Iraq Veteran Delivers a message to Obama

Calendar

Eli's been so excited about the family coming for Thanksgiving. I seriously don't think a day has gone by in the past few weeks that he hasn't asked when Uncle Tim and Aunt Melissa are coming. He's very excited.

So I decided to make a calendar for him so that he could mark off the days leading up to the big event.

Our Awesome $20 Buy

I walked into the living room looking for Gabe. I'd heard him in there, but I couldn't see where he was hiding. I turned around and.... "oh there you are!" He had crawled into the empty TV/Entertainment Center we had moved to the side to make room for our "new" one. He thought he was stuck, but given the time and chance, he made his way out quite easily. Especially after he realized his picture was being taken!

Eli - the ninja!

Fun "Exploring"

TODAY...

This morning, while I was making coffee, I looked out the kitchen window and saw this. I ran outside to take some pictures. It was so beautiful.


We're having some friends over this evening for dinner and we decided it was a great day for some good old fashioned chili. I wanted to try something different, so after reading a few different recipes, I concocted my own recipe. We'll see how it turns out. I wish I had started it last night so that it could be marinating for longer. As it is, it will only be on the stove for about 4 hours by the time we sit down to eat it. But it should still be good. It'll be super-duper hot (as in SPI-CEY!!), that's for sure!




VERDICT: The chili was a hit! I thickened it after taking this picture. It was served over rice and topped with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheddar. I made honey cornbread in the iron skillet which gave the meal a wonderful, comforting, well-rounded feel and taste. This is the perfect time of year for this kind of meal. My friend, Renee, brought a delicious homemade apple pie which we served with Edy's ice cream and coffee. We enjoyed our dessert outside by the fire over conversation that lasted well into the night.

BJ visits

Dan and BJ grew up together. BJ moved out to CA a couple years ago, so when he comes home, we try to see him. This was his first visit to the Farm. Eli just fell in love with him and managed to get him to read "Danny and the Dinosaur."

Eli playing...

...with his brother...

...by a tree...

...in a tree...

...in the leaves.

And Yet Some More...

More pix from the pumkin patch

"Puckin" Patch

A couple weeks ago, we went to a local pumpkin patch to pick out some pumpkins for our front porch. Here are some pictures from that day.

Posting

I've been negligent of late when it comes to the blog. But I'm back now and have some fun pictures to share with you. I'll be posting them separately by occasion. Hopefully, I can do this before.... yeah, well, Gabe just woke up. Maybe he'll be patient while I get these pumped out. If not, I will have to work on it little by little.

Thanks for your patience, my good people.

Again: Who Caused Our Ecomic Crisis?

Here's a fast-moving but enlightening video on our economic crisis.

The Democrats Caused Our Economic Crisis

"Shocking Video Unearthed Democrats in their own words Covering up the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Scam that caused our Economic Crisis"

"Vote for McCain/Palin" Video

This guy is very clear and concise when it comes to what he believes. He obviously has no qualms about standing up for his beliefs even though he is surrounded by Democrats. He considers himself a "free-thinker" while Democrats have succumbed to the pop-culture and have only fallen into the trap of democratic propaganda. Watch this video. It's fast moving, but enlightening. He's entertaining to say the least.

New Website

I'll be honest... I have a little secret. Nothing terribly exciting for you guys, but in my not-too-boring world, it's very exciting. Dan and I are trying out a new website to have more freedom and ease in creating our own "look." It'll join both of our blogs together and allow more pictures to be put on display. It'll be a little more interactive which should make your "visits" a little more enjoyable too. That is, unless you prefer to not have to do anything but look and read. I wouldn't be surprised if no one really reads my posts. I think most of you just tune in to see pictures of our good looking kids - which I can't say I blame you. This way, you can just skip reading my blog and just go straight to the pictures. I'll just write for my own reflection and enjoyment's sake. = )

It's still under construction, so be patient with us. Click here if you'd like to take a peek.

Like Daddy Like Son

Just had to share this photo with you.

Silly Eli

Eli has been hysterical of late when it comes to the things he says. His attitude is just plain silly and he uses phrases that are far beyond a two-year old's comprehension - or so you'd think. Two-year- olds are sponges and can absorb far more than we realize.

Yesterday, while we were in the car, he was asking about birds and where they were flying. I told him that when it starts to get cold, birds fly south for the winter to keep warm and so they can find food. Then when it starts to get warm again, they come back. When I was done explaining this, there was a pause, then,

"Mommy, I'm not really sure what you're talking about."

Well, of course, I just laughed. And practically the rest of the trip was me trying to explain something to him, like being careful of what we say and who we say it to/being respectful of adults and not necessarily talking to them the same way they talk to children. There's a 27-year difference between us.... etc etc. And his response was usually something funny. But he eventually got it and followed my reproof with "Yes, Mommy."

Earlier in the day, I heard him telling Gabe that playing with the swivel sweeper "is not a option."

And when Gabe would bang things loudly, he would say to him, "Stop, Gabe. That's unkind."

He brings such joy to our lives.

Psalm 30

O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down the pit.

Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.

As for me, I said in my prosperity,
"I shall never be moved."
By your favor, O LORD,
you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face; I was dismayed.

To you, O LORD, I cry,
and to the LORD I plead for mercy:
"What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me!
O LORD, be my helper!"

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

Psalm 62

My soul waits in silence for God only;
From Him is my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken...
My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.

Selah

Do not trust in opression...
If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.

Once God has spoken;
Twice I have heard this:
That power belongs to God;
And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord,
For you recompense a man according to his work.

--
Thank you, Jamie.