OH NO! What's this ... Scott has sabatoged the BLOG!

Hi all ... long time no talk. This is Scott writing and I have trumped and now find myself at home here with a once-in-a-rarity sabotage. As many of you know that I accuse Bevy quite often to the sabotaging of my blog post (psst... they really do get written, she just sabotages them all).....

What a great post Bevy DID have up. You can scroll down if you really want to read it. Please do!! I just wanted to comment on two things first:

1.) Yes - being from the south and married to a Mennonite can be quite interesting, especially when we have Mennonite suppers. Kinda like pie night - only different.

2.) Speaking of pie, this particular pie debut here on the blog http://treasuredupandpondered.blogspot.com/2012/06/funny-cake.html

and I am not sure if Bevy answered the question of why it is called Funny cake. Now realize that Bevy may sabotage this very post, so if I am wrong, I am sure she will correct me (via sabotage). (ya think?)

The chocolate (mixture) is placed as the last ingredient on top of the cake (batter) before cooking baking, and as it cooks bakes a unique reaction takes place that settles it to the bottom of the cake. Yet you do not see any carmalization (is that a word???) of the fluffy, rich, moist, delectable, breading cake being formed in the middle.

Well, the blog has been sabotaged now, so my work here is done.  Yes! it has. Looking to a fun weekend with friends in from out of town and fellowship with a brother in Him later this evening.

Gotta go back to work! (yes, my love, back to work...)

Have a great day all, and be drawn closer to Christ more today than you were yesterday!

(PS: I'm the gal in red today...sabotaging at it's best!)

HOWDY!!!

HOWDY!!!

WOW, where does one even begin. The time past so fast, yet it was ALL so relaxing. The practice of receiving hospitality enriching both Bevy’s and my life over last week.


Welcome to Scott's Second Sayings, the conscience of Treasured Up and Pondered. Let me introduce myself, in case you may be new. My name is Scott and am Bevy’s ‘other half’ (better of the two of course) ;).  I usually, when not hijacked,  or when time and opportunity allow, will post on the second of the month - my feelings, thoughts and notions about pretty much anything, that my Bevy has already touched on.  So with this you get my perspective.

In case you are not aware, Bevy and I made a trip south last week. Bevy likes these trips, though at times they can be a struggle. If there are opposites to attract, that would be me and my Bevy. You see I am from the south; American by birth, Southerner by the Grace of God. Us down-south folk live by a different tempo in life, and I think this has always intrigued my wife, but when we do go, the change can be ‘moving’ for Bevy. One of the biggest challenges for her is how we can so easily take up anothers trial or issues and walk with them in it or tend to matters.


Well though that last statement does not have much a-do about nothing to this post, I just threw that out there, in case you never knew that about Bevy. So back to Scott’s take on Vacay ~ 2012. We left out of home at 4:05 on a Saturday morning, destination: Mr. & Mrs. C’s in VA (Check out their blog here).


FUNNY THING: Taking Caleb to the van (as we just carried the kids out in their PJ’s) he says to me “Dad take me back to bed, it is still dark outside” I about lost it.


This was for an aquatint meeting for Bevy and Amanda. Of course had I been on my game I would have called Mr. C and prepped him with “Hey you ready for our spouses play date???” I am not sure who befriended who, but about two years ago someone befriended the other. Well that set it all in motion. The visit was excellent and the company was exceptional.


BTW, Amanda, Yes I did see you taking that picture, but I knew better than to say anything. I knew Bevy was not paying attention and had I drawn attention, it would have ruined the shot. Mr. and Mrs. C put us up at a friends house for the evening, for as Amanda will attest, there little plot just won't hold much more, as it is bursting at the seems as is. I will testify to you all in blog land though, IT IS about the most adorable little spot in VA I’ve seen in a LONG time. Their friends Mr. and Mrs. P were exceptionally gracious to have us in their home on a request of a friend.

FUNNY THING: The following morning (Sun) as I walked up the stairs Mr. P happen to be right at the top of them at the door, so as soon as I opened it, I stuck out my hand and introduced (reintroduced) myself. You see, Sat by the time we got there I had already been on the road for 8 hours, been up for 12, and when I went to bed I think my clock was at 20 or 21 hours. Without missing a beat Mr. P just played along and welcomed me to their home and introduced him self (again). ;)

We had not had a real good chance to visit much the evening before either. Mostly I was trying to keep the kids going and things straight so that Bevy could visit with her new friends. I know on thing, she has mentioned several times that she did not get to visit with Julie nowhere what she wanted and I think, at best, I was introduced to her husband and that is all about I got to talk to him.


Even being so long away from my south, even I can forget how it is at times. The P family had mentioned to me if they could assist unloading my van for the night. I mentioned to them, “well I am going to get out what I need and then I will see what we have”…..well as I grabbed the last piece to place by the van on the ground, I start to holler out “OK, I think this will do it for what is going inside” and as I stepped back out of the van, all the other stuff was GONE! Gotta love SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY!!!!!!

I think it is through our trips back home south that Bevy gets reminded why I am the way I am, and with our kids. Then it was on to TN.

