New Addition

Grandma Lois has a new addition in her home.
It was a stray cat, very skinny and on the streets for at least 5 weeks;
until he found, Paula, the lady across the street.
She has two birds and a cat already, so she dare not take in another.
Though an animal lover, she couldn't stand to see the poor cat go without food.
She fed him and he kept returning at night to get some food.
One night, the phone rings and Paula insists that Lois come and see the green eyed homeless cat.
Sure enough, she thought she could use a friend.
He is a good cat, though Lois gets annoyed with him quite often.
He jumps onto the counters and hardly eats the hard food, and he has gotten stuck in the sink drainer.
His most annoying thing of his is that he "kneads" as if he has to pat down anything he sits on.
Lois laughs and I think loves it deep down, but she rarely admits to it.
He even tries to sleep with her at night.

He wants to be outside like most cats do and she was very fed up with him trying to get out, so she kicked him out.
Worried and hoping he would come back, is what she thought, but could only talk about how annoyed she was.
He's home again and she's secretly thankful.
She loves him.

That is, Billy Huberd.

It Twas Golden...

Never in all my life, did I think that I would spend my Golden Birthday, in New York
~ but I did.

Never in my life did I think I would have pancakes for breakfast, delivered with a candle on top with my boyfriend's Grandma
~ but I did.

Never did I think I would support the local fire hall, at a BBQ
~ but I did.

Never did I think I would finish up part of a siding job
~ but I did.

Never did I think I would have a boyfriend who'd take me out to dinner
~ but I did.

Never did I think I would enjoy an Italian dinner at a local Italian Restaurant, in NY
~ but I did.

Never did I think my boyfriend would sing me song after song, while playing his guitar
~ but he did.

NEVER DID I IMAGINE TO SPEND MY GOLDEN BIRTHDAY AWAY FROM ALL THAT I LOVE
~ but I did.

I did imagine to enjoy the day of September 20th when I would turn 20
~ AND I DID!


Thanks for all the birthday wishes, gifts, and letters in the mail. I loved them all and I appreciate the effort you all took make my day special, because it was!

I'm Loving...

Cheese Curd!
Isn't that not me? I normally don't like cheese at all. Burrville Cider Mill has some amazing cheese curd. Now it's not a cheese curd, like Troy would think. "Family Size from Culver's" This is just plain old cheese, not breaded. I've had quite a craving for it the past few days, and I finally got some today.

James and I just finished siding another part of the house tonight! I feel like it's taking us way too long, but that's only because we keep running into things, which should be expected with a 200 year old house. *shrugs*

...if you haven't heard, or someone hasn't told you:

I may be coming home sooner then Christmas.

; )

Aiden!

Happy Birthday, Aiden John Peters!

I love you and miss you AND the rest of your family!

Lake Ontario

I GOT TO GO THE THE BEACH TODAY!

I GOT TO GO TO THE BEACH TODAY!
I GOT TO GO TO THE BEACH TODAY!

Oh was it ever amazing. We went to Lake Ontario. It was absolutely the best day to go. It was windy, which made great waves! Sunny, not TOO sunny, but the wind was warm! Temp was about 85ish. The shore was long and soft, soft, white sand. Another great thing...there was about 30 people on the whole shoreline. The closest people to us were about 30 feet away! The day couldn't have been better...well, actually I'm sure it could have. Though, I am sooo happy to have gone.

