Sonshine on my Shoulder Makes Me Happy!

I'm working on an album!

2010-07-22T09:18:00.001-07:00

Here's my front cover....

A template from me to YOU!

2010-07-07T09:03:00.001-07:00

Go grab it at 4shared!

Pray!

2010-06-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

Tar balls are in the MS Gulf Coast now, which will endanger those cities on the coastline, if TS Alex comes their way! Pray the "he" dissipates and no harm is done to anyone!

Sad and Happy News!

2010-06-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the sad. Pensacola woke up yesterday morning to find this on their beach!

Here's the happy! I woke up this morning to find this waiting in my inbox!
Happy Thursday to everyone! Karen here with a whopping two weeks worth of fantastic LOs found in our gallery. We took a week off for the altered art challenge, so I have a lot of great pages to share with you today.
by allicroppinmama:

I have a subscription at ScrapArtist and it is so much fun to participate in their challenges! Especially when you get recognized! If you want to have fun, check it out too!

Go get 'em! Two new layouts one with new product and one with and oldie but goodie!

2010-06-17T06:11:00.000-07:00

go get it!

Go get it!

Monday May Layouts

2010-05-24T06:42:00.001-07:00

First one of my favorite!
Next, a layout using Shimelle's new template:
here's the template with a link to go get it!

A new template from shimelle! Check it out!

2010-05-05T09:14:00.001-07:00

you can get it here!

Get these Easter/Spring HOT items! :0)

2010-04-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

Just click here to get yours!
Here's some of my own inspiration!

New from Shimelle!

2010-03-06T12:58:00.001-08:00

see those tabs at the top? you can get those here. have a blessed day! enjoy your digi delights!

New labels from Shimelle!

2010-02-16T18:00:00.001-08:00

it's only .99 at shimelle's

Want an awesome kit for free? Check this out!

2010-02-03T09:43:00.001-08:00

At Plain Digital Wrapper, there is a great promotion going on for the month of February! All you have to do is sign up, get the template for the challenge and the kit, then create a layout. Post the layout in their gallery and you could win some fabulous prizes! Each week brings a new challenge and a new kit, but you have to use it to keep getting the new kits each week. Here's my layout I created for the "some assembly required" challenge. Be sure to scroll down to get the link to join the fun!

And here's the link to get you started!

Part I of dream fulfilled!

2010-01-24T20:28:00.001-08:00

SAINTS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you Lord for such a sweet blessing!

i have a dream!

2010-01-23T16:37:00.001-08:00

just a few more layouts to love!

2010-01-20T15:08:00.001-08:00

(credit)

(credit)

Another layout Shimelle Inspired!

2010-01-13T05:23:00.000-08:00

link for kit coming soon!

Check out a new template from Shimelle!

2010-01-12T09:49:00.000-08:00

and you can get it here!

A Beautiful Morning!

2010-01-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying, the Lord's mercies are new every morning and He has totally refreshed my soul. I feel clean and new, just like that! He made me think of that this evening as I looked out once again on the freshly covered ground with snow. "your sins are scarlet, but they will made whiter than snow." Just like that, forgiveness and a beauty that reflects God's goodness.

Since it's a new year....

2010-01-08T00:58:00.000-08:00

and i needed to refresh my look a little, i decided not to put a seasonal theme, but one that reflected how i am doing now. there are so many things GOd is pruning in me during this spiritual season and i know it is part of a long process of creating the "new, abundant life" He gave me 13 years ago. it hurts and hurts to get rid of the "old" me and being renewed day by day in my soul, but it's so necessary to become more like Him and to stay close to my Heavenly Father! did i mention this hurts...him pulliing out stinky weeds and uprooting parts of my life that have been there since "day 1"? i know He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness and i believe He does that each and every new time I come to Him with a saddened heart over things i've let "grow" up in my life, no one's fault but my own. so, this year will look different on my blog for that reason...only to reflect the goodness God has done in my life and the glory He will get over doing it in my life, no more and no less....you'll still great news on scrapbook stuff by the creations i make for my designers, but i hope in all the layouts i share this year to show you how God has been working on me!

Sir Cachup a Lot

2009-12-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

thought this was so cute! my little girl drew it for me this morning...think she's gonna be an awesome artist! God has certainly given her an eye for color and proportion!

Look at what you can do with Shimelle's kits!

2009-12-24T06:33:00.001-08:00

go get the stuff!

Sneak Peek from the Baker's Dozen!

2009-12-22T09:48:00.000-08:00

Go get your kits at 2 peas!

2009-12-12T13:07:00.001-08:00

Both of these pages have parts of shimelle's kits plus some from scrap orchard designers!

Check out some kits made by Shimelle!

2009-11-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

(credits for Shimelle's Digitals)

Look what I got for 5.99 (S&H ONLY) at Kodak.com!

2009-11-17T06:39:00.000-08:00

You can get your $15 gift code when you see the banner on facebook, yahoo and other places! It's not gimmick! YAY!

Tell me what you think!

2009-11-16T18:34:00.000-08:00

Tell me what you think, by leaving a comment and you could win this kit!

I'm on a new DT! Announcing Shimelle's Digitals!

2009-11-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

I'm a part of the Baker's Dozen at Shimelle's Digitals! Since today is the BIG DAY, we've all posted a layout for you! Here's mine!

and here's the team list! Check each out for a sample of what the "Baker's Dozen" can do with Shimelle's Creations! (make sure you click "Shimelle's Creations" to go grab your own digi stuff of hers!)

Introducing the "Baker's Dozen"
allison http://hugharts.blogspot.com/ (that's me)
anso http://glitteradventure.blogspot.com/ next stop!
avital http://www.CreativityPrompt.com
dolly http://dollysdreamings.typepad.com
elisa http://hybrid-alien.blogspot.com
helen http://lovingthetraditional.blogspot.com/
karen c. http://redartscrapping.blogspot.com
karen m. http://talesfromthescrapheap.blogspot.com/
kate http://libertycottage.blogspot.com/
nadine http://hello-love.org/
rani http://www.scrapyoga.typepad.com/
sheri http://www.auntierere.blogspot.com/
yvonne http://yvonnes-inkyfingers.blogspot.com/

I'm published!

2009-11-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

Check this out! I was just looking at this link after I read Megan Turnidge's blog today....
You can print out my brag book from Kandy Kreations..see below!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat, I have something good to see!
Hope you enjoy it!

A free template made by me!

2009-10-24T16:15:00.001-07:00

you can get it here!

Check out Kandy Kane Creations! Free QP Brag Book!

2009-10-24T07:32:00.001-07:00

Go to her blog for the freebie and check out a challenge!

I'm a Guest at Kandy Kane Creations!

2009-10-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

Take a look at what you can buy!

Check out her blog here for some freebies!

Since I can't download this at the site I purchased it...

2009-10-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

I'm going to post it here! it.isJulie from Plain Digital Wrapper designed a kit called French Quarter. I absolutely love it! This layout is entitled "New Awlin's Lady"!

just another page!

