Today I'm greatful for . . .

A path to walk on.

A family to call.



Friends in many places.


A home to clean.

A husband who washes dishes.

A God who forgives me.

Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1

Birthday Dinner

What better way to celebrate a man's birthday than with food?

We had a little birthday dinner for Kyle with our friends Justin and Megan. We had a Chinese food theme (Kyle has been wanting to have Justin over for Chinese ever since I made him his first stir-fry in March!) with Stir-fry, Lo Main, fresh Pineapple and "Gleen Beans" (thanks for the contribution Meg!).

It was so much fun to spend some time together! Justin and Megan are expecting their first daughter to arrive any time now. Thanks you guys for making the evening special!

This, believe it or not, is Kyle's traditional birthday choice - Angel Food cake! I didn't have the proper pan to cook it in, so we made do with regular loaf pans. Didn't look as good, but tasted just fine!

It's fun to have a reason to celebrate!

Another Birthday

My Special Somebody is having his birthday today!



I love you sweetheart, so much! The last year has been great, and it just keeps getting better! - GJ

Arkansas

Last weekend Brian and Kristi hosted a wonderful family get-away at a beautiful resort in Arkansas. We had so much fun being together!

Here's the crew L to R: Kenny, Gretchen, Kyle, Me, Haley, Kristi, Brian, Connor, Renee and David.

It was hot, hot, hot outside, so we had perfect weather for all sorts of water activities! The resort had a really neat pool that we all checked out one evening.


We liked how they incorporated the natural surroundings into their design.


Kyle doing water aerobics with his niece . . . literally.


The whole area was SO pretty.

We ate all sorts of yummy dishes during dinner together.

Best friends Morgan and Haley.

Renee and Gretchen (just imagine spending ten hours in a car with TWO ladies named Gretchen!).

The most entertaining dish we tried - a flaming banana dessert! Food and fire, what could be better?

David and Renee. David provided the best dinner music (and dinner laughs!) with his famous spoon playing abilities.

Kristi, Connor and Brian.


Brothers Kyle and Kenny.
We also went out boating and tubeing. Here we are, ready to got with David in his "rickshaw".




The brave tube-ers and the lazy pontoon-ers.


Most of us swam over to the speed boat at least once for a little "speed fix"!



The water was great (warmer than the cold pool) and an occasional dip kept us comfy.


Kyle and I in the water, while David pulls his dead fish routine.



Gretchen took a lot of these pictures - thanks Gretchen!


Towards the end of the day, I got the opportunity to drive. I didn't crash, flip us, or make anyone sick. At least, not any sicker than they already were. (Just joking, everyone did fine!)

On our last evening, we headed out onto the beautiful grounds for a little photo op.

After snapping pictures for a couple minutes, Gretchen asked if there was any other spot we wanted to try. Kyle suggested over by a little tiny plant growing beside the path. So, we took a picture there, and here it is.

Thanks all for the fun of your company, and Brian and Kristi for a wonderful time! We're looking forward to the next gathering. :-)

Somebody's Golden Brithday . . .

. . . is today! If you know what that is, you'll know how old he is getting. Many happy returns, Nate!

On the Menu

Salami Calzone

1 (1 lb.) frozen pizza crust dough, thawed
8 oz sliced deli salami
6 oz sliced mozzerella or provolone cheese
1 C. cottage cheese
1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese
1/2 C. fresh chopped basil
Olive oil
flour
Pasta sauce for dipping, op.

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Cook salami slightly in microwave or on stove top to render fat. Meanwhile, combine cottage cheese, parmesan and basil in bowl. Brush oil over rimmed baking sheet. On lightly floured surface, roll dough into 14 inch circle, 1/4 inch thick. Layer half of salami and sliced cheese, leaving 1 inch border around edges. Spoon cottage cheese mixture over sliced cheese and layer with remaining sliced cheese and salami. Wet edges of dough with water, fold over filling and crimp edges to seal. Transfer to oiled baking sheet. Cut four 1 inch slits in crust. bake until golden brown, about 15 min. Cool for 5 min., cut into 4 wedges. Serves 4 (or 2 for two meals!)


May I recommend hot Salami Calzone with Pine-nut and Beet Salad, and Sweet Iced Tea? It makes a lovely dinner!

Enjoying gifts.

Of course, we've been enjoying our wedding gifts all along (some of the more practical ones on a daily basis!), but I noticed the other day that a picture I sent to my Mom had quite a number of our gifts in it.


The plate rack, candles, candle sticks and vase were all from different friends. The fresh flowers were from Kyle. Thanks all!


Another gift I've been enjoying is the two beautiful rose bushes from the C. and D. families. Kyle planted them by the garage where I can see them from the kitchen window.


This one is named "Dreams Come True", and it's now blooming for the second time this summer. It starts out yellow and turns bright pink in the sunshine.



I like to bring the blossoms indoors. ;-)


The second rose is a delicate pink called "Falling in Love". These bushes were carefully chosen!


So lovely!

Traffic jams DO happen in the country!

Well, what would you call it when two 15' wide pieces of farm machinery meet while going opposite directions on a narrow country road?

Happy July 4th!

"It can not be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!" - Patrick Henry

“God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this." - Benjamin Franklin

(Notice the socks pulled up against chiggers as Matthew and Andrew head to the field for target practice ;-)

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and Bible." - George Washington




"We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus!" - John Adams & John Hancock

Homemade ice cream!

"Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is impossible that a nation of infidels or idolaters should be a nation of free men. It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains." - Patrick Henry

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - Jesus

Happy Birthday America!