It started out with a beautiful ride in my car. Which was probably James's biggest bummer. He wanted to take his Buick Convertible, but something was wrong with it, that would have taken maybe 30 minutes to fix. It was already 12:30, it wasn't worth the wait. We got out the map, since he had only been there a few times when he was younger. Sure enough -> we go too far. About 15 minutes to far... AH! Then once we get on the right path...sure enough -> We forgot the wallet. It was my job to gather everything, since he was still taking the last few pieces of siding off. As we walked out the door I reminded the both of us, "Now, I didn't grab your wallet or cell phone yet, I just have to put the towels back into my car." I didn't have his attention, so I guess I forgot. : ( We needed money to get in, so WE had to turn around. It wasn't worth getting there and not accepting my "out of state checks". So..we turn around...
Just 20 minutes later, we were back from start on our way to the BEACH! It's now about 1:15ish, I'm getting REALLY antsy, let me tell you.
Alright, so we get there and we pay the $6 to get in. I'm sooo excited I can hear the waves crashing into the shore and the sun is beating into the car. WAH WhOO! THEN I see the most unpleasant words "NO SWIMMING" written on the board. WHAT!?!?!? My mind just went crazy!/?*!_? So what this is a national park, why do you have a beach in it if I CAN'T SWIM IN IT! Well, I wasn't very happy, to say the least. Grouchy ol' me wouldn't even get out of the car right away. I just sat and looked at the wonderful waves of the Great Ontario Lake.
We get down there and there are people walking out in the water...NOT SWIMMING of course. HA. Pretty funny. We walked the shore for a while, then we found our spot. Down a ways, close to the end of the property. We stand there, unsure exactly what the sign was for, not wanting to disobey the rules - of course! I couldn't resist. Who can just lay next to the water and not go in?!?! Could you?
We WALKED out, pretty far, the waves were huge and I felt like I was 6 again! James even laughed and commented on my vibrant excitement. It just felt sooo good and refreshing! The water was a tad cold, but nothing to shiver about by any means! After floating in, we sat just out of the water and took a few deep breaths to soak it all in. He started to dig a hole and the water oozes in from the walls of the hole. It was pretty cool. Then he starts to pat some sand down, "I'm going to make you" HA it was the funnest thing - to do outside the water. We ended up making each other out of sand! I felt like an artist. Sand really isn't too hard to mold, so nothing like a master piece, but I will say, I did a pretty darn good job on his lips and he did a great job with my hair. It was just really fun. I WISH I had my camera for you to judge, but I completely forgot that.
We swam, I mean...walked and jumped, a few more times. Boy, I really didn't feel like I was almost 20, maybe almost 10, but definitely not 20. : ) I don't know what it was, but it sure was amazing. I probably said "God this is soo cool, thank you so much, I love this, this is sooo much fun, God thank you for this huge wave that's cooooming!" a few, several times throughout the day. How could I NOT thank him for something I never knew I loved so much?!
After ALL that screaming...and shushing (James of course thought I was being a little too loud and that someone would think I was drowning) ...I wasn't THAT loud, just enjoying myself. *shrugs* ANYWAYS...We floated back in and just sat in the water near shore, just talked. It was very memorable.
After ONE MORE ...walk.. out and float in we HAD to go.

Needless to say:

I love Lake Ontario!

Tennis!

James and I have played tennis every day this week! On Monday we played with Pastor Dave. It was very fun, Dave is a good player and we played two vs. one. I had a lot of fun getting into the swing of things. Then James had so much fun that he wanted to play on Tuesday. I gave him some lessons and he started to have a much smoother swing and getting contact with the ball. Wednesday I was just pumped to play some more and so we played for 30 minutes. It was short, but I've missed playing it all summer, so I've really enjoyed it!
On Monday night, we were all so pumped up about rackets and balls that after two hours of tennis we had to play some Racket Ball. Pastor Dave served in the US Army so he has free access to the all the opportunities at the Fort Drum Base in NY. It's one of the biggest army bases. It was fun to go in there and see what it was like. Though it was like city with walls around it and that sorta stuff. It was cool, they have a bowling alley, burger king, subway, a pizza parlor, a mall, two health clubs, three chapels, trails, a beach, and quarters for the ones training for the army, homes for families who are not stationed anywhere yet..that sorta stuff. Anyways, we three went in there to play racket ball. It was a lot of fun too!

Today I got to stay home and clean. I cleaned my room and reorganized a little bit, vacuum and such. I also cleaned out my car and THAT was needed! It's been a nice relaxing day.

Painting in the Sky

Isn't our God amazing!? To think that He creates a night sky for you and me that are different! Can you imagine looking down and seeing all the different skies God makes in just ONE day? It is amazing to think that you can look at the sky and tell me what you see and I could tell you what I see; it would be different for the both of us. We are only, yes only, 1200 miles apart. Can you imagine if were were farther and the skies would be even more different? The skies out here, both night and day, amaze me. I often wonder...what do you see in the sky as I look at it.

"Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!
Say to God "How awesome is your deeds!
So great is your power
that you enemies cringe before you.
All the earth bows down to you;
they sing praise to you,
they sing praise to your name."

-Psalm 66:1-4

^Can't help but miss the person I find myself lying like. *giggles*^

I will Not be Moved

I have been the wayward child

I have acted out

I have questioned Sovereignty

And had my share of doubt

And though sometimes my prayers feel like

They're bouncing off the sky

The hand I hold won't let me go

And is the reason why...

I will stumble
I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes
I will face heartaches
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
I will not be moved

Bitterness has plagued my heart
Many times before
My life has been like broken glass
And I have kept the score
Of all my shattered dreams and though it seemed
That I was far too gone
My brokenness helped me to see
It's grace I'm standing on

I will stumle
I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes
I will faced heartaches
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
I will not be moved

And the chaos in my life
Has been a badge I've worn
Though I have been torn
I will not be moved

I will stumble
I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes

I will face heartaches

But I will not be moved

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

I will not be moved

-Natalie Grant

I love her new song...if you haven't heard it yet. Check it out!

I Miss...

...everything about Home.

I really do and it's been really hard the past few days especially, but I've seriously missed home for the past 3 weeks. I think it hit me most when I knew I wouldn't be able to see my parents this fall. I'm thinking and praying A LOT about this fall/winter. Please, please, pray with me. For guidance, peace, and clear direction, not just for me, but also for James.
Today was a peaceful day, Praise God!


....I miss everything about Home, I really do!

Love...

...it can mean so many things
...expressed in so many ways
...but it's only found unconditionally at one place.
That place is the Cross.

As the story is told: At the turn-of-the-century, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a full-sized Rhineland Castle in Alexandria Bay, on picturesque Heart Island. The grandiose structure was to be a display of his love for his wife, Louise.
Beginning in 1900, Boldt's family share four glorious summers on Wellesley Island while 300 workers, stonemasons, carpenters, and artists fashioned the six story, 120-room castle, complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge, and a dovecote.
Not a single detail or expense was spared.
In 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegrammed the island and commanded the workers to immediately "stop all construction." Louise had died suddenly. A brokenhearted Boldt could not imagine his dream castle without his beloved. Three hundred workers laid down their tools. Boldt never returned to the island, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love.

Heart Island from the boat


The Alster Tower (Play House)
Consists of stairs rounding the sides, an interior balcony, perhaps for drama and plays.
Most impressive, there were two bowling lanes!
This building was used by the Boldt family while the rest of the castle was being built.


Power House - built intended to electrify the island when they acquired it.
Notice the clock for river traffic.
(there were music from Chimes as well)


The Arch was used for formal entries and delivering guests.
The walkways to the arch are made of stone and separate the bay from what would be "The Swan Pond"



Observation Deck - What a View!


Boldt's Yacht House (just across from Heart Island)
Notice the three garages for their three yachts.


The trees made it very hard to get close up pictures of the WHOLE thing.


For 73 years, that castle remained eerily vacant, left to the mercy of the wind, rain, ice, snow, and vandals. The Thousand Island Bridge Authority assumed ownership in 1977, determined to preserve Boldt's legacy for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Since then, millions of dollars have been invested into the restoration of the stunning Heart Island structures and, more recently, the exquisite Boldt Yacht House.

Dining Room
Don't worry, there are ENOUGH seats for everyone.
Though...the house had at least 12 "Guest Chambers"


Reception Room
Desk to the left
Pink Marble Fireplace to the right
Check out the detail on the walls and ceiling!


The Hall
James insisted on dancing and we ALMOST did, then a group of people made their way in.


The Patio - The wood ceilings were neat!
Around the corner was a HUGE stone fire place!


Can you spy the heart?
Hearts were ALL over, designed in the ceiling, railings, plants, windows...

Detailed Plants were all over too!

Though a castle would be great.
The love of Christ is much greater!
To praise and give Him glory is why we're here.
He's so much more than great!
Not only does mercy and grace come everyday,
but the Kingdom of Heaven...
...is the true Castle of Love!

