An Open Letter to the Thief

Dear Thief,

Stealing is a SIN.

Breaking into someone's car is wrong.

Taking money and a checkbook is wrong (gee, it was really nice of you to leave $2)

Taking an IPOD is wrong.

Coming into my garage while my family is sleeping is WRONG!

Stealing a laptop is wrong.

You have sinned against our family & it has been reported to the authorities.

We may never know who you are, but the Lord saw every illegal, sneaky move you made and HE knows who YOU are.

Signed, The Violated Family

Story behind the letter, when Allen woke up this morning, he discovered his car antennae bent, his car door damaged and unlocked, and the ipod, cash and checkbook gone. None were sitting out but were in the dash of the car. The laptop was in our garage, so thats how we know the thief was in there (we think Greg's car door was unlocked and he used the garage door opener).

We know Allen was the target (so it was an "acquaintance" of his). Only his stuff was taken. Greg's tools, equipment, etc. was still there.

They knew Allen was moving today. And they added lots of STRESS to my already stressful day. It sickens me to think that they could have broken into the house. Preventative measures have been taken.

I am praying the Lord deals with the culprit appropriately.

(The CHECKBOOK will do them no good...the account is closed! Hahahahahaha! It will be a case of too many checks and NO cash!)

And for those who read yesterdays post...I didn't cry when he pulled out of the driveway. And he has made it safely back to GA. Thank you Lord for your protection, please keep Allen safe and surround him with your presence and love.

Part of My Heart is Moving

Allen has lived in Mississippi for almost 5 years. We moved here after Greg & I got married, Sept. 3, 2005. Allen was 16 1/2 years old.

At 18 he wanted to move out of the house and be on his own. We had set stipulations for his moving, including completing his Eagle Scout Badge. We honestly never thought he would complete it. But, he did on his 18th birthday, nothing like cutting it close! Since we had set the "rules" for moving, and he did each and every one of them, we stuck by our decision and "let" him move out.

It took me along time to get used to this and I found the very best way to cope with this, is to pray, ask the Lord to protect him, and trust that he will. Its worked pretty well except for the episodes where he temporarily moved back home. That has become way harder for me than him being gone. If he is here, then I stress about what time he has to be at work, when does he get off, is he eating here, what is he doing at night, etc. If he doesn't live here, then I don't worry about it as much because I am not "seeing" it on a daily basis.

But now comes the big move. I have been expecting it for several years. But it doesn't make it any easier. My 2nd born son is moving to Georgia this weekend. He will be sharing an apartment with a friend of his and is transferring his job to a Chili's there. We've talked, I've prayed and yes, fretted! Maybe this move will be good for him. Maybe it will cause him to trust his own instincts and judgments & take care and responsibility for himself (he is pretty good at this already, but needs some fine-tuning). And the big MAYBE is...maybe his mama will get used to this move (don't count in it!)

So, I am trusting that the Lord will take care of Allen. I am trusting that he will draw Allen closer to him. I am trusting that Allen will flourish and enjoy being back in his "home state". I am trusting that the Lord will give me the "nerves of steel" to live without him in Mississippi.

Mama asked me yesterday if I had cried yet. I said NO, but I am now!

I love you, Allen!

And yes, part of my heart is moving back to GA.

Daybook 7-27-2010

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... sunny, hot, humid, muggy...summer in Mississippi

I am thinking... that I don't understand boys in their 20's

I am thankful for... time spent talking to "boys in their 20's" whether they indicate they understand the conversation or acknowledge the validity of your opinion

From the learning rooms... planning for our new history/science co-op with Rie. The books are still spread out over the dining room table and I need to get busy finding resources on the internet. School starts 2 weeks from yesterday.

From the kitchen... The pickle relish is getting made today...at least 4 batches will be made and water bath canned today. The girls are cooking dinner tonight: baked hamburgers, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans. Maybe they can also bake some cookies or muffins today.

I am wearing... shorts, sleeveless top, sandals

I am creating... still working on "Donna's Kitchen" picture. The i, t, c,h,e,n are all done, working on the K now. Also, need to finish sewing 2 baby bishops together for my twin baby friends!

