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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Last Year I Cried....

This year, I cried again.

Olivia's first day of First Grade

On this day, I'm reminded of my responsibility
to teach her the ways of the Lord.
Father, grant me wisdom to pour into her
what you've poured into me.
Help me to be the best mother I can be.
Grant me patience and give me an extra measure of love.
Help me to choose my words carefully
and to praise her because that is how she will learn best.
May my life be an example to her.
May she always see Jesus in me.
Help me leave a legacy...


Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
-Psalm 34:11

Monday, August 25, 2008

Last Day of Summer BASH!


Olivia is enjoying her burger and corn on the cob
-evidenced by the mess on her face!--
which Brillo Man has prepared
for her "Last Day of Summer BASH!"


Then they rose early on the next day,
offered burnt offerings,
and brought peace offerings;
and the people sat down to eat and drink,
and rose up to play.
-Exodus 32:6

Watermelon Summer Salad

Sunday morning we had our church service at Pymatuning State Park. It was a beautiful day filled with open air worship - complete with our sound system and entire worship band. Fifteen people were baptized in the lake and we also received 27 new church members - ME being one of the brand new members of Bethel life Worship Center. Ever since the first Sunday I attended over six months ago, I have felt like I've come 'home' and am SO BLESSED to be a part of this great body of believers!

Afterwards --the 3 'F's --FOOD FUN AND FELLOWSHIP!

Here's what I made --(first time to make it --and definitely NOT the last time! This was SO delicious that I had to share it! Sounds a little different --but TRUST ME --it's so tasty and refreshng, you'll keep coming back for more!!

Watermelon Summer Salad

3/4 cup halved, thinly sliced or chopped red onion
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 1/2 quarts seeded, cubed watermelon
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup pitted black olive halves
1 cup chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons olive oil

Place the onion slices in a small bowl with the lime juice. The acid of the lime will mellow the flavor of the raw onion. Let stand for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, feta cheese, black olives, onions with the lime juice, and mint. Drizzle olive oil over it all, and toss to blend.

Dig in and be prepared for a pleasant surprise!


We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. -Numbers 11:5

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Summer is Winding Down Fast

It's hard to believe that school is starting next week. Olivia will be in First Grade....to where has time escaped? Wasn't it just yesterday that she was a baby in my arms?

Being the end of summer, we have been busy trying to cram in a bunch of fun stuff. One of the more recent fun things was a trip to nearby Wagon Trails. What a blast we had!


Olivia fell in love with a baby camel named Ralphie and spent quite a bit of time petting and feeding him.
On the safari ride, I was 'attacked' by Ralphie's mother who was determined to eat all the feed I had in my bucket.

Brillo Man was pecked by this lovely creature which left a bruise on his hand.


All in all - a fun-filled day spent together as a family. I am indeed blessed.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The Bird



click here:

Pat's Partridge


I couldn't resist.

Then he shall let the living bird loose outside the city in the open field...
-Leviticus 14:53