Printing a Blog

Alright, if you have experience in this NOW is the time to step forward. LOL

When I began blogging, I would write each post in word, add the photos, make it pretty, check the grammar and then copy the text to blogger and add the photos via blogger. I did this so we'd have a printed back up of our Family Journal. It was cumbersome. I quit doing this. The photos were especially cumbersome. It took more time than I had for blogging. I went to composing on blogger and adding photo links. I decided capturing the day for family was more important than making it pretty - at least during THIS season of life. That has been a good choice for me as it removed the pressure to have a "polished blog" and affirmed the decision to create a "family journal".

Mike would like the blog printed. I know it seems inconceivable that blogger would go out of business, or have a crash and lose all the blogs...but honestly....4 1/2 years of family history would be heartbreaking to lose. I do NOT want to copy and paste each entry to a Word or PDF file to print.....

I have been researching blog2print - but I repeatedly get a Server 500 error when I try to use the service. Their response is "be sure you are typing your URL correctly" - I'm pasting it. I've also heard things that concern me on their Facebook page. Every company will have some problems with their product, it will be how they resolve those problems that matter. I understand. However, many are mentioning that the captions don't match their photos or comments or posts are missing from their finished product. I'm sure they're making good on these problems, but I'd rather not have the problems to begin with being over here. Also, blog 2 print only lets you select a date range. I can't pick and choose within that range. I don't want to delete posts I don't want in a book and neither do I want to spend hours re-dating those posts. Example: Product reviews, book reviews....I don't really WANT them in a family journal but I do want to keep them handy in a blog archive for when I WANT them.

I've googled and will continue to google for ideas. If any of you have experience or have done your own research, please share links.

Maybe I should have continued composing in Word. ::snort::

Here are some things I've found:

I shudder to think of the hours to turn each post into a PDF file to load to Lulu etc....but if I'm going to PAY big BUCKS to print the blog, I don't want lots of white space, I want captions to match photos, I want a bit of control over which posts are printed etc.

Add the feature to print each post with this code (didn't work well for me ::snort::) It sounds very simple to do. I couldn't find the exact line of code for the second step. If you do, please tell me about where it is...1/2 way down etc....

Blurb seems to have a lot of features. The tutorial seems to be saying I could pick and choose exact posts to print and edit as well. I may have to give this one a whirl. I could also leave the copies there for others to buy if they want (thinking family here not general public)! ::snort:: I'm downloading booksmart as I type...I can think of a lot of fun books to make. LOL

Printmyblog.com shows up on a lot of searches but the links all seem to be dead. Let me know if you find a good link for them. ::smile:: Many of the links are over 5 years old.

Scrapbookblogger.com - turn your blog into a scrapbook

This post is to assure myself that I did not waste this cold, snowy, icy day....Mike has repeatedly asked me to figure out how to print the blog...and I'm researching. Maybe a reader will benefit from the research or have the perfect new site for me to check out. Now I can go to dinner and an onsen with a clear conscience....and the family have a yummy smelling roast and veggies waiting.

Ideas?

JOSIAH & JAMIN ARE HOME!
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Monopoly Game to Beat all Games

Bre, Josiah, Jamin, Jared, Nolan, Arielle all love to play monopoly. I'm not sure if Krista likes it. I don't see her playing it at home as much as the others. When Bre is gone, Arielle tends to read instead of play the game with her brothers...... but THIS was the game to beat all games.

From 2010-01-04

I love that Nolan joined the big boys in their rather cut-throat game. These games contain trading, high interest loans, no interes loans, sales with right of passage maintained, collateral loans.....and the deals go on.

This particular game went on and on with many fun twists. In the end, Jared won. These are his final holdings.

From 2010-01-04

I found these notes to be hilarious.

From 2010-01-04

Yep, even the bank owed Jared money.

I really don't like to play board games...but I buy a lot of them, I watch a lot of them, I play a lot of them with the younger ones (because those are games I can figure out) and I play a lot of other games with the kids. LOL

JOSIAH & JAMIN ARE HOME!
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Look Who's Sixteen!!!!

From 2010-01-04

Jared is following in the rather rude and audacious steps of his older siblings: he's GROWING UP!

We have maintained for years that we have YOUNG ADULTS and not Teens. Our children clearly know that they are adults in training...and at some point they actually begin to function as YOUNG adults. Take a minute to grasp this. It's not simply semantics. If your goal is to raise an adult in the years between 12 - 20 there are clear expectations, clear steps and goals to reach....if you are raising a "teen"....well no one really knows what a teen is. I certainly do not want my children to rise to the levels of the stereotypical teen....so we call them and expect them to be young adults. We never give them benefits/privileges without responsibility. We don't pamper their every whim. We expect them to begin to act and think as adults. We expect them to do "hard things" as they mature into the men and women God has called them to be.

