July Is Over...
The garden is coming right along. Although, for some reasons we're going through a slow tomato ripening stretch. Beth has canned several jars of green beans. I have been mostly fixing them for meals. I wanted her to can as much as she can, first. Her baby girl is due in the middle of November.
Last week, we finished the first corn that I started inside. That was a good start, but now the Peaches N Cream that I bought in Virginia is coming on and it is delicious. Merrill and I ate some for supper and then we took some over to Beth.We should have some to freeze this next week.
My pressing rental apartment work is almost done... just in time for food preservation. A woman's work is never done.
Well, that just about does it for July blogging...
Trouble Going To Sleep...
Exhaustively, I decided about 1 o'clock to make my list, so I get up. Then I'm down. Then I'm up adding to the list again. Tired people don't think well, because I should have just put the list by my bed, as I do a lot, and finish it as it came to mind. Then about 2 o'clock when I'm just settling into sleep... I woke with a start. That's a shock to the heart. You didn't blog Brooklyn's birthday. After all that, I finally fell asleep and had a peaceful night.
Partly, it probably happened because of so many changes to yesterdays schedule and today I have half again as much work to do. Now that's another story...
Run, run, run...
Congratulations To Jason & Regina...
Looking For A Slow Day...
This has been one great summer for having great weather. Not too hot and not too cold. I have loved our July 2008 weather, especially, since it has not been overwhelmingly hot and since it has rained more than most July's that I remember. It has really been great for crops and gardens in our area.
For sure, this has been one summer for extra events and happenings. Of course, we Lavy's always have a birthday, anniversary, reunion or something going on without everything else that comes up.
I had the misconception that when I got older things would slow down. Instead, things have snowballed and got faster. The family and events have vastly multiplied. But, you know, I wouldn't want it any other way. Having a big family is fun especially a big loving family. I love to watch the grandchildren playing and enjoying their time together. I enjoy our big family discussions. I just enjoy our family.
What more can you ask for?
(This is a picture is of some of the grandchildren that was taken at church around Easter 2008, I think.)
A Happy Anniversary
Women's Power...
I love to see women get together and do something helpful. It seems like everywhere we turn today whether it is the newsmedia, business or whatever women are throwing their power around in all the wrong ways. But, these ladies used their power to give a man his life. Awesome!
I thought you might enjoy the story and like to read the article and watch the little video.
Sad and Glad...
I'm glad they got the help and love they needed for their transition to their new pastorate. It is so sad to see them go, but I know they will be great leaders for their new church. My husband and myself will admit that they one of our best Pastors & wives. We've enjoyed their leadership, sermons, caring and love.
Pastor Jonathan and Stephanie we appreciate everything that you've done for us. God Bless you with the best of ministries. You'll always be a pleasant memory to us. We are so glad you passed our way!
Big Day...
Shout It From The House Tops
"What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops."Matthew 10:27
Jesus is Christ, Son of the living God and He is the only one who can save the world. He is worthy to be praised, lived for and looking forward to seeing in eternity. He makes life worth living because He saves, gives peace, joy, satisfies, meets our needs and leads us daily. What more can a Christian ask for?
I thought that I would share those thoughts with you today. It seems that people are forgetting who Jesus is. He is not to be taken lightly, mocked or scorned. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but receive everlasting life." John 3:16
God's heart is broken when people treat His Son so badly and when we Christians do not speak out against those who are mocking God, Jesus and God's word, the Bible.
Aren't you tired of reading and hearing about so-called preachers or Christians who live lives that are contrary to what God's word says? There will always be wolves in sheep's clothing, but they don't need to get a free ride. God's people need to speak out and call it what it is, sin. God's people obey Him.
I'm talking today about the world around us is getting totally out of control. A lot of Christians are not standing up and being counted. We are letting newspapers, tv, radio, songs, movies, parades, and other events make fun of God and Christians. Sometimes, we step back and hide or act insulted if another Christian dare say, "Stop, this is wrong." People, God does not want us to be lukewarm. If we don't stand up now, the way things are going, there will come a day when we we will not be able to stand up freely.
If you are a Christian, God wants you to be totally on fire for Him. Live for Him, pray and read His word. Hide His word in your heart so that you know how to live and will not sin against Him.
If you are not a Christian, God is just a prayer away. Ask Him to save you and take away all your sins, and then be determined in your heart to go live it. It will be the greatest decision that you've ever made in your life. God does hear and answer prayer!
This is the Lords day and I just wanted to say something for Him.
God Bless and have a great day!
Family Reunions
Today, was one of my husbands family reunions. It was the Welbaum - Lavy reunion. It is a combined reunion of Merrill's parents and their brothers & sisters and nieces and nephews. Merrill's mom was a Welbaum and of course his dad a Lavy. Kayetta Fourman heads it up and does a great job.
I really like family reunions. It is so much fun to see people, learn what's new in their lives and see how they've changed. We never know what the next year holds because reunions change from time to time with marriages, births and death's.
Of course, the food was great. The greatest part of the good food is that I did not overeat. Now that is an accomplishment!
Oh, yes, the potato salad story. Merrill and I made 4 batches of potato salad yesterday. It took about an hour and I had the potatoes and eggs already boiled. But, we had to peel the potatoes and eggs. They after they were peeled Merrill shredded them. Merrill is learning new skills. I think I'm going to call him the Potato King. He is a great potato frier. Of course, he makes great french toast too, but that is another story.
The recipe came from one of my new cookbooks that I got this summer. It is real similar to the Der Duchman potato salad. My husband is so please that we found this recipe. We are trying to save it for special occasions so that we do not get burnt out on it.
Fried Vegetables
Watching A Toddler...
