New Every Morning

Day 23-25

2012-01-12T12:52:00.004-06:00

Day 23

Today we traveled to Kansas City. We are flying out to Pennsylvania bright and early tomorrow morning, so we are staying in a really cool motel tonight.

My Daddy and Mommy don't take me out to eat very often, but when they do, they always want to try some Bar-B-Q restaurant. I guess that's fine, but I'd be happy if we always went to McDonalds, cause my favorite is french fries and ice cream.

Tonight, we stopped Gates Bar-B-Q for supper.

They actually have pretty yummy food there. (except their sausage, that's not the best) I like the Turkey best, and their fries are OK. ….just not as good as McDonalds fries.

Their sandwiches are so huge, that Daddy, Mommy, and I had them for supper and breakfast.

After Gates, we went to our motel. I was pretty sleepy, but when we walked in the room, I had to deprive myself of sleep for a little longer.

There was this huge couch,

a really neat little fridge that was just my size, a safe, and lots of drawers that Mommy actually let me open. I guess it was because they were mostly empty. :(

Later a strange lady knocked on our door and brought a play pen for me to sleep in. I didn't like it at all. I don't know why people think I want to sleep in strange beds.

Day 24

Today I woke up at about 4:30.

Daddy and Mommy were already up, eating leftover sandwiches out of the fridge and packing our luggage so that we could go to the airport.

When we finally got to the airport and got on our plain, I got to sit on Daddy's lap for part of take-off. I liked to look out the window at the sunrise, and I especially enjoyed not being in a carseat.

I barely took a nap at all today, and after a layover and another flight, we got to see my Pappa and Nanna.

First we went to see Uncle Ryan and Tia Mandy. They have a 'fragile' (whatever that means) nativity that I played with for a little bit. We couldn't stay for very long though, because it was pretty late.

I've never been to Pappa and Nanna's house before today either. They have lots of stuff that I've never seen before. I'm having fun trying to use Nanna's Lysol cleaner, (even though Mommy took it away, rinsed my mouth out, and called Mr. Poison Control – can anyone tell me who that is?) and trying to build a huge fire in the fireplace for Pappa. Daddy and Mommy won't let me have the matches, so I just have to throw stuff in the fireplace and poke at it with the coal scoop.

Day 25

Today is Christmas Day, but we aren't officially celebrating until my Uncle John and Tia Aytha get here. In case you're wondering, I say Tia, because I'm a full blooded, one quarter Hispanic. I don't know what that means, but I think it sounds pretty good.

This morning we went to Beavertown God's Missionary Church. I've never been there before either, (except when my parents visited shortly before I was born, of course). My Daddy and Mommy used to go there when they went to school in Pennsylvania. I really liked that church, but I couldn't even run away from Daddy and Mommy, because there were so many people. We never have that many people at our church.

Afterwards we got to take a tour of the new church they are building. I got to drag a bucket around that made a really loud scraping noise, and play with small bits of building materials that fell on the floor. Mommy's favorite part was the place where the mail boxes are going to be. I think she kinda misses working at the church, that is she did until she saw the gigantic bathrooms. She doesn't really miss cleaning bathrooms. Course, if we cleaned the church, I'd clean the bathrooms for her. I do a really good job of cleaning lots of stuff with the toilet brush, (when I can sneak it out of its holder) and I can splash water in the toilets pretty good, too.

Tonight was one of the best parts of Advent ever. Some of the kids at Beavertown played music and sang. Probably my favorite part was when the pretty little girl played a violin. I like to play music very much, and I can't wait til Daddy and Mommy let me play at church.

Then after the music,

everyone stood around the outside of the pews and held candles while we had prayer.

It was so pretty!

I got to help Mommy hold her candle,

until I tried to touch the fire. Then she wanted to hold it far away.

Well, I'm officially finished with my Advent writings. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update. If your aren't a 14 month old little boy, you probably have no idea how busy I am. I just don't have time to sit down and write much these days.

Having said that, my Mom says that I still have to write about our Christmas celebration with Pappa, Nanna, and all the rest of my Mommy's family, as well as our Christmas here at home. Keep watching for my final Christmas blogs.

Day 14-23

2011-12-21T08:38:00.010-06:00

It's been a while since I posted. I'm sorry, but my Mommy has been keeping me rather occupied for several days. Quite by accident, she found out that I am ready to be Potty Trained. I have mixed feelings about the matter, because she will frequently swoop in out of nowhere and take me off to the bathroom. Sometimes she interrupts my play time, and that's not fun. The positive side of it is that we get to read books a lot more. While I sit on my little potty chair, Mommy reads to me about farm animals. I'm learning to imitate cats, dogs, donkeys, pigs, and horses. I'm also keeping my diapers dry for a long time.

I'm growing up way faster than my Daddy and Mommy think I should. ...but I don't think Mommy minds that I'm not using so many diapers now. Daddy thinks it's pretty neat, too, especially since he can hardly keep from passing out when he changes diapers.

Day 14

Today my mommy didn't feel very good, so we didn't really do much of an activity.

We listened to the second part of the Adventures in Odyssey story from yesterday,

and Mommy let me play with the Christmas beads for a little while.

She kept trying to get a picture of me,

but I was an elusive little stinker.

Day 15

Today we made homemade Chocolate Ice Cream. We were supposed to make snow cream, but we still don't have any snow.

First we mixed up the ingredients in the blender.

I used to be scared of the blender, back when I was little.

Then we put the custard stuff into this nifty little machine.

I watched it for a while to make sure no-one got into the ice cream before it was done.

Sometimes you need to blow on food before you eat it. I'm not sure why.

All the blowing must have helped, cause this tastes just right.

Day 16

Today was our Church get together.

How cool is this? My Mommy let me run the mixer. It tickled my hand and made me laugh.

We were making topping for vegetable pizza.

I didn't really like how it tasted, but it sure was fun to make.

Besides being able to steal all kinds of food off Great Grandma's plate,

my favorite part of the evening was playing.

My Birthday Buddy, Payton was there. I was born on his 5th birthday,

so he's all grown up already.

Day 17

Today we did Christmas at Grandpa and Grandma Davolt's house.

We don't have real snow, but I got to play with this snowman.

I also got to help Dad and Grandpa fix this tractor.

Mostly, Daddy just held me, because he didn't want me to work in the grease. I guess that's just how it is when your 1 year old - everybody tells you what you can and can't do. Sigh, I can't wait 'til I'm 5.

I got to open some neat presents. Grandpa and Grandma got me some John Deere stuff, and Uncle Harel got me a bunch of Mega Blocks.

Uncle Harel was really tired because he just changed from working nights, to working days, so he went to bed. the rest of us men sat in the sitting room and talked and read the newspaper.

Day 18

Today was our Christmas Program at Church. Mommy forgot her camera, so she didn't get any pictures of me all dressed up. I didn't get to sing or anything, but I did get a bag of chocolate afterwards. In case I haven't already told you, Chocolate is my favorite.

After Sunday night church, my Daddy and Mommy made Sopapillas. They taste really good with brown sugar and milk.

Daddy and Mommy ate them with honey, but I'm not old enough to eat honey yet.

Day 19

Today we had friends coming over for a visit,

so Mommy and me made some scones and coffee.

They surprised us when they got here with some treats and tea that they had made.

So we had a party.

Afterwards the girls and I played while our Moms visited.

We always like it when they come to visit.

Day 20

Today we all built stuff together out of my new blocks from Uncle Harel.

Daddy and I built this chair that had wheels on it.

Daddy let me ride on it.

I think Daddy is anticipating the crash of this Giraffe.

Mommy helped me a little bit with this Robot.

Day 21

Today we went to help a lady clean her house.

She gave me this Teddy bear for Christmas. It's fur feels really soft and fuzzy.

Then after Daddy got home from work, we made Chocolate milk shakes.

Day 22

I'm pretty sure Mommy is running out of ideas, because we keep having treats instead of doing Activities.

But that's OK, because I really like food.

P.S. Please take my survey along the sidebar. Look for my final Advent post and survey answers sometime around New Years. We are going to be really busy Celebrating Jesus' birthday for the next week, so I probably won't update again until then. Merry Christmas, and don't forget Jesus in all of your celebrations.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-20T19:19:00.005-06:00

Just wanted to wish all our friends and family a Merry Christmas! I didn't do so well with getting cards out this year.

Notice how Wylie had to close his eyes for this one. :)

Admiring Grandpa and Grandma D's Christmas tree.

We will plan to have the little boy back to posting, perhaps tomorrow. Meanwhile, take his opinion poll along the sidebar. Check back sometime around New Years to find out what all he got for Christmas.

Day 9-13

2011-12-15T12:33:00.005-06:00

Day 9

Today Mommy made me take a nap while she made play dough for me. She usually makes me take at least two naps every day, but today, I wanted to stay up and help her cook, but she wouldn't let me. She says I'm to young to use the stove.

The play dough was pretty fun, because I could do all kinds of stuff with it. I didn't think it tasted very good, but it was fun to make pound on and stab at with my fork.

In this picture I'm beating it with my hands, like Mommy beats bread dough. ...only she gets to use the big huge mixer. I want to use the mixer, but she won't let me.

I got a little grumpy because Mommy didn't like for me to throw the dough down on the carpet.

This thing doesn't work like my big marble rolling pin! Hmmm... maybe I should've asked for that one.

Day 1o

Oops... we got to busy today! Mommy forgot to pull out our advent activity until I was already in bed, so we just put it off for today.

