lincoln Nebraska, they can find each other!!

2009-11-10T14:15:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Jayden was invited by his friend Jake to go to the Huskers game and he decided to go...I know what a surprise. Anyway, I received this picture yesterday in an e-mail from Zacks Mom. Zack, Jayden and Jake are our three musketeers and Zack was in Lincoln with his family for the game as well. And as kara said, even in Lincoln, they can find each other. Jay said he called Zack and asked where he was. Within 5 minutes they met up. Thanks for the picture Kara and thank you Jake for taking Jayden to one of the Huskers best games of the year! Go Huskers!!

Blessings

Roxanne

Cousins

2009-10-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

You are looking at the next generation of the Clappers.....
One of my cousins and his family came up this weekend. My kids love family so much. It doesn't matter what your age, playing in the leaves is always fun.
Blessings
Roxanne

Ciara's name in lights

2009-10-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

Attention Ladies and Gents! This is my oldest daughter posing with the first time her name is in lights but deffinately not the last. Ciara tried out for the Nebraska All State Honors Choir and received the great news last week that she was chosen. Tryouts were a couple of weeks ago in Ogallala Nebraska during a snow blizzard. She will now travel to Lincoln Nebraska in mid November for practice and the honors choir concert. The bummer of the deal is that she is the only one going from A-Town unless the alternates are called. We plan on going down for her concert. My girls both are blessed with amazing voices. Good luck Ciara and your fam is soooo proud!!

Blessings

Roxanne

4-1-1

2009-10-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

4-1-1 That's the tally for this young mans football season and finish of his flag football career. Next year there will be pads, helmet, and a very nervous mom in the stands praying my way through each game.

Is he cute or what? Son is saying "Mom, can't we tell them about how tough and mean I am instead of how cute I am?" Well a mom must brag from time to time.

The boys had an amazing year. They won 4- lost 1 and tied 1 game.

We interrupt this football game to take a pic of the cheerleadas, cheering for the WRONG TEAM!!!. They were more than obliged to pose for a pic. One preciousness who is her mother through and through organized the group picture, re arranged her squad and then settled in with the perfect smile. (I love you Tammy!!:-))

Little Miss playing duck duck goose. (Honestly it's hard to focus on the game at hand when there's all of this preciousness going on all around you)

This is coach T. and he rocks! He was so good at keeping the boys focused and teaching them that there will be boys that cheat and tough calls from time to time but if we all just say "Awww chicken nuggets" and move on, it's all good. Thanks coach T.

Sorry for the fuzziness but boy this guy is hard to shoot- he is on a mission.

More fuzziness.

This was pre-game at the Philbens. Some good lookin boys I tell ya!

Some more pre-game craziness at the Philbens.

All I can say about this pic is this is one great big sis!!

Blessings

Roxanne

The ole goat finally got his goat

2009-10-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Homecoming and the papparazzi

2009-09-29T08:56:00.001-07:00

This past week was homecoming for our schools. Hard to believe this year that there were two Philben girls attending the Homecoming dance.

I love this pic... they don't.... too bad... it's moms blog:-)

This is the lineup of the papparazzi taking pics for the night. There were also two Dads taking pictures from the other side of the living room.

Ciara, Michael, Justin, and Megan. They looked so cute!

Nick, Sky, Allison, and Lane... too grown up:(

Sky with her flowers from Nick.

The girls all got ready together. They had a great time. Ciara always fixes everyone elses hair and never has the favor returned. This year Meggie fixed it for Ciara. She loved it. Thanks Megan!

The girls waiting impatiently... I mean patiently.

We made the son come home from football festivities for a quick photo opp. He was so happy.

The girls had lots of fun.

The "back side".

This is how the day began.. nails being painted and funnel cakes from Jayden's football party. Yes he shared!

The boys downing their red bulls. They tell me it's a ritual to have a red bull on game day. As long is it's only on game day I say why not? Oh and see the traiter in the middle? Yes that is a Texas shirt on at a Husker party. We're working on him.. check back in a year or two.

After the homecoming parade, we were sitting around talking and someone knocked on the door. There stood five 6th grade girls who just happened to be walking by on their way to a friends house and thought they should stop by and say hi to Jayden. I'm not sure who's smiling more... the girls or the son. As soon as the girls showed up, here came our neighbor boy for the photo opp. Darn sun made the pic a little blurry. sorry...

Pappa and Grandma came to the parade to see the girls dance their pom routine.

Pretty sisters...

Ciara and her class float

Sky on her float.

This was the booster float that we were in charge of. We won and I can't take any of the credit as my dear friend Lori worked her hiney off on it.

Jayden and friends @ the parade

My niece Savannah handing out candy.

Jayden on his float.

The girls playing JV volleyball. Not very often to you have the chance to get both of them in the same shot. And to top off the weekend, we had a surprise visit from my cousin and his wife and new daughter. This is Brynlie and we are in love!!

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!

Roxanne

Father's Day Fishing Trip

2009-07-02T19:31:00.001-07:00

Due to very unfortunate circumstances, my husbands work has been completely consuming him this past 2 months. He happend to have Fathers day off so when I asked him what he wanted to do this is what he chose. A boat, a lake, and a mentor and a mentee.

