Isn’t it hot this summer? We enjoyed the cooler weather but are now enduring the heat of a typical southern summer. I am so thankful for air conditioning! We have had a few very nice days, though, for which I am grateful!
At the end of May, we took a trip to Fort Smith, AR, and Poteau, OK, where we visited “old home places” and friends, and attended my niece’s wedding. Rachel was allowed to borrow a gorgeous dress that was hanging in the closet of the house in which we stayed. It fit her perfectly!
On Sunday, we attended church where the house was located, and fellowshipped with the people there. Sarah Ruth was just starting to be proficient with walking and she was a charmer!
Monday, Memorial Day, we headed home. What should have been a 10 hour trip took longer both ways – on the way there, we had to change a tire that was showing belt; and on the way home, we stopped to visit a friend for an hour, and then also had another two tires that had to be replaced because they had worn out! The friends we stopped to visit with were people I hadn’t met in person previously, but we have a lot in common. Our last names begin with “H” and our first names are “Dawn” and we both have daughters named “Sarah” and “Rachel” that are about the same ages!
About the middle of June, we rearranged the living room to make our entryway a bit more open. I really like it a lot better this way! Bobby likes it, too, since he has a little “room” of his own in the corner.
I found a good deal on a washable “swim diaper” for Sarah Ruth, so I got one in her current size and one in the next size up. This was her first time wearing it – in our little pool in the back yard. Obviously, she enjoyed it! She loves water – in the pool or in the bath!
God bless you until next time!
Sorry this month’s update is so late! It’s been a very busy couple of weeks, getting ready to go to Arkansas for our niece Amber’s wedding. We’re very excited about getting to go! We haven’t been back to Arkansas since we moved here December 1998!
We got Sarah a toddler bed. It is cute, and she seems to like it– to play in, at least. She has napped there a few times, but isn’t quite ready to sleep there alone yet.
At the beginning of May, we took advantage of our Tennessee Aquarium membership. We enjoy looking at the butterflies, fish, penguins, jellyfish, and other creatures. God’s handiwork is so amazing!
The jellyfish are difficult to capture in a picture because of how the flash shines on the glass, but videos work– this is a frame extracted from a video I took of it.
On May 15th, the science museum to which we have a membership had a special day for members. We took advantage of this, as well. They had a big inflatable slide there that John Luke greatly enjoyed! Especially since there wasn’t a line of kids waiting, so he got to go on it over and over without waiting.
While we were in Huntsville, we went by the EarlyWorks complex. They have some really neat stuff there! The boys had fun trying on masks. Most of the kids had the most fun in the room made for the youngest kids – where they had things like make-believe items, costumes, a water trough with toys (Sarah Ruth LOVED that one!) and some other neat things.
May God richly bless you!
I hope this finds you healthy and comfortable. We are finally almost back to normal after having some sort of cold go through the family.
I have John Luke signed up for a “preschool club” at Publix, and they send him something in the mail every month. In March, it was a chef hat to go with the apron they’d sent previously. John Luke LOVES this set!
And Sarah Ruth turned ONE! 
On the same day, we moved our shed from one corner of the yard to another, and put it on a platform that Robby’s dad built for us.
Sarah Ruth loves playing the computer, like the other kids. Of course, she doesn’t know what she’s doing — YET!
For April 1, I decided to do something fun for a change and we did dinner a little differently. For the main meal, we had cupcakes (meatloaf with colored mashed potato “frosting”) 
followed by dessert of “cashew chicken” (dried apples and pineapples, cashews, “green beans” made of fruit roll-ups wrapped around sunflower seeds, and “peppers” made of strips of fruit roll-ups in red and yellow).
We took one evening and went up to the battlegrounds in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, where they have a tower that has about 150 steps to the top (I’m not sure of the exact number) and we walked up. It was fun, if a bit tiring! We had to get a picture at the top, of course! (I was taking the picture, you know.) We went around to several locations for photos after that.
I love the little sweet interactions I get to see with my children— especially with the littlest ones. I captured this picture one evening while they were watching a video.
April 10 was Bobby’s 17th birthday! It’s so hard to believe he’s 17 already. He chose to have a big cookie instead of cake.
The same weekend was the annual Ladies’ meeting to which I look forward every year. They always decorate things beautifully and have a lot of good information for helping us as wives and mothers to best serve our families and, more importantly, God.
Another day, I took an old shirt of Rachel’s (that doesn’t fit her anymore, but was way too big for Sarah) and made it into a little dress for Sarah. I think it turned out very cute!
