tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44394690804724031522024-03-13T09:02:46.325-07:00Sweet Home Alabamasmokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-80385985878075380722011-05-29T13:58:00.001-07:002011-05-30T07:02:33.888-07:00Though the Mountains Be Shaken…<div align="center">A few days ago we finally got our internet service back again after a month without it, so I am finally updating this blog. We are at least glad it was not the electricity that was out, we only had to go without power for 4 days. With all that said, the reason for it was the tornado that devastated our community on April 27th. We had left that afternoon for a WeCare staff event for the weekend. Four hours after we left is when the tornado came through. Our neighbors called us informing us of what happened and letting us know everyone on our street was fine. We stayed the night in Atmore and returned home the next afternoon. Below are pictures of us just arriving home. A few of the neighbors came to welcome us home.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XJA7M0P-zis/TeKyg9C8JiI/AAAAAAAAAcM/XWRwcV9hTqY/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520198%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tornado 2011 198" border="0" height="425px" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-byj2rzw7kIE/TeKyjOwX7cI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/aHXbjatbFdk/tornado%2525202011%252520198_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tornado 2011 198" width="644px" /></a></div><div align="center">It was good to see the neighbors were alright and hearing their stories of what happened. Above, we are taking a walk around the house and checking out the damage. Below is a picture of when we just got home, never so good to be home.<img alt="tornado 2011 197" border="0" height="302px" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3CoQWDwTkDg/TeKyka8GipI/AAAAAAAAAcU/kex8Oc_eQNg/tornado%2525202011%252520197_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tornado 2011 197" width="676px" /></div><div align="center">Below are some pictures of the trees that fell around our house. The garbage can you see below, was sitting there before the storm and never got hit. We were spared, but a block away was a different story.</div><img alt="tornado 2011 218" border="0" height="373px" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-riB9uF6C5eE/TeKymav01ZI/AAAAAAAAAcY/O_OzdEItLFA/tornado%2525202011%252520218_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tornado 2011 218" width="644px" /><br />
<div align="center">The tree below was our pecan tree, gave some nice pecans and shade to our back yard. Not any more. If you look hard enough my truck is in that mess. But it only had minor damage.</div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MxprSb_ikYA/TeKyoO8n2YI/AAAAAAAAAcc/HRSHeR7cSFE/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520226%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tornado 2011 226" border="0" height="364px" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OMbwYzy2zxA/TeKyqFEE1fI/AAAAAAAAAcg/qaxZR74z59k/tornado%2525202011%252520226_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tornado 2011 226" width="644px" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h56rK4c--70/TeKysEpGiJI/AAAAAAAAAck/Y3Q2XXoFmqc/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="tornado 2011 204" border="0" height="184px" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wcJ75r4xVE8/TeKysQ8i5KI/AAAAAAAAAco/SZM9HAXW3mo/tornado%2525202011%252520204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="tornado 2011 204" width="244px" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4Tu2QqGx07M/TeKyuuxlV8I/AAAAAAAAAcs/BHgzmfkS2VI/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520260%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="tornado 2011 260" border="0" height="184px" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--yEc6QpOUag/TeKyuyZXwhI/AAAAAAAAAcw/jPIIt0LPtK8/tornado%2525202011%252520260_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="tornado 2011 260" width="244px" /></a> </div><br />
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<div align="center"> With the good help of family pictured below, we had the debris cleaned up and looking much better. I call them our first responders, arriving here less than 3 days after the storm hit. We were so glad to have them here and feel the support from home. They got a lot of work done in a few days, all our yard mess, some of the neighbors and others in the area. The support of family and friends back in Pa was overwhelming, we can’t begin to repay. I will post later of all the support we had.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rxwZmeED8pE/TeKywal5SkI/AAAAAAAAAc0/fQkbVN5UUUU/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520310%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tornado 2011 310" border="0" height="381px" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EiDuzuu4FeQ/TeKyx8TgfXI/AAAAAAAAAc4/xyy72josYxw/tornado%2525202011%252520310_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tornado 2011 310" width="644px" /></a> They brought some of C.A.R.E.’s equipment(a disaster relief organization based out of Lancaster, Pa), who are now set up base at the church where we attend. Mom did a lot of cleaning in our house, yard work outside and of course time well spent with the children. Thanks mom! Brothers John, with son Alex, Jadon and bro-in-law Elvin did a lot of cleanup even though it might not have seemed that way. It was a real encouragement having them be here for a few days.</div><div align="center">Below are some pictures of people I was able to help with cleaning out some of their personal belongings. The first picture is friends of ours from church who lost their home. The house moved toward the street 30 yds while they were in the basement. Robert broke his femur and his wife her ankle. Their son had minor scrapes.</div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aPLnvjWu9fU/TeKyzWN-RFI/AAAAAAAAAc8/8ondoPG4lWs/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520241%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tornado 2011 241" border="0" height="341px" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U2RHJti202A/TeKy03KSi_I/AAAAAAAAAdA/V6qmu0XJbIU/tornado%2525202011%252520241_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tornado 2011 241" width="644px" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Below a young man from CARE (not pictured) and myself were helping gather up some personal belongings of this family before the rain. An older couple owned this place and they were in the basement when the storm hit. This place was real close to our home, just a couple blocks away.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oBjnNAIaOYs/TeKy1_FTymI/AAAAAAAAAdE/vmY5yC37YsY/s1600-h/May%2525202011%252520021%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="May 2011 021" border="0" height="329px" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xcJPXoNZvAk/TeKy22qpZlI/AAAAAAAAAdI/W-IImfAGPg0/May%2525202011%252520021_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="May 2011 021" width="644px" /></a> Below are a few pictures of the Pleasant Grove area, we wish we would have pictures of before. But you never think of taking pictures of your neighborhood. Google maps is a good way to see how a property looked before the storm. </div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QPwjKwxlguM/TeKy4YqnNSI/AAAAAAAAAdM/Mmx0fbmlYus/s1600-h/May%2525202011%252520041%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="May 2011 041" border="0" height="365px" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lhoy17Qlkko/TeKy5zk2BzI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/JSYdYpmfY20/May%2525202011%252520041_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="May 2011 041" width="644px" /></a> <br />
<img alt="tornado 2011 212" border="0" height="442px" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qmfRl6EKLNs/TeKy70DbPeI/AAAAAAAAAdU/MEkpQ9ILJug/tornado%2525202011%252520212_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tornado 2011 212" width="660px" /><img alt="tornado 2011 207" border="0" height="243px" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6WRHgWXI5HQ/TeKy83W-O8I/AAAAAAAAAdY/5h7bt6ez_90/tornado%2525202011%252520207_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tornado 2011 207" width="644px" /><br />
<div align="center">We have one of those inspirational calendars and this is the verse we had for April 27th, the day of the storm. </div><div align="center"><em>Psalm 19:14-16, “Because He loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”</em></div><div align="center">So many people’s stories are of being protected and escaping death by a miracle. When you see the houses destroyed and then you hear how the people survived that were in them is nothing short of a miracle.</div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--bnGjHTU_xo/TeKy-Ag0w8I/AAAAAAAAAdc/nqoqESbWX58/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520196%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tornado 2011 196" border="0" height="281px" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D4RHXIiAIR4/TeKy_Xyaj6I/AAAAAAAAAdg/uPjx7OIK4v4/tornado%2525202011%252520196_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tornado 2011 196" width="644px" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--8ohU8zsFxc/TeKzA45YwHI/AAAAAAAAAdk/RmWd-4Jm-ns/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520217%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tornado 2011 217" border="0" height="334px" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c_oY8DRr9Gw/TeKzCkEnBDI/AAAAAAAAAdo/4u8LQnmT8ho/tornado%2525202011%252520217_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tornado 2011 217" width="644px" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lWx16hwDSrQ/TeKzDwLPOLI/AAAAAAAAAds/S1GM_Ck655E/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520347%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tornado 2011 347" border="0" height="295px" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-77tytVezdnI/TeKzFTJkGII/AAAAAAAAAdw/ipxZ6xluh1c/tornado%2525202011%252520347_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tornado 2011 347" width="644px" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rSJEZBn8vBs/TeKzIGTCxkI/AAAAAAAAAd0/RTDEDMr7wZk/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520242%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="tornado 2011 242" border="0" height="184px" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a3CjiMinOsY/TeKzIuUSdbI/AAAAAAAAAd4/nNqaIMEJ_Jc/tornado%2525202011%252520242_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="tornado 2011 242" width="244px" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-32Xh3OVZqzY/TeKzKIuKp4I/AAAAAAAAAd8/5xZAcxbwWTE/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520246%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="tornado 2011 246" border="0" height="184px" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WxEO5fxTuRI/TeKzKmQ6nXI/AAAAAAAAAeA/Osso-CS5YtY/tornado%2525202011%252520246_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="tornado 2011 246" width="244px" /></a> </div><div align="right"><br />
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</div><div align="center">Above on left is what you saw a lot of in the days after the storm. People finding every way possible to serve. Drinks, food, gas, and any other supplies you could think of. The picture was taken in front of our house, we were out cleaning our yard and they stopped and made sure we had plenty to drink and eat. The men on the picture, above right, were walking the street and stopped to make sure everyone was accounted for in our residence. It gave you a weird feeling being asked that question. Below, the guys in the blue hats were the search and rescue men, only 10 reported deaths in Pleasant Grove. Hard to believe when you see all the destroyed homes. </div><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lkzpc6nfEiI/TeKzMDX5KlI/AAAAAAAAAeE/opJgEfebkb4/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520210%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tornado 2011 210" border="0" height="333px" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m-uEVXwHY1A/TeKzNonzciI/AAAAAAAAAeI/pvVqXa452N8/tornado%2525202011%252520210_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tornado 2011 210" width="644px" /></a><br />