2009-10-13T17:24:00.001-07:00

just friends

2009-10-06T06:58:00.001-07:00

misty cato my first layout quick page

See what Robyn has on sale!

2009-10-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

Go and get it!
Ahhh Scraps October Mix N Match is up and ready. There are 24 kits to choose from and for the first week they are just $1.00! Some contributions are shown below.

THESE KITS just $1.00 THIS WEEK ONLY!!
Check it out!!
Then $2.00 the week after

Sneak Peek and a layout!

2009-09-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

Soooon you will be able to get some goodies from Robyn's Chic Scraps! Check out the sneak peek and layout!

Here you go! 1.97 for full kit at Robyn's!

2009-09-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Here's the kit and a link to go get it!

Here are some samples of work from the team!

by CT Shawna

by Designer Robyn

by Designer Robyn

by Designer Robyn
And you can get a freebie on her site! Check here for details!

There's a new kit out...here's a layout made with it..i'll post soon about details of where you can get it!

2009-09-20T10:55:00.003-07:00

Happy Halloween Cards Early!

2009-09-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

Take a look at some cards from the Eerie Kit at AHHH Scrap by Robyn Chic Scraps! You might be able to buy them or get them free soon...;0)

Get it at 50% off now! Don't wait, you'll be too late!

2009-09-13T14:42:00.001-07:00

Eeerie Night by Robyn's Chic Scraps is a new digital Halloween kit and you can get the full kit (including 29 papers and 54 elements) for 50% off by using the coupon code: eerienight at her Ahhh Scrap store.

Full kit (All Items not shown in preview)

Get my quickpage for free at Robyn's Chic Scraps!

2009-09-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

here's the link to download!

Oh how I wish...

2009-09-09T05:36:00.000-07:00

I know we are meant to be in MD. I know God is moving in our lives and through our lives to care for His people in various churches at different times. I know this. I am confident of this fact and mission. But, sometimes, just sometimes, I get a little homesick for another country. Not really any specific one, just another one. Another one to explore and learn. Another one to share with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Another group of people to love, of whom I don't already know. We had this once. Once in a little community in the southern part of Louisiana. A little place with a sweet, Creole congregation and neighbors. We actually felt like we were in a different country, getting to know a different type of people. It was exciting, even with all the troubles and challenges. I miss it. I miss that other country, wherever it is right now. Right now needing to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Right now wanting to feel His love. Right now needing others to care and love on them. So, sometimes I wish, but sometimes I pray. I pray for that other country. The country that God places on my heart to hear His News. That, that country one day will see Christ in all His Glory coming from the sky, coming to get His children. One day. One day. Just maybe one day, God will give me the blessed and beautiful opportunity to walk in another country, making my feet beautiful by sharing His sweet love with others who need to hear...one day.

A new kit! You can have it for free!

2009-09-08T10:27:00.001-07:00

A cute little kit for those out there who will go trick or treating this year..just check out here how you can get it for free!

1st day layout!

2009-09-03T05:09:00.000-07:00

two more julie billingsly smarty pants kit layouts! see below for link to get your own!

Nice handwriting!

2009-09-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

When I was in the 4th grade, I received the penmanship award at the end of the year. Since handwriting is emphasized in Clararuth's 1st grade class this year, I am hoping she does well in that area! Well, already the second day, she came home with this paper....:0) sorry sideways! was to eager to get it uploaded and iphoto takes forever to open on my computer!

school days school days good ole golden rule days....

2009-09-01T05:45:00.001-07:00

It's my first day of first grade! yay!

We love our backpacks!

Let's go!

Are you ready, Mommy?!

I'm scared Daddy....

a kit called Smarty Pants by Julie Billingsly at the Sweet Shoppe!

2009-08-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

here's the kit! go get it! totally rocks!

Art in Me Kit by Tracie Stroud Designs!

2009-08-28T05:53:00.001-07:00

Get it here!

my own qp layout!

2009-08-26T05:49:00.000-07:00

maybe one day i'll make it available to you!

2009-08-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

here's another layout using tracie stroud's free "my dad's the man" cluster and peppermint creative's free kit "daditude"

take a look here for the free goodies:
1. tracie stroud's kit: here
2. peppermint creative's free kit: here

a friend of mine!

2009-08-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

a dear friend and i just recently experienced some healing in our friendship..so i created a cute layout in honor of her!
it is a kit called boho chic by tracie stroud, get her free mini kit here!

Another layout!

2009-08-23T19:33:00.001-07:00

just posting some digi scrapbook layouts for others to get an idea of the stuff out there now!

We've gone through Hurricane Bill!

2009-08-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

It's amazing we still get some hurricane weather even though we live in an area where they typically don't go. Last year we went through one as well, but I had a few little flashbacks since we went through Hurricane Katrina! This year not so! God is good to carry us through so much through our lives. :0) However, Clararuth, who was 2 when we evacuated from Katrina, was scared and asked if we were going to move again...to her hurricane=we move and our house gets destroyed...so different than the thoughts of hurricanes when I was growing up; i always thought well drive a little bit away, take all your stuff, come back home, wait for the electricity to come back on, miss a day or two of school! Quite a difference, huh?! Still, GOd will carry her through the literal storms and the emotional storms...He is faithful!

GOOD NEWS GOOD NEWS!

2009-08-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

cancer free..hehehe! Yeah God!
and.. a cute layout of a dear friend's little boy playing!

In Him I do Trust

2009-08-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

As I write this today, my mind drifts to another day coming. Thursday morning. I find out the results of the biopsy, tissue taken from the thyroid mass on the side of my neck. I am not worried. I trust God knows what He is doing. I do have concerns, but they have not overwhelmed me. My Savior leads me by still waters that give me peace in my soul. My cup overflows, giving me joy in everyday, not wasting time on my selfish ambitions in life. The Lord is my refuge, He is my strength. In Him I do trust. So many verses have come to mind; one passage comes to mind frequently:

Psalm 103:2-3
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities;
Who heals all your diseases;

Yes, I will trust in Him. I will not fear for God is with me!

In Memory of Uncle Joe-Obituary

2007-12-21T14:36:00.000-08:00

Just a little write up on my uncle who died last week. It tells some of you who are interested, a bit more about him!
Alli

Billy "Joe" Lambert, 55, of Russellville, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, December 11, 2007. The son of Fred and Ruth (Cook) Lambert, Sr., he was born in Rayville, Louisiana. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a long time employee of Arkansas Nuclear One. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bobby Lambert and Harry Lambert.
Left to cherish his memory, his wife of 35 years, Mary Lambert of Russellville; two sons, John Lambert & girlfriend, Suzanne Hansen of Little Rock, Shannon Lambert & wife Kristina of Fayetteville; granddaughter, Haley Lambert of Fayetteville; siblings, Larry Lambert of Dumas, Texas; Lyndia Harris of West Monroe, Louisiana, Fred "Buddy" Lambert, Jr. of Rayville, Louisiana, Keith Lambert of Oak Ridge, Louisiana, Barney Lambert of Columbus, Georgia; numerous nieces, nephews, friends and his dog, Bonnie.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 2405 East Parkway, Suite 3, Russellville, AR 72802 or Arkansas Department of Health Hospice 404 North El Paso, Russellville, AR 72801 or First United Methodist Church, 304 South Commerce, Russellville, AR 72801.

