The Williams Family Life

Our House Sold!!!

2012-02-03T08:13:00.003-06:00

In 3 weeks, I wasn't prepared for the call from Luke in the middle of Walmart- the freezer section to be exact. He told me we sold our house- and I started crying right there in front of the chicken tenders. I'm sure people thought I was crazy....but at the time all I could think about was- we have no where to live!!!

We close on this house the 28th of February, and right now don't have a clue where we are going to live. I have complete peace about it though, as God knows where we are going to live. Everyone keeps telling me "Congratulations" and all I can say is, "well, that's what everyone is saying!" LOL!

I'm excited though to see where this road takes us- it's a journey for sure! So on to bigger and greener pastures!

It's Official...we're for SALE!!!

2012-01-06T16:49:00.003-06:00

Our house is officially on the market. I'm a little sad to see it go up for sale, we've had a lot of memories and put a LOT of work into this house. I'm sure I'll feel totally different once it sells and we move onto something else!!! Check it out!

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2726-Valley-Frg_Benton_AR_72015_M82867-12720

Ch Ch Ch Changes

2012-01-05T09:16:00.003-06:00

Luke and I are going through some major changes in here in the Williams Household. We've been talking for several months now about moving. Well this past weekend, we found a subdivision we love out in Salem and are putting our house on the market! It's a lot to take in at once, but we both have complete peace with our decision. The Lord is leading us both on a different path, and one we are excited to take. We would love to have a bigger house and a little land....some place our dogs would be happy at and our someday children.

There was a time I didn't think we'd ever have the desire to have children. In a way, I still have no desire to ever become pregnant- although the Lord may have another plan someday. We've both been eager to rescue animals- not just by from a breeder. There are tons of dogs out there that need good homes- and of course that's not without saying we haven't had challenges in the past with our dogs. We still love them no matter what.

We also feel like children are the same way. There are lots of kids out there that need good loving homes. Sure most people can have a child naturally, but most people don't consider adoption. However you want to have a family is wonderful either way!! But, I'm thinking adoption is probably the route we will take at some point. Maybe not in the near future, but who knows! Adoption has been a big part of my life considering my Mom and my best friend are both adopted. And, if you really think about it....aren't we all adopted into the family of God?! How cool is that!

So onto our next journey, I'm sure hoping it won't be a long one- but we'll ride with the Lord wherever He wants to take us next!

Celebrating Christmas

2011-12-28T08:22:00.006-06:00

Christmas with Luke's Parents:

My Man sporting his new tool box

Brenda

Alan

Their Christmas Tree

Brenda, Luke, and Alan

Me and Luke

Christmas at his Grandparents:

Luke and Frank

Cracking Pecans

I think everything we cracked, we ate!!!

Frank, Wanda, Luke

Christmas Morning at our house:

George and Aly fighting as always!

Me and my new knitting book.

My MadisonMurphy Williams-somehow I missed taking a pic of the others in their crates!

Our bedroom tree

Luke sporting something great! LOL!

Christmas at Mom and Dad's:

Mom excited about her Kitchenaid mixer!!

Natalie, Kingston, Chris

Mom and Dad opening the slippers I knitted them.

Ma joining us via Facetime- I guess she's getting warm by the fire.

Dad

Luke and I had a wonderful Christmas with our families. Christmas Eve we traveled to his parents house to open gifts. His Mom made delicious sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits. After opening presents, we came back to Benton to spend Christmas with his Grandparents. Wanda loved her Beth Moore James book- and I can't wait to do a bible study with her at church...how fun is that?! Luke and Frank gave me a lesson in cracking pecans. Luke even found one of Jackson's toys and spent almost an hour playing with it- I don't think I've ever laughed so hard! We ended the night with a candlelight service at church and then dinner at Waffle House with the family.

For Christmas Day Luke and I opened presents a little later than usual this year....6am! Luke surprised me with a photo printer that I've been wanting as well as a Paula Deen book! His theme for Christmas has been organization- he's been working on organizing his radio stuff. After getting ready, we headed on over to Mom and Dad's for Christmas. My homemade cinnamon rolls were a bust, but Mom's biscuits and gravy made up for it. We opened presents with Natalie and Chris and Kingston- this being his first Christmas. We were even able to have Ma be a part of it- as she sat by the TV on facetime with the Ipad. After coming home for a nap, Luke and I went back to see his Grandparents. We ended Christmas with a game of Mexican Dominoes. I've decided we're having Family Game night at least once a month!!

It was a great Christmas.

Lily's Christmas

2011-12-17T14:34:00.002-06:00

I made Lily a hat and scarf for Christmas. She also got a Princess shower kit- that include "glip glops"....or lip gloss. I think she ate the whole tube at our house! LOL! She looks cute- even though the hat is a bit big.

Christylee's Pinning Ceremony

2011-12-15T12:56:00.004-06:00

Christylee, Lily, Steve

Christylee, Jerry, Nancy

Chris John, Brittany, Christylee, Lily, Steve, Mrs. Nancy, Mr. Jerry, and Aunt Janet

Christylee, Lily, Me

Chris John, Christylee, Lily, Steve, Mr. Jerry, Mrs. Nancy

Graduation Cake

Nurse's Pledge

Mrs. Nancy pinning Christylee

Graduating Class

Mr. Jerry and Lily inspecting the pin

I couldn't be more proud of my best friend for graduating nursing school. She's going to be an awesome nurse! I took pics today at her pinning ceremony. Of course, Aunt Melissa couldn't miss out on spending some time with Lily either!

Our Stormy Girl

2011-12-14T14:45:00.002-06:00

When we returned home from Kansas City, I noticed Stormy was having trouble drinking. We ended up making a late trip that night to Dr. Mike's, where Chris helped us with her. I ended up taking her back to Dr. Mike's the next day because I didn't see any improvement. Well, as it turns out this really stumped Dr. Mike. We are under the impression that she has had a stroke. Her tongue is partially paralyzed. On Friday night, I sat and cried while she struggled to eat her canned dog food. She was determined though, and that made me want to try even harder. Well, a week later and with a new food bowl, she's doing remarkably well! I still have to give her gruel/water through a syringe, but she's able to eat on her own- and she's even licking both sides of her mouth! It's a vast improvement- God is so good!

I have no idea why this video is sideways! This was her struggling to eat.

Now she's eating so much better with her new food bowl!

This is Stormy eating her water out of a syringe. I'm so proud of her. Sorry for Snoopy's barking in the background- what can you do when you have 5 dogs!

Blog Catch Up

2011-12-14T13:24:00.011-06:00

I hate it when I get behind on the blog. Lately we've been super busy and Facebook is just so much easier sometimes. I'm still going to post our "going-ons" so that I can scrapbook them in the future!
From the most recent to the last pictures I forgot to add:

12.6.11 Bible Study Christmas Party- all our bible study "sistas" got together for a Christmas party at Mom's house. It was a WONDERFUL time! Mom outdid herself with the food and our cookie swap was a huge success.

Sista Adelle sporting some cookies from the cookie exchange

Our Cookie Swap

Mom's Tree

Our Sistas- I wish the picture wasn't so blown out! Pam, Sharon, Mom, Debbie, Michelle, Adelle, Melanie, Vicki, Kaye, Me, Betty, Berta, Joann, Debbie, and Judy- what a great time we have together!

12.3.11 Trip to Kansas City to see Uncle George and Aunt Linda. I spoke with Aunt Linda the Wednesday before the weekend we weren't supposed to be in Kansas City...or so Luke and I thought. Somehow, we got our weekends all mixed up. We thought we were making the trip 12.10.11 but they thought we were coming up on 12.3.11. So, in 24 hours Luke and I rearranged our schedules, he took off work, made boarding and housesitting arrangements, and we were on the road. We had a wonderful time. Uncle George and Aunt Linda are so special to us and we enjoy spending time with them. We were able to do some odd jobs around their house as well as put up their Christmas decorations. We took time to do some drive thru lights and even went to see their Christmas pageant. I brought Aunt Linda some nutmeg balls- or fresh nutmeg- Uncle George was fascinated by that. So, we made chocolate peppermint cookies...only Uncle George ROLLED his whole cookie in nutmeg. We thought sure he ruined it, but it smelled amazing cooking- and didn't taste too bad either.

Uncle George won Mexican Train

Aunt Linda checking out her dominos

Just Me

My hubby

My dominos

Our trains

Uncle George and Aunt Linda with their pink tree!

Uncle George's rolled nutmeg chocolate chip peppermint cookie

He just cracks me up!

Our creations

Me and Luke

Lights from the plaza

More of the plaza- it was raining!

Me and Aunt Linda

Luke sporting the map Aunt Linda gave him so he could learn all the highways in Raytown.

Uncle George grating his nutmeg- or maybe that was he was grating on Aunt Linda's nerves!

Their Christmas Tree

Uncle George and Luke

Mr. Lights

Tree organizing

Aunt Linda loves nativity scenes.

11.25.11 Branson- Luke actually missed our Thanksgiving dinner in Neosho because of our friends wedding. However, I made it- but didn't take a single picture! I did get my camera out while in SDC. Mom and I took a cooking class and of course, we enjoyed all the lights together as a family.

11.19.11 Joe and Jamie's Wedding. Our friend Joe FINALLY got married!!! We weren't sure we'd ever see that day, but it happened. I have been friends with Joe since the 8th grade- sure wasn't going to miss his special day. They got married at Wildwood and the weather was perfect. Luke and I took pictures. Jamie surprised Joe by having light sabers in the bridesmaids bouquets and the groomsman had them in their pockets. When she got to the end of the aisle, the all whipped them out and she walked under them. Joe had been teasing her about a Star Wars wedding- and I guess he got what he asked for. It was a fun day!

The car

Cutting the cake

Nick and his photo bomb

The groomsman- Shane, Joe, Nick, and Marty

The bride and Groom

Joe and Nick

Me and My friend

Another Day with Lily

2011-10-31T12:50:00.005-06:00

Aunt Melissa and Lily

I see you!! Her Burger King Toy

Enjoying the ride at Walmart

Her prized pumpkin

The Pumpkin Patch

"Baaaaa" says the sheep.

