Happy Birthday, Aunt Jocelyn!

I shutter to think about the times she's probably looked up to me - The times she's actually taken that "oh-so wise Big Sister advice" when all the while, in so many ways, she's been more level-headed than I ever thought about being. She's one of those middles, you know the type - balanced, steady. There's so many things I admire about her - many things she doesn't even see in herself.

When we were little, she and I would play school all the live-long day. Mother boasts to this day about her singing the ABC's and knowing how to add and subtract before she was three. By the time she'd reached the age to finally attend real school, Montesorri kindergarten was absolutely boring. Things got harder, though, as she diligently trudged through a tough nursing school program during her college years. Today, she has blossomed into an accomplished, mature, beautiful woman who loves the Lord.

When I called this morning to send her birthday wishes, I discovered she'll be in our neck of the woods this evening on business. (yay!) We plan to meet her for a birthday dinner. Oh, will the kids be ever so excited when they hear the news!

She's pictured here with my girls, who love her so dearly.

Happy Birthday Jocelyn

You are loved....

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for my Beloved, Phillip.

He's not perfect, but he's perfect for me.

He knows me. He's got me figured out.

He's one of the very few people I honestly trust.

He makes me a better person.

He's my friend.

Many years ago, we were encouraged to pray together (out loud). At first it was awkward. Though we were married, I wondered if I knew him well enough to actually pray with him. It sounds weird to actually type that, but the longer I live, the more I realize that so many couples really don't know each other at all. Praying together can be that missing link, in my opinion. It's intimate. It's real. And it's beautiful. Today, I'm thankful we took that giant, awkward step to pray together. When we're apart, we miss it. When life seems too crazy, it's the first thing we want to do when our heads hit the pillow at night. Try it. And then write me. Your testimony will encourage others.

Blessings ~ Angela

*Phillip does not sit around posing for pictures. I steal them when I can - shutterbug that I am. This one was taken at the state park last weekend as he watched the kids swim.

Hattiesburg Hiatus

It's been over a week now that we stole away to spend time with hubby. We headed home Monday morning, only to make a U-turn in Jackson when Phillip called to inform us the steering went out on his truck. So we're here for week two and so very glad to be spending extra time as a family.

We found a beautiful state park with a nice swimming hole. Only the most adventurous can stand the freezing cold water, but it's nice to be out of the hotel no matter what we're doing. Last Sunday, we went for a drive down to Gulfport and frolicked at the beach. It was very beautiful and not what I expected at all. Yes, you can definitely see remnants of a disaster, but what I saw most was regrowth and beauty. I had nothing with which to compare my observations as I'd never been to Gulfport - or Biloxi, etc., but I was pleasantly surprised to see vacant lots with debris cleared away, new shopping centers, and beautiful southern-style homes being rebuilt right along the water.

A Trip to the Alamo

About three weeks ago, we went down to visit Phillip for a week while he was on a job in San Antonio. We made a trip to the Alamo and the Riverwalk along with a gajillion other folks who were there for Spring Break. We've never had to stand in line to get into the Alamo! Phillip had time to pop over to RiverCenter Mall for a Starbucks run with time to spare. Needless to say, we stood in line more that day than anything else, but if you're going to stand around outside in San Antonio, Texas for any length of time, I'd say March is the month to do it. A cool front had made it that far south and it was very pleasant.

The Alamo

Downtown San Antonio

A river really does run through it...

A boat ride down at the RiverWalk

RiverWalk: Boat View

Mommy & Lollie

Springtime in Texas

Good Morning ~ Happy April!

It's Springtime in Texas and I've been out capturing the beauty of it all.

Today is also the first day of Leah's" Bible Reading Challenge. If you haven't already joined us, head over and sign up - it's not too late and there's a drawing for a p-r-e-t-t-y cute prize if you make it with her to the end of the month.

Blessings ~

What Makes YOU Smile?

Michelle has posted a fun question and it even comes with a prize! I actually had to give this one some thought - not that I don't smile, I do, but I wanted to post something that was real and made me smile on the inside, you know - one of those smiles from the heart. I was looking through my pics and found this one. It's the entrance to our gated community.

Happy Monday!

I will share my Thankful Thursday with a photo...

Thank you, Lord, for my Mother's daily presence in the lives of my children. Each day she teaches them something new. Her love for learning overflows into the lives of my children and I'm so very grateful for such a rich, meaningful, relationship she has with them.

