One of My Favorites

Picture-Books in Winter
by Robert Louis Stevenson

Summer fading, winter comes-
Frosty mornings, tingling thumbs,
Window robins, winter rooks,
And the picture story-books.
Water is now turned to stone
Nurse and I can walk upon;
Still we find the flowing brooks
In the picture story-books.
All the pretty things put by
Wait upon the children's eye,
Sheep and shepherds, trees and crooks,
In the picture story-books.
We may see how all things are,
Seas and cities, near and far,
And the flying fairie's looks,
In the picture story-books.
How am I to sing your praise,
Happy chimney-corner days,
Sitting safe in nursery nooks,
Reading picture story-books.

This sweet poem is from a early 1900's copy of "A Child's Garden of Verses" by Robert Louis Stevenson. I found it buried in a box of children's books at a local thrift store, and it was mine for a mere 33 cents. The book is quite good condition, and all the pages are intact. I love looking at all the Art Nouveau illustrations, they are just so artful and beautiful. What a treasure this little book is.

Have a beautiful and restful Sunday. Enjoy reading lots of "picture story-books" to your little ones as the weather turns cold and we snuggle up together.

In God's Love, Tami

Greetings from Mount Laundry

I am finishing up this week trying to get over a cold. It seems I was the last to get it. No fun when Mommy is sick. I am sitting atop quite a laundry pile today.

I had so much to do yesterday, and just tried to plow through it as best as possible. I had already planned to make a big pot of chicken and rice soup, and it tasted so good and felt so good to my achy body. We enjoyed the leftovers today for lunch. Yum.

No big plans this weekend. I love spending long, lazy Saturdays with my family. We will definitely be lingering for as long as possible, all snuggled deep down in the covers.

The weather has turned cold and wet here. As always, I am so thankful for God's mighty provision, in keeping us warm and dry in our little cottage.

My garden is winding down, we will have a few more zucchini and another batch of pole beans. My celery is still small, I will try and leave it as long as possible. I have *so* much zucchini shredded and frozen, what a treat to enjoy it all winter long. I was thinking of cooking up a pot of cream soup with some acorn squash the sweet neighbors gave us.

Praying that everyone had a productive and joyful week. In God's Love, Tami

One on One

Nothing makes me happier than when I am surrounded by my husband and children. I can remember the longing for children, and the desire to fill our home with "joyful noise".
I am so grateful that the Lord answered the desire of my heart, to be given the fullness of a blessed life with children.


Amidst our daily activities, J.D. and I managed to carve out some one on one time together. The children look so forward to these special times with Dad or I. Today, he and I painted a little thrifted chair, just for him. He chose the most magnificent rainbow to paint. The chair turned out so cute, and now he has a wonderful memory attached to it. Maybe someday he will give this chair to one of his little ones, and tell them the story of it.


One of my favorite parts of painting is admiring the palette afterwards. The layered colors are almost a work of art in themselves.
I hope and pray that you all had a blessed, peaceful, and love-filled day. In God's Love, Tami

One of My Favorites

Below is one of my many favorite verses.

(they all become favorites at different times, don't they?)

During a very challenging time of my life,

this was a verse I *clung* to daily.

I think on that time now, and praise God in all his tender mercy.

We made it through, in HIM.

2 Corinthians 9:8

"And God is able to make all grace abound in you, so that at all times, in all things, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

I am so grateful to my dear friend Christine, who brought this verse to me those years ago. She has been a *rock* of a friend and a true sister in Christ.

Have a blessed day of rest. In God's Love, Tami

By The Spirit

When I first heard this term, I had no idea of what this actually meant.

I did not know that the Holy Spirit was not just reserved for appearances during church services.

I remember feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit during worship at church. That envelope of warmth wrapped around me, feeling like I was floating on air. I just always assumed that the Spirit of God *entered* the sanctuary somehow and was there.

I had no idea that this was something I had waiting in me all this time, just waiting for me to live with and live by.....

*You mean that the Holy Spirit lives within me?*-I was a changed woman.

There are endless ways that my life has been blessed, by God revealing this to me. I couldn't believe that it took me so long to listen to God in this, and how life altering it immediately was.

Living by the Spirit, I bring my emptiness before the Lord each morning and ask Him to provide me His full supply. Through Him all things are possible.

Loving by the Spirit, I ask the Lord to give me supernatural and sacrificial love for my husband, children, family, and friends. A kind of love that surpasses anything I could ever dream of.

