Sad Day for SCS Alumni

Thank you to Darlene for sharing the picture from the yearbook.

Pickup truck driver killed in IOW crash

As we grow older, we see more and more losses in our family and our circle of friends. It's not getting any easier. Don't wait for better timing to tell people you love them. You might not get another opportunity.

Please pray for the Suffolk Christian Alumni's loved ones.

Obituary

Service info: A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory. Friends may join the family Tuesday night from 7- 8 p.m. at the funeral home and other times at the residence of Rev. Roger and Bettye Johnson. 

A Modern Ministering Tool for Mothers to Their Children and Husbands

Send a Bible verse through text each morning to your husband, children, extended family, and friends. It takes less than two minutes to type a verse in and will help you learn and meditate on verses too. One short text can bless multiple people! 

I've done this for over three years and each person who receives it has thanked me for it more than once. 

If I don't send it, they know I am off my game and will call or text and pray for me. So, it has a built in self help feature too! LOL!

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Buck Rowe's Store & Recipe

C. B. Rowe and Son since 1920

Go to page four at this link to read the history of this store. It also has his sage sausage recipe which is very tasty.

"It was also at the ripe old age of ten that Buck first 
learned to drive the family car, there being no minimum driving age requirements at that time." This and other little tidbits make it an interesting way to pass a few minutes. 

The Kirby Story

Emily photobomb!!!
Clint is working on "Kirby" and has plans to look at the mini oven's broken display.

Our very hard working Kirby needed a few new parts to the tune of about $100 plus shipping. Since a refurbished one is currently going for $279 online, we decided to go with that option....

I found this one for $80, but the man sold it to me for $40! God provides! It was only used for very light office cleaning and still has the clear protective vinyl on it. It has had a fairly easy existence...until now....mwah ha ha! I almost feel bad for the rude awakening it's going to have!

Kirby will be fondly remembered!

Clint saved the spare parts for when Kirby 2 needs them.

Parts can be pricey, so if you are a local friend and your Kirby 5 needs parts, let us know. We will be happy to share.

Urgency Quote

That which once was, will be no more. Yesterday will never come again. To-day is passing, and will not return. You may work while it is day; but when you have lost that day, it will not return for you to work in. While your candle burns, you may make use of its light, but when it is done, it is too late to use it. Richard Baxter

George, Our Perpetual Snowman

We keep his head in the freezer until the next snowfall.We've been doing this since shortly after we moved to the farm in 1995 which makes George very old for a snowman!

It's a fun, simple, and inexpensive thing we can do that gives our children something to look forward to when it snows. George has brought us many happy memories as we have worked together to bring him to life and preserve a part of him each year.

Pray for Kiev

From our pastor friend there: "We had great service this morning, but MOST PEOPLE WERE CRYING AND VERY SAD BECAUSE OF SITUATION IN UKRAINE. We were praying for new government and election, but also for those families which lost their husbands and sons during war in Kiev. We had very emotional service, but lot of sincere prayers. I would not say that we got victory already, because situation on east still very hard and lot of blood there. SO, YOUR PRAYERS ARE VERY NEED. PLEASE SHARE WITH OTHERS."

Shouts of Joy and Victory

Shouts of joy and victory

resound in the tents of the righteous:

“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!" 

Psalm 118:15

Yeah, Sex Trafficking, Right Here in the US, Right In Your State

"This is happening in every state," she said. "It's a huge network. This is just one case but there are hundreds of others."

As a family who has been trying to get people's attention to this horrible practice for over two decades, we are thankful sex trafficking is becoming a topic the media is giving more and more attention. It's becoming talked about more and more. Educate yourself. Educate your children. Do what you can where you are. Pray for these rings to be found and stopped by authorities. Pray for the men to be convicted of what they are subjecting these women to do. Pray for the girls who are victimized and treated lower than animals to find their worth and healing in Christ. As a person who had a family member kidnapped, this is very near to my heart. As a mother of girls, it outrages me. As a woman, it disturbs me.