Thankful Thursday

As we reflect on Holy Week, I'm always brought to tears as I remember God's sacrifice for me, a sinner. The older I get, the reality of God's amazing grace becomes more concrete in my heart. - Probably because, for a number of years, I tried so hard to be "holy", or "good", - "perfect" - and failed. I don't think we'll ever be able to fathom God's grace until we've tried hard to be sinless. Then - we know. We are truly a people in need of a Saviour. Only by the power of His spirit are we able to "be" anything. "Apart from Him we can do nothing." I am thankful to truly know Him. Nothing on earth compares.

The Gift of Friendship

Yesterday, I received a special gift - an afternoon with one of my most favorite friends. My heart leaped for joy as she headed out here knowing what blessing awaited. This morning, as I reflect on the gift of genuine friendship, my heart is overflowing. You know, in life there are very few genuine friends. My mother has used the term "fair weather friends" all my life, and now that I'm an adult I, most assuredly, know the fullness of that term. O how I pray I am a real friend to those who cross my path.

Pinecone Bird Feeders

It's a gorgeous day in East Texas and we've been out basking in it. We went for a nature walk to check on a bird's nest we discovered the other day. Sarah determined it was an old one so we decided to snatch it for a collection we're starting. As we walked, we decided to make pinecone bird feeders when we got back. I took a few pictures for fun and thought I'd share the process. So many of us with older ones can tend to focus so much of our time on academics, schedules, and for some even college fills our spare time, but don't forget the little ones if you still have some. We made these all the time when Sarah and Douglas were younger - not so much with Laura. She kept saying over and over...

"THIS is F-U-N!".

~*~*~*~*~*~

Here's what you need:

Peanut Butter (creamy or crunchy), birdseed, pinecones, string or yarn, a pan, and a rubber spatula.

First, tie the string to the top of the pinecone.

Pour some birdseed into a pan (or bowl).

Using a rubber spatula, spread the peanut butter all over a pinecone. Don't worry about getting it into every crevice, just give it a good coating.

Next, roll the pinecone into the birdseed. I usually take some in my hand and press the seed into the pinecone making sure it's completely covered.

And there you have it! Pinecone Bird Feeders.

"Go Ye Therefore"

I just discovered that we have two sets of friends spreading the Gospel in Africa. Our dear friends from church will actually be returning today from Liberia after a month-long medical/teaching mission, and I've recently learned of another family with whom we used to worship and attended an indescribable Sunday School class together several years ago. Time passes so quickly and our paths haven't crossed in recent years but nevertheless the Barret Family is our family in Christ and it's been such a blessing to learn of how God is using their family in a mighty way. Because I know their hearts, reading the blog entries have brought me to tears several times. If you're looking for a blessing that transcends the everydayness of life, visit the Barret's blog. You'll live on a higher plane today, for sure.

The Barret Family in Uganda

"Go ye therefore, making disciples of all nations..."

Matthew 28: 19-20

Mud, Baby Chicks, & Chocolate Cake

Well it's raining again. I won't mull over it, you can see from my last post what I think about it. Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm thankful. It's so good for our garden, the flowers, "God's Creation" as I've always explained to the kids. It's just the m-u-d. Ug....Last Friday, I got ready to attend the second study of The Truth Project, went to town to get the kids a pizza and got stuck in my own driveway. Once I got to the pizza place, I discovered this plastic-shield-bumper type thing had cracked in half and I'd lost part of it somewhere along the way. Anyway it wasn't all that bad, I was able to get out myself, but the entire 17-1800 ft. of driveway (which BTW is mostly a pig trail) was a complete mud bog. Since I'd already seen the first 4-5 lessons of The Truth Project, I decided I'd just stay home. Yes, it was THAT bad. Phillip wouldn't come home until the wee hours of Saturday morning and I'd be stuck - literally and figuratively - walking home in the dark - and mud.

~*~*~*~

Saturday, while Phillip was sleeping, I decided to do something fun with the kids - get baby chicks. Though it may be a bit premature, as Phillip's promotion isn't official (thus having us home more on a consistent basis), we thought just a few would be easy to give away if the future held more traveling. Over the years we've truly enjoyed chicks and this time is absolutely no exception. I've realized that Laura probably doesn't remember much about having farm animals in the past so this is a real treat for her.