I have one word about TN……..RELAXING. Usually you have that feeling of needing a vacation after the vacation….Nope not with Mr. and Mrs. H. I honestly have to confess, I think that TN was about the MOST relaxing vacation I have EVER, EVER taken. Timing of everything, our hosts, the ‘agenda’, just EVERYTHING was SOOOO relaxing. Mrs. H is a friend of Bevy’s from the days of working back at the local Christian book store. They have just kept in touch over the years (many of years at that) and every once in a while we are blessed with going to see them or them coming to see us. I know Bevy posted more about the TN portion in her last (recent) blog leg of our vacation. I am going to hit some highlights here of my own and will let Bevy do the rest. We were able to take Monday and just relax from what was a weekend of traveling. This actually ended up being a study day for me and a sewing day for Bevy. Then Tuesday, Mr H went to a Dr appt. and errands and when he got back the ladies went shopping. Wednesday, Mr H and myself took the kids fishing and that afternoon he and I dropped the kiddo's off back at the house and went off to the local junk yard for auto parts (and had a blast). Thursday, Mr. and Mrs. H took us to the Smokey Mountain National Park, again one word…..AWESOME. what a pleasant wind down day before traveling again.

Friday morning found us on the road again, heading back to VA. The purpose of going back to VA was to visit with my stepmother. My father passed away three years ago this coming June 13th. Though we do not get to see her as much as we should it was nice to be able to stop and visit for an evening. Usually we will take a day and go shopping around, but do to schedule conflicts we were not able to this time, though we did have a very nice visit over supper. It was good to see her again.

Well then it was back to PA, a day ahead of schedule, and being refreshed, planning to have two days to work on a research paper I have to write for school…..here is where we hit our snag. We got home only to find that our AC’s were not working except one. So the working one went into our room; sorry kids you have to earn your right of passage, and the next day (Sunday, after service) to go get two more AC’s that which when I unpacked them neither of them worked. As well during this time on a whim, we bought a replacement bunk bed set for the kiddos (it had been in the talks for some time really, there is more behind this purchase then just “Oh lets get them bunk beds”…..Bevy can post in another blog, another day). So Monday spent returning/purchasing more AC’s and installing and building bunk beds.

Sheesh!!

By the time I was done, I was exhausted and ready for another vacation.  Tennessee, Virginia - anyone?

****
BTW…..some know and some do not. As of Friday June 1, it was my last day in my current position at my employer. I have taken a new position, at the same company in the QA department. I am moving from support to quality assurance. We pray this transition goes well, and that I am able to lug into this new group and be a strong contributor.



Talk to ya’ll next time!

Scott

HOWDY! | Scott's Second Sayings

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It has been awhile, but actually Bevy has heisted a few of my 2nd’s. Sorry it has been so long. Well this is no belated April fools neither, it is actually Bevy’s better half writing to all ya’ll in blog land.

HOWDY!

We’re going to talk about all types of stuff. So kick back and relax and hold on. As many of you know (and those of you who do not are about to find out), but I am a (true) southern red-neck. I know this may come as a shock to most of ya’ll but it is true, and with that there are several philosophy’s that must be maintained and followed:

1.) If you can’t fix it with a hammer, it’s an electrical problem.

2.) Duck-tape is the ultimate “band-aid”

3.) JB Weld is next perfect to an original cast.


Bevy has an ole lamp stand that has several connecting rods that the wire runs through. Well one of the joints is stripped so I had a JB weld class for my conservative Mennonite spouse (BTW: yes, opposites do attract). Needless to say, all she could do was shake her head in bewilderment.

Speaking of fixing stuff, we bought a tube of Krazy Glue the other week and I have been waiting for Bevy to open it for some time. (Because, if I didn't let her "fix" the things she needed it for first - it would've been GONE! before she could do her thing.) 

The other weekend I went over to a fellow red-necks house for us to replace the exhaust system on my Subaru. Well it happened to be that I wanted to wear my work boots that I had just previously fixed.

See the sole was coming off and so I took some screws, pulled the liner and secured the heal back up against the boot. This worked so well I fastened the other one too for safe measure. I hollered out to Bevy “I missed my calling” and with out missing a beat she replied “What being a cobbler?”……YEP!

Well I told my buddy about this and he just laughed. Come to find out the CAT was shot, and I busted through the flange at the resonator pipe. So we agreed the following weekend we would replace the CAT. I went home that day and saw Bevy had FINALLY opened the tube of KRAZY GLUE. So I looked at Bevy and mentioned “I’m going back to my calling” and proceeded to fix my sneakers where the sole was peeling away. The following weekend when I told my buddy what I had done when I left his place, he looks at me and says “You know they sell new shoes”….but who wants new when the old works just fine?

Ya still with me????

There is one thing that I have not intentionally discussed with Bevy and wanted to save for here. There is a post she did the other day where we had prayed for ‘Your Day Lord’. In there she mentioned that she thinks I may have not meant to say it like that. Well here is the deal, actually I do remember that prayer and it was intentional. If I knew I was going to strike such a cord with my spouse. I would have remembered exactly what made me think of that. I do recall that on this day earlier in the day I was listening to the local Christian radio station and there was a conversation or interview or something and the discussion just turn to how each day is the Lord’s day and they dug into it a little deeper and I remember thinking to myself. WOW how true, as well as some of the truths they were speaking in their conversation. Just prayer that evening I had reflected back to that, and thus where that comment came from.

So did ya see our new addition? Yes the piano. And rearrange we did. I am still amazed that it made it through the door way. When Bevy wrote there was ¼ in to spare, she was not joking. The doorway was 28in and the piano is 27 3/4in. I am looking forward to my kids learning music and one day playing instruments with them. Music is a requirement and Lord willing they will enjoy it. I think Caleb will more than Aubrey. Aubrey doesn’t seem to be amused by instruments like Caleb has been or is. We will see though. A BIG thank you to Mr. & Mrs. C. again for this beautiful gift. As well to friends and family that helped move it.