A few days ago, I decided it was time to try to make a pineapple upside-down cake. I’d never made one, and the only one I had ever eaten was when I was a young teen (and I wasn’t impressed at that time). I got a recipe from the internet and here was the result: 
It turned out absolutely delicious, and I will definitely be making it again sometime—maybe with a different fruit.
We went bowling as a belated celebration of Bobby’s birthday, and it was a lot of fun! We’re far from professionals, but that didn’t matter. I love this picture I caught of Bobby & Sarah when it was almost time to go home.
We’re hoping to go bowling more often, since our local alley has a special night when it’s only $1 per game and $1 for shoes— that makes it a lot more affordable for our family.
I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the spring weather like we’ve been having here! It’s been sunny and warm during the day and cooler at night— just perfect, in my opinion!
Until next time!
This story is about Anna, whose broken engagement in a previous town caused her to guard her bruised heart; and about the community into which she moved and how the people there and their loving relationships helped draw Anna out and into a loving relationship of her own. Anna also has a secret that she fears will cause a breach in that relationship, but she eventually finds that true love can overcome.
I enjoyed this story by Kathleen Fuller. Based in an Amish community, it is thought-provoking, entertaining, and inspirational all at once. The elements of romance woven throughout are realistic, as are the struggles we go through with the characters as we immerse ourselves in their stories.
I’m thankful that Thomas Nelson Publishers, via BookSneeze, sent me a copy of this book to review. I enjoyed it very much. You can pick up a copy yourself at Amazon.com or Christian Book Distributors.
My 4-year-old, John Luke, has an interesting habit. When I ask him a negatively-worded question, he answers differently than most of us.
For example, I might ask him, “Are your shoes not in the shelf where they belong?” Most of us, if the shoes were NOT there, would say, “No,” in agreement that the shoes were NOT in the shelf. John Luke will say, more accurately, “Yes! My shoes are not in the shelf.”
I wonder if that means he is an optimist? Or if he is just more accurate? 
I seem to be getting later and later with the monthly updates! Sorry about that. I hope you are doing well!
On February 19th, I turned 39! (I’ve finally caught up with Jack Benny 
) We celebrated with our friends (he turned 43 on the 21st). We actually put 39 and 43 candles on the cakes! And Robby got relighting candles, besides! It was fun, and the smoke alarm DIDN’T go off.
Toward the end of February, Bobby finally got something he’s been wanting for almost two years: a motorcycle! He also got a license to go with it, and has now gained some independence. I like being able to send him to the grocery for me without having to get out myself! It’s very
convenient! 
We took advantage of a nice day to go to the park. We only stayed about 15 minutes, but the kids really enjoyed it! And it was good timing, because a few days later, March 2nd, we got enough SNOW for the kids to make several snowmen in the yard!
The same day, Rachel turned redhead, thanks to henna (an all natural plant dye). It really suits her, I think!
Here, she is sharing her music (mp3 player) with Sarah Ruth, who loves listening to music. She likes to hold the ear-bud up to her ear herself, too!
On March 6, we went to a “robot carnival” in Gadsden that advertised they would have “Star Wars people” there for their grand opening day. We figured it would be fun, so we went. The robot displays were not that great – they were mostly mechanical arms – but we had a blast getting pictures with the Star Wars people.
They even had a Darth Vader! John Luke said hi to him when he first saw him (at a distance!) but wasn’t so thrilled about him when he was close up!
On March 13th, we had friends here that have 10 children, making a total of 16 children and 4 adults here! It was a lot of fun!
And, of course, I must end with an adorable photo of Sarah Ruth!
The Flowering Cross is a beautiful children’s story about how a little girl’s love impacts a crochety old man’s heart for Christ. It tells how a family’s service to a neighbor showed him the love of God.
This is a light, sweet story, geared to children of all ages. When we received this book from Thomas Nelson publishers via BookSneeze, I immediately read it to my 1-year-old, who was sitting in my lap already. Shortly thereafter, I was required to re-read it for the 4-year-old. It’s also thought-provoking in several ways. I like the little application bits (they call them “Faith Imprints”) scattered throughout the book, that offer suggestions to help your child understand what the story is illustrating (such as “Share how Katie’s family loved their neighbor.” – which is speaking of *active* love, not *emotional* love). The illustrations by Renee Graef add dimension and interest.
If you want a nice, thoughtful and faith-based book for your children for Easter, this would be an excellent choice. You can get a copy at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble, among others.
Started our day with green eggs…
…don’t they look yummy??