<div align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uGGRHfYqeNo/TeKzPkFLk_I/AAAAAAAAAeM/yX51pPCN5c0/s1600-h/tornado%2525202011%252520273%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tornado 2011 273" border="0" height="484px" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_ofCADF_D2M/TeKzR5-hBdI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/nPAOGumVPhw/tornado%2525202011%252520273_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="tornado 2011 273" width="644px" /></a> </div><div align="center">Above, I couldn’t resist the picture of mom and Ava. Getting some special attention from Grandma which she doesn’t get as often as she needs being 850 miles away. And last but not least our children have been a blessing more than ever. They have been real “troopers” as we had our schedules and lives rearranged in the last few weeks. </div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vPJnYXo53Fw/TeKzUPWTs9I/AAAAAAAAAeU/w1hgdr2OUoM/s1600-h/juanitas%252520pics%252520010%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="juanitas pics 010" border="0" height="184px" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DMNs8dXGG14/TeKzUi9yt0I/AAAAAAAAAeY/gIi5YF2qmyU/juanitas%252520pics%252520010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="juanitas pics 010" width="244px" /></a><br />
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<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: medium;">… “yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10</span></em></div>smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-47958399164547275862011-04-17T12:32:00.001-07:002011-04-17T12:32:52.637-07:00Update of the Last Few Weeks<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">We have been enjoying a beautiful spring here in the south.  Lots of warm weather and plenty of rain.  With that comes the green grass, azaleas blooming , and of course the itch to work outside.  Here are some pictures of updating we did to the front of the house.  </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="misc-april 2011 013" border="0" alt="misc-april 2011 013" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/Tas_z8XAi2I/AAAAAAAAAaU/nDUKOI0Ld7E/misc-april%202011%20013_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></p> <p align="center">Below are some pictures of the back of our house before and after.   The large magnolia tree was taken down and new grass seeded with some rocks and roses.  Small amount of work but it made a whole new feel to the back yard.  Now we can grow some grass and feels a lot more open.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/Tas_2FwrQUI/AAAAAAAAAaY/eJUFAT6Jmyo/s1600-h/area%20for%20patio%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="area for patio" border="0" alt="area for patio" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/Tas_2tJ-6OI/AAAAAAAAAac/CYqvE1-56XA/area%20for%20patio_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/Tas_4j1J08I/AAAAAAAAAag/jHdAr17LP10/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20013%5B3%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/Tas_63oOc_I/AAAAAAAAAak/aI8HfN1AFHk/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20029%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="misc-april 2011 029" border="0" alt="misc-april 2011 029" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/Tas_7RWcpCI/AAAAAAAAAao/Q009AqaR2iM/misc-april%202011%20029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p> </p> <p>  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/Tas_99gdQTI/AAAAAAAAAas/_LviMx2dIfY/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20028%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAAUiQagI/AAAAAAAAAaw/te3c4hbUvg0/s1600-h/back%20property%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p align="center"> What was once a yard full of weeds is now some nice grass, which means less dirt in the house and a cleaner feel.  Its fun mowing the yard again.  We hope the summer heat doesn’t do to much damage to it.  The projects have been a whole lot of fun and a time for doing what I love to do.  In this situation working with dirt, you can make it do whatever you tell it to.  And in the end you see what has been accomplished.   Its been a perfect spring for getting new grass a good start.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAAUiQagI/AAAAAAAAAaw/te3c4hbUvg0/s1600-h/back%20property%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="back property" border="0" alt="back property" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatABkuT2GI/AAAAAAAAAa0/RzkiyV41BlA/back%20property_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/Tas_99gdQTI/AAAAAAAAAas/_LviMx2dIfY/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20028%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="misc-april 2011 028" border="0" alt="misc-april 2011 028" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatACMjkJ9I/AAAAAAAAAa4/aKGuU25WjlI/misc-april%202011%20028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/Tas_99gdQTI/AAAAAAAAAas/_LviMx2dIfY/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20028%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/Tas_99gdQTI/AAAAAAAAAas/_LviMx2dIfY/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20028%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">With spring being here also means it’s time for baseball!  We decided to get Dexter signed up again this year.  He showed a lot of interest in playing ball and we enjoy getting acquainted with more folks in the area.  We have some great people in this community who take an interest in organizing the baseball for the kids.  Below is a picture of the team he is playing for this year, the Pleasant Grove Lightning.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="good" border="0" alt="good" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAEPYTQXI/AAAAAAAAAa8/5qUdlZRkj0A/good_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="437" /></p> <p align="center">These guys are doing real good so far this year with 4 wins and no loses.  We have some great coaches who want to make sure the boys have fun playing.  Dexter is in the middle of the group picture and below he is up to bat.  He is having a lot of fun playing and making new friends.</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="this 1" border="0" alt="this 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAF-AGxMI/AAAAAAAAAbA/YlUbciXL3WM/this%201%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="559" height="484" />For those of you who have never seen what a storm pit looks like here in the south, the picture below shows what the inside of one is like.  Just yesterday was the first I got to see in one.  We had some tornado watches out for our area and the neighbor thought we should join them in the storm pit. They needed help opening the door so I helped them get in and Dexter wanted to stay with them.  The rest of us never made it in, before we found out the storm took a turn and missed us.   Twice this past week they had put out tornado watches and had the siren blowing.  We usually end up with lots of rain and strong winds. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/Tas_99gdQTI/AAAAAAAAAas/_LviMx2dIfY/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20028%5B2%5D.jpg"> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="misc-april 2011 020" border="0" alt="misc-april 2011 020" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAH_nLxuI/AAAAAAAAAbE/ulC5VWHX9AQ/misc-april%202011%20020_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="484" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAJDNgbNI/AAAAAAAAAbI/nyKBVeSRMQ8/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20027%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="misc-april 2011 027" border="0" alt="misc-april 2011 027" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAJhFoOhI/AAAAAAAAAbM/A7pTK2EFrhc/misc-april%202011%20027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAJDNgbNI/AAAAAAAAAbI/nyKBVeSRMQ8/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20027%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatALKqU2lI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/yHukzOOHJv0/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20026%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="misc-april 2011 026" border="0" alt="misc-april 2011 026" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatALiwFLVI/AAAAAAAAAbU/ghVwe6JK028/misc-april%202011%20026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatALKqU2lI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/yHukzOOHJv0/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20026%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p>     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/Tas_99gdQTI/AAAAAAAAAas/_LviMx2dIfY/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20028%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatANbOEz8I/AAAAAAAAAbY/vcgfAdS91iA/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20020%5B4%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatALKqU2lI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/yHukzOOHJv0/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20026%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">The past few months Charmaine has been going through some preschool books with Dexter and Isaiah.  They did a real good job and it helped mom in doing something educational with the boys.  They all found some satisfaction in completing their lessons each day.  Charmaine came up with the idea of having a graduation for them.  Her and Miss Jean ,sitting in on the picture, made some gowns for the boys.  The picture above is the boys receiving their diplomas and below is the “graduating class of 2011”.  I don’t know if we are on to something here or not, the fact of homeschooling the boys.  She had a lot of fun with it and plans to homeschool kindergarten yet.   After that we will have to see how its going and if Charmaine wants to continue on.  We had a fun graduation party with Miss Jean as our honored guest.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAOTsvF-I/AAAAAAAAAbc/GatJmRE7R0s/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20024%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="misc-april 2011 024" border="0" alt="misc-april 2011 024" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAPHo6bbI/AAAAAAAAAbg/u0CLzaOl51k/misc-april%202011%20024_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I had to add some pics of the ladies of the house below.  Ava is doing a real good job of not letting her brothers get the best of her.  Telling them “no,no” at times making sure they don’t overstep their boundaries. She loves to sing along with us or carry her own tune at times.  Us “men” in the house love our mom and sis, we sure couldn’t do without them.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatASMUhNxI/AAAAAAAAAbk/lyIhz6pmpn4/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20006%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="misc-april 2011 006" border="0" alt="misc-april 2011 006" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAS5F9S4I/AAAAAAAAAbo/-5egpVFccWo/misc-april%202011%20006_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="232" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatASMUhNxI/AAAAAAAAAbs/3z9RNeaE9Eo/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20006%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="misc-april 2011 003" border="0" alt="misc-april 2011 003" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAWU71jLI/AAAAAAAAAbw/wpOI2kaMCAc/misc-april%202011%20003%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /> </a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAXc5S5qI/AAAAAAAAAb0/YyRCtpFXTk8/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20023%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TatAXc5S5qI/AAAAAAAAAb4/vYDGPc25iIg/s1600-h/misc-april%202011%20023%5B8%5D.jpg"></a></p> smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-14111843163407409372011-02-13T20:17:00.001-08:002011-02-13T20:17:14.511-08:00Record Snowfalls in Birmingham<p>  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisaugfg2I/AAAAAAAAAYc/gNgu9rHIwqc/s1600-h/February%202011%20034%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="February 2011 034" border="0" alt="February 2011 034" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisb04NcdI/AAAAAAAAAYg/IJVhAjboU2Y/February%202011%20034_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a>     </p> <p>  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.  </p> <p>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.</p> <p> </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="January 2011 030" border="0" alt="January 2011 030" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisdqyxFZI/AAAAAAAAAYk/HVF8KD1hZ_M/January%202011%20030_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisfd79_EI/AAAAAAAAAYo/sVR5Cyo5Cas/s1600-h/January%202011%20032%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="January 2011 032" border="0" alt="January 2011 032" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisf53phEI/AAAAAAAAAYs/Tz38lX81UWA/January%202011%20032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVishKDWSFI/AAAAAAAAAYw/7OeQC18Kib0/s1600-h/January%202011%20035%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="January 2011 035" border="0" alt="January 2011 035" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVishp_eRxI/AAAAAAAAAY0/iZOSF8Rn08c/January%202011%20035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVishKDWSFI/AAAAAAAAAYw/7OeQC18Kib0/s1600-h/January%202011%20035%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p align="center">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.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Isaiah 360" border="0" alt="Isaiah 360" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisi_FJzzI/AAAAAAAAAY4/IgYyldB-IBQ/Isaiah%20360_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></p> <p align="center">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!!</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="February 2011 005" border="0" alt="February 2011 005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TViskEtBetI/AAAAAAAAAY8/qNNGAf2OVYs/February%202011%20005_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></p> <p align="center">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.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVislQxWuBI/AAAAAAAAAZA/GzlpSCYqINo/s1600-h/February%202011%20005%5B7%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="February 2011 006" border="0" alt="February 2011 006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVismzqpWnI/AAAAAAAAAZE/nw0NE9DWHFk/February%202011%20006_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></p> <p align="center">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.</p> <p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="February 2011 003" border="0" alt="February 2011 003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisof75E2I/AAAAAAAAAZI/1IpYCMiH03Y/February%202011%20003_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></p> <p align="center"> 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?<img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="February 2011 025" border="0" alt="February 2011 025" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVispalMeFI/AAAAAAAAAZM/gzjIqNcEsww/February%202011%20025_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="484" /></p> <p align="center">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!</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="February 2011 014" border="0" alt="February 2011 014" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisrr3FZxI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/vMO_CNwFA5o/February%202011%20014_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></p> <p align="center">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.  </p> <p>  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisucmeGMI/AAAAAAAAAZU/BEP6FSkhz9Q/s1600-h/February%202011%20017%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="February 2011 017" border="0" alt="February 2011 017" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisvNSt0wI/AAAAAAAAAZY/ow8F8gTuImM/February%202011%20017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisxu9m_bI/AAAAAAAAAZc/D60H_ytSj60/s1600-h/February%202011%20016%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="February 2011 016" border="0" alt="February 2011 016" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisyYjfD1I/AAAAAAAAAZg/1kkz5gpoRuk/February%202011%20016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisucmeGMI/AAAAAAAAAZU/BEP6FSkhz9Q/s1600-h/February%202011%20017%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVisxu9m_bI/AAAAAAAAAZc/D60H_ytSj60/s1600-h/February%202011%20016%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">“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.</p> smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-20886737600038293422011-02-12T21:48:00.001-08:002011-02-12T21:48:15.598-08:00january 2011<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">To any of you who follow this blog, it is long overdue for an update. There are no excuses for the delay and the “slower” lifestyle we are enjoying should be more reason to have time to keep this blog up to date.  </p> <p align="center">Our winter is moving by real fast and I am having thoughts of getting the garden ready for planting.  We did enjoy the time we had with our families and friends over the holiday’s.  Being there for the Christmas and New Year came and went to fast. Always plenty to do and so many people show us kindness with invitations for dinner, wanting to stay connected and hear what’s going on in our lives.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PA trip Dec 2010 011" border="0" alt="PA trip Dec 2010 011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwVoS1YWI/AAAAAAAAAXg/OQOYdPEQtVQ/PA%20trip%20Dec%202010%20011_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="573" height="484" /></p> <p align="center">This picture is priceless, grandma spending time playing candy land.  This was the same game I grew up playing with and never dreamt my sons would be using it.  Mom was so kind in opening her home for us again, we stayed there while we were up for the holiday’s.  We always enjoy the time and the children some much needed time with grandma.  </p> <p align="center">Below, the picture shows Dexter getting a pony ride and Isaiah walking along side. Rebekah, a cousin, is the one giving them the rides.  We always have to pay a visit to “the farm”, the boys could spend endless hours there and never get bored.  This is where I grew up for about 20 years of my life. </p> <p>  <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PA trip Dec 2010 038" border="0" alt="PA trip Dec 2010 038" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwXQEzfbI/AAAAAAAAAXk/9y0mQ-QZCN8/PA%20trip%20Dec%202010%20038_thumb%5B17%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="484" /></p> <p align="center">We also got a chance to do some sledding, Dexter and Isaiah are in the middle with cousins Courtney and Jordan along with them.  They were moving alright, their expressions give that away.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwYS3ybNI/AAAAAAAAAXo/uQReka8iOuY/s1600-h/PA%20trip%20Dec%202010%20030%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PA trip Dec 2010 030" border="0" alt="PA trip Dec 2010 030" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwZUs74QI/AAAAAAAAAXs/G7YBqJS8sj0/PA%20trip%20Dec%202010%20030_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="484" /></a></p> <p align="center">Our latest family happenings has been celebrating Isaiah’s 3rd birthday, this was on January 24th.  His birthday was over the week of the WeCare crusade, so with all that business we never did get to invite friends for a party.  But he still made sure to soak it all up.  Through the day he would at random ask mom to sing “happy birthday” and even started it once on his own. So he was loving the occasion.  But that is Isaiah, he enjoys the moment.   When we tell him “good job” for something he will agree, “yep”, for what he did.  No sense of pride, just an innocent agreeing on what he accomplished. </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Isaiah 367" border="0" alt="Isaiah 367" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwbG2ZhUI/AAAAAAAAAXw/aS26X7cVqMI/Isaiah%20367_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></p> <p align="center">   He was thrilled with his gifts, some came from grandparents, cousins, and of course mom and dad. Actually the one tractor came from Ben Fisher who was staying with us for the week of the Crusade.  3 years old, its hard to imagine.  He was born while we were still living in Strasburg.  I had to think of where all we lived in his life time already, we would have had 5 different address’ in those 3 years.  It makes me wonder what the next 3 years have in store.  If only God would just let us know what He’s thinking.  Right or not?  No, but I am thankful for a God who does care and gives guidance for the future.</p> <p> </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Isaiah 363" border="0" alt="Isaiah 363" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwciCFDJI/AAAAAAAAAX0/rV-m58Cj6xM/Isaiah%20363_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></p> <p align="center">Another one of my wifes cake designs, sure does a wonderful job. The baking department at Publix can’t compete with that. The picture is not the best but it is a horse and the #3 is for 3 years old.  </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Baby Isaiah 060" border="0" alt="Baby Isaiah 060" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdweE_npjI/AAAAAAAAAX4/e0xLan9iMAU/Baby%20Isaiah%20060_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="458" /></p> <p align="justify">                                        <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwgcw03vI/AAAAAAAAAX8/2IU07nkXYDg/s1600-h/Isaiah%20370%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Isaiah 370" border="0" alt="Isaiah 370" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwhPhLNmI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Pr-1eRKNrF8/Isaiah%20370_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>            <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwihemdQI/AAAAAAAAAYE/-zAE0AVCwMw/s1600-h/February%202011%20009%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="February 2011 009" border="0" alt="February 2011 009" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwi4AeabI/AAAAAAAAAYI/0QxK9goOSQ0/February%202011%20009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>                                                           </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwihemdQI/AAAAAAAAAYE/-zAE0AVCwMw/s1600-h/February%202011%20009%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">When you look back in time (even only a few years) and you notice how much can change.  From a helpless son in his dads arms, to a little helper for mommy and daddy. Now he loves to help mom in the kitchen it can be making donuts (like the picture shows), setting breakfast table, and even helping clean off the table.  He is on this thing where he wants to help in the kitchen, thank God for a patience mom who loves his help.  The picture in the right is his first hunting trip with dad.  He kept begging to go with me and this day was a warm afternoon, his older brother was sick, so it was his opportunity.  He did great, kept looking through the binoculars trying to find deer, and he kept quiet.   We didnt see anything, but had a good time anyway.  His comment was that the deer were scared of us, thats why we didn’t see any.  We had a good story to tell mom when we got back. We didn’t bring the meat home but we tried our hardest!!</p> <p>                 </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwlFxAplI/AAAAAAAAAYM/Vse_FT76d5k/s1600-h/January%202011%20020%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="January 2011 020" border="0" alt="January 2011 020" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwlVws11I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/nVfLd7Tse70/January%202011%20020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwnIX11vI/AAAAAAAAAYU/6b_fEw-ebY8/s1600-h/January20110132.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="January 2011 013" border="0" alt="January 2011 013" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TVdwnkIq5FI/AAAAAAAAAYY/l3GqGudsDUo/January2011013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">In the early part of January, the boys and myself decided to join the “rednecks” to watch the monster truck show.  