Day 11

Today is Sunday. ...another big day for me. This morning I went to sleep in church because I just couldn't take sitting still for another minute. Daddy and Mommy don't mind if I fall asleep in church, but they were sad about it this morning, because I did it on purpose. (I don't ever go to sleep on purpose!!) They are afraid I don't like church. Actually, I wouldn't mind church if I could get up and play the piano like Daddy does, or go up front and have everyone's attention for the whole service. I can sing pretty good, too, so I don't understand why I can't stand up front and wave my arms at everyone to tell them how to sing.

One good thing that came from sleeping this morning is that during prayer and testimonies tonight, my Daddy let me come up front with him. That was so much fun. I'm not sure if I'll get to do it again though, because I caused to much of a disturbance. I made faces at everyone while they testified and talked when it got quiet. I kept trying to get the mic and Daddy kept making it move away from me. I thought that was a fun game, but I don't think Daddy thought it was so fun.

Mommy says I was a clown, (whatever that is) so I'm not sure if they'll let me go up front any more or not.

Since we missed yesterday's activity, we did lots of fun things today.

I had my own dish of ice cream, and I shared a little bit of it with Daddy.

This activity was a little weird. We were supposed to make a snowman, and since we don't have any snow, (I have no idea what snow even is) we each had to come up with an idea for one section of the snowman.

Daddy used the big exercise ball. Mommy teased Daddy about using something so original, but I thought it was a great idea. Mommy stuffed a coat with pillows for his clothes, and I used another ball for his head. I guess I kind of copied Daddy's idea, but he didn't mind.

I didn't really like the snowman, because when I tried to play with him, he just fell over in a heap.

Daddy and Mommy made some caramel corn, and I helped eat it. Once I found an un-popped kernel, but I gave it back to Daddy so that he could re-pop it. He just threw it away.

This is the shelf where some of my toys belong. Mommy and Daddy thought I took them too literally when they said to clean the shelf up. For some reason they think a clean shelf means to put all the toys on the shelf, not take them off. I think it looks much cleaner without them, what do you think?

This is my other clean shelf.

Day 12

I loved today's activity. Mommy had just put fresh clothes on me right before she gave me this powdery stuff that she said was like snow, only not cold. It smelled funny too, kind of like babies smell.

It was so fun! Can you tell? I swirled it up into big puffs of white, perfumed clouds. I didn't know that snow was so sneezy.

I was pleased with my hands, they looked like I'd been painting or dry-walling. I wish I hadn't had to wash that off. My pants looked pretty impressive, too.

Even though my clothes were just fresh, we had to throw them into the laundry as soon as I got done playing.

Next time, maybe you can come join me.

Day 14

Today, we listened to the first part of "The Star" on Odyssey. Then Mommy and Daddy took turns reading the Christmas story, while the other one helped me re-enact it with my special nativity.

I think the Angel was supposed to be singing in this picture, but Mommy didn't trick me. I know she was being the angel's voice, because the angel's mouth wasn't moving, but Mommy's was.

Daddy said that they didn't have trains at the first Christmas. Then when I wrecked the engine into the stable, he said that the Christmas story had been derailed.

Mommy thought that was pretty funny, but I'm like my Dad. We are very good at hiding it when we think something is funny. I guess that's just part of being men.

Day 6-8

2011-12-08T12:40:00.008-06:00

Day 6

Today we did more Baking. We needed a few more items to put on our candy plates for the neighbors, church people, etc.

I liked making fudge, because I got to sample lots of chocolate,

test it for texture,

and check out its durability,

I also helped with the cookies by making sure the maraschino cherries were OK. The good ones I ate, and the bad ones ended up on the floor.

When we delivered a plate of candy to Great Grandpa and Grandma, I helped them eat the candy. They didn't seem to mind sharing, especially after I a cried a couple of tears. I'm learning that sometimes even big boys like me have to cry a little to get what they want. Sadly, Daddy and Mommy are on to me, so even though the tears tempt them to spoil me, they put on a tough front and don't give in. Sometimes when I put on an especially good show, I've caught them turning away quickly or hiding a grin behind a hand. I haven't figured out why they do that.

Day 7

This Day was lots of fun. Well, at least after the sirens quit, but that's getting ahead of my story. Every year our little town has a Christmas Parade.

This was my first year to go, because Daddy and Mommy forgot to go last year.

There are lots of neat things to see.

There was this big black dog, that was pretty much as big as an elephant. I thought

it was fascinating. I wish Mommy would have gotten a picture of it, but she was to busy

trying to "capture" every pose and angle of me and Daddy.

It started out with Policemen and Firetrucks. I like the cars and trucks,

but they make this really scary noise.

I cried and cried, and this time it wasn't fake. That noise hurts my ears,

and I can't figure it out. Mommy says its normal to be afraid of what we

don't understand, so I don't feel too badly about crying.

Next came the school marching band, and girl scouts. Then there were floats from the hospital, an assisted living, banks, churches, and some farm business.

I really liked the earth mover. There were two boys up with the driver. If I was up there, I wouldn't have been waving at people, I would have been driving.

Everyone was throwing candy at me, but I couldn't catch it. One man gave me everything that he picked up. He told Daddy and Mommy not to give it all to me before I went to bed. I'm not really sure why he said that, because even though I had already eaten lots at supper time, my belly still had plenty of room left for candy.

The man with the microphone said that somebody named Santa Clause would be taking pictures with kids, but we didn't go. I'm not sure who Santa Clause is, but I hear people talking about how he comes down the chimney. Daddy and Mommy say that Santa tries to take Jesus' place in Christmas, and that we don't believe in Santa. I guess maybe that's why we don't have a chimney at our house. I'm still learning a lot about Jesus, but I guess He doesn't need a chimney or a door. He just wants me to ask Him into my heart.

Day 8

Tonight we went to the little church right down the road from us for their Christmas Program.

It's a mennonite church where some of our really nice friends go.

The girls there give me lots of attention!

There's also a new baby there who is going to be my friend when he grows up. Last night he wasn't my friend very much, because he sat in my Mommy's lap. I'm the only kid allowed to sit there.

Daddy is a little worried about when we have another baby, because he says I might have troubles being jealous. He doesn't need to worry about that though. I'll be fine with a little brother or sister as long as they never sit in Daddy or Mommy's lap.

Later, after Mommy gave the baby back to his own Mommy, I decided he was pretty nice. I think I'll ask Mommy if he can come over and play with me. I'm not sure yet what we'll do, but we might either make our cars swim in the toilet, or climb in the dryer. Whatever we do, I'm sure it will be lots of fun.

Days 2-5

2011-12-05T21:43:00.007-06:00

December 2^nd

Today Daddy, Mommy and I made a starry sky with colored lights and a box. It was pretty neat, but I'm genetically inclined toward a bit of claustrophobia, so I was a little bit hesitant to climb in the box to see the stars. I told Daddy that next time we need a water heater box, then maybe we can all camp out under the stars.

You can't tell much about this picture, but that's me looking at the lights.

December 3^rd

Today was kind of a busy day for us. I needed to help Daddy and some guys from our church with their work on our bathroom sink drain. I had a whole bunch of work carrying tools and giving orders.

We ended up changing the advent project for today. Instead of our original plan, which we weren't quite ready for, we went down to Grandpa and Grandma D.'s house. I got to stay with them for a little while Daddy and Mommy took a date. Then we all went out to eat together.

It was really fun and the food was yummy.

One of my favorite parts of the evening was, getting a bowl of ice cream all to myself.

On top of that, I got to try Daddy and Mommy's pumpkin cheesecake.

I love sugar, in any shape or form.

December 4^th

Today was another busy day for me. Sundays are always a big day, because I have to work really hard to sit still in church. That's really tough, because I am teaching myself to play the piano, and it's difficult to sit in my seat during song service when I should be up front showing Daddy how to play piano. Sometimes when Daddy is preaching, he needs my help. I don't understand why Mommy thinks I need to stay in our row all the time. This Sunday, my buddy, Payton came to church. I like it when he's there, because then we can both go to Sunday school.

After we went home, I fell asleep in my highchair.

Then we played some games and ate a snack.

After Sunday night church we did our Advent Activity.

This was pretty much my favorite so far.

Daddy took a flashlight and made shadow animal faces on the wall.

It was lots of fun, especially when the dogs barked, and the snake hissed. I like my Dad, he's pretty much the best ever!!

December 5^th

Today we made Christmas candy. I love candy. We didn't get to eat it all, because we have to share it with people from church, the lady who carries our mail, our friend that we clean house for, and the garbage man.

Today we just made two kinds – Four Nut Brickle and Peppermint Patties.

My favorite was the Peppermint Patties, because they were dipped in chocolate.

Mommy says that I'm all boy, but when it comes to loving chocolate,

I could give any female a run for her money.

Day 1 - Advent

2011-12-01T12:34:00.007-06:00

Hi, today is December 1^st. This is the day we start the Advent Calendar at our House. First, I guess I should introduce myself. I'm the littlest Davolt at our house, at least for now. Probably I'll have a brother or sister in like 5 years, and I won't be the littlest Davolt anymore. ...anyways, back to the Advent Calendar.

Mommy and Daddy and I will be doing Advent activities, counting down the days till Christmas. Mommy says that we probably won't ask Daddy to do all the activities with us, because he'd probably be happier not to have to do things like color Christmas Cards, which was our activity for today. Actually it was one that I would have been happy to opt out of as well, since I really wasn't allowed to do it the right way. See, Mommy says that crayons aren't edible. When she said that, I got kinda upset, because I couldn't find out for myself. She tells me that I shouldn't throw tempers, and Daddy says things like, “That boy needs Jesus.” I guess I'll have to grow up a little more before I understand what he means by that, but if Daddy says so, I guess it must be true.