"In a telephone interview late Wednesday, a 25-year-old woman from Mexico City talked about trips to sprawling farms in Georgia and the Carolinas. There, 20, as many as 30, migrant workers stood in line outside shacks, waiting to have sex with women before the women were shuttled to other farms only to relive the horror." Read the rest of the article and watch the video here. If there is anything decent to you, it will break your heart and make you angry.

Jude 1:7 Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.

I Thessalonians 4:3-5 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;

Hannah + Cold = No Thank You

Hannah (5 years old): "Mom, the first time I played in the snow? I almost got the frostbite."

Who Do You Need to Show Love to Today?

With love and especially for the ladies in the churches in Philippines, China, and India:


This Contentment Acres image is free to use as long as it is unaltered. 
A link back would be appreciated, but isn't necessary.

Luke 6:32-35 If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. "I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never - I promise - regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst.

Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices

We Really Don't Know Who Started It (but it is a lot of fun!)

If you click the picture or enlarge your screen, you should be able to read the text.

Three Years Ago Today

Three years ago today: http://contentmentacres.blogspot.com/2011/02/night-barn-burned.html

Pictures and more of the story: http://contentmentacres.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html

From Clint: "God not only spared our lives, but He moved us into a better position financially through that fire. He increased our testimony in our neighborhood and built new friendships. He enabled us to tithe off the insurance money and help a lot of people. He gave our family an incredible testimony to share of God's provision and protection in the midst of very trying circumstances. He has taught us to look through the storms to the good He will bring out of the storms. God is good, and He is worthy to be praised."

Seed Starting Chart

Need help figuring out when to start seeds indoors for your garden? Head on over to YouGrowGirl.com and use the wonderful Lazy Gardener’s Seed Starting Chart. This wonderful little document allows you to enter your region's frost free date and then automatically calculates when to start your seedlings.

This year, I am using aquariums as indoor greenhouses for my seedlings. I am using bathroom sized paper cups for seed starting pots. So far, it is going great! My broccoli is off to a fantastic start!

Freebies

16 Free Kindle Books (check prices before downloading)

Meet the Masters Art Appreciation very nice freebie

Prayer Request and a Praise

One of us covets your prayers tomorrow morning that the Lord will grant favor for a successful meeting. Thank you!

J-They are trying to fit him in for surgery to replace the infected cath sometime today. Please pray this is done today, is successful and ends the infections, and gives him a huge leap forward in his recovery. He still has a big surgery to go before he can think about going home, and the journey has already been very long and hard. Thank you for praying for our weary friend.

Brandon had more good news (achievements) come in this week! He's gone from staying on the President's list in college to continually making steady advances in his career and obtaining certifications by continuing his education! We are frequently (nearly every week) getting outstanding compliments on Brandon's skills, work ethic, integrity level, and personal conduct. This week, we were told he has "amazing credentials for someone his age" since most of his peers are still in college. Yes, we are very proud of how our son is representing the Lord and our family. Thank you for rejoicing with us!

Cherish Your Blessings

Wives, if you have a husband who comes home and works on things around the house, rejoice! You are blessed.

If he lets your children hang out with him and listens to them talk incessantly, rejoice! They have been blessed!

If he patiently includes them in his work and teaches them as he goes, rejoice! They and their household will be blessed!

Young daddies, slow down and enjoy these opportunities to be with your children. I know the young ones can make a 10 minute job into a 30 minute job. It will grow you in patience and self control. It will speak volumes of love to them that you want THEM with you. It will make your bond with each other closer. Start when they are little, and it will continue into adulthood. As they grow, they will learn how to help you and that will save you time. It is very rewarding to hear your adult child say, "I can do that because my dad taught me how." Don't allow a computer game or cell phone or anything else rob you of memory making moments. Leave a legacy by taking time to make memories.

This is What They Do In Their Free Time

They were experimenting with motors of various RC toys to see which could provide the most lift for a helicopter they built.

