Halloween Post

I may be getting more Halloween pictures from the triplets, but these are the ones taken at the Fall Festival at their church.  I think both Mason and Ashley are dressed as a computer game persona. Aussie is a Rubik's Cube.  

They had a great time at the festival, which was much larger than it had been in the past.   Besides all the activities and treat, everyone got a free pumpkin. 

I have  some cute pictures of Caleb as well, but haven't made layouts. Perhaps I'll get a chance tomorrow. It is National Scrapbooking Day.  I'm hoping to get more layouts done than I usually do on that day.

I hope everyone who cares about this country and loves God will vote  this coming Tuesday. It is even more important than in the past. Our nation's survival depends on the way we pitch our tent. If we continue to run from God  further into worldliness, we will quickly go from a democracy to  socialism and communism.  Out present administration has already pushed us toward that goal.

STUDY    PRAY    VOTE

AWANA CUBBY

I'm well pleased that Caleb is attending his Cubby class at AWANA and likes it so well. He has memorized his verses and now, he has his own verst with award badges for  it.

Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white. they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the title children of the world.,

Sweet Faces

Well here we go with another set of photos taken at El Fogon. We took a lot of pictures. It is a wonder we had time to eat...but we did and the food was terrific, as usual.

We recently acquired information on health department checks.  After reading it, and checking all my favorite places to eat, my selection of good places has diminished quite a bit.  But El Fogon is still on the list. It had no citations.  All my very favorites remain on the list, but several fast food places are no longer appealing to me. Actually, because it has limited our choices so much, I wish I didn't even know. But I guess it is best to avoid trouble when possible.

Back to the pictures.  Hope I'll always have the pictures we took this day. I would hate to forget these sweet faces. Oh it is wonderful being a Gramma.

Please pray for our nation.

God can still save our country if we turn from sin and follow him. Why not?  It would save our nation. It would give us an eternity in heaven. It would also make life easier here, saving us from a lot of suffering.

Activity

This is Ashley's first year playing for Woodmont Hills. she is very active and wants to be a part of practically even activity the church has for kids.  I am quite surprised, but very glad for her.
Okay, I'm falling asleep at the computer. Think that is a very good sign I had better sign off and go to bed, before I fall our ofjje

Our Town Playing in Charlotte North Carolina

Our granddaughter, Leah, has been starring in Our town at the Matthews Playhouse in Charlotte, North Carolina this and last weekends.  I must admit I do not remember ever reading this three act play by Thornton Wilder. I've recently read that it tells the story of an average town's citizens in a small town he calls Grover's Corners at the turn of the twentieth century. It has been called a great American play and sounds like something I would like to see. Guess I'll add it to my bucket list.  Of  course I would have much rather seen it with Leah playing the part of Emily.  I certainly would not enjoy it any way near as much without her.

I used this scripture earlier this month, but for some reason I was prompted to post it again.  Our present world is filled with darkness.  God calls us to lives of the light . He advises us to think about good things.

1. Philippians 4:8 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Teach Your Children

Oliver is not content to sit on his laurels, or anything else. He wants to stand...and he does. He is always pulling himself to an upright position.  All this is good, unless you are wanting him to stay little forever.

Oh that we don't over protect our children and keep them from growing up and taking responsibility for themselves.  There are way too many people in this world who never learn that. They want to do nothing and then blame others when they fail to get whatever it is they want.

The very best way for children to learn  responsibility is at the feet of their parents.

Proverbs 22:6  "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children , and shall think of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

You might ask, "When can I do that? I work and they go to school, then there are activities like soccer and TV shows.

You have asked a very important question.  It isn't easy at all when the child in taken away from home and mother goes out to work. I suggest that, if it is possible, mother should be home with the children.  Consider how much you make, then think about transportation, work clothes, baby sitting, restaurant meals, etc. Now think of what things things you could do without if you were to stay at home. Be real.  You do not have to wear the most stylish shoes and buy the biggest cars.