Which Pumpkin to get

Miss Scare Crow

Our Hayride

Luke and I got up as usual this morning- only for me it was about 30 minutes earlier than usual! Christylee is doing her internship at Saline Memorial for nursing and needed someone to watch Lily. We have had a blast today! Lily and I ate breakfast in our PJ's. She watched as all the dogs went outside- and even met MadisonMurphy today. Although, she calls her a "him" and instead of Madison- it's "Snoopy".....yes, we have so many animals- it's hard to keep it all straight I suppose! We ate breakfast at the house, got dressed, and then headed to Walmart. Lily rode in the buggy and helped me buy groceries. We came home, had a snack, and then headed out to the Pumpkin Patch. We went to the Mary B's Pumpkin Patch- it was a little pricey I thought, but we had a great time. It's SO hard to get a good picture of Lily, especially with the sun being so bright! She picked out a pumpkin and we were on our way. We stopped to eat lunch at Burger King before meeting her Daddy at the church parking lot.

It was a fun and busy morning!

Baby Ryan Photo Shoot

2011-10-17T14:44:00.002-06:00

This past weekend, Luke and I shot Maternity pics for Jason and Alicen. Little Aiden just loved the camera- and I may be biased- but I think the pictures are adorable! I can't wait to meet little Ryan this Wednesday!!! These are just a few of my favorite shots!

Joplin, MO & Granny Renick

2011-10-05T11:20:00.008-06:00

This past week I took a trip to Neosho to visit Ma. We worked on Granny Renick's Scrapbook album. It was so neat to learn all about my Great, Great Grandma! Sorry the pics are out of order, but you get the trip!

One night in Neosho, we went with Aunt JJ and Uncle JR to eat at Under the Cliff. I had never eaten there before- it's a restaurant in a cave!!

Me and Ma (sorry Iphone Pics)

Aunt JJ and Uncle JR

The walls at Under the Cliff

Under the Cliff

Another day, we went to Joplin so I could see the destruction from the F5 tornado that tore through the town killing 162 people. Words cannot describe it and pictures just don't do the devastation justice. I was speechless most of the drive through town. While touring the rubble, we ate at the Red Onion- which was delicious!

Our Chocolate RICH dessert

Ma

My salad and baked potato soup

Ma's coconut chicken tenders- they were so good!

Me and Ma

The main reason for the trip was to work on Granny Renicks Scrapbook. At first, Ma didn't think she had that much stuff, but the end result was a HUGE scrapbook. I had a blast learning about Granny Renick- she was truly a Proverbs 31 woman!

One layout I was working on.

Poor Aunt JJ and Ma had to go back and reorganize the letters written by Granny Renick. It was hard to get them back in order. What priceless memories!

Ma trying to have fun reading the letters.....8)

Joplin, MO

the hospital that's now closed.

Off to the right used to be where JoAnn's was...still has me speechless!

Granny Renick Finds: I have seen items in Ma's house before, but it never dawned on me that they might be Granny Renicks!

This doll used to sit on her bed. She made the Yo Yo's out of fabric. No one was allowed to play with the doll- so that's why it still looks so good to this day!

Granny Renick loved embroidery. This hangs in Ma's hallway- I never knew Granny Renick did this wall hanging!

These are in Ma's garage- Granny Renick loved to paint by number. This is painted on velvet.

This little dish belonged to Granny Renick. Ma ended up with it. In one of the letters, she tells Ma that she's glad she ended up with it. It was a birthday gift, but it had special meaning to her. She fed her mother towards the end of her life out of this little glass pitcher.

I just love this plate of Granny Renicks

This was one piece of her china. She had this in her homesteading days in colorado. They had dirt floors, but fine china!

Granny Renick's pocket watch. This was a gift from Granny's dad to her. She has it on in her wedding pictures....and it still ticks to this day!

Lily's 3rd Birthday Party

2011-10-05T11:02:00.006-06:00

Lily digging into her presents

Lily with her lady bug.

Steve, Lily, and Christylee

Christylee, Carlie, and Mrs. Nancy

Landon

Jacob

Me and Christylee

Lily with her cake and candles- I missed her blowing them out!!

Her Rapunzel Cake

The Party Go-ers!

Amber

Jacob

My Lily

Grayson

Pizza!!!

Presents!

Grayson, Madalyn, & Lily

We celebrated Lily's 3rd Birthday on September 24th. It was a fun "Tangled" celebration. We had Little Caesars Pizza and Birthday cake with ice cream. Luke had to go to the store several times- once for ice and another for ice cream- that was SO frozen it was hard to get out! It was though, better than the alternative-melted ice cream!!

Lily got lots of presents and ate lots of candy! She loved the lady bug I knitted her as well as her Rapunzel doll. I can't believe one barbie doll would have so much hair- that's a nightmare for sure! It was already tangled when we left. I think her favorite present were the light up shoes she got from her parents! What a hoot that little angel is!

Luke and I stayed and visited with Mrs. Nancy until 1 am! It was a fun 3rd birthday for Lily!

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

2011-09-30T15:56:00.002-06:00

We are having these for supper- well, if I can stay out of them until Luke gets home! They are WONDERFUL!!!! I'm thinking you could brown your meatballs and do this in the crockpot.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs
1/4 c. white vinegar
1 c. sugar
1 c. ketchup
1 c. water
4 T. Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of Salt
2 dashes of Tabasco Sauce

Brown meatballs. ( I made my meatballs by hand using 1 lb. of ground turkey. Next time, I'll buy the plain meatballs in the frozen section). Remove meatballs. Mix above ingredients and add to the skillet. Add in 1 chopped bell pepper and 1 large can of pineapple chunks drained. Bring to a simmer. Put your meatballs back in sauce and let simmer. When ready to serve. Mix 4 T. of cornstarch to 8 T. water. Add to the simmering mixture until it thickens. Serve over rice.

Lily's 3rd Birthday Shoot

2011-09-23T08:10:00.006-06:00

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She's still trying to get the hang of showing us she's 3! Love it!

I cannot believe my little niece is 3!!! Where has the time gone. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was rushing to the hospital to await her arrival? Luke and I met Christylee and Lily at Lake Willestena in Maumelle to take some pictures of Lily. We had the hardest time getting her to look at the camera! I think we still got some good pictures considering. We're celebrating her birthday tomorrow night, and I can't wait!!

I just love being an Aunt to this little girl. There isn't a day goes by that I don't wish I could sit and visit with Aunt Debbi...I'm thinking she felt exactly the same way about me! Someday though, I'll see her again- and boy have we got some catching up to do! For now, I'll spoil Lily and love on her just the way I was taught-by the best!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2011-09-23T08:05:00.001-06:00

Natalie and Kingston

Dad and Kingston

Dad enjoying a Turkey Cookie

Mom and Kingston

Me and Luke

We celebrated Dad's birthday this past weekend at Famous Dave's. Luke and I worked extra hard this year on Dad's gift- we made him Turkey Cookies. It's a Lindley family tradition to have turkey shaped sugar cookies at Thanksgiving. Well, this year, I started making batch 1 of the cookies-and lost count with how much flour I added! After talking to Ma, we decided I needed to pitch the dough and start over! So, I mixed, rolled, and baked them. Luke then iced them- it was a team effort! Natalie and Kingston joined us for lunch. We love eating at Famous Dave's. Happy Birthday Dad!

Grand Teton/Yellowstone Vacation 2011

2011-09-14T11:20:00.031-06:00

Grand Teton/Yellowstone Vacation 2011- be ware this is a LONG post....but has some pretty pics!!! This is just to help me remember the trip when I go to scrapbook it later on.

Salt Lake City, Utah- September 1st - Mom and I met up with Dad and Luke at the Salt Lake City Airport around 9pm that evening. Dad was in Minneapolis for a work thing and Luke was in Vegas for a work thing. It was a long but uneventful flight. We got up the next morning and toured around the city before heading to Jackson Hole. The Mormon Tabernacle was so beautiful. The land around it was covered in bright, colorful flowers. We couldn't pass up a few pics.

Jackson Hole, WY- we finally got to Jackson Hole that evening after a LONG day of driving. Wyoming wasn't very pretty at first- a lot of red mountains and brush. After settling into the Best Western, we decided to find something fun to do. Mom mentioned the Bar J Chuckwagon show- and I'm so glad she did. It was wonderful!! They sang western music and the food was delicious- served buffet style on tin plates!

Luke, Mom, and I had the Ribeye while Dad had the BBQ Pork- it was a delicious meal served with homemade applesauce, cornbread, baked taters, and spice cake!

Day 2 in Jackson Hole/Grand Tetons- the air was so much cooler and with no humidity in Jackson Hole! We couldn't wait to go shopping- well, Mom, Luke, and Me- that is! I found a yarn shop where I bought some local spun yarn. We stocked up on T-shirts and post cards. We went back to pick up Dad and toured the visitor center before driving around the park to take in the scenery. The Grand Tetons were so majestic! The air was hazy because of some local wild fires, but that didn't stop those mountains from showing off their splendor. We went to Jenny Lake and even stopped at the Tavern Grill for some supper. I got these HUGE nachos- that were delicious! Luke and Mom had the Bison Burger while Dad munched on a BBQ baked potato. Luke and I found fleece jackets and yet another T-shirt in the gift shop before we headed back for the night.

Dad's BBQ Tater

Luke's Bison Burger

Yum Yum Nachos!

Mom's burger and sweet tater fries

Heading into Yellowstone Day 1- the next day we packed up and headed into Yellowstone National Park. At first, we didn't think the park was much to look at because of all the wildfire destruction. It just basically looked like burnt logs to me. We drove ALL day through the Tetons and Yellowstone. We ate lunch at this little diner place in one of the lodges- where we saw a couple have the WORST table manners in the world! It was like a bad movie, but you just couldn't turn away!!!

We saw old barns, deer, & bison & moose while in Yellowstone, and even a bald eagle! We drove out to the Continental Divide- where Dad preceded to tell us how water flows one way towards the Atlantic and another way towards the Pacific at the Continental Divide. Luke decided to ask the question....well if I pee in the middle- which way will it go?!?! Really? He always amazes me!

We stayed at the Kelly Inn in West Yellowstone and ate many a dinner at the Grizzly Claw. It was the BEST Cheese Enchiladas I had ever had!