Maturity in Difficult Relationships

I've taught my children this. Now my adult children are seeing it firsthand in the people around them.

Hurt people hurt people.

That's how pain patterns get passed on, 

generation after generation after generation.

Break the chain today. 

Meet anger with sympathy, contempt 

with compassion, cruelty with kindness.

Greet grimaces with smiles.

Forgive and forget about finding fault.

Love is the weapon of the future.

-Yehuda Berg

The speed at which we forgive and show willingness to work towards a healed relationship shows how mature we are in Christ. As we become more like Him, we realize how much He has done for us and are ready to example His love and forgiveness to others. This is how maturity in Christ looks in the midst of difficult relationships.

“The willingness to forgive is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity. It is one of the great virtues to which we all should aspire. Imagine a world filled with individuals willing both to apologize and to accept an apology. Is there any problem that could not be solved among people who possessed the humility and largeness of spirit and soul to do either -- or both -- when needed?” Henri J.M. Nouwen 

“Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.”  Marvin J. Ashton

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.” 
― Martin Luther King Jr.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.  – Genesis 50:20

Warmer Beds, Deeper Sleep

I made our family 20 rice bags that can be heated in the oven. They are so easy to make. It took me about 45 minutes to make all of them once I had everything set up.

You need to use natural fibers to prevent melting. I used leftover cotton material and added ribbon loops so we could hang them. I placed dried lavender flowers in mine for a nice armotherapy effect. Avoid fragrance oils as they can start a fire. We used rice, but you can use seeds, beans, corn, etc. The more filling you use, the longer the heat will last. If kept under the covers, mine have lasted all night and are still slightly warm in the morning. We heat all of them at once in the oven inside of pans at 250 for about 45 minutes. You need to make sure the material is not touching the elements.

On cold nights, these are wonderful for warming up chilly toes and help promote deeper sleep. They make nice gifts too.

Another Advancement!

Congratulations, Brandon!

Dad and I are very proud of your success each step of the way as you compete against the best in the nation! You are already a success to get as far as you have!!

Keep giving God the glory, and let's see where He takes you!

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Thank you to all who are praying with us on this. Brandon still need prayers.

He's My Forever Date

Clint,

You are the only one who has ever made my heart beat faster. 
I am thankful we saved ourselves for each other because you are the only one who has ever held my heart.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I love you...

even when you do this...

and this...

..and, uh :-), even when you look like this,

but especially when you look like this...



You had a horrible example. I know from his friends back then that your father loved his family very much. He was a broken man whose deep hurt came out in destructive ways that hurt, damaged, and failed all of you. You didn't use it as an excuse to forfeit your self-control or hurt others. More importantly, you didn't let that keep you from being a good example to YOUR wife and children! You became thoughtful and deliberate in your choices even when others didn't understand. You learned what to do and acted on it because you wanted us to have better. Instead of becoming bitter, you have loved your God enough to act in obedience to His command to love and forgive your father and by making the conscious choice to remember the good parts. Your efforts have paid off!! Your favorite place to be is in the midst of the family you built, and their favorite place to be is with you! There is joy, peace, and deep love in our home. I am thankful for you and the choices you have made! Where many have failed, you have excelled!

I will spend all my days loving you and helping you in any way I can.

Thank you for being such a godly mate. You are such a fun, loving, and adventurous person to know! I love you, my precious forever date!*

*"Forever Date" is the title of a sweet short story based on actual events. I think the term is wonderful way for married couples to think about each other.

Yes, I Do!

I had someone ask if I used the cast iron and another ask if I cooked on the woodstove.

Yes! You can raise and lower the temperature by using trivets or even by turning another cast iron pot over and cooking on that. These are the trivets I have for this purpose.

I keep the old irons on the woodstove to hold the heat longer. One of the children put the old railroad spike on top too. When I'm not cooking, I have a cast iron kettle that goes on top.

Thank You

Update 2/15: Well, the lump came back and I have to keep limiting the use of my wrist/hand which was already limited due to an overuse issue.