I am going... to stay home for a while, yeah!

I am reading... "Faith Driven Family" by Voddie Baucham and "Beyond the Trail" by Lily Bear, a Rod and Staff publications book

I am praying... for the Lord's will and guidance in the boys that are in their 20's. They all need HIS help, especially one, and they don't know it.

I am hearing... the air conditioner running and the garbage truck outside

Around the house... enjoying our last 2 weeks of summer before we start school. Accomplishing tasks and checking them off on the "to do" list.

One of my favorite things... talking with my children

A few plans for the rest of the week... putting together last bookcase, rescuing books from various corners of the house and putting them in their new home, watching Christmas videos with the kids (we are in the last weeks of our Christmas in July celebration), cooking, cleaning, playing, loving, worshiping God and studying his word

A picture to share...

My little twin friends! They are so cuddly and cutesy! When they come to our Keepers meeting, there is no lack of loving mama or girl arms to hold these little blessings!

You can read other day book entries by visiting:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Multitude Monday 291-320

291. ceiling fans turned on high

292. cotton bed sheets

293. reading in bed

294. new bookcases

295. sunny days to hang laundry on the line

296. a sharp kitchen knife

297. the continued blessing of cucumbers

298. homemade laundry detergent

299. safe travels

300. being home for a while

301. starting a new homeschool support group

302. the anticipation of a friends visit

303. dinner menus

304. short trips to the grocery store

305. buying in bulk to stretch the budget

306. completed little dresses for our Pastor to take to Haiti this week

307. vacuumed carpet

308. staying home for a while

309. last 2 weeks of our summer vacation

310. boiled shrimp and baked potatoes...yummy

311. summer rain

312. chemicals to keep the pool clear

313. re-arranged bedrooms

314. a 14 year old daughter who still loves her dolls

315. innocence of children

316. prayer

317. messages to me from God's word

318. reading & rereading a passage of scripture and then the understanding occurs

319. the relevance of scriptures today just like it was 2000 years ago

320. the "foreverness" of God

The Dog Days of Summer

This is a very unusual, and let me assure you completely true post.

Several months ago, we got a "new to us Chihuahua" and we named him Skittles. He was to be a mate and friend for Hershey, our spoiled rotten little she chihuahua.

So we have waited months for her time to come and see if we get any puppies. Well, the time is here and this is where the really goofy, we can't believe it happened part comes in.

This afternoon, they are both outside and she starts squealing and carrying on. He is stuck in her. They are both panicky. We are astonished. I've never heard of this happening. We try everything to get them loose, we even tried a lubricant. And nothing worked...till we put both of them in the tub and Greg squirted water on them. That was enough of a shock to separate them.

So, now we don't know if puppies were established. But stay tuned.

It didn't seem to have long lasting, boy hating effects on Hershey. They are friends again.

If you have finished laughing hysterically, let me assure you once again...I didn't make this up. My imagination is just not that good!!!!!!

The birth of a new Homeschool Group

Several of us in the central Mississippi area have banded together and we are forming a new homeschool group.

The name we have chosen is CLIF...Christian Learning In the Family.

We will have our first meeting on the second Thursday in August at 7pm, place to be announced.

So, if you live in this area and would like to be involved in a new, just starting homeschool group, please leave me a comment and include your email address (so we can let you know about the meeting place).

We are starting small and are looking for the Lord's direction and guidance for this new venture.
Right now we have 5 and possibly 7 families. We are advertising this group through "word of mouth" and our blogs.

I just received a blog award! Thanks Jennifer at Paying for my Raising! So now I get to spread some Sunshine to other folks...but, Jennifer already sent it to Marie, Katie, Stephanie, and Betsy, (our own Miss. blogging group!) so while I love all you gals and faithfully read your blogs...I am sending it to a couple of other folks who make my day! I have never met these folks and linked to their blogs through through many rabbit trails on the internet...

So I am presenting the Sunshine Blog award to ...

Tiki Travelers & Their Little Dog too*
Our Plain & Simple Life
Big Red Kitchen
Living a Simple Life
Homestead Momma
Plain Pam
Marmees Pantry
Making It Our Home While Here
Prairie Flower Farm
R & L's Homespun Life
Holy Experience
New Life on a Homestead

and

Marie
Jennifer
Betsy
Stephanie
Katie
(I just couldn't leave y'all out afterall!)