Our Bald Eagle

Elk

Moose

Continental Divide Sign- where Luke waited to get 2 cars going either direction to show where the water goes!

Day 2 in Yellowstone- we saw lots of waterfalls and even checked out Old Faithful. It was very neat. I couldn't resist taking pictures of the Inn- that is haunted!!! A bride in the 1800's was decapitated there, and they say you can see her at night- ahh...no thanks!

Another Elk

Old Faithful Inn

Everyone waiting on it to erupt. It goes off about every 90 minutes. At first I wasn't very impressed but when it finally got its full height it was pretty awesome!

Just starting out...

A little teaser....

There she blows!

Bombs away- it was pretty awesome!

While in Yellowstone we toured a bunch of Paint Pots. Some were more stinky than others- the sulfer smell in a few places was unbearable!!!! It's amazing how deep these things are, and the colors you can actually see while looking into them. The water is amazingly hot! I sure wouldn't want to fall in one of them, that's for sure!

algae in the water

Day 3 in Yellowstone- we headed to the North Entrance. We had to go around the Golden Gate Bridge- which was NOT my favorite part of the park! It was extremely high off the ground, and somehow I always ended up on the wrong side of the car because my window looked straight down!!! We went down several dirt roads and even saw Bison right on the road. We ate a picnic lunch at the north entrance- the weather was just perfect! That night, we decided to eat dinner at the Canyon Lodge- NOT a smart choice. We didn't think you could mess up a cafeteria set up, but boy were we wrong! We ordered through the line. Dad got a HUGE thing of mashed potatoes, chicken fried steak, and DRESSING?!?! The girl behind the counter didn't understand what he was saying, so instead of fixing it, she covered the WHOLE meal in gravy!!! The chicken fried steak was so spicy I couldn't even eat it. Luke got Coconut Tilapia- which was OK... we ended up going back to the Grizzly Claw in West Yellowstone for dinner #2- it was that bad!

An eagles nest- I always wanted a picture of one!

The Golden Gate Bridge- YUCK!!!!

Our portrait in the Explorer's window!

Mammoth Springs- this was just weird- it grows about a foot every year...and smelled!

For Yellowstone- on our way to the North entrance. What a neat town/army base. It has a lot of history as well as a ghost story Mom read later in the day! Gave us all the chills for sure!

A Petrified Tree- I made the joke it must be really scared...I know, Cheesy!

The North Entrance

Canyon Lodge

Dad's nasty meal

Well, you get the idea!

Day 4 in Yellowstone- we worked on laundry. However, the laundry machines at the Kelly Inn took forever- like 3 hours to do 2 loads!!! It was crazy! We ate lunch at the Woodside Bakery and had the best sandwiches and homemade cinnamon rolls. That afternoon, we went to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center- another favorite thing we did on the trip. This place helps bears who cannot be returned to the wild for whatever reason, and is a wolf rehab center. That night, Luke and I got the watch the wolves interact as a pack! I'll have to post those videos later.

Day 5 in Yellowstone- Dad and Luke got up super early to go shoot the sunrise. We left the Kelly Inn and headed into Yellowstone. We saw Mud Volcanos and more paint pots. Luke and I even took a trail that led to a thing called the Dragons Mouth- talk about SUPER creepy! It made noises, groans, and hisses at you. It really gave me the creeps. We ate a picnic lunch down by a stream and had to use the NASTIEST bathroom ever!!! I was so ready to use an actual real bathroom by the end of the day! Luke told Mom however something about "junk" and the bathroom- it was funny, but I won't repeat it!! We stopped by Hayden Valley (thanks to Ronnie and Sharon Barker's advice) and saw 2 coyotes playing/eating along with a whole herd of Bison! Dad made the rule that whenever you saw a wild animal, you should CALMLY say "Wildlife" so that was a lot of fun on the trip! We visited the Lakeside Lodge on Lake Yellowstone and had ice cream. You could really see a fire blazing in the distance. Lake Side Lodge did give me the creeps though- inside it reminded me of flashing back to the Titanic Days....it seemed like everyone should be in dated clothes! We stayed the next 2 nights at Grant Village.

This really looked like sizzling water- strange!

This was the Dragons Mouth- gave me the creeps!!!

Lake Yellowstone

Lakeside Lodge

Our room at the Grant Village- small but clean. No air conditioner or TV- we were roughing it!

Day 6 at Yellowstone- Luke and Dad woke up at Sunrise to go photographizing. Mom and I decided to walk down to the restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast Luke and I went to check out the East Side of the park. We saw lots of fire damage. We even saw the weirdest rock cavern...it was just plain strange- rocks everywhere as tall as you could see! We ate lunch at Lake Slyvan...a windy but pretty spot. We visited the Fishing Bridge Center and had ice cream. That night, we ate dinner at the Grant Village Restaurant with Mom and Dad. Dad and I had the meatloaf, Mom had pork chops, and Luke had a Bison Steak. It was different- tough, but tender all at the same time. After dinner we went to Hayden Valley to spot more wildlife. We saw more elk and Bison. We were stopped on the way home- in the dark by a herd of Bison on the roadway. An ambulance had to run them off the road with his sirens and lights. It was very interesting!

Bye Bye Yellowstone- Hello Idaho- we left the park and headed to Idaho. Mom wasn't feeling well and slept most of the way. We stopped at Blackfoote to see eat lunch at the Homestead Restaurant- it was a great place to eat! We also stopped to see the Idaho Potato Museum. I had really wanted to check out a cheesy potato museum- pun intended! It was really informative- and of course, I got a T-shirt and Christmas ornament. After that we headed to Atomic City- which Dad and Luke found EXTREMELY fascinating!!! Mom and I- not so much. It was a mostly restricted area with radiation and some other secret government stuff going on. We headed past there to the Crater of the Moon National Monument. Now, Dad and Luke were super excited- to me- it looked like black rocks!!! It's actually a volcano that erupted some 2,000 years ago in Idaho- and takes up a bunch of the state. They sent Astronauts there to see if they could handle walking in their suits on that before heading to the moon. After that we made the LONG, make it SUPER LONG 3 hour drive back to the hotel in Pocatello, Idaho. Which Dad read Wikipedia to us most of the way there. So much so, we named Dad Mr. Wikipedia!!! I know more about Pocatello and the sights driving there- than I care to know! LOL!

This is the world's largest pringle!

OMG- check out the potato masher exhibit!!!!

Fields of Potatoes in Idaho!

Atomic City

Crater of the Moon....black rocks!!

September 11th- going home.
It was hard for me to fly that day. I tried not to look at the news or facebook, but it was inevitable to forget what happened some 10 years ago. I was with Luke standing in Mom and Dad's bedroom on Appomattox watching the TV. We couldn't turn it off....I remember being scared as Mom and Dad were in Alaska, and we were all alone. I will never forget going to Walmart later that evening and hearing hyms being played over the loudspeaker. It's a day we shouldn't ever forget.

While sitting in the airport waiting to leave Idaho, it was very surreal for me. I kept thinking about the people on those planes- they did everything we did. Checked in their luggage, went through security, probably grabbed a bite to eat- and never did make it home. It wasn't a normal day to them, but it probably started just like every other day.

It was a wonderful vacation, but I was so ready to get home and see all of our animals! If you're still reading, it's over!!!! You can go back to your normal activities....cause praise God it's all written down and I can scrapbook it anytime!

Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Apples

2011-08-26T06:15:00.002-06:00

I tried a new recipe last night and we loved it! It was SUPER easy. I didn't take a picture, because I forgot, but thought I would share the recipe:

Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Apples
3 Pork Chops- you can use 4
2 Apples- peeled and sliced
1 small can sweet potatoes
3 T. brown sugar
minced onion
salt and pepper

I used my cast iron skillet, but you can use any oven proof dish. Place pork chops in bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and a little minced onion. Drain your sweet potatoes and pour those over the top. Place your apple slices on top of the sweet potatoes. Top with brown sugar. Also, I added more salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for an hour. It was delicious and the pork was tender. I used bone in pork chops, but I'm sure it's pretty flexible!

Going to the country, gonna eat a lot of Peaches!

2011-08-18T16:16:00.005-06:00

I don't know why, but I love this picture!

Christylee and I took Lily to Mayflower to visit Collins Orchard. She had never picked peaches before-and had a good time. Christylee put boots on her- which was a great thing! Lily had a blast stomping on the rotten peaches. After peach picking, we went to Lake Willastein in Maumelle for a picnic. It's gorgeous and peaceful there. Lily had a good time playing on the slides and playground. We even saw a man teaching his dog to fetch from the water- that was neat. It was a great day with my best friend and Niece. I can't believe how big Lily is getting!

Junk Galore on 64

2011-08-18T16:11:00.002-06:00

Me and the junk

Luke and the junk

This is how Luke felt about looking at the junk!

Junk, Junk, and more junk!

Luke and I went out this past Saturday to Hwy 64. We started in Beebe and made our way to Morrilton. It was Junk Galore weekend- and we saw lots of junk. I told Luke that a garage sale had to have a certain "look" to it before we stopped. Well, we only stopped 2 times. We ended up on the square in Morrilton. We ate at a Mexican place and then headed home. It was a good afternoon with the hubby!

Peach and Blueberry Cobbler

2011-08-16T17:35:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I've tried a lot of cobbler recipes, but this is one of my favorites! Mainly because I usually have everything on hand to make it! Begina asked for it- so here ya go!! Enjoy!

4 1/2 c. frozen or fresh peaches
2 c. blueberries (you can use these or omit them, I've even used blackberries before)
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. sugar
1 T. plus 1 t. cornstarch
1 T. lemon juice (I use this if I have it, if not, leave it out!)
1 can refrigerator biscuits
sugar for sprinkling the biscuits

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In saucepan combine peaches, blueberries, water, sugar, cornstarch, & lemon juice. Bring to a boil and lower the heat- simmer for about 5 minutes. Transfer the fruit to a buttered 1.5 qt. casserole dish. Arrange the biscuits on top and sprinkle with sugar. Bake until the biscuits are brown- about 15 minutes.