Please Pray!

2007-12-11T09:16:00.000-08:00

You may remember this picture on a different post. It was during our vacation. My Uncle Joe had been very sick since before we came to Salisbury, MD. I had mentioned to pray for him, because he was going through treatments for cancer, etc. He was a sweet, special uncle to me, who made me laugh all the time when we were together, much like my dad! I have as many funny stories about him as my dad! I am sad to say he died early this morning at home. He had been at home for quite a few weeks with hospice treating him. My Aunt Mary and their two children, John and Shannon were taking shifts being with her and him for at least the last week or so. He is survived by them and one granchild, a baby girl-I can't remember her name because I've never met her! Please pray for his family and my dad's siblings and their families. There are no arrangements at this time. I will keep everyone posted. Thank you all for praying for him in the past!

Comcast email address to be cancelled, effective Wednesday October 30, 2007!

2007-10-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

Just little info for you. My 2alli@comcast.net account will no longer be in service this Wed, Oct 30. Please make the necessary changes in your email address books. You may contant me at easternshoregoose@gmail.com from this point on! Love to hear from you!
Alli

2007-10-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

Well, here is one layout I finally downloaded!

I'll try the others later!

Good news! Good News!

2007-10-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

Just like Roscoe Pecotrain used to say to Boss Hogg on the Dukes, "Good news, good news, boss, good news!" LOL! It was a success last night. Both Roo and Rog got to bed and slept in their beds all night! Thanks to all who prayed for us!

Re: FYI and a Prayer Request

2007-10-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I tried to download my scrapbook layouts for all of you to see what I submitted to a faithbooking website to be entered into their Design Team 2008 Call, but it was as slow as molasses and didn't seem to work. So, I will just explain it instead. You submit layouts, projects, etc. and they choose their team for the year. You get to use materials they send you to create faithbooking layouts, which will be published on the website. You also get the prestige of being on a "design team"! Anyway, they stop accepting the submissions Thursday night @ midnight, then look at all the entries and pick the team. They will publically announce the team Dec 1. I may know beforehand, but if I am selected, mums the word until the public announcement. Either way it turns out for me, I will publically announce it that day as well. I'd appreciate your prayers!

Another prayer request is that Lee and I are going to be actively keeping the kids out of our bed, to get them back into their old routine. We waited a little while, because of returning home from vacation and then returning to Lee's folks last week. We knew it would mess up their emotions and it would be harder to enforce them to stay planted at night. They slept in our beds during vacation, roo with me and snug with lee, and it was just easier because of constantly hopping from place to place. But, now it's time to enforce them into their schedule and sleeping arrangements and I know this will be no easy task from previous experience. Please pray for us to be patient and endure some sleeplessness!

Hope all of you are enjoying this fall weather?! We are sleeping with the air on tonight because the cool air just is not circulating into our apt. for some reason. It's 81 in our hallway! I do hope the cold weather comes soon. I'm feeling like I am back down south, with all this weird weather!
Alli

Final Trip Report

2007-10-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

Our trip has been a wonderful experience. It has been great to be together seeing friends, family and many interesting sights. We put 5,140 miles on the car, so I am sure, if it could, it is glad to return.

We are now cleaning up the apartment and sorting out things we do not need. Even in two years things accumulate.

Pray that God will direct us to another church. Lee believes that God is leading him to be a Transitional Interim Pastor helping churches through change. The need for this ministry has grown. In Maryland/Deleware alone there are approx. 50 SBC churches at any given time without a pastor. The Transitional Interim Pastor helps these churches through the time by intentionally leading them to make changes that are needed. The main focus is refocusing them on their mission of balanced of kingdom growth.

While in Florida, Lee went through training on a transitional model that he found very close to what he did at Harvest BC and seems helpful in taking the task farther. He is eager to use it.

We're headed home!

2007-10-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

This has been a wonderful trip and I am so glad all of you have enjoyed our journey via the blogs we've posted! It has been a huge blessing hearing from all of you who have posted, telling us your thoughts along the way. :0) It's wonderful to say we have so many friends who care for us! Thank you to all of our friends who we were able to visit, for providing meals and a place to stay! Please know we'll return the blessing as you journey our way in the future. (Hint! ;0) ) All of you keep in touch! We'll post from time to time on our whereabouts as we embark on our new ministry: Transitional Pastoral Ministry/Intentional Interim Pastoral Ministry-interchangable terms. Right now, we will still be living in Salisbury until we get a new church. Please keep us bookmarked to keep up with our change of address, etc.! I'll make announcements from this blog site!

Now, pictures from our last stop: Grandma Betts and Poppop Roger's house in Baltimore!

Some fun in Fredricksburg, VA!

2007-09-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

Once we visited with some dear friends in Tappahanock, VA, we traveled on to our destination for the night: Fredricksburg, VA. We enjoyed a vegetarian dinner and a wonderful stay at Quality Inn that night. Our big event for the next day was to tour the gardens and colonial home of Chatham! Here are some of my favorites!

A painting of the Chatham House on a sword.

Civil War time graffiti

Williamsburg Days 3-5

2007-09-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

Day three was spent in church; napping and lounging around the pool; and playing in the colonial gardens.

On day 4 Mom and Dad split their time which allowed them to take two tours that were not kid friendly. In the early morning, Alli took the Historict Garden Tour and Lee took the Behind The Scenes Tour in the afternoon. Both of us enjoyed each tour and learned a lot. We recommend each of them. The tour Lee took shows you the research side of Williamsburg in the offices, library and conservation spaces were they learn about what happened at each site, protect the artifacts and design the programs.

The Garden Tour Guide

Early morning in the gardens. Notice the early colonial watering methods - sprinklers and hoses.

On our final day, we went to Bassett Hall, which became the home of John and Abby Rockefeller in Williamsburg. Possibly, this was Alli's favorite home.

Of course we made the final stop at the Raleigh Tavern for ginger cakes, shrewsbury cookies and root beer.

Later that day we stopped in Tappahanock, Va to see the Payseures. Unfortunately, Ruby was having back problems, but they still graciously let us come by. Here is CR recieving a gift from "Rubes." Sorry about the quality.

Williamsburg Days 1-2

2007-09-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Williamsburg, our favorite place, on Thurs. night and have enjoyed history, animals, fun and food. CR and Snug are a bit young to appreciate the history but they did well.

The first night we went to Merchant Square to a little place that serves the best bleu cheese coleslaw and good limeaid. I was happy to find this shaker of spices! I knew I was getting close to home! LOL! It became our best for the price place to eat.

One of the common people you'll find when dining at one of the local taverns. (a colonial restaurant)

Before we began our tour, we kept to tradition with a visit to the Visitor's Center where a long tradition stands for Lee to first see "The Story of a Patriot."