UPDATE 2/13: I only have a little soreness and the big lump was mostly absorbed last night. It was creepy looking, so I am glad it is gone!  The soreness and bruising is not as bad as they told me to expect. I am only a little sore, but have kept my promise to Clint to rest today. God is gracious and His Hand is upon me! Thank you for all of the prayers and concern! 

**********

This morning, I ran outside without a coat to take the horse some food and on my way back in, I missed a step. I fell HARD. I caught myself with my right arm near my wrist. I skinned my knee, elbow, and have a few scrapes and bruises. My first impression was that I had broken my arm.

Due to the level of impact and large amount of swelling, I was advised to have it checked out. As the minutes passed, I felt it was OK, but wasn't 100% on that because the knot was big and ugly. I informed Clint of what happened, told him what had been recommended, and told him I felt we could take a wait and see approach. Clint saw a picture of the injury and said he was taking me to a doctor. He had checked the two hospitals we normally use, and they had long wait times. So we went to a new one.

At the ER, I was taken back immediately and treated very well by some friendly doctors, nurses, and technicians. The medical team and I got along great, and we were laughing and cutting up a bit while we waited for my x-ray results. My high pain tolerance was complimented on by the x-ray tech. :-) 

A pregnant nurse and I had a conversation about pregnancy, labor, and children. She told me she found my pregnancy history fascinating and inspiring and had never met a person so undefeated by something (pregnancy losses) so difficult. I hope with all my heart she saw Jesus in me.

I am very thankful I did not break my arm. I have a hematoma the size of a lemon with bruising from wrist to elbow. I am sore. I have some scratches and ache all over (neck, shoulder, elbow, etc) from the impact. They put me in a sling and gave me five days worth of pain meds and told me to take it easy. I told them I'd give "easy" a good effort.

As it worked out on this seemingly chaotic day, we were at the perfect place and time to help a neighbor and a co-worker of Clint's out of the ditch saving him money and a lengthy wait. God has a plan and nothing throws Him off schedule.

THANK YOU everyone who showed concern, offered me a ride, offered to help out with the children, called, texted, etc. THANK YOU to the KNUCKLEHEADS that teased me. Verbally sparring with you keeps life fun and interesting! Buy me the cane, and I will crack it over your head. :-)

AND SO IT GOES: My children informed me they are going to chip in and buy me a Life Alert necklace for Mother's Day. Amanda is going to bedazzle it, and the rest will sign the back of it so I can keep them close to my heart. I have taught them well...maybe too well! :-) 

If You Want to Bear Fruit, You Must Do What?

"If someone has truly been transformed by the gospel, their life will demonstrate it by consistent fruit bearing. But we bear fruit by being attached to the Vine, not by trying really hard to bear fruit." Israel Wayne

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

My New Love

Why didn't someone tell me about these before now?!!!
Welding gloves make excellent cold weather gloves!
Even when our temps were in the single digits, I did not feel the cold!
These were given to Clint by a friend.
Clint said he's going to order me some in my size. 
Seriously, these things are wonderful!

Special Offer ~ Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Special Offer ~ Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Buy one ticket, get one ticket of equal or lesser value for admission, IMAX, or combo tickets.​ Offer valid February 14-16, 2014 only.​ Not valid with any other discounts or coupons.

Proud of You, Son!!

This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. Psalm 118:23

~Congratulations AGAIN to Brandon~

Dad and I are extremely proud of you and your many accomplishments lately! We love you!!

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3

Tranquility

As we are wait on another winter storm to come through, I am very eager for spring to return so I can sit in this quiet spot and reflect on life (and fish)! I am looking forward to pulling out some more bass.

Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Virginia Living Museum Homeschool Day Feb 23, 2014

Virginia Living Museum Homeschool Day The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News will open its classroom doors to homeschoolers again, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, with a selection of fun and engaging classroom programs that highlight important natural science and earth science concepts for ages pre-K through grade 12.

“Only at the VLM can your homeschooled students meet live animals, handle museum quality specimens, experiment with real scientific equipment and more while learning about the fascinating world around us!” says Museum Education Director Chris Lewis.