Some other past blog cobblers I like are:

http://blog.luke-melissa.com/2008/08/ode-to-fresh-veggies.html

or

http://blog.luke-melissa.com/2008/07/yummy-and-easy-peach-cobbler.html

Kingston Edward Lindley

2011-08-11T06:29:00.004-06:00

Natalie and Mrs. Beverly

Dad, Kingston, & Mom

Dad and Kingston

Kingston

Checking out his first photo shoot via iPhone

False alarm #2- we all beat Natalie to the hospital!

the baby monitor

Chris and Natalie- false alarm #1

Natalie had her baby...FINALLY!!! It was on Friday, August 5th at 5:25 or so in the evening. He came in weighing 8lbs 11 oz. He had a head full of black hair and was very alert. We all went to the hospital Thursday night for what I call "false alarm #2"- as we had been at the hospital 1 time before that! On Friday morning, Mom called me at 4am and said her water broke and they were heading to the hospital. I had Croppin 4 Kids that weekend, so I loaded up my stuff and headed to the hospital.

Let's just say, after seeing everything Natalie went through trying the natural child birth- I'm thinking I pretty much want an epidural at 8 months!!! God made drugs for a reason!!!! I left the hospital at 9 to go to my crop. I didn't get anything done, as my phone was ringing off the hook! Finally, I left for the hospital about 5, because after 40 hours of labor- they had decided on a C-section.

Mom and Mrs. Beverly were back there for it. Chris decided he couldn't handle the sounds-since he does faint at the sight of a paper cut. I was able to get some cute pics of the little guy- and then back to the Crop I went! It was a very eventful weekend!

I'm not as attached to Kingston as I am Lily, it's still really hard for me considering all the circumstances. I do realize this is not this sweet angel's fault. I'm sure being an Aunt to Kingston will just have to come in time. For now, I just have to figure out what kind of scrapbook he's going to need, because I figure since Lily has her own- he'll have to also!

A Sad Day

2011-08-03T06:08:00.003-06:00

My sweet little birds didn't make it. One died on Sunday and the other one went to heaven last night. I tried my best, but I just can't take the place of a Momma bird. I was amazed at the miracle of a baby bird though, they are just so tiny! I even watched as the food went down his throat and into his stomach- amazing! I am thankful that God let me witness this little miracle and take care of it for a few days. Now they are both flying in Heaven. As my friend Alicen said, "they are a wonderful addition to God's zoo!" Love it!

Baby Birds

2011-07-31T10:05:00.002-06:00

Yesterday afternoon I found that a bird's nest had blown out of our maple tree in the backyard. I went to pick it up and heard faint chirping. There was one baby bird on the ground, and another still in the nest. I scooped it up and hurried inside. I placed the nest in the shoe box, called Mom, and we cried knowing they would probably go to heaven. Well, after I got off the phone, one of them opened it's mouth at me- who wouldn't have offered it something?! I soaked dogfood in water and tried to feed them.

They are so tiny and one is completely pink with no feathers. I'm not sure if they will make it, but I'm sure going to give it my best. So far, I've been feeding them every 20 minutes- yes, it's time consuming. They made it through their first night and are still doing OK now.

I'm not hopefully they will live, but I'm trying. Sometimes it's so hard being tender hearted!

A Day with Lily

2011-07-31T09:58:00.004-06:00

Luke and Lily in the playdough

Making a "Aunt Melissa" snowman

It's messy work!

I think Luke had as much fun as she did!

French braiding her hair

Luke and Lily at Burger King

Miss thang!

Me and Lily at Burger King

Alicia and Me

Lily and Christylee

Yesterday, Christylee, Lily, our long time friend Alicia, and I met for lunch at Dixie Cafe here in Benton. We had a good time visiting. I was even able to teach Alicia a little knitting! Later in the evening Luke and I picked up Lily for a play date. We went to Burger King to eat dinner- her favorite! She ate all her nuggets and a few fries. Luke tried his best to get her to go down the slide, but she just wouldn't do it! He did though- not sure if he will try that again! We came back to the house and played with some playdough. It was a fun night...she's such a mess!

Conway for a Day

2011-07-16T10:18:00.005-06:00

Luke and I took a day trip to Conway to check out Hendrix College. We were looking for a good spot to shoot some engagement pictures. I think we found it, Hendrix is SO pretty!!! I absolutely LOVE the new lens Luke got me for my camera....it is amazing! Afterward, we ate lunch at Stobys- which was delicious as usual. We ended the day with a trip to Collins Orchard where we picked our very own peaches. They were so yummy! I can't wait to make a cobbler!

The Cheapest Cheese Dip You'll Love

2011-07-03T16:25:00.002-06:00

I was at Walmart the other day and about croaked when I saw the price of Velveeta- $5.98 for a 2lb. block!!! I bit the bullet and bought it anyway- it was for a party. While complaining to my friend Amanda about it, she told me her recipe for the cheapest cheese dip. I made it for supper tonight- OH MY, I won't be buying Velveeta ever again!!!

Cheap Cheese Dip
1 pkg. Pioneer Gravy Mix (just the plain kind, not pepper or buttermilk)
1 pkg. Taco Seasoning Mix (I used 1/2 of this package)
1 (2c.) pkg American/Cheddar Shredded Cheese (I used 1/2 of this)

Make Gravy mix according to the directions. Once it's done, add your cheese and taco seasoning mix. I added a few splashes of milk to get the consistency right. You can add more or less taco seasoning if you want.

All that for about 4 bucks- and actually I have enough to make another batch later! It sounds crazy, but it's SO good!!!

Travs Game (Lots of posts below!)

2011-06-30T08:09:00.002-06:00

Luke and I went with his company to see the Travs Game last Saturday night. It was HOT!!! We sat in lawn chairs on the grassy side. I brought along my sock knitting to keep me busy- baseball to me is so boring!! It was a good game, and I'm glad I got to enjoy it with Luke. He loves baseball.

We were introduced to others by a lady as "the only ones without kids at NIC." Let's just say it's taken me a week to get over that statement- I mean, should I be wearing a sign that says we have no kids??? When people make remarks like that it really does bothers me. It makes me feel like there is something wrong with Luke and me. Just because we don't have children, should be our business, and not what sets us apart from everyone else. I guess some people just need to think before they speak!

Ok, I'm off my soapbox for now! Enjoy the rest of the posts below- there's lots of them!!

Georgia Company

2011-06-30T07:59:00.005-06:00

Sweet David

So sad to leave the sprinkler behind...

Ma enjoying the warmth of being outside

Mr. Corn on the Cobb man

Dad and Luke

David

Luke and sweet Emily

Dad and David on the Ipad

Emily and her beautiful coloring

Ann and David

David

Dylan and Ann

Dylan and Ann made a trip up to Neosho to visit family. We haven't seen them in 7 years! It was great to get to visit with them. Their kids David and Emily are just too cute! We had dinner over here last night. Luke grilled burgers and dogs. We had corn on the cob- which David loved- salsa, bean dip, chips, and cake. It was a spread. After dinner the kids played in the backyard sprinkler. I think everyone had a great time. We were sad to see them leave!!

Bible Study Trip

2011-06-30T07:53:00.003-06:00

Mom sporting her new ride! ha!

Me, Andrea, Adelle, Diane, Judy, Kaye, Debbie, Mom, Melanie, Sharon, and Betty.

Andrea with the bag Mom made!

I'm WAY late in posting this- forgot these pics were on my phone. Our Bible Study ladies this summer have been working on a study, "Reflecting His Glory" by Andrea Lennon. It has been a life changing study, and I highly recommend it! Andrea lives in Conway, so we couldn't resist having lunch with her. She's such a sweetheart!! After lunch at Cracker Barrel, we traveled on down to Hobby Lobby and TJ Maxx for a little shopping. It was a great day! We were all so happy Mom didn't mind driving the HUGE bus!

Our 8 year Anniversary

2011-06-30T07:32:00.003-06:00

Luke's Meal

My Meal

Yummy Fried Rice

Gotta love HORRIBLE I phone pics

Luke and I celebrated 8 years of marriage on June 28th! My how time flies. I am thrilled to still have my best friend. Luke was my only boyfriend, first kiss, and we've known each other a LONG time! I'll never forget when I first met him in 7th grade- couldn't stand the boy!!! Guess time does change a girls feelings for sure!

We celebrated by having dinner at Sakura. It was wonderful! We both got the fillet and shrimp, and I could eat a ton of their rice and vegetables. Afterward, we did what any old married couple would do- shop Best Buy and Petco. We ended the night with yogurt from Lemon Tree. It was a fun way to celebrate our 8 years- here's to many more Luke!

Our Day with Lily

2011-06-20T08:38:00.005-06:00

Lily and Her "Panna Bear" I made for her- it's looking a little ragged, might need a new one for her birthday!

Me & Lily at Burger King

Miss Sprinkler Diva

Loving on Aunt Melissa

Lily and Uncle Luke

Doing some painting (working on early Christmas Presents!!!)

In our PJ's and Baking Cookies

Watching Veggie Tales

Luke and I had the awesome opportunity to keep Lily on Saturday night. She stayed with us for about 4 hours, and we had a blast! I was so excited. I stocked up on craft stuff and slice and bake cookies at the store. We picked her up, went to Burger King and ate. Then it was back to our house for some fun! We played in the sprinklers, finger painted, baked cookies, and watched the DBD (as Lily called it) of the Veggie Tales and Jonah. George even loved on Lily which surprised me. It was a great time with Aunt Melissa and Uncle Luke!

Natalie's Baby Shower

2011-06-04T14:17:00.004-06:00

Natalie and her gifts from Mom

Natalie with a yummy cake!

Mom and Natalie

Me and Heather

The Cake

The food

Me and Mom

The loot

Me and Natalie

Today Mom and I went to Natalie's Baby shower for little Kingston. She got some awesome gifts and the shower was really nice. It was fun getting to visit with Heather- as I hadn't seen her in forever!!! Enjoy the pics!

Hand Knits By Melissa

2011-05-21T16:52:00.002-06:00

I'm going on a new endeavor! I'm starting my own side business- Hand Knits By Melissa. I decided since I loved knitting so much, why not share it with others. Check out my new blog/website at:

www.handknitsbymelissa.blogspot.com

Let me know what you think! I'm so excited!