We fed our boys dinner and then on their way they went. This is my dad (who just had knee surgery 4 days prior) with a nice catch.
And the mentee with his pride and joy. I love his smile.

Not sure who enjoyed the day more. I do know memories were made and rest and relaxation were achieved.

Blessings

Roxanne

There's something fishy going on

2009-07-02T19:23:00.001-07:00

Two days before school was out, my son and a couple friends started going fishing as soon as school ended each day and it has yet to stop. "Mom I'm riding my bike to Skillman's pond.... Dad, would you take me fishing? Mom I'm going with such and such fishing." You get the picture. Here are a couple of bass caught from one of Jayden's and Lance's last outings.
They have started taking pictures so I don't comment on another likely fish story..

7 lb bass Lance caught.

Blessings

Roxanne

Weekend Getaway

2009-06-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Blogland has been the last thing on my mind lately. Friends, family, and the good outdoors has kept me busy. Sooo... thought I would catch u up a bit. The last week of May Mom, Dad, my baby brother, and my family went to Omaha for a weekend getaway.

Dad and Mom were done A.I.ing and just needed a break. We have done this for a couple of years now and even though it's only 5 hours away, it's the time with family that counts. This means lots of shopping for us girls...garage sales... golf for the boys.. and................
a party... of sorts....
There was a little basketball...

a little resting....

a couple games of checkers.....

(please tell me my sons not picking his nose?)

My baby brother from K.C. met us there... he loves me taking pictures...

We did a little swimming.......

Us girls were all treated to a pedicure by Mom.... beautiful don't ya think?

Oh and Mindy (Shane's fiance) treated us to coffee drinks with our pedicures.

Isn't she adorable?

Here are all five of us getting our toes all pretty.

What a wonderful weekend with lots of memories and R&R.

Blessings

Roxanne

Prom Slide Show

2009-04-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

Prom

2009-04-20T12:40:00.001-07:00

Thought I would post the only pic I have with me of Ciara in her prom dress. I will post more tomorrow. Blessings

Roxanne

Turkey Hunters

2009-04-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

Lance took off Monday to clean up after our bathroom remodel and here are the results..........

A dirtier garage than ever!!! Oh well. Jayden has been biting at the bit to go turkey hunting and so Jayden, Lance, and friends went out. More stories and more pieces to hang in the "mancave".Lucky me?!? Jay said that the turkeys came in too close and so they all had to stand up underneath the blind and move with it. Har told Jayden he didn't think there were hardly any 11 year olds in the state that had gotten a turkey with a bow. Of course that made Jay's day. He told him about 5. We had to wake up early this morning and get pictures ran off to take to school. Mrs. Hoch has a wall that she lets the kids post their hunting pictures on. What a great teacher!
Blessings

Roxanne

My Snow Bunnies

2009-04-05T20:19:00.001-07:00

Usually when snow/blizzard days happen, we are not blessed to have all of our babies @ home with us. Their friends seem to beckon them but for about 4 hours we had all 5 of us together during the big storm.

I love days like this. A lot was accomplished as well as a lot of fun was had. God is so good.

Blessings

Roxanne

Perfect Saturday

2009-03-28T20:33:00.001-07:00

I'm sure you have all heard the saying "Life isn't about the number of breaths you take but by times that take your breath away" (I'm sure I didn't get that exact but I tried). That would describe our simple Saturday. We spent all morning and part of the afternoon working on our bathroom redo and then we left for my parents house as my baby brother was home for the weekend. To me there is no place that is as peaceful in the world than where I grew up.

This is the view from the front step of our home. Beautiful, isn't it?

Patch, the family dog taking in the sun

Sorry Shane, I didn't mean to post the family dog first.:-)

Sky bell feeding the cows.

Jay on the old swingset. (Love his smile)

After supper we heard the kids yelling outside and came out the door to see them peeking out the top of the grain bin. This is one of their favorite spots @ Papa's and G-ma's house.

Yes we're missing one.. Ciara was at an anniversary celebration and we missed her.

We finished the night off with a fresh cinnamon roll from Moms kitchen. Best cinnamon rolls in the world. Some times it's the simple things that we take time for that mean the most. It was great to spend time with family.

blessing

Roxanne

Turkey Hunt

2009-03-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

Lance and some friends spent Tuesday night through Thursday night @ his friends cabin turkey hunting. Three of the four guys filled their permit. This is Lances first turkey with a bow. He shot it @ 30 yards and I am suppose to tell you it had a 8 1/2 inch beard. I thank the Lord for the friends He has given Lance. He comes home from hunting refreshed and relaxed with the weight of work and life removed from his shoulders.

Blessings

Roxanne

Beautiful Sandhills

2009-03-25T13:16:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday Jayden had a basketball tournament in Burwell. I took this picture on the drive there and thought I would share.

Blessings

Roxanne

8th Grade Opera

2009-03-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Every year the 8th grade class of AHS performs an opera that they themselves have written. There are producers, stage managers, actors/actresses, lighting crew, so on and so forth. It's a wonderful opportunity for the kids to experience and every year you hear how the class has grown together as a class. Our English teacher and retired music teacher are in charge of this huge challenge. They received a grant many years ago for this project. If I remember right, they traveled to New York for training.