Jared has blessed us greatly on his journey to adulthood. Sure he's still 16...but wow! He's taken great strides in his walk with God, his relationship with his authority (us), his relationship with his siblings and peers. This has been a tough move for Jared. The things he excelled in, the areas where he was exhibiting leadership, are not available here. The homeschool support group doesn't seem to have much for young adults. There is no Civil Air Patrol. There is no homeschool sports teams. There is no House of Faith. We are not comfortable with registering him with the DOD school for a variety of reasons. He understands and doesn't make a stink. We all continue to pray for more young adults to come into Jared's life. We pray for ministry opportunities, such as he had in TX, to manifest. We are praying about starting some ministry outreaches as a family. Jared David is our "ruler beloved". It's been fun to watch God take immature leadership material - often manifested itself in his younger years in ways we didn't condone - and move it towards maturity and effectiveness for the kingdom.

Jared has a rather quirky sense of humor that keeps me smiling, covering his tail, and, at times, cringing. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Jared has a heart for God that AMAZES me and HUMBLES me and CHALLENGES me. It's not about "discipline, routine and lists," but that boy has a routine that is shocking. He reminds me of stories of some of the "greats" in Christianity....I stand back and wonder where God is taking him. I wonder what God is going to do in his generation through this young man who is seeking to follow him wholeheartedly.

Jared has an interest in politics. We all know that he will be old enough to run for President in 2029. ::snort:: His plan at this point is to graduate, go back to TX, become a city councilman and get a degree, become a mayor, a governor and then we'll see.

Jared has been the youngest child in our family. Jared has been the middle child in our family. Jared is now the oldest child of those living at home. He's stepping up to the role and we honor him for that.

We'll have a celebration on Thursday night. Last night we opened gifts.

Happy Birthday, son. We look forward to watching you mature and grow in the upcoming years. (Now go clean your room. ::snort::)

JOSIAH & JAMIN ARE HOME!
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Blundering Adventures in Japan

I have created a notebook of places we'd like to see in Japan. It contains driving directions from various spots. We looked through the notebook and decided we'd like to see "Nejyo Castle" in Hachinohe. The directions looked doable. I googled and found a phone number. They were open. I also discovered that it is called Nejo Castle or Nejo Historical Park. Mike went to work. The kids and I headed out.

The directions would be good IF you knew the area already. BUT I'd never taken the toll road to Hach and when it said, "Turn right onto Route 45"....I took that literally. I did not take "exit 7, and turn right at the end of the exit on to Route 45". I determined to stay the course on the toll road until I could find a spot to turn right onto Route 45.We drove a LONG way up the toll road before we could turn around. Past Nambu, to Nango (sp?)....I ended up taking 2 1/2 hours and around $16.50 in tolls to drive 10 miles from our home. ::snort::

I realized I was very low on diesel. We had our first gasoline station adventure. I did it on my own....fairly easy....I was impressed that they washed my windows etc.

The directions got worse.....we were supposed to run right into the fish market, and then we would know we were close. Following the directions, we never found the fish market. We finally found Route 19 and I headed home....it only took 20 min to get home. Maybe next time we try this we'll get a google map and go up Route 19 instead of the toll road.

As I pointed out "my Onsen" to the boys....I hit the curb. Curbs here are not like in the U.S. They aren't gradually slanted and you don't simply drive over them. They are concrete blocks...barriers....and so I got home to find a split tire.

Poor Mike had to come home and get Jared for his dental appointment.....and we'll have to replace the brand new snow tire! I offered that the tire could be my birthday present. ::snort::

I've been back online finding directions to the Fish Market so that I can find Nejo Castle Ruins...and we'll try again on another day. I did find this at the Misawa Airport site:

"Nejo Castle was built by Moroyuki Nanbu in 1334 and was home to the ruling
Nanbu Clan for nearly 300 years. The whole outline of the castle was restored,
the first such attempt in japan. It is now a park where visitors can learn about
Japan's Middle Ages. "

Doesn't this sound intriguing? I'm trying to find someone locally whose been there. LOL I've also found that there is a town up here that claims to have "Christ's Grave" in it....hmmm...

Stay tuned...we'd really like to see some castle ruins before the boys leave. We discovered we have some in Hachinohe and in Aomori.

JOSIAH & JAMIN ARE HOME!
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Misawa Aviation Museum

Mike suggested we go to the Aviation Museum after we said goodbye to Krista. It was COLD and WINDY and I think he thought a diversion would be good.