(It took 6 people, of brute force and ignorance, to lift it).


So what do ya think about Bevy getting published? I am going to make her blush now…..but this is not the first time she has ever been published. Bevy is VERY, VERY artistic. As a kid she had some drawings published. I think there was something else at one time too. I hope the kids get her artistic talent, cause all dad knows how to draw are stick men. If she keeps this up we will have to go on an autograph tour.


The letter from the old grain hopper gets my vote for the letter "Z". For those of you that wonder what letter that was, that was the Z to the picture that had EZ on it. I am not sure why Bevy keeps calling that barn the machine shed, but it is the POLE BARN. :) We will have to get another picture of what the actual device looks like, but the grain hopper drives the grain up to the top of the silo to fill the silo.  Stay tuned for her finished project sometime soon.

Well looking forward to a road map of stuff ahead. I finished my term of college 5 weeks early and thus I am able to get a jump start on my next class. This is a great thing as it is a writing class that I have to write a 10-15 page research paper in. I have told two friends that “LOVE TO WRITE” they are SICK. I am trying to keep an open mind and follow the class along and ‘enjoy’ the experience.

We are looking forward to a trip going south. Going to TN to visit some old friends; it has been two years since we last saw them. On the way down we are stopping to meet some new friends and then on the way back we are looking to stop in a visit my step-mother. Although we just found out this past week that our vans transmission is not road worthy, so that will be going into the shop this upcoming week for a tranny rebuild. We are very blessed with a friend that happens to work at a tranny shop, and last Monday, he and his wife came for supper and we went for "a test drive". Finally, after about an hour we were able to get the tranny to act up and so he took it to his shop where he read the computers codes and was able to catch the severity of this issue for us before our trip. Thank you, Mr. K.

Speaking of friends, we had a couple over after service this afternoon for dinner and it was a blast. This couple is just out right fabulous. They have already raised their own biological children and now have gone back, over the last few years, and adopted three autistic/Down Syndrome children. The Bible is very firm about tending to the orphans and widows and this couple is the essence of that. As I reflected on this afternoon, it just amazed me it has been so long since we had gotten together ‘one on one’ style. When Bevy and I first met, this was a couple that would regularly "get real" with us. Then through a series of events, we had somewhat “lost connection”. Well over the past year or so we have started being ‘together’ again and just what a joy it is to walk with them and have them walking with us. Mr. & Mrs. K (different K than above though, ironically enough, related) thanks’ for your last minute flexibility. It was a blast having you and yours over today.


Well, the editor (a.k.a. my wife) just came down and she is chomping at the bit to go sew, but she has to fix -up sabotage my post first.

Till next time!

Remember He is risen. Yes, He is risen indeed! Do not leave him in the manger. 
Happy Easter!

~ Scott

PS:  Bevy says I am her Garth Brooks.  Tell her she's lyin'...please.

(Just returned from "Reading Round-Up with Dad's" with Caleb at his school.)

HOWDY!!!

Hi ALL!!! Well welcome to 2012, if there was anything that you wanted to do in 2011, well your 2 days late. Welcome to Scott's second sayings. A lot as taken place over the last 31 days since you last heard from me. I am glad I have this opportunity to catch up with you all.

First, I would like to file a formal complaint with the blog site editor. (a.k.a. my beautiful wife!). I do not see any Scott Second Sayings in the top 12 for the year in review. Then again, the editor, publisher, and writer are one in the same person, so there is no bias there....(even though I am her better half).  Seriously though, I like the selected 12 too, and am glad that I have been able to find the "little heart guy" (go back and read this past Friday's Finds).
He was actually tucked in my red robe pocket and most likely has been there since Christmas 2010. I only really wear this robe about once a year and that is on Christmas morning. I am not fully sure why Bevy thought it had been 2 1/2 years (since we moved in here) since we had last seen him. I think in Christmas 2010 Bevy had hid him in a box of a gift she gave me, and I placed him in my pocket to hide later and then just forgot. The reason I was able to find him, was that several days after my surgery, we had friends stop in for a quick visit and I threw my robe on over my PJ's knowing it would be comfortable, and when I reached in my pocket, Wha-La. My mother and I gave Bevy a little jewelry box for her birthday during the year, and I knew she would be in there eventually to switch out some jewelry of some sort.....just did not know it would take her that long. I think it was about 2 weeks.

So as you can imagine we are very relieved to be on this side of the fence of all that has been going on this past month. The month had a curve ball or two. I would like to say a BIG THANKS to all for your prayers and continued support for us through this time. Mr. & Mrs. H. a special thank you to you and yours for all your reaching out to us and allowing your schedule to be interfered by ours and willing to serve us in such a loving, supportive, caring and flexible way. Mr. & Mrs. N. as well an special thank you for your encourage and enlightening communications to us keeping our focus on Him and your spoken truths to our souls as we walked through this. All the praise reports aside, one other thing I am very thankful for is that this all occurred in 2011, where we had meet our deductible for the year already due to the birth of our daughter, Jayne.