This was Schylar's year and she was a saloon girl as well as a daisy. Flash photography was not allowed during the performance so this is the only picture I have and if you know me you know how hard that is on me.:( This is Allison, Schylar and Nick. They were a part of the saloon crew and even did a dance. So proud of you Sky baby!

Blessings

Roxanne

Jayden's First Pheasant

2009-03-19T08:13:00.001-07:00

Would you look at the handsome young man? Great hunter too! This is Jay's first pheasant and his Dad had it mounted for him.

Here's a close up of the lovely bird. Look at the beautiful turquoise/blue feathers. Oh what I could do with those! :-)

Here are Jayden and his best buds with their catch quite a while ago. Jayden asked if I ever posted this picture for his family to see. Lance and Jayden were introduced to bow hunting this past year and have really enjoyed it. It has brought some great friendships as well. I praise the Lord for these friends. They are great boys with great morals, love the Lord, and are happy for each other in all of their achievements, not jealous. Hard to come by today. And of course with great boys come great parents. We have truly been blessed with true friends this past couple of years.

I collect pheasant feathers and have two large vases full of them. I asked if I could have at least a few of Jayden's tail feathers. Not even funny... was the response.

Blessings

Roxanne

Happy 14th Sky Baby!!!

2009-03-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

Learn Me Something

2009-03-06T06:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday was Ciara's last speech meet. It was her conference meet and was held in Gothenburg. Her OID (oral interpretation of drama) is called "Learn Me Something" and is about a 15 year old boy from India coming to the U.S. for school and he has high expectations of what he will learn. He also has heard about this thing called "chaos" and wants to study it. The group made it into the finals and then ended up 5th place so I was very proud of them. It has been so much fun to see their progress this year.

The above picture is of the medalists.

We are so proud of you my baby girl!!

Blessings

Roxanne

Girls Getaway

2009-02-22T12:57:00.001-08:00

"ARE YOU TIRED? WORN OUT? BURNED OUT ON RELIGION? COME TO ME. GET AWAY WITH ME AND YOU'LL RECOVER YOUR LIFE. I'LL SHOW YOU HOW TO TAKE A REAL REST. WALK WITH ME AND WORK WITH ME-WATCH HOW I DO IT. LEARN THE UNFORCED RHYTHMS OF GRACE"

Matthew 11:28-29, MSG

This past weekend was a ladies retreat that I had the privelage of attending with 14 magnificent ladies. About a month prior to going, I asked my dear friend to go with. She agreed. Later in the week I received a call from another dear friend that is a spiritual warrior in my eyes. She agreed to join us and mentioned calling another dear sister in Christ who happens to be my cousin and see if she could join us. And knowing how awesome our God is, it was perfect timing for her as well and she felt like it was just what the heavenly doctor ordered.
The scripture from Matthew is some scripture that my husband and I shared together the night before I left for retreat. As I read it, I wept and knew God is good. And wouldn't you know the first scripture shared at WT was this scripture. After our first session, one of my roomies Kendi, said the Lord had given her the same scripture in the last couple of weeks as well. Out of thousands of verses in God great book, we had both read, meditated on together and then heard it reiterated.

Our worship group was wonderful. God checked my heart and once again reminded me to look up not out.

Blessings

Roxanne

2009-02-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

Your children will see what you're all about by what you live rather than what you say.

Words to live by.

Blessings

Roxanne

Past and Present of "The Palace"

2009-01-29T18:40:00.000-08:00

My son was asked to play basketball this year for the Long Pine Polar Bears. The city ( well I'm not sure I should say city.. I think the total # in the whole town is 200-ish) sponsors a team every year for tournaments-about 4 in total. The best part of this is the fact that Long Pine is where my Dad went to high shcool. Two years after he graduated they closed the high school and about 10 years ago they closed the grade school.

This is a picture of the "Palace". That is the name of the gym building. This is the same gym floor my dad played on. I don't know why this touches me as much as it does but I love stories of our heritage and I love old buildings brimming with history.
The old architecure is beautiful. Give me something old over something new any day..(except for maybe a new suburban to haul my babies and their buds around in:-))

Here is a shot Jayden made. He and and his friend Brady tied with the highest points of the game... 8 points each. They won the game 35 to 26 I believe. The week before he had a tournament in Springview and they won 26-0 and 38-0. Pretty proud of the boy and so glad he takes after his Dad.

Speaking of taking after his dad, I would be happy if he didn't attract the girls the way Lance does. He had a total of 4 little girls wanting his attention. He's always been a good dad and attracks little kids wherever he's at. This is little Bria on his lap. She is a precious little girl who recently had a scare with cancer. We praise the Lord she is a o.k. and talk about melting my heart.

Jayden asked his Papa what his # was in high school so he could try for the same # on his jersey. Papa said -4... yes -4. Couldn't find it:-)

Here are the boys with the "Polar Bear mascot".

Blessings

Roxanne

"Go Polar Bears!!"