"No, we don't eat chocolate cake around here, why do you ask?"

Snow - In Texas

Everyone's talking about it. First it was going to be a major winter blast, then not so big, then we woke to blowing snow. The ground was already slushy so we're in the thick of mud, mud, and more mud around here. The last two years, I've lived in a mostly concrete environment so all this red goop is getting a bit old. Nevertheless, we were out in the muck this morning. These Texans never pass up the chance to trape around in snow - even if it's more muddy slush than the pristine dry stuff we experienced in Montana. There's such beauty in the white stuff - some sort of hush - some sense of peace. ~ The big kids are playing Monopoly and Laura is waiting (not so patiently) for me to play Sorry with her.

The pics below are of our plum trees with frozen blossoms. I still have hope that some will make it, but we won't have the bumper crop I'd hoped for. Plum jelly is a favorite around here.

I'll close with a quote from Laura. As she excitedly frolicked in the muddy snow - trying to catch snowflakes with her tongue, with bated breath she sadly exclaimed....

"Oh Mom, all our Daffofils don't deserve this!!"

Strength

"Strong Oaks are not grown in a greenhouse."

February Update

Seems kinda sad to post an update for the month, but I'm just not finding the time to blog these days. I knew being home would present a different lifestyle than the characteristics of traveling. Both are very good in many ways, but very different. ~ We've been home since December 24th. For those of you who follow us closely, you and I both know what a blessing it has been to be home for this long. Usually by the second week in January, we're getting settled into new surroundings with yet another Wal-Mart to remodel. ~ It seems that times are changing, as they always do. This Thursday, Phillip will have an interview-type meeting with the powers that be to discuss the possibility of him promoting to a project manager position over Wal-Mart. (not to be confused with his current position which is superintendent overseeing WM remodels on a daily basis) If promoted, Phillip will be able to work from home many days and only travel for 2-3 days at a time. Our family will be home on a regular basis except for the fact that the "traveling bug" has already bit and we're ready to go somewhere even as I type. I imagine if Phillip has to be somewhere exciting, the whole family will tag along. ~ And then there will be times when, after accumulating frequent flyer miles, I'll go with him by myself, though I hate to fly. If you think about it, remember to lift him up in prayer this week as he prepares his heart and mind for the meeting Thursday.

~*~*~*~*~

Okay...what else? - We're in the midst of planting a gigantic garden. I shouldn't say "we" because it's actually our friend from church who sharecrops with us. It's mostly his garden as we haven't been here in two years. This year he bought a small garden tractor and has already put in 700 onion sets. Yesterday, Douglas and I planted potatoes and prepared a bed for asparagus. If any of you in the south grow asparagus, leave a comment on your experience with it. I'm excited about it, but have heard/read that it doesn't grow well in the south. I know we've got to wait two years before we really harvest any of it so I thought I might as well get started. ~ Our wild plums are blooming and they're just SO beautiful! I'm reading up on how to prune my one lonely peach tree, though it may be too late now. I'm hoping to add a few more eventually. ~ A few years ago, we planted a pecan tree and last year got our first pecan! I took of picture of it (of course - you know me...).

~*~*~*~*~

It's time to close for now. My indians are getting restless. I know I should really wait 'til midnight to do this sorta thing, but you know (?) I'm tired then! And getting up early to blog distracts from my prayer/bible time. So...now you know. I'm closing with a sweet picture of my Gifts. We took a walk one afternoon a few weeks ago and they actually obliged their ole Mom. Aren't they cute?

Grace & Peace to you ~ Angela

Not my way...

"God has to destoy our determined confidence in our own convictions. "

(My Utmost for His Highest; January 29th, pg. 29)

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Ouch. God has to destroy my determined confidence. Me? Determined? God has to destroy the confidence I have in my own convictions. ~groan~... Oh, there's so many things I want my way. How 'bout you? I think "if I could just change this or that" I'd be happier, more content. Things would be just right. Hmm...Sometimes it's sorta comical the games we play with the Almighty. I picture this little girl pressing the heel of a giant, wholeheartedly confident He can be moved. How easily I forget that the joy is in the journey. Many times, I'd rather fast-forward through the tough stuff and get to the Prize. ~groan~ But I know the Prize isn't as sweet unless we endure the journey with all its seemingly tumultuous terrain. I trust, someday we'll look back in awe at how the Lord's hand carried us all the way.