Anyways, back to the subject at hand. The reason I am blogging today, is because my Mommy isn't very good at it. She goes in spurts where she blogs several posts, then she gets sidetracked by dust, laundry, me and Daddy, cooking, or a good book. She said I could give it a try, so I guess I'll see if I can fit it into my schedule. Don't be surprised if I have to turn it back over to her. I have a lot to do these days, especially with Christmas right around the corner. The Christmas tree needs re-arranged, my toys need re-organized, the windows need to have hand designs, my clothes need to be dirty so Mommy can have something to wash, and trash needs taken out, (Daddy and Mommy do it the hard way by taking the bag clear out to the big garbage can. I just empty it onto the floor.)

Anyways, keep an eye on our blog. Between Mommy and me, we'll try to update it with our Advent activities, at least once a week.

P.S. If you have any great kid friendly Advent ideas, feel free to let us know. This card idea of Mommy's has me concerned. I hope it gets better, cause this is going to be an awfully long 25 days if it doesn't.

This is one of the all to few chances that I got to taste my crayons.

They aren't as good as chocolate, but they were OK. ...I just wish

I could have had a better opportunity to really find out if I like them or not.

I wasn't sure about coloring at first. I liked it better when the crayons

turned into animals and started moo-ing and meow-ing.

A tiny sample of my artwork.

Learning Cube.

2011-09-18T17:19:00.010-05:00

Becoming a mom, is all about learning! One of the big lessons that I've been learning (by trying to read, etc.) is on teaching kids. Yes, I know, my little boy isn't even a year yet, but this is one of the most intense learning periods in his little life. Twelve months ago, he knew nothing but warmth, darkness, and the voices of mommy and daddy. Suddenly, everything is new to him. E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.

So, since he has an innate need for learning, I am learning too. Learning how to teach. I find that I need some sort of structure to keep me on track. I have no desire to push my little guy beyond what he is capable, but at the same time, I want to provide plenty of challenges and opportunities.

Here are the 6 sides of our "Learning Cube." 1. God 2. Literature (Poems and books) 3. Music 4. Play (Exercise and activity) 5. Sign Language 6. Words (which right now includes Number's, colors, etc.)

Many of my ideas come from blogs, websites, books, or the advice of friends and relatives.

I'm sure most of these thoughts are ideas that most of you mom's retrieved from your own brains, but mine is not always that creative. ...feel free to share your ideas in the comments.

#1. God is the most important being that I can ever teach my children about! Teaching about God can be a bit intimidating, but here is what we are doing.

During my own personal devotions, I will read small selections aloud, so that my little boy can hear them. Throughout the day Daddy and I take opportunities to tell him about God. I frequently remind him that Daddy and I love him, and that Jesus loves him even more. Before all meals we pray. Especially at lunch time, I try to fit in a little "prayer lesson." Which, basically, is just a short prayer thanking God for the food, but also taking time to be grateful for the little things that we tend to forget - crisp air blowing through open windows, birds singing, and such. In the evening, we have family devotions, with Daddy reading out of a Bible story book. When he goes to bed, we pray that he will serve Jesus, every day of his life, and that God will start to plant that desire even now.

2. Literature is so powerful. The website Brightly Beaming Resources has been a great help to me in the literature department. She gives lots of ideas for good kid's books. This week we are reading the following books: You are Special, by Max Lucado, (So far, all the Max Lucado children's books that I can remember reading have been excellent!) Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney. Piggies, by Don Wood. The Little House, by Virginia Lee Burton. A Child's Garden of Verses, by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Most of these books I am planning to read from every other day throughout the next week. But You Are Special is such a great little book, that I am reading it daily. I am also trying to read a poem from A Child's Garden of Verses every day, as well.

The library is a great place to find these books and pretty much any of the books from the list provided at Brightly Beaming Resources. If you have a small library like we do, you may have to use Interlibrary loan. For us it is free, which makes it such a great resource.

3. Music. Wow, I don't do so good here. We have Lullaby CD's in English and Spanish. We also listen to some Gaither music as well some Josh Groban and other similar style music.

4. Play. My baby plays at things like climbing up his high chair, swinging from the table edge, and climbing into the bath-tub and more normal/safe things like 'brrrr brrrm-ing' his cars around, and 'reading' or tearing books. But we try some more learning based play too, while mommy is cooking in the kitchen, when he get's to 'help' stir and such.

Other times we go to the park. This week, hopefully, we will be taking a "nature walk." Mostly learning about (i.e. playing with and chewing on) sticks and stones. :)

5. Sign language. Basically, it helps baby be able to express wants and needs that otherwise they couldn't. This week we are working on Yellow, because that's the color we are going to be talking about for the next while. We are also working on Daddy and Mommy. These are just things that I sign while saying them. If he learns them, great, if he doesn't, no big deal.

6. Language. Right now we are just working on numbers by saying 1-2-3 before we change clothes, take an un-wanted bite of peas, or something.

Yellow is the color we are working on, because he seems to favor that over other colors. Basically, I have a little bucket of yellow toys for him to play with, and I show him the different ones and tell him that it is, "yellow." Throughout the day, if we run across something yellow, I'll reinforce it then too. We also work on the names of toys, (like duck, train, etc.) and body parts(we are currently working on nose).

It might seem like I'm pushing learning on him too much, but basically, I'm doing the same subtle teaching that all mom's do. It's not a strict structure at all. We just learn as the opportunity presents itself. The 'structure' is basically for a mommy who needs some sort of outline.

He's a mirror...

2011-09-13T20:14:00.002-05:00

As a new mom I spend lots of time thinking, wondering, and praying about how to ensure that my boy grows up to be a Christian. More than anything, I want my entire family to make it to heaven!! I don't even want it to be an option, yet I realize that I can't make the choice for them. I have prayed for guidance, read books and articles, observed others, and talked to parents who were successful with raising good Christian kids. There are several things I have learned about proper child raising, and there are loads and bushels more to learn.

This evening I was reading a guest post on Lindsay's blog. I know there are many other things that are important as well, such as family devotions, solid biblical training, consistent discipline, prayer, etc. etc., but this little article was a great reminder that my kids are watching.

- The Best Way To Teach Our Children.

Labor Day

2011-09-06T15:48:00.005-05:00

My sweetheart rarely gets holidays off, so for Labor day we just planned a little family fun for after he got off work. Initially we were planning to go to the park and cook out, but a little issue came up, and we were prevented from doing that. (Long story short, I was baking pumpkin bread right before we were going to leave, and it took 2 hours to bake instead of 45 minutes. ...and still ended up gooey. Somewhere in the baking process, the bread fell, so it was pretty much a hopeless cause.)

When things don't go as planned, make new plans!

We went to the park anyways, and took along our ice cream cones.

Peanut isn't typically allowed to have ice cream, (for a number of reasons) but

this time we let him have a baby bite or two.

The park was unusually populated, so we only stayed long enough to eat our ice cream and play on the slides for a little while. The slide picture will have to be omitted. :/ If you must know, I'm getting too old for slides! ...and an 'old' momma skidding crazily down a slide with a baby is not a cool picture. Especially when that mommy bit her tongue just seconds before the picture was taken. Yeah, not a great picture.

Summer-ish stuff...

2011-09-02T20:20:00.005-05:00

Please don't try to match the pictures with the comments under them, 'cause they won't necessarily match. Then on the other hand, some of them will.

One of Peanut's favorite places.

...another favorite place

He pretty much needed this haircut.

Isn't he handsome!

Besides a haircut, Wylie has been pulling many new stunts: climbing all over the place, playing in the toilet, falling headfirst into the (empty) bathtub, banging on the piano, screaming in church, and talking, talking, talking.

Most of the time when he talks, he's just imitating whatever he's heard, like Bibo (Bible), Deesus (Jesus), ameh (amen), and buh (book). There have been some times, however, that he seems to know what he's talking about. For example, he has said kee-kee-kee du-du-du kee-kee-kee then picked up his ducky. Since then he has started saying ducky more correctly. Recently he said wa wa when he wanted my water, and Wa wa after I called him by name.

So yeah, I like to brag on our kid a little.

This is his Nine and a half month pictures. (I know, it's not real traditional to have 1/2 month pictures :)

He didn't know about the hat.

I'd say it had to stay, he'd say it had to go. This is pretty much what we got.

Just Because...

2011-07-26T20:45:00.006-05:00

...I feel the need to share pictures of this very handsome little boy of ours.

I know they're a bit repetitive.

...but does that even matter?

He's such a dreadfully cute child?

Please don't anyone feel offended.

Your baby is adorable too!

But then, we're all just a wee bit prejudiced aren't we?

When it comes to our own children, that is.

Anyway, I think he's simply adorable!!

PrioritiZe

2011-05-10T20:02:00.007-05:00

Do you ever find yourself feeling like you don't have enough time in the day to get everything done? Do you ever find yourself resenting your baby's cries? Do you ever find yourself envying your husband's 9-5 job, or women who can hire the housework done?

I have. (Well, I can't say I'd want my husbands job. He has to come home and prepare sermons on top of his 7-4 job.)

Life is flying by and it seems like all I do is wash laundry, change diapers, wash dishes, sweep floors, and start the cycle all over again. In spite of that, I still have spider webs, dust, and clutter in every room. Nearly every afternoon (if not morning), I stress out. I haven't gotten all the cleaning done yet, and my husband is going to be home soon. I really want to have a clean house for him. I really want to have a good, healthy meal ready when he get's home.

Over the last several weeks I've been realizing that some things are going to have to change. My baby is crying for my attention way too much, I'm stressed way too often, and I'm impatient with my sweetheart entirely too many times.