Looking into 2012 we are encouraged and looking forward to some future events. One thing is that we are throwing some numbers around for weight loss. 60 in 2012. That's 60 lbs apiece this year in 12 months, which breaks down to 5 lbs/month thus 1 1/4 per week. We will see how that goes. That might be a portion of my monthly update, I just do not see Bevy posting this regularly on her posts. As well, come the spring, we are looking forward to taking a roadtrip south. We originally were looking to take 2 weeks and make another 4 state run like we did in 2006 to visit friends and family (which then we did in a week, but it was just her and I back then). Due to me being in and out of the hospital this past month I burnt up all my excess time and thus we will only have a week to work with in April (when we are looking to do this). So most likely we will only be traveling to see dear friends of ours in TN and then a stop off in VA (Lynchburg area) to see my step mom and (possibly, maybe (??)) meet some blog friends.

School is going well, though I have to admit I was not sure how things were going to go around the surgery. I managed to pull off an exam 5 days after surgery and passed and then turned right around and finished off a term paper over the following week to complete two classes. Well this placed me about 2 weeks ahead of schedule but I have chewed all that up with the Christmas holiday and my second stint in the hospital with the stress test and all that went with it. So for this weekend I have been nose in a text book and pretty much have caught up. I will be finishing up section 1 of 3 today which pretty much brings me back on schedule.

We are very thankful for an employer that has worked with us in the timing of everything. As well we are also thankful that we were able to get butchering started this year. "Staples, the steer" has fallen into our freezer (yes we name our animals that we butcher, but mostly just the steers. The hogs come and go so fast. We slaughtered him two weeks after my surgery and then my BIL John and I left the family up at camp on Christmas night and headed home and butchered him on the 26th. The kids really enjoyed that camp for Christmas, and I am speculating that Bevy has already shared with you where we were for Christmas.  If not, she'll have to catch up...

So here is to 2012 and may you all of had a blessed Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!!

The long-awaited, "good news" UPDATE on Scott.

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Ahhh... so the UPDATE you've been waiting so patiently for.  Thank you for your kind patience and prayers on our behalf.

It's now almost 5pm... and my husband is resting comfortably here at home in our bed.  YAY!!!!

We got home about 2:30pm this afternoon. 

When I got into the hospital this morning - it was such a HUGE RELIEF for me to see my husband ... so much better.  At this point he had already seen his attending Dr..  He saw Cardiology.  They both liked what they saw on all accounts (although he does have to follow-up with the Cardio docs for a Stress Test - soon!) and pretty much got the okay to go home.

He was eating well.  Voiding well.  Getting antsy to go home.  The smiles were there and the pain was obviously under control.

HUGE, HUGE difference from last night.

We were so blessed to have dear, dear friends (from our church) come, from nearly an hour away, to our home, to watch all three of our children, the whole day... allowing me to be at my husband's side.  They ALL did fabulous...and I said that the care that my/our kids received was "HARD to beat".  If you read between the lines, you can pretty much tell who it was.  Thank you, Kristy!  As you brought along your three of your own children to help!  To entertain?  To serve?  To bless.  You're amazing!  Crazy-amazing.

Scott had gone in for a relatively simple outpatient surgery, on Friday AM... for a Hemroidectomy.... and it turned into an unexpected overnight stay in ICCU.  Due to his (past surgeries) history, and the fact that his heart rate dropped so drastically not just once, but several times (all pain related, they're assuming) all while in post-op.

Totally NOT what we were expecting.  But God is good and for some reason this was meant to be. 


I know this may be a "brief" update but hopefully all can now heave a sigh of relief and know that we're okay and that all is well.

Again.  We thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  Keep em coming... they're is still more recovery ahead.

SCOTT UPDATE

Just asking for your thoughts and prayers....

All is well. 

BUT. 

They are keeping my husband overnight, in the hospital, for observation. ;(

Long story.

Again....

He's okay.

It's just a necessary precautionary measure they are keeping him.

I'm okay.

((nervous))

The kids are at Grandma's - for now...

I'm currently W.A.I.T.I.N.G. to talk to him or (go) see him. (5:30pm)

::  Scott had an outpatient surgery this morning.  If you read his post this morning, he wasn't expecting to have to stay overnight. ::

Thanks for your prayers.
~Bevy

HOWDY | Scott's Second Sayings

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HOWDY! and welcome to Scott's Second Sayings.
For those of you who are *new* to this blog... this is the day, the 2nd of each month, when my husband has taken on the liberty to write a post in hopes of "clearing the air" or by giving a new thought or his own perspective on something that may have have come up in and through my blogging.  It's all in good fun!  And - it's great having him on board.  I hope you enjoy.

There is one disclaimer, though. Some months it works out for him to write, other months it is pretty tough to fit it in.  So, either he gives me permission to write his post for him or we just move on and forget about it, entirely.
****

Oh OK I see how this is going to be........

"There is one disclaimer, though. Some months it works out for him to write, other months it is pretty tough to fit it in. So, either he gives me permission to write his post for him or we just move on and forget about it, entirely."

NOW she puts in a disclaimer after last month I told her I was going to make it known why I REALLY do not get to always post on the 2nd. The REAL REASON, shhhh, (in a whisper) She sabotages my post or posting day.........

Now the secret is out. Take last month, I NEVER had a chance. The month before she blogged over top of me....Can you believe that? I posted as like 8:30 am and she came in behind and posted at 9:45am (or something like that)...the time before that, Uh, well, I don't recall. Oh and the month even before that (I think I did post). And how about even that's previous month....Uh I do not recall that one either.....OK OK so maybe I do have a few that get away on me. Trust you and me though, (in a whisper) "she does sabotage my blog once in a while"...........

