December 12 - 2 days to a Glad Reunion

24 months in South Africa - in 2 more days, home for Christmas!!

For information as to why a 19 year old would dedicate his life to missionary work,

click on this link to his mother's religious convictions and this young man's motivation will be clear.

Sweet Moments

July Fun at the Cabin

 

Fun times at the cabin last week included a fishing trip to the Payson Lake as the forest were closed due to fire danger (however, the fish were not jumping); also the boys built an incredible tree house fort with a picket fence and gate below which included a swing hanging from the upper level. They called it "This is The Place".  We also enjoyed one very fierce and long rain storm which had the kids dancing in the rain until the thunder crashed close by.  Marty worked on his gardens, trimming trees and cleaning up the cactus from the yard. Hanne and I cooked and cleaned the kitchen and visited to our hearts content, which included many pauses to tend to the needs of the kids. Reluctant goodbyes were said with promises to meet again before summer is over.Spice, our poodle was pampered lovingly by Allie. 

Celebrating Independence Day

 

It is interesting that fireworks, a symbol of war, has become a symbol of celebration.

I am of the generation that lived in a time when children were fearful of war and bombs and practiced ducking under desks at school in case of an air raid. I am of the generation that sang numerous patriotic songs in music class during elementary school and proudly pledged allegiance to the flag daily. I am of the generation who had a father who fought in World War II and grew up listening to war stories at bedtime. I am of the generation that feels emotional during a boy scout flag ceremony. I am of the generation that is grateful to God for a country that is free and who takes the phrase seriously, "In God is our Trust". I am of the generation that prays for the rising generationsto hold freedom as a precious gift. I am of the generation that has a son serving in the military and prays for his protection and for his holding to the precious gift of hope in God as he stands for all that is right and good in the world - home, families and religious freedom.

May all generations remember and sing:

"And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

 

" Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust;”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

 

The Best Tortillas

 This is the only time I have ever had tortillas turn out right. 

Must be due to my busy little helper.

She really loves tortillas, cooked or not.

Memorial Weekend 2011

 It's hard work being retired..........

 You have to chew a lot of bones when you eat rib meat!

 Music Makers

 Too sleepy to eat......

 

Ready for church and saying "Goodbye" to little sweetness.

Fishing at Green Valley Lake - Payson

 Marty, Jake and the Nunley brothers had a great adventure fishing at the lake in Payson. (The picture below is not of Jake as a little boy, it is Sam!!) Sam and Jeff both caught fishes - they cleaned them and ate them - all by themselves. Uncle Eric was kind enough to grill the fish for them along with all the ribs, hamburgers and hotdogs. What a feast!

 

The Merry Month of May

 

 

May - The lovely month of family gatherings!!

The irises are from our cabin gardens. 

Easter Treasures

April Snow at the Cabin

 

What to our wondering eyes should appear as we awoke in the morning, but snow gently and steadily falling, filling our world with magic. Beth and family dashed up to enjoy the brief, but beautiful moments of eating homemade chowder, tortilla soup, homemade bread, hot chocolate and yummy cookies fresh out of the oven and hiking in the snow filled forest.