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

This is made completely from wood...the gears, chains, everything....cool to watch.

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

Getting a ticket from a vending machine so we could enter....9th grade and under are free.

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

We came home, had lunch, played Rook. Jamin and Jared went for a run...brrr. I made soup, biscuits and dumplings. Mike went to put some finishing touches on his sermon and make sure all is ready for service. We're watching movies and zoning....tracking airplanes. LOL

JOSIAH & JAMIN ARE HOME!
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Bre & Krista are in the Air

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

The day began bright and early as we took Bre to the Misawa Train Station.

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

She is to have 3 train rides, an international flight and a car trip to get home to OR. It is hard to say goodbye...but knowing how well the girls are enjoying, adjusting and thriving in their current lives does make it a bit easier.

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

We love you, Bre. We are so glad we had this past week with you.

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

Bre was placed on the Honor Roll at college this semester. Her gpa is 3.94. She's been working 16 - 30 hours a week, teaches a 5th grade Sunday School class and is planning on being in an upcoming college drama. She'll be serving an internship this summer and finishing up her college career next year. She's working towards a Bachelors Degree in Counseling.

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

After we dropped Bre at the train station we headed for breakfast at Burger King. We were hit with irony as we sat at 7:45 a.m. on 2 Jan and watched the LIVE Rose Bowl...the DUCKS were playing. Eugene is the home of the Ducks.

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

A quick update on Krista...she is also on the Honor Roll this semester. I can't remember how many are on it, but I know that it's impressive that both girls are on it. The number is small. She carries a 3.84 gpa. Krista works nearly full time at night for a cleaning company. The very same one her father and I worked at when we attended Eugene Bible College. ::snort:: She helps weekly with Early Release Children's Bible Clubs, she teaches pre-school and nursery weekly at her church and is looking to do a foreign missions internship this summer. She is looking to either Italy, the Middle East or Japan. I'm praying for God's will, but letting Him know what I think too. ::snort::

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

"Seen Through a Glass"...this time came far to fast....

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

Wait! We spot some phones and prolong the vacation. ::snort::

From 2010-01-02 goodbyes

We love you Krista! What a joy it was to spend time with you and hear your heart these past few days.

A funny from Krista's trip over.....she was asked, "Has anyone asked you to bring things into Japan?" (See where this is going?)

She replied, "Yes."

She was then asked to itemize...."8 jackets, 6 pairs of jeans, 150 file folders, 100 pieces of colored printer paper, 3 blank ink cartridges, 4 color ink cartridges, make up...."

"GO AHEAD, never mind," she was told. ::snort::

Bre should be home in Portland in about 7 hours. She'll drive down to Eugene with my folks. Krista has another 6 plus hours to arrive in SEA. She'll spend the night and day there and fly on down tomorrow.

The girls are a huge help to me when they are home. Stacia came down as I was cooking and asked if I'd like her to go get Arielle to be my "cooking friend". ::snort::

JOSIAH & JAMIN ARE HOME!
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

LIVING in the moment....

Hmmm...if you greet the day at midnight - the day can be incredibly long.

I woke up and put a turkey in the oven.

Everyone else woke up and we decided to go see Lady Liberty. It was REALLY windy and so we didn't look for geocaches or take any leisurely hikes...but it was fun and we made memories. The sky was incredibly clear and blue. This is the "largest Statue of Liberty in Japan." I wonder if there are more? This one is 65 feet tall from the pedestal.

From 2010-01-01 New Year

From 2010-01-01 New Year

There was no ice in the water when we visited last.

From 2010-01-01 New Year

From 2010-01-01 New Year

The big kids are suitably impressed with the roller slide.

From 2010-01-01 New Year

From 2010-01-01 New Year

From 2010-01-01 New Year

We decided we need to wear snow pants for future outings. Brrr.

We stopped at Shimoda Park(Swan Park)on our "way" home. This poor Swan looks miserable to me.

From 2010-01-01 New Year

The ducks were very friendly with the advent of winter. Yes, they did eventually eat from Nolan's hand.

From 2010-01-01 New Year

These guys stopped traffic. ::snort::

From 2010-01-01 New Year

New Year's Day in Japan is a shopping and gift giving day. We gave gifts as well. These cute envelopes are used for giving monetary gifts.

From 2009 - Gifts from Mom

The girls leave tomorrow a.m. Bre on the train and Krista on the plane. Prayers for safe travel are coveted.

From 2010-01-01 New Year

EVERYONE IS HOME!
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...