Seriously though, HOWDY to all. It has been a while and we just wanted to drop y'all a few updates:

1.) Buck Monday was a success. Downed a 5pt buck about 8:15am but missed a doe about 3:30pm, so we do a venison for the year....OK tried to put a picture in here but it ain't working.

((PSST:  Here I go and sabotage Scott's blog post...just like he's expecting me to do...and I'll add the photo he can't figure out how to put up.  Nice deer, by the way!  Oh, and say hello to Maddalyn, our niece.  She's all proud of Uncle Scott.  Can't you tell?))

2.) Today is the big day and we head off to the hospital for my surgery. So I have to be there at 10:30am which places surgery at about 12:30. 
Pray all goes well.... thanks!

So with that being said, we will talk (or type) to you all soon again. OK OK so it is not an overnight procedure, it is an outpatient. This is the photo from when we took Bevy to the hospital for the delivery of Jayne.


((PSST:  It's me again.  I'm SO tempted to sabotage this post just to rotate this photo...but I'll leave it alone.  But, I do want to add one thing, that Scott forgot to mention.  Don't forget.  Sign up for my -Bevy's - giveaway!!!! It ends tonight.))

God's provision in the literal eleventh hour | Scott's Second Sayings

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Howdy!!  This is a testimony taken way too long in the sharing - sorry.  But I'm so excited to get to share it with you today... and finally.  And since today is the second of the month normally my husband would be writing this post with the subtitle - "Scott's Second Sayings".   However, I get to do it today.  Since he has officially started online schooling for his Bachelor's of Science, as of last evening... he told me to just "go for it".  And...he knows... he feels badly that he has not taken the time to do "his part" with these sorts of posts for a regular length of time.  Life?

For those of you who are *new* to this blog... my husband has taken on the liberty to write a post on the 2nd of each month in hopes of "clearing the air" or by giving a new or his own perspective on something that may have have come up in my blogging.  All in good fun!  And - it's great having him on board.  Enough of explanation.

Here is the greatest testimony of something that happened back in early September.  See!  I told you it was forever ago that this story should have been shared.

Starting with the old car.  Scott's car, dubbed Scott's Blue Bomber (the Chevy Cavalier), pretty much gave up the ghost.  It wouldn't pass inspection due to rust issues (the body rusting away from the uni frame).  It had its other issues as well.  But this car - a previous answer to prayer, at $500., served us well for over three years. Inspection on it was up in late September.  And back in late July... the catalytic converter went out on it...leaving it basically undriveable for what turned out to be over a month long... meaning we were down to one vehicle, now and Scott would use our mini-van to go to work.

School was soon starting for Caleb.  I had been borrowing cars left and right to do things that I needed to do.  Jayne was a brand new baby in our home... life was edgy. 

As a matter of fact. School had started for Caleb a week ago by now... I was borrowing Grandma's car to get him there while she watched the girls... but on this up and coming week she was planning to be gone for the next couple of months (out of town), in fact, she was leaving the next day, Saturday! and I was beginning to "panic" about what was to come of a ride to school for Caleb come that next Monday morning.

Mind you... all of this time, from July on, we had been looking for another vehicle for Scott.  We prayed.  We waited (long story). We listened to other people's suggestions for car potentials and we'd go check them out.  We'd pray some more.

It was late Friday night.  10-10:30pm to be exact.  Scott got home late from fixing someones computer... the kiddo's were fast asleep.  I was "playing" on our computer... Scott begins looking through the mail and sees an envelope from the car dealer - who we've had dealings with for the past several years.  Usually these "pieces of mail" are a toss out.

There we find a letter...referencing a unique deal that they had going on... since we were part of this GOLD CLUB thingy... they were offering to take the $ amount that we had on this points card... bump it up the next $100. PLUS add an additional bonus of another $100. on top of that.

Basically.  We were given a coupon for $800. to be used against the purchase of another new or pre-owned vehicle. Something they had never offered before that we know of.  We had $2k set aside of our own to work with.  That was it.  And we were bound and determined to stick to our guns and stay within budget.  Cash Only!!

Scott "rips" the computer out of my hands... and says "lets see what this dealership has on their lot".  He's sitting there for awhile and all I hear is "whoa!"... and silence.  I prod him to hear what he's reading about and he starts throwing me the stats on this particular Subaru Outback.  A car that is already On Sale for $2,995. 

By now the time is 11:30pm and he decides to go ahead and call the dealership, leaving a message for the gentleman that we know over there.  That way it will be there first thing for the guy to hear when he gets into work the next morning.

Saturday morning...finds Scott up early and out the door.  He calls me a couple hours later and says that this car has been essentially the answer to our prayers... in the literal eleventh hour God has answered our prayers. This car was clean!  No rust.  All service/maintenance records available.  One previous owner. It even had a roof rack for that hopefully dead deer this up and coming hunting season.  He was bringing it home to test drive... for me to look at it... I drove it around the block...and gave it my thumbs up.  **Except for the fact that it was NOT a stick shift as it had been advertised that it was.  If anything... that was the only and biggest bummer!

You know what we did?  We put all three car seats in this car... drove it back to the dealer and by 12:30pm that Saturday afternoon, with some extra wheelin' and dealin', that Subaru was bought and paid for - all within a cash budget.  Scott slept so peacefully that night.  We all did.  The worry was over...

The Lord had provided a real blessing.  And... I know I've missed so many fine details of this story, and I probably didn't even convey the half of how grateful we are in God's provision.  The Subaru has really turned out to be a "gem" of a deal...and our faith, in that eleventh hour, was renewed. 