New Do

2009-01-16T18:54:00.000-08:00

This week has been a much better week for my girl. She found out that she was voted to be prom server which is quite an honor! So the prom dress shopping has begun! She also came home Tuesday with a new hair do. I still can't believe she cut it this short but it looks absolutely adorable on her. (Although I'm sure any cut would but I'm just the mom)

Tomorrow is Ciara's first speech competition of the year. She leaves on the bus @ 6:00 a.m.. She is doing OID this year as well as a duet. WE wish you the best our first baby!

Blessings

Roxanne

Praise the Jesus!

2009-01-10T21:51:00.000-08:00

O.k. so it's almost midnight and for the last three nights my amount of r.m. has been very limited. This last week has been a challenging week on my daughters. First of all my oldest has been learning a new pom routine and has felt that any move she makes is not good enougth for the one who made up the routine. One morning it was so bad that Ciara was chewed out in quite drama queen fashion in front of the whole squad. I am not one of those moms who believes that their kids are perfect and know that Ciara probably needed to work on her arms. However that being said, she has been belittled to a point that is hard for me to accept. We had been up two nights holding each move and checking her arms to make 'her' happy. So then Ciara went to practice, worked so hard and then asked if she had improved. I won't go into detail but pretty much was told maybe a little but you're still sloppy. So Thursday night as I tried to close my eyes to go to sleep, I began praying for insight into how to help Ciara. And for some reason I felt impressed to make muffins for the whole pom team. O.K. I'm sure you're asking yourself, "what does muffins have to do with anything?". But how many times in scripture do we read of Jesus telling those he loved as well as those who needed Him to "break bread" with him. So @ o'dark early (remember she has practice @ 7:00 a.m. every morning) I began making muffins. Ciara made it through the routine last night and might I say she looked awesome!! Her father even commented on how Ciara seemed to really stand out. She commented last night how nice the muffins were and how the girls really appreciated them. Did it fix the pain/problem? Maybe not but it gave the girls a chance to stop, take their minds off of straight arms and on to sitting down and being together as a team.

O.K., now on to Schylar. She has been very much being a loner lately with a lot of the girls that she used to be so close to doing things that she does not believe in. PTL that she stands strong but many times that means standing alone as well. So last night after the game she gets invited over to spend the night with four girls. Needless to say it did not go well. She was made fun of for not being developed yet and the girls also chose to do some things that Sky finds appauling. She said she was ready to walk home about 1:00 this morning. I made it very clear to remember that no matter what, I am always a call away and would have been honored to have come and picked her up. And Schylar being Schylar chose not to talk to me about this all day until tonight. The minute she got home this morning I knew something was wrong but always got the same answer, "I'm fine". Then tonight she comes upstairs in tears asking why she is like she is. I reminded her to not get her self worth from three girls that are making bad choices and to find herself in her creator. And as I sat there telling her all of this, my stomach is churning. We talked about opening her eyes to friends outside of her usual circle of friends. Then we prayed. Would someone please tell me why I waited to pray at the end of this talk instead of the beginning? Well my girl went down to bed and was back up in less than 10 minutes just to let me know... she felt like she was wrapped in Gods arms and was going to be just fine. So a very tired Mom opens her mouth and out comes "Praise the Jesus"!

Bunny Hunt

2009-01-07T18:46:00.000-08:00

What's up whoever is blogging or maybe I'm blogging and you are bloggers. It's all very confusing. You are lucky because you will read this in about thirty seconds and it will take me an hour and a half to type it. Rocky wanted me to say hey and tell you about my new second love. Bunny hunting with a bow. ( The wall is no longer a challenge because it won't run from me.) I was invited to a bunny hunt this last weekend and it was a blast! I managed to shoot a few rabbits and blow out a knee so a good time was had by all. Met some new friends and just hung out with a great bunch of guys. If you are a bunny lover we have something in common because my buddy made bunny and noodle soup and I love bunny too now! Blogger out.

P.S. my wife said this is her favorite pic of me.

Runner Up!

2009-01-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Brad, Wendy, the boys, and myself made our way to Broken Bow the the District Hoop Shoot. As the picture shows.. the boys had good luck! Jake got first in his age group and will be advancing to State on February 14th @ Hastings. Jayden came away with runner up! Proud of our boys!!

Welcome 2009

2009-01-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

Well father time has turned it's pages to a new year!
This is Scylar and Ellie's attempt @ making 2009 with fingers... and Schylar the only blonde!!!

Here's the biggest kid making some noise!!

And the confetti flew

and flew. Happy New Year everyone!!

Blessings

Roxanne

Like Father, Like Son

2009-01-01T17:58:00.001-08:00

Tonight @ 5:45 Jayden got a call from Jake saying there was a hoop shoot competition in 15 minutes at the community center. So we high tailed it over there. Jay was upset because he hadn't been practicing @ all. There were 4 in his group and he walked away with 1st place. Like father, like Son.. Glad he takes after dad , not mom.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T20:52:00.000-08:00

Well we made it home from the Holiday tournament in Amherst..(We won the tournament... tied with 6 seconds left on the clock and as the buzzer sounded Newphew Cody put it in to win the game. So proud of that young man and the whole team!) And now the partying has begun. You know how it is now that the kids are growing. No longer is it about you ringing in the new year it's about making sure your children make memories that will stay with them... So Ciara is out with Cody, Ellie and Schylar are watching the boys...Jayden, Jake, and Zack act a little crazy.

