God Cares

Yesterday morning when I heard Tanner's vehicle start up to go to work, I did what I usually do--prayed that he would have a safe trip to work, be protected as he and Tyler worked, and for a safe trip home. Then I asked God if it was silly of me to keep praying the same thing over and over, and then went back to sleep. Late in the afternoon Tanner called and said he and Tyler were sideswiped by a semi. The pickup was considered totaled but they weren't hurt. The first thing I thot about was asking God if it was silly to pray for the same thing. I'm so thankful they are okay and I will no longer think I'm being silly to talk to my Father about matters close to my heart because I know He cares about them too.

Apron

I finished my first apron and, if I do say so myself, it is spectacular. I bought material for 2 more. It was really easy and fast, so it may be my next crafting obsession.

57....

Tessa and Matt made a lovely lunch on Sunday for a birthday celebration. It was nice to be with family. I even coerced those present to play a game. For 38 of my 57 years I've known John. I've been blessed!

Birthday Happiness Lady

How cute is she?? My sister, Pat, sent me a box for my birthday and this lovely creature was inside. She's all about happiness and laughter. In the box I also found melt-in-your-mouth mints, lotion that smelled good enough to eat, and a little sign I can hang in my craft room (a quote from Erma Bombeck). I was feeling a bit down on my birthday, but not because I'm traumatized by my age. Tessa took me out to eat and to a movie. We hadn't done that for a long time, and I had forgotten how fun it is to hang out with her. We did more of it when Matt was in jail, but we don't want that! Yesterday I got a box from the other sister--oh such fun!

The Balm of Roses

My favorite son-in-law brought me these pretty roses and wrote me such an encouraging note. What a blessing! He reminded me of Joshua. He was about to take over Moses' job leading those hard headed Israelites. God told him, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." That's gonna be this week's memory verse. He jokingly told me I had an Israelite living here.

Knit and Pray

I had been pondering and disecting James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." I got one of those middle of the night trials and lay awake again pondering those verses to calm myself and tell myself that I'd been tried before and came thru it stronger and learned that my Father was ever faithful. The verses from Psalm 100 that I'd been memorizing came to mind--"For the Lord is good and His love endures forever. His faithfullness endures through all generations." Even the generation that is now trying me! The next day I felt as tho a truck had run over me--I'm being dramatic! Much of the day was spent praying and knitting to keep the hands busy. I'm so thankful to have the hope that my Father in Heaven gives me and His Spirit in residence to continually remind me that with Him all things are possible (even those middle of the night things that seem impossible in the dark)! He is so good!!!

Grandma's Britches

One more try at Grandma's pants. Since I told her she was right in style with these pockets, she was wearing them when I picked her up to go to have her blood test yesterday. She had a cute sweater on in black and pinks. So cute!! She's always stayed up on the latest fashions and bought new clothes and updates her furniture, floors, etc. She's definetely not an 89 year old running around in polyester from the 60's!

A good fit

We went to visit Tyler and Jami Friday night. John got comfy in the chair watching tv and the little Miss Pucca found that she fit perfectly on his folded arms. He'll be a good, patient grandpa some day!

Winter

The poor birds were out trying to find seeds buried in new snow, so I put some on a plate on the porch for them. I got a close up of lots of beautiful red cardinals and finches and sparrows. As soon as I got close with my camera, they'd leave. I observed quite a bit of bully activity between the birds, which was pretty amusing. I wonder if they long for winter to be over like I do.

Pedicure

Tessa's horse, Henry, still lives here and gets pedicures on a regular basis. He has a mind of his own and won't let the ferrier pick up his feet, so the vet has to come each time and give him a happy shot and then he doesn't care what's done to him. Note to parents: If your kids want a horse, remember that they live a long time. The kids leave home and the horse keeps living. Henry's a good boy and will enjoy it this summer when the 12 calves go into the pasture with him.

Meet Chelsea

My computer messed up. Here's the picture.

Meet Chelsea

Today I met Chelsea and what a lovely she is!! I'm so excited to get to be her mentor. One of the great blessings of mentoring is that God always teaches and grows me in ways I never expect. And so I'm looking forward to what God has in mind. Isn't she lovely? And I see the inner lovliness to match the outer.

Comfort Food

I tried a new recipe from a newspaper and it is good. Serves 10-12 so is a hearty family meal. The 3 of us will probably be eating it all week.
Chili Cornbread Pie
Heat oven to 400 and grease 13x9 pan
Cook 1 lb. ground turkey or beef--drain
Stir in:1 packet chili or taco seasoning
2-8oz. cans no-salt added tomato sauce
1 can no-salt added whole kernel corn-drained
1 can black beans-rinsed and drained
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 can diced green chilies-4 oz.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 min.
Pour into pan
Mix 2 boxes dry corn muffin mix with 2 lg. eggs and rest of evaporated milk
Spread mixture over meat filling
Bake for 15-20 min.
Let stand 10 min.
Serve with sour cream and salsa