Branson with the Hubby

2011-05-18T13:08:00.005-06:00

Me & the hubby

Does this lovely coconut couple favor us?

I'm kinda diggin' the yellow polka dot bikini- LOL!

The Boss of the Sauce- or so he thinks!

Our delicious lunch

SDC Honey Blackberry

Smokin' that meat

BBQ'ers

BBQ and Blue Grass

The past Saturday Luke and I took a day trip to Silver Dollar city. I'm so thankful Luke talked me into wearing jeans- as it was in the 50's in Branson! Luke and I stopped at the Walmart in Harrison to see if we could find some jackets. We scored a sweatshirt for Luke and a $5 jacket for me! At SDC was the Bluegrass and BBQ Festival. We stopped at the Reunion Hall to have lunch. We decided to go for the Silver Dollar City BBQ sauce which was Honey Blackberry. It was really good! Well, good except for the fact that the lady sitting at our table decided to breast feed right in front of us! That made for a fun memory!

We headed on up the hill and heard the Kruger's playing bluegrass music. It was so wonderful!! We walked around and then landed at the Funnel Cake Booth to sample a funnel cake and some hot chocolate.

After Silver Dollar City, we headed on up to Branson Landings. We shopped and walked around. The weather was great, and it was so good to spend quality time with Luke! We ate dinner at Steak and Shake and then headed home. It was a long day- but a lot of fun!

A Grandmother's Shower

2011-05-12T13:33:00.000-06:00

The Bible Study Ladies: Debbie, Berta, Michelle, Sharon, Melanie, Diane, Mom, Kaye, Betty, Adelle, and Judy. Sorry we missed Debbie, Pam, and Dana!

Adelle

Sharon- the lovely assistant- and Mom

Mom got a glider!

Sweet Maddie and Pam- love them!!!!

Mom with some bibs- she got a lot of those!!!

The ladies checking out the loot

More bibs

The duck blanket I knitted

This past Tuesday, the Bible Study ladies (and a few extras) threw Mom her first ever Grandmother's Shower. It was a lot of fun, and Mom got some great gifts. When all the ladies started arriving, Mom didn't have a clue. She never noticed all the gift sacks laying around. When Pam, Debbie, and Dana got there, we had to tell her that this was HER shower!!!! LOL
We had King Ranch Casserole, Green Beans, Strawberry Salad, and Cupcakes for dessert!

I guess I should clarify things a bit- this is for my NEPHEW, Luke and I are NOT having a baby. This was a complete surprise to our family, but in late July we expect Chris's 1st son to be here- Kingston Edward- is the name. To say I was completely surprised that my brother will be having a baby of his own, would have been an understatement!!!

I always expected Luke and I would be the ones to have the first grandchild, but the Lord had other plans, and I've had a hard time with that. I always thought that we would have been married a few years- and had a baby. But, the Lord hasn't placed that desire on our hearts at all. I sometimes question- "Why not??? Everyone else is having babies"- But, then I realize that we've never been one to follow a crowd, and I'm so busy with the things I volunteer with, that I don't miss having a baby! So, maybe the Lord's will and desire for our lives is for us to reach out to others instead.

I am tired of the fact though, that Luke and I sometimes feel like there is something wrong with us in not having a desire for children. We know that when the Lord has it in His timing, then we will both feel the desire for it. That timing just isn't now. Sometimes the pressure from others is unreal and disheartening for us both. We feel the need to explain, it's awkward, and it hurts, and really- it's basically no one's business but our own!

All of that being said, I was happy to throw this shower for Mom. It maybe the only grandmother shower she has- but then again maybe not. We'll just see what the Almighty God has up His sleeve. If it's anything like I've already experienced, I think it will blow my mind for sure- and maybe my socks off!! 8)

Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

2011-04-22T15:24:00.002-06:00

I am making Chicken Spaghetti tonight, and letting the crockpot do all the work! Actually, I'll use 1/2 of the mixture to make King Ranch Casserole later on in the weekend- so I get two meals for one!!!

Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can rotel
5 chicken tenders ( I added mine in frozen)
1 can full of milk

Let cook all day. I'm taking 1/2 of this mixture out and putting it in the fridge, to have for King Ranch Casserole later on this weekend, but when ready to eat the spaghetti (about an hour before) boil your noodles. Add them to the mixture and top with cheddar cheese!

The Craziness of Life

2011-04-21T07:15:00.014-06:00

4.20.11 Disney on Ice- Christylee, Mrs. Nancy, and I took Lily to see Disney on Ice Princesses. It was amazing!!!! I surprised Lily with a Cinderella dress, she looked so cute in it. We had the best time, Lily was amazed by all the characters. I don't know who had more fun, me or her! We ate supper at Burger King and then headed on over to see the princesses. It was a wonderful time!!!!! Lily and I went to get popcorn at intermission, we ate all of it! At the very end, Lily was so excited (and maybe a little restless) that she spilled the rest of her snowcone on my lap!!!! It was shocking and cold, but priceless. Later, Lily said, "Sorry Aunt Wissa for ruining your blue jeans." Love me that little girl!!!!

Cinderella and her man

The set was awesome- and the props- wow!!! Of course, that's right up my alley!

The dragon of Sleeping Beauty

Love these costumes- Beauty in the Beast

Mr. Candlestick

The dwarfs!

Mickey

Lily taking it all in

My Lily in her princess dress- and sea shell necklace, although, she thought it was an ice cream cone!!!

Mrs. Nancy, Lily, Christylee, and Cinderella

Cinderella

Christylee and Lily

Me and Lily- Lily with her chicken nuggets- ha!

Mrs. Nancy and Christylee

Lily

Her Cinderella Shoes!!!

4.15.11 Beth Moore- WOW!!!! Can I say what a truly special weekend that was?? She's so fantastic, and I was able to actually write in my Bible!!! She spoke on 2 Timothy 4, and about relationships. The music was awesome, and I'm just in awe of the Lord's love for us!!!

Beth

More Beth

Mom and Martha Sue

Me and Mom

Waiting on Beth

4.2.11 Neosho Week- Amanda, Mom, and I went up for the City-Wide Neosho Garage Sale. It's a blast every year. Amanda was able to meet the family, and we had a great time. It was a sad trip as my grandpa Chuck passed away while we were there. Mom, Dad, and I ended up staying a total of 10 days. It was wonderful to spend quality time with the family despite the circumstances. Aunt JJ and I even found a whole day to knit together- I SOOO enjoyed that!!!!!

Mom and Dad

Me & Ma

Aunt JJ

Aunt JJ and Ma

Uncle JR the BBQ Man

Me and Ma with the Prayer Shawl I made for her- Chuck rolled a TON of yarn a while back, and I took that yarn and made a shawl for Ma. It's colorful and truly special!

The sunset in Sheldon, MO

Dad and Ma

OH MY- love the burgers in Nevada, Missouri

Aunt JJ

Me & Mom

White grill in Nevada, MO

Sam Cellar in Neosho, MO. This is pizza #3 for me- the waiter kept getting my order wrong, so we all ended up with extra pizza at lunch!

Sam Cella

Aunt JJ

Me & Mom

Mom

I'm not sure, but this is uncle JR?!?

Amanda

Sam Cellar

Me & Aunt JJ at the Chinese Buffet

Ma

Aunt Val- it was so good to spend time with her!

Me and Amanda

Mom & Uncle JR

3.15.11 Memphis Day Trip- Luke and I wanted a quick min-vacation and we decided on going to Memphis. We originally wanted to go to the Memphis Zoo, but as you can tell- well, I'm in a boot AGAIN!!! I tore scar tissue in the old broken joint of my big toe, playing a video game at Playtime Pizza. I've been in the boot a month so far. Instead of the zoo, we went shopping and had a great time- of course, all it looks like we did was eat!! Luke found a fabulous yarn store for me, it was so great!!!

Nick's Catfish and Ribs- yummy!!!!

Me & the hubby

Oh baked spaghetti and bread sticks, how I've missed you so!!!

We found a Fazoli's!!!!!

My yarn purchases!!

What a great store!

Look, Luke's Ipad is bigger than Dad's!!! LOL!

Yes, this is an attractive get up- my $141 dollar boot which I wore for 10 days and then the specialist put me in a hard sole shoe for 4 weeks!

Wye Mountain with Lily

2011-03-14T09:53:00.004-06:00

I couldn't resist the urge to call Christylee while out at Wye Mountain. Lily needed her pics taken since the flowers were so pretty. We met up at Walmart and headed back up the mountain. Lily was NOT a happy camper at all. I was surprised at the good pics we got anyhow.

Wye Mountain with Luke

2011-03-14T09:49:00.004-06:00

This past Saturday Luke and I went to Wye Mountain. We enjoy their festival so much, and can't resist taking pictures. We ate for $4- which included 2 hot dogs, 2 drinks, and chips- not a bad deal!!!

Prayer Shawl Ministry Conference

2011-03-09T13:58:00.007-06:00

Mom and Adelle- the WONDERFUL Kitchen help (along with Dad and Luke!)

Love this pic!

Nancy & Bobbi

Me & Amanda my side kick

Dean and Bekka

Amanda and her tatting

Our table decor- each table was different

Door Prizes

Our Prayer Shawl Ministry hosted its first ever conference on Saturday, March 5th from 10:30-1:30. We had a blast!!! It was a TON of work, but we had 76 people in attendance. Our speaker, Andrea Lennon, was such a blessing and encouragement to everyone. It was neat to see other churches around central Arkansas- and learn from them. Every prayer shawl ministry does something different. I'm so proud of this ministry- the Lord is doing awesome work through these ladies. You can see all the pics at our facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Geyer-Springs-Prayer-Shawl-Ministry/150591478290689

Mardi Gras Crop

2011-03-09T13:46:00.004-06:00

Mom, Sandra, Me, and Jill

Our work area

Mom won a cricut cartridge

Sandra and her winning mask- sporting LOTS of beads!

The Mardi Gras Mask people

Ceceila

Lake Degray

Lake Degray

Jill

Me

Mom

Lake Degray

Friday night sunset

Mom and I went with Sassy Scraps to a Mardi Gras Crop. Sandra and Jill sat at our table. We had a blast!!! The lake was so pretty, I couldn't resist taking a few pictures. Mom and I scrapbooked to our hearts content. On Saturday night they had a Mardi Gras Parade for all who made masks. Mom, Jill, and I didn't participate, but we threw beads at Sandra- she won the mask contest!!! It was a great time for sure.

