The Stump

A father takes his son into the forest blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a man.

He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.The Boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat there, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man.

Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.Moral of the story?Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”(2 Corinthians 5:7)

The Elusive Ggie Ggie Face...

Maggie has this elusive "Ggie Ggie Face" which we have not been able to capture on camera...until NOW!!!

Work, Work, Work...

Many of you know we bought our house almost 4 years ago and it was a MESS! No fear, I love home improvements and sometimes feel I missed my calling as Bob Villa's #1 assistant! Well, with the help of my Dad and Mom, Keith and I took several days of vacation to begin on my laundry list of updates. Most of these items are for baby proofing and some are simply cosmetic...We still have more to do, but I am so thankful for the things we did accomplish; did I mention I owe a million thanks to my Dad, because without his knowledge, we would still be digging holes.

We added lattice work to our railings, built two swing frames (one for James and Maggie and one for the adults), built two Adirondack chairs, put together two new dining tables, and built two raised garden beds (I am planning a garden for fresh vegetables).

Here are some before and after pics...(these are just a few examples of our hard work)


Deck Before


New Lattice


James and Maggie's New Swing (still have cosmetic clean up to do).


New Frame for swing, plan to plant a climbing plant to weave through the top trellis portion. We have found the prettiest hand-made swings...can you say Happy Anniversary!


Dada and Maggie in one of the new chairs...I think Dada welcomed the break!

Next we plan to drain and clean the pool as well as plant flowers in our flower beds! One day I will have a livable yard...I really don't ask for too much considering I have brown thumbs!

Our New Ride!!!

All of the THANKS goes to Lori T, she is a Rock Star, was able to find me an AWESOME double jogging stroller at an amazing price. Lori attends the Kids Market each year and this year I asked if she would check out the double strollers...Praise God, the strollers were next to the shoes and that was Lori's first place to go. We are now the proud owners of a gently used double jogging stroller for James and Maggie.




Mama (still trying to get accustomed to this name) spent two hours on Sunday afternoon pressure washing the stroller (along with some Simple Green) so it would be like new. I am not sure if I will take up jogging, but if nothing else I will be doing lots of walking.

We went to Camden today to help Paw Paw and Nanny took James and Maggie on their first ride...both liked it so much they fell asleep!

You should always take Naps!

This is a prime example as to why you should always take your nap...

We are 7 months and on the go!

James and Maggie turned 7 months old on March 18th. The are both sitting up for long periods of time without falling. James can sit himself up and he is desperately trying to crawl. He can get on his hands and knees and rock, but the movement of a hand or knee in the forward position is not quite happening. Maggie is the most talkative...she has a lot to say and James is not afraid to put his 2 cents in as well.



James officially had 4 teeth at 7 months, but has added a fifth in the past week. Maggie is still holding at two teeth, but she is a faucet again, so we know the other are coming. James likes to show you his teeth by putting your finger in his mouth and biting down.



We travelled to visit Nanny & Paw Paw. This was the first time we met our cousin Gloria. It is nice to get away for the day with family. Maggie enjoyed sitting on the couch with her Dada...I am not sure who spoils whom more...

Charity Event!

A charity basketball game was held at the Lakeshore Foundation on Thursday. My company gathered two teams to compete and raise money for the wonderful work at the Lakeshore Foundation. This facility is a huge benefit for those with physical disablities. Donations were collected and in the end over $3500 was raised. We enjoyed shoot offs (for adults and kids), dance offs (kids only), and prizes all around. We were also able to watch the Para-Basketball team practice before they play their next game in their busy season.

The Charity game was close...each team played to win. When the dust settled it was the Golden Ligers (43-41) with the win! YEAH!

James and Maggie really enjoyed getting out and about. They were able to meet Ashlyn who is just under a month older then them. They do not yet understand the power of giving, but with my help they will. It is amazing what giving will do for the soul...we try to give back when ever we can.

Crystal and Ashlyn cheering on the Gold Team!

Maggie and Aunt Stephie...still trying to figure it all out.

James is coaching 'em from the stands! Dribble, shoot...SCORE!