Good bye, Blue Bomber!

Scott's buddy bought the Blue Bomber off of us - to be used as a Demolition Derby car in the next to near future... and we continue to marvel at how God's timing is right on.  It never fails.  He is faithful to meet our every need - even in the darkest hour. 

Now we can't wait to go to this derby race and watch the Blue Bomber "come back". Oh yeah! To give it it's all in a last ditch effort to remain a forever memory for our family.

Happy Trails - ahead - with the *new* Sub(aru).

HOWDY!!!

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.....I KNOW!!!! Look what the cat dragged in. It has been a long while. Too long actually. Not that it has not gone without reminder from Bevy...actually I constantly remind myself....and well then, we see what happens. I admit. I AM the worlds biggest procrastinator. SORRY.

I often see items that I will want to comment on and what I should do is keep me a list going. That's OK though, all the stuff I have missed commenting on over the years, we can discuss sitting in the presence of our Lord and Savior when that day comes.

One thing I did want to comment on today was Bev's post about extra curricular activities for the kids. If you did not read the post, I think it is Mon or Tue of this week. I am not saying do EVERYTHING, but I feel there are some things that should be cycled through a child's life:

1.) Music-Growing up you HAD to play an instrument and take music class (mine was Bass Clarienet\Clarienet)

2.) Sports-This is what Bevy is having the 'issue' with. They need orchestrated team environments to learn in as well. I think this can be overdone, but I only want them to have a persistent activity that takes them through seasons; IE: I could see Caleb with football in fall, wrestling in the winter, and baseball in the spring. Right now I just want to hone in Aubrey's desire for tumble and toss in gymnastics. While yes there are LOTS of things for her 'to break her neck on' around the farm there is something to be said about a structured environment and learning as a team to trust and depend on each other. Not to mention, the walking on top of fence post as a balance beam is not a good idea here...there is an 100V electric wire running along top of the fence.

3.) Scouts- Yes as a kid I grew up in Scouts. ALL KIDS will be going through Scouts. There are GREAT learning opportunities here and some of the requirements that you have to pass as you advance pay off in life. There have been bunches of times I have used an 'ole boyscout trick to get something done.

OK I will get off my soap box now.....but see! I only have 3 requirements for being a kid in this family. That isn't that bad is it?

Until next time,
Scott

BTW...Looks like we will be starting college on 11/1, please pray for peace and patience for us with each other and our kids.

HOWDY!! in a Simply Saturday Kinda Way

. .. . .. . . . .. . . . . . . .. .. . .. .

I don't know what all the hub-bub is about.....I told her I'd get her a dishwasher........Maybe I should have clarified.....We'd make a dishwasher....or two.........Of course, with the third dishwasher now on it's way, what more could she ask for?

HOWDY!  If you're fairly new to visiting Treasured Up and Pondered. Hello to you from Bevy's other better half. My name is Scott and I try to write a post every Second Day of the month. We like to call these posts - Scott's Second Sayings. Thanks for stopping by.



****

Linking up today with Jenn from A Country Girl's Ramblings for her Simply Saturday.

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

A Postcard instead of a HOWDY!

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Happy 2nd day of March.

It's a bit unusual that I would start my posts out like I did today (or even for yesterday) but, it is the 2nd of March and that is usually when my hubby would post his HOWDY post - also known as Scott's Second Sayings.

He decided he didn't have time for this month (which is understandable)... and even though this day comes around the same as every other month (I like to tease him)... we'll let it slide once more.

If you're newly following this blog, or just poppin' in to check it out for the first time today... my husband thought that for the second of every month - he would  simply say hello and fill you in on his side of the story. ;)

***
For something different today, I thought I would join in with Becky, from Farmgirl Paints, for her Thrive project. 

Farmgirl Paints - Thrive Project

This sounds like it may be the last one for Becky's Thrive series...which is a bummer.  I've been a real slow poke in joining in.  But Spring Postcards (as the theme) sounded fun.

I love postcards... and receiving them too.  Here is my take on a {Spring} Postcard. 
Just for the record - these are photos from last spring.

I haven't seen any signs of anything real Spring-y around here yet!

Remember I'm...

 just waiting...

HOWDY!!

 . .. .. . . .. .. .. . .. .

Hello to one and all and welcome to Scott's Second Sayings.  Hey... long time no talk. It has been wild ride around here lately. We are making it though, little by little.

I am going to keep this one real short and sweet. Honestly, it has been very trying time for us both. Bevy is resting now, but with two kids and 'home' to keep up with, she has not been resting like she should.

We received a call today from one of the Dr's and have been asked to go get a consultation on Bevy's leg. As well they are going to do an ultrasound too. Looks like next Wednesday if I recall correctly.

We are very blessed by peoples thoughts, prayers, and 'contacts'. As well, we are very thankful that I have a wonderful management team above me at work, for when it come to needing a little leniency at work with my schedule, they are very easy to work with.

I do want to comment on Bevy's post about animals sleeping in the bed......"So I guess I'll have to go sleep in our guest room now, UH?!?!?"........No, seriously. I grew up with pets (I am from the south you know) and one day would like for us to have a dog, or goats, or turtle or penguins (HA HA). A co-worker has a sign in her office that shows a small little animal standing on its back paws stating "I will not tolerate such rubbish". When I read Bevy's post, that is the first statement I thought of regardless of how absurd it may be. So Bevy is it rubbish or absurdity to sleep with animals???? Not that I would, I do agree... the dog would have to stay on the floor.