Neosho Fun

2011-03-09T13:38:00.005-06:00

Me and Mom at Big Spring Park

Big Spring Park

Me & Uncle JR

Dad

Ma & Me

Ma in her recipe box

Lovely find at My Sister and Me

Aunt Viv, Emmaline, and Ma

Me & Mom

Ma's Project Linus Blanket

A couple of weekends ago, we went to Neosho to celebrate Ma's birthday. We had a blast going through her recipe box. I found Grandma Lindley's recipe for Divinity....but Dad sure doesn't want me making that anytime soon. Uncle JR, Katie, Mom, and Me went to check out Big Springs Park. Uncle JR found out some neat things, and of course we couldn't resist taking pictures. It was a fun family weekend. Enjoy the pics- my camera batteries were dead, so I used my Iphone camera all weekend.

Crispy BBQ Chicken Melts

2011-02-04T14:56:00.003-06:00

Since it's snowy here, I thought I would share a warm and great recipe. We had these last night- sorry no pics, we were too hungry!!!

Crispy BBQ Chicken Melts
3 T. butter
1/2 c. bisquick
1/4 t. pepper
1/4 c. milk
4 boneless chicken breasts
1/4 c. bbq sauce
1/2 c. shredded cheddar

Preheat oven to 425. Melt butter in 9x13 pan in the oven. Mix Bisquick and pepper together in small pan. In another pan pour the milk. Dip chicken breast into Bisquick and then into your milk. Then dip into the bisquick again and place in the hot pan of melted butter. Bake for 30 minutes until chicken is done. Heat your BBQ sauce in the microwave until warm. Pour over chicken breasts when ready to eat and top with cheese....yummy!

A Lesson Learned from a child....

2011-02-01T16:37:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I went to tutor my little person. I haven't felt near as attached to this little girl as I did the other one- mainly because I had more time with my other little person. I decided this year that I would stick to it and hopefully this young lady would open up to me. Well, yesterday she did!

I picked her up from lunch, it was pizza day, a big deal for a 5th grader! We sat at our normal table in the library. She began to tell me all about her weekend. She went to church with a Hispanic friend and listened to the whole service in Spanish- she said that was just plain old weird...and then giggled...which in turn made me smile. She said she went to dance class at her church on Sunday, but that it was expensive for her and her sister to be in dance. She told me it was $50 dollars.

We visited for about 10 minutes- which was a wonderful thing considering she didn't ever really want to visit before. I was just thrilled- and even more thrilled that she is loving Anne of Green Gables. She doesn't want our time to end....which I'm sure is just the book!

It got me to thinking on the drive home, I've been concerned about our finances for a little over a month now. Not that we are destitute in anyway, but that we have had a lot of unexpected things come up- between my tooth fiasco and the dogs. My biggest complaint was we weren't putting back to savings as much as what we should have. Really? After hearing my little girl talk about how $50 bucks was a lot of money to her family- how in the world can I take for granted what the Lord has blessed me and Luke with.

To get my attention a little more, Luke balanced our checkbook last night. I always sit in the living room knitting, and when he's done we look at it together. Well, last night, I asked my usual question "How bad are we??" He came out of the scrapbook room with a strange look on his face. He said, "Well we aren't bad at all- in fact we can pay off all the things we had on the credit cards this month!" We both knew the only One who made that happen for us.

So, the Lord once again got my attention from a few numbers and a fifth grader. I love volunteering and helping kids as well as them helping me. Thanks Lord for the little reminders!

Oh my Crock Pot Steak

2011-02-01T16:29:00.002-06:00

I fixed this for our supper tonight- and if it's any judgment by the sauce alone- OH MY!!!! Thought I would share the recipe (it's from the Geyer Springs cookbook!!)

Crockpot Steak
1 round steak
flour for dusting
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can full of water
1 pkg. Lipton soup mix

Dust steak with flour and brown off in a skillet. Transfer to the crockpot. Mix soup, water, and soup mix together. Pour over steak and cook on low 8 hours. It is heavenly!!! I'm serving ours with rice and green beans....hurry home Luke I'm hungry!!!

Birthday with Friends

2011-01-23T08:36:00.004-06:00

Joe- little did I know he didn't like Flying Fish- so he's sporting his 1 fillet basket here...Nick is impressed, I can tell!

My basket- yes I had 3 fillets and was a pig- but it's my birthday right???

Me and the hubby- I love this man so much!!!!

Our great friends: Crazy Joe, Nick, and Heather

Flying Fish Baby

I had an early birthday celebration on Friday. First, I went to lunch with my good friend Alicen...we had a GREAT time! We ate at Senor Tequilas and then had yogurt at Yogurt Mountain in West Little Rock. We couldn't pass up Target, so we shopped there too! When I got back to my car, Luke posted a note on my speedometer that said "Look in your Console"....so I did...and behold an Iphone4 was there!!! I was shocked...and I love it! Luke was keeping with tradition- he bought me my first cell phone when I was 18- as a birthday present....we texted a lot back then- before texting was even cool!

That night, we went to eat with Nick, Joe, and Heather at Flying Fish downtown. We LOVE to eat there. It was crowded as usual, but that didn't stop us! We stayed there for almost 2 hours visiting about old times, old friends, and old memories. What fun they are! I'm truly blessed to have great friends that have known me a LONG time!!!

Crockpot Chicken Stew

2011-01-21T07:20:00.002-06:00

I tried a new recipe last night in the crockpot. It was very tasty for sure and thought I would share- although I didn't take a picture of it.

Crockpot Chicken Stew
1 1lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes- I used 2 breasts
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed- USE SMALL CUBES- mine were too big and would have been MUCH better smaller
1 (14.5oz) can Italian style tomatoes
2 onions, chopped- I used the chopped out of the freezer
1 green bell pepper chopped- I used the chopped out of the freezer
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. chicken broth
1 t. Italian seasoning

Layer potatoes and chicken in the crockpot. Mix other ingredients together and pour over the top. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours.

Orange Sweet Potato Pork Chops

2011-01-14T07:45:00.002-06:00

Orange Sweet Potato Pork Chops in the Crock Pot

4 sweet potatoes- peeled and sliced
2 pork chops- it said you could use 6- but we won't eat that much!
1 c. orange juice
1/3 c. brown sugar

Peel and slice sweet potatoes. Place in crockpot. Brown pork chops in a skillet until slightly browned. Place on top of sweet potatoes. Mix orange juice and brown sugar together and pour over the top. Cook on low 6-8 hours.

We really liked this recipe- it was super easy. I served it with English Peas and made a box of muffins. I would make it again for sure!

Snow Day

2011-01-10T10:10:00.004-06:00

Snow Ice Cream

Ingredients: 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk, 1 t. vanilla, 8 c. snow (the non "flavored" kind...meaning NO YELLOW SNOW!!!)

Gather the snow

Mix and act like you are having a good time....

Then make pigs of yourself and eat it!!!

Snow Daze....

This says "Mel loves Luke" but my arms aren't long enough!

Samson

Crazy wild Stormy

Me and old Snoopers

BJ could have been a sled dog!

Old Madison Murphy, not enjoying the snow, but was told she HAD to go potty....which she did then ran back inside! We're enjoying the 6 inches we got!

Joe's Birthday

2011-01-10T06:50:00.002-06:00

Nick sporting his Ghengis bowl

Jamie sporting her Ghengis bowl

Me and the hubby

Famous best friends- Nick and Joe

The Birthday boy himself- and yes they sang to him AGAIN this year!

We celebrated Joe's 29th birthday at Ghengis Grill. We really like to eat there and are glad it's Joe's favorite too! We talked about old times and Luke and I got to hang out with Jamie- Joe's girlfriend. She's a mess and we really like her! We topped the night of with Baskin Robbins- even closed the place down. I'm so glad we were able to celebrate with Joe- we've been friends since 8th grade!! Happy Birthday Joe!

Scripture Memorization

2011-01-01T07:42:00.002-06:00

I decided my goal for 2011 is to memorize more scripture. I bought my index spiral yesterday and am going to be memorizing right along with Beth Moore. You can go here to see the rules if you want to participate too:

http://blog.lproof.org/2010/12/siesta-scripture-memory-instructions.html

I can't think of a more wonderful way than to fill my mind with God's word. Today is the first day and I've decided to make Deuteronomy 31:8 my first verse. "Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will neither fail you or abandon you."

I'll post other verses throughout the year- the goal is to memorize 24 verses this year! I can't wait!

Another Tooth, Another Day

2010-12-28T12:17:00.003-06:00

I got a call this morning to be at the dentist office at 10am, and I want to remember what the Lord did for me today! I was nervous about going to have a tooth pulled. I found a scripture I quoted throughout the whole procedure and thought I would share:

"Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will neither fail you or abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:8

It was extremely comforting to know that God had already gone into that dentist office ahead of me, and He was with me the entire time. I felt his presence in that room. I also woke up this morning singing a song the choir performed at Christmas- "Still the Lamb of God" which tells about how Jesus is still the lamb, still saving, still redeeming, and still loving!

Dr. Bourns is a WONDERFUL dentist- one whom I would use anytime. It was a great experience, and one that I needed to build my confidence in dentists again.

For now, I get the stitches out in 3 weeks. Then in 3 months get an implant. I'm encouraged and at peace- but also about to go lay down so the pain medicine can work. Thank you Lord for loving me and being there for me always!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T12:03:00.007-06:00

Christmas Eve 2010- Luke and I had a party for his Mom's side of the family. We fixed Baked Spaghetti, Corn, Green Beans, Bread, Fudge, Cake Balls, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and a Carmel Apple Cheeseball- it was a feast! We had a great time visiting and opening packages.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Pam and Marion

Alan, Luke, Brenda, Me

Brenda and Me

Me and the hubby

The Guys: Marion, Mike, Shaun, Luke, Alan

The Girls: Kelly, Pam, Taylor, Brenda, Me

Love this pic! Taylor, Kelly, Mike, Shaun

After the party Luke and I headed to our annual Christmas Eve Service at church. I love the candles at the end!