~AND~
He could be building it for you RIGHT NOW, without ever stopping, just awaiting your arrival.
Just think...
...a castle built for you,
out of love!

That's the God I love and live for!

The Power of Prayer

Prayer has POWER

I've been convinced that prayer has lost it's importance in many ways. We teach our teens about certain topics and what to do in those cases, we say we will pray for someone, but the promise seems to be forgotten many of the times. We pray for the sick or diseased, but we don't take time to go pray with them. We pray when we meet with a group of Christians, but it's only an opener or a closer of the meeting.. there is rarely power there.

Prayer needs to become something we instill in our lives to set examples for those around us. If we consider ourselves to be Christians we need to give God our time, not just a "Hey God" sorta thing, but time in our day that we sit before him in awe of Him and ALL that he is. The world is so loud with so many mixed messages that we just need to still ourselves and stop being so busy to just be calm and quiet before our God. Letting Him soak us in, letting ourselves soak Him in.

Prayer can change anything and if we, as people who believe in God, help teens and really anyone we have influence on, understand prayer. If we teach them how to be comfortable praying and just learning how to pray and have a reverence for our Lord and Savior. THAT will change their lives, we can help them "do" better and "act" better or teach them ways to "live" better.. BUT WHAT DOES THAT TELL THEM? That their actions are what matters... and that's not the case. It's our relationship with Him, talking with Him, being with Him, and giving our lives for Him. If we are giving our lives to Him, then we are doing what He wants for us..

How does a child convey to their mother or father that they need something, they cry, say just one word, they ask for it in a sentence, or they just go to them with a stinky bottom and it's evident they need something. God is the same way for us. To know what God wants, we need to CRY out to him. Say something simple like "God what do you want from me". Tell Him about what's going on and say "God I lay these things at your feet, do with them as you please" ...Sometimes we stink, we're dirty and we just need to kneel before Him and say nothing at all, and He cleanses us, makes us pure again.. wraps us in His blanket of mercy and grace, without us saying a single thing, just going before Him. That's all that "prayer" really is, and its POWERFUL when we genuinely do it.

08-08-08

It started just one year ago.
We were sitting in my basement, he on the couch and I on the floor.
It was the day we went to Valley Fair with my family.
And he dug up the nerve to ask me:
"Anna, would you like to be my lady?"
With a giggle from me, I smiled with a:
"Yes I would."

Since then, we've done a lot of growing and changing.
Working with each other,
learning to be patient and speak with love.
Helping one another become a stronger more passionate person.
Growing to love the Lord and be who God wants us to be.
Ultimately, be a door for God to use each of us to show His love through us.

We've had our fights and our disappointments.
James claims to many:
"We have a quick recovery"
I like to think, only because we have the grace and love of God within us.
That doesn't mean that we won't become upset,
but God does remind us of the love that His Son has shown to us,
just what we are to show to everyone else.

We have our moments of fun!
Whether swimming/sliding at the creek
or enjoying a walk looking at the sky and sunset.
We treat ourselves with ice cream or milk shakes
and let's not forget about our favorite place to eat:
Crystal Restaurant.
We also play our fair share of Battle Ship or playing with Legos.

I want to thank my parents, for showing me what love is.
They have loved me unconditionally,
regardless of my attitude or stubborness.
They have loved each other,
through the ups and downs of life,
though never forgetting what their foundation is.
So thanks for the love you have put into my life, so that I may love others.

I also want to thank Rachel for the love that she has given to me.
Starting in the 7th grade, not knowing what love God would give to us,
we began to befriend each other.
Keeping me accountable and honest to my actions,
she showed me love.
Praying for me always, no matter what the request,
I know she is always remembering me to our Lord.
Her love is encouraging and uplifting, everytime I talk to her!
Thank you Rachel, for loving me like you have!


Throughout this relationship I have tried to never forget what Love really is.
"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Some are easier, some are much harder, but that's how God calls us all to love.

May the love of God be with you as it has been with me through so many people.

Happy 1st Year Anniversary, James! It's been a blast of a year!

It Is Almost Finished.

The feeling of each weed being pull is so mixed-up.
To look ahead and see the weeds is dreadful, but to look to the side and to know JUST 2 more ROWS is an incredible motivation!
Though our work has yet to keep us from amazing discussions, I'm ready to not speak at all.
I'm ready to have a child laughin or a baby whimpering...little talkin on my part, loveNcare.

