My Doves

Ellie . . . . . . and . . . . . Eddie

For my 11th birthday I asked for doves. We were not able to find a pair until months later, but I do have them now. They are a bonded pair and I named them Eddie and Ellie. They are very soft and gentle. I can hold them and pet them as they are very tame. They are Ivory Ringneck Doves having a pretty light peach tinge to some of their feathers. They both coo. I think it is a pretty sound. Eddie is louder than Ellie, but it is still a nice sound to listen to. They are 9 months old and have a life span of 10 to 12 years. So, I will have them a long time. My mother had doves that lived over 20 years! Maybe mine will live that long too.

Moriah Mari

Ellie is the shy one, but she still lets me hold her.

Eddie is learning to perch on my shoulder.

So soft.

Hadassah enjoying a moment with Eddie.

The Locust Study

I like studying a variety of bugs. The locust is one of the first bugs I found. It is an oval shaped bug. Locust are very fragile little bugs. Their legs curve in when they die and they also shrink. They have a plated chest. Of their four wings, the inner ones are a bit smaller and the large outer ones have markings in such a neat order. Their faces are the shape of a triangle. Their eyes are big and stick out. They are the colors of the bark and leaves of the trees. I think you will agree that the locust is intriguing.

Gabriel

Here I am studying my locust.

















A close-up of the locust from my bug collection.

Never Too Many Lego's

I like Lego's. They are very fun to build with. I have been building with Lego's for years. I have recently built a lighthouse, an ambulance and an airplane. I like to be alone when I build because then I can be more focused. The part of Lego's I don't like is having to take them apart to build something new. So, you see, you can really never have too many Lego's.

Isaiah

Here I am repairing the lighthouse.

Here I am with the lighthouse
and the ambulance.

My Dollies

I love to play with my dollies.

I love to play tea with them.

I love hugging and kissing my dollies.

I love my dollies and I like to play peek-a-boo.

I love to talk and play house with them.

It is very fun and I enjoy it.

My dollies are sisters named Sarah, Rachel and Ruthie.

I enjoy dressing them.

I also need to change dippers.

I also enjoy putting them to sleep.

Hadassah Hope

A Bit of the Everyday

Isaiah deep in his studies.

















Moriah making music.






















Hadassah enjoying a book while
she reclines with (or is it on) Willow.

















Gabriel listening intently.

















Josiah "helping" Hadassah make cookies.


Over the next couple of weeks the children
will be sharing some posts they have done
that reflect the everyday at our house.

Pics for the Sisters

My sisters, that is.

Hailing Florida and Africa (and any other interested parties) . . . . we have had our first heavy snowfall of the year and just had to share the season with our warm climate readers. After the snow stopped falling, and the plows had come through, and the men shoveled the 16 inch snowfall off the driveway, we took a drive in the country and I captured these shots. These are from last Friday, but I did not have a chance to post them until today.















Wow! Is it cold!!
















A snow-frosted tree.
















Stunning winter sunset.

Most Influential Book of the Year

Every year we pick a book that has had the biggest impact on our family for that year.

The pick of 2006 is . . . . .

the Bible,
the holy, God-breathed, inerrant Scriptures.

Each year the Bible wins first place, hands down, for the most influential book in our lives. Seeing that the Scriptures are the word of God, it is not difficult to understand how this incredible work could win first place year after year. Due to the change and growth God has brought to our lives through His word; due to the treasured promises within; the constant comfort and boundless source of truth found in the pages of Scripture, we recommend reading the Bible and that daily! I suppose it is so treasured by our family because it is from our Father, a representation of His love and an expression of the truth by which we are to live. We can not say enough in favor of the Scriptures, words fail us. If you haven't read it in a while, or haven't read it at all, pick it up today and experience the wonder of receiving a communication straight from the Almighty Creator of all.

"Every word of God proves true;
he is a shield to those
who take refuge in him."
Proverbs 30:5

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We also choose a second runner up each year. Though there really is no competition to the Scriptures there is usually a book that has significantly impacted our lives in its ability to bring us to further meditate on or learn of the truths of Scripture.

The second runner up for 2006 is . . .

"Princess In Calico"

This small book contains one of the most poignant and moving demonstrations of the beauty of a believer reflecting the character of Christ through humble submission to the work of suffering in her life. In this book, one is shown not only humble submission to the work of suffering, but also the art of joyful and adoring worship in the midst of continuous trials. It brings to light the precious gift there is in suffering and the love of the One who prepares each trial for our benefit and His glory. While the message of this book is deep, it is anything but heavy. We walked away encouraged and delighted at having our focus once again drawn to the chief end of man, to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The depth of love for others and the joy in Christ alone found within it's pages gives it a distinction worthy of recognition. We recommend this as a must read. May your family be blessed, not only in reading this gem, but in applying the Biblical truths it so abundantly illustrates.

This book can be purchase for a nominal price at www.keepersofthefaith.com
or from Rod and Staff Publishers
or borrowed from our family library.

More of Our "Own" Backyard

Krape Park . . .

















crisp, clear, sunshine . . .





















great trails . . .
















and beautiful scenery . . .
















makes for a lovely afternoon.

He Made It!!

HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY, JOSIAH

What are big brothers for?
















Why, everything from leading the troops . . .