So the sparkling cider has been chilled (or as Jayden says the bubbly) and the mini burgers warmed and the party is on. Lance rode home on the bus with Harlin and so Zack came with us. We stopped at Walmart in Kearney and the boys found the mini burgers. Who knew mini burgers could make a party? Need to try making some of these from scratch.

So here is wishing all of you a wonderful 2009 and pray your 2008 was filled with memories to treasure forever!

Blessings

Roxanne

Joy to the World

2008-12-23T13:17:00.000-08:00

Joy to world, the Lord is come
(Have you every stopped and thought this song through?)
Let earth receive her King.
(Is that not the prayer of all Christians?)
Let ev'ry heart prepare him room
( I have prayed this during this Christmas season that every heart could prepare room for Jesus)
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and heaven and nature sing.
(Would it not be a blessing for heaven and nature so celebrate this joyous day)
This past week was my monthly dinner date with the "girls". I made them all wreaths with some of my antique ornaments with the Lyrics of this song attached. We talked about how many times we sing it.. It was our "devotion for the night" so to speak... and speak to me it did. I love this song. About three weeks ago as I was spending my quiet time, this song came on the xm and I chose to make that my prayer for this Christmas season... so please join me in singing (and praying) the rest of this precious song.
Joy to the world, the saviour reigns
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rock, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat repeat the sounding joy!
No more let sin and sorrow grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground.
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found
Far as far as the curse is found.
He rules the world
with truth and grace,
And makes the nation prove
(People do you hear what this old Christmas carol is saying? )
The glories of his righteouness
And wonder of His love
And wonder of His love
And wonder and wonder of His Love!
Merry CHRISTmas!
Blessings
Roxanne

The Annual Community Christmas Pageant

2008-12-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

Every year the Ainsworth womens club puts on a community Christmas pageant. It is held @ the school in the learning center. This year my girls were asked to sing. What a privelage and an honor. They sang "Not That Far From Bethlehem" and did a wonderful job if I do say so myself. Here are a few pics of the program.

Our church is located right across the street from the church and so our teens every year have a soup supper as a fundraiser. People come, eat soup and then go to the pageant. I sat down with a group of older ladies and they started telling me about the first program over 50 years ago. The first pageant was held outside downtown Ainsworth. They said that the fourth or fifth year it was a blizzard but they still had the pageant. They talked about layering their kids up so to stay warm through the pageant. I love stories and history like that.

Blessings and Merry Christmas to everyone!

Roxanne

Our Home away from home

2008-12-17T20:13:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share a few pics from what we call our home away from home. When life seems to complicated, this is where we go. Wish we could go more but when I am here, I don't worry about the dirty house, money, laundry, work... etc. It used to be the country school that I went to until high school. My parents purchased it and it is now a cabin.. We love love love the serenity of this place.

This is Lances first deer he ever shot.
The old school sign... wow the memories

Lance and the babies with Lances other deer mount.

Blessings

Roxanne

People let me tell you about my best FRIEND

2008-12-17T20:07:00.000-08:00

O.K. so I'm pretty sure my mom is going to shoot me when she realizes I posted a picture of her. She, like me, hates pictures but... this is important stuff people. The title of this post is that old song- you know it- People let me tell you about my best friend.... Well here she is.. Schylar had stolen the camera and was taking lots and lots of pics. I love this pic. I could not have asked for more in a mom. I remember when I first became pregnant. The first thought that came to my mind was how was I ever going to be the Mom that my Mom had been to me. She was my prayer warrior, my confidant, a gentle but stern discipliner (is that a word?) and always wanted the world for her children. I love it when people say you look just alike or you sound just like her but what would be even more of an honor is for them to say you act just like her. That my friends would be the biggest compliment anyone could ever pay me. Thank you Mom for all that you are to me. You truly are my best friend and I don't know what I would do without you.

GO BIG RED!!!!!!!

2008-12-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

Jayden asked me to do this post. (Please don't tell him it's a month late in posting please:-)) Nebraska pulled through and on New Years day we will be seated around the t.v. watching the best team ever.

This is my baby boy all grown up sporting his Husker jersey and cap that is just like Larry The Cable Guys Husker cap. (We have great role models for our children, don't you think?) Just kidding.. Jayden saw him in an interview during a Husker game and had to have a cap like the famous guy.

Thanksgiving post...a month late

2008-12-17T19:40:00.000-08:00

So I am about a month behind in posting family events and activities. So today we will try to catch up. Our thanksgiving was wonderful.. There were only 12 of us around the table but they were 11 of my favorite people so what more could you ask for? (Yes Cody you are one of my favorite people:-))

This is Ciara and Cody...
My spoiled rotten baby brother... and husband and son
The dinner table right before we sat down. My son convinced his G-ma to buy 7 bottles of "bubbly".. Apple cider... We drank all of them and the kids loved it...
This is my hubby and friend Brian preparing the turkeys the night before frying our yummy birds. We tried a different rub this year ( I added brown sugar... a deffinate must from here on out)
This is Jayden and one of our neighbor boys who spent part of the week of Thanksgiving with us. His mom was in Omaha with his G-ma who was fighting for her life. She came through... Lance calls Fay our come back kid. PTL!!! The boys are wrapping up our green been bundles.