It was close by and we found some tickets for cheap, so we couldn’t resist.  Had a lot of fun, if only I could get these guys to sit this still in church!  Mom and Ava decided they would go shopping instead of join us, the noise would have been to much for Ava.</p> <p align="center">My goal is to try harder and keep this blog up to date.  If thats not happening someone needs to comment or email and remind us the fact.  </p> smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-53227206932391789012010-12-19T21:33:00.001-08:002010-12-19T21:33:17.962-08:00Visitors Of the Past Few Months<p> </p> <p align="center">In the beginning of November we, or my wife I should say, had a surprise visit from her sisters.</p> <p align="center">They had left me in on it a few weeks before they came and then of course I was trying my best to keep it from her.</p> <p align="center">So they showed up one night at 10:30 and came trick or treating to the door.  A neighbor friend helped me out and brought </p> <p align="center">them to the door introducing them as her friends who are looking for a treat.  We had a lot of fun planning this and </p> <p align="center">my wife was thrilled to death. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qOVqTt7I/AAAAAAAAAUA/HpEZQ_dp_PA/s1600-h/pics%20226%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pics 226" border="0" alt="pics 226" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qP09oR1I/AAAAAAAAAUE/kkFZ4SC6nFk/pics%20226_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a></p> <p align="center">They did a real good job at disguising themselves!  Until one of them bust out laughing and the surprise was revealed.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qRshqpRI/AAAAAAAAAUI/yyrM5kpPC7g/s1600-h/pics%20232%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="pics 232" border="0" alt="pics 232" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qSFsAmJI/AAAAAAAAAUM/JbqPKCrabZk/pics%20232_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Above pic shows all the goodies that they brought with them.  Unbelievable the way people have given to us. </p> <p align="center">This was gifts of food, toys for the kids, and lots of kindness from different family and friends.  It was like an early </p> <p align="center">Christmas party, we had a lot of fun and felt so much support.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qTVyUmSI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/_SuMZIZmaNs/s1600-h/pics%20234%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pics 234" border="0" alt="pics 234" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qVEOLZ9I/AAAAAAAAAUU/_2IjZqBO-j0/pics%20234_thumb%5B14%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="418" /></a> The question might be what did me and the kids do?  We just stayed out of the way! </p> <p align="center">No, it was a lot of fun for us all. My wife had no idea of them coming and had no problem finding things to do, I guess</p> <p align="center">you call it a sister thing. </p> <p align="center">The next visit we had was on Thanksgiving weekend when my brother, his wife and three kids stopped by.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qWda-JcI/AAAAAAAAAUY/sK2KKtQJcTQ/s1600-h/Nov%202010%20002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Nov 2010 002" border="0" alt="Nov 2010 002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qX8QZOJI/AAAAAAAAAUc/AE8CIj_7dJo/Nov%202010%20002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p align="center">They arrived Thanksgiving morning and we were glad to be able to have family to “feast” with. The boys had</p> <p align="center">a grand time with each other.  Thankfully the weather wasn’t to cold yet, they spent a lot time outside.  </p> <p align="center">My brother, Jadon is at the end, his wife Gina on the right, Madison you can’t see on the high chair,</p> <p align="center">Reagan is the oldest on the left, and Braden on right is two weeks younger than Dexter.</p> <blockquote> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qZMI1FAI/AAAAAAAAAUg/PRfsNy6zLys/s1600-h/Nov%202010%20006%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Nov 2010 006" border="0" alt="Nov 2010 006" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qZZdN0nI/AAAAAAAAAUk/pj1ts4M3iDo/Nov%202010%20006_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>                                               <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qb4eQA3I/AAAAAAAAAUo/0QmKEZIPAbo/s1600-h/Nov%202010%20005%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Nov 2010 005" border="0" alt="Nov 2010 005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qcSLy3WI/AAAAAAAAAUs/Ym5hc-LE8-4/Nov%202010%20005_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> </blockquote> <p align="center">Ava and Madison are real close in age, they seemed to enjoy each others company.  The guys above on the right</p> <p align="center">are showing off the candy grandma sent down for them.  I guess mom thought they needed more energy.</p> <p align="center">It was very thoughtful, don’t take any insult by that mom!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qfX6ikqI/AAAAAAAAAUw/U5xiqKs1UG8/s1600-h/Isaiah%20347%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Isaiah 347" border="0" alt="Isaiah 347" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qiAGSd8I/AAAAAAAAAU0/UcLvWJ8HHIw/Isaiah%20347_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a></p> <p align="center">The picture above shows a lot of what was going on with the boys.  The four-wheeler was given to Dexter from</p> <p align="center">a neighbor friend a few weeks ago.  As you can see Braden was not ready for the take off and took a hard fall </p> <p align="center">off the back, it just so happened I caught that on camera.  </p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qjWqmbuI/AAAAAAAAAU4/_V7GTOXgqjU/s1600-h/December%202010%20005%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="December 2010 005" border="0" alt="December 2010 005" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qjhm-2NI/AAAAAAAAAU8/CvM9WUxnsrc/December%202010%20005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qkxxSMVI/AAAAAAAAAVA/YtJnzIPJY6Y/s1600-h/December%202010%20004%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="December 2010 004" border="0" alt="December 2010 004" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qlUXisnI/AAAAAAAAAVE/Cg6umPnVHm8/December%202010%20004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qkxxSMVI/AAAAAAAAAVA/YtJnzIPJY6Y/s1600-h/December%202010%20004%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Just this past week Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Steve made a trip south to visit us for a few days.</p> <p align="center">Again we were very happy to see them again and it gave the children an opportunity to be with grandma and grandpa.</p> <p align="center">The boys loved all the attention from uncle Steve and hopefully didn’t get on his nerves to much.</p> <p align="center">Mom helped Charmaine with some projects that needed to be done and goes lots faster with more hands.  Dad </p> <p align="center">fixed a problem in the bathroom and Steve spent time with me at the prison. Time pasted all to quickly.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qmXhNpPI/AAAAAAAAAVI/eKMiQRtibQo/s1600-h/December%202010%20001%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="December 2010 001" border="0" alt="December 2010 001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TQ7qnDbu0uI/AAAAAAAAAVM/OrZ4fj8DafQ/December%202010%20001_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="318" /></a> Grandpa spent quality time with the boys, here he had bought them small painting projects which </p> <p align="center">they were working on.  What a blessing to have godly parents/grandparents who support us like this and </p> <p align="center">enjoy spending time with the kids.  They are missed a lot and being with the grandparents is always time will spent.</p> <p align="center">A thank you to all who have made the 850 mile trek from Pa.  We never get tired of visitors and we always welcome any</p> <p align="center">more who would like to come see us.  Merry Christmas to all and may we never take for granted the gifts that are so freely</p> <p align="center">given to us by the one who’s birth we celebrate this time of year!!</p> smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-59386412539712561612010-11-13T20:24:00.001-08:002010-11-13T20:24:05.662-08:00Ava’s First Birthday<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">This soon to be young lady arrived on a Friday evening, Sept 4, 2009.  It was about 9 pm and my wife was thinking </p> <p align="center">that we should be heading to the Birth Center.  Well, I was thinking hold off to make sure this is the real thing. By 9:30 this </p> <p align="center">wasn’t a joke so we got family to be with the boys and off we went by 10:00.  The last 5 miles of our 10 mile journey</p> <p align="center">was running stop signs, passing anything moving slow ahead of us and wondering if this was gonna happen in the van.</p> <p align="center">We made it and 30 mn later we were holding Ava Marie.  Looking back thats the way it should be, get there quick and</p> <p align="center">leave quick.  By the way I do not care for long drawn out deliveries.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kDXlMSFI/AAAAAAAAARo/p0uLbj1vGiQ/s1600-h/September%202010%20129%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="September 2010 129" border="0" alt="September 2010 129" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kEOEUB1I/AAAAAAAAARs/j-d9gtKzu6o/September%202010%20129_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a></p> <p align="center">This post has been long overdue since this birthday was celebrated September 4. </p> <p align="center">But I had to let you all in on the life of my little girl and how much a year can change an infant to a little one who</p> <p align="center">is active, determined, and tries her best to let nothing stop her.  Is this part of the female gender or</p> <p align="center">do we have on our hands an energy that needs some direction and/or a will that needs some breaking?</p> <p align="center"> Look out teenage years, adulthood, we’re on our way and time is not stopping for this one.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kFTJdKUI/AAAAAAAAARw/_Se7U8IDQWc/s1600-h/September%202010%20121%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="September 2010 121" border="0" alt="September 2010 121" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kGSdqQqI/AAAAAAAAAR0/3moci6alVvE/September%202010%20121_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a></p> <p align="center">I have to give credit to my creative wife who loves to make cakes for the birthdays and she does a great job.</p> <p align="center">This little lady has the sweetest smile and in public she will look for the attention of those passing by and then let</p> <p align="center"> ‘em have that smile.  It will soften anybodies heart. </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="September 2010 127" border="0" alt="September 2010 127" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kHLZvdnI/AAAAAAAAAR4/KI_Uf03Eoko/September%202010%20127_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kIpha5GI/AAAAAAAAAR8/jskvw-xi1Kg/s1600-h/September%202010%20097%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="September 2010 097" border="0" alt="September 2010 097" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kJDhNh5I/AAAAAAAAASA/gela2qGReag/September%202010%20097_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I am the dad so I am allowed to be proud and  show a pic with her and not have to apologize!  </p> <p align="center">This was the gift which was to help her get on her feet and walking. She pushes that thing around so recklessly like</p> <p align="center">she is trying to make a statement, “who says I cant handle this”.