. . . to sharing secrets















and snuggling.















Josiah, as your family,
we are blessed to have you.
Your cheerful ways,
thoughtful heart,
and desire to grow
are an encouragement to us all.















We love you, Buddy!

Thanksgiving . . .

. . . the giving of thanks.

Is it not interesting how the meaning of the holidays gets lost amidst the preparations for and execution of the traditions? Thanksgiving is not defined as the preparation and serving of a large, fancy meal or the gathering together with those you are thankful for. While these are both enjoyable aspects of the day, they are not the purpose. In fact, those two elements were originated to facilitate the purpose of Thanksgiving . . . . the giving of thanks. The meal is meant to be a reminder of the abundance of God's provision for His own through out the year. The gathering with others is really an assembly of the saints to give an offering of thanks.

This is a day dedicated to the Lord, Maker of Heaven and earth in gratefulness for His work in our lives and His sustaining hand. There is much for those who are called by the name of Christ to be thankful for. What an incredible blessing to be able to say, "It is well with my soul". That alone breaks open the floodgates of thanksgiving. Add to that the many promises of our Father; the sweetness found daily in His word; the unspeakable wonder of communing with God Almighty and a future of eternal bliss, not to mention the fellowship of the saints and we find that one day dedicated to thanksgiving falls short.

All praise be unto the Ancient of Days - the King of Kings - the Lord of Lords - the only One worthy of honor! May we truly enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. May we seek an audience with the Author of life; bowing before the throne of God in humble adoration, grateful above all else for the sweet wonder of being His child.

"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible,
the only wise God,
be honor and glory forever and ever.
Amen."

I Timothy 1:17

Beauty In Our "Own" Backyard

We live about six miles from a lovely place called Krape Park.

Since moving, we have adopted it as our new "backyard".

This is the beautiful waterfall there.

You can walk right up to the base or hike to the top and

enjoy the view from there, very nice.

Our new "backyard" also has acres of peaceful woodlands,
lovely walking and hiking paths,
a delicious smelling grove of white pines,
a pond with a flock of white ducks to feed,
a wandering stream for boating
and an old fashioned merri-go-round
offering rides on the painted stallions for a quarter.

We will be sure to post more photos another day.

Well Worth Reading

Some books are worth reading; some well worth reading; some are worth reading more than once. It is not so often that you find a book that is not only well worth reading repeatedly, but one that so eloquently states the truth that it is worth meditating on as well. We have just such a jewel in a small book titled "IF" by Amy Carmichael. A family favorite, it's pages hold an incredible amount of food for thought along with encouragement and exhortation. Here are a couple of samples to wet your appetite and give you a taste of the richness in it's pages.

"If . . .
I can easily discuss the shortcomings
and the sins of any;
If I can speak in a casual way
even of a child's misdoings,
then I know nothing of Calvary love."

~

"If . . .
I fear to hold another to the highest
goal because it is so much easier
to avoid doing so,
then I know nothing of Calvary love."

~

"If . . .
I take offense easily;
if I am content to continue in a
cool unfriendliness, though
friendship be possible,
then I know nothing of Calvary love."

~

If . . .
a sudden jar can cause me to speak
an impatient, unloving word,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.*

*For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot
spill even one drop of bitter water,
however suddenly jolted."

If you are interested in this gem, it is available through www.keepersofthefaith.com

Lunar Experience

We found this beautiful Luna Moth in the midst of packing the trucks to move a few months back and I just recently found the photo. It is rather majestic, for a moth. It was really amazing to see it live. It let us get up close and examine it, a wonderful testimony of our Lord's endless creativity.

Lake Le-Aqua-Na

In exploring the neighborhood we have found that there are many beautiful parks in our area. Lake Le-Aqua-Na is one that is about 20 minutes from us.















Lake Le-Aqua-Na

















The men heading down the beach.

















Sunlight dancing on the water.

















What's up in that tree?

















I don't know. I can't quite make it out.

















Beauty everywhere.

















What did you find?

















Hmmm . . . . interesting.

















Even this dead tree was picturesque in this setting.

















Off to explore!

















A turtle basking in the sunshine.

















Taking a breather.


















So peaceful.

















A great day!

Noteworthy Events

Due to the rather long break we took from posting, we missed Papa's and Hadassah's birthday posts (not their actual birthdays, of course, just the posts). Perhaps the saying, "Better late than never" is really true.

Joe/Papa had his special day on September 4th.
Here are a couple of pictures from the year.





























We grow more grateful every year for our dear Papa -
so dedicated to caring for us in every way.

Papa, may we be as great a blessing
to you as you are to the rest of us!

~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Our sweet Hadassah turned 5 on September 19th of this year.
We had a lovely day celebrating the gift she is to each one of us.
Here are some pictures from this year.
















































May God bless you, sweet girl,
to continue to grow in His grace.

Waiting for the Dust to Settle

I realize it has been quite a while since we posted, it is not without good reason. It has taken quite a while for us to settle in here due to several factors - one being that we down-sized and there is a tremendous amount of sorting through and throwing away involved, more than I had imagined possible. While that is not the only factor, it is one of the main ones. We still feel like we are waiting for the dust to settle.















The new house.

We have also been exploring our new neighborhood ~
maybe I'll get to post some more pictures soon.