Somewhere I've gotten my priorities mixed up. Yes my house is important! But my family is more important. I'd love to have a perfect house, but I know it won't happen. What matters is that my husband and son have time with their wife/mommy. Who cares if I'm embarrassed when somebody drops in and there are toys all over the kitchen floor. What does that matter if my husband can't come home to a peaceful house.

This idea from a Franklin Covey book is what I've been trying to use to help prioritize my day.

Urgent/Important

Baby Crying

Husband's Phone calls

Water Bill

Not Urgent/Important

Devotions

Couple time

Devotions and play time with Baby

Personal time

Exercise

Planning

Recipes/Cooking

Cleaning

Writing

Some Phone Calls

Not important/Urgent

Some Phone calls

Interuptions

distractions

Not Important/Not Urgent

Facebook

Internet searches

Busy Work

Briefly, this is the idea. I take care of my bill, because for some reason, I let it go til the last minute (procrastination is not a virtue). Then I work on my Not Urgent/Important list. This list is not urgent only because it's not something I have to complete by 7am. It's very important to complete those things, most of them before the day is over. If I'm interrupted by a phone call from my husband or my son crying, I drop everything as quickly as possible. But if I am having devotions and play time with Baby, and I get a phone call from the phone company, Foster Care agency, etc., I have given myself permission to let the answering machine pick it up. That doesn't mean if you call, I won't answer... but if perchance I don't, just leave a message, I will probably call you very soon.

Notice cleaning comes way down the list. That's just a reminder to me that if it doesn't all get finished, it's not the end of the world.

Some things may double up. For example, I might Exercise or write for my personal time. (although right now, baby and I are doing the exercise time together.) DH and I do the weekly planning together, but we try to have some other couple time throughout the week.

The Not Important/Urgent is pretty self-explanitory.

The Not Important/Not Urgent category is for those things that most of us do in the name of 'relaxation.' Did you know that those things often lead to more stress instead of calm? I think they are OK sometimes, but when you do them just to 'escape' the stresses of the day, they rarely work. After all, the cleaning is still there, the baby is still crying, and the laundry is still waiting to be folded.

My floor still needs swept, but dirt will still be there tomorrow. People come first.

We did baby devotions, storybook, and 'picnic' time outside.

Tonight daddy took us to the park. This little man loves the swing!

Red Roots

2011-04-17T19:30:00.008-05:00

There's a new Southern Gospel group, a set of red haired triplets. I really don't listen to music much, but I heard this song recently and now can't quit listening to it. My poor husband is about to go bonkers I think! He says I only like them because they're girls! Don't tell him, but he's wrong! I like them because they're girls, because they're apparently not afraid of getting their hands and boots muddy, because I think they might be a bit of Tom-boys, (which I for sure was growing up), and last but not least, I think they sound super together. ...and I just love this song.

Say its a bit hillbilly if you want, but I love it. I can close my eyes and be a short little girl again walkin' through the woods holding hands with my tall daddy! Him pointing out the Dutchman's britches, teaching me the difference in trees, and showing me the best place to find morel mushrooms.

I really don't like songs that are light and silly in reference to christianity, like "one fry short of a happy meal," etc. (sorry if you like that song! It's just another song that I randomly heard somewhere along the way, know nothing about the group! ;). ...so I really love how this song uses analogies in a good way! ...or maybe I just think it uses them in a good way, cause it touches my country roots. Anyway, I love it.

Chosen!

2011-03-25T09:28:00.006-05:00

This morning I've been thinking how amazing it is that my husband chose me! ...out of all the ladies in the world that he could have chosen, he picked me! Isn't that amazing? Then I started thinking about how God chose my husband for me, and me for my husband. If that isn't wonderful enough, He chose a very special little boy to bless our home. I love the feeling of being chosen!

However, that's not the end of the story. The best 'chosen' of all, is that God chose me, before the beginning of the world.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the

world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Perfection for instant coffee (if you must drink it)

2011-03-23T12:57:00.002-05:00

1 cup hot milk

instant coffee granules added to your flavor

sugar

cream

= delightful

add a hot muffin, coffee cake, or scones, and you've got pretty near perfection!

My hope is built on nothing less...

2011-03-14T00:10:00.004-05:00

Call me a bad mommy, call me lazy, call me a coward, whatever but I still haven't found out how to properly balance devotions, spending quality time with my love, taking care of my dear sweet baby, house cleaning, various foster children coming in and out for several day stays, etc, without being overwhelmed with stressful moments, hours and weeks. ...if you did call me one of those names, I'd have to agree, I shouldn't still be overwhelmed. I should be supermom by now!! (Oh how I wish I was.)

In the midst of the stress that I've 'succumbed' to, I've found it extremely easy to get discouraged by little things going on around me. Frankly, I'm more or less tired of all the doom and gloom going around. (At this very moment, I'm about to declare a facebook-fast. :)

The bad news is, not only have I succumbed to the stress, I've found myself getting caught up in all the dreariness. I don't keep up much with the news, but little titles like, "Tsunami Scenes in Japan 'Apocalyptic'" and "Watch out, the nuclear reactor is going to swallow you and your children while you sleep!" are really getting to me. OK, so I made the last one up, but you get the point. :)

I believe in the Bible and everything it says, including things about the end times, but I don't believe it says anything about being dreary and down in the mouth. I believe that we need to have a positive outlook. We can't go around all the time saying, "O this looks bad, pal, really bad!"

Just as a little side note, there's two types of doom and gloomers, the monotone puppy eyed type who say "Oh no, I think the worlds coming to an end, let's go hide under the couch" and those who are delighted by scaring themselves and others with a giddy, "Oh look guys, monsters are coming out of the sea, the sky is teetering, and I think the world is just to blow up, isn't that just smashing?!"

I was reading through this song tonight. I think it put's it very well!

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
- Refrain:
  On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
  All other ground is sinking sand,
  All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

This week my goal is to simplify. The house is fairly well caught up, and we have a simple menu planned. I want to take this week to draw closer to God through extra time in prayer, devote time to my husband, give a little extra attention to our baby, and take a semi-vacation from dramatic news articles and face book, and maybe blog a little more.

And in case I sounded like a doom and gloomer while trying to make light of that very thing, here's a little something that should brighten any day.

Cleaning.

2011-03-08T11:38:00.007-06:00

I have this problem... with cleaning. Last week we went for a little jaunt to Indiana (I was gonna share the details, but then realized that they pertain not one iota to my cleaning). So anyways, I always have to have a clean house before going on a trip. Which means, sometimes my packing suffers. Now when I say, "clean house," I don't necessarily mean perfect - cause that doesn't happen. It just has to look decent when I walk in the door - tired, road weary, and completely not in the mood for cleaning.

So before we left, the house was pretty much clean. Then on the way home, I got sick, bleh. Then Wylie get's sick, bleh. (He still is, bleh.) So anyways, for the last few days, I've spent a lot of time either crashed on the couch, or trying to tote a 5o pound child while washing dishes and sweeping floors. (He really doesn't weigh 50 pounds except for when you are trying to multi-task)

I said all that to say this. My house is a MESS! Right now! Presently. Today.

I have company coming on Friday. My brain gets a little wacko when this happens. I jump from one task to the next, never completely finishing the first. The sheets have to be changed, so I take the old ones off, and don't put new sheets on. Then I decide to wash a load of clothes. I pick up a few things off the living room floor. Then I make a bed in the kid's room. Before I know it, I've run all over the place doing all kinds of stuff and nothing looks any different. I HAVE to make a list! ...instead I'm blogging. :)

One room at a time!!! That's what I gotta do.

My other issue is that I like to have all my dishes washed and the kitchen floor swept or I have a hard time working on the rest of the house. Do dishes ever get done? Is the kitchen floor ever clean? No! So today I was talking with my DH who was at work, and he came to the rescue! He says, "You probably aren't gonna like this but..." (can you tell he thinks I'm a little hard headed? well, I am.) He says, "Why don't you leave the bed un-made, and only wash the dishes once, like after supper." And guess what, I think I'm going to take his advice. It's good! I love my husband.

On wasting time...

2011-02-10T10:22:00.002-06:00

This morning I was thinking of participating in an activity. Basically, it was a waste of time. Not something that I thought was necessarily wrong, just maybe not the best use of my time at the moment.

While I was thinking about it, I remembered that I had not yet read my Bible for the day. I said to myself, “I'll go have my devotions, then maybe I can waste some of my God-given time.” I don't even know why I said it that way, because that sure isn't my typical way of talking! But when I thought about that again, it didn't seem to be something to be looked at so flippantly. Anything God gives us is special, and not to be looked at lightly! ...not to say we can't have fun, but I sure want to look at things in a light of how I can be a better steward of what God has given me, whether it be time, money, family, or friends!

A Toaster and a Burgular

2011-02-03T15:30:00.002-06:00

I'm what you might call a paranoid person. If I'm by myself and get in the car at night, I turn the dome light on and check the back seat. ...even if the door was locked! If I had suitcases in the back seat, I'd probably take the time to un-zip them just to make sure there are no people in there!

If my husband is away overnight, I make the rounds through the house. I look e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. Under the tables, behind furniture (even behind the couch which has a guitar behind it, so no-one can fit there), under our low-to-the-floor bed, in showers, pantry, and closets! I even check to make sure the door leading up-stairs (which is only used as storage) is still locked! ...then I go to bed. I read 'til way late – sometimes 2:00 am, just to make sure I can sleep soundly. But, before going to sleep, I'll probably get up again just in case I forgot to lock our doors. ...of course the next day I feel like a zombie, but hey, I was safe!