I guess it would be too late to say happy thanksgiving... so Merry Christmas y'all.

2008-12-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him."1 John 5:14-15 This is the verse I will choose to live by today tomorrow and forever.

God is good post 2

2008-12-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

Ready for God is good #2? Lance and I have been praying for him a prayer partner and an accountability partner. About a month ago I mentioned a young man that I thought would be a great fit for Lance. He is taking courses online to become a pastor and I love his wife!! (No that's not pertinant to a good prayer partner but just thought I'd say?!:-)) Anyhoo Sunday night as we were working on some projects together the phone rang. Jay gave it to Lance and he went into our bedroom and was gone for about half an hour. When he came out he was a blessed man. He shared with me that this young man that we had thought about as his prayer partner had been working that afternoon and the Lord put Lances face in front of him... Coincidence? I think not!!! One of our former pastors called them Godsidences (not sure of the spelling there) and I agree. So Lance has a Godly man to hold him accountable, pray with, and grow with. God is good post 2

God is good!!!

2008-12-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

I know I recently posted about a book that a dear friend gave me on the power of a praying parent. It is a small paperback with scripture, words of wisdom, a place to journal, and a prayer by the author. Well once a month I meet with what started out as three wonderful ladies that the Lord has placed in my life . There are now five of us. We have been meeting once a month for awesome salads at our local steakhouse and just encouragement. We now have decided to begin to go through the power of a praying parent together. I purchased the books and we will do one prayer/scripture a week and then come back together and share what God is doing in our childrens lives and how to pray for each other. One precious Mom sent an e-mail telling me how wonderful it is to have people want the best for her children and not be jealous. Isn't it sad that that is how our world is today but so true!! Just felt I wanted to share today all of my blessings and praises! Yes I know thanksgiving is gone... but I know God loves to hear our praises and I thank him for His faithfulness.

Girls trip

2008-11-21T15:09:00.001-08:00

TOBY MAC BABY!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday I ran to Springview to catch up in my office and while I was there I was asked to go with a group to Toby Mac in concert the next day in Lincoln. After trying to talk myself out of why I shouldnt' or couldn't, I decided to go and am so glad I did! We left yesterday morning and were home by 4:00 a.m. today! Had the opportunity to get to know some great sisters in Christ as well.

Thank you Papa!!

2008-11-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

Jayden's 1st Deer!!!!
Thank you Papa for taking Jayden on his 1st deer hunt! Lance is still in Kadoka working for the electrical company there and Jayden has been broken hearted that he couldn't go hunting... so we called upon Papa and look at the results. Only 5 minutes into the hunt and he got this nice 2x3 mully (sp?). Dad said he wished he would have had the camera to take a picture of Jayden right after he shot. Priceless.. Thank you Papa!! Thank you Mickey for the permit!! We are so blessed by the Godly men in my sons life.

Rapunzel...

2008-11-17T20:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight was our school's play production and our Ciara played Rapunzel. She did a lovely job!

The 30 point buck for the 60 point lady :-)

2008-11-16T16:42:00.001-08:00

Thought we better post the great accomplishment!

Love you Lois

Happy 60th Aunt Louise :-)

2008-11-16T16:12:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated my Aunt Loie's 60th birthday! She lives in Denver and so it isn't very often that we get to celebrate her special day. This year she decided to go deer hunting with her bro's and so we decided to throw her a surprise party..

In front of our house we posted a sign that my darling son made that said "We support Aunt Louis (yep not aunt lois, aunt louis:-)) turning 60!! Then by the poster were a few support bras although as you see, Lance used them for other purposes.. Also notice the precious gift that Lance gave our Lois.. preperation H, stool softener... you get the idea.

So happy birthday Aunt Louis... hope you enjoyed your black tiara, black wand, black rose... and the support your family always provides for you!!

Daddy leaves in 2 days :-(

2008-11-15T17:34:00.000-08:00

(Sky and Daddy watching the huskers and eatin popcorn)

My husband is a utillity lineman and has been called to help in Kadoka (sp?) South Dakota this next week as they have been out of electricity now for almost 10 days. Our life isn't quite right without Daddy... He wakes us all in the morning. He makes us laugh lots. He is just right to snuggle with... He is our Daddy, and my husband.. We will miss him and pray he comes home safely in time for Thanksgiving....

It's Christmas Time @ the Philbens

2008-11-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

Thought I would post a few pics of the beginning of the christmas decorating at the Philbens..

To Paint or not to paint?!?!

2008-11-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

O.K.,,, so here's the thing. I"ve been looking for a tall lamp for quite some time now but just didn't have $100 to throw down for one. My mother in law came over today and so we went to an auction and low and behold... here is my lamp..$8.00 later and now the infamous question. To paint or not to paint? I purchased a black lamp shade and now... what to do? Anyone have any good ideas? The color in the wood is pretty but I know there are some ingenious junque bloggers out there that know exactly what I should do. I thought of painting it silver with a black stain over it and then put faux silver tiger spots on the lamp. What do you think?