Remember way back when, before your days walking with Jesus, getting pickled. Well nowadays HERE is how I get pickled around here. No seriously though, I was thinking the other day, of yester-year and my life today. Do you ever have reflection? (I think there might be a post topic in there somewhere).  Age 16 comparing my Camaro to my friends Camaro's. Age 36 comparing my mini-van to my friends mini-van's. I think you get the point.

The new year does bring a great blessing as of midnight 1/1/11. Several of the exams I took last year were for a life certification. Due to changes in the industry, the rules were changing on 1/1/11, so we had to get them done last year. It is nice to look back and say "Ahhhh, they are locked in for life".

Well I had a note to myself about a topic relating to a woodshed (per my note) with the date 5/2/10. Well I know what the woodshed is referring to, the one me and my fellow red-neck brother-in-law put up in one day. I also know what the date is, the date of a blog post, yet, I DON'T recall what they have to do with each other or what I was going to say about that (oh well).......yeah, another side effect of that age thing from a couple paragraphs back.

Anyway, feel free to drop us a line sometime. We love hearing who is out there reading the blog. To all be safe and blessed

Happy Groundhog's Day, to ya'll.

Till next time!
Scott

Old Time Sunday Hymn Sing | My Jesus, I Love Thee

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My Jesus, I Love TheeLondon Hymn Book/A. J. Gordon

My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine,

For thee all the follies of sin I resign;

My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour are though,

If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, `tis now.

I love thee because thou hast first lov-ed me,

And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;

I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow,

If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, `tis now.

I will love thee in life, I will love thee in death,

And praise thee as long as thou lend est me breath;

And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,

If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, `tis now.

In mansions of glo-ry and endless delight,

I'll ever adore thee in heaven so bright;

I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow,

If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, `tis now.

******

I've been thinking about doing a series like this for awhile now but, decided to wait until the New Year.

I grew up singing four part harmony/acappella - mostly hymns - all of my life.  They are just too beautiful to forget about and so my desire is to bring these hymns to life through the avenue of my blog page.

Most of the hymns I'll share (only on Sunday's) is one that I can clearly remember singing, while growing up.

May the words of each hymn be meaningful to you, as you read. 

I hope you'll enjoy this series, as I bring it to you.

 : : The photo of the church is of a local church in our area.

********

As for Scott's second sayings, I (Scott) am going to pass this month, but with good reason. Out of the blue, after much praying and trying to understand. I received a call this evening, during the time I would have written, from my older brother. That may not sound like much until you hear the following.....We have been estranged from each other for over 1 1/2 years.

Praise to you God and Your glory forever and ever. Amen!

Some Upcoming Changes for the New Year

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Are you excited about a New Year dawning?  Wow! It's hard to believe that 2011 is knocking at the door... peering just over the horizon.

I am excited.

I know that there will be quite a few changes personally for me this year and for our family.  We have no idea - really - what the Lord has in store for us.  But as we walk out each new day - may it be done with resolve to grow in patience, godliness and goodness and to endure the cross that is set before us and to run the race - with Joy. 

Even if and when we can't see (the way) clearly before us.

****

Basically, I just wanted to give you a blog update with some sketchy upcoming changes for the New Year.

I've been praying about the format of my blog and it's content and I've been thinking about incorporating some changes.  These may or may not become noticeable to you.  If you've been following Treasured Up and Pondered for awhile now... you know that I don't usually post anything on or over the weekend.  Well, that's all about to change.  Not necessarily with a lot to say, but just to let you I'm still here...

Friday's Finds will probably not be a featured post anymore, per say, but the same idea(s) will get implemented somewhere within the week. 

WAIT. 

I don't know.  What do you think? 

As I'm writing that down... I feel like I'm going to miss it.  So, I'm asking your feedback. 
Did you enjoy it when I did a "Friday's Finds"?  Honestly...

And I think Scott's Second Sayings - will stay! 
This was where my hubby would add in his two-sense worth with a post of his own (the second of every month) regarding something I may have previously posted on  or briefly touched on - that he would like to clarify, etc.  He's from the South - so his posts are usually laced with some sort of red-neck ingenuity and some "say-it-like-it-is" with southern charm worn right off his sleeve.  He usually begins his posts with a big, hearty HOWDY! 
I do want to say this:  He's like a kid in a candy store.  He can hardly wait to see if anyone has left any comments on his post, at the end of the day.  He's worse then I am.   Another reason why I love my man!!!  Too cute.

I'd like to be a bit more intentional in the sharing of family - our home; our life. To grow in creativity, relate- ability and hospitality.  To keep those common thoughts and notions coming.  Live with the roof off and the walls down towards God and others - alike.  To be real and share the things the Lord has laid on my heart - no matter the cost.  Because, sometimes it's really hard to share... from the heart.

And.  I want to get to know you - my readers - better.  If you've followed this blog for some time now, but have never commented before or not very often.  I would love to know that you feel "at home" and I would love to hear some encouragement as to why you've chosen to follow this blog in the first place.  Talk to me...you're among friends.  Those that do comment on a regular basis - I consider you some of my dearest friends.  You've all been so encouraging.   You know who you are...

Basically, I want to know my niche, and to fine-tune that niche.  So, I need your help, your thoughts and your prayers.

If there is anything you would like to see "as change" regarding this blog for the new year, feel free to email me... send your thoughts to:  aitsbevy (at) yahoo (dot) com. 