Natural Science Programs introduce young students to the rich variety of life in the "watery" habitats of our region and the basics of animal survival. Older students can learn about plants and animals, and earth underfoot.

Space Science Programs in the planetarium are available for all ages as students learn about weather on the planets, how climate change may have contributed to the sinking of the Titanic, and how important the stars were to the early colonists.


Environmental Science Labs for students in grades 5-12 focus on life in the Chesapeake Bay and mineralogy.

The museum’s science education programs have been endorsed by the Virginia Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Science Foundation. Click Virginia Living Museum Homeschool Day for full details.

Happy Homeschooling from our homeschool to yours! May the Lord bless you as you educate your children.

Article: The New Church Lady

From Pearls and Grace The New Church Lady

"Do you all feel that Christians are known more for what they stand against or what they stand for?

Everyone agreed that for the most part- Christians are known for what they stand against.

...

I've spent lots of time over the years listening to the hearts of the brokenhearted and the downcast and the overlooked and the shamed and those who have been cast aside by society.

And I've listened.

And learned so much.

Mainly I've learned what I want to stand for.

I believe that God is raising up a new "church lady" in this generation.

The following words are beautiful truths that I have seen shifting in the hearts of women who want to be known for following Jesus.

She will truly have His heart and His eyes to see sons and daughters when she looks at His people.

She will be a doer of the word and not a hearer only.

She will refuse to judge and condemn and do her best to love people back to wholeness."

Read the rest here.

If We Fail..

This is the message that we must preach: that all humanity flee from the wrath to come, that they are to be saved from this wicked and adulterous generation through repentance and faith in Jesus alone. Sadly, these words are rarely heard from the lips of popular preachers. Every time we enter a pulpit or open our mouths to preach in public, we should be mindful that there are more than likely unsaved people listening to our words. Their blood will be on our hands if we fail to warn them (see Ezek. 33:3–9; Acts 20:26,27). from The Evidence Bible

Music Video: Building 429: Wrecking Ball Press On

Due to legal restrictions you have to watch this one on YouTube.

Sometimes this world starts breaking me down

I get so lost I think I’ll never be found

And there are moments of fear and doubt

Even the best fall to the ground

I am a mess, I am a wrecking ball

I must confess that I still don’t get it all

Lord I believe that all Your words are true

Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You

I press on, I press on, I press on

When I still don’t get it

I see the world through my jaded eyes

I get frustrated when there is no Why

I put my focus on worthless things

Even the strong fall to their knees

God only knows what we all need

I am a mess, I am a wrecking ball

I must confess that I still don’t get it all

Lord I believe that all your words are true

Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You

I press on, I press on, I press on

When I still don’t get it

Life goes on, life goes on

But Your love will prove

All I need, all I need

I will find in You

Life goes on, life goes on

But Your love will prove

All I need, all I need

I will find in You

I press on

I am a mess, I am a wrecking ball

I must confess that I still don’t get it all

Lord I believe that all Your words are true

Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You

I press on, I press on

I press on, I press on

When I still don’t get it

Life goes on, life goes on

But Your love will prove

All I need, all I need

I will find in You

Life goes on, life goes on

But Your love will prove

All I need, all I need

I press on

Youth Pastor Does the Impossible after His Wife and Unborn Son Die in Car Accident

You can go here to watch this video. 

There was no way to turn off autoplay. It is worth the time to watch.

forgiveness * reconciliation * restoration = God glorifying

grudges * dissension * destruction/neglect = self glorifying

It Survived!

Back in October, I heard a very faint noise in my room. I thought it was something in the wall. When I would ask Clint to listen for it, it would stop making the noise. This went on for TWO days. I thought I was hearing things! Finally, it kept making noise, and we were able to track it down. There was a newborn kitten in our bedroom closet!!!!