A visit to the bookstore is also required. Here is a beginning reader checking out the reading material in the Visitor's Center Bookstore. They also have wonderful coffee and ham biscuits! Yes, we're talking about food, but I didn't sample on this particular visit!

Another tradition that seems to be forming is for Roo to rent a dress to become a "colonial girl" for the day!

With the preliminaries out of the way went on to see Great Hopes Plantation. By afternoon, mom and Snug returned to the room for naps while daddy and the colonial girl saw the Capitol, the Cabinet maker, cooper and brickyard. Yes, the brickyard was CR's choice. Daddy wanted to see a house. We also saw various parts of a program called the "Revolutionary City." We cheered the public reading of the Declaration of Independence, sneered at Benedict Arnold taking Williamsburg and cheered Gen. Washington to victory at Yorktown. The military review scared CR but the military parade was a hit. No photos though since the paparazzi was napping.

Roo was able to use her "colonial girl" costume to portray the "chores of a four-year old colonial girl" on the plantation.

"A cute pair" LOL!

Twice we watched the military bands. They stir the patriotism in you.

Day two was reserved for the Governor's Palace and a drive to Jamestown Island while the little ones slept.

Lady Dunmore gets to scoop from Mrs. Ranolph at tea in the Palace gardens.

CR tried to find the center of the Palace maze, but was unsuccessful. Daddy had to lead the way.

While CR and Snug did not always like the tours, they did love Williamsburg.

Snug's favorite pastime at Williamsburg. You can't imagine how fascinating the round gravel and shells are to a two year old.

Each morning and night required a visit to the pond at our motel, the Lord Paget, to see the ducks. No their not pretty, but the kids loved them just the same.

For those who follow this for the food - here is where we went for Italian food twice now. Good salad bar. By the way, no we did not go to the King's Arms Tavern for Game Pie or Prime Rib. Two of our party just do not appreciate fine dining and tend to spoil it for the other two, so we saved our money for another time.

North Carolina and the Verrets

2007-09-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

Some dear friends of ours live in Matthews, NC. I have been friends with Amanda since my days at NOBTS in New Orleans, about 8 years now. We have seen each other go through deciding our life work in ministry to getting married to our spouses and having our families at the same time. She is one of my sweetest and dearest friends. I am glad God worked it in our lives to be sisters of the heart! Since I have no siblings by birth, I have enjoyed adopting some since that time! :0) God has surely blessed me!

I am sorry to say somehow my computer is not recognizing over 500 pictures I took on this end of our trip, yes you read correctly, so I have a limited amount of what I can scrapbook and blog. Here are some cute ones for your pleasure!

Roo and Nathan, aka "Little Grunt" reading a book together

Greg and Roo playing "walkie talkie"

Silence Is Not Golden

2007-09-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since we blogged. I will tell you why in a minute. First for those waiting for the answer to where we were it was Savannah, Ga. Worth your visit, but not during the heat of summer. Try the spring; they seem to have a lot of azaleas.

Now why we did not blog. On Thursday morning Lee sat down to breakfast and thought he would check the weather, since we were going to head out from the Verret's for Williamsburg, Va. Well, as he always said, do not have any drinks near the computer. If he only followed his own advice! Within seconds of opening the laptop, he spilled a tall glass of milk right on the computer. Strange noises and then the computer went blank! OH NO! to say the least! Well, we used towels to dry it as best we could. It was not encouraging to see milk pour out of the back. We left it to dry out for several days. Lee was not eager to try turning it on. But today he did and thank God, it seems to be working. So thank you God.

We will catch you up on our stay at the Verret's in Charlotte, NC and Williamsburg, which is where we are now.

Pictures Explained

2007-09-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

The back of an alligator we found at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Its head was approx. 2' x 3' we think it was about 14' long. The biggest we have ever seen.

Alli's plate at the restaurant she wanted to eat at.

The artillery and damage to the fort walls of Fort Pulaski that fought in the Civil War. This battle proved that masonary forts were outmoded by rifled artillery.

Spanish Moss

Scenes around the historic city of Savannah.

Our Sunday lunch at Clary's Cafe founded in 1904. Look at the size of the food. Snug ate 1 1/2 pancakes, a large cup of fruit, some potatoes and a few bites from the eclair.

Ah, finally on Sunday the weather has cooled but the fountain pool still feels great on the little piggies. Since the start of this trip it has been in the 90's every day. We knew it would be hot but, come on!

Highway bridge over the Savannah River.

Can you guess this location? Extra Hints Added

2007-09-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

After Lee, I and the kids went to Disney World, we travelled on to another beautiful place. It was full of unexpected beauty and surprising things! I've placed some pictures on this blog and the first one to tell me the correct location will win a special gift from our trip!

Disney World

2007-09-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

Where do you go after Transitional Pastor Ministry Training? Go to Disney World!

Lee finished in the morning so, we went that afternoon.

No, we do not know who they are.

First stop - the princess for the girls.

Trains for the boys. Roger loved it from the first whistle! oooohhhhh!

The whole family met Mickey. Roger did not warm up to Mickey.

This was our best investment

And at the end of the day we all felt just like this!

Some photos for fun!

2007-09-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

Snug being cool at the hotel! LOL!

Roo and Rog watching cartoons!

A beautiful rainbow! It always reminds me God is in control and has wonderful plans for my life.

The inside of Soup to Nuts Diner in Tavares, FL; really neat Fifties decor!

Roo's drawing of her impression of a hurricane.

Transitional Pastor Training and FOOD!

2007-09-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

On leaving the air museum, we passed a project Lee worked on at GVA called Silver Sands in Destin, FL. The main roof had changed from the design, we think it is because the center was damaged by H. Ivan in 04.

Since Monday, Lee has attended Transitional Pastor Ministry Training at Lake Yale Conf. Center. He found it very helpful for what we hope will be the direction God is leading us. In the sessions, he saw that God had led him, without training, to do the very things the experts have recommended. It gives him courage to trust God to give him direction.

The sessions are over by 4:30 so, Lee comes to the motel for dinner. In two days we found two wonderful diners. "Soup to Nuts" in Taveres (great meatloaf, hamburgers and pies) and "Wolfy's" (fantastic corn muffins and ham steak) in Leesburg. Good food all around. Linda doesn't know what she is missing. Why does my belt not fit anymore?

With the owner of Soup to Nuts

We have been trying food all along the way from beignets in N.O. to homemade venison roast by Eric Swinney in Huntsville, AL. What fun God has given us to eat with family and friends. Here are two picts in Florida from a stop we made. You could travel this country just trying different foods. The following place had boiled peanuts but we passed on them. We've tried them before. The coke bottle is the old fashion kind. We had to get it for nostalgia.

Two Days of Naval Power

2007-09-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

Check out the previous four posts because we have added photos and info to them from there first postings!

On Saturday we left the N.O. area behind and headed for Lee's Transitional Pastor Training in Florida. Since we had until Monday to get there we made some stops on the way.