OK, so we like lasagna. However, since we have been trying to eat modified-McDougall, we decided to adjust it a little. And this is NOT, by the way, a McDougall-friendly recipe, but it also isn’t quite as bad as “real” lasagna.
Saturday, I boiled 10 pounds of chicken. I used part of it in chicken pot pie (that recipe will be posted next time I make it, so I can include pictures ), and part of it in tonight’s lasagna, and the rest will be used in sandwiches for lunch tomorrow. The broth was used to cook the lasagna noodles, and the remainder will go in the freezer for soup sometime in the future.
So, anyway. I deboned the chicken; Rachel cooked the noodles. I put noodles in the pan, followed by a layer of chicken pieces, a layer of frozen mixed vegetables, a layer of cottage cheese, a layer of spaghetti sauce, and topped with some more noodles. Since my large pan was unavailable, I ended up using two smaller pans, which worked out well since one was then made with more vegetables, less chicken, and no cottage cheese (for Rachel, mainly, who isn’t supposed to have cheese). Then I covered them with foil and baked at 350F for about 30 minutes (mainly to heat things through).
Here’s the result (after we’d already eaten – I forgot to take a picture when it came out of the oven!) :
(The larger one, with cheese)
(The smaller, cheeseless one)
(It didn’t really *slice* — and that’s Nate’s smile )
(Rae’s plate – a little of both kinds because it just isn’t lasagna without cheese! Although the non-cheese one tasted delicious, even without cheese )
Even Sarah loved it!
John Luke didn’t want to be left out
Beautiful Mess is the story of the band Diamond Rio, starting with each member’s story from a child up, and finishing with “where they are now,” and including their rise to fame, triumphs and struggles in the middle. It is a comprehensive look at six different (very different!) men and how they became not only a group, but a wonderfully committed, thoroughly bonded group of family men.
I’ve never been a country music fan, nor very up-to-date on CCM, so I had never heard of Diamond Rio before receiving this book from Thomas Nelson publishers to review. Nevertheless, the book was well written and even as an introduction to the band, it was an engaging read and enjoyable. Each man in the band had a unique story, and other than music, they had little in common before joining the band together. Nevertheless, their music and their faith cemented their bond. I loved seeing how they supported each other through thick and thin (and there was plenty of both!), and how they worked together throughout the many years during which they sang together.
If you like reading the story behind the music, this is an excellent book for you! You can get a copy at Amazon.com.
Greetings! I hope this update finds you well and happy!
Nathaniel turned 10 last month! It’s hard to believe he’s in double-digits already! We had a small party with his paternal grandparents and a family we see often. He was thrilled with the Playmobil castle set I was able to find on sale for him.
Robby was chosen to be a deacon at our church, and was ordained on the 24th of January. It is an honor and a responsibility!
On the 28th, we celebrated another birthday, of our friends’ son, who turned 9. Sarah Ruth greatly enjoyed her piece of cake!
She loves to look at books, and if handed a pencil and paper, she will hold the pencil “properly” and “write” on the paper! It’s neat to watch her.
JANUARY 31, 2010
At the beginning of February, John Luke decided to cut his own hair again. Thankfully, Mammaw was able to trim it so that it didn’t look terrible.
Rachel took this picture of me and Sarah.
Nathaniel got baptized this month, also. He was able to be baptized by his Pawpaw, so that was a special event!
God bless!
wishing my friend Cheryl a happy birthday, wherever she is.
There is a church in our area whose sign says “Living without faith is like driving in a fog.” They have it wrong.
Living BY faith is like driving in a fog. We live by faith not by sight. God shows us just what we need to see next, and not what is far down the road.
Happy New Year!
I hope you had a great holiday season! I also hope you aren’t getting too cold! It’s been a cold winter in the south this year.
We had a very nice Christmas, with my inlaws and Robby’s sister Renee and her family. The cousins were thrilled to spend time together again!
We got Sarah Ruth a high chair – she is quite pleased to be able to sit with the family and eat “real food“ with us!
She is also becoming quite adept at standing alone – as long as she has something to hold on to!
She was less than thrilled with Renee to start with, but got used to her by the time they headed home.
Christmas Eve was a festive time with all the cousins and lots of snacky foods to eat. As usual, we ate, had the reading of the Christmas story, and then opened presents. Of course the kids were on pins and needles waiting for the presents! Everyone seemed happy with what they received. 
Sarah Ruth had a great first Christmas, including the traditional nap!
January 7th, we actually got SNOW! We were delighted! Since moving to Alabama 11 years ago, we’ve only gotten snow two or three times, so it’s pretty exciting when we do. The children were able to make a few small snowmen (very small!) and some snowballs. It was very pretty while it lasted, though!
