Good news!!

The good news today is that Brian and Laurie's house is safe from foreclosure and Brian goes tomorrow to finally complete paperwork for a job. This has all been a long time coming and full of challenges and pitfalls, but now it is done and they are on their way to a better life.

Thanks to all who have helped, who have prayed with and for us.

The last "challenge" was that on Friday the Post Office had lost the registered mail containing the check headed to the attorney to stop foreclosure proceedings. Through a lot of prayer, tenacity on the part of our Postmaster, and insistence on our part, the check was found and sent to its destination. Mark up anther gray hair or ten for me!! Don't mess with my children... you'll see another side of me!!!!

The Adventures of Riley and Grandma

Roller Coaster Days

The past few weeks have truly been the "best of times and the worst of times". The entire family has been on an emotional roller coaster. Just when we thought we were over the worst and approaching the end, the "roller coaster" took a sharp turn and plummeted down an unexpectedly steep drop. It took our breaths, shook our teeth, made us want to throw up and then it was over. In the time it took to make the plunge, we were back on track and can see the end of this track. I, for one, will be more than happy to exit this ride.

All the while we were stuck on the ride, our friends were "on the ground" encouraging us and cheering us on. It made such a difference. It gave us hope and let us know no matter how tough the ride, they were there for us in the end. We stumbled off the ride and into their waiting arms. What comfort. What love. How lucky we are. God has blessed us richly.

I'm headed for a bench in the shade of a big oak tree. For just a little while, I want to sit back and watch. Maybe I'll ride the carousel... someday soon.

A fun almost 2 weeks~!

Grandma is getting worn out, but Riley is having a blast!! We've had 4 nites of Vacation Bible School, Riley spent the nite with friend's grandson, Wyatt, we all went to Fun World (similiar to Chuck E. Cheese), we've have had house guests for 3 days (with 2 wild kids his age of their own) and today we played in Fire's Creek. Skipping stones, discovering a mud puppy (crawdad), and wading in the freezing water were all fun. Now, we're off to the pool for swimming then his 4th swim lesson. Riley and Grandpa Bill built a yard toss game and have started putting together a model car. AND Riley's going to get to stay an additional week. What a great summer!!!

Answered Prayer!

Amazing! Absolutely amazing! Today, after 6 months without even a hope of one, Brian was offered a job! Praise God! There is no other answer... absolutely... without a doubt, this is answered prayer. There have been so many people praying for them that it boggles my mind. We are soooo very blessed to have such wonderful Christian friends. Thanks be to God for answered prayer and for good friends. I am humbled and grateful. Amen and amen!

Prayer

Prayer is the only answer, no matter the question. We all know it, but living it is the hard part. I'm praying that God will show Brian and Laurie HIS will for taking care of their family, keeping a roof over their heads and food on their table. At this moment, none of us can see the plan. We are trying to understand and keep our faith... its hard... really hard... pray with us.
Pray for us.

Muffins, muffins, muffins!

Riley and I made these for breakfast today. He ate 4 - guess they passed the taste test!!!

Strawberry Muffins

Quick, easy and yummmmy!

2 cups Bisquick
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup cooking oil
1 (6-oz) carton strawberry yogurt
1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

Combine Bisquick, sugar, eggs and oil in large mixing bowl. Stir in yogurt until ingredients are wet. Gently stir in strawberries. Spoon into greased or paper-lined muffin pans. Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Cool and spread with butter. YUMMMMY! Makes 12 muffins.

Can you say RRRBBBBITTTT?

OK, these are just too cute! Cake mix, can of frosting, green gumdrops, white chocolate chips and a dot of black gel icing...
What fun!!!

This brings me to the week ahead- Vacation Bible School - Camp E.D.G. E. (experience and discover God everywhere). And a 2 wk visit from our 8yr old grandson, Riley! OH, I can hardly wait!!! We're going to have sooo much fun!!

Will keep you posted, as much as possible! But, wouldn't these frog cupcakes be perfect dessert for VBS???

Gardening in the mountains

A few weeks ago, I shoveled horse manure while my dear husband ran the gas powered tiller. Does anyone else see something wrong with this picture? Today, while my dear husband was in "town", I shoveled gravel and rocks after hoeing my little garden. Anyone else seeing a pattern here? Need I even mention the words "sore muscles"? Ohhhhhhh my aching arms, back, legs, you name it and it hurts!

In another few weeks (if we're lucky!) I'll have an abundance of veggies and it will all be worth it... and if I keep repeating that all night, maybe I'll fall asleep counting my green beans!

I planted 6 different kinds of tomatoes... several are marked, the others are your best guess! I started off with good intentions... not sure where I strayed. Oh, well. When they turn red, we'll eat them! I know for sure that there is a Mr.Stripy, heirloom variety. The tomatoes are, you guessed it, striped! I'll post a photo of this for sure.

My little garden includes 2 types of eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, red pepper, yellow pepper, and cucumbers. Oh, yes, bush beans and runner beans. If you're picturing a large flat garden, think again! Reality is a terraced, fenced garden with 4 levels on a sloping hillside.The fence keeps out rabbits, an occasional deer, wild turkey, and bear! Welllll, I guess if the bear REALLY wanted green beans, the fence wouldn't do much to stop him.