Anyway, I said all that to say... I'm paranoid!! This morning at six o'clock I'd just seen my husband off to work. I was doing something around the house when I heard a strange noise -like someone trying to open or bang on the screen door! Of course, paranoia kicked into high gear! Who in the world would be trying to get into my house at 6:00am? I tip-toed to the door, hesitantly flicked on the porch light, and peered through the blinds. No-one! Hmmm... Without opening the door, I tried to look and see if someone was hiding close along the side of the house. Nothing. Finally, I went back to my work, but was still puzzling as to what it might have been. As I went back over to the counter, I passed the toaster, where my well browned piece of bread was patiently waiting. ...then I realized! When my toaster popped the toast up, it rattled – like a screen door! So much for early morning exitement.

I have a confession...

2011-02-01T09:36:00.009-06:00

I am a square box.

I am married to a square box.

We are parents to a baby square box.

Sometimes we keep medium sized, round, bouncy, very un-boxes in our square box home. They do not fit in boxes. They do not squeeze into boxes. They break boxes! On the rare occasion when I do manage to start to cram them partially into a box, they wiggle, bounce, and scream their way out!

HELP!! Round bouncy things do not fit into my square box mold!

Square (skwair)

1. one who is attached to routine or habit

P.S. I'm not in any way implying that I don't like other's in my home! ...it's just that we occasionally do foster care, and more often than not, the children are from a completely different "raising and background" than I know how to deal with!

2011-01-14T10:52:00.052-06:00

Sometimes I catch myself thinking: "Why can't I have a nicer couch? Why can't I have wood floors? Why can't I have straight walls, or amazing carpet, or beautiful curtains, or, or, or...

Then I catch myself! I mentally reach around, grab my collar, and give myself a real good shake! What in the world am I thinking?!?!

I have a wonderful husband! He works soo hard so that I can stay home and take care of our son, and so that he can afford to pastor. He loves me so much and spoils me like no other! He does without so that we can raise our son with all the care and attention he needs, and so that I can end the day without being thoroughly exhausted.

He's getting ready to start big project with a couple of friends. Not because he has time, but because he he doesn't want to become lazy, and he wants to contribute to the church.

Joe David, I love you so much, and am sooo proud of you!

He is an amazing Daddy to our darling little man.

I have a super-duper little boy! He is so sweet! (and only occasionally throws some gigantic fits! :) ...and no, this particular picture is not of a temper tantrum, just a cute little pout)

I love this smile! ;)

I'm a bit biased, but this child is just so stinkin' cute. Before long I'm going to have to quit saying that. I wouldn't want a proud little boy!!

How could I think about the things I 'don't have'? All of the sudden I'm so grateful for that I have that super long couch. It doubles well as a nice comfortable bed if the house has an extra visitor, and our occasional foster kids can't hurt it when they come and jump on it. (before I can catch them and remind them that jumping on furniture is not acceptable) The walls sure look better when I hang that picture. The carpet is brown, and really that goes nicely with most things! ...it could be orange, and, and, and, and....!

I am so blessed!

Thank you Lord for the most important things in life: Jesus Christ, love, family and blessings beyond compare!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T20:21:00.006-06:00

It wasn't Christmas yet, and I knew that, but my baby was crying. We were in the hospital, it was the middle of the night, and I needed a song. I don't even necessarily care for the song normally. But I was singing it to my baby boy that night.

...Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

….Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

….Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

As I sang the bits and pieces from my memory's sketchy “Christmas song file,” I felt a kindred spirit with Mary as I rocked my little one.

How strange to think that the baby Jesus, small and human, just like my baby, was born to save the world -was born to die.
I hugged my tiny baby a little tighter that night, and thanked God for loving the world enough to let His Son come to earth.
Being a momma gives a whole new light to God's love for us!

My friend Liz brought this verse to my attention during one of our discussions....

Isaiah 66:13a "As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you;”

Very similar to my love for my son, is God's love for me.... Only so much greater!

I hope this Christmas, I can have more of God's love for others!

Merry Christmas, and may you find a new realization of God's love this Happy Season!

Wylie Joe David Davolt

2010-11-01T19:56:00.010-05:00

He finally arrived! Our little boy was born on the 20th, and we are the happiest parents ever!

So far Wylie has had quite the busy life...

Making momma cry. (Only cause he was so precious!)

Being admired by daddy!

Sleeping

Meeting both sets of grandparents!

(well, this isn't the actual point in time where he met

either set of Grandparents, but he did meet them his first

day on earth!)

Being dedicated with lots of family around...

Meeting sweet little cousin Tryke, who, by the way, is only 2 days younger.

Enjoying Great Grandma Davolt's baby doll cradle.

Meeting future buddies, Isaiah and Joshua at the baby shower.

Being held by a wonderful nurse who helped deliver him!

Bonus picture! ...just because I love these shoes.

..... Wylie is named after Daddy, Grandpa Joe, and Grandpa Tim. Daddy and Grandpa J. are both named Joe David, (Wylie's two middle names) and Grandpa T's middle name is also David. Wylie is just an old western name that we both really liked.

Dixie Pork

2010-09-27T19:42:00.021-05:00

This is a very 'fallish' dish, and I must say, one of my very favorite pork chop recipes.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2-4 Pork Chops
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sage (optional)
2 apples, cored and sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup hot water
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry pork chops on each side until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish, reserving the drippings in the skillet. Cover pork chops with apple slices and sprinkle with sugar.
Stir the flour into the fat in the skillet until smooth. Whisk in the water and vinegar. Simmer over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until thick. Pour over the pork chops. Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
Bake for 45-60 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove the aluminum foil for the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Serve with mashed potatoes and your choice of a side.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

2010-09-17T16:00:00.001-05:00

1 lb Macaroni
1 lb ground beef
1 pkg taco seasoning

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup

(or you can make your own Cream of Mushroom Soup from the recipe post below)

Cook macaroni according to package directions.
Cook ground beef and drain grease, mix in taco seasoning.
In large pan, stir together, beef, macaroni, and cream of soup. Serves 6
If you wish, you may toss in some grated cheddar. I think it is good without the cheese.

Homemade Cream of Soup

2010-09-17T15:58:00.001-05:00

2 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup milk
1 beef, chicken, or onion bullion

Dissolve bullion in hot water to make broth. Meanwhile melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in flour. As butter and flour thickens, mix in 'broth' and milk. Cook over low heat for a 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Six Useless Tips

2010-09-17T07:01:00.004-05:00

I know this should be called Ten (or Twenty) Useless Tips, just because it's sounds much better, but I'm calling it Six Useless Tips, all for the simple reason that right now, I have only 6 useless tips that I can think of.

1. Put a tiny marshmallow in the tip of a cone before filling it with ice cream, to prevent excess 'drippage'!

2. After cutting an onion, wash your hands with soap and then scrub them with water and a stainless steel spoon. It's some chemistry thing, but don't ask me to explain!

3. In the absence of tweezers, use scotch tape to pull a splinter.

4. Ever get bothered by those Walmart toilets that flush themselves? (usually before you're ready, and rarely when you actually are ready) Take 3-4 sheets of toilet paper, find the eye/sensor, and drape the paper over it until you're ready for the toilet to flush.

5. If you're out of Tylenol or Aspirin, cut a lime in half and rub it on your forehead. (Though if your like me, you definitely are gonna have Tylenol on hand before you have a spare lime laying around!)

6. Add borax to your laundry instead of bleach.

Baby name Review...

2010-07-27T07:25:00.001-05:00

Here's why I like, or don't like these particular names!

Adrian – at first, this was a name that I really liked. (either that or Addison, I can't remember:) Then I mentioned it to my husband and he says, “Nah!” in a very definite tone of voice! ...so I toss aside that name, and in the mean time, decide I really don't want to use it either. Some time later when we're talking about names again, he says, “How about Adrian?” This time it's my turn, so I say, “Nah!” in a very definite tone of voice!

Laramie – this is one of those (few) names that just jumped out at me when I was looking through a name book. It sounds so cute and western, but not so cowboy that it conjurs up images of a cowpuncher with 4 inch heels, a dinner plate belt buckle, and 50 pounds of silver hanging from his saddle. Dear husband and I both love it, but it does seem like a big handle for such a little creature! Hmmm... this one bears some thought!

Ian – I love this name!! This was my favorite for quite some time. It's just so cute and sweet. But, once again – my husband... is that saying enough? He liked it, just not for his boy! Not sure why???

Colt – another of our favorites! It sounds kinda wild and free! Wild as in wind blowing through the trees, a fawn skipping through the meadow, a river flowing through the mountans... not wild as in, scruffy hair, holes in the jeans, riding a motorcycle through your flower garden! (can you tell I dislike motorcycles?)

Wiley – it's just so simple! We like the uncommonness, but not-weirdness of this name. It's simple and pretty old fashioned. I like that! And no! this isn't like Wiley the Coyote! ;) (@Jon Stevens and Harel Davolt) I looked that one up, and it's spelled Wile E. Coyote!

Pierce – I like this name really well, but my husband does not. Enough said there!

Claireborne – this is kinda a long story. My husband and I have each lost a sibling (before they were born) His was Chloe, (said Clo) mine was Claire. Someday we intend to name a little girl Chloe, (but said Clo-ee) and a boy some variation of Claire. Claireborne is the name on the list at this point. I'm not completely happy with the variation, so it may be revised in some way!

Shiloh – I love it! He doesn't!

Graham – It's one of those names you like most of your life, but then it comes right down to it, you're not so sure...

There's the run down, and you still don't know what name we're using. ...or do you?

Just for fun...

2010-06-27T13:09:00.002-05:00

I'm adding a poll along the sidebar. Don't worry, we aren't actually going to let you name our son! In fact, I think we pretty much know what we're naming him. We are down to two options, and are pretty sure which of those two we are going to end up using.

But, just for fun, I'm posting the poll of names for you to vote on. Several of the names are ones that we considered for our boy. ...so, what do you think?