First, was sea based power mixed with a few planes and tanks in Mobile Bay. (Or "tractors" and Snug called them.) The star of the show was the USS Alabama, a WWII battleship. Climbing through small hatches in the heat of summer is not recommended.

Katrina had hit here as well. Almost every plane in the museum was damaged. The SR-71 was rusted tip to tail and a P-51 Mustang had its tail ripped away, along with other damage.

USS Alabama WWII Battleship

The beautiful view from the USS Alabama.

Roo getting ready to do war with a Dual mount 40 millimeter AA gun! Watch out!

From the highest allowed spot on the USS Alabama; coolest view in my opinion!

Beautiful sunset view of the USS Alabama

Playing second to the USS Alabama was the SS Drum, a WWII submarine. Both Snug and CR showed their bravery by climbing solo up a ladder in the conning tower to see the view out the periscope.

Lee in charge of the helm of the SS Drum

Snug at the helm

USS Drum's logo; designed by Walt Disney

On Sunday, we had a wonderful expository sermon at Faith Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL. God spoke to me through a set of Scriptures that I wanted someone to preach on since NOBTS! God is so good to answer our prayers. If you are ever in the area, definitely check it out. The pastor met with us afterwards at a "visitor reception," gave us a complimentary mug and some info on their church. Roo enjoyed the nursery and colored this picture of Noah's Ark, staying in the lines :0)

Second, we went for air power at the National Naval Aviation Museum on the air base. It is a great museum and free! So great the paparazzi of the group put the camera aside. And to Lee's delight there was a fort!

The Advanced Redoubt

Fort Barancas

One of my favorite spots in the museum. If we would have been there on Wednesday, I could have met a real "BLUE ANGEL" at an autograph session. In Belle Chasse, 30 minutes from Diamond, the Blue Angels would perform at an annual air show we would attend.

Saying Goodbye!

2007-09-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

We had to say goodbye to Tine, Jojo and Fredina on Saturday to get to Florida for Lee's conference. It was a sad parting for Roo and Fredina!

Since my batteries are dead today I can't connect to download the rest of our pictures yet. I'll download and blog this evening on our trip to the Aviation Museum in Pensacola!

We would ask you to pray for Mike's (our brother-in-law) daughter Eve. We found out that her husband died suddenly the other day. Eve is a mother of a 14 yr old, a 3 yr old and one on the way. Her three year old is severly handicapped and needs constant care. Pray for Eve to have strength, for God to comfort and provide. His parents are going to live with her for awhile, pray for the adjustments that will have to be made.

New Orleans continued

2007-09-11T07:49:00.001-07:00

Our next stop was a little more fun! We stopped at this local favorite of mine growing up, where the restaurant serves poboys fresh and full of anything you want on them! My favorite as a teen was the overstuffed fried shrimp, but the classic is roast beef. So, I stuck with tradition and got it this time. They are so big that Lee and I decided to split one! Check these pictures out of us enjoying them at a picnic table on the seminary campus.

Unfortunately, CR met fire ants for the first time while we ate. Many tears were shed as more than a dozen were biting and as of today she still has the welts from them.

After eating our scrumptious favorites, we headed out to visit our old neighborhoods, work and a couple of tourist attractions. Our apt. during seminary was abandoned. The association office, BAGNO, was running fine. But overall, N.O. East seemed to have about half the homes being occupied either with someone in a trailer or in their house. Most business and schools were not open. The Seminary had been damaged in the back of campus but the front part was virtually untouched. Here are some photos from the rest of our fun in New Orleans!

Talking with Freddie Arnold about BAGNO and the churches in Plaquemines Parish

Christine's childhood home

Playing in Audobon Park in Uptown

Jackson Square and the Cathedral in the French Quarter

Fried Shrimp at Cafe Maspero

Red Beans and Rice

Ending the day with Beignets at Cafe Du Monde

New Orleans Here We Come!

2007-09-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

Friday we headed out to New Orleans with Lee as our chauffeur and in a sporty rental!

I was so excited and somewhat conflicted about what I would find, since we were heading towards the neighborhood of my childhood home!

First, we stopped to see how the rebuilding of "The Breaux Camp" was going; Christine's family had a camp on Lake Catherine that was completely destroyed in the storm.

Just like miles and miles along our way, the trees were literally dead but still standing. So sad, this area used to look more like a forest by the highway.

Here's two pictures. The first one is a picture of my neighbor's house growing up. They have not moved back in to the neighborhood after 2 years and no one has come to clean it up or tear it down. The second one is a picture of my house growing up. The current owners are living in the white trailer and repairing as they can afford; it looked this way 2 years ago right after the storm. I was very depressed after seeing it in this condition!

Staying In Slidell And Going To Port Sulphur Updated

2007-09-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

My friend Christine, who lives in Slidell, LA, has a beautiful backyard. There was so much for the children to do every morning! I enjoyed this part of the backyard, which looks like a tropical paradise! Thanks Christine for letting us have home base at your home.

Roo loved Christine's guinea pig. Even got to name her! We love you, "Fredina"!

Our Wednesday in Slidell we swam and played around "Tine's house." In the evening travelled to Jesuit Bend in Plaquemines to visit with a couple from the City Price BC who have not been able to move down to Diamond on their family property. Please pray for them to get their permanent trailer and move back home, it has already been 2 years! We also were pleasantly surprised to find that they were on the same property with some dear friends we lived next to when we lived on the church property in Diamond!

Maize and Winnie (Wynee) Ancar, next door neighbors.

Kevin Sr., Cheryl and Kaleb Michael Bartholomew

Thursday we travelled back to lower Plaquemines to see other church members, the site of the church, Fort Jackson and eat some tasty food at a local restaurant we patroned quite often while living there!

Lee eating a "Matte" burger at Cajun Kitchen! MMMMM GOOD!

This is the location of the previous site of our trailer home and the church building.

The Fort is still closed. It suffered damage but not as bad as it could have been had it been in the eye of the storm. Fort Jackson is where Lee worked as an Asst. Curator. We did a quick outside walk around. The mosquitos were bad.

Our visit with church members was wonderful. It was a bittersweet and emotional time. The bond between believers is wonderful. It was like picking up where we left off. However, it was bitter to have not been with them through this time. And we wanted to stay longer. Also, it was sad to know that we will not be with them. Yet, we look forward to the day when we will be together in heaven with no tears. What was encouraging was seeing them still faithful and personally witnessing. God has and is providing for them. As one member said, "The Lord took away, but he has given back." For some better than before.

However, only two families have their permanent trailers. All the rest still live in travel trailers and FEMA temporary trailers. Please pray for them to get through the red tape of beauracracy. The Diamond community has returned at a rate of about 90%. Life there is still not back to normal and it looks like along way to come. However, an incredible amount of work has been done since Lee saw in in Sept. 05. They have worked hard. The amount of work accomplished was the most amazing find.

We will add more picts to this soon. NO report will be added as well.

Below are some updated photos from Diamond.

