Finally Back

It's good to be back. I missed you!

Please forgive my prolonged absence. Last spring, the Lord called me to a step of faith--to commit a considerable amount of time and energy to in-depth study of God's Word and facilitation of weekly core group discussions for our local Community Bible Study. Following some intense training, I began serving last month. This is a humbling experience, bringing a degree of painful growth as it lies quite a distance from my comfort zone. I'm thankful for God's mercy, love, and patience as I inch uphill toward, I pray, maturity in Him.

Mums Revisited
My experimentation with mums was a success. Here's a photo of the sweet yellow blooms that brightened our deck with the approach of autumn weather.


Cute Cupcake Wrappers
To dress up some carrot cupcakes for a clergy appreciation dinner, I found some darling brown tulip baking cups here. Just place the wrappers in your muffin tin, turn batter into the wrappers, and bake! I used a simple piping tool to add the cream cheese frosting without getting it on the wrappers. If interested, you might want to shop around; after ordering these, I found them at better prices elsewhere online.


A couple of other projects--a small, painted chest and a writing desk with an antique sewing machine base, both for our bedroom--were completed during my time away from blogging. I hope to share them with you here, very soon.

Blessings!

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Isn't a baby one of God's most amazing miracles? Near the end of camp grandma, a talented friend met us at the park for a photo shoot of our grandbabies. She happens to love the swirly pattern of hair on a baby's crown, so she captured the top of Elliana's head.


A few years ago, Ethan's daddy photographed his chubby little feet.


Since I happen to think baby parts are just about the sweetest things around, I decided to display the photos of Ellie's crown and Ethan's feet with Psalm 139:14 for a meaningful (to me) collage.


Perhaps you would like to join me in praise to our heavenly Father for the miraculous, most precious gift of life.

A Most Wonderful Day!

Mackenzie Layne, our beloved first granddaughter, is heading off to college this week. Before leaving home, she decided to take a major step to signify her faith. She was baptized yesterday. It was a beautiful day in every way!

Pastor prayed for all the teens going away to school. That's Mackenzie, second from the left.

Here's our girl with her pastor's wife.

In the lake with her pastor and youth pastor.

God bless your every step as you continue to follow His plan for your life. We love you, Kenz! SO much.

Two Good Reference Books

I'm already dreaming of our own square foot garden come Spring 2011. This book is a very helpful resource.

I'm also loving the great homekeeping tips from this book. It's never too late to learn a few things, right?

Camp Grandma Photo Recap

The little campers are back home with Mommy and Daddy--and a brand new puppy! I'd hoped for a number of photos to share here, but let me tell you, it took everything we had just to keep up with our two adorable blurs of activity. Every now and then, they slowed down for a story or to offer a helping hand with chores.

Story time with Beepa

Preparing for visitors

Modeling the dustcloth

Showing an early interest in housekeeping

That's it; short but sweet. Aren't they cute? We miss them already!

Sunday Serenity

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

~ Psalm 139:23-24

Getting it Together the Old-Fashioned Way

As this year's wonderfully chaotic Camp Grandma wound down, I developed a keen desire to get it together, at least on paper, by setting some goals for this fall and beyond. Call me old fashioned, but I like to make a list with a real pen on real paper, preferably encased in a pretty little zipper binder.

I'm of two minds about smartphones. Mine is highly valued for its ability to connect with a friend or search the internet. On the other hand, where list making or calendar filling is concerned, I wonder whether a blackberry is best showcased in a cobbler or preserves.

A few of my goals as summer gives way to fall:

- Write a coherent post to summarize our camp experience.
- Regain consistency in studying the Word.
- Plan an autumn getaway with the hubs.
- Finish decorating our bedroom and bath. This has dragged on way too long!
- Design a square foot garden for 2011.

I might not accomplish everything on the list, but having written goals is a great help to this dinosaur.