Thanks to everyone for giving me laughs, making me think, inspiring me, encouraging me, supporting me, and visiting with me..y'all truly "Make My Day"!!!!!!!!!

******Sorry, I didn't tell the truth...Tiki Travelers is my dear husband...so not only have I met him...I grew up with him, have been friends with him for 47 years, love him, and married him, Sept.3 is our 5 year anniversary!

Home Sweet Home

We are thrilled to be back home. 2 trips, a week apart, with hundreds of miles to drive is almost too much. I am glad to be back where the tea is SWEET, the vegetables are COOKED and the dialect is SOUTHERN. Tomorrow we get to see all our Keepers friends and have a good time with them.

We went to "The Hermitage" which is President Andrew Jackson's home in Nashville, TN. The house is beautiful and we enjoyed a nice stroll through the gardens. However, I didn't like the tour guide we got because he was kind of hummmmm....uppity. He took great pleasure in explaining to us "peons" that this was the best, nicest preserved, most historically correct home of all the early Presidents. Now, it was nice but I've been to Washington's, Jefferson's, and Adams homes in the last 4 years and his was not any more special than theirs was. The man is entitled to his opinion but I hope he didn't discourage any of the people touring the home to not go to the other homes. And if you haven't been to Quincy, Mass., Adams home is great and his family Presidential library is incredible (just my opinion). We've been to James K. Polks home also and this week saw Benjamin Harrisons home (was after hours, so we just walked around the outside of Harrisons).

On Sunday, after breakfast, we drove around Louisville, KY. We saw where the Kentucky Derby is held, a home where Thomas Edison lived, and the Louisville Slugger museum. Then we drove to northern Kentucky to find the Creation Museum. Its not a cheap entry fee but it was great! We all loved it and spent lots of time watching their videos explaining different phenomenons. We came, we saw and we believe...of course, we believed before we got there! It is definately a homeschool feildtrip worth taking! And then the bookstore...I bought 3 books, and could have bought more, but I showed great self restraint. Maybe we will get back up there sometime!

Today, we get to wash all the laundry that accumulated on our trip. And I can reclaim my house. They boys did a pretty good job getting it cleaned up, but not like I would. There are cucumbers to be picked, squash plants to be pulled up, trees to be watered, chickens to be taken care of, a menu to be written, groceries to be bought and a pool to be swam in. Plus 3 dogs that are thrilled we are back.

Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... I am looking at the hotel lobby, we are at the Plaza Hotel in downtown Indianapolis

I am thinking... how thankful I am for my queen bed at home because this double bed isn't comfortable

I am thankful for... quiet times with my family

From the learning rooms... Will is working on a puzzle book, Amy is reading a Beverly Lewis Book and Katie is working on her Memory work for College Plus

From the kitchen... microwave meals for lunch in our hotel room (or dinner leftovers from The Cheesecake Factory) and dinner out tonight

I am wearing... black capris, purple blouse, sandals

I am creating... still working on "Donna's Kitchen" cross stitch...I've completed the CHEN in kitchen. I ran out of my red thread and we found a Hobby Lobby last night up here, as I jumped out of the car, the lady at the door said "we closed" when I told her I only needed 6 skeins of floss, she let me in! Thanks kind lady at hobby lobby, now I can finish my T and move on to the I.

I am going... swimming in the hotel pool with my children this afternoon

I am reading... "The Longing" by Beverly Lewis, I am almost at the end. Then I will start the 2 books I got at the Creation Museum; one by Voddie Bauchaum and one by Ken Hamm.

I am hoping... we have a peaceful, safe drive home tomorrow.

I am hearing... Believe it or not, the rumble of train cars. Our hotel is the original Union Station in the United States and even though they turned it into a hotel, its still a working station. Its kind of weird to lay in the bed and hear the rumble of the trains.

Around the house... James went to Big Lots and bought us some bookcases for our room and one for Amy's room. We are going to be sorting books and rearranging her room. Our books will now have more room to live, instead of stacked up everywhere.