Sickly Philben Update

2008-11-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the sickly Philben family. Lance is recovering from having a cold/flu last week and now Ciara and I are struggling with it. Jayden seemed to have minor symptoms over the weekend so hopefully he is over it and pray our Schylar doesn't get it. Ciara was so sick yesterday that she woke up and thought she was an hour late from pom practice. I stopped her before she left the house @ 6:15a.m.. Bless her heart. Today she is worse but says her life is too busy to be sick. She has 2 tests, a new dance routine they are learning for pom, and mandatory play practice for next weeks production. Only one more day and we can rest a little.

The girls and I had a great weekend in Fremont at camp Rivercrest. Our church holds an event called "Ignite". They have friends they have met from church camp and Ciara's trip to NYC and so it's so fun for them to catch back up with each other. This year the band "The Cause" was there and they were absolutely awesome. The kids worshiped and grew in the Lord... just what a mom would wish for her children. My Schylar came home touched and wanted to surround herself with christian friends.. It is so hard to come home to friends that don't desire to put God first and you do. I told her she needed to pick one person and pray for them and show them Jesus. The girls also competed in music while they were there. Schylar got second and Ciara got third in their solos. Pretty proud of my babies!!

Here's hoping no one else gets this crud..:-(
The Philbens

Please vote!!!

2008-11-03T13:44:00.001-08:00

I have attached my devotion from today as it pertains to the significance of tomorrow.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”
Psalm 33:12 (NIV)

Tomorrow, November 4th, millions of Americans will have the opportunity to elect new leaders of government. If you live in the United States, I encourage you to be among them and exercise your right to vote. I encourage you to vote for both your national and your local leaders.

While the Bible does not command us to vote, it does command us to be good citizens wherever we live. One way we can be a good citizen, honor God, and assist in guiding our nation is by voting.

As a woman, I’m honored to take part in determining the direction of our nation. Before the 1900’s, women in America were not allowed the privilege to vote, and in some countries they still cannot. I look at voting for our leaders not only as my citizen’s duty, but also as a privilege millions of people in the world do not have.

I take my right to vote so seriously that in 1992, while nine months pregnant and restricted to bed rest, I had my mother drive me forty-five minutes to vote in the presidential election. I allowed nothing to stand in my way of exercising my right to vote. Eight days later, I gave birth to a healthy little girl - to whom I hope to pass on my political passion for voting.

There’s no doubt about it, voting is both a duty and a privilege. However, I realize that some people won’t take the time and trouble to vote because they don’t believe their ballot will make much of a difference. That’s not true. Statistics show that many elections have come down to only a handful of votes.

What would happen if most people felt that their vote didn’t really matter and didn’t bother to vote? It would mean that our country’s future would be decided by only a few of its citizens— who perhaps don’t hold the same convictions as yours.

Deciding whom to vote for can seem a daunting task. But voting is easier once you and I pray about it, and seek out good information about the candidates and the issues they address. The fact that there is moral haziness in politics these days indicates our need to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance when examining the issues as well as the candidates.

November 4th is a day of opportunity for America. It’s a day to stand up for what we believe in. It’s a day to voice those beliefs and be heard. It’s a day to take the time to vote as we honor our Christian heritage, and bring glory to God. For “blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!”

Dear Lord, in this upcoming election, I pray that You will move in the hearts of Your people in this nation to vote. I pray You will work in and through our leaders to guide and bless this nation – may it be so in all nations, Lord! Guide us by your Spirit, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Welcome November!

2008-11-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful November 1st! It has been a wonderful Saturday. The boys went hunting (no deer yet) and enjoyed the georgious day together. It thrills my heart when jayden and lance get to spend quality time like that together. Mom always prays that there is some talk on growing up to be a man of God.

The girls and I cleaned and then I had some time to play with some of my junk finds from the last year. I'm hoping to make a lot of my christmas gifts this year. My first piece was a small door. It has about half as wide as a normal door. I painted it black last night, then robins egg blue left over from Ciara's room and then I put a light coat of stain on it. I love the color. I'll try to post a pic tomorrow of it. I think I will turn it in to an organizing station with hooks for your purse, keys, etc. with maybe one section of the door with a marker board and a place for pics... We'll just have to see. It was fun to have time to just play today.

My brother from Olathe Kansas got into town about 3:00 and so we stopped and went out to eat with him. He's in town to vote on Tuesday. We don't get to see him often enough anymore but so enjoy our time with him when he is in town. Blessings to all and enjoy your Sunday!!!

Fall Blessings

2008-10-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

Happy fall blessings to you this FRIDAY!!! Love Schylar Raeann.

