Honor Thy Mother

Through out the Bible people, particularly Christian, are commanded to honor their parents. We see examples of honoring mothers in Ruth & Naomi (even though she is what we would call "mother-in-law", the principle is there), Solomon & Bathsheba and even our Savior has he handed over the earthly responsibility of His mother to John. My Aunt Carolyn also, is setting a wonderful example to me of honoring her mother. Ms. Betty had a stroke several years ago, is suffering from early dementia. She's not comely of words, or even easy to understand, but my Aunt Carolyn makes an effort to ask her how she would like things done, what she prefers and what makes her happy. Aunt Carolyn doesn't assume that just because others live closer, it's their responsibility. She takes an active role in caring for her mother, not treating Ms. Betty like a burden to be carried, but as a precious jewel that needs special care.

Ms. Betty has about 20 cats(your and my opinion about cats aside), they provide Ms. Betty with daily activity and delight. They seems to help keep her active and she knows everyone of their names. Some stray dogs have been harassing her cats and have actually killed a couple and caused Ms. Betty to fall. Well, my Aunt Carolyn wasn't going to have that. So Saturday, the little boys and I had to privilege of helping erect some lattice walls and putting a gate around Ms. Betty's porch.

The following is a pictorial account of that minor construction...

This is all the lattice strapped to the top of my car. It rode for about 45 minutes from Tallahassee to Ms. Betty's home.

That lattice wasn't going anywhere!

This is porch when we got there. Someone had put up this plastic sheeting to discourage the dogs.

The dogs had torn it down.

I put up this gate at the steps of the porch. It swings shut and locks so they can't push it open.

Aunt Carolyn measured and cut the lattice pieces all round the porch. We tacked smaller wood paneling to the lattice to give it strength.

Simon worked on his building skills. In a few years, Elijah and he will be doing this for us.

This is a picture of the front of the porch. These pieces went all the way around to prevent the dogs from getting on the porch.

We're actually going back again the Saturday to put some lattice on the bottom to keep those strays from under the porch. Ms. Betty says she's not has any more problems from those dogs since we put that up. Aunt Carolyn will be blessed by her obedience to God's written Word in honoring her mother.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIJAH!

Last night we went to Chuckie Cheese's to celebrate Elijah's second birthday! He actually turned 2 on August 31st, but alas, late is better than never in some cases.

They started off by riding all the character toys. Bob was popular with Elijah...

Simon preferred the mouse in the car.

The Elijah moved to the Big Man, none other than Chuckie himself!

Simon really liked the mouse!

Finally, he gave Bob the Builder a try.

Then we moved to the games. Kicking a ball was so much fun.

Simon gave it a try also.

Then they shot little jungle flies or something weird like that.

Aunt Olivia helped them shoot baskets. Simon is for sure no athlete.

Elijah played on the inside jungle gym.

Then we all ate. Pizza, fries, wings and bread sticks. Sounds like a heart attack waiting to happen.

But it was very good.

Elijah is waiting for the cake!

" I need some too!"

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you...

My big boy blew out his own candles!

Simon enjoying his piece.

Elijah moved past the fork to the fingers. Much easier to use and they don't fall on the floor.

Nonna is debating the texture, the smell, the deliciousness of the cake. :)

"See my cake?"

Aunt Olivia and Simon pose for a pic.

Aunt Carolyn put the ribbons from the cake on Elijah's head. They left a green food dye streak through his hair.

Birthday balloons.

And now the presents. He got some dinoROARS as Elijah calls him.

What else is in the bag?

Coloring pages.

And Bible Books.

We all had such a wonderful time celebrating the life that out Creator has given us to share in. He's such a blessing to us and we know that through prayer, training and God's grace, Elijah will grow into a strong, Christian man who does not compromise is full of the Spirit of the Lord.

Herbs and Veggies

Well, for the last couple of weeks, we've been pretty busy cleaning up limbs, ordering new product materials, relabeling and we've had a rash of sickness run through our house. During all that, the little boys and I have managed to get some plating done and now have wonderful green, pretty things to show for it.

These are (will be) lettuce that we planted last Saturday.

These are okra and pole beans.

Here's a close up of our little okras that we planted on Saturday. Aren't they cute?!

These are the leaves of our Lemon Balm plant.

Here's the whole pot. We currently have 2 of these. We're just starting to trim the leaves and dry and sell them, so if you want some lemon balm leaves, feel free to ask!

These are our squash and zucchini we planted several weeks ago. Can't wait to eat 'em!

Here's a close up of the leaves.

Here are some more pictures of the squash and zucchini.

These are honey suckle! I'm going to take them out of tub and break them up. Then I'm going to replant them all along a fence I'm going to build! NO, I'm not too ambitious, I'm just a glutton for disappointment. :) (Note: Along this future fence will also be roses to make rose perfume and Kiwi to sell.)

These are the leaves of the honey suckle. They're so rich and pretty. The Lord has done these things and they are marvellous in our eyes!

I told Elijah to look at me and smile, he smiled, but never did look at me. We were having some dead trees cut down and they were WAY more interesting than mom.

These are the plants recently planted or that always be in buckets.

This is lavender, which will also be drying and selling. I am actually fixing to cut it back.

These are future peppers.

This is my Mom's victory rose, not really an herb or anything, but we allow it hang out with the cool kids. :)

These 2 little pots contain seeds for bell pepper and tomatoes. I just planted these this afternoon, so there's not really anything to show, but we'll keep you posted.

These are future Serrano peppers.

This a rosemary plant. We'll also be drying and selling this.

This is the Red Ginger I bought for my sister on her birthday. It will bloom with big, red flowers!

This is our little aloe, actually, he's kinna big.

And this is the peppermint or basil. I can't remember which on. I think it's the basil though.

All by it's lonesome is the rose bush my Uncle Jimmy cut and gave to me. It'll stay in this white pitcher. Once it's roots reach the bottom, I'll set it on the ground to root permanently. There are very good size holes on the bottom for the roots to get through.

I plan to build a greenhouse and plant more herbs and potable veggies in the next month or so. Then through out the winter, I can grow, dry, sell and use herbs and veggies! If any one has any advice or expertise in building and would like to give me pointers, I'm more then willingly to listen! We're very excited about using the materials the Lord has provided us with to support ourselves. God has been so very gracious and faithful to our family. We certainly look forward to the day when we'll be able to support others as we've been supported. God Bless.