One of my favorite things... sleeping late

A few plans for the rest of the week: driving home, doing laundry, adding roosting places and nesting boxes to the chicken coop, church and bible study.

You can read other day book entries by visiting:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Its Official...I Don't know how this Happened...

Well, its official...I don't know how it happened...I am not a mall person anymore. When my boys were little, we like to go to the mall and just walk around. Maybe buy a coke or a cookie, but just get out of the house and hang out. I could spend hours there but not anymore. I've become my Dad, walk in, get what you came for and walk out. Its scary.

Maybe its the crowds: I hate them (however, I will put up with them at Disney!) . Maybe its the people: I don't care about your phone conversations, or care to smell your stinky perfume, or want to see your body that your Mom didn't tell you to cover up, or see your multiple body piercings, or hear your bad, nasty language. Maybe its the stores: the window displays are too suggestive and the sales people are pushy. Maybe its the kiosks: I don't want a massage, I don't want to tell you who my cell phone company is, I don't want to tell you what I use to style my hair, etc.

There are only 2 advantages I saw today to going to a mall....1. it was air conditioned 2. it had a Chick Fil A. Thats it, the only 2 reasons we even stayed an hour. Thank you Lord for Chick Fil A's sweet tea...it was welcomed and yummy!

OR just maybe its because I like living in the country (Miss.), maybe I like to hang onto my money, maybe I've got better things to do with my time, maybe I'm becoming a home body, or maybe its all of the above.

Yes, I will still go to Mall of GA when we are in Atlanta...Amy loves it. But we can go into some fun stores there like Disney, Build a Bear, & Hallmark.

Multitude Monday 261-290

261. Rain on the garden

262. the blessing of electricity

263. a handy, fix it guy husband

264. fresh vegetables

265. quiet

266. preservation of Presidential homes

267. internet at hotels

268. the joy and blessing of visiting the Creation Museum yesterday in Kentucky

269. value meal pricing at restaurants

270. a husband who indulges my love of books & buys them for me

271. new bookcases for the books!

272. fellowshipping with "like-minded" families

273. jelly beans

274. school supplies at stores

275. cell phones to talk to my children who don't live at home

276. hearing yes ma'am & no ma'am (or sir)

277. teenage boys who open and hold doors for anyone

278. new convictions from the Lord (and reminders of past convictions we still need to work on)

279. sealed, beautiful jars of peach jelly (25 pints)

280. Grape jam that still isn't totally jelled even though I re-did it (tastes great though)

281. Completed application of our business license, now to get approved

282. growing pigs

283. cross stitch patterns

284. glasses to wear while stitching

285. prayers answered

286. A loving Heavenly Father who hears our prayers

287. safety while traveling

288. a GPS that sometimes gets us where we need to be (& sometimes it doesn't)

289. traditional hymns

290. exploring new places

the New Dr. Suess

I do not like this Uncle Sam, I do not like his health care scam. I do not like these dirty crooks, or how they lie and cook the books. I do not like when Congress steals, I do not like their secret deals. I do not like this speaker Nan, I do not like this 'YES, WE CAN'. I do not like this spending spree--- I'm smart, I know that nothing's free. I do not like your smug replies, when I complain about your lies. I do not like this kind of hope. I do not like it nope, nope, nope!

I read lots and lots of Dr. Suess to my kids when they were little...I never read this version till today! Makes perfect sense to me!

---

Happy 162 Days

Just in case you're new to my blog...I LOVE Christmas.
Did ya notice my new Christmas countdown clock on the top left of the blog?
Its the most wonderful time of the year...
special music and messages at church;
beautiful, sparkly decorations;
yummy, special food;
all the children being home for Christmas Day;
videos we watch twice a year;
vacation days for Greg;
and most importantly;
The birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

As my children can tell you, it is my most favoritest holiday of the year. We plan all year long. Gifts are bought throughout the year and tucked away. The menu's are planned and ingredients bought. Its all so much fun.

