Tail Gate Party

 

 

 

We brought the cake and presents to the orchard and had our little party in the back of the truck. Our family has many fond memories of eating in the back of the truck. I remember one cold November day we went hiking and huddled in the back of the truck with a crock pot full of soup - exiting Dolly Wood and eating in a sea full of cars...to mention a two.

Apples

 

 

 

Apple Picking

 

 

 

 

For Hosanna's birthday we went apple picking! There was a free event near Bat Cave and they were just giving the apple away - organic too. Jeff climbed to the top of the trees and tossed the ones he could reach to me and then shook the tree and like we scattered about collecting them all - kinda like a pinata!

Hosanna is 6!

 

 

This year Hosanna asked if she could decorate her own birthday cake. Usually I do it and they watch and give their suggestions and color preferences but this time she wanted to try it alone. But Hosanna knew exactly what do do with the tips and frosting bags - I was surprised at how well she was piping! So, her flip flops were a success, complete with sprinkled marshmellow slices on the sides. She was very proud of her work. :)

Branch Fort

 

 

Jeff cut some branches from the tree in the front yard last Saturday and the girls made them into a fort. (It is Friday - a week later when I am writing - and they are in that fort every spare second of the day.) Wisdom is glad for their adventure too. :)

What are you looking at?

 

Everyone is watching the backhoe in the neighbor's front yard. Jubilee and Hosanna are in the front yard sitting together watching the workers and Wisdom is watching also them but from the front door.

Getting Ready

We have spent some time this week organizing our school year. Here the girls are helping me get our Spanish lessons in order.

Z Cake!

Jubilee decided she wanted a floral cross cake for her 8th birthday! She is growing up! :)

Wisdom is One

 

 

 

 

I can hardly believe how fast the year has gone - just a year ago I was huge and very ready to meet mystery baby #3. Wisdom signed "bye-bye" for the first time on his birthday to Grandma Susan - on the other end of the phone. I turned on the speaker phone and he intently listened to all Grammie had to say and then when she said "bye-bye, Wisdom" he waved at the phone. (Sweet little boy!) He is also signing milk - which translates into hungry and thirsty. The girls had fun making his birthday chair and he certainly knew what to do with his cake. :)

9th Anniversary

 

 

 

 

For our 9th anniversary (June 22) Jeff planned a get-away for the three of us (Jeff, Wisdom, and me). The Fowler family watched the girls (kinda like weekend summer camp for them) and Jeff, Wisdom and I enjoyed the mountains and Lake Junaluska together. Wisdom was on his very best behavior - he understood that this was a rare treat. :)

"H" Is for Hosanna

 

 

I have enjoyed reading Torches of Joy by, John Dekker. It is the story of a stone-age tribe's encounter with the Gospel. This is one of my favorite parts so far:
"John thought a lot about innovative ways to convey Bible truths. One day, to teach the Second Coming of Christ, he cut the head off half a dozen nails. Next he shaped scrap aluminum to look like nails. A magnet picked up the steel nails but left the aluminum counterfeits. 'When Jesus comes, He will take only those who are truly His. Some of you have been listening to God's Word, you've been teaching God's Word, but you have not really become Christians. God knows you hearts.'
John cut out little tin and aluminum men. At the next lesson he showed the class how only the tin men were attracted by the magnet. Again he taught, 'When Jesus Christ comes again, only true believers (tin me) will go with Him. The others (aluminium men) will be left because even though they look the same as the true believers, they have not been chnaged in their hearts. When Jesus comes, some of you will be caught up, some will be left behind. Jesus is coming soon. It my be today. We must be ready!.'
A young man, Wabinan, was one who listened. Afterward he told John, 'I am not ready. I want to follow Jesus here and go with Him when He comes.' From then on, he sought God with his whole heart.

Wisdom explores the fowl life

 

 

 

Fun in the Beginning of Spring

 

 

 

The girls are carrying their dolls on their back like I carry Wisdom in my Er-go

Look Who's in the Kitchen Sink!