There is no better work than to raise your children, to see their first steps, to hear their first words, to know where they are and what they are doing, to instill in them values...nothing better.

And fathers are important as well. Often they are the authority figure. Young boys need them as role models and young girls need them to show them that they have great worth and lead them so that they choose boys who will respect them.

Looks like I'm on a soapbox  tonight. It's true.  We live and learn...If we don't learn, we suffer the consequences. Better our children don't have to suffer them with us.

Baby Girl

This tiny little gift from God is covered, not only by a darling little cap with a big flower, but by love.

She is a blessed little one in this society when so many children must grow up without a father in the house.  She is loved, doubly loved.  And above all, our heavenly father in heaven loves her more than we will ever  be able to explain.

It takes a lot of love and assurance these days, with all the danger in this world.

Please, wherever you are this weekend, stop and  pray for safety for our little ones. And may God grant us protection as well.

Bear Bottoms

This past spring when we were in Colorado, John and Caleb wound up around the mountain  to Pike's Peak with us, while Beth stayed home with Oliver who was running a fever.  We found some matching pajamas that I couldn't resist for the boys while we were in the thin air (Where  our brains were impaired) at the top. But I'm glad they have them even now that I'm thinking clearly again, if only for these pictures, which I dearly love.

Recently, I've been receiving in my email encouragements to pray. On the 21st, it was so endearing to me that I'm passing it on to you word for word. You even get a link so that you can sign on for prayer.
I hope it blesses you as much as it has me.

MaxLucado.com Weekday Email

“Oh, Daddy!”  Today's MP3When my eldest daughter was 13, she flubbed her piano piece at a recital. The silence in the auditorium was broken only by the pounding of her parents’ hearts. She hurried off the stage, threw her arms around me and buried her face in my shirt. “Oh, Daddy.” That was enough for me. At that moment I’d have given her the moon. All she said was, “Oh Daddy!” Prayer starts here. Prayer begins with an honest, heartfelt, “Oh Daddy!” Jesus invites us to approach God the way a child approaches his or her daddy. Here’s my prayer challenge to you! Sign on atBeforeAmen.com for a simple prayer. Then every day for 4 weeks, pray 4 minutes—it’ll change your life forever! Before Amen

Bonfires

We scrap bookers don't generally like dark pictures, but what other kind can one get at a campfire?

This is the time of year for roasting foods, and marshmallows (can be thought of as food)  outdoors over a glowing fire. The nights have cooled. We can wear light jackets and enjoy the heat from the fire. Of course a big favorite is S'mores. And it looks as if Oliver is having himself a graham cracker. Whether he went all the way to the sticky gooey side and had a s'more, I'm not sure, but I'd wager that will have to wait a while. No matter what, he looks quite pleased.

We were blessed recently to go to a bonfire at a friend's home who tries to host one annually.  This year, she is taking chemo treatments for cancer. We weren't expecting the party, but were thrilled when we were invited.  Happy to not miss our outing, but more than that, exilerated that she felt well enough to go through with it.  When we arrived, she showed up with her would be bare head adorned with a lovely scarf. She was beautiful, hair or not.

I'm sending out a shout to all those who find themselves suffering through breast cancer and those who have traveled that path. May God give you all many more years to serve him and others while you are here on this lovely planet.

Beautiful Smiles

I love this picture of Beth and even though I like Oliver in that photo, I really get a kick out of the little one of him smiling. If it hadn't been so difficult, I would have photoshopped them together.

But even this way, I love these pictures.

Dear Father God, I ask that you protect these sweet loved ones on their journeys through life.

I hold this truth in my heart...I Corinthians 15:2, "By this gospel you are saved. If you hold firmly to the word I preached to you..."

Our Little Superman

Our Caleb wears his Superman shirt frequently. When I think of him, I picture that shirt. He's my little Superman for sure. This larger picture was taken at the farm one day when they were using Henna. Naturally he wanted a rocket ship on his arm.  