O Father, just for today, may we accept our portion with joy.

The Birthday Boy

Eleven years ago today, the Lord blessed us with a baby b-o-y just 13 months after our precious firstborn. I fretted over having enough love for both as we were so enamored with Sarah that we felt sure the second would be neglected. (I truly mourned over it during my pregnancy) But then, he was born and our house was filled with tears of joy and love overflowing.

We're celebrating this morning with our traditional Birthday Breakfast. He has requested pancakes. His choice for lunch is tortilla pizzas (super simple!), and for dinner we'll have his all-time fave - grilled hamburgers with homemade french fries. Y-u-m! Friday afternoon, several of his best buddies will be over for the first-time-ever-on-HIS-turf Airsoft war. Needless to say, he's beside himself with excitement. He got a n-i-c-e Airsoft gun from his Aunt & Uncle for Christmas and another with some Christmas money, so he's armed and dangerous. LOL...

He lightens the world with his infectious smile.

Thanks for making me laugh, sweet boy.

I love you ~ Mom

Precious Moments

This morning, as the peacefulness of quiet time with the Lord escalated into a low rumbling hum, we were discussing a beautiful butterfly painting Laura lovingly painted for Phillip last night. She commented on the fact that she didn't paint those "things that stick out from their head". I explained to her how important they were and God created them for a specific reason. To my surprise, Douglas said "Oh really, I didn't know that, I thought God put them there to be cool"...(which at this point I'm thinking he's really just trying to be funny) So I replied, "No...God's not in the cool business", and Laura chimed in and said,

"NO...GOD'S IN THE LUUUVV BUSINESS!!"

O how we all need to be in the Love Business.....

Honestly

As I stand before the Lord - broken - humiliated over the sin I've cultivated over recent months I'm truly in awe that He should be so patient with me. Very gently, He has nudged the hidden crevices of my heart that needed a bit of an overhaul. It's certainly been a painful process, but very much needed.

You see, I've been distracted. It's nobody's fault but my own, but nevertheless I've gotten my priorities out of line. Over several months, I've slowly become watered down - off track - distracted, and in dire need of accountability. My quiet time with the Lord has dwendled and instead of beginning the day in the Word I've turned to the computer in hopes to get a bit of daily Food from sources that, in all honesty, are second to God's Best. Ever so subtly, over a period of time, email, blogging and online friends have replaced my act of daily worship with, and for, my First Love.

And as with all sin, there is a rippling effect.
My children have noticed.

O Friends, when your little ones comment to others about your computer time, and their little faces are all shriveled with discontent, it's time to take notice. When they stand at the doorway - workbook and pencil in hand - waiting, you might have things out of order. When your oldest daughter is making breakfast because you "just have to check your email/blog", what kind of message are you sending? When your little ones ask, "Can you read to me....~sigh~ ..or do you wanna do your email?", O friends, there's a problem.

When's the last time you sat on the couch and read to them? When's the last time you made a picnic lunch (I know it's winter..) When's the last time you greeted them with hugs and kisses in the morning - your heart fully devoted to them? When's the last time you gathered pine cones, rocks, sticks, or gone for afternoon walks to explore flowers or trees?
Martha was very busy doing good things. Very good things. Likewise, we can be very busy doing good things - even godly, encouraging things. But, it may not be the best things.
Mary chose the Better Part. I choose my children.

Nourishment

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord...
Psalm 114:7
~*~*~
O Lord, I want to know you so deeply that I ...tremble.
O Father, I tremble at the thought of what my eyes cannot see. For if I understood this spectacular puzzle of my life I would most definitely fall prostrate ~ breathless ~ at your feet.
Give me faith to persevere knowing
- trusting wholeheartedly - with complete abandon -
that you have the details of my life held tightly in the palm of your hand.
O God, thank you for such a safe place to rest.

I'll Be Home For Christmas..

Actually, we all will be. The project here in Billings is coming to a close and we'll be heading out early tomorrow morning. It'll take three days to get there, but the drive south will be a delightful winter wonderland with all the snow Wyoming and Colorado has gotten as of late.

I will be keeping blogging in perspective in the coming weeks. Our internet connection at home is dial-up (here we go again) and though some can function with dial-up fairly well, we cannot. When we were home around Thanksgiving, it was taking me nearly an entire day to make a post with a graphic/photo included. Many times, pages would not even load leaving me with no other choice than to start over.  