</p> <p>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kKS9U2iI/AAAAAAAAASE/Z9UJfJ7p7sA/s1600-h/September%202010%20098%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="September 2010 098" border="0" alt="September 2010 098" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kLyyk4gI/AAAAAAAAASI/aE2sNRBfpAc/September%202010%20098_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kNZJyXcI/AAAAAAAAASM/jMOiqT5wthM/s1600-h/September%202010%20007%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="September 2010 007" border="0" alt="September 2010 007" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kODAXTQI/AAAAAAAAASQ/a_KJRhX3m7s/September%202010%20007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kPvSEe2I/AAAAAAAAASU/KfBAyywQ5oU/s1600-h/September%202010%20063%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="September 2010 063" border="0" alt="September 2010 063" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kQeWYYUI/AAAAAAAAASY/aG2Nr9KsFP8/September%202010%20063_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>   </p> <p align="center">Ava loves being outside and chasing after her brothers.  We need to keep a close eye on her when we’re</p> <p align="center">swimming,  she loves the water.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kRcszi5I/AAAAAAAAASc/q1cWJbL5V1Y/s1600-h/September%202010%20076%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="September 2010 076" border="0" alt="September 2010 076" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kSWzerII/AAAAAAAAASg/NGeruJaGfE8/September%202010%20076_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484" /></a> Me-ma, who is our kind neighbor Ms Jean, came over on her bithday with a gift and had a recording of Happy Birthday</p> <p align="center">to play for Ava. Me-ma has won Ava’s heart and Ava just loves being with her, she spend a lot of time teaching Ava</p> <p align="center">how to hold up one finger.  Bless her heart the boys  love her to death as well. </p> <p align="center">Below and to the right you will notice Ava helping mom clean the cupboards, its a God given trait, right.</p> <p align="center">Cleaning, being a homemaker, I try to give her the benefit of the doubt.</p> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kTeO43jI/AAAAAAAAASk/92VR_ad0UGg/s1600-h/October%202010%20068%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 068" border="0" alt="October 2010 068" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kT90nM_I/AAAAAAAAASo/GXztxmjVN3E/October%202010%20068_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kVAe9ZEI/AAAAAAAAASs/Yczj2C65aTQ/s1600-h/October%202010%20042%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 042" border="0" alt="October 2010 042" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kVmre90I/AAAAAAAAASw/vJhFgvXEufU/October%202010%20042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p align="center"> Like I said, she loves to keep up with her brothers outside, dirt and all.  It is amazing as I see her </p> <p align="center">personality develop and wonder what kind of impact she will make in her world.  How thankful we are for a healthy baby girl</p> <p align="center">and being able to  celebrate her first year.  And how much she adds to our family. We love you, Ava!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kXYpwENI/AAAAAAAAAS0/dNokdRakLtY/s1600-h/Ava%20001%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Ava 001" border="0" alt="Ava 001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TN9kZOWeyeI/AAAAAAAAAS4/QcG8qh9Kr58/Ava%20001_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a></p> smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-71385600297829128062010-10-29T13:51:00.001-07:002010-10-29T13:51:56.121-07:00A Day at The Homestead Hollow<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszQfKiX2I/AAAAAAAAAPk/riyU8jRURuI/s1600-h/October%202010%20086%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 086" border="0" alt="October 2010 086" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszSYcwzxI/AAAAAAAAAPo/ze04DwiLS5M/October%202010%20086_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> <p align="center">This fall we visited a place called the Homestead Hollow, where they have different events throughout the year.</p> <p align="center">This one weekend they had the harvest celebration.  They took a step back in time and showed how</p> <p align="center">things were done in the “good ole days”.   </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszUC_Sj6I/AAAAAAAAAPs/90dgSZTAwQ4/s1600-h/October%202010%20109%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 109" border="0" alt="October 2010 109" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszUSU2i4I/AAAAAAAAAPw/3qleA89xRYQ/October%202010%20109_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>  </p> <p align="center">  They even provided babysitting service!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszWgtS6TI/AAAAAAAAAP0/6iVsqpp6fFI/s1600-h/October%202010%20077%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 077" border="0" alt="October 2010 077" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszZLEa0qI/AAAAAAAAAP4/ipD-QuUUzJU/October%202010%20077_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a></p> <p align="center">These folks were “a pickin and a grinin”.  They were playing some southern gospel and country music.</p> <p align="center">Dexter was fascinated with the man who was doing some magic.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 081" border="0" alt="October 2010 081" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszcIk9qMI/AAAAAAAAAP8/4oHDr3G8BRk/October%202010%20081_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszd1MKINI/AAAAAAAAAQA/eQohufvma9k/s1600-h/October%202010%20079%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 079" border="0" alt="October 2010 079" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszeomGfFI/AAAAAAAAAQE/t3bFbZn9Fvo/October%202010%20079_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>      Just more pics of different things they were doing to take you </p> <p>      back in time.  Was wondering to myself if they knew that there is still</p> <p>      people who dress like they, the Amish.  </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszhu7kJeI/AAAAAAAAAQI/oQlIxlzhFLA/s1600-h/October%202010%20088%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 088" border="0" alt="October 2010 088" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMsziTTH5eI/AAAAAAAAAQM/RfsbHosb5Yc/October%202010%20088_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>       There was a lot of vendors set up trying to sell their crafts and also a lot </p> <p>       of good food being made.  Below, Isaiah is enjoying a fry pie, which was </p> <p>       a pie filled with custard, sweet potato, pecan , and few other varieties.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszhu7kJeI/AAAAAAAAAQI/oQlIxlzhFLA/s1600-h/October%202010%20088%5B5%5D.jpg"> </a></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 089" border="0" alt="October 2010 089" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszkrcf02I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/8PwhNdPSmBE/October%202010%20089_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszhu7kJeI/AAAAAAAAAQI/oQlIxlzhFLA/s1600-h/October%202010%20088%5B5%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszmt1bxmI/AAAAAAAAAQU/BSqVTvcVAlQ/s1600-h/October%202010%20092%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 092" border="0" alt="October 2010 092" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMsznODL8nI/AAAAAAAAAQY/zuCApIsEZpE/October%202010%20092_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszpaOza0I/AAAAAAAAAQc/8VvLj2BW3wQ/s1600-h/October%202010%20091%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 091" border="0" alt="October 2010 091" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszp2sWWCI/AAAAAAAAAQg/DwQt8S7-bqk/October%202010%20091_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">The boys had fun getting a ride on the wagon pulled by some mules.  This man was very proud of his</p> <p align="center">wagon, telling me that is still the original and over 100 years old.</p> <p align="center">They also gave rides on ponies which we couldnt pass up.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszst0vh9I/AAAAAAAAAQk/KgsUOTwNW0w/s1600-h/October%202010%20100%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 100" border="0" alt="October 2010 100" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMsztNOih_I/AAAAAAAAAQo/3bmzNKOQ3tQ/October%202010%20100_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszvw7qmEI/AAAAAAAAAQs/MM0AQQs9s9M/s1600-h/October%202010%20103%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 103" border="0" alt="October 2010 103" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszwc9R5cI/AAAAAAAAAQw/USobHHJNShY/October%202010%20103_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>                                                                                                       </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszyxi10GI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/0b5lNIqfwRE/s1600-h/October%202010%20075%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="October 2010 075" border="0" alt="October 2010 075" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMsz1ei3ciI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/lVLcW84N9os/October%202010%20075_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszvw7qmEI/AAAAAAAAAQs/MM0AQQs9s9M/s1600-h/October%202010%20103%5B5%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszyxi10GI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/0b5lNIqfwRE/s1600-h/October%202010%20075%5B8%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMsz39-o8pI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/BCoJWSrbobw/s1600-h/October%202010%20081%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMsz39-o8pI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/BCoJWSrbobw/s1600-h/October%202010%20081%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMszhu7kJeI/AAAAAAAAARA/8jMLeUiWRrk/s1600-h/October%202010%20088%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TMsz39-o8pI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/BCoJWSrbobw/s1600-h/October%202010%20081%5B2%5D.jpg"> </a></p> smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-52961505738757291432010-09-18T19:54:00.001-07:002010-09-19T12:15:10.589-07:00Visit from Family<p>In the beginning of September, we enjoyed having Elvin & Lena and their kids spend a few days with us.  It’s always fun to have friends and family come and spend some time with us in the south.  We made the most of the short time they were here with us.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV65QAC_1I/AAAAAAAAANM/RVRKS2oGyP0/s1600-h/September%202010%20004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="September 2010 004" border="0" alt="September 2010 004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV67iFTP_I/AAAAAAAAANQ/rfT8lxafERM/September%202010%20004_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a>   </p> <p>One day we took a picnic lunch to the park.  A great place to relax while the children ran off to play on the merry-go-round and splash in the creek.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV69SBKr-I/AAAAAAAAANU/ytTSrdXm5PY/s1600-h/September%202010%20015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="September 2010 015" border="0" alt="September 2010 015" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV6-2zHeeI/AAAAAAAAANY/cKb5ZXc6D74/September%202010%20015_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a></p> <p>We made a trip to Down-Town Birmingham to visit “The Vulcan.”  It’s the World’s largest cast-iron statue.  That’s what you see towering over the children’s heads in picture above.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7ASZEkdI/AAAAAAAAANc/ghrYgGB31a8/s1600-h/September%202010%20023%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="September 2010 023" border="0" alt="September 2010 023" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7BJRJqVI/AAAAAAAAANg/OtyMSfs-xrs/September%202010%20023_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center">A view of the city from the top of the Vulcan</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7DE0b5FI/AAAAAAAAANk/YDVu93ymRX8/s1600-h/September%202010%20038%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="September 2010 038" border="0" alt="September 2010 038" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7D6GMVnI/AAAAAAAAANo/rrAYDe6c7vg/September%202010%20038_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="211" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7F09H0bI/AAAAAAAAANs/d3EBxDUuhDM/s1600-h/September%202010%20044%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="September 2010 044" border="0" alt="September 2010 044" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7GVN9RBI/AAAAAAAAANw/DcHu7ZjwfaM/September%202010%20044_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="211" /></a>  </p> <p>After coming down from climbing the “tower” the children had fun running down a grassy hill.  