I am guessing that the smaller picture here is of Clark Kent. It just makes sense. Even though I can't see his face, I recognize those boots.

When making the layout, I remembered I had scanned some space wall decorations before sending them to Caleb earlier this year. They made perfect additions for this page.

I am trying to practice positive thinking. It is not really easy with all that is going on around us. I've found the best thing I can do daily it to find a quiet time to open my Bible.  The Bible itself says "You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your word to renew me." Psalm 119:114, The Message version.

Our Havanese Flies

Flying is not a trait they advertise about the Havenese breed; but they are known to learn tricks well. They are sometimes used as circus dogs.

We thoroughly enjoy watching this one race from room to room, jumping from one piece of furniture to another. As small as she is, it is fun to see her run and leap up onto our bed.  The funny thing is, she did not show this ability until she was more than a couple of months past her first birthday.

While I was sitting here looking at these pictures, I thought of the Serenity prayer.  Why? I don't know.

When I was checking the words of the Serenity prayer, I discovered that I know only a small part of it. I had never heard the rest...really. I can't believe I've lived this long and remained ignorant of Mr. Niebuhr's  famous words.

Serenity Prayer

Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
Amen.

Improving Numbers

Aussie's numbers keep improving.  Of course, school could put a hamper on that progress until summer. I hope it  doesn't interfere with his homework.  While homework is not often as much fun, it can be if the attitude is right.

It's always good to have our priorities right. We try to teach out children, so that they can stay on top. However, often, we adults  don't  do the same thing. We let little things get in the way of the really important ones. One example that comes to me is this:  Our top priority? Since we are humans created by the loving  God,  we should put Him first in our lives, above all else.  Does that mean that Sunday services should come before golf or fishing? What do you think...not what do you feel, or what do you want to do, but what really should come first?

For God so loved the world, that he sent his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  John 3:16

This is the loving God who taught us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as some do, but to exhort one another,..." Hebrews 10:25

iPhone 6

Well, I do like our new iPhone 6's. But naturally I like Oliver even more. I think it is quite amusing to see him wearing a Genius shirt. So the combinations of this shirt and being the first picture taken by his daddy's iPhone 6 makes this layout very special to me.

I love the way the camera caught the light playing in Oliver's eyes.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the lord. Psalm 31:14

Amigos

Back to El Fogon for more pictures of the boys. We took full advantage of all the props there at El Fogon. Caleb even tried on the sombrero. And I captured the parrots  on the wall.

These brothers are truly amigos. They like each other's company. They are friends.

These minutes were precious.

At my age, I've come to appreciate that time flies quickly away. We need to make the most of sweet moments like these with the boys, who will grow up much, much too quickly. I like to make the most of my time, but that isn't always easy.  There are many things that I will call mundane that have to be done by someone.  And that someone is me. I like to be somewhat organized so that I can get the most out of a minute; yet I find myself struggling to master something new on the computer, wasting hour upon hour. That happened to me just today.

It is now time to catch some sleep in order to handle tomorrow's activities that have been planned of me.

I wrote all that so that it looks like I've actually had something to say...to  fill some space...but I don't and  I'm going to bed.

Good night, Sleep tight in the care of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Maggie Meets Ava

It would be interesting to know what Maggie is thinking as she tilts her head and gazes at the new baby visiting. I don't remember whether or not Maggie had met Brittanie before, but that really doesn't matter, since  she loves everyone. The new thing is a baby. She has only known one baby and he was big enough to sit in his carrier on the floor and reach for her. Oh, and I've not counted her brother John's baby, who is not still, but pulls himself up and 'walks' around the room. This baby is only a couple of weeks old. The dog just doesn't get it. She isn't really afraid, yet she is keeping her distance, while keeping that little one in her sight. 

As for me, I love all of them, Brittanie, our granddaughter, Ava, our first great granddaughter and Maggie the spoiled one of our old age.