May the Lord bless you richly and give you peace unimaginable.

~ Angela

Cherry Snowballs

We made these last week for my cherry-lovin' daughter, Sarah. She also loves coconut, so these were a real hit with her. They are like a butter cookie with a cherry surprise inside. Once baked and cooled, they are then dunked in a glaze and rolled in chopped coconut. Though these would not be my first pick - (after all they don't include chocolate OR pecans ) I still give this recipe two thumbs up. They are VERY festive! The presentation is beautiful. The cookie part is delicious and overall a really good cookie. If you really like cherries and coconut, this is a wonderful addition to your Christmas cookie list. Try them! If you do, leave me a comment and tell me how you liked them.

~ Merry Christmas ~

Salt Dough Ornaments

We've made these simple little ornaments several times over the years. They make great gifts for SS teachers, co-op teachers and little friends. They're super-easy and so much fun!

Salt Dough Ornaments

Merry Christmas!

Snowy Thursday in Billings, MT.

I realized that I didn't fully explain the slide-show below (previous post). I intended to say that the little house is where we are staying. Isn't God so good to provide just what we need? He is just soo perfectly wonderful. We're really enjoying our little abode. It's a little two bedroom/one bath house, but part of a privately owned extended stay hotel. The actual hotel is behind us on a main thoroughfare and we're one block over on this quiet, little street. We've got a front and back yard, furniture, a fully stocked kitchen, and CABLE! Do you know just how valuable cable can be on a snowy, freezing Saturday? The show "How It's Made" passes for school in my book! The way I see it we're on a field trip every time we watch it. Hee-hee...

As most of you know, it snowed last week. We got here just in time. It was so beautiful....operative word - was - the high temp yesterday was 51 and today was about the same, maybe a bit cooler. So, the snow is gone for now. We've got more coming tomorrow and we're in for a snowy weekend. We had high hopes of making it to Yellowstone, but I'm not so sure we'll make it. After a bit of digging, I discovered that all of the roads in the park, with the exception of one which doesn't lead to Old Faithful, are closed for the winter. We'd still be able to go but here's the obstacle: Apparently, they aren't officially open for the "winter" yet. During these first snowfalls, they allow the snow to accumulate and pack. When they determine there's enough, they pack it some more and groom the roads for passage. Visitors may then drive to the various entrances, depending on where you're coming from (providing those roads are passable; check for local road conditions BEFORE you head out!!) and take a snow coach (basically a van on tracks) to the various sites in the interior of the park. So, here's the catch..."winter season" doesn't usually begin in the park until around December 15th and we may be well on our home by then. All is certainly not lost though, we've seen some incredible views thus far and our way home through Denver will be sufficient if we happen to miss Yellowstone.

Wordless Wednesday

...Or NOT so wordless, whatever the case may be...I'm trying to catch up to where we are today but there's SO many pictures it's hard to pick just a few! They're ALL so incredible and I find myself wanting to describe/explain each and every one. Either I talk/chat TOO much and bore folks with minor details only I think are interesting OR I opt to dish it out with very little commentary. I'm just an all-or-nothing kinda gal, I guess. My current reading material, The Birth Order Book, by Kevin Leman, sure isn't helping matters. I'm a firstborn through and through....~sigh~...well on to better things.....

The slideshow begins with the Montana state sign. The few pics following are various views along I90 from the state line to Billings. The further we traveled, the snow became more visible and the terrain was very much like the "West"...caprocks and rolling hills mixed with mostly plains. I had high hopes that the Rockies would be visible from Billings (like they are in Denver), but they aren't. It doesn't take long to get into some mountaneous areas though which is just what we did this past Sunday. Those pictures are coming!

Blessings to you from blustery Montana ~

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For more WW posts, visit Tiany's blog.

Sarah's 12th Birthday

Our firstborn turned 12 yesterday. How can it be?? Wasn't it just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital? Oh, how I remember and cherish those days. The first few days were filled with such questions. Her APGAR score was low, she was not responding to a preliminary hearing test performed at the hospital, she was not latching on - and being the determined breastfeeding mother that I was, I didn't allow any other forms of feeding - so she lost weight rapidly. Additionally, she had a gaping hole in her heart and the doctors determined she had some sort of facial paralysis. Given an overall assessment the pediatrician thought it best to have her tested for Down's Syndrome. Eventually, we also discovered she has Duane's Syndrome (an eye condition where her eyes do not work together)

~ Whew ~ ...All that the first few days.....