I've been in contact with a family and I am praying, but still open to the Lord...which is hard.
Two girls: 3 years and another that is 8 months old.
OH, could that be any better? My utmost favorite ages, IN ONE!

James is getting ready to side his dad's house and put in some new windows
so...he still has work to do.

Last Sunday was remarkable, this Sunday...everyone else had other plans. No one showed up?!
James and I sat there for 45 minutes, but not a single one of the 17 showed up.
Though I've realized it was better then just two or three.
Now we will just do the lesson next week.
It would have been slightly difficult to do the lesson with such a small amount.
So though everyone forgot or made other plans...
God was still using His hands!

James and I instead went out to dinner at our favorite restaurant.
He had a seafood planter
and of course I had Chicken Parmesan.
We've found this to be the best place,
because it is inexpensive food, yet still amazing quality!
If you visit me, you are guaranteed a meal there!

Lois, is STILL not home yet.
I expected her yesterday,
but she had a doctor's appointment today.
I don't know much else on that.

I drink A LOT of milk these days
especially Chocolate!

James and I have been on the hunt for Free/Cheap things.
We've picked up a very decent blue couch (free)
We bought French Doors ($20)
We, I mean mostly me, picked up:
One vase, one bowl like vase (for like a floating candle), and one candle stand. (free, free, free)

^Story on those last things^
As I was picking them off the free shelf,
asking James what he thought of them
I got this:
"Looks like knick knacks to me."

: D

Bottom line:
Pages are turning and the field is almost clean cut enough for a picture.
...oh what a finish it will be!

Accepted

Sunday night was none out of the ordinary when I got to the church. I set all the candy and supplies down in the classroom and began to write: "Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, and with ALL your soul, and with ALL your mind, and with ALL your strength" Mark 12:30. As that was the memory verse for the night/week. It was the plan to talk to them about what it means to worship God. King Asa was the example we read about in our Bibles. He started out as a King who did good and right in the eyes of the Lord and was very blessed. He turned away from the Lord at the end of his reign and he suffered, along with his nation. After reading and discussing what it this story can mean to us today, we played our memorizing game. It's amazing how quickly you can learn a verse and it has amazed the kids as well.
After the game, I asked the kids:
"how can you love God with all your heart?"
"how can you love God with all your soul?"
"how can you love God with all your mind?"
"how can you love God with all your strength?"
We all came up with examples and ways that we can worship God with our love for him.
Kelsey, who comes and works with us sometimes, said that one way she could love God with her heart was to believe and accept him. Based on what I learned from Pastor Dave, she wasn't raised in a Christian home and that she probably hasn't even heard of the idea to accept Christ.
I was a little shocked that she said that, because normally she gives those "Sunday School Answers".
After the night was finished and most of the kids had left, Kelsey came up to me wanting another piece of candy. So I took the opportunity and asked her if she had ever asked God to live through her life.
She said, "No, to be honest, I haven't"
I said, "Would you like to, cause if you would, I would gladly answer any questions you have and lead you through a prayer and help you better understand what it means to be a Christ follower."
She continued to dig through the candy and looked up and said "yeah, I would like to."

SO WE DID IT! She accepted Christ into her life. As nervous as she was, I couldn't tell how she truly felt or what she was thinking, but she is interested and I know she wants to keep coming and learning more.

PRAISE BE TO GOD!

Taken Over Time

Pictures are fun and I love to take them, but some of the time, the pictures don't have a theme so here are just some random ones that have been taken over the past few weeks.
Here's to seeing what I've been seeing:


James and I have been on a cloud/sky/pretty picture phase.

On top of the hill, behind James's house

08.21.2008; 7:32 pm

08.22.2008; 6:16 am

Introducing James's Cat, "Pretty Kitty"

James and I went to Chamout, NY - this is the Bay of Lake Ontario.


More of the bay....


In a corn field on top of the hill. James and I played hide and seek!


Picking Black Raspberries...expect he got busted this time!

The Swarm of Bees James Captured.


Capturing...He got stung twice.