This was quite a mystery because the only cat that could have kittens had just weaned a litter! We have another cat we rescued from an abusive situation. She longs to be a mother, but can't have kittens. She has a history of stealing kittens from other cats which is what we think she did. I guess when it kept asking for milk and she had none, she dropped it off in our bedroom closet thinking we'd take care of it. She was right, but a little more direct notification would have been appreciated!

The kitten had been in the closet for at least two days. It was so weak feeding it was a challenge. Its body temperature was too low. I had a talk with the children about probable odds and asked them to pray for me to have wisdom to know how to help it and to not cause harm in my efforts.

After moving the kitten from place to place trying to find solutions to give it the best shot at life, we decided to see if Miracle, the one who just weaned her litter, would take the kitten. Our old girl did. Because her milk supply was low, we had to supplement the baby for weeks with a bottle, but she was warm and kept the kitten clean and safe. Eventually her milk came back enough to supply a little nourishment and a lot of comfort to the kitten. 

Here's Ford today! (Amanda named him.)

Here's Miracle and Ford with their best buddy, Brandon!
They are overwintering in Brandon's "wing" of the house.

9 Months

I was singing with the radio while cleaning before our trip away when I came across Isaac's cremation certificate. It was in an envelope with the bill and death certificate. Clint had tucked it away after we picked up Isaac's ashes in an effort to keep me from stumbling onto it. Seeing Isaac's name, the phrase "remains of said deceased" together hurt. It caught me so off guard; I had to sit down. 

I told myself, "Wendy, you can get really upset over this, and no one who knows the story will blame you. But, what will you gain from doing that? Or, you can get up and keep going and try to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord." 

I reflected on how God carried me through the grief and gave me a ministry through Isaac. I could see women's faces in my mind from when I talked with them about loss, brokenness, healing, and God's plan and promises. I wanted to know my son and have time with him on this earth. I also thought about how time is precious and needs to be valued and appreciated. 

I thanked God for Isaac and all He has worked through his short existence, told the Lord I still hurt and struggle with it at times but ultimately know there is a purpose, and went back to work serving the family God has given me. 

He's Started On It

Clint's started on the old radio. He plans to make it work with modern insides, but still keep the outside looking like the original. He also hopes to install LEDs in the old vacuum tubes which will add appeal.

Bill Nye Debates Ken Ham - HD

It is Better to Be Poor

Proverbs 19:20-22Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand. What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.

Chesapeake Bowling for a Cure and Silent Auction

4th Annual YAAA! Black Tie Bowling for a Cure & Silent Auction

Event Date: Saturday, March 29, 2014 
Location:
AMF Chesapeake Lanes, 112 Medical Parkway East
Chesapeake, VA.

The 4th Annual Black Tie Bowling for a Cure and Silent Auction is a fun awareness and fundraising event. Since 2010, this event continues to sell out while raising funds for the Alzheimer's Association. It's your night out to dress in "black-tie" inspired garb from the waist up and "anything goes" from the waist down.
Registration fee gets you unlimited bowling, shoe rental, food, 1 drink ticket, silent auction, raffles, door prizes, and an unforgettable night of fun & laughter!
Event time is from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Get your black tie-inspired bowling team of 6 registered for this memorable event.

Early bird registration fee - $45 by February 28, 2014
Registration fee increase- $55 March 1-26, 2014 

http://act.alz.org/site/TR/ActiveEvents/General?fr_id=4784&pg=entry

Explains Chronic Illness

When we got to the end of her pretend day, she said she was hungry. I summarized that she had to eat dinner but she only had one spoon left. If she cooked, she wouldn’t have enough energy to clean the pots. If she went out for dinner, she might be too tired to drive home safely. Then I also explained, that I didn’t even bother to add into this game, that she was so nauseous, that cooking was probably out of the question anyway. So she decided to make soup, it was easy. I then said it is only 7pm, you have the rest of the night but maybe end up with one spoon, so you can do something fun, or clean your apartment, or do chores, but you can’t do it all.

Read the rest here.

This article has a lot of value in explaining the daily life of people suffering from chronic disease. The author's explanation breaks it down and makes it real to the reader in ways other explanations have failed. 