Tuesday's Fun!

2007-09-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting for the past few days, but we did not have an internet connection for Lee's computer. We will catch you up over the next few days.

On our way from Bastrop to Slidell, we made some sweet stops! First, the Pig Out Inn to eat some awesome bbq...

We loved this restaurant when we travelled back and forth to mom and dad's from New Orleans.

Next a very informative tour at Longwood Plantation...

So beautiful!!!!
This octogon home, the most visited in Natchez, was never finished. Started just before the Civil War and with the structure complete, the northern workers left at the start of the war. The family finished the basement as a home and lived there with each succeeding generation doing the same. They never finished the upper four stories. Talk about an unfinished job around the house. It would have been incredable. Even unfinished it is worth a visit. By the way, the architect never got paid! Remember, pay your architect or this could happen to you!

Our last stop before Christine's in Slidell, was in Hammond to see some of my friends from college, Josh and Ruth Burton...

Amazingly enough, Josh is from Port Sulphur, where we lived for 4 years! He used to talk about it so much in college and I never dreamed I would live there myself one day!

Big Jim!

2007-09-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

Lee got a special treat this morning! He finally found my "Big Jim" doll from when I was a little girl! LOL! He said that every little boy in the 1970s wanted this special doll. He could show his expert karate skills breaking a piece of "wood" and swing his arm around! WOW! I am glad I made this special wish come true for Lee so many years later! :0)

Day at the Reunion

2007-09-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

Greogry Lane Strahan - looks like his daddy, whose diaper I changed; his dad's that is, many years ago.

Roo had a blast playing with her new found boy cousins at the park's playground.

Scoggins' Girls Choir led by Uncle Fred Sivils

Roger enjoyed playing in the dirt! LOL! He also played with the babies, after he cleaned up! :0)

We had a nice day at Chemin a Haut State Park with my mom's family. About 75 or so attended, some I had not seen in over 2-3 years. Mom enjoyed introducing her new beau and spending time with him. I had fun getting to hold my new baby boy cousin and two twin baby girl cousins! Made me want to have another baby!

Daddy taking CR to dip her toes in the bayou.

Today is our last day at mom's house and on to New Orleans to visit with Christine for a few days, touring the city and catching up with City Price members. On the way, we'll get to stop by and see some old college friends I haven't seen since right after Lee and I were married; I look forward to visiting with them and catching up on the news in Hammond!

We hear things are going well at Harvest with their new pastor of a week. Others have said they have enjoyed his sermon segments on Revelation!

Trains

2007-09-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

Saturday night and the boys went searching for trains. It wasn't too hard. The paper mill has several yards. They both had a fun time and Snug especially. The engine behind Snug is for the Arkansas, Lousiana and Mississippi Railroad. Truckers bringing logs into the mill honked for Snug and made him jump.

Trains, however, do not make Snug jump. Excited and jumpng to get out of the car, but not scared. This was our second train yard for the trip. We saw the Kansas City Southern yard in Vicksburg and talked with an engineer in his cab. He wanted Snug to come up for a picture but mommy had walked away. She had the camera. What a missed opportunity! The engineer gave us water and Snug stood just feet from the running engine and only twisted to look when the air brakes released pressure.

After the reunion, we took Cr into Ark. and drove into Crossett the Forestry Capital of the South. Snug was with Granny, but would have loved seeing upclose the yard crew switching cars. It was fun to watch and a first for mommy and CR. They both seemed to enjoy it and let daddy explain it to them. Three yards and counting.

Lizard and Tractor Love

2007-09-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

So much to write, just no energy to write it. Just a couple of highlights from the past couple of days: Lizard love and Tractor Love! Momma caught a lizard and put it in a jar for Roo and Rog for a couple of hours to have some fun; She drove the "tractor" lawnmower today with them on for a special ride. Tomorrow we'll be going to my mom's family reunion for more family fun.

We also got a special surprise visit from my Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary last night, who were coming in to visit with my dad's family for a week in Pensacola, FL at a rental! Please keep praying for him.

Date Night Finds

2007-08-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

Last night the kids stayed with Granny while we went to Monroe to find the nightlife. The only place we found was a bookstore with coffee shop. Interestingly, we found a book/cookbook by Lee's favorite radio show host in N.O., Tom Fitzmorris has been a food critic in N.O. for 35 years and has had a daily 3 hour radio show The Food Show for 19 years. If anyone knows N.O. food it is him. Lee recommends the cookbook. It has all the basic N.O. recipes, something you do not always find. Tom also gives a good commentary on N.O. meals and interesting info with each section, (appetizer, shellfish, etc.)

While consulting by phone with a past Monroe resident (thanks Amanda for the help) we stumbled upon a prarie style home. Lee id the house as most likely a Frank Lloyd Wright disciple's and was right. It was designed by Walter Burley Griffin and his wife in 1908 but not built until 1925. A long time to wait. Griffin was in Australia at the time of construction where he worked on his most famous design the plan of Canabera, Austrailia's capital city. It was built for an amateur boat captian. It is a little less sophisticated then a Wright house, but definatly worth saving. A group is trying to do just that. It was a fun find, trying to figure out if Wright had done this one, peeking in windows and examining some of the features.

Thursday's News

2007-08-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well, let's see....hmmm. This morning already we've had pancakes and sausage, compliments of my mom! Some good breakfast! This is a tradition my dad started when I'd come to visit after I got married. He'd get up and cook for me. I enjoyed getting up with my dad; just he and I would talk things over in the kitchen while he cooked. He loved it and I loved it.

Tonight or actually this afternoon, we're going to meet Debbs at the fish house to eat fried catfish, then Lee and I will go off to watch a movie or whatever we decide to do at that point. I'm so excited! Debbs agreed that he and mother would "watch" the kids and I'm sure that will be a blast for them. LOL.

I can't believe it is already Thursday. Just 4 more days and then we're on the road again. Next stop will be New Orleans to visit with my friend, Christine, tour the city, and visit Port Sulphur friends (old church members). I'm really looking forward to it, a little timid, since I haven't been back in 2 years to see the actual place where our trailer and the church was located.

Saturday Visit with Ensigns and Meeting Debbs; Sunday without Harvest

2007-08-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday we visited friends in Jackson, MS, techniquely Ridgeland, but most of you probably have heard of Jackson. Think of Johny Cash singing, "I'm going to Jackson"....?! For you who have no clue where it is, it is in the central part of the state. Anywho, as my my English teacher said, we had a great time visiting! Roo and Rog played with their 3 kids and we actually got a chance to talk and catch up on old times and what's going on now in our lives. Here is a picture of their cute family!

As we left Jackson, I snapped a pretty picture of the clouds. It was so breathtaking to me and I am never any less amazed each time I see a beautiful skyline!

Well we met Debbs, Momma's new beaux, as we say in the South..how many times did I say that to you at Harvest?! LOL! He is a sweet little old man with a wonderful personality! I couldn't ask for a better person to keep mom company. Roo said she didn't mind Mr. "Dibbs", just didn't want him to sit next to mom! LOL! Here's a pic of them battling for her attention!

