~~~BEBE~~~

We are thrilled to announce that Baby #2 is due in the summer! We're very excited!

Thankfulness~

Thanksgiving- n. 1. a formal public expression of thanks to God 2. an annual U.S. holiday observed on the 4th Thursday of November

Thanks- pl.n. an expression of gratitude

One of the biggest blessings that we enjoyed over this Thanksgiving was the gift of family. We were able to spend Wednesday-Friday morning with Justin's family and Friday-Sunday with my family.

Work and Play

This week has been full so far! Isaac and Eva love to come and play with Samuel. We built forts, read books, baked sweet bread, colored, and played. Last evening, we enjoyed a great concert by Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra. My sisters, Leah and Therese, played in the cello and viola sections. Their quartet was also featured last night. My favorites were selections from "The Nutcracker Ballet" and "Pirates of the Caribbean"

The Incredible, Edible Play Dough!!

And taste test the dough like this!! Yum!


Just pat it like this...




My two helpers! I love to have Isaac and Eva over to my house. We always have lots of fun!



Edible Play Dough Recipe:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup honey
2 cups powdered milk- a little more or less, depending on how you like your dough

Knead all together~Shape~Eat~Have Fun!!

My Buddy/Trainee/Son--I love you!

"Men of genius are admired; men of wealth are envied; men of power are feared; but only men of character are trusted." Arthur Friedman


Reinforcements Coming:
There is a mighty army
Being trained to stand and fight,
A battlefield of soldiers

Learning what is right.
A Company of warriors
That will boldly take the word
To every tribe and nation
Till every soul has heard.
There is a mighty army,
I’ve seen them everywhere;
Most are wearing diapers
And dragging Teddy Bears.
Infants in the training,
Drilled in right and wrong,
Mom and Dad are making
Soldiers brave and strong.
There is a mighty army
Trained in righteous war,
Cheer them on to victory,
Children of the Lord!
~Rebekah (Pearl) Anast~

~I'm reminded that my work as a Mom is an eternal work. I'm training a soldier for the Lord. My son will, Lord willing, grow up to be not just my son, but my brother-in-Christ...throughout eternity we will be rejoicing. Amazing thought! Gives me strength, joy, and inspiration as I walk though my days with my son on my hip... for now. ;)

"Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." Jeremiah 9:23-24

My future bro-in-law...

We love ya, George~

Train 'Em Young!

If Samuel is going to be one of many, I've got to have trained helpers. So why not start early? He LOVED it! He got so wet I had to take his shirt off!

What else has been happening...

Well, we've been busy the past few weeks. Now that our camera has been repaired, I'm sure I'll post more. Justin harvested his 1st deer on Friday evening, so that's been the highlight of this weekend. Plus, he had time to do a long "honey do" task yesterday....highlight #2 of the weekend: ceiling fans. (Thanks to Dave Ambrosetti...which, by the way, we're waiting for a bill!) The house looks finished b/c we have ditched the lonely lightbulbs hanging all over. :) We attempted some family pictures, but they didn't turn out good enough for a Christmas Card...lighting, Samuel's non-smiling face, etc... He does love the 4-wheeler!

We were delighted to have our friends, Chris and Lisa, Luca and Mahala for Sunday Dinner. Chris was part of the camera crew for the DVD project (Franklin Springs Family Media) and also pieced the whole film together. Now they are en route to visit relatives in Kansas. We're looking forward to seeing the DVD soon!

So, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves now...no need to dialogue any more.