Nice green grass is something that we don’t see much of in the south- it makes us miss the nice lawns in PA.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7HlFOD3I/AAAAAAAAAN0/ux4ClVQ817k/s1600-h/September%202010%20028%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="September 2010 028" border="0" alt="September 2010 028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7INJcnuI/AAAAAAAAAN4/s96MBWVTQE4/September%202010%20028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7JzeUGyI/AAAAAAAAAN8/AhAZd_7G1SI/s1600-h/September%202010%20031%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="September 2010 031" border="0" alt="September 2010 031" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7KsNZh2I/AAAAAAAAAOA/8UankQIPt9c/September%202010%20031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>And the parents took snapshots:) </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7MfYa7WI/AAAAAAAAAOE/BI1_lIsx1gc/s1600-h/September%202010%20072%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="September 2010 072" border="0" alt="September 2010 072" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7MzVRQ6I/AAAAAAAAAOI/fYFivzyC-Bk/September%202010%20072_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7OptRyKI/AAAAAAAAAOM/5qHtMshZJOQ/s1600-h/September%202010%20054%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="September 2010 054" border="0" alt="September 2010 054" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7PImr1AI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/0ApbA1LUpzQ/September%202010%20054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7QQJZkvI/AAAAAAAAAOU/aAY8D_qSUOI/s1600-h/September%202010%20002%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="September 2010 002" border="0" alt="September 2010 002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7Q9nyOgI/AAAAAAAAAOY/P9nj_1aWnWU/September%202010%20002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7STLkReI/AAAAAAAAAOc/ZtBe_9wN49w/s1600-h/September%202010%20049%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="September 2010 049" border="0" alt="September 2010 049" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJV7S_C9GYI/AAAAAAAAAOg/9mqiqsjxMOQ/September%202010%20049_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The kids had a great time with their cousins.  Thanks Elvin and Lena for making the trip to come see us!  Don’t wait too long to come again!</p> smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-22570501213240986292010-08-10T20:54:00.001-07:002010-09-18T20:18:48.697-07:00Projects and Visit to the Country<p align="center">     In the last 7 months since we moved there have been quite a few small projects we have done to improve things to the house.  One of those have been removing the old steps out the back door, making the first step out of the house deeper and the same level as the floor of the house.  And then the second step deeper as well.  This makes it much more comfortable to step in or out of the house.  Thanks to Vintage Landscape for the donated material and my brother Jeff, for the free delivery service.  One amazing thing about this project was the way I had just enough material. I had a slight idea of how much material I had and needed, but never measured exactly.  So when all was said and done, I had just enough to do what I did. I should have counted the pieces before I started to see if the Hand of Providence multiplied as I needed them.  I believe God takes an interest in the small things of life whether we take time to notice it or not.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIddcpmzII/AAAAAAAAAOk/EYAd0K-gX9A/s1600-h/Dexter6089.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Dexter 608" border="0" alt="Dexter 608" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIdfSkpFYI/AAAAAAAAALE/YsPdwb-zXpc/Dexter%20608_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIddcpmzII/AAAAAAAAAOs/Bhpxh3Vjxw0/s1600-h/Dexter6082.jpg"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIdjav8osI/AAAAAAAAALQ/tXC4clVmfgw/s1600-h/Dexter%20607%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="Dexter 607" border="0" alt="Dexter 607" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIdj6tTYbI/AAAAAAAAALU/R-OuMHoiThM/Dexter%20607_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIddcpmzII/AAAAAAAAAOs/Bhpxh3Vjxw0/s1600-h/Dexter6082.jpg"></a> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="Dexter 609" border="0" alt="Dexter 609" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIdkQuZDLI/AAAAAAAAALY/BlBpsvH6aY8/Dexter%20609%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIdmCJ9kzI/AAAAAAAAALc/c3K1dYUiObI/s1600-h/August%202010%20043%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIdmCJ9kzI/AAAAAAAAALc/c3K1dYUiObI/s1600-h/August%202010%20043%5B2%5D.jpg"> </a>  Here are a few before and after pics of the back door.  As always I have willing and good help to assist me in any of the projects I undertake.  Its great to be able to teach him hands-on.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIekag_FbI/AAAAAAAAALg/HkMobWA-UOg/s1600-h/May%202010%20033%5B16%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="May 2010 033" border="0" alt="May 2010 033" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIemqIVhII/AAAAAAAAALk/7JqHbB9t72Q/May%202010%20033_thumb%5B14%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIddcpmzII/AAAAAAAAAOs/Bhpxh3Vjxw0/s1600-h/Dexter6082.jpg"></a></p> <p align="center">This piece of furniture below was one that we refinished recently.  We picked it up along the streets of Strasburg for free, maybe 3 years ago or more.  It has traveled with us on our last 3 moves and now found its place in our home.  When we first saw it my wife agreed that if we pick it up, she would take full responsibilty to refinish it.  Now we needed it and it still wasn’t finished.  Little did she know that as the little one’s came along, also came less time to accomplish the restoration of this piece.  A few Saturdays ago we made up our mind that the day of reckoning has come.  So we (notice the we) sanded, sweated, painted and at last it found a new look.</p> <p>            <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJWA8Z68r5I/AAAAAAAAAO0/JCk1q6DM-ec/s1600-h/July%202010%20010%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="July 2010 010" border="0" alt="July 2010 010" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJWA8_yLRHI/AAAAAAAAAO4/Lz02lHtzaT8/July%202010%20010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>                                   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJWA-EcaeKI/AAAAAAAAAO8/HemUDBEDxMY/s1600-h/July%202010%20049%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="July 2010 049" border="0" alt="July 2010 049" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJWA-epu4AI/AAAAAAAAAPA/8Lb0OoKXLzY/July%202010%20049_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p align="center">This past Saturday evening we drove a 30 minute drive into the country to take in a horse show.  It was advertised at a local hardware store as a horse show and barbeque.  It was a nice drive into part of the country we never were before.  They had a $3 fee for parking and the rest was ours to do what we wanted.  It was a real back country experience, where everyone knew each other( they might have all been relatives).  Either way we soon felt comfortable, people being friendly and making us feel like its alright we were there.  The barbeque was very good $5 bought a plate of potato salad, baked beans, piece of bread and real good barbecued beef. Notice their advertisement on the fence, it seemed to me you could buy your space and sell your business.  We had a good time and the boys loved it.  The guy in the orange shirt offered a ride to the boys as he rode by.  He must have over heard Isaiah saying that he wanted a ride.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJWBAtHwTqI/AAAAAAAAAPE/TMseuWJ1oEw/s1600-h/August%202010%20031%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="August 2010 031" border="0" alt="August 2010 031" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJWBBXHqNEI/AAAAAAAAAPI/RxJw0K3jxaA/August%202010%20031_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIevXaom8I/AAAAAAAAAMA/5Vtsdza-k14/s1600-h/August%202010%20034%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="August 2010 034" border="0" alt="August 2010 034" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIevye1UbI/AAAAAAAAAME/AI4PwHcteTw/August%202010%20034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">  The building you see (to your left) with stairs going up the side was where the announcer overlooked the arena and made his comments.   What intrigues me in these back country places is the looks of their buildings, you gotta like it.  No one feels pressure to have the buildings in perfect condition,  its like an after thought.  The enjoyment of life is not affected by everything being just perfect and looking better than the Jones’ down the street.   Its not a bad thing, unless its a result of laziness which in some situations it is.   </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIesZx_B5I/AAAAAAAAAL4/4AfbzuZnzF0/s1600-h/August%202010%20031%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIdmCJ9kzI/AAAAAAAAALc/c3K1dYUiObI/s1600-h/August%202010%20043%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="August 2010 043" border="0" alt="August 2010 043" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIewcxfITI/AAAAAAAAAMI/4oA5FljxVdA/August%202010%20043_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIeya3qV4I/AAAAAAAAAMM/KyyQqjEUKsE/s1600-h/August%202010%20024%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="August 2010 024" border="0" alt="August 2010 024" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIeywg9jLI/AAAAAAAAAMU/arFGzKe1oZM/August%202010%20024_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>    Isaiah still has his love for horses,  on the left he was giving the miniature horse a kiss as we were about to leave.  </p> <p>I will admit (the picture on the right) we might       have been trying to fit in a little.  Something was telling me that we didn’t appear as locals, but know one seemed to mind.                                               </p> <p>                                                                      </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIe0HeSXdI/AAAAAAAAAPM/LEIQWPQzkeQ/s1600-h/August%202010%20027%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="August 2010 027" border="0" alt="August 2010 027" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIe0qZ8q0I/AAAAAAAAAPU/bdJ1UinoGGA/August%202010%20027_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="220" /></a>    <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIe103DzcI/AAAAAAAAAMg/oMhMlEUoIPU/s1600-h/August%202010%20036%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="August 2010 036" border="0" alt="August 2010 036" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIe2bNYLZI/AAAAAAAAAMk/-EuJSfounzc/August%202010%20036_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>    This kind young lady (below) was more than glad to give the boys a ride on her horse.  She was giving all the details of the horse and the prizes she has won with him, very proud of her horse.  You could tell it was in her blood and she didn’t have a  choice but to love horses.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJWBFIDAx4I/AAAAAAAAAPc/B3mQguG8awU/s1600-h/August%202010%20041%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="August 2010 041" border="0" alt="August 2010 041" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TJWBFgflYjI/AAAAAAAAAPg/BTfs1zJhfMY/August%202010%20041_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>  </p> <p> </p> <p>We have enjoyed exploring you might say or driving to new areas and seeing what else you can find especially in the back country areas.