Praise you Lord God for your greatness and mercy in showing the depths of your love for me, and opening my eyes to your Holy Spirit each day.

One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 3:16.

"I pray that out of His glorious riches, He may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."

All I can say is AMEN to that!

My prayer is that, we would all be touched by the Spirit of God today.

In God's Love, Tami

Friendship Cups

As autumn nears, I find myself in a familiar place of nostalgia that I visit each year.

I dig out the photo albums and warmly remember the glorious-ness of seasons past. I look forward to late night visits with my 86 year old Grandma, where we dig through boxes of old photographs, eat Pecan Sandies, and sip tea from her collection of "friendship cups".



She presented me with this very precious "friendship cup" for Christmas a few years ago. And thus, began my collection of tea cups and saucers. Each set has a story of love and friendship behind it.

Apparently, "friendship cups" were a tradition during the first half of the twentieth century, when ladies would build up their collections by presenting and receiving these sweet treasures. I wonder what became of this lovely tradition.

I have so enjoyed sharing this loving exchange with my closest friends and family, and I have a beautiful collection. I love drinking from them, and each set has been christened upon receiving it, ceremoniously welcoming it to the group.

One day my collection will be spread among my family in hopes that my daughter and granddaughters would carry on the tradition.

I pray you all have a warm and cozy night with your loved ones. Enjoy a warm cup of tea out of your favorite teacup, while you're at it.

Blessings to all. In God's Love, Tami

Overcome

As I was making dinner last night, I suddenly had a lump in my throat. I was overcome with a spirit of such gratefulness, it washed over me and I had to stop and thank God. Our family is so blessed, in that, we have never gone hungry.

The Lord has provided the means to nourish my family so faithfully. I love this passage in Phillippians:

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned , in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need".

I am content in all things Lord.

I also came across this passage in a little prayer book I have:

"Thanksgiving and Praise"

Great and wondrous God, Creator and Keeper of the world, You are so high above and beyond my little thoughts and ways that I cannot by my own reason or strength comprehend the extent and fullness of Your being. With thanks and praise I acknowledge Your majesty and power.

Because in Your steadfast love and mercy You have made Yourself my Father in Jesus Christ and recreated me in the image of His holiness, I cannot by my own reason or strength comprehend the extent and fullness of Your love.

In faith, I thank and praise Your grace and mercy. You do so much for me without any merit in me, that all I can do is thank and praise Your holy name through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

The seasons are changing around here, the nights are growing colder and colder. As I snuggle my children deep down into their cozy beds at night and cover them with pillowy soft down quilts, I praise God that we are warm, we are comforted, we are protected.

Thank you Lord God in Heaven.

The fullness of God's love overcomes me and brings me to my knees.

Have a blessed and restful night. In God's Immense Love, Tami

With My Beloved

My dear husband and I found ourselves with a few hours alone this weekend. We always scramble to take advantage of these very rare moments alone together. My Mother-in-law decided to take all 4 kiddos (brave grandma) to a local indoor play area.

We ran out the door as fast as our little legs could carry us, grabbed a couple of mochas, and decided to do a little exploring.

We had a wonderful time hiking up into one of the wooded areas around here. We were above our little town and could see everything.

I felt wonderful being together, a few hours, just quietly *being* together. Talking, dreaming, solely focused on one another.

Normally, we would have taken this bit of time and spent it practically; grocery shopping, sleeping, running errands, etc.......I am so glad we didn't.

I will treasure always our little afternoon together, and look forward more times like this in the future.

One of My Favorites

Psalm 139
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in—behind and before;

you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.

When I awake, I am still with you.
If only you would slay the wicked, O God!

Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
They speak of you with evil intent;

your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,

and abhor those who rise up against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

I know that this scripture is very meaningful to so many people. It is the verse that the Lord gave to us when Lisa-Marie was born and adopted into our family. I lean on these words, so often, when explaining to her sweet 3 year old spirit, why God didn't grow her in my tummy. She and I are so comforted, knowing every day of our lives, God planned before we were even born. He meant our sweet daughter to be ours long before she was even formed. How miraculous and amazing.

I pray a blessed and restful Sunday for all. In God's Love, Tami

A Full and Busy Week

We were pretty busy this week. Busier than I normally like to be. I prefer to stay home and tend to my family and home, without too much running around.
We are getting into the rhythm and routine of the new school year and it feels good.

