Update:


In case you haven't noticed, there is an additional child in our family photo. I would like you all to meet the newest member of our family. She is the pretty little 7 year old in the purple dress. "Eloise" now has a little sister. We have decided to call her, "Amelia Bedelia".

Monday, January 25, 2010

Happy As A Clam.....

       I haven't got a clue as to why people say that. I'm not sure who decided that the clam was the perfect mascot for those who are content. Can't you just see all of those tiny little clam guys at the bottom of the ocean with goofy smiles on their little clam faces?

       At any rate, I must say that I am finally returning to my former (pre-college-happy-clam) self. I am truly enjoying being a full time wife and mother again. My church life has been incredible these last couple of months. Even though I didn't miss any services while in school, it was difficult to focus with so many deadlines and demands on my mind. Now I can worship unincumbered. Dirty laundry doesn't distract me nearly as much as midterms and essays. I am still very busy, but at least I am free to think and believe whatever I want. The work that I do is appreciated by people who love me.
                There are many pictures that I haven't shared, because I have been busy with the business of living. I will squeeze them in later posts. For now, I just wanted to share three completely unrelated photos. Individually, each doesn't mean a whole lot, but collectively these are what fill my days to overflowing. I can honestly say that God has not only given me life, but, "life more abundantly." I admit that this post is a bit random, but it suits me.

 God is teaching me the benefits of being a wise steward.
I think that even the "virtuous woman" in proverbs would be proud of my purchase.
These pouches refill the bottles, so I get 10 bottles of hand soap for $6.
That is $0.60/bottle.
They smell good, there are 8 fewer bottles going into land fills, and I saved money.






My daughter has an aversion to tomato sauce, so the other night I made a pizza with chicken, crumbled bacon, and alfredo sauce. I topped it off with freshly grated mozzarella and seasonings.
For this simple effort I was nominated the worlds greatest mother by the worlds greatest daughter.





Lastly I would like to give you a sampling of some of the scrumptiously wonderful things that have been suffering neglect for a long while. It feels so good to have creativity flowing through my home again. The above picture is just a sneak peek of a project that I am currently working on. I absolutely adore that bird fabric. There isn't a scientific method that determines what I like. I simply walk around and certain things just beg me to love them....
... and I do.




Friday, January 22, 2010

We're Bursting With Talent......


Eloise performs: "Allegro"and "Ode to Joy"




We were even paid a visit by "Amelia Badelia"



Our judges were Elvis, Raggedy Anne, & Laura Engels Wilder.




Eloise was up against some stiff competition.
The young man on the left played a rousing rendition of "Hot Cross Buns"
The lovely young lady in pink played "Ode to Joy" on her flute.






This is Eloise and one of her awesome Sunday School teachers.
Both of them came away with a prize.
Eloise won third place for the children's category and Kass won first for ages 12 and up.
Tally won 2nd in kids with her flute and Sessy stold the show with her beautiful piano playing.
Sorry, no pic, but Terra is turning into a beautiful, talented young woman.
If I'm not mistaken she won 2nd place in the 12 and up segment.
We have truly been blessed with such a talented bunch of young people.
I cannot say how proud I am of all of them.




Thursday, January 21, 2010

Thank God for Daddy....



Cooking? Sewing? Art? No Problem: I've got it covered.
Design your own circuit panel to demonstrate "open" and "closed" circuits....PROBLEM!...
Wait! I know who to call.
I love that guy; he's so handy.
P.S. for those of you who aren't local, Eloise's Bisque(previous post) won first place in the seafood category. We haven't gotten the details, but we know that in the next round of competition she will compete against the winners from 14 other parishes.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Time Well Spent....

There is just something comforting about being in the kitchen...

and passing down treasured skills...

to my darling daughter...


especially if they will help her to win the 4-H cook off tomorrow!
Good Luck Eloise. Your Shrimp and Corn Bisque is delicious.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Happy Belated New Year.....

(Above: Our latest Miracle)
We love ya sister "T"

Pastor, His Sis, & Mom.
(notice the latest party crashers: Beppi & Talulah Mae)

Don't they look angelic?
The foot washing must have done them some good.


Lovely Ladies of Leisure LOL



"Plain Old Kristi" with a not so plain old tiara.




"Queenie"





Our Two First Ladies

(and another party crasher, who shall remain nameless)





We pray that the coming year brings greater miracles to our church
and blessings to our family and friends.
"2010"
I can't believe it has been a decade since Y2K!