Sunday, we attended my mom's church. It was nice to relax a little, but we sure missed Harvest! Though it was nice for Lee not to have to prepare a sermon, we in particular missed worshipping with the people we had grown to love and know. We realized worship is so much more than an event, it is an exprerience of the relationships of each other with God. I didn't realize how we had grown so acustomed to the way Harvest worshipped and the music style. I really was blessed by the music of Harvest Praise Band! Those of you who read this blog and are from Harvest, please tell Steve Robinson he does more than exceptional job at leading the worship and those of you who have complained about the style, be assured you don't know what you have right in your own lap! Be blessed and quit that complaining! LOL!

For those of you who missed Lee preaching, I did too! Lee is also exceptional in expository preaching and I missed that Sunday. Mom's pastor was a good interepreter of God's word and helped us apply it somewhat, but I just love my husband's way of teaching! Guess I am biased, huh?! LOL! Roo and Rog enjoyed being at church, too! They loved going to the nursery! Here is a pic of them playing in church after the Sunday night service...Yep, we actually got to return the habit of going on a Sunday night!

Another highlight for me was getting together with my daddy's family on Tuesday night for dinner. I just love his family! They are all funny and love to tease and laugh constantly...now you can see where I get it from?! One thing we had for dinner, you guys in Salisbury do not seem to have, Banana pudding! BP is my Aunt Linda's favorite recipe and the rest of the Lambert Family! No, I didn't put it in the cookbook because I don't have it and nobody makes it just like my Aunt Linda! LOL! She promised Lee she would make some and even had some to leave with us! I thought it was sweet and I had to take a picture of it. I had to explain why I had to take this picture, though! They said, "They don't know what banana pudding is?!" LOL!

The Long Travel Days Are Done

2007-08-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

After two long days of travel we only have a two hour drive ahead of us. Snug's sickness has gone away. He slept 4 straight hours in the car. Nice and quite and he is back to normal.

Thursday we left Ashville. Daddy picked roads for everyone. CR had a road with a tunnel. She likes tunnels. Why? Who knows?

Daddy went thru downtown to see the architecture.

Next came Snug's, what else but to some rail yards in Ashville.
Mommy got a suprise when Daddy took her to two of her favorite places, the Maggie Valley and Cherokee. We finally saw the smoke of the Smokies and stopped at an observation tower. Notice the bear back riders.

We saw some great rafting places and wish we could have stayed several days, but we pressed on.
Friday we traveled through the heart of AL and MS on back highways. Interstates bore us. We got to see this covered bridge, the Natchez Trace and alot of kudzu.

Today leaves us a little tired from the miles, but we were glad to see so much of the beautiful country God gave us.

Pray Today

2007-08-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

Just a little note of concern for today. Roger woke up this morning saying "mommy I hurt" and looked very pale. He didn't seem to have any fever, but had been sweating profusely. He ate breakfast, then lay his head down on the chair while standing up. He actually fell asleep in that position and continued to sleep while we finished our meal! Once we got back to the room, he put himself on the bed and fell asleep, still saying he was hurting in his tummy. Most of you know Roger and know this is not normal behavior! He usually doesn't like to be held and he let me kiss him as much as I wanted! He's usually very squiggly! :0) Last night we were at our friends' house and he didn't eat anything and played and played, so I'm not sure if he's hurting because he waited so long to eat. But, if you all could say a little prayer for him to get well and nothing serious!

We enjoyed our visit last night and loved getting to talk over old and new times! Tonight we are travelling to Ridgeland, MS to see some friends we had at New Orleans Seminary. It'll be us 4 and their 5, so we'll have a house full! :0)

We're on our way!

2007-08-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

After tiring day, I am finally connected to blog about our trip so far now! Yahoo!

Last night was an adventure staying at the Econo Lodge in Emporia, VA, to say the least; dirty, piping problems with a huge spot on the floor, a handful of donuts and dirty looking cereal for what was supposed to be a continental breakfast, forcing us to go out to eat and not save the $20 we thought we would save staying in a less than satisfactory joint! But, we got a wonderful night's sleep!!!! Guess you can't really complain when you get a good night's sleep!

Today was just beautiful in the mountains! We travelled to Linville, about an hour or so from Asheville, NC, to see the caverns and falls there. Lee goofed not remembering the correct view spot to see the falls, but it was still breathtaking in the mountains! We ate a momnpops for supper, enjoying a little seafood and sweet tea! LOL! The kids really loved this part of the trip and wanted to know if we could go back again! So, overall, it was a huge success!!!

Tomorrow we are on the road 6 hours to Madison, AL to see Eric and Sherri Swinney, some old friends from New Orleans Seminary. No real agenda to see anything, but maybe something fun will pop up!

Almost There!

2007-08-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I am a little disappointed as I write this entry. I didn't get the design team job for which I asked prayer. I am going to keep designing, though. God will provide that kind of ministry to others when He is ready and if I am called to do it. That I am not sure of, being called to faithbooking as a ministry.

I am excited about our vacation, however! I finally bought some ink for our printer to print the transfers out for our theme tshirts! Yea! I'll be sure to take pictures of us wearing them so you guys can see my design! See ya'll on the road. We'll leave tom night, so be prayer for safe travel for us! I'll probably won't blog for a day or so due to traveling.

What a Wonderful Day!

2007-08-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you Harvest Baptist Church Family for making our "see you later" day so special! You have been a huge blessing to me and our family! Thankfully to all of you who prayed, I held it together today and didn't cry or get too emotional. I really wanted to remember it as a sweet time to reflect upon our time of good fellowship with these wonderful family of Christ. Thank you to Jesus for making our time here well spent and focused, Lee and I couldn't done it without you! You are awesome!

I can't say much more, but that I am tired and am enjoying right now just relaxing in front of the computer and getting ready for our trip to see some of you down South! We're coming ya'll!

Back Home!

2007-08-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

Here we are back at home, back in familliar surroundings! I still have so much to do before our trip, though! :0)

Today will be filled with straightening up the house and cleaning out the car! Also, I have to start the process of packing for our month long trip. That is not what I'm looking forward to at all!

Say a little prayer for me today. Tomorrow is our last Sunday at Harvest Baptist Church. We have to say "goodbye" to so many wonderful church family who have blessed us with love in so many ways. It will be hard and very emotional I am sure of it! We do get to experience a nice reception after church and fellowship with them one last time. I am looking forward to that time!

Last Day Housesitting!

2007-08-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to blog about my day today before it really got started because tonight I will faith booking at the church for the very last time! It's from 6-11pm and I have enjoyed getting together with two of my close friends from Salisbury.

Before we go, we have to cleans and pack. I hope I get everything! I am a little timid about leaving before they get back, in case they have questions for us! I will leave in the Lord's hands and not worry, though! Best thing to do!

Also, today I find out if I get a design team position with Faithfully Yours! It's a website dedicated to Christian Faith Booking and I pray it will be what I need at this time to keep up with my scrap booking and journaling my faith in God! Say a little pray for me!

