Nothin' like it!

Nothin' like green beans and tomatoes fresh from the garden.  Well . . .  in our case . . . . tomato (1) fresh from the pot on our deck.  Smile

My Dad

Sometime last April we were able to bring Dad home.  None of us wanted him in a nursing home so we found an agency that has 24 hour live in caretakers.  After trying out a couple of different people we found the most wonderful young man, Louis.  He's a perfect fit.  Because of his kindness, strength and devotion Mom is able to have Dad at home with her.  We are truly thanking the Lord for Louis. 

So when the "Kids" were last up we headed over to Mom and Dad's house and brought lunch.  It was great to all be together.  Dad always loves kids and Alaina is no exception. 

The Phillips Clan won't be up for a couple of months now until after the baby comes.  (Oh we can't wait!)  So they spent some time with "Great Grandpa Bud". 

I'm not sure that Dad really wanted his picture taken, but I know that many of you who love him will be glad to see how he's doing. 

My Mom's Kiss

Haley spent the night with Grandma Glenna this week.  

She got up early to help out by doing some weeding.  She loves gardening.  

I called over to see when Haley was coming home and chatted with Mom a bit.  

Mom said that she was sending a kiss to me with Haley when she came home.

Okay --- I thought chocolate.

She said it was a BIG kiss.

Okay --- I thought big Hershey's kiss.

She said it was Pink!  Very Pink.

Pink is my favorite color.  Okay -- I'm stumped.  

Wow Watermelon!

This morning I came across this helpful post on Raising Homemakers.com . Perfect timing!  There's a big juicy melon downstairs calling my name. 
You bet I'm using this today! "watery grin"

How To Cut A Watermelon

Posted on 15 July 2010 by Courtney 

Have you been hacking at your watermelon for years? I have! Actually, I am a little scared of cutting watermelons – I feel like it’s dangerous – because the first slice is so difficult.

BUT 2 summers ago, my sister Kristen taught me this really neat way to cut up a watermelon quite easily! I shared it with a few of my friends and when I saw the amazement in their eyes – I thought what a typical blogger thinks – I better blog about this! lol!

Here’s How to Cut a Watermelon:

Step #1
Slice the watermelon long ways into four pieces.

Step #2

Take one of the quarters and slice it with your knife straight down in rows.

Step #3

Now take your knife along the side and slice it long ways making squares on that side.

Step #4
Turn it and slice it long ways on the other side – making squares on that side too.

Step #5
Slice along the rind while not letting the squares fall off. Then lift your watermelon over the bowl and let the pieces slide off into beautiful squares in your bowl!

Isn’t that gorgeous in the bowl! Serve and Enjoy!
Walk with the King!

Reproach

Reproach = mocking, ridiculing, scolding, 
                     insulting and using words 
                     angrily or sarcastically


"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
                                                                                 James 1: 5

 

Ryan's Video

Our friend Ryan Bruce is doing well.  He is now in rehab and having intense therapy.  He has a great deal to overcome in his healing.  If you are interested in his progress please go to  Ryan Bruce Caring Bridge.

I thought you might enjoy this 3 minute video that he directed for the Christian Filmmaker's 36 Hour Contest in 2009. Please continue to pray for our dear friend!

She Has a Name

We, sorry I mean the kids, have finally settled on a name for our new gray kitten.  Thank you to all who gave us their ideas.  (Personally I liked 'Boots")  We are keeping to the musical theme though.  "smile"

Her name is Minuet.

Happy Birthday Uncle Andrew!

In June Alaina was here for Andrew's birthday.

We gave him one of those goofy hoops&yoyo cards that talk.  (Andrew-- we are still bowing----bowing)

She was mesmerized.

Soooooo big!

Happy Birthday Andrew !!!

I'd tell you his age but then you might figure out how old I am.  "wink"

Kids Bowl Free

Thursday we headed out to Guttormsen's.  If you haven't heard, there is a wonderful program for the summer called Kids Bowl Free.  It started  in May and goes through to the end of September.  Kids 18 and under can bowl two games a day Free!  
(they do have to pay $1.50 to rent shoes)

We were nice and cool and had a great time.  In case you are interested it is available all over the country and Canada! They even have a discounted family pass -- in case older siblings or adults want to bowl. Here's the link.  Check  it out:  Kids Bowl Free

The Kittens!

This kitten was Matthew's choice.  He named her himself and her name is Crescendo! 

This kitten was Haley's choice.  She doesn't have a name yet.  
Any suggestions??????

I love their little white toes.  How do they keep them so clean?

They are so funny to watch.  Is there anything as entertaining as two kittens?

PS We haven't made it to the library yet.  
We got distracted.  "smile"

Today

We are off to pick up two kittens! Do you have a preference for colors?  Honestly we just love cats.  We'll post pictures later. "smile"

 There is also another pressing need for today.   The library book bin has been empty for far too long. 

It will be a good day.

Monday Morning Prayer

 Monday Morning Prayer:
O eternal and everlasting God, I presume to present myself this morning before thy Divine majesty, beseeching thee to accept of my humble and hearty thanks, that it hath pleased thy great goodness to keep and preserve me the night past from all the dangers poor mortals are subject to, and has given me sweet and pleasant sleep, whereby I find my body refreshed and comforted for performing the duties of this day, in which I beseech thee to defend me from all perils of body and soul.

Direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the lamb, and purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit, from the dross of my natural corruption, that I may with more freedom of mind and liberty of will serve thee, the ever lasting God, in righteousness and holiness this day, and all the days of my life.
Increase my faith in the sweet promises of the Gospel. Give me repentance from dead works. Pardon my wanderings, & direct my thoughts unto thyself, the God of my salvation. Teach me how to live in thy fear, labor in thy service, and ever to run in the ways of thy commandments. Make me always watchful over my heart, that neither the terrors of conscience, the loathing of holy duties, the love of sin, nor an unwillingness to depart this life, may cast me into a spiritual slumber.

 
But daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy son Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time attain the resurrection of the just unto eternal life. Bless my family, friends & kindred unite us all in praising & glorifying thee in all our works begun, continued, and ended, when we shall come to make our last account before thee blessed Saviour, who hath taught us thus to pray, our Father.

From George Washington's prayer journal