And yet.....The Lord sustained us. It was one of the strongest times in the Lord for me.

...And just look at HIS beautiful creation!

His grace has been sufficient.

~ Happy Birthday Sarah ~

Thursday Thoughts

While we were home the last few weeks, we unearthed the chicken tractor. Now, this is not your ordinary chicken tractor - just look around online and you'll see our's is a fair bit larger than those commonly displayed on farming/homesteading sites. Yes sir'ee we've got ourselves the Taj Mahal of chicken tractors - nothing's too good for our yard birds! Not even a riding lawn mower will move this thing. We hook it up to the back of the truck with a chain and drag it (s-l-o-w-l-y). I sure do miss our chickens - we had to give them all away before we began this traveling journey two years ago. But oh have we got some precious memories of our little ones caring for baby chicks, gathering eggs, dodging roosters, and catching/petting their favorites.

I finally resolved the issue with my pictures and got all 200 of them downloaded this evening. Because I like my blog to be in chronological order, I'll be posting various things from our time at home, then Thanksgiving, and lastly our Montana adventure.

Blessings from a Texan in snowy Montana ~

Wordless Wednesday

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For more WW entries click over to Tiany's blog

A Tag

I've been tagged again. This time by my friend at Doe Hill Homeschool. I should make a category for these things and call it "Boring Things About Angela"....One can't possibly think this is interesting, but here goes.....

* I HAVE to wear my tennis shoes during the day. ~ Can't stand to go barefoot around the house; I'm just not ready for the day without them.

* I have to have clean feet. ~ Like when we're camping, I cannot (!) get into the tent unless my feet are clean. Sorta the same way at home before I go to bed, but I have slippers. Ironically, I'm not a fanatic about clean floors. We live in the country and dirty floors are part of the territory.

* I HAVE to have my sunglasses when I'm outside or in the car. I guess maybe during my thyroid issues something happened to my eyes (long story) but outside light irritates me terribly.

* I reproof-read my posts for typos and grammatical errors several times/days after I've posted.

* There's a certain way I load the dishwasher. I load all the plates, glasses, flatware, etc., but if there's larger items they never go in with them...I wash them by hand.

* The backspace on my keyboard is a memorized key right along with the rest of them. I don't type it all out and then go back and edit. Very weird, I know, but if I see the mistake as I type it I cannot (!) let it go!!

* I have naturally cury hair that I straighten most of the time. I get tired of the big-fuzzy-ball look.

A New Day

I am thankful this morning for fresh mornings, new and different perspectives, and the Lord's mercy. He is so faithful to teach and guide us along the journey. His Word is Truth and it does not fail. Ever. Living a life pleasing to Him is such a peaceful place. There are no worries or confusion when He is our guide.

~*~*~*~

This is a picture of the sunrise in northern New Mexico as we saw it driving home from Denver. There is something very awesome (and wordless) about experiencing the magnitude of each new day the Almighty allows us to live. The children were asleep and there was no traffic so Phillip and I just soaked in the sunrise as the day woke right before our very eyes.

This is the thankfulness I'm pondering this week.

Sunday Psalm

I will lift up my eyes to the hills -

From whence comes my help?

My help comes from the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121: 1-2

An Autumn Walk

Having a five year old in the family sure keeps us young. The other day we went for a walk looking for things that reminded us of Autumn. When we got in, we waxed these leaves and made an all-natural centerpiece for our table. After taking dozens of pictures, this is the one that seemed to be the best. I really need some photography lessons on lighting. Try as I may, sometimes I just can't get it right.

~*~*~*~*~

I am sad to say that my dial-up connection is preventing me from corresponding as I once did with our cable connection in Denver. Please know that I still try to read comments and visit your blog when I'm able but it's taking an enormous amount of time to load all the windows. Not only is it frustrating, my family is my first priority.