I went to the County Fair


TUG!!


08.20.2008; 7:51 pm


Quick Updates

Grandma Lois is coming home tomorrow and is getting a lot of her strength back.

James and I are just about done with strawberries, but we still have to weed like crazy.

Raspberries are ripening fast, a long with Black Raspberries...they sell for 6.50 a quart. Can you believe that?

On Sunday there were 5 new kids! IF everybody came the same night we could have up to 17 kids! : )

I saw 5 snakes today, ONE was creeping through the raspberry bush, right next to my HAND. I had to take a break...but James was happy I didn't scream that time.

I miss home, but at this point plan on coming home around Christmas. To stay? I just don't know.

I love love love Almond Joys, lately.

Highly Disappointed.

Today is the very first day in my life that I wished I was 21.

James and I are searching through the classified together, trying to find jobs...

Right when I moved here I noticed this Children's Home, just five minutes down the road I live on. My heart leaped with joy! I just knew that that is where I wanted to work, when the strawberries were about done. Nothing could be more perfect, I thought. I love kids and teens, and I strangely enough enjoy the challenge of working with ones who haven't always had love in their life. I was thrilled to know it was so close, it would save on gas, who isn't trying to do that these days?!?

To what I thought was a blessing, James found out they were hiring and looking for someone like me. I was utterly thrilled and I couldn't wait to apply and see what I would be doing. James even found out that they pay more the $10 an hour - that was even better new to me. Love what I do and getting paid a decent amount. OH I couldn't wait, they just posted the ad yesterday so I knew I'd want to get in there quick.

James said we could go in today and we DID!

I got the application and was told to bring it in tomorrow.

Unfortunately, as I excitedly read, to get a job there I'd have to be 21.

It took me a few 20 minutes to really let it sink in.
My heart was broken,
the most broken I've felt in a long time.

I'm still not at ease with the fact that God has something else for me.
Sometimes, I never see the door shutting, until it's slammed in my face.
...it hurts much less if you see it coming.
How does one prevent high hopes and a deep passion let them fall away from what they thought was the right and very best thing?

I'm very sad tonight, wondering what in the world God will do with me now.



P.S. I really miss reading people's comments, have I lost some readers? ....this isn't the very best post to respond to. I just want you to know, I also wish that you would comment, let me know what's going on in your life - that's half the reason I am doing this.

God IS Great!

It's been a while since Sunday, (first night of Summer Bible School-SBS) but I knew it would take me a while to explain the things that God has done, so I waited to be able to give you the best that I could.

We have a woman from the village of Rodman coming every weekday morning from 6:30-10:30 to help us out. Her name is Ann Elyse and she came to James's mind as a helper because she is a school teacher and he didn't know what she did in the summers. I met her once before and she told me she wanted to help out with SBS, because she normally has her own sort of thing, but since she heard that I was going to be doing something she thought she would just tell the kids that come to her summer deal about mine, as she helped. WELL, last week, I was suddenly feeling like I wanted to reach some older kids in the church as well. I felt like they were getting the idea that God is old and boring. I just thought, well maybe in the fall if God still wants me here I will do something with the older kids. Although I couldn't stop thinking about the youth all week, I knew God wanted me to do this SBS now.

Ann Elyse is very experienced with kids, since she is a teacher, so I was slightly intimidated and wasn't sure how I felt about her helping out. THEN, Tuesday of last week, when she came to see if she wanted to help us with our strawberries, she was also wanted to see the material. I was a little nervous most of the day, but God gave me a peace. He gave me a peace when he gave me the idea of working with Ann Elyse. He wanted to reach more kids, on their level.

The idea was this: Ann Elyse is great with kids and really help them understand at their level. I on other hand, feel like I am more spiritually gifted to teach older kids and help them understand the Word of God on a deeper level, that's it's more then just stories. I thought to myself, why would I hold back from letting God use two people's gifts to the fullest, WORK WITH THIS WOMAN! The plan was to, get some older kids invited and split the kids up by age. I would teach the older kids and Ann Elyse would teach the younger ones. If she liked the material she could use that and then I could use some of the material and draw up a lesson. Oh I was excited!