</p> <p>   </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="August 2010 039" border="0" alt="August 2010 039" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TGIe6ULbsRI/AAAAAAAAAMw/JO-nXUZR5Io/August%202010%20039_thumb%5B18%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="610" height="500" /></p> smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-29065758013501161022010-07-14T20:34:00.001-07:002010-07-14T20:34:22.356-07:00Dexter’s Birthday Party!<p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6BbqQA6wI/AAAAAAAAAKE/BH4HcqTSUts/s1600-h/June%202010%20009%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="June 2010 009" border="0" alt="June 2010 009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6BdbGa3nI/AAAAAAAAAKI/NUMRadEWdkA/June%202010%20009_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> Dexter had his 4th birthday on June 21. For some reason its not hard to remember his arrival 4 years ago. Our </p> <p align="center">first child and the day of his delivery was never forgotten.  </p> <p align="center">Here he is already 4, growing up so fast. Dexter is very ambitious and loves to learn.  Anytime I find a project</p> <p align="center">to do around the house, he is always right beside me wanting to help and looking for that approval from his dad.</p> <p align="center">Making new friends here in the south has not been a problem for him.  May God give us wisdom to direct his</p> <p align="center">energies in the right direction.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6BfSYphvI/AAAAAAAAAKM/QvBDJGyYrQE/s1600-h/June%202010%20014%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="June 2010 014" border="0" alt="June 2010 014" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6Bf03t4LI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/A0r0fVFGoKU/June%202010%20014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6Bg5QqeKI/AAAAAAAAAKU/RoThjYqBzdQ/s1600-h/June%202010%20013%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="June 2010 013" border="0" alt="June 2010 013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6BhqCErvI/AAAAAAAAAKY/R7qMyLMZ0v4/June%202010%20013_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6BjGx2wNI/AAAAAAAAAKc/CV74caq3DW0/s1600-h/June%202010%20007%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="June 2010 007" border="0" alt="June 2010 007" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6BjkJuW0I/AAAAAAAAAKg/QAxz1Gda3Zc/June%202010%20007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center"> We had some neighbors over to celebrate his birthday and help eat the cake.  Did you notice the cake my wife </p> <p align="center">created herself, no need for the local bakery this time.  </p> <p align="center">Playmobil and goggles brought the smile to the face as he unwrapped the gifts and discovered what he had.  The</p> <p align="center">goggles are for swimming, but we had to wear them for the next couple days.</p> <p>       </p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6Bl18XGgI/AAAAAAAAAKk/buy-agy47rE/s1600-h/June%202010%20015%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="June 2010 015" border="0" alt="June 2010 015" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6BmvDnlPI/AAAAAAAAAKo/uNHLq2bQCdA/June%202010%20015_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6BomSonjI/AAAAAAAAAKs/9uJc_yrYwZA/s1600-h/June%202010%20016%5B16%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="June 2010 016" border="0" alt="June 2010 016" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6BqoRgRII/AAAAAAAAAKw/1e0GEaX123o/June%202010%20016_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a>  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6Bsh1pbnI/AAAAAAAAAK0/NIIjx_CVLZw/s1600-h/June%202010%20008%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6Bsh1pbnI/AAAAAAAAAK0/NIIjx_CVLZw/s1600-h/June%202010%20008%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">We enjoy socializing with the neighbors and are thankful for their friendships. Not sure what we would do </p> <p align="center">without them, its definitly an act of God that we have the opportunity to live in this neighborhood.</p> <p align="center">Above, the carport has turned into a screened in sitting area so we could enjoy </p> <p align="center">evenings outside without the bugs.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6Bu7kPDQI/AAAAAAAAAK4/fDkhWC2Sycs/s1600-h/June%202010%20008%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="June 2010 008" border="0" alt="June 2010 008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TD6BvZNdPQI/AAAAAAAAAK8/FpVE2_PgtdU/June%202010%20008_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p align="center">I had to post this pic, our dear neighbors James and Vonelle Horton use the gator for travel to neighborhood</p> <p align="center">functions and to do his work projects for whoever.  The boys, Dexter and Isaiah, are always waiting for a </p> <p align="center">ride offer, which Horton loves to give.  </p> smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-11247978304050310922010-06-02T20:27:00.001-07:002010-06-02T20:50:57.512-07:00Picture Post<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcg_uXLllI/AAAAAAAAAJE/-4Ly6RpBgSA/s1600-h/dexter%20645%5B46%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="dexter 645" border="0" alt="dexter 645" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAchAAl1fwI/AAAAAAAAAJM/_4e--kRotTI/dexter%20645_thumb%5B44%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="left">    </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcg52sQSoI/AAAAAAAAAG0/dCk97Cl6LjE/s1600-h/Baby%20Ava%20226%5B3%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcg52sQSoI/AAAAAAAAAG0/dCk97Cl6LjE/s1600-h/Baby%20Ava%20226%5B3%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAchBjWo_cI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/z_Pcvkt5KS8/s1600-h/Isaiah%20329%5B3%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcg52sQSoI/AAAAAAAAAG0/dCk97Cl6LjE/s1600-h/Baby%20Ava%20226%5B3%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAchBjWo_cI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/z_Pcvkt5KS8/s1600-h/Isaiah%20329%5B3%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcg52sQSoI/AAAAAAAAAG0/dCk97Cl6LjE/s1600-h/Baby%20Ava%20226%5B3%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcg52sQSoI/AAAAAAAAAG0/dCk97Cl6LjE/s1600-h/Baby%20Ava%20226%5B3%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcg80pgEQI/AAAAAAAAAIs/B93AvtzTYzI/s1600-h/Baby%20Ava%20217%5B19%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAchG39CoKI/AAAAAAAAAJU/OrOhfgaagl4/s1600-h/Isaiah%20329%5B19%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Isaiah 329" border="0" alt="Isaiah 329" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAchHTgk05I/AAAAAAAAAJY/DLC2M08opak/Isaiah%20329_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="165" /></a>   </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAchKv23-YI/AAAAAAAAAHw/k5P_iCA7yDM/s1600-h/Baby%20Ava%20226%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Baby Ava 226" border="0" alt="Baby Ava 226" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAchK9La4QI/AAAAAAAAAH0/m1c_fyCw1Ps/Baby%20Ava%20226_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcg80pgEQI/AAAAAAAAAJg/OIBka-A_XjE/s1600-h/Baby%20Ava%20217%5B30%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Baby Ava 217" border="0" alt="Baby Ava 217" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcg9VPtpjI/AAAAAAAAAJo/2c_uWYU-SvI/Baby%20Ava%20217_thumb%5B28%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="431" /></a>   </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAchMjg1HRI/AAAAAAAAAH4/6svGBJoJ9iA/s1600-h/Baby%20Ava%20225%5B13%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Baby Ava 225" border="0" alt="Baby Ava 225" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAchNLY_PTI/AAAAAAAAAH8/vSdSbdpszsw/Baby%20Ava%20225_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcmkBtyD7I/AAAAAAAAAJw/g7wkYoj3wPQ/s1600-h/Isaiah%20339%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Isaiah 339" border="0" alt="Isaiah 339" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcmmj_jEzI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/TLinHLXYdCU/Isaiah%20339_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486" /></a>  </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Dexter & Isaiah 153" border="0" alt="Dexter & Isaiah 153" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcmm63BgSI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Et-1TVeWmgk/Dexter%20%26%20Isaiah%20153_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186" /> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Z_m18IMYGZc/TAcmoKAOv5I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/v_5b5oCm02o/s1600-h/Dexter%20%26%20Isaiah%20153%5B15%5D.jpg"> </a></p> smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-61869074949179125222010-05-26T18:38:00.000-07:002010-05-29T20:39:58.339-07:00Visit from Family<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The last weekend March we had a visit from my mom (her first time here) and brother Jeff with his wife and two sons. We thoroughly enjoyed the time we had with them and especially having mom here for the first.<br />
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We did a lot of relaxing over the weekend and had some of the neighbors meet my family. On Saturday we went to the Birmingham zoo and visited more of our relatives!! (that was supposed to be funny)<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had all kinds of goodies to eat from, thanks to the kindness of, those back home, along with mom and Jeff's. We especially love the meats, cheese and pretezels that only Lancaster County can produce. This would be a negative of the south, not finding food like that.</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Dexter and Isaiah had such a good time with their cousins, we actually had very minor disputes to settle. Hours were spent outside riding bikes and never know (which was probably a good thing) what you might find the 4 of them discovering or trying to organize a game plan. The explanation to the picture above has Isaiah pushing the button to operate the door opener (he can't be seen because of where the button is) and the other guys are trying to see who can hang on the longest as the door goes up. Gotta admit it had to be fun!</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRuBu1yq0vLbjoY8ixjfKYWgY8_nJc-UFExUGttq5IWi0BOnEz3Vz9esICboSeMcLqNTckCAEo4kSoxF1M-krW4WWSISqoIey5wqO6tcV13f4grmIVHKJVhZuD5bujBYcwD2wFSLxRbGO/s1600/Alabama+099.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473176026145454722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRuBu1yq0vLbjoY8ixjfKYWgY8_nJc-UFExUGttq5IWi0BOnEz3Vz9esICboSeMcLqNTckCAEo4kSoxF1M-krW4WWSISqoIey5wqO6tcV13f4grmIVHKJVhZuD5bujBYcwD2wFSLxRbGO/s320/Alabama+099.jpg" style="float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">The ice cream truck made its rounds the one day which had grandma running for her purse as the grandsons were thrilled to realize the truck offered some treats and it was on grandma. What is not seen is the music being played and since this experience Dexter catches the sound of this truck before I pick it up. The hard part for him is that not everyday grandma is here, dad is not as kind you might say.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-edRDyhq5m0fOTNpi1VymL1Qd-FRKVON3AuzGKDgX3xJXpC5vHqqH6jgsFCgoWLJL-KYXAORradzQmeJ1uyW1QBE7NSTWm9Bd5qPwey7LeuIrMDs1Ypsy6zoeiwEa-BHSbfZO5nCW3zBy/s1600/Alabama+103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-edRDyhq5m0fOTNpi1VymL1Qd-FRKVON3AuzGKDgX3xJXpC5vHqqH6jgsFCgoWLJL-KYXAORradzQmeJ1uyW1QBE7NSTWm9Bd5qPwey7LeuIrMDs1Ypsy6zoeiwEa-BHSbfZO5nCW3zBy/s320/Alabama+103.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Enjoying their treats, thanks mom for your kindness. I know dad would have loved to do the same thing. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We always look forward to and love the visits we get knowing that it is a sacrifice to drive 14 hrs from Pa. So anyone wondering if its a bother for us to host visitors, no, we really do enjoy it. Come and see us!</div></div></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-30868384590925947182010-04-18T13:01:00.000-07:002010-05-29T21:13:03.576-07:00Spring Time In Pleasant Grove<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think spring was more exciting to see come this year than others, not knowing what all to expect and see come to life. The warm weather was a welcome, allowed for some energy filled boys to be outside and the neighbors to see that there are some new kids on the block. They spend hours outside riding bike, playing ball and picking any flower they see bloom to give to mom. One of the things we like about this place we have is the space to ride outside and a fenced back yard, not really to keep the boys in their boundaries but to keep the stray dogs out.</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We have enjoyed seeing things bloom and something that is plentiful here more so than the north is the azaleas. As the grass started to grow we came to realize our backyard is a weed patch. So this landscaper is supposed to figure out a way to grow a nice yard. Well, I am still observing and trying to figure out how that's done. We are thankful for the space we have to grow a garden and the soil here is nice enough for it. With the help of my neighbor, Mr Horton, he came by with his equipment to help me out.</div></div><br />