My youngest treasures started preschool on Thursday, and had a wonderful time. We have been so blessed by the little Lutheran preschool in town. The preschool is an extension of the church ministry, therefore, is very affordable and Christ-centered. We love that.

I have been a busy bee making and re-purposing some school clothing for Lisa-Marie. The skirt on the left was made, with modifications, using a "twirly skirt" tutorial from House on Hill Road. The cardi is a wool sweater that I felted and made into a zippered cardigan. I embellished the red jumper with a bunny applique, my sweet daughter's favorite animal.

These huge zucchini were a huge blessing from our neighbors. I promptly shredded them and froze them in muffin tins. Each portion of the tin holds about 1/2 cup. The pre-measured portions are so convenient when I am ready to use them.

After they were frozen, I removed them from the tin, and bagged them. I can hardly wait to make lots of zucchini bread and chocolate-zucchini cake this winter.

I am glad it is Friday. I look forward to spending a wonderful weekend together. I look forward to lingering in my nest awhile, and having a good snuggle with all my sweeties.

There will be lots of plum picking, yard playing, house cleaning, day napping, food cooking, and loving laughter.

I pray that you all had a blessed week and have a restful weekend. In God's Love, Tami

Words of Life, Words of Love

Most days I pray for the Lord to give me a thought or inspiration to write about.

Today, Jesus put on my heart to use His words, after all,

He is Life and He is Love.

I become so filled with the Spirit reading God's word, and faithfully knowing those words were truly written for me, and for us all.

His unimaginable love flows in me and through me everyday. Tears are beginning to flow just writing about it.

Psalms 145:13-16 KJV
"Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those who be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.Thy openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing."

Romans 5:1-5 KJV
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us."

Psalms 143:8 KJV
"Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee".

Ephesians 3:16-21 KJV
'That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

1 John 2:5 KJV
"But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him".

Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven".

John 3:16 KJV
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Have a wonderful night of rest, In God's Love, Tami

On Being Joyful

I haven't always been a joyful person. It seems like being a wife and mama had a way of wearing me down. I was content to embrace my daily life as drudgery. I knew of women that approached their sacred position of wife and mother with great joy and enthusiasm.

Somehow I didn't get it, or at least I assumed that my "lot" was to just squeak by each day, and be so relieved when it was finally over. And these were my good days. On a bad one, I was guilty of checking out all together.

Then the Lord softly whispered my name. Me, who me? You mean I can have that- *THE* joy, really? The Lord answered yes, and has given me so much more than I ever imagined.

My eyes are open, and I see such beauty around me. My husband and children are pure joy. I can honestly say that I am happy. You won't hear me complain about a thing, I am just so grateful to be released from the lie that I was believing. I can have joy. God says so.

God has directed my path in such a loving way. His plan for me included putting some very special people in my path. Not to embarrass her, but Jewels at Eyes of Wonder is one of those people. God has given her the eyes to see all the blessings in her life so clearly. And He has given her the most beautiful gift of words. Her writing is truly a blessing to so many people.

The Lord has changed my life, and I see my life so clearly now. Blessings surround me, and now the eyes of my heart are wide open to capture every single one.

Go visit Jewels and be encouraged. I am so blessed to call her a sister and friend.

Have a blessed evening and rest well, In God's Love, Tami

In Search of Treasure

We had a lovely weekend. I managed to fit in some treasure hunting on Sunday. While my dear husband and kiddos enjoyed a quiet time at home, I ventured out for a bit and traveled down the road in search of treasure.


I found this beautiful studio pottery vase (for less than the price of a cup of coffee), which I just loved, and then I noticed that the artist had lovingly engraved on it, "The joy of the Lord is my strength", I will treasure and use it, being forever inspired by God's word. It now sits proudly in my kitchen window waiting for some lovely flowers, or perhaps my knitting needles.


This plate is the beginning of my "Folk Art" dish collection. A mere 50 cents for this gem.

I made a big batch of whole wheat waffles, with the family sized waffle iron I scored. All in the Lord's timing......I've been waiting for this one for awhile.

A pressed glass platter for my sister's birthday. A pattern that we both collect and use. My first piece of this Prescut glass, was a creamer my mom and dad received as a wedding gift in 1969.

Overall, a very relaxing weekend at home. A bit of grocery shopping, a walk, lots of playing outside, working in the garden, loving every minute together.