Tomatoes, camera, husband, and baby!

2010-06-22T09:36:00.004-05:00

Good morning from small town Kansas. ...where the sun shines relentlessly, the grass grows a mile a minute, and the tomatoes are finally starting to turn red.

I have been a long time updating my blog for a number of reasons! #1. I'm having camera problems. How can you blog without pictures?? #2. I'm having camera problems. (yes I know I mentioned that twice) I happen to be of the opinion that if you have pictures, you really don't have to say much. You can spout a bit of nonsense and it really doesn't matter as long as there is a picture! I really enjoy blogging, so I MISS my camera!!!

Life at our house has been full of making plans for baby boy Davolt -for whom we are having a hard time agreeing on a name, trying to get into a little better physical condition with healthy diet and exercise, and trying to get into some better and more disciplined habits so that we can balance church work, my husband's job, work around the house, and family/personal time a little more effectively.

Have I ever told you I am married to a very amazing man? ...if not, I'm telling you now! He is fantastic! If you aren't married yet, forget about it. You may have missed your ship. May I take this moment to apologize for claiming the sweetest man on earth!!! I apologize for your sake, not for mine. I'd do it all over again!

I also have the most amazing baby boy on the way. In spite of my husband's sweetness, we do seem to be having difficulty completely agreeing on our baby's name. (How difficult of him!) We aren't arguing, just not agreeing! So here's the part where you make suggestions!

Oh yes, please do not suggest Eustice, Terrel, or Roderick Roy (Rory for short)! Those names have already been suggested by well meaning but totally misled family members! (Just kidding! They were suggested, but only in jest!) ...another name that is not acceptable is Osmosis! Last week, I met a little boy with that name. I mentioned it to family and they thought that would be a great choice! Osmosis Joe David, what do you think? Mom says we could call him Ozzie for short, but Mosis would work as well. Hmmm... nah, I think that one's going to have to be thrown out as well!

Domestically Challenged....

2010-03-15T11:36:00.004-05:00

I was just catching up on my morning cup of coupon blogs when I ran across something to sooth all my "domestic" stress. Heather from Saving Money and Living Life was recounting a tail of her bedroom re-do project.

At the end of her article she stated, "This domestically challenged newlywed always welcomes your input!!!"

Hahaha... I love it! I had to laugh. (silently of course, because there was no one else to share my laugh, and what's the use of actually laughing out loud when you're alone!)

Anyway, back to the story. I realize that I'm slowly inching away from being a newlywed, but I think I will continue to claim that until I can get my house under control!

I'm just wondering, could that be why I replace a doorknob and it won't work? (or was that just due to the fact that I only partially read the all to confusing directions)

Is that why I forget to water my various plants? Or do I just rely to heavily on my 'life guard' plant, whose express purpose in life is to tell me it's time to pull out the watering can, which I forget to do until said plant guard droops lifelessly. The good thing about him is that he revives miraculously within minutes of receiving water. (I could draw a parallel there between men & food, but I won't)

Is that why I have no decorative inspiration for my house... or am I right to blame my lack of ornamental flourish on the crooked walls, paint sealed windows, and bad carpet?

Is that why my bedroom comforter is falling apart already. Or was that just a bad purchase combined with my bad choice to wash it in the machine rather than take it to the dry cleaners?

I don't know, but "This domestically challenged newlywed always welcomes your input!!!"

More Swag Bucks stuff!

2010-02-24T17:07:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow (Thursday the 25th) Swag Buck's is celebrating their birthday by giving away 6 Swag Bucks to new members... This begins at 9 am EST/ 6 am PST. If you have not already signed up, be sure to do so! Just Click Here!

Also, if you get friends to sign up by using your link, you will get matching Bucks for every one of there search and win bucks!

It's pretty neat stuff! I'm getting ready to purchase my 3rd $5 Amazon gift card in the last month - 6weeks. (It take 45 SB to = a $5 Amazon gift card)

Oooops! sorry guys, I guess I misunderstood! Apparently you can only get the six points by signing up at certain points! Sorry about that, all!

Valentines

2010-02-12T10:20:00.006-06:00

I've been so envious of Shari Stratton's creative abilities... I am very aware of my own shortcoming in this particular area and wanted to get a little practice! ...so the other day while at the library, I checked out a magazine called Crafts n Things. They had this cute little card idea and I decided to try my hand at it. Since I had to work with the items (paper and glue) and the tools (plain scissors) that I already had, it turned out quite a bit different.

Unfortunately, I'm not overly impressed with the end results, but at least its a start!

I was planning to give it to DH for valentines. Hopefully he's not to terribly un-impressed with 'Whimsy'!

The outside...

The inside...

Swagbucks

2010-01-15T10:31:00.004-06:00

Swagbucks is a neat new (to me) search engine. You get Swagbucks by searching, recruiting friends, and by finding codes.

You can trade SB's in for numerous different things. Anything from gift cards, to music, to airline credit!

You won't win points for every search, but it all adds up!

I am currently working toward Amazon gift cards.

Join Swagbucks by signing up Here! You get 3 Swagbucks for registering!

Today is MEGA Swagbucks Day!
You can win $1, $2, $3, $5, $1o, $20, $50, $100, or even $500 Swagbucks searching the net today !

Snow!

2009-12-30T10:18:00.008-06:00

This morning when I stepped outside, I almost ruined these cute little footprints.

At the risk of stating the obvious, I'm going to suggest that these were made by a bird.

Our House on a snowy Kansas morning.

My little dog: Monte.

This morning I was giving her food and water.

Since her food dish was covered in snow, I thoughtlessly

tossed the dog food on the clean snow.

Then I noticed how she was having to sniff through the snow to pick it up.

...and since my human heart really is kind,

I generously gave her another can of food on an old plate!

But, of course, she sniffed the plate, turned up her nose, and tip-toed back to the snow-food.

It's so beautiful outside and I couldn't resist trying my hand at something (I think I can safely say) I haven't done in years! Building a Snowman!

(No, this isn't one of my own pictures! :)

I started in the back yard, for fear that the whole community might see me, then the more I thought about it, the more I made my way toward the side yard. Eventually I decided to boldly carry my oversized snowballs to the front porch!

I felt the need to make a statement...

In spite of the fact that I'm scaring 30 like a ghost in an old deserted mansion,

and in spite of the fact that I had to wear my husband's gloves and my

slightly inadequate snow shoes,

and in spite of the fact that I'm a Pastor's wife with no children (and

therefore no excuse to play in the snow),

I can still build a snowman and have fun doing it!

So that's my New Year's resolution! Enjoy life every day!

More Christmas...

2009-12-26T16:31:00.005-06:00

Leading up to Christmas we were planning to spend some quality time in the evenings playing some games.

This game isn't really what I'd call a favorite, but the dear husband wanted to play so I gave it a try. It ended up being pretty fun!

Unfortunately we haven't really played to many more games since then,

up until last night when we were at my in-laws.

Monopoly can get rather lengthy,

But it was fun, other than that I spent several turns...

right here!

Here's the winner's loot.

...and this handsome man is the winner!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T06:52:00.005-06:00

Merry Christmas All!

We enjoyed a very beautiful pre-Christmas reunion with part of our family! Even as short as it was, we had a wonderful time! Baking cookies, eating giant cinnamon rolls, seeing the town Christmas lights, braving the mall, being entertained by Mandy's finger puppet nativity, and sharing memories before opening presents!

The one thing we didn't enjoy,

was missing Jon & Aytha,

and Ryan!

There's a Folger's online add that says it just right!

"You are my present this year!"

Christmas

2009-12-16T12:38:00.006-06:00

A few days ago, dear husband and I made the lengthy journey down to my in-law's in Independence. We occasionally stay for a day and night, and make a little 'vacation' of it! We had a wonderful time going out for breakfast at what could have been 6:00 am... (notice I said "could have been," we ended up making it by 8:30 ish) Then we spent the day thrift-shop-hopping, which we females loved, and the males endured! After several hours of trotting around Bartlesville, we made our way back to my in-law's house.

For supper that evening DH and I were helping my MIL fix enchilada's, spanish rice, refried beans, and punch for the Bible school dorm kids. Of course, being a typical female, my MIL wanted to make it a meal to remember. ...and, being a typical male, my FIL thought she was being to extravagant and would never get everything done on time! I'm not sure who was right or who was wrong, but everything was done on time, and I thought it turned out very nice, though I think we were all a little tired. And in spite of all the typical Davolt comments that were made by the two Davolt boys, they both helped out tremendously!

I said all that to say this...

After all the hustle and bustle was over, and a headache was setting in, I sat down in a recliner near the rotating Christmas tree. As the tree turned, it blurred slowly before my eyes until it became a willowy lady in a long grey winter coat, spinning slowly on one ice skated toe. (what can I say, my mind does funny things while coping with a headache...)

Then I started thinkig.... how I've dreaded the day when my children bring home crafty Christmas ornaments for the tree, like I did as a child. Wondering how I'd come up with some way to hide them among the branches, or maybe help them disappear. Then I looked closely at the tree before me...

and saw the little ornaments, some made by the childhood hands of my dear husband. I didn't see a crafty tree, but a gorgeous tree of memories... overflowing with the love of family.

I distinctly remember the pure pleasure and pride my sisters and I got from decorating the tree with our ornaments! ... and how beautiful we thought the finished product looked!

I knew then that when my future children bring home their crafty ornaments, I will watch with delight as they hang them on the tree. I'll display the tree in a place of prominence for everyone to see when they visit....

Because Christmas is about love!

The finishing touch on my evening was when the tree presented me with this view... as I saw the ornament and what it said, I thought how wonderful it was to be a part of this family!