I watched Isaiah so that Beth could go to the doctor for her monthly checkup. He plays very well by himself. He wasn't in the mood to read so that didn't happen long, but he played a long time with his toys. I put him down for his nap, and kept checking on him. Once when I went in he was on the dresser. I think that he is part mountain goat. :) After that, I put him back into bed, kissed him and firmly told him he had to take a nap. He wimpered a little, but went to sleep. That is one reason I love toddlers, they are complex little people always full of surprises.
Taking Down A Stand Of Trees...
These are pictures that I've taken of him removing the trees. By the time I got there they were mostly down, but he was still pulling roots out. We plan to replace them with poplar trees. They are a pretty tree that grows fairly fast. I want to make a new stand of trees where the old ones were. We've already decided how far apart we want them. After the preliminary drawing is made so that we can get an idea of how it will look, I will place the order and get them in as soon as possible. This is really exciting because I have wanted to do it for a few years.
This is a pictures of our orchard. Also, a picture of one of the peach trees that is quite loaded with peaches. Last nights wind blew off quite a few apples, but the peaches held on.
I planted the orchard myself several years ago. It is just now starting to bare quite a bit of fruit. I like to plant trees and my husband is pretty good about it, if I don't put it in the wrong place like over a drain or line.
Glad To Have Them Back...
Pleasant Memories...
I got to talk to old friends that I usually don't see unless I go there. Some friends were there from Canada. One of the reasons I wanted to go, was to see my best friend in high school, but she had already gone home. But, it was an enjoyable time. I don't recall ever hearing the evangelist that spoke when I was young, but then again, he was probably young too and not an evangelist. I guess, I feel younger than I really am, so things don't always seem the way they actually are. :)
I sat with my oldest sons best friend, his mom was a friend of mine who passed away about 3 yrs. ago. I so badly wanted to tell him a story because I was sitting where I could see a familiar cabin, but I contained myself because he was in deep thought and worship. It was a great sermon on salvation, sanctificantion and minding God.
Anyway, back to my brief thoughts on the cabin that I saw. We young teenage girls, could get onery when we got together at camp. A bunch of us young girls decided to pull a prank on this grouchy old lady. She was a real crank! We got a bunch of wind up alarm clocks and set them at different times in the night under her cabin. So, they went off all night long. Well, my guess is, she didn't get much sleep that night! For sure, she was probably too tired to crank. I don't recall us getting into any trouble with anyone. But, it was funny, and yes, I do feel bad and would never do anything like that today! lol
I have more stories to tell, but will have to save them for another time.
Friends
I'm Just Tired...
I was looking at my daughter-in-law, Wilma's blog, and found this delightful picture of my son ... in this case ... he takes after his dad. I just had to chuckle and snap the picture to share with you.
Hope you enjoyed the picture and got a little chuckle as well.
Working In The Garden
The picture to the left is the first corn of the season. It is the Early Sunglow that I started inside in styrofoam cups. Hey, it worked, so next yr I may do more. It probably isn't worth doing for other corns, but the Early Sunglow is early and a small, short eared corn. The corn that I planted directly in the ground will be ready in about 7-10 days, so you don't gain a lot. It is just fun to try something different.
We saved an ear for Merrill this evening. Beth didn't think it was fair that we only got one ear. It sure left us looking forward to more.
Welcome Back
Popcorn
Last week, when we went to Amish Country in Oh, we purchased around 20 lb of Lady Finger Amish grown popcorn. Today, I put it away in glass jars for storage. While packaging, I noticed that it was July when we purchased it last year. We weren't quite out, so, we just made it.
I thought you might like to see the product. Here are my pictures of the purchased bags and the storage jars.
Pictures...
These are from the Phillips reunion a couple weeks ago.
Dad was one of nine children. Two are deceased. The first picture is of my dad with his six remaining brothers and sisters.
Dad is to the right.
A Gift, Turned Down...
Catching Up...
Spreading God's Word
Top Of The Morning To Ya...
It was windy and raining outside. Basically, we just had the camper parked at the end of the house, so that we could plug in the electric, and it wasn't anchored, so we could feel the wind. I heard Caden say to Kinsey, the camper is moving and it isn't Grandma! Well, that was the rest of the story. We decided to go in, at the hardest raining time of the evening. By the time we ran from the camper to the house we were soaked. Quite frankly, I prefer to be in a strong, solid house than in a camper in a storm.
It did make a funny memory!
Happy Birthday to Us!
Did I ever tell you the story?...
Thirty years ago I was expecting twins. The fun part of this was that Merrill and I decided not to tell anyone in the family. It is called peace & loads of fun! As my pregnancy progressed and I got the size of a small cow, people did start asking questions. I was put on 3 weeks bed rest in the end. But, believe it or not, I made it to one day before my delivery date. I went into the doctors office and he informed me that I was in labor. I already knew that, but he confirmed it. His office was at the hospital and no matter how much I begged to go home, he wouldn't let me. I was wheeled over to the hospital and my husband was contacted. My labor went fast. I went into hard labor fast and Merrill did not get the papers signed until after the delivery. (I'm not sure that would happen today.) Merrill was there, four nurses and three doctors. All we needed was the cake and ice cream and they could have called it a party! I remember it well, even after all these years. I contained myself with the well taught breathing techniques and provided the world with two wonderful girls.
This was just the beginning... we were the talk of the hospital. I had four boys and now I had twin girls that were born on my 30th birthday! Everyone was talking about it. It was an exciting time. Later, they brought me up a little birthday cake. It was just an amazing thing to happen and lots of people were happy! The grandparents... well, some thought we were putting them on and some just laughed! It was fun and we probably would do it the same way again.
Last, but not least, is this little blond haired girl that was born five years ago on our birthday. This is her big year because she gets to go to school in the fall.
Now, folks, how often does this story happen?