John 6:68

A friend reminded me of this verse a few days ago, so I thought I would share it. Some of the disciples were turning back when things got tough. When Jesus asked the 12 if they were also leaving, Simon Peter (who our Simon is named for) answered, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life..."
Although I can't pinpoint why, living in Latin America really allowed me to separate myself from this world and put "one foot in heaven." We have no none and nothing but the Lord Himself. He is what is real. He is what we look forward to in our days here. When life happens, He is all we have. What a comfort!

Soup's On!

I've got my ham hocks thawing, and this is what I'm making for dinner! I can't wait to taste the relish!

Home Decor

This pile of CLEAN laundry has been sitting on the couch for so long, that Annabelle incorporated it into her playtime today. I guess she figured it was a new part of our decor. The cat has also been there since yesterday, I think. Don't look too closely, lest you see something you wish you hadn't! Maybe I should think about folding it...

8 Things About Me

8 T.V. shows I love to watch:
I don't watch a ton of T.V., but here are a few!
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Without a Trace
3. cooking shows
4. sometimes Nightline
5. sometimes The Bachelor
???

8 favorite restaurants:
1. Luna de Noche
2. Taco Cabana
3. P.F. Chang's
4. Del Frisco's-I can dream, right?
5. Papa's Steakhouse
6. Papadeaux's
7. Chipotle
8. any good sushi place...

8 things that happened today: (or 8 things we did today)
1. Max counted by 3's to 100 by himself!
2. applied for a women's seminary-style class in Tyler
3. had a little down-time, hence this post
4. cooked breakfast deer sausage and biscuits with Max
5. went to the YMCA to sign Max up for soccer
6. called rental places for Darren looking for a 15 gage finish gun-there are none in Tyler.
7. helped Annabelle to write her numbers
8. watched Max take Simon and our cat for a ride in the stroller!

8 things I look forward to:
1. seeing my kids grow
2. watching them learn about the Lord first-hand, for themselves!
3. Simon talking
4. beach vacation this summer?
5. surprise day for Darren tomorrow
6. coffee-I always look forward to it!
7. being in heaven, of course.
8. fitting into my real clothes

8 things on my wishlist:
1. to finish this homeschool year well!
2. a new flat-iron
3. to lose 10 more pounds!
4. for the Lord to develop patience in me
5. wisdom about school plans for next year
6. a live-in cook
7. spanish-speaking friends
8. to be an encouraging person, especially to my family!

8 people I tag:
whoever wants to do this!

True Friendship

My best friend Angie is in town visiting, which has me thinking...what makes a good friend, a good friend? This is what it is to me: someone who challenges you, either directly or by example. Someone who knows you well and still loves you! Someone you can fight with, then get over it with, and come out better because of it! Someone you can talk to with complete honesty! Someone who gives you GRACE upon GRACE! Someone you love to be around. Someone who can put things back into perspective-a godly perspective, that is! I am truly grateful for you, Ang!

The Good Shepherd

The oriental shepherd always walked ahead of his sheep. He was always out in front. Any attack upon the sheep had to take him into account first. Now God is out in front. He is in our tomorrows, and it is tomorrow that fills people with fear. Yet God is already there. All the tomorrows of our life have to pass through Him before they can get to us.
F.B. Meyer
John 10:4 "When He puts forth all His own, He goes ahead of them..."

Holt & Holt: Squirrel-Hunting Team

It was just a matter of time before Max had Annabelle hunting. Today Max wanted "squirrel soup" for dinner. If you know Max, you know that once he has an idea, he will not be moved. So he and Annabelle tried to "get" one with his new bow. It was a really good effort! We had left-overs instead!

Welcome to My Compromise

I have protested it, made fun of it, ridiculed others for joining it, snooped from Darren's computer on it, told myself I didn't need it, and now have become a member myself. I may have lost some self-respect for this and hate myself in the morning for succumbing to the pressures of this world, but I have joined Facebook. Feel free to ridicule.

Picture This...

I have always known that photography is not one of my strengths, but this Christmas was ridiculous! This was the ONLY picture from our Christmas in Dallas that turned out remotely good. It is so disappointing! The pictures from the last 3 posts were from using my Dad's Nikon camera. I really think it makes even my pictures look so much better. Either I need to take some photography classes, or just get a better camera. Help is needed, either way!
Anyway, we had a great time with the cousins in Dallas this year. I wish I were better at describing things. Then I could give you a better mental picture of our time there. Visualize with me...crafts with Nana, making stilts with Grandpa, eating and relaxing, and jumping on the cousins' new trampoline! Thank you, Nana, Grandpa, and Heady Family for great memories!

Christmas Round 2

Look Out, World!

Birthday Fun

What a birthday! Max started celebrating at the farm. Lots of hunting with Uncle Dave and Aunt Tracy, then "birthday muffins" from Kyra. Next a camp-out at Tyler State Park with Daddy and Riley, followed by a "camo" party the next day. Lastly, his dinner of choice-sushi and cappuccino. We love you, Max!

The Big 7

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAX!

Christmas in Tyler

*Not pictured: Aunt Jenny, who took these pics with her new camera!

Starting 2009 With a Bang!

Literally! Pictures to follow, but just a few highlights from the week after Christmas:
Darren re-finished the floors in our house, and will paint the living room this weekend. I love having a husband who is so capable. Meanwhile, we are camping out at my parent's house, watching cable and relaxing!
Max has spent almost the whole week at the farm, hunting with Uncle David and Aunt Tracy. My parents gave him a .22 rifle for his birthday. He shot a turtle. I have nothing more to say about that.
Sis is living the high life, letting Cheech spoil her rotten.
Simon has finally decided to walk! He is so proud of himself. It is so weird to see him walking around the house like a big boy!
My friend Mitzi had her baby today! It's a BOY! Nathaniel Wesley Hood, 8 lbs. 7 oz., 19 inches. I can't wait to meet him!