I quickly ran and got my camera, snapped some pictures, jotted down a mental blog, filed it in the Christmas/family/blog, section of my mind, and went to bed!

What a wonderful day!

Christmas Love

2009-12-10T13:49:00.002-06:00

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless decorating, and even overspending.

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. Our daughter, Holly, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.

For weeks, she'd been memorizing songs for her school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell her I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss her shining moment, I spoke with her teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation.

All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Holly seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my girl's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Holly was aglow, as were all of her classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.

Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his or her portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down -- totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.

In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence... humbled by His love.

Again, HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS SEASON!

~Candy Chand

2009-11-19T08:59:00.000-06:00

Trip to PA

2009-10-30T06:46:00.009-05:00

Practically our whole trip it rained. Then we reached Pennsylvania,

where, of course, it snowed! (at least on one side of the road)

My brother-in-law who was not able to come, sent us all out to eat!

Delicious!

Here is my younger sister and soon to be brother-in-law, enjoying it!

Mom was taking our pictures, but of course not wanting hers taken.

Dear Husband was able to sneak this one, and I think it's beautiful!

Dad and my sister were working on making the famous

"Dutch oven Sticky Buns."

Carrying them inside.

This picture looks sooo.... Dad!

The final product!

A yummy (early) Thanksgiving supper.

Of course my husband can't stand to see good food go to waste!

He had to clean up after the sticky buns.

A few feet from where He asked me to marry him 2+ years ago!

I love my sisters!

On our way from Pennsylvania to Indiana, I was privileged to meet

this little girl (newborn daughter of a friend) for the first time!

We were able to stop over at my Grandma's while in Indiana,

and see lots of aunts, uncles, cousins!

This cousin would have been one of my childhood "moms" when we'd

play house in grandmas upstairs. Now she has two adorable kids

of her own.

The cousin I always got into mischief with as a child!

...and the little girl is a daughter of the cousin from one picture up.

... the handsome little boy of my partner in mischief!

I don't think we got into much trouble... just coloring contests.

Two of my youngest cousins... who are supposed to still be little tiny,

but for some reason aren't! ... and my dear grandma.

I'm not sure what happened to all the other pictures that

I thought I took at grandma's... but we did enjoy seeing a whole

lot of other family there.

My dear sister and brother-in-law let us stay with them in their cozy little

home. Here the boys are perusing pictures of fire engines or some other

such manly pursuit!

The final leg of our journey....

2009-10-03T13:05:00.001-05:00

Some unique pictures... but I kinda like them!

Anniversary celebration....

2009-09-06T08:37:00.002-05:00

Because of my husbands work schedule,

we really didn't have a lot of time to celebrate our anniversary.

So, we tried to do some different things for a few evenings.

A picnic at the river,

going out to eat with the family,

and on his day off, an all day trip to the "big" city!

(well in comparison to our hometown it's big)

2009-09-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

Just a little freezer cooking...

What we've been up to lately...

2009-08-28T08:48:00.005-05:00

Camp meeting...

Day away with the family...

And eating far to much along the way...

and taking random pictures while the boys were off...

Being ridiculous... not sure why other than tiredness.

A tiny little camping trip with just the two of us...

Breakfast...

Getting ready to go home.

As well as (not in picture for obvious reasons :) removing, washing,

and replacing windows, re-arranging furniture, and lots of other

boring stuff that you wouldn't be interested in, but sure is necessary.

2009-08-22T10:28:00.001-05:00

Monday: Wash Day
Tuesday: Ironing Day
Wednesday: Sewing Day
Thursday: Market Day
Friday: Cleaning Day
Saturday: Baking Day
Sunday: Day of Rest

2009-08-16T09:38:00.001-05:00

My sister's "horse farm."

...Second baby in less than a year.

2009-08-12T17:08:00.003-05:00

Here is a very simple, very yummy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.

Breakfast at Campmeeting

2009-08-09T09:20:00.005-05:00

We were just finishing up our breakfast at the dining hall,

when this adorable little fellow walked up.

He wanted our plates.

...says in a quiet as a mouse voice, "You finnised ee-teen?"

It was so cute!

2009-08-08T06:43:00.002-05:00

Leading song service,

and preaching

in the remodeled

Tabernacle at Independence Camp.

More Zucchini

2009-07-25T20:20:00.002-05:00

Sorry for all the zucchini posts... but I have one more that we just tried, and I had to post it. It's called Zucchini in Sour Cream Sauce. We ate it over spaghetti and turkey breast. It's super duper good! ...and pretty healthy, too!

Zucchini

2009-07-23T11:21:00.006-05:00

I've been looking for some ideas for my garden zucchini... these recipes and pictures came from other people's blogs and sites.

I have no idea if Mexican Zucchini Pudding is any good or not... it looks and sounds amazing! But unfortunately for me, I decided to do WW... so I don't get to try it right now. (sad face)

and...

Pineapple Zucchini Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting also a not so diet recipe... however, I think I'm going to make it anyways! ... in moderation of course... banish most of it to the freezer type approach!

Lemon Curd Pavlovas

2009-07-20T11:39:00.006-05:00

2 large egg whites

½ cup sugar

4 t Lemon curd

1/3 cup fat-free sour cream

1 cup Strawberries, Cherries, or Kiwi, chopped

Heat oven to 225°F. Place parchment paper on baking sheet. With mixer on medium, beat eggs until peaks form. Add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat until stiff and glossy. Stir in vanilla.  Pipe meringue onto parchment paper. Bake until slightly colored, about 1 hour. Turn off oven. Cool meringues in oven. Combine lemon curd and sour cream. When meringues cool, make an indentation in the middle of each. Fill with a dollop of lemon curd mixture. Top with fruit.

Makes 10-2 pavlova servings (1 WW pt. per serving)

Strawberry Shortbread Cookies

2009-07-15T18:17:00.009-05:00

Strawberry Shortbread
1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
Strawberries
Sugar to taste
Dream whip, whipping cream, or cool whip

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Add flour. Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls and place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet. Remove from pan.
While shortbread is baking, combine strawberries and sugar. Let set for several minutes to make syrup.
Prepare whipped topping.
Place one cookie on a plate, layer with strawberries and whipped topping. Repeat.

As an alternative to rolling the cookies, you can form all of the dough into one or two long rolls. Refrigerate for 20 minutes, then slice into cookies...

What went wrong?

2009-07-15T18:15:00.001-05:00

This little ear never grew up. Unfortunately too many of

them were too close to this size!

Ochelata Youth Camp

2009-07-15T18:00:00.002-05:00

Our team, minus our co-sponsor (wasn't available at time),

and 4 other kids who had to go home early.

Of course, the kids wanted a goofy picture.

Drew doesn't look too into the goofy business.

Our youngest girl. She was a real sweetie!

Rules for Everyday living...

2009-06-23T10:21:00.001-05:00

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety .. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus .'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

Plants and weeds.

2009-06-23T08:16:00.003-05:00

My poor little garden. I haven't had the time needed to get all the Kansas-Velcro-style grass pulled. As soon as I move on to the next spot it's back again! I tried to take the most weed free pictures possible!

Blurry little tomatoes

A baby squash

A not so baby zucchini plant.

Vacation Bible School

2009-06-23T08:05:00.002-05:00

Our Church joined up with the Scammon Church for VBS. It was a fun, hot, tiring week!

Woolaroc

2009-06-22T14:52:00.007-05:00

A might overdone, but... still impressive!

Pretty little pool beneath a pretty little waterfall.

I must be out of shape! This little trail had me huffin' and puffin' on the way down not to mention going up!

The lake... at the bottom of the trail. Unfortunately they must have felt we would drown. We couldn't go all the way down.

A gereba, zorse, donker... I'm really not sure what. I'm not so up on my animals these days!

I envy this dining room. Even down to the checkered tablecloths.

Thankfully this camera has zoom! I really didn't want to have to tempt those horns.

Not sure who was staying here.

Some sort of creatures. I'm sure I should know what they are... but hmm.. must be that their so far away, I just can't seem to place them.

Ahh! Horses... Now there's an animal that I can put a name to!

2009-06-21T14:51:00.003-05:00

Fathers are wonderful People

Fathers are wonderful people,
too little understood,
And we do not sing their praises
as often as we should,

For Father struggles daily
to live up to his image
As protector and provider
and hero of the scrimmage,

And perhaps that is the reason
we sometimes get the notion
That fathers are not subject
to the thing we call emotion.

But if you look inside Dad's heart,
where no one else can see,
You'll find he's sentimental
and soft as he can be.

Fathers are just wonderful
in a million different ways,
And they merit loving compliments
and accolades of praise,

For the only reason Dad aspires
to fortune and success
Is to make the family proud of him
and bring them happiness,

And like our heavenly Father,
he's a guardian and a guide,
Someone we can count on
to be always on our side.

2009-05-16T12:41:00.005-05:00

A special edition pic of the Birthday Boy!
(Boy, he's gonna love me for this one)

Trying to tell a serious story...

2009-05-16T07:34:00.010-05:00

Happy Birthday to my Love!

Memories

"A good man (husband) is hard to find. Once you find him, do everything in your power to make him happy" -Debra White Smith

No, I don't understand my husband's theory of relativity, but I know my husband and I know he can be trusted.

- Elsa Einstein

He is the one who, with a touch, can bring back the starlight and glow of years long ago. -Alan Beck

Forever

2009-05-15T16:29:00.003-05:00

Kraftfoods.com has some great coupons for those of you who love to get a good deal!

2009-05-09T22:07:00.004-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to our Beautiful Mothers!