Did ya notice I listed "videos we watch twice a year"? Katie, Will, Amy and I love our Christmas Videos. Since once a year is just not enough for our viewing pleasure, several years ago we started celebrating Christmas in July. We get out our videos and watch them in the month of July. This week we have watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas", "The Santa Claus" (1&2) and "Jingle All the Way". Katie suggested that on the 25th we have Granny's Christmas Dinner. So on the July 25th we will have boiled shrimp, baked potatoes, salad and Cokes in the bottle for dinner (a dinner started by my mom about 25 years ago).

We will be out of town till the middle of next week, but when we return we will be watching "The Nativity Story". It is such a powerful message about Mary, Jesus' mother. It is truly my favorite movie about Christmas. It does make me question what would be my reaction if one of my daughters came to me with the news that Mary had to tell her parents & Joseph. Makes ya think!

So 5 months in advance...
Merry Christmas, everyone!!!!!

Great Recipes for a Christian Home

A Recipe for Living

Start with unlimited love;
mix thoroughly with prayers and faith;
blend in kindness, common sense & understanding in generous amounts.
Sprinkle with tears of joy and sorrow over all as needed.
Garnish with a sense of humor.


A Christian Garden

First plant a row of Peas
1. Preparedness
2. Promptness
3. Preserverence
4. Politemess
5. Prayer

Next to them plant rows of squash
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash criticism
3. Squash indifference

Then plant row of lettuce
1. Let us be faithful
2. Let us be unselfish
3. Let us be loyal
4. Let us be truthful
5. Let us love one another

And no garden is complete without turnips
1. Turn up for church
2. Turn up with a smile
3. Turn up with determination

College Plus

When we started homeschooling Katie at the beginning of her highschool years, her goal became to graduate in 3 years instead of the normal 4 years it takes to complete highschool. She stuck with HER goal and completed it this year, at the age of "just turned 17". She has displayed the drive and determination to complete such a goal and she did it while making A's & B's in all her subjects. But then the questions came up about what would be next for her life. We had done the traditional 4 year college plan for 2 of her older brothers and decided it was not the track we wanted her on. Too much freedom and being away from home was not enough accountability for our liking and we wanted to change that track with her.

Through some blog reading several years ago, I ran across the College Plus idea. This sounded right up my alley but no one else seemed too enthusiastic about Homeschooling college. But the idea never left my mind. However, as she approached her Senior year more and more further education conversations were taking place in our home. Over Christmas, as we traveled to grandparents, we started listening to the Vision Forum Entrepreneurial CD set that we had purchased. In looking to start a home business, we were listening to advice from folks who had been there and done that. On 2 of the CD's we heard wonderful messages about college. The 2nd CD on this subject was College Plus. We talked about it, debated back and forth, looked into it, and all 3 of us (Greg, Katie, and I) decided to pray about it. After 2 or 3 weeks of us all praying and asking the Lord which direction we should go in... we all felt College Plus was the answer. This will enable her to learn at her own pace, protect her from liberal, feminist college professors & teachings, get her a degree in less than the normal 4 years, allow her to pursue mission & volunteer activites, stay at home, travel with us, etc.

She filled out the application (online) and sent it in. One week later, we got a phone call that she was accepted. The young man who called, was very polite, knowledgable, helpful and answered ALL our questions (we put him on speaker phone). Greg, Katie and I all talked to him. He encouraged us to pray about our decision and make sure the Lord was leading us in this direction, so we kept praying and the Lord never put any stumbling blocks or no's in our way.
The next step was enrolling. Which was done in May. We ordered the enrollment materials and set up her first coaching phone call for Monday (2 days ago).

At 10AM on Monday our phone rings and Heather is calling Katie. Once again the phone is put on speaker and Katie & I can both hear & ask questions. Heather talked to both of us for over an hour, strongly encouraged Katie to seek the Lords Will for her life, to ask the Lord guidance in filling out her life purpose statement and discussed her likes & dislikes in classes. Then before she hung up, she asked permission to pray for Katie and offered up to the Lord the sweetest prayer for Katie and her future. (Now this would have definately sealed the deal for me, if I was wishy, washy before about the decision) But it does get better....