Wordless Wednesday

Musings From Texas

We made it home safely and all is well. We decided to leave Friday evening and got as far as Northern New Mexico. It was a long haul Saturday, but we were able to make it to church on Sunday morning, so for that we are thankful. We were blessed to worship with our church family and visit with them afterwards during our monthly fellowship dinner. Thank you for all the prayers lifted up on our behalf for our packing, trip home, and for our future. We do not have any information as to where Phillip will be assigned next. We continue to pray for the Lord's faithful guidance and know that He has the very best for us in mind. Meanwhile, I will share thoughts and images of home. Home-home as Laura says...

The Big Oak Tree.

This is the tree from where our swings hang. I was hoping we'd get home before all the leaves fell off but, as you can see, I missed it.

All three cows are present and accounted for, two of which are expecting, bringing our herd to a grand total of FIVE! Woo--hoo....God is building our herd. Seriously. But that's another post for another time. This is Laura with Helen.

This is our newest addition. Her name is Patch. She was thought to be a bull at first, so the name stuck. To give it a bit of feminine flare we add a 'y' at the end. How's that for simple?

They were so happy to see us. Yes, they know us. As soon as we stopped the truck and got out Bess, the mama to the other two, briskly walked toward us with Patchy following. We haven't had the opportunity to handle Patch very often so she's a bit skiddish. Eventually, our "wild child", Helen, showed up. She was Bess' first calf. She never stays in her own pasture and even when Phillip and Douglas work all weekend to mend and fortify the fence, she still finds an escape route into the neighboring pasture. It's been frustrating, but also pretty comical.

Blessings to you from Texas ~

Packing Day

Today is packing day. If all goes as planned, we'll be heading for Texas early Saturday morning. I don't have a lot of time for a wordy post so I thought I'd give you a glimpse of our life in pictures. Not toooo surprising, huh? Just click the picture once to activate the control, then you should be able to click each one for a closer view.

Phillip will be bringing the U-Haul trailer home this afternoon and tonight we plan to stock up on some new reading material for the trip home. Oh, and it's time for another Hank the Cowdog CD. Good ole Hank has helped us make it through hundreds of miles along the way.

Blessings to you ~ Angela

Sparky The Wildfire Elk

(story continued from previous post)

While Phillip was paying for our wonderful lunch at Mildred's, Laura and I walked next door to check out this big blue elk. It was standing tall outside a little shop called, Born of the Flames. As it turns out "Sparky" tells a story of the largest wildfire in Colorado's history. You can read more about it here, here, and here. Apparently, the fire was started by a forest service employee who was trying to burn a love letter. She had actually given out several violations that very day. The shop owner (shown below) lives on 40 acres which burned in the Hayman fire and documented, with photos, all the various stages of the tragedy. The first picture is the side of Sparky when the forest is burning. The artist used the original photos to depict, with amazing accuracy, all the various stages of rescue, recovery, and restoration efforts. Many of the workers she [the shop owner] knows by name.

The other side of Sparky (below) shows how the recovery effort has paid off over the last 5+ years. The grass is now growing in the forest and the Aspen trees are fully restored as they only take three weeks to recover. The Pines and the cones all burned so they had to be replanted from seedlings. One of the hazards of a forest fire is what's called a root pit which occurs when the pine tree burns all the way down to the roots. When a pine tree burns, because of it's sap, it can explode causing the entire tree to become like a rocket shooting up as high as 300 ft. in the air. Upon landing, the tree then begins a fire in another area of the forest.

The Aspens, on the other hand, will fare much better because of their root system. They are all connected underground in what is called a colony. The offspring, or shoots, is the exact clone of the parent tree. When one tree catches fire it forces all the sap to the root system which protects the tree, leaving it without any "fuel" so to speak. After the threat of fire, the Aspen will then replace its sap naturally. For more about Aspens click here.

Sparky now goes to schools all over the Colorado Springs area and educates the public about forestry, wildfires, and fire safety. The shop was literally "Born of the Flames" and now features all sorts of handmade items, some of which are hand carved from Aspen trees. The lady who spoke to us was very knowledgeable and incredibly passionate about what she was talking about. As we have traveled West in the last year, I've become keenly aware of things I once only knew as places "over there". And though I may never jump on the extreme environmentalist bandwagon, I do have more of an appreciation of God's creation. I said a little prayer as I was standing there, thanking the Lord for our little study on wildfires.

BTW: As we said our good-byes and thanked the lady for the educational story we soon discovered that she was from TEXAS! ~ She went to school in Athens (which is just 18 miles from our house) and moved to Colorado to continue college. She never went home. >