<div>One day when i got home from the prison he was in the back yard cleaning up brush and getting an area ready for my garden. <br />
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This man is one of a kind and loves to be a help to anyone. He's been seen doing projects for the other neighbors as well, never wants any pay. In no time flat we had an area all ready to plant.</div></div><br />
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This was the last step in this whole process, what he is doing here is making the rows for me or what he called it <br />
"laying it off ". So now we wait and see, hoping for some fresh vegetables that we won't be able to find along <br />
roadside stands like in Lancaster Co.<br />
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You need to work for food around here. Dexter loves to help his dad with whatever the latest project is, in this case it is planting strawberries. He does a good job and its fun to have him by my side even though it slows up a project. </div></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When I was landscaping there were times when I would take one of the boys with me to a job for part of a day. Dexter was the one that got that privilege most of the time and he loved going with me. That is one of the things I miss not being able to do with the job I have now.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The garden is planted and now we hope that all the labor will not be in vane. That makes me think of the work I am involved with in the prison, I have been talking to guys and hearing their stories or journeys they have been on. And they have built of thick walls of hatred and unforgiveness from things they have experienced. Talking to them feels at times like talking to a brick wall and I wonder what in the world am I doing here or I ask the question "is this really worth my time". These were some discouraging thoughts going through my head and I hope and pray that my labor will not be in vane. God is teaching me to be faithful to what He has called us to do and not faint even if at the time we see no results. He is the one doing a work of changing hearts made of stone. Thank God that it is Him and not me doing that.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-52075769065266279962010-03-17T05:49:00.000-07:002010-03-20T21:47:13.319-07:00Adjustments to the South<div align="left">Within a few days of moving here, our closest neighbors had stopped by and gave us a warm welcome. We continue to enjoy them and appreciate all the kindness they show us. The very first time we were here to see the property with our agent, as we were leaving I noticed an older gentleman waving at us. He was more than glad to let me know all about the neighborhood and the people that originally lived here. As we left we still had not decided for sure if we like the place but deep down something kept telling me that we wanted to live here. Mr. Horton was that neighbor and I believe God used him to confirm that this would be a good place to live. To this day he and his wife, Miss Vonell, are more than a neighbor, they are our friends. He makes sure everyone on the street is taken care of, he basically is the local hardware/borrow anything you need store. He has been so helpful. </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450933231140398370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTInsXVhDsG3UQHdrabZPnopMVRDxM4F4dGvBgSg25q-5i9vBGNU7D3D5iRnM1MyUZaEXCuqvbkKJOeFTztH-0LbGr-_uiMWpQT_myUuARioEc1565YByMzIcRxN6SuhktLI1fzf8gRa2/s320/download+pics+114.jpg" /><br />This is our dear neighbor Jean Morgan (known as Miss Jean to the children), her husband passed away 2 years ago. She loves our children and the boys have warmed up to her real quick. Quite a few times she has called and offered us food that she had been cooking, the best yet was her cornbread salad. This picture was taken on a warm saturday, the boys were out front and she told them to come swing with her. She was embarassed with what she was wearing for the picture, I assured her she had nothing to worry about.<br /><br /><br /><br />Since we have been here we had 3 different occasions of visitors. The very first of those was mom, dad and Steve. Steve and dad helped with the Crusade and mom stayed with Charmaine and the children as I went into the prison. They came within the first week of being here, which was nice because it gave my wife company. Dad spent a couple of days helping me with some projects the worst of those being some spackling, finished some painting, and hanging out our birdfeeder (and he was sure to fill it). Mom was willing to entertain the children and read books with them. We were very glad for them being here and helping us get settled in, it was hard to see them leave.<br /><br /><br /><br />Phil and Shelly Nissley, along with Dietrich and Claudia, were the next to stop by and visit. We always enjoy them and the few times a year we spend with them at the cabin. They were willing to miss the big snow storm in pa and instead be here. We spent the evening at home, letting the boys play guns and us parents catching up on the latest; solving the worlds problems. Thanks Phils for taking the time to stop by even though it was a short visit.<br /><br /><br />Dave, Sonia, and the clan were the next and last of the visitors we've had. We met them in Nashville for a day and then drove with them here for the rest of the weekend til Tuesday morning. Dexter had great fun with Michael and Cedric, his latest heroes. A lot of that had to do with them giving him an album to keep his baseball cards.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450929305089356226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_1faxERs-1IIc9dwt7ogqlaPDCX3vK8Ftot1BDzUkZ9tXdhjIXvn9AoHrQJyZUfxypwdUNQFL6q_PDRkTUBcy4E9hvMw3P86zUDoAb3oCloqRdX7d1I78QelZFE8vpFVLIN3FZf2iq24/s320/download+pics+024.jpg" /><br />We did a lot of relaxing and enjoying family who we had been looking forward to having here. Even with our small house, it was no problem putting up a family of 4. So anyone who wants to top that number we would love to have you here.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450930852878771714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJShZaQ6k-Dhp3xQNGE3tkBpMnXPzTwdkS8VMvyE_q2Yc0OioPH7DkqfzpMbNH8lXmLYkjXA8L-qm6OIq2kSkXRI6Q9XUr1UjlulK6fAAVHPoZvBW9JBE1qoFnq6E0fvjT7HqmKPo4z2zw/s320/download+pics+035.jpg" />Getting back into a routine after visits is the only negative, but we would rather deal with that than do without family and friends visiting.<br /><br /><br /><div>As life continues here we keep learning more of the culture and seeing how people live in the south. So far we love the culture and early on someone warned us not to "get dirt between the toes" if we don't plan on being here for long. I would say that will be hard to avoid. Maybe we are still unwinding from our busy lifestyle, but right now it seems life has never been so stress free. That is another blessing from God and a confirmation that this is where we are to be.</div><br /><div>A few interesting things about the grammar of the south here is that its not tornadoes that frequent here but tornaders. Nor is it tomatoes but tomaters. </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450935608350561890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKWW7Mn8VOoqJ7zHhdS4J5yq88x3pT6oXj4KDETOfF8_u8hK5xfE5zrekt61xDFhNbwx-cz97KZ9-yawAIHAcXewzHxBZ5iYAT-yaxT-fCytLr5C0_PO_XSiyISTFV02nhLbnFGsEReIB/s320/download+pics+096.jpg" /><br />This is at a local restaurant, Jacks, that was advertising their latest deal. People keep telling us that we have an accent, which I always thought they are the ones with the accent. We are "yankees" they say, so maybe we do have the accent. In the prison I often find myself asking the person I am talking with to explain what he meant or what he said. As we continue learning and adjusting to the southern culture, people here are forgiving when we misunderstand. In the public with the children it is nothing new to be recognized or have someone stop to talk to them.<br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">God's goodness has taken on a new meaning as we live and become adjusted. Psalm 13:5-6 says, "<em>I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me."</em> </div>smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439469080472403152.post-50751868350894992002010-03-11T12:04:00.000-08:002010-05-26T18:57:19.332-07:00We've Arrived!!!<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #666666; font-family: georgia;">The reason for this blog is to keep family and friends updated with what we as a family are experiencing here in the south. And at the same we want to allow you to see God's faithfulness to us, we want to be an encouragement to all who follow this blog. As we post pictures this will allow family to see our children grow up and stay connected in that way. We hope to update this blog on a weekly basis, but with 3 little ones loving attention it might not always happen each week.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #666666; font-family: georgia;">If we back track to day we moved it would take us to January 18 when we officially arrived in Pleasant Grove, Al. With us in the van was Juanita (Charmaines sister), Myla, and pulling the trailer with our belongings was David and Chad Nissley. Long time friends who we are very grateful for their kindness in helping us move.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #666666; font-family: georgia;">We managed to get what we needed in the trailer which belonged to Flaud and my brother Jeff allowed us to use his truck. The details of what we will use came into place the week we moved, which was definitely the hand of God. Some might think why didn't you plan ahead better. Months before this I came to realize that if this is all suppose to be, us moving, I will not stress myself out making sure all these details were in exact place. Through this, God revealed His faithfulness time and time again.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFd2A1oKRUR6hZSs7b4WERg-KADQnbW-wGdYBdkOiyk1LYN9D8RFGw27M688rR3rFtgVro57rY-mBAjd69t5P_HnwmRH43B9JnR_WwIhmkuZuVJvdMYBph-sBLr3HJHkS5WdZ7tHiJ7xUi/s1600/dexter,+isaiah,+and+ava+033+(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #666666;"></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: #666666; font-family: georgia;">Just arrived and gettin backed into place. Was a beautiful winter day to move. The temp being in the 50's.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: #666666;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #999999; font-family: georgia;">In no time flat we had the trailer unloaded and the Nissley's were on the way. And thanks to all the help of packing the trailer, we had very minor scratches to the furniture. Juanita stayed till thursday and helped put things in place. I do not enjoy that part of moving and so i was glad she was along to help my wife. Erma Zook had sent a meal along down with us, which was a real blessing. No one felt like cooking up dinner after traveling all night. By evening we had enough furniture in place and we had somewhere to sleep. Rest never felt so good before.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="background-color: black; color: #999999; font-family: georgia;">We will try to do a fast forward overview of the happenings in our lives the last 8 weeks in the next few blogs and catch up with where we are now.</span></div>smokershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15002890107205244654noreply@blogger.com2