I asked Heather how long it took her to complete her own College Plus track and what she majored in. She completed her 4 years of college in 15 months and majored in History. She originally thought she wanted a teaching degree but realized that history could serve her well and that she could always get a teaching certificate if she wanted one later. She wants her career to be a wife and mother & to homeschool her children. She doesn't want a career other than that. The more she talked about it, the more I just laughed. This could have been Katie talking to me because these are all the things she has expressed in the last year. And as Heather is saying she didn't want a career...Katie is silently mouthing to me "I don't want a career either". The Lord sent us the PERFECT coach for Katie.

In blogging on 1000 gifts and the Simple Woman's Daybook, I've had several people leave comments about wanting to know how we like College Plus and wanting me to keep updating about her progress. I've also been emailing back and forth with a dear friend this week and they are interested in this also. So, the updates will come.

We are excited about her participating in this alternative college education. Its gonna be a fun ride and the outcome is the Lord's!

If you would like more information about College Plus please go to their website...
www.collegeplus.org

Tired

I'm tired! I don't like to be tired, but I am there. Yesterday was laundry day. But, just because that would take all day, didn't mean I was content just to get that done. I had to add chopping all my ripe cucumbers for relish (16 cups) and cleaning & cutting up 25 pounds of peaches. ( I was chopping cucumbers while I listened in & participated in Katie's first coaching call from College Plus...thats tomorrows blog subject!)

Today, I turned those 25 pounds of peaches into 25 pints of peach jam. They have all been stirred, jarred and water bath canned. And all 25 jar lids have "pinged"...meaning they are sealed! Its hot work but I do enjoy it. It tastes great on peanut butter sandwiches or on toast for breakfast. And since we made our own, we don't have to worry about preservatives & additives. It would have been better using peaches from our own trees but that theivin' squirrel made off with mine.

Us girls have been working on cleaning the living room and straightening the downstairs. James and Will have cut the yard and whacked the weeds. We've got the pool in good shape and the water is clear. Tonight is our church's childrens party at our pool. This is for K-6th grade. Katie, Will and Amy will be "in the pool" lifeguards for the party. And tomorrow is Keepers At Home at our house.

After the children leave at 8...I am sitting down and not moving for a while. Maybe after an hour or so I will move to the bed for the night!

Praying the sun shines till after 8!

Daybook

For Today...

Outside my window... it looks a little cloudy, we weren't forecasted rain

I am thinking... I've got a lot I want to accomplish

I am thankful for... freedom, life, a Heavenly Father who loves us and died for us, friends...

From the learning rooms... Katie started with College Plus yesterday. Will & Amy are still on summer break.

From the kitchen... trying to get my grape jelly to jell, making Peach Jelly, Taco's for dinner tonight

I am wearing... black capris, lavendar shirt, my favorite sandals

I am creating... a red gingham "Donna's Kitchen" picture for my kitchen

I am going... to Kroger to buy more pectin for jelly, to Rankin Co-op to exchange something we don't need for something we do need...pig feed

I am reading... "The Parting" by Beverly Lewis

I am hoping... it doesn't rain tonight, we have a childrens pool party at our house for the K-6th graders from our church

I am hearing... K,W,A in the kitchen eating pancakes for breakfast

Around the house... jelly making, cleaning & rearranging Amy's room, cleaning the living room

One of my favorite things... being at home. I love being a fulltime help-meet to my husband and a fulltime mom to my children. There is nothing like it.

A few things for the rest of the week... party tonight, Keepers tomorrow, Bible Study at church, driving to Indiana Sat/Sun for Greg's meetings

Bible Verse that spoke to me today... Proverbs 3:5-6 " Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Please join Peggy for more daybooks at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Multitude Monday 232-260

232. reading my bible

233. the way the Lord answers my questions when I remember to ask him and seek his Will

234. a Godly husband with an "out of the box" vision for our family

235. a full box of peaches waiting to be jelly

236. prolific cucumber vines

237. the gift of canning jars from Mom's basement

238. a peaceful, fun visit to VA

239. Katie's first day with College Plus (today!)

240. Andy and Rob's "A's" in their June college classes

241. worshiping at our own church yesterday

242. FRIENDS at this new church who care about and miss us when we are gone

243. a name for our family business "Jackson Farm Enterprises"

244. daughters with entrepreneur plans for selling their own products and making money

245. websites the Lord has led us to that could be products in our business

246. my mind reeling with possibilities

247. turning over more responsibilities to our oldest sons for their cars, insurance, etc.