When God Made Moms

By the time the Lord made mothers, he was into his sixth day of working overtime. An Angel appeared and said “Why are you spending so much time on this one”? And the Lord answered and said, “Have you seen the spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic; have 200 movable parts, all replaceable; run on black coffee and leftovers; have a lap that can hold three children at one time and that disappears when she stands up; have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart, and have six pairs of hands.”
The Angel was astounded at the requirements for this one. “Six pairs of hands! No Way!” said the Angel.
The Lord replied, “Oh, it’s not the hands that are the problem. It’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers must have!”
“And that’s just on the standard model?” The Angel asked.
The Lord nodded in agreement, “Yes, one pair of eyes are to see through the closed door as she asks her children what they are doing even though she already knows. Another pair in the back of her head, are to see what she needs to know even though no one thinks she can. And the third pair are here in the front of her head. They are for looking at an errant child and saying that she understands and loves him or her without even saying a single word.”
The Angel tried to stop the Lord. “This is too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish.”
“But I can’t!” the Lord protested, “I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can feed a family of six on a pound of hamburger and can get a nine year old to stand in the shower.”
The Angel moved closer and touched the woman, “But you have made her so soft, Lord.”
“Yes, she is soft”, the Lord agreed, “But I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.”
“Will she be able to think?”, asked the inquisitive Angel.
The Lord smiled and replied, “Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason, and negotiate.”
The Angel then noticed something and reached out and touched the woman’s cheek. “Oops, it looks like you have a leak with this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.”
“That’s not a leak.” The Lord objected. “That is a tear!”
“What’s the tear for? the Angel asked.
The Lord said, “The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her disappointment, her pain, her loneliness, her grief, and her pride.”
The Angel was impressed. “You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Truly, You do all things well… Moms are truly amazing!”
Happy Mother’s Day!

2009-05-03T14:37:00.003-05:00

This picture is of Doctor James & Shirley Dobson with President Bush last year on the National Day of Prayer. We don't know if our President will be praying this year, but whether he is or not, let's be sure we're pray for him.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14

2009-04-11T22:13:00.006-05:00

This is the closest I've ever seen to "cottonball" clouds!

2009-04-04T16:12:00.004-05:00

Sometimes we judge our own, or other's spiritual condition, on how we "look" or "act"... I thought this was an interesting perspective on "worldliness."
Am I worldy by this man's terms? Some times it's worth taking a little "spiritual inventory" even when it's not quite so comfortable.

I Love Being a Lady, Its a Full Time Job But Someone Has Do It ~Unknown

2009-03-16T07:16:00.002-05:00

I am convinced that the influence of an army of godly women will be incalculable--in our homes, our churches, and our culture. Will you be one of those women? ~Nancy Leigh DeMoss

At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent. ~Barbara Bush

Love is the thing that enables a woman to sing while she mops up the floor after her husband has walked across it in his barn boots. ~Hoosier Farmer

From the Male Perspective

Every woman is wrong until she cries, and then she is right - instantly. ~Sam Slick

Women speak two languages - one of which is verbal. ~William Shakespeare

Women are meant to be loved, not to be understood. ~Oscar Wilde

2009-03-04T15:07:00.003-06:00

... "I think everyone feels some degree of underlying despair. We just call it by different names. I mean, not everyone's thrashing around in a miserable state. But most of us do seem to be dissatisfied, discontented. And another thing... we're all addicted."
... "It goes hand in hand with discontent. We're addicted to having more. Getting more." ... "But more is never enough. We're like rats on a treadmill. We never catch up with the cheese, but we keep chasing it anyway. We spend our whole lives running after something-anything-to give us fulfilment, to satisfy our longing, our insatiable desire. We think more money, new loves, more notoriety will make the difference."
... "More of anything never satisfies, because ultimately we're looking in the wrong place. Most of us grow old thinking that feeling lost and lonely is simply a part of being human... but it isn't."
..."The rich and famous often come to the end of their lives still feeling lost and unfulfilled. It's not money or fame that satisfies"... "It's Christ who offers the more we're all seeking-the water that quenches our spiritual thirst."
..."We only get little sips, here and there. Brief glimpses of eternity. Not the full deal-yet. But, ah... those glimpses."

from Sanctuary

~Beverly and David Lewis

2009-02-28T22:11:00.003-06:00

Celebrating the Birthday of a very special Grandma!

2009-02-28T21:44:00.005-06:00

Dearest, thank you for an extraordinary six months!
I love you!

2009-02-18T12:31:00.009-06:00

I know it's a little late for a Valentines quote, but I just have to share this! It's greate advice for all ladies, young or old, single or married! I love it!

A woman's heart should be so hidden in God
that a man has to seek Him just to find her.

~Max Lucado

2009-02-14T22:38:00.001-06:00

My Valentine!

2009-02-07T09:02:00.008-06:00

For those of you who, like me, believe that Television should go out with the garbage... and even for those who don't, here is an article my husband recently brought to my attention! I couldn't agree more with this lady! I think that many movies, video games, etc., could be put into the same category.
It's rather lengthy, but stick with it... it's well worth the time!

2009-02-01T12:49:00.001-06:00

My sister recently e-mailed me this cute clip of the kids at our wedding.

2009-01-31T12:00:00.003-06:00

I loved the sky and had to get a picture on the way home from school.

2009-01-27T10:45:00.002-06:00

My husband ran across this recipe for homeade pasta and thought we should try it. I wasn't all to sure about it, but it ended up being pretty good, plus he did most of the work, so that really made it good!

2009-01-25T13:53:00.002-06:00

Friday morning on the way to school! The sky was sooo... beautiful!

2009-01-25T13:48:00.001-06:00

My dear husband knows how much I enjoy cooking outdoors, so he planned a romantic date at the park for us Thursday evening!

On the Twelvth Day of Christmas...

2009-01-05T20:42:00.011-06:00

I think it altogether fitting to close the days of Christmas with Jesus, the reason for the season!

Not Only Christmas Day

Lord, this is my prayer

Not only on Christmas Day

But until I see You face to face

May I live my life this way:

Just like the baby Jesus

I ever hope to be,

Resting in Your loving arms

Trusting in Your sovereignty.

And like the growing Christ child

In wisdom daily learning,

May I ever seek to know You

With my mind and spirit yearning.

Like the Son so faithful

Let me follow in Your light,

Meek and bold, humble and strong

Not afraid to face the night.

Nor cowardly to suffer

And stand for truth alone,

Knowing that Your kingdom

Awaits my going home.

Not afraid to sacrifice

Though great may be the cost,

Mindful how You rescued me

From broken-hearted loss.

Like my risen Savior

The babe, the child, the Son,

May my life forever speak

Of who You are and all You've done.

So while this world rejoices

And celebrates Your birth,

I treasure You, the greatest gift

Unequaled in Your worth.

I long to hear the same words

That welcomed home Your Son,

"Come, good and faithful servant,"

Your Master says, "Well done."

And may heaven welcome others

Who will join with me in praise

Because I lived for Jesus Christ

Not only Christmas Day

-- Mary Fairchild

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas...

2009-01-04T16:56:00.010-06:00

One of the best gifts of all is a dear husband to spend Christmas with. He is definately just what I need. When I'm sick, he makes supper and washes the dishes, when I'm down, he encourages, and when I just need a friend, he listens! However, he does have his quirks! Here's several things (good, quirky, funny, etc.) I have learned (or am currently learning) about him.

1. He's a lot like his father.

2. He likes to cook occasionally, but sometimes has some really wacky ideas about food.

3. He likes shoes a lot!!! he probably has 2-3 times as many as I do.

4. When with his brother, they can talk for hours on end about the most random things.

5. He keeps everything, including McDonald receipts for french fries, and old clothes that he'll never wear but might be used for 'something'.

6. He can fit notes for about 30 sermons on one 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper.

7. He routinely keeps a storehouse of new shirts, replacement blades for his shaver, and hair gels just in case he might need them some day. Unfortunately, even when that day arrives, he often keeps storing them just in case he needs them worse some other time.

8. He likes to buy high dollar items on ebay for a couple of dollars.

9. He hates to be late, but doesn't always remember until the last minute.

10. He loves school.

You aren't supposed to see each other on your wedding day,
but who's to say you can't talk?

Three generations of preachers.

Top of the Class

He's the one not looking at the camera!

Very typical!

Crazy Cook!

A deep discussion?

He thinks he's not good with kids...

On the Tenth Day of Christmas...

2009-01-03T20:45:00.008-06:00

Today is rather a blue day! In the last week, we have gone from business, excitement, and gatherings, to preparing to take down the tree, return to work, and a nearly empty house.
I remember Mom's advice to me when I was a child, "Count your blessings!" Back then I didn't appreciate it so much, but now, on this Tenth day of Christmas, when things don't seem that bright I think I'll do just that!

Family,

Friends,

Love,

and Faith

On the Ninth Day of Christmas...

2009-01-02T21:17:00.007-06:00

Today started out rather sad with my parents leaving for Indiana! It's going to be strange with just the two of us rattling around in our house! I am already looking forward to the next time we see them.
We are spending the evening at my in-laws tonight for another family Christmas. So far we have had four Christmas gatherings with our various family extensions.
We are enjoying our time here very much! We had a rather non-traditional Christmas dinner with pizza, chips and dip, and home-ade sundays. It was all very delicious... Maybe it should be a new tradition. After supper we opened gifts and played several rounds of dominoes.
Not many people are blessed with such a great "second family!"
Thank you for accepting me as one of your own!
I found this poem that I really like, but unfortunately I can't copy it... so I'm posting a link. Please overlook the parts that don't apply... Tom and Michelle, fire chief and yard sale queen, etc.
http://maladyspoetry.com/HenryMarian.htm