Have a very blessed evening. In God's Love, Tami

One of My Favorites

"Audience of One" by Big Daddy Weave

I come on my knees, to lay down before you
Bringing all that I am, longing only to know you
Seeking your face, and not only your hand
I find you embracing me, just as I am
And I lift these songs, to you and you alone
As I sing to you, in my praises make your home
To my audience of one, you are Father, and you are Son
As your spirit flows free, let it find within me, a heart that beats to praise you
And now just to know you more, has become my great reward
To see your kingdom come, and your will be done
I only desire to be yours,Lord
So what could I bring, to honor your majesty
What song could I sing, that would move the heart of royalty
And all that I have, is the life that you have given me
So Lord let me live for you, my song with humility
And Lord as the love song, of my life is played
I have one desire, to bring glory to your name
To my audience of one, you are Father, and you are Son
As your spirit flows free, let it find within me, a heart that beats to praise you
And now just to know you more, has become my great reward
To see your kingdom come, and your will be done
I only desire to be yours,Lord
And we lift these songs, to you and you alone
As we sing to you, in our praises make your home
To my audience of one, you are Father, and you are Son
As your spirit flows free, let it find within me, a heart that beats to praise you
And now just to know you more, has become my great reward
To see your kingdom come, and your will be done
I only desire to be yours,Lord

Have a blessed day of rest, In God's Love, Tami

Haven

Haven; a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary.

One of my favorite words. Just the sound of it, brings me such comfort. I pray that I am creating a haven here for my family.

There are so many little things a person can do to make their home into a haven:
Soft comfy sheets, blankets, and pillows to snuggle in at night. A warm meal ready at the end of a long work day. A tidy home that is warm and welcoming to (even unexpected) guests. An always open ear, hearing of all the adventures of the day. Always open arms, ready for the unlimited hugs a child can bring. A beauty created, not by the things inside, but by the people who's hearts live there.

A quiet spot where one can just sit and be.

I hope and pray, that when my children are grown they look back and think of our home as a haven. It is the deepest desire of my heart to create this for my family.

Lest I forget, the haven that has been created for us all. I am moved to tears by the great love and comfort created for me by Jesus . Who could ask for a more contented place, than being tucked away in the arms of my Lord.

There are so many precious verses in Scripture that create a haven for my soul. Where God promises to shelter, love us, and keep us safe.

Psalms 18:2 - "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."

Psalms 84:1-2 - "How lovely is your dwelling place, Oh Lord Almighty! My soul yearns even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God."

Jeremiah 6:16 - "This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."

These are just a few verses that I love. God's word is full of so much encouragement, I could drink it in all day and night.

I pray that this day found you well. It was a lovely Saturday here. One of those days filled with lots of togetherness, just living, loving, and being. I so cherish these last days of summer. I appreciate the sun and the warmth, knowing it will soon be replaced with the cold and the wet. The autumn season here is ever so lovely, though. Crisp and colorful, with spells of rain, perfect weather for our treasured afternoon walks, collecting the most beautiful maple tree leaves.

Today was full and lovely, and now I am ready for rest. Have a blessed night, Tami

Planting the Seeds

Today was one of those blessed days when my mind, body, and soul were blissfully synchronized and ready to complete joyfully all the tasks of the day.
The weather was perfectly warm, an envelope of comfort, with a slight calming breeze.
All the birds were busy chattering, as if to say, "the fall is coming, can you feel it in the air?"

This morning, while there was still dew on the grass, the little children spread seeds from our now spent summer flowers. Each seed deposited on the ground, with a prayer, that next spring they would grow into the beautiful flowers the hummingbirds love so much.

God's precious cycle of life evident to them, in sending these seeds back to the earth.

This evening a cool, crisp breeze flows through my home. Very soon we will be inside for the fall and winter, so blessed to be dry and warm.

I am so grateful that the Lord has opened my eyes to the beauty and blessings that surround me everyday. The very simple and most basic joys in life.

I hope and pray that this day was a joy and a blessing to you.

In God's Love, Tami

Clam Comfort

For dinner tonight, I made New England Clam Chowder for the first time. The recipe came from Jewels at Eyes of Wonder, and is very apparently a specialty of her daughter, Rosie.

This chowder was so entirely quick and easy and an instant favorite of my dear husband.
We also had a yummy tossed salad and oven toasted rolls. This dinner, for me, was the utmost in comfort food. So warm and delicious. I will make it again and again.