248. a bag of fabric for our "Little Dresses for Africa" from my mother in law

249. Beverly Lewis books

250. a new to me recipe for Coffee Cake from my sister in law

251. mom's good doctors visit about her back

252. buying in bulk to save our family money

253. Spending that "saved money" from 252 on what we want

254. a group of adults in our Marriage Bible Study with a great sense of humor

255. a week at home

256. my nephew Bobby's giggle

257. hugs from Sammy & Charlie

258. watching Katie, Will and Amy try new things

259. vacation from arthritis pain while on steriods

260. listening to Greg play his bass

Last Day on Smith Mountain Lake

Our last day at the lake brought...
jetski riding

water skiing lessons...Katie got up! Whoo Hoo!

Will tried his hardest...look at that determination on his face!

This is as far as Amy got. She tried over and over and over.

The skipper of our boat...Dad (or Uncle Greg)!

Sammy got up...out of respect for my niece, I will not post the picture of her split of skis, but it was a sight to behold!

Charlie is a natural, the youngest kid out there and he skied all over the cove!

We went up to the Bridge to eat dinner at a Chinese place but first they had to feed the fish...

Katie was determined to hand feed this carp...look at its open mouth. She did chicken out at the end but had fun trying.
Above...the carp feeding frenzy. These fish are really gross. They were crawling all over each other trying to get to the chips the kids were throwing them.

Its been a good week. We are heading home tomorrow by way of Atlanta to see Mom for the night. Then Sat. on to Miss.

Hummingbird Wednesday

Ive been sitting at the kitchen table for over an hour now, to get these pictures. The camera is set on sports, continuous shooting so I just hold down the button and the camera does the work. As I was typing this, he came back and I got about 10 more pictures.

An Afternoon at the Lake

Charlie

Sammy & Katie

Will

Katie's 1st driving lesson on the jetski!

Uncle Eddie, Sammy, & Amy

I've got tired kids with sunburned cheeks and shoulders. Sunscreen (even reapplied lots) can't compete with staying on the lake all afternoon. And I am using SPF 50 on them. Will ended up having to wear a t-shirt. They are having fun playing with cousins.

Multitude Monday 201-231

1000 blessings continued...

201. chocolatey-fudgey, ooey-gooey yummy candy

202. cool breezes on the dock

203. watching Greg ride the jet ski

204. seeing how tall the cousins have grown

205. ages 10-17 cousins playing together

206. poison ivy that is FINALLY going away...after 3 weeks, 3 rounds of steriods, antibiotics, and allergy pills

207. getting my quilt sandwiched together and basted

208. no conflict

209. safety during our 13 hour drive to VA

210. spending the week with Greg

211. peaceful nights sleep

212. fireworks for the 4th

213. paper plates

214. cucumbers getting ripe

215. rows of glistening canning jars full of grape jelly

216. promise of tilled dirt in a friends garden to have more plants next year

217. sun burned cheeks on my babies

218. hearing "Mama" from my oldest daughter

219. exhausted children reading in the afternoon

220. Voddie Bauchum sermons in the car

221. my sweetheart in his overalls

222. hummingbirds

223. freedom to worship the Lord

224. freedom to homeschool my children

225. freedom to have as many children as I want

226. freedom to shop and provide for my family

227. freedom to teach my children "un-politically correct" history

228. freedom to blog

229. freedom to travel

230. freedoms given to me by the founding Fathers of our country

231. freedoms protected by the Military

Happy 4th of July

I hope everyone's had a great 4th of July.

I wanted to share some scriptures that I heard in church this morning....

Psalm 33: 12

BLESSED is the NATION whose GOD is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

2 Chronicles 2: 14-16

If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

My sincere prayer is that our nation will turn from all its sin, will repent and seek the Lord's forgiveness and will put the Lord in his rightful position as ruler of this land. Many, many of our nation's problems would be eliminated. We need to put God back into the schools and into the hearts and minds of our children on a daily basis.