Girlfriends in God

2008-10-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

This past couple of months I have been seeking reprieve from some issues/situations in my life that I want so bad to just run away from. I've talked to God... pleaded.. gotten angry.... with myself and with feeling like I was not being heard. The last couple of weeks I have felt forgotten, if I can be so bold. So first He sends a girlfriend with a gift and she says it's a "just because" gift. Did I see God's work in my dear friend? Nope...too busy feeling sorry for myself. Then He sends a card in the mail that touched me greatly and someone willing to help me in my times of need. I was greatful... but still feeling too"woe is me" to see God's hand. Sunday a friend comes to the door with another gift. It is a picture she has taken and attached to it the verse... Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, of any virtue, and everything that is praiseworthy meditate on these things!.. I shed tears and feel touched by my friends gift. But still no one begins to understand the pain "I" am in. Last night as I am doing laundry, my daughter brings down the cutest little package.. Yet another gift from a friend for no reason at all. It's a little book of prayers by Stormie Omartian with room for your own prayers for your children. Thank you Jesus. So you think by now I would be seeing that all of these acts of kindness weren't random but were God sent... it took one more day and one more letter to finally bring me to my knees with gratitue for the God who sends friends to remind me that "He has not forsaken us". Today my letter was from a sister in Christ I had met some time ago and then a year ago at a teens retreat we were blessed with time together again. Her note stated that God had brought me to her mind on many ocassions this past year and wanted me to know she had and was praying for me. She chose this moment.. this week... this day to write her words of encouragement. I am reminded of the childrens song.. God is big.. God is big. God is very very very very big. Dear heavenly Father, please forgive me for taking my eyes off of you and on the pain I am feeling. May I use this time to praise you in the storms and praise you for sending not one.. but five reminders through "girlfriends in God". Amen....

In His Time

2008-10-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

This past week my daughter received a call from a friend who had 1 extra ticket for the Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith concert in Omaha. NOT FAIR!!! "They're from my day"... I said. "I should be going, not my spoiled daughter". Needless to say God works in big and mighty ways when we remember that when he blessed us with our children, they are His.. only ours for a small time. I had for about a month some heartstrings being pulled with my baby girl and I had prayed that God would reveal them to her and remind her of who she is in Christ... not who she is here...with friends that don't understand when she won't drink... in her favorite sport when she is treated unfairly.... but who she is in Christ and in Christ alone. Needless to say, everything that Mom tried to say didn't come out exactly right but those good ole boys from my day got the job done! Way to go Steven and Michael. She came home refreshed and ready to stay the course. God is so good....

October.. homecoming...Ty's wedding

2008-10-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

Greetings!! What a busy month we have had. I will work so hard at updating my blog more often. The whole idea of this blog was to keep friends and family not living close to us in the loop...so to speak. Sorry to let you down..

Ciara had a wonderful homecoming. She looked so beautiful for the dance and yes I may be a little bias...:-) Cody and her had a wonderful time. She also finished up her volleyball season. It was a very hard season and I am so proud of my daughter for staying the course. One of her coaches said she would not let Ciara give up on herself no matter what. Now that's a coach.
Jayden finished up his flag football season with 3 wins and 3 losses which put his team @ 2nd place for the season. I will try to post some pics yet tonight. He received a football for being player of the final game of the season and was very proud!
Schylar finished her volleyball season and has improved so much. She started almost every game and is such a darn cute volleyballer... She isn't going out for basketball but I'm sure she will keep busy with other things.
I spent 3 days in Omaha for school and Lance spent 3 days in Kearney for school as well. We are on the booster board this year and so homecoming was busy for us too with working a tailgate, puting a float together..(we got 1st!! although I think it had something to do with Jayden and two other boys on the float doing a little "bootie shaking"..).. We also worked the concession stand at the football game for homecoming. We sold 450 cups of hot cocoa... so you get the idea of how busy we were. In 7 days time this month I had been to Omaha, Kearney, and Sidyney.. poor suburban.. We will work at keeping up a little better from here on out... Hope this finds you all well and thanking the Lord for the beautiful fall colors. Wow is it beautiful or what? Blessings

weekly report

2008-10-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

Just got home from the football game. Ciara performed great tonight on the dance squad. Our boys only lost by 1 point. They are playing so much better!! I spent the week in Omaha for continuing eduation courses. I ususally come home feeling like I have learned something but his years 10 hours truly were a waste of time. I spent Wednesday evening with my bro's fiance. We ate @ the Cheesecake Factory and it was great!! We talked wedding :) Can't wait.
Schylar had her last volleyball game of the season (8th grade) and they won!! She played awesome!! Jayden's flag football team lost their first game last night. They are 3-1 and we are so proud of him. They named their own teams this year and Jaydens team is the red hot pickles. Jayden even drew the mascott for the team.
WE leave in the morning for Sidney for my cousins wedding. Can't wait to see all the family. God speed!
Roxanne

They won!!

2008-10-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

Ciara won her game!!! It took three sets but they did it! It has been so much fun to see her improve this year. The wedding went well.... The Huskers lost:-(... and Jayden is now home from his football party and so is Sky. Lance watched the game here with a friend and I did laundry... Life is fun!! God Speed..

My very !st blog!!!!!!

2008-10-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

Blessings to all!! I'm not sure how I think I will have time for a blog sight but I so enjoy my friends blog sights so decided it was time. What a great way to share with friends and family about our family and activities. It is Saturday and I have to officiate a wedding in a couple of hours and then on to Ciara's volleyball game. The boys are off hunting... they caught their limit of ducks this morning with Zack and Harlin and now are on their way to the cabin to put up a deer stand. Lance put his up a couple of weeks ago and said he'd help Harlin with his this afternoon. So welcome everyone.. feel free to leave messages and we'll see how consistant I am at this..