I was a little worried about how Ann Elyse would take it. Did she think I was dropping it on her? Would she wish, then she would have taught with her other material? Also, would the church thing I backed down? Satan had his way with me, but then again, the Lord gave me a peace.

Turns out, she loves the material and had a blast on Sunday, as did I. It went so well! We had 10 kids, 5 for the each of us. Her kids ranged from Pre-K to 4th and I had 5th-7th! Our night started out with singing songs and give praise to our King. Then after a two songs, we went into our groups.

I wasn't sure where my kids (I don't know what else to call them, but I'm sure not to call them "kids" in from of them) were spiritually so I started out with a little game that I made up. I made some signs with Popsicle sticks with "yes" "no" "maybe" and "I don't know" on them and what they had to do was answer the questions I asked with the signs. I asked about their favorite colors and food, if they knew Jesus died for their sins, if they read the bible often, if they knew how to prepare their hearts for God, and lastly if they had ever heard of John the Baptist. That led into the lesson. We took turns reading from Matthew about who John the Baptist was and what he did to prepare the people's hearts from who would come after him, JESUS! After that I taught about how we can prepare for Jesus now. After the lesson, there were review questions and candy for the right answers. They had fun and I feel like God taught them something. : ) Then we all went down to meet with the other kids and we had a snack that was "prepared" for us and we also played and quick game. Before everyone was dismissed we prayed and I handed out their Take Home Booklet. This booklet has something for them to do each day. Either it is a question to review, just an answer is needed. Others are things they have to do, like recited 1 Peter 1:13 to three people and get their signatures. : ) I pray the kids will do this, to help them remember what it is they can do to prepare their hearts for God.

Sunday went really well and I am very excited and I pray that the kids will return with a prepared heart for the words of the Lord. - Pray with me too?

One other thing that you can be praying about is, Grandma Lois.

I came home one night and she wasn't home, nor was there a sticky note saying where she went. I assumed she went to Aunt Lisa's for the night.
I came home the next night, and she still wasn't there. I was a little concerned, but knew that if something was wrong, Lisa would know about it. -Lois calls at least 2 times a day.

Lisa, Ed, and their son, Curtis came over Saturday to help a little with the strawberries for an exchange of black raspberries. I realized that Lois didn't come and so I asked...so has Lois been with you??

Apparently, Lois had a colostomy exam on Thursday because of some stomach pains she has been having. After the exam they sent her home and on the way she fainted in Lisa's car. They turned around and it turns out that her spleen is bleeding. She's been in the hospital since. James and I went to visit her last night, but she was fast asleep. She hasn't been sleeping very well, so we let her be.

Lastly, if James says it's okay, I might be going to the county fair with Ann Elyse on Thursday.
-kinda kidding about the James part-

Bees Bees oh Honey Bees!

I suddenly love bees, and I've learned so much about them. I could probably give you a very long lesson, but we can all remember back to our school days and know lectures aren't all that fun without pictures. I'll let the photos tell the story.

My Bee Outfit!


James and I - before the hard work.


James is ready to go, but of couse I have to stop him for a picture...


Bees before we bothered them out on their "front porch"


All Supers! - We did add a fourth afterwards, they wanted more room.
(Super #1 is the bottom box)

Smoking Out the Bees, boy did they get loud!

The started working in Super #3
(That's what beekeepers call the boxes)
(Super #3 is the third box from the ground)

Our Working Space - by "our" I mean James's.
(I just took pictures)



A close up of the bees!


A piece of comb James scrapped off.
(They were raising new queen bees so that they could swarm)



James is pealing away comb that they are raising new queen bees in.
We don't want them to swarm, we want ONE STRONG BEE HIVE!



There is a BEE in my face! - If only you could see her wagging her stinger at me!


Bees Bees Bees, from Super #1

Same frame, just flat. Thick huh?

James is playing with a bee.

This is a piece of wax they inappropriately put on top - that James scrapped off.

A frame from Super #3 they began to wax

Bees on Super #2 .
Thee lighter colored combs are ones they've sealed honey into, thee yellowish colored combs they are still filling.

Super #1
You'll notice a darker colored comb. I believe that's because Worker Bees are being rasied there.
Also there are some honey combs as well.