See you back at the homestead tomorrow! Off to pack for our big trip and clean out the car! Say another little prayer for me! LOL!

Last night Housesitting

2007-08-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

Well, the Swopes will be here sometime in the p.m. tomorrow and that means Ollie gets his family back and we get to go home. I've enjoyed having a little more space, that's for sure! I won't miss having to drive out into the country to get home, having to keep up a bigger house or feed and water a pet. The kids have loved having lots of room to run and a pet to play with everyday, especially Roo. She finally got a chance to have a dog and a big house! :0)

So, my blogs will be more about leaving Harvest and our "southern adventure tour" going back to Louisiana!

The House Sitter Day #14

2007-08-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Last night I posted the wrong day, sorry about that little typo! It is day #14. And what a day it has already started out being for us! I know I probably seem "bi-polar" with my news; one day being oh so lovely, the next day "today stunk"! LOL! But, really each day does have enough trouble of its own, as the Bible states!

This morning, Ollie pounced, yes literally pounced on the neighbor's cat as it came in the front yard. I saw the whole thing as it was happening and just couldn't believe my own eyes! He's a golden retriever and I just wasn't prepared for what this warm, gentle dog would do to a wandering cat. To keep the sad story short, the neighbors across the street identified the cat's body as being the immediate next door neighbor's outside cat and went over with it in a bag to confirm the news with them. It was heart wrenching, to say the least. I love animals and I don't like to watch any animal suffer or die, for that matter. Today I saw both. I was encouraged by my daughter's first response, however. She said, "mommy God will make him better. we need to pray for him. God will make him okay." I said, "I'm sorry the cat is dead. He won't come back alive." Thinking upon it, I could have been a little less reality responsed. But, she took it well. She just accepted it. It isn't her cat. Yet, it was so sweet to hear her comment on God being the one who could make her better! I know we as parents don't get everything right, but I am sure that it is pleasing to God that I have taught her to pray and know that God can heal and will heal if He so chooses!

Now can you believe a face like this would pounce anybody????

The House Sitter Day #12

2007-08-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today was so beautiful. God never ceases to amaze me with His ability to create beauty! He is beautiful Himself! :0)

My friend Julie came over for a little while and we sat out on the front porch most of the time she was here. It was pretty cool and not too humid! I could feel a nice breeze most of the time!

While were out there we took some pictures of different things of beauty as well. One "thing of not quite so much beauty" was a praying mantis. It was so eery looking at it watch us trying to get a picture of it! I can see why so many alien movies have creatures with the face of a praying mantis. It is anything but "holy" looking! LOL!

As Julie approached it to take a picture, it jumped right on her and we squealed or I should say "screamed in horror"! LOL! It was not the most wonderful feeling watching that take place! The other thing I took a picture of was two dragon flies mating on a leaf. I am sure it is not the most beautiful thing either, but it was just so incredibly interesting to watch; sometimes they were in mid air! All I can say is, "wow"!

The Housesitter Day #12

2007-08-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Today I thought was going to be a little bit different than it turned out for me and the rest of my family. God protected us and Roger, eventhough it looked grim right from the moment I tripped holding him; he hit the floor and his eyebrow hit the side of our metal trash can and instantly started bleeding. I panicked and started screaming and crying, yelling at Lee and Roo; feeling way out of control, as I watched his eyebrow bleed. Lee really handled it all well. He always does that for me! God has definitely blessed me with an "in-control" husband! He had to have 4 stitches and did great while the Dr. did the procedure. Both Lee and I were able to be in control for that process, while a dear friend watched Roo; she is very protective of her little brother and I was extremely concerned she would "freak out" like her mom if she had to watch him get stitches! :0) Needless to say, we are at the apt. again to wash clothes, dishes, etc. to keep our house up too and then off the Swopes' house. Roger did get a special visit to McDonalds for having a minor surgery! Way to go Roger for being a wonderful patient!

The House Sitter Day #11

2007-08-12T18:34:00.001-07:00

Today was wonderful! We had my inlaws in for a visit and I think it is safe to say we ALL enjoyed it immensely! We ate at our local Zia's for lunch, which was awesome! For you not living on the Eastern Shore of MD, their crab cakes are the best! I'm from New Orleans, and the city chefs couldn't beat them hands down on the MD lump crab cakes! Way to go Zia's!

Well, we face our last full week at the church. Please be in prayer for us as we say "goodbye" and take a long trip back down "south" to see some old friends and family.

The House Sitter Day #10

2007-08-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

Today is day number 10! I can't believe how remarkably fast it is going! I took a long nap this afternoon to recuperate some from VBS; which was a huge success! We had so many parents come last night for Family Night and one couple decide to come to our church regularly! How awesome is God?!

This morning was fun! It was much cooler outside, so the kids jumped at the chance to run like crazy and drive Ollie crazy too! They both sat on his back and commanded him to run, but he just bucked them off when got ready to move! So cute! They also got into the Swopes' "well pump" in the front yard, fishing for gold fish! Unfortunately, I had to change both of them, both of their bottoms were covered in wet dirt and sticks! LOL!

Right now, Roger is "cleaning up" for me with one of their brooms. At least there is help! Lee is out in the front year mowing the lawn, it was getting to look like a jungle out there! I'm glad he's such a handy man. I hate mowing and I have severe allergies to the grass!

My inlaws are coming for a visit tomorrow, so I'll be cleaning up a little bit to get ready for them. I am glad I've kept the place tidier than my house! It's a big 4 bedroom with 2.5 baths, living room, dining room, kithenette, den that's converted into an office space, deck and pool out back with a wrap around porch. It's absolutely beautiful. BUT, I am glad someone cleans it up! I don't mean maid, I mean the owners and that's not us! LOL! It was fun to "live in it" a few weeks, though.

The House Sitter

2007-08-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Today is day 7 sitting the Swopes' house. I slept wonderfully last night, eventhough I am nauseous and have caffeine cravings! Such is the life of a woman, right?! I apologize men for the trip down women's health lane! LOL!

We are starting to enjoy being here. Ollie seems to understand we're here for a longer visit! LOL! He is really a sweet dog. Yesterday we had little visitors across the street, who normally play with the Swopes' kids. The little girl played with Roo, but the little boy decided his house was a better option, since I wouldn't let Roger go over there alone with him! LOL!

VBS has been wonderful and I love leading the Arts and Crafts. Last night we had 20 Kindergartners and that did get me a little overwhelmed at first, but I handled it with the Lord's strength and the help of other workers! Yea! I pray that continues! I take their pictures tonight to put in an "All-Star" frame tomorrow night for their parents. I am really excited about that craft!

One other activity I am enjoying is taking pictures with my new camera at the house! I am learning how to use the zoom and get awesome pictures up close! Soon I will post some of them for you to enjoy too! That is one reason why I invested in a new camera; the one I had didn't take pictures up close very well at all and couldn't take pictures in low lighting well either. Thanks Mom for the camera! :0)