Timmy sang an impromptu special at church on Sunday night (the 10th) and did very well.
We did Rachel’s hair up in braids and decided it suited her. I like how she looks in braids.
We let Sarah Ruth try chocolate – she likes it!
And, this is one of my favorite pictures of Sarah – she is such a cutie!
God bless you!
Now, I admit I have done no actual research on this at this time, but just off the top of my head…
I saw somewhere someone touting “evaporated cane juice” as a “healthier” substitute for sugar.
Now, correct me if I’m wrong.
Sugar comes from sugar cane. This other thing, “evaporated cane juice” – would be… sugar cane juice, evaporated? So, like… SUGAR??
Can you believe 2009 is over already? It seems like it only just started!!
Rachel is still enjoying doing crocheted items. She finished a hat/scarf combination, two or three scarves, and some clothing for a stuffed animal; and she has started an afghan that is already getting pretty big! She is a big help with cooking and caring for her baby sister.
I was blessed with new glasses in November. Through a program called Vision USA, I was given an eye exam and a pair of glasses at no cost to me. I also purchased a second pair from zennioptical.com for about $30 total (including shipping).
We were able to go to my mom’s for Thanksgiving. Timmy greatly enjoyed his week there with his grandparents. We enjoyed a couple days with my parents and my brother and his family. My family had a great time with Granny’s pool table!
We celebrated John Luke’s 4th birthday there, also (on the 27th). Granny got him a chocolate-chocolate-chocolate cake. Yummy!!
Sarah Ruth will stand when leaning against something very well! She loves to hold on to people and stand up. I expect her to gain confidence and begin walking almost before we know it!
Nathaniel sang “Amazing Grace” for a special at church one Wednesday night, with accompaniment by Bobby on the piano.
I can’t resist sharing a photo of a most delicious lunch that Rachel concocted for us one day. The filling on the sandwich is rice and vegetables, and a slice or two of honey smoked turkey, on Italian bread, accompanied by kiwi, cucumber, and carrots. It was wonderful!
On the other end of the food spectrum, we have our failed first attempt at a gingerbread house! We found out that the recommendation of letting the house “set” for an hour before decorating is a good one to follow. 
Our roof fell in. Nevertheless, the gingerbread tasted excellent and we enjoyed THAT, anyway!
John Luke is quite a character! In the nursery at church one service, he decided it would be fun to climb up on the side of the crib and “hang” himself by the shoulder strap! Of course I had to get a picture of him before I got him down! 
During the same service, Sarah Ruth decided she likes the sippy cup that the church provides for the babies! (She is currently the only baby.)
Well, that about sums us up for now! I hope this finds you healthy and happy, and may God bless you greatly during this special holiday season as we celebrate His Son’s birth, and may you have a wonderful New Year as well!
It’s been something like four years since I got my previous computer – which “works” but not *well* – and my dear husband decided it was time I got something that works properly. I am now the pleased owner of an HP Pavilion Entertainment PC laptop, with Intel processor, Windows 7 (which isn’t that bad), and an ATI Radeon video card.
Have you had an easy life with a loving father? This book is for you. Have you had a hard life with a mean father? This book is for you. Have you floated along, with ups and downs? This book is for you!
Jenna discusses how our earthly father affects our lives, and especially our view of our Heavenly Father. She also shows how that can change if the view we get is negative, by spending time with our “Heavenly Dad.”
This is very much a reader-participation book, and it is a good thing. She covers both good and bad aspects of every girl’s life and discusses how her life is affected by these things.
The only thing I didn’t like was that she uses a variety of Bible translations. I prefer to use the King James Version exclusively, and she does not. Not a deal-breaker for this book, but just a preference of mine.
I especially enjoyed Jenna’s comments on adoption, where she talks about how birth can be “unplanned” but there is no way for an adoption to be unplanned, therefore it is an excellent analogy for what God does with us. We cannot “accidentally” join God’s family – it is planned, and we are loved!
“Beautiful” is redefined according to how GOD sees us – not how others see us. And this is an excellent thing for all our daughters to learn.
Get a copy at Amazon.com
Preview:
Well. I have put together two chicken pot pies, put the remaining chicken on to boil to make broth, and mixed up the snickerdoodle dough.
Rachel has made a vegetable lasagna, some chocolate cookies, and a lemon cake (all without recipes).
I’m pausing to feed Sarah… then the snickerdoodles will FINALLY get made!
…or so they say! But the one at which we ate yesterday had none.
Therefore, today, I am making snickerdoodles! LOL!
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