While hyperemesis gravidarum is not a chronic illness, but is a complication of pregnancy, this is the best explanation I have found for what my life was like during pregnancy. For me, the HG lasted eight months. Most days, I'd only have enough energy to take ten steps to the bathroom, do what I needed, rest, and take ten steps back to the bed. That was it. I had nothing else to give, and it was very frustrating to me as a woman who thrives on taking care of her family. Other days when I was able to effectively manage HG, I'd be able to do a couple of things, like cook a meal or fold laundry, but would have to rest afterwards. I'd put thought into what things I would choose to do. If I did too much, I paid for it and would need a couple of days to recover. I am thankful for my experiences with HG because it made me appreciate the blessing of health and gave me empathy for others who are struggling. 

Go easy on others. You do not know what life is like for someone until you walk in their shoes. 

They Fit Ruffy Too

The 18" doll dresses I made fit Ruffy too! Hannah is loving that!

Hezekiah Walker New Video "Every Praise"

Love this!!

Around Here February 2014

Clint was the first responder to an accident where his friend Tran fell head first onto the concrete floor below. Tran had a big gash in his head that needed several staples, but is OK.

He is loving his new office. I found a fridge and a microwave for him which he was happy to receive. He's been working on a big project at work the last few weeks upgrading controls to an extrusion line.

I have been doing daily counseling with many women in various crises. Sometimes it has been middle of the night counseling. As I say at the end of a productive day, "I'm tired, but it's a good kind of tired!!" I love where God has me right now. Life is very fulfilling and rewarding!

With no very little ones to tend to, my life is changing with more time to do things I have always wanted to try. I was approved to receive free seeds for a project from a seed reserve. I've been learning from other gardeners how to take scion wood and get it to root. I am experimenting with three different methods. I am hoping to propagate my fruit trees and berry bushes this way. I will also be experimenting with air layering this year. I started seeds last month for the cold weather crops, and they are doing great. I am really looking forward to this growing season! 

George is back!!!

Clint took a little time off so he and I could enjoy a romantic and luxurious weekend away. We also visited with friends and family in Kilmarnock and Williamsburg. We are planning another little getaway soon, if the schedule cooperates.

For those who knew: We went to purchase the cockatoo only to be told it already has a home. Bummer! The store has a layaway plan, so many of the birds you see are already purchased. The birds remember Clint and fly across the room to perch on him. Those feathered females love hanging all over my handsome husband.

Brandon and Amanda have a lot of excitement in the works. We are very happy for both of them! There's not much I can share about that right now. 

Joshua was tested and found to be "more than ready" to skip a grade and begin high school courses, so that is what he has done this school year. He is loving it so far! His plans are to graduate before he turns 16 and then he plans to go to college. This mama's heart is not ready for #3 to launch!

Caleb and Bethany are doing great in their school work too. Joshua has been leading their science lab on Wednesdays which is giving him his labs, teaching experience, and refining his communication skills. They benefit from learning at Joshua's level and also from having a different style of teaching. Bethany is my safety watchdog because her brothers often forget their safety goggles.

Emily is trucking right along in her school work! She even asks to work on it after supper some nights! She tells everyone her mama taught her how to read! 

When Hannah is not learning beside Emily, she is following me around helping me with my chores. Sometimes she wants all of my attention, so I will stop work and take time to enjoy a pleasant Hannah-ruption. Sometimes I will chase her, scoop her up, and sit down for some snuggles while telling her how thankful I am that God sent her to be my little girl.

The little girls love their new dollhouse and are doing such a great job at keeping the doll things picked up. They discovered the American Girl doll clothes fit on our teacup sized dogs. Our little diva dogs have not indicated they dislike this fact. Sometimes the little dogs seek the girls out when they are dressing the dolls so I have stopped rescuing them. 

I hope you and yours are thriving in God's love. Pick up the phone or drop us a line and let us know how YOU are doing! 

high five!

Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.