Then of course keeping with tradition we had dinner at the House of Waffles!

Reed, Luke, Dad

Me & Mom

Christmas Day 2010- Luke and I opened our presents later this year then normal- 7am! We had a great Christmas together. I somehow didn't get a pic of the outside dogs- they were anxious to go outside....but I did get some of Madison and the cats.

Me and my old girl- Madison

Alyeska

Our bedroom Christmas tree

I got roving- going to try my hand at spinning my own yarn!

A Speaker City Shirt- what Luke has always wanted- it's an inside joke for us!

George and Luke

Christmas 2010 at Mom and Dad's- Mom made an awesome breakfast of Sticky Buns, Eggs, and Ham Biscuits (thanks Martha Sue for the recipe). We ate til we were stuffed, and then it was time for presents. Afterward we ate yet again on a Mexican feast- Fajitas with all the fixings. It was a great way to celebrate Jesus' Birthday!!!

Mom and Dad's tree

Sadie Rose

Dad with his framed crocheting from my Great Aunt Beth....that is priceless!!!!

Luke sporting some new Starbucks Christmas Blend Coffee
Me and Chris with our Christmas Tradition- Chocolate Orange- that stuff is good!!!

Mom and me holding up the blanket I made them- 7 months worth of work and she loved it!

Mom and her new Paula Deen cookware- it is awesome stuff!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

Tooth Drama

2010-12-23T07:36:00.002-06:00

Well yesterday I visited with an endodontist here in town. After breaking down in tears in front of him (I was so embarrassed!!!) he was very nice. My other experience with an endodontist was awful!!!! I don't stay numb in the dentist chair for very long and the other endodontist I went to didn't take that into account- and I felt the whole stinkin' thing! This new guy was completely understanding and took the time to really talk things out with me. I felt sorry for the poor hygienist- she freaked when she took my blood pressure- 153/100- but hey I was nervous and really didn't want to be in there!! I don't think she understood my anxiety!!

So anyhow, this Dr. decided that a root canal wasn't the way to go. I have Cracked Tooth Syndrome and will need to have this tooth pulled. Then, I will either get a bridge or an implant. Sounds like fun huh!! The good news is for right now I'm in no pain and hopefully can get into my regular dentist next week.

I told Luke last night, having a tooth pulled for me feels like an F on a report card. I mean this is a tooth I actually need (of course it's in the back, but still). I floss and brush regularly and it makes me feel like a failure to have one pulled. Oh well, such is life...especially when you were 3 1/2 months premature- your teeth just are plain bad!!!

For now, I'll be thankful I have teeth, have found an endodontist in town that I completely trust, and have a dentist who will take care of me. That is truly something to be thankful for! So for now, the tooth drama continues!

Her DBD's

2010-12-22T15:48:00.002-06:00

Yesterday Lily, Christylee, and I got together for a Christmas brunch. We met at Ihop. Christylee and I both had their Pumpkin Pancakes- WOW they are so good! Lily had a good time coloring in the coloring book I brought- then it was time for presents. She was so thrilled and even gasped when she opened our gift, "Look Mom, I got DBD's!" is what she said. She was thrilled with the Veggie Tales from her Aunt Melissa. She wouldn't even let go of them to get in the car! What a sweetheart she is. I was glad to spoil her with some DBD's! 8) I was only sad I forgot to get a picture of me and Lily- oh well!

Christmas Ornaments

2010-12-21T12:29:00.005-06:00

I decided to do a breakdown of some of my favorite ornaments for a scrapbook page- so enjoy!

December 2002- I surprised Luke and decorated a Christmas tree in his teeny tiny apartment. This was one of the ornaments on the tree.

Luke brought this home to me this year after his work trip to San Fransisco.

The little church in Silver Dollar City- I always wanted to get married there!

Of course everyone needs a lobster knitting- this one makes me smile! Thanks Mom!

Little House on the Prairie- love Laura Ingalls Wilder!

Our ornament from Skagway, Alaska- where we honeymooned!

Granny Rennick made this ornament- I just love it!

The Arabia Steamboat- we visited this summer with Uncle George and Aunt Linda

Our 1st Christmas Together 2003

My sweet Grandma made this. I still smell it every year- and it still smells like her house....I sure do miss her, but this way I feel like she's here at Christmas in our home!

Little Snoopy's footprint

Gosh I hate this movie, but Luke absolutely loves it!!!

Stormy's footprint

My old MadisonMurphy's footprint

BeetleJuice's footprint

Samson's footprint

An ornament from my Senior trip to Texas- where I can still remember Jennifer Campbell saying, "Oh so THIS is Houston!...meaning Houston we have a problem!"

Granny Rennick also made this ornament out of yo- yo's. It's a favorite of mine!

This was one of the ornaments I decorated Luke's tree with at his apartment as a surprise...it always makes me smile!

Arkansas State Capital

2010-12-20T16:19:00.003-06:00

Luke and I went out the other night on a date to look at Christmas lights. We ate dinner at Buffalo Grill and then headed downtown. We decided to check out the inside of the capital. It was really pretty and of course, we couldn't pass up a picture or two. We ended the night with ice cream at Sonic...it was a perfect Christmas date!

Christmas Catch Up with Thanksgiving Post Below

2010-12-15T07:35:00.006-06:00

So once again- they are out of order, but I cannot figure out Blogger for some reason- oh well! Here's my December catch up- and I promise to make the blog updated more often in the New Year!

Geyer Springs Christmas Musical- this was simply wonderful. The orchestra and choir sounded so good! The XLR8 did a great job with a new rendition of Little Drummer boy- and even got a standing ovation on Sunday night! Dad and Luke as well as Ray and Kevin were awesome tech guys. Dad even assisted everyone on knowing when and if to stand on the Hallelujah Chorus. It was a great time of worship.

December 11th- Elder/Blasingame Wedding: Luke and I have loved Rachael and her parents ever since we met them at Eagle Point. That church is simply precious to us! We couldn't wait to attend her wedding. She was a gorgeous bride and the wedding was so pretty!

Me, Lily- who is NOT happy with a mouthful of M&M's and Christylee

Reminded me of when Luke and I got married- Mr. Jerry is just great!

A beautiful bride and her daddy...brought tears to my eyes!

Miss Lily

Me and the hubby

December 9th at the Governor's Mansion- Luke had his work party this year at the Governor's Mansion. I couldn't ever decide what to wear, so I ordered a shirt online. It's a little big, but I think it looked OK. Governor Mike Beebe met us at the door to wish us a Merry Christmas. The Mansion was decorated really pretty. The food was absolutely delicious- we had a salad, Fillet of Beef with a Peppercorn sauce, scalloped potatoes, and steamed Broccoli. For dessert there was a Creme filled Crepe, a mini apple pie tartlet, and a chocolate mousse. It was a great night- we sat where we could watch the pianist play- he was very talented!

December 7th- Bible Study Christmas Party. Mom had our Bible Study group over to her house for a Christmas Party. These ladies are simply precious. Mom fixed a TON of brunch food and we pigged out. Later, we did an ornament exchange while Sharon read the night before Christmas. It was a lot of fun!

The ladies sharing what the group has meant to them.

Mom and Arlette

December 4th- Prayer Shawl Christmas- I had the Prayer Shawl Ladies over for Christmas Brunch. We had a blast and visited for a long time. These ladies are so precious to me and are so very talented! I fixed Breakfast Casserole, Muffins, & Fruit Salad.

The ladies chowing down!

Vicki Fain

Thanksgiving in Neosho and Branson 2010

2010-12-14T15:53:00.011-06:00

A Branson Thanksgiving- pics are out of order, but oh well....enjoy!

Me and the Hubby at Branson Landings

We parked UP CLOSE- how often can you do that at the Landings???

Me & Luke at White River Fish House

Mom & Dad at White River Fish House

God's handiwork from our hotel window.

It SNOWED Thanksgiving day!!!!

Facebooking, texting, you name it- I was the ONLY one in our family who didn't check facebook while we were gone!

A Birthday boys breakfast- happy 31st birthday Luke!

Silver Dollar City- it was HOT and didn't feel like Christmas at all!!!

Mom & Dad at SDC

Our music video pictures- at least that's what they remind me of- it was Luke's idea!

A Gingerbread family

The hottest Minestrone soup I have EVER tasted!

Our appetizers at the Culinary school- they were delicious!

The Culinary Kitchen

Mom- before she tasted the soup.

Me before I tasted the soup.

In Branson we had a blast. The weather was crazy- it went from 70 degrees at night to a high of 29 the next day! We shopped til we dropped, and ate WAY more than we should have. It even snowed while we were shopping. Mom and Dad were sick most of the time- which was sad for them...but that didn't stop us from having fun! God even displayed a little bit of his handiwork in an awesome sunset we were able to enjoy! Mom and I went to the culinary school at Silver Dollar City, the appetizers were great...the soup, not so much! I took one sip and was coughing from it being SOOO spicy!!! I think she put too much cayenne in it-and we weren't the only ones who didn't finish the soup. Oh well, it was a fun time anyway! It was a great Thanksgiving!

Neosho, MO

The Girls on a lunch date at Cafe Angelica

Mom, Me, Ma, Holly, Aunt JJ, and Callie

Miss Callie with her french braids!

Me, Ma, and Holly

Newtonia Cemetery Trip
I don't enjoy going to the Newtonia Cemetery at all. It gives me the major creeps, but Stuart and Holly had never been there, so why not! We visited the Ritchey Mansion in Newtonia and got an inside tour. That mansion housed the wounded in the civil war- and even did limb removals out the back window. Belle Star, the spy, even stayed there for a short time. It was a neat house, but there is no way I'd live there!

Brady the tree hugger

along with Stuart and Luke...that tree was huge!

A Lindley Family and Friends Thanksgiving:
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I think we had about 40 in attendance and we fixed a spread for sure: Turkey, dressing, sweet potato souffle, baked beans, dumplings, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, orange fluff, apple salad, broccoli and rice, veggie tray, corn casserole, rolls, and pies and cheesecake for dessert! Afterward we played the game, Left Right Center, thanks to Aunt Linda. We even played a little Farkle- she is always so nice NOT to bring card games- as I simply do not enjoy them thanks to a lovely game of Phase 10....thanks Aunt JJ 8).