Having this little one here has reminded me of a biblical passage  that I feel very strongly about:

Proverbs 22:6New International Version (NIV)

 Start children off on the way they should go,
    and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

A newer translation, the Message, says 

Point your kids in the right direction—
    when they’re old they won’t be lost.

This is good instruction for new parents. It can also be a great comfort to parents, whose teenagers seem to have lost their way...if in fact, those parents did teach their children by word and example while they were little children.

Bestie Selfie

Here is Ashley with a couple of her friends. Do you get the picture?  Looks like they are having a good time

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days... Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it? Psalms 34:12, 14

Not that these young girls are plaqued by evil yet, but this Biblical advice is good for any one at any age.  Of course these days, evil is knocking on more children's doors than ever before...at least not in the lifetime of this nation.

Spend some time on this verse and you will be better.

Positive Thoughts

Lauren is active in Crossfit...very active. These pictures were taken over a few weeks time. Recently, she climbed a mountain as well. I'm not sure whether or not there are pictures from that event. But I surely hope so.  It certainly seems like a worthwhile activity for the scrapbook.

This is a positive activity. I'm working now on the following verse.

Philippians 4:8 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

This good advice has been my aim for years.  However, lately, I've let myself get away from it because of the state of the world.  But thanks to our minister bringing it up in his sermon this morning, I will be trying hard to let it drive my life  again. It is certainly good for one's health and relationships. And of course it is much more attractive to others. We are to be a light unto the world and we can't do that and be living in the dark world of fear.

We are to be good examples of Christ's teaching. We should trust God, our father, to guide us and do everything in love. The Bible says that  they will know we are Christians by our love.

Chicken Meatballs A Hit

As I promised myself, I've gone back to finish my summer book before working more on the fall one.

I don't think we have to wonder whether of not Oliver and Caleb liked the chicken meatballs. Their mother is an excellent cook and I wish I'd had some of those myself.

There are quite a few things I do wonder about these days. One is, how did people get so ignorant so fast?  I'm not saying that about any specific person, but society as a whole.  I certainly hope that with God's help we can get back to thinking again and living our lives for others and not just for our selfish selves.  Sometimes it takes a big tragedy  to teach a lesson. I'm praying we learn before it gets that bad...Wishful thinking, because it is getting progressively bad day and day...if one can believe what we hear and see in the news.

May the good Lord bless and keep you through the night and into the morning light. Amen.

El Fogon

I missed one night and then another...and then another. Soon it had become easy for me to go to bed without posting on the blog. I'm not sure it mattered to anyone. It didn't bother me at first, but when I noticed today that I hadn't blogged since the last day of September,  I  was a little shocked.  Time goes by so quickly now.

So here I am...and I'm trying to get this posted before midnight...somewhere.  

John, Beth, Caleb and Oliver have been here for a short time. I took LOTS of pictures and so did John and Beth. I don't have any excuse  for not making layouts. Seriously, I want to give up everything else...especially work, labor, toil, cooking, cleaning...just to work on my books. 

I made this one layout...and only this one, so far, of the boys this trip.  You are seeing this one, just because I couldn't help but get ahead of myself. These boys are soooooo cute. We took them to our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Fogon. We do love the food, but my main intent in going to lunch that day was to photograph the boys with the interesting furniture that adorns their entrance way by the fireplace. It worked well and we all thoroughly enjoyed our food as well.  

It was not our first outing of the day. We were following a trip to the Harry London, Fanny Farmer candy factory near us. I have wonderful pictures taken there as well.

Tomorrow, I'll be back with pictures that were taken during summer that I've not finished.

The election is coming up. Please study and get out there and vote. We need every single vote we can get to counter all the counterfeit votes we are getting from the other side of the fence...graveyard votes and people bussed from one precinct to another, voting over and over and over again.  Sometimes I think there is no way we can get our country back. Then I think about God's promise  to heal our land if we turn from our wicked ways.  There will always be wicked people...Satan will see to that, but we do have a larger number, than the libs like to think, who believe in our God and seek to follow him.