My very long and full day is almost done. My snuggly bed calls my name. My 4 treasures are all fast asleep. I am praying for the Lord to gently wake me in the quiet early hours to meet Him.

Thanks again to Jewels and Rosie for the yummy chowder recipe.

Have a blessed and restful night and joyous day tomorrow. In God's love, Tami

My Mama Heart

School started today, and though I was excited for my 2 "big boys", it made me sad to see them leave "our nest" for the day.

I am so eternally grateful, that the Lord saw fit to make me a wife and mother. I didn't know the Lord when I married or started my family, and he has so faithfully carried us along, gently guiding every step along this journey.

I was inspired and a bit teary-eyed today by a few "words of others":

"Mother's arms are made of tenderness, and sweet sleep blesses the child who lies therein". -Victor Hugo

"My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she liked it." -Mark Twain

(this one really cracked me up and stopped the tears momentarily...LOL)

"Not flesh of my flesh nor bone of my bone, But still miraculously my own. Never forget for a single moment, you didn't grow under my heart, but in it." -Anonymous

"Only those who look with the eyes of children can lose themselves on the object of their wonder." -Eberhard Arnold

"In raising my children, I have lost my mind but found my soul." -Lisa T. Shepard

(I try not to lose my mind too much...LOL)

"The greatest gift a father can give his children, is to love their mother." -author unknown

"Oh children young, I bless ye. Ye keep such love alive! And the home cann'er be desolate, where love has room to thrive! Oh, precious household treasures, life's sweetest, holiest claim- The Savior blessed ye while on earth. I bless ye in His name!" -author unknown

Well, these are just a few of my favorites. Be blessed tonight and tomorrow. I am so very tired and ready for my comfy bed. Blessings, Tami

The Last Lazy Days of Summer

Well my 2 oldest boys go back to school tomorrow. I am always quite sad not to have them here with me. They are so full of energy and life, and it infuses my day with lots of laughter. I truly love the less structured, more spontaneous, warm embrace of summer break.

We didn't do anything fantastic or go anywhere worth mentioning, but we spent every precious moment together. We went on walks, treasure hunts, park adventures, the zoo, all just the simple joys of summer.

My 2 youngest treasures will be starting preschool in a few days also. We have a most wonderful little preschool a few blocks from home. It is christian, and I have grown to love the teachers so much throughout the time J.D. spent there. They will spend 2 hours there on Thursdays and Fridays. They are so very excited.

J.D. will only have kindergarten Monday through Thursday. He is so excited to have a few hours alone with Mama on Friday mornings, while the littles are at preschool.

Now is the time of the year when I get into gear. I plan menus, set up daily chores for the children, start planning for upcoming fall birthdays, begin working on christmas gift planning, declutter from the summer, pull out the children's fall and winter clothing, get the outside of the house ready for the change in season, put up food for the winter.


I love the lazy days of summer, but the structure and cozyness of the Autumn, makes my heart yearn for the weeks to come. The cooler weather comes, we snuggle up together in handmade quilts reading our favorite stories. There are lots of yummy stews and chowders with baskets of warm bread from the oven. All the splendor of God's painted canvas, displayed with the deep changing colors of the leaves. The trees look to me as if they are on fire, they are breathtaking. Brisk walks all bundled up in jackets and knitted hats, we see our breath. The dark early mornings with the Lord, soaking up His word.


Blessings to you this Monday and enjoy these final moments of summer, Tami

One of My Favorites

"Take My Life and Let it Be" -Frances Havergal, 1874

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.

Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.

Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.


Have a blessed day of rest, Tami

Busy, Busy Bees

We had a very hurried day today. We were expecting out of town relatives for lunch on Monday, but were delighted that they could make it today, for dinner instead.

Whew.....we were working at light speed.

My children are finally to the age where our efforts in teaching them have paid off. They are definitely more of a help, than a hindrance these days.
Thank you, Lord.

We had a very nice patio dinner, (bless them for bringing the food), and a really nice visit.
They showered the children with gifts, what a special surprise that was.
J.D., poor kiddo, got stung by a bee. So much excitement for one day......

We are all fully exhausted. The littles are fast asleep. One big kid to tuck in. Then bedtime for the dear husband and I.

I am the good kind of tired and can't wait to snuggle in to my comfy bed.
Good night and blessed rest, Tami