Ma

I was able to give Aunt Thelma a prayer shawl I made. She is such a sweet lady going through a very hard time- it was even more apparent to me why we have this wonderful ministry!!

One of my favorite pics!!!

Mom and Holly hiding their double chins

Luke took this great pic of Uncle JR and Holly

The Castleberry Family- Holly, Brady, Stuart, and Callie

Love this one- Aunt Linda, Me, and Ma

Our huge group!!!

Uncle George and Emmaline

Aunt Linda and Aunt JJ

Dad and Ma

The Turkey Carving

It was a wonderful time spent with family....THE END!!!!

We did it!!!

2010-12-07T06:53:00.002-06:00

The Lord and I that is! I have had a tooth bothering me for a couple of days and was really dreading going to the dentist. I have had TONS of work done throughout my 28 years- many thanks to Mom and Dad- and haven't had a problem. That is, until my previous dentist yelled at me in the chair. It literally scarred me and I have been dreading getting work done for about 3 years now.

Thankfully the Lord sent me to a wonderful, quiet, kind dentist here in Benton. Luke and I just love him. For several years I haven't needed any work- which was great for me! Yesterday, I went in to have him look at my tooth and he decided that huge old filling needed a crown. After reminding him that I don't stay numb long in the chair, he cleared the office and worked only on me.

During that time, I was reminded of all the things we have been studying in Beth Moore's study of Revelation. I kept thinking about how there will come a time I won't have to have pain, or be scared, or go to the dentist at all! I literally felt Jesus sitting right there with me in that chair, and I did fine! I was so proud of myself, and even gave Jesus a little applause when I got in the car.

Today my mouth is REALLY sore, but I can give God the glory as I'm no longer terrified to sit in the dentist chair. Do I enjoy it? No, not really, but with Jesus' help anything is possible!

My Day with Lily

2010-11-05T06:43:00.005-06:00

I was able to finally spend a few hours with Lily yesterday. We had a blast! I picked her up and we rode to the house, all the while talking about colors and singing songs- The Itsy Bitsy Spider was one of her favorites. We got to the house where she loved all the Christmas decorations. After a small surprise art project, we looked around the house at all the pictures, her scrapbook, and the Christmas trees. She loved touching the gingerbread men!

After that we headed to the park. We sang in the car Jesus loves me, The Wheels on the Bus, Barney's theme, and once again the Itsy Bitsy Spider. She would say over and over in the car, "Hey Wissa." and I'd say, "What Lily" then it would start all over again. She even would say, "Love you Wissa," which I would just melt right there!

Once we got to the park it was all about the slides- which have MAJOR static in the winter....wow! We even took some time on the swings. After all that, we had fun looking for acorns and sticks.

It was a fun day- one I can't wait to repeat...and find more fun stuff for us to do!

Mentoring

2010-11-01T13:15:00.002-06:00

Today I went and mentored my little person. This new year and new girl has been totally different for me! I was so attached to my other little person that I didn't know how this year would go. Well, today I found out. I went to Hastings last week on the lookout for something age appropriate for my little girl. I found Anne of Green Gables for .99 cents! I took it to her today, and even though we struggled on some of the words, I think she is hooked.

I'm finding out more about her each week. Somehow, I think I'll be just as attached to her as my other little girl. It's great volunteering and doing something you know helps someone else! And to know she's excited about reading Anne of Green Gables makes it an even added bonus!

Long Time, No blog at all!!!!

2010-10-27T16:16:00.007-06:00

I have been behind in my blogging- I'm thinking mainly because I can keep up with everyone on Facebook- but never mind that, this is where I do all my journaling for my scrapbooks, so I MUST keep up on here from time to time. This will be a long post- so enjoy!!!

Friday, October 15th 2010 Silver Dollar City

Craft Fest in full bloom- this lady was spinning Roving- I could SOOO get into this- for all you non- yarn people, she's basically making yarn before your eyes!

Fall Foilage

Me and the hubby

Fall Festival!!!

Dinner at Pizza by the Chef- our FAVE place!

Chicken Alfredo pizza- yes we ate the whole thing

Garlic Cheese Bread- and we cleaned that plate too- we were pigs!

Me

Luke

Ponca, Arkansas- our stop on the way home.

The Elk

I LOVE seeing them.

Luke and I made a quick trip to Silver Dollar City. I really wanted to see their Fall Craft Festival going on. We drove up Friday morning and came home late Friday night. There were knitting looms and weaving all over the park- I ate that up. The craft booths were really amazing- everything from knitting to woodworking to painting. We couldn't leave the park without some kettle corn to munch on the way home. After leaving SDC, we headed to the Pizza By The Chef in Hollister, MO. We LOVE to eat there, the food is wonderful. After making happy plates, we headed to Ponca, AR to see the Elk. We were driving fast to get there before sunset- and we did. I just love watching them. We're hoping to go back up this winter sometime to see them...maybe spend a weekend- it would be worth it for sure!

10.19.10 Nick's 30th Surprise Party

A Cheese Dip Burger and Honey BBQ Burger from Buffalo Wild Wings

Nick and Timmons- it's blurry!

Nick sporting his new Star Trek Lamp

I told Joe to make me look skinny- so what did Luke do- stuck his head into the camera to achieve that look- it worked, but he looks retarded! ha.

We surprised Nick with a little party at Buffalo Wild Wings. Luke and I had never been there before, and it was GOOD! Nick, Joe, Timmons, her friend, Luke, and me were all in attendance. It was a good time. Happy 30th birthday Nick!

10.20.10 Bible Study Trip

Katherine, Adelle, Michelle, Gazel

Mom

Debbie, Pam, Sharon

Paul Michaels- need I say anymore!!!

Our purchases

We are ready to go- Adelle, Pam, Michelle, Sharon, Katherine, Mom, and Diane

Our Bible Study ladies piled in 2 cars and made the drive to Paul Michaels in Lake Village. We had a great time. Paul Michael's had their Christmas out- it was everywhere. After shopping a while we ate at the restaurant across the street. We stopped at Baskin Robbin's for ice cream on the way home. What a fun day!

Arkansas State Fair

2010-10-12T15:20:00.003-06:00

It was a beautiful sunset last night.

Luke sporting his Gator Tater

Me & the Hubby- I have horrible posture I suppose!

The fair

Luke and Nick showing off some awesome photography! 8)

Nick sporting my cookbook, and our end of the night snack...a fair staple...the funnel cake!

Last night Luke and I went with Nick to the State Fair. It was dollar night- so we spent 1 dollar to get in and a dollar to park. We ate our usual fried fair food- Gator Taters, Corn Dogs, Dippin' Dots, and ended the night with a funnel cake. We did our usual Hall of Industry tour, Arts and Crafts, and a few animals- meaning we didn't see very many. It was fun and I'm sure we'll do it again next year!

Hot Springs Craft Show

2010-10-04T06:47:00.003-06:00

Mom with her lunch.

Berta, Katherine, Michelle, and Adelle showing off their lunches!

Mom and I had the Orange Cranberry Chicken Salad...it was yummy!

Our lunch place- the desserts looked heavenly!

Our group enjoying the Hot Springs EHC Donuts- they are a MUST every time we go!!!

Betty Oliver & Mom- an old time friend

Mom, Berta, Me, Michelle, Katherine

Mom, Berta, Adelle, Michelle, Katherine

Mom and I have gone to this craft show for years- well actually 29 probably. Aunt Debbi and Grandma used to go with us, then it was just Mom and Me. Well this year, we invited our Bible Study ladies to come, it was so much fun! We ate lunch at a restaurant called 1217 in Hot Springs- it was SO delicious. We ended our day with a trip to Hobby Lobby. There was lots of laughter and some good eating. What a fun day!

Beth Moore Video

2010-09-30T06:51:00.002-06:00

I watched this video in amazement and of course laughter. Who could resist Beth Moore? She's such a Godly woman who inspires me in my daily walk with Christ. I was reminded after watching this video about the study we did in Believing God. She started off that study by telling us if we asked God for a love and a passion for Him that we've never had before- He would give that to us.

I remember asking God that afternoon if He would give me even just a little of what Beth Moore has. I wanted to believe in Him, wanted to seek Him out, and love Him even more than I did that day. Well, I can honestly say He sure has! Believing God has been one of my most favorite studies. I learned a lot and learned to trust God even more.

This video just goes to show that when we follow what God asks us to do- no matter the task- He will bless us! Enjoy!

The Camden Barn Sale Bust

2010-09-26T12:35:00.006-06:00

Lunch at Allens on the square- a YUMMY burger and fries just like Grandma used to cook.

A little wet and soggy old me.

The hubby with dry feet!

Allen's on the square

The rainy old barn sale

More rainy barn sale- notice all the MUD!!!!

Yep, we walked here...

Our soggy wet nasty feet.

More Barn Sale

Yet we are still having fun together!

And the Lord ended the night with his beauty- a very VERY beautiful sunset!!!!

I had the great idea (thanks Mom) to check out the Camden Barn Sale yesterday. Luke and I piled in the Edge, and in 2 hours we were there....along with the downpour of rain. We weren't prepared shoe wise- except we did have 2 huge umbrellas. The poor craft show was huge- but I'm afraid the vendors didn't do very good at all. Luke and I tracked through mud- his crocs were gross and my new tennis shoes weren't very new anymore! We looked around, bought some kettle corn, and left. We ventured to Walmart in the hopes of finding some flip flops- which they were out of- it's fall now ya know! So, I walked the rest of the day in wet tennis shoes. Luke found a clean puddle to wash his feet and crocs in and was good to go! We ate lunch at Allen's on the square and had the best burger and french fries. We went a little junk shopping- didn't buy a thing, and came on home. It was a fun day!

Doggie in Need of a Home

2010-09-22T15:13:00.003-06:00

So it happened again today! I rescued this sweet little boy from the Citgo Gas Station on Alcoa Rd. He is a year old, weighs 25-30lbs. has had all its shots (thanks to Dr. Mike, an anonymous donor, and me), and a clean bill of health. He loves men and is a little shy around the girls. I have til Monday to find him a home. If you are interested leave a comment with your email and I'll get in touch with you!