This winter we have had two record snowfalls, early in January we had 3 inches and a couple of weeks ago we had 2 inches. Everyone says this is very unusual for Alabama. Back in December there was a measurable snowfall while we were in Pa for Christmas. So that makes for three noticeable amounts of snow. We love it, especially that the north is having so much snow and we are missing out on it. The storm early in January came on a week day and of course I couldn’t go into the prison. Seriously, it wasn’t possible. There is no treatment for ice and you are looked at in a bad way if you try to get out in it.
Thankfully we brought a sled from Pa along down with us, cause we made use of it. We went to the local park that has a nice hill and had some fun sledding. Had a lot of people wonder where we got that sled. The things you might see being used as a sled are: a piece of metal bent up in the front, cardboard, a laundry basket, a garbage container lid, etc. So no wonder everyone looked at us envious with what we had. You don’t find plastic sleds at the stores around here. If you notice the picture on left, that’s the snowman that we made.
This would have been Ava’s first time out in the snow. She loved the rides down the hill, no fear. Not sure if that’s a good thing or not. She doesn’t have a choice but to keep up with her brothers.
This past fall we picked up 18 gallons of pecans from our tree in the backyard. Above, we tackled the job of cleaning them. Till it was all said and done we had about 4 gallons of cleaned pecans. Wasn’t the most thrilling job and were glad when we were finished. Yea, we had plenty of helping hands!!
Charmaine has been doing preschool work with Dexter the last 6 months or more. He really enjoys it and takes pride in his accomplishments. At the end of each book is a test and when he is through with it she takes him out for a “date” to celebrate.
Isaiah wants to do “schoolwork” so he gets a coloring book and sits down with his brother. I am proud of my wife in taking the time to teach these basic, but yet so important skills. It gives them all a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
Ava wants to join in with whats going on! “Don’t leave me out”. It amazes me at how it is so easy to think these small minds are not understanding or comprehending. But it is no joke, they have a lot more comprehension than we know. She doesn’t miss a beat. Thats what the picture above is,if my brothers are at the table looking at books (schoolwork) why can’t I?
I couldn’t resist posting this picture of our neighbor James Horton. Him and his wife stopped one day and chatted for awhile. He always has candy in his pocket for the children. He is feeding Ava a piece of chocolate. They are so kind to our children, and give them a lot of attention. They don’t have any grandchildren of their own. Anytime the Horton’s are driving by, the boys will make a run to the street in hopes of Horton stopping with some candy. We love our neighbors!
The picture above shows the good help I have around here. I did some tree trimming one day and told Dexter that I need his help and showed him what needs to be done. Cleaning up the pieces of wood I had cut for firewood, explaining to him what we will use if for, campfires, smores, etc.!! Either way he gave me some good help and in no time it was all cleaned up. He even had it all nicely stacked when he was finished.
“It is no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in TRUTH”, I remember growing up and seeing that plaque in the house. Never really understanding the meaning of it. But now as we see our children grow up it makes sense. May our lives as parents be an example of godliness and walking in the TRUTH. So that the next generation, our children, would be pointed to a relationship with God, Jesus Christ our Redeemer and Savior.