I would love to hear from you!

Be safe tonight - this New Year's Eve!!   What are your plans for bringing in the New Year of 2011?

: :  all photos from the archives

How-deeeeeee

No, this isn't Scott trying to change up his format of "hello"... it is actually me writing today, for him, because as we all know, the 2nd of the month comes around at the same time as it does every other month, except this time he just ran out of time and so I'm actually covering for him.

So, instead of Howdy!  it's Howdee!  (the "feminine" version?)  That was Scott's idea, by the way.

In case some of you new folk, to Treasured Up and Pondered, are a bit confused.  This is the day - the second of every month - where my husband Scott likes to throw in his "two-cents" on past posts, etc.;  "defending himself" ;) or encouraging new thoughts and ideas.  Mostly it's life from Scott's perspective.  Therefore, that is why these posts get dubbed "Scott's Second Sayings".  

Thanks for joining us today.

As a matter of fact... since this is me writing and not my better half... I get to dish on him.  No!  Only the good stuff...in fact, I'll probably be more of the serving then he will be. 

You may recall in his post,  from last month, he talked a bit about deer hunting.  Well, Scott took off of work for Buck Monday (a national holiday for some people) and got himself a nice doe. 
You may recall our self-acclaimed "redneck brother-in-law", Johnny Boy, got himself a nice 8 pt. buck.  The excitement just oozed off that mountainside... I could "sense" it all the way down here, at home. ;)

We're all glad to have some venison for the freezer. 

Switching gears here for a minute...

Somewhere in between today and last month's posting... another "redneck sort" of buddy friend, of Scott's, helped him to turn in his run-of-the-mill car into a race car of sorts.  I laugh as I write that.... because I'm probably about to paint the worst picture of this and then Scott will have to write a post today (at some point) to clarify what I'm talking about. 

Yeah, the ignition went out on his car and so... because their both car mechanic fanatics and race car enthusiasts they decided to rig up a new way of starting his car using switches.  Three to be exact... that pretty much need to be flipped, in the right order or sequence in order for it to start properly.   All in the name of fun... and nostalgia... and because boys toys just get more fun (and for argument sake, really NOT that expensive - at least in this case).


Back to deer hunting... 

I thought I'd better clear the air with my own admission to the fact that I always wanted a man who would like to go deer hunting.  It was one of the things on my "list" for a man in my future.

I thought I would always like to go deer hunting, too.  I know I just shocked a lot of you right out of your seats.  But, that's okay.  I haven't ever done it... EXCEPT... that I have gone along for a "drive" or a "walk".  Those words deserve definitions but I don't have time right now... nor the lingo for it.  And, as a matter of fact, I did learn one thing (or two) from that drive or walk - whatever you want to call it.  Number one:  Don't walk the woods with a cell phone on, in your pocket - because if it rings (which it did) -you're tempted to answer it - which then it pretty much scares the wood folk wide- awake.  Which I don't really get this issue about it, because isn't that what we were "trying" to do while walking through the woods - in order to scare up a deer or two??

Number two:  You'll get "laughed at" by said hubby and redneck brother-in-law for years to follow, as if it was the silliest thing that ever happened, known to man.  Do you really think the deer care?

As of this past Thanksgiving Day - I had never shot a gun before.  Well, that all changed.  You see, I have a wonderful man who likes the idea that I've shown faint interest in his world (in this regard) and who wanted to be sure that I had an opportunity to learn a little bit, from him, in how to shoot a gun.

Warning:  These photos are the scariest thing you ever did see.   And, so was the weather... beautiful with the snow, but by the time we went out to do all of this it was raining, sleeting and windy cold. 

Here the guys are discussing - whatever??

This photo isn't so scary -but he's asking me if I'm ready to go...

uhmmm, sure.

Here he's showing me how it's done...

And this where I learned a lot about how a gun works, etc.  All the while, I'm  F*R*E*E*Z*I*N*G to death out there.  I did take a shot or several... with two different types of guns... (couldn't tell you what was what anymore) and I looked scary.  I told you.... number one... I wasn't dressed to do this.  I was going to make a bad pun by saying I was "dressed to kill" but not dressed to shoot.  But, I won't say that.

I was wearing this long skirt - which the hem got thoroughly soaked, from the tall-ish grass.  I also had to borrow better socks from my sister and wear my brother-in-laws sneakers...  I was nothing but drenched till it was all said and done. 

Here we are checking out my shot placements... and although I didn't exactly hit the bulls-eye, I did stay on target (the paper) and pretty much stayed within the cross hairs - somewhere on those black lines.  The bulls-eye would be dead center of that  +  marking.

Anyhoo...  I just thought you might like to get into Scott's world via me and by my version of the story. 

And, now - almost a week later.  I am sick with a bad, bad head cold.  But, that's okay.  I can say I went out with a BANG!!!

HOWDY!!

Well hello everyone out there in blog land, it is that time again. It has been quite a while since I have had a chance to write. 

If you're fairly new to visiting Treasured Up and Pondered.  Hello to you from Bevy's other better half.  My name is Scott and I try to write a post every Second Day of the month.  We like to call these posts - Scott's Second Sayings.  Thanks for stopping by.

Things are going a lot better around the ole' homestead now that this latest exam is done. I am not sure if you all recall the last one of the last minute situation with it. The exam facility was not open on the day that I had scheduled and thus we had to postpone several days, and then take them after working all day, two days in a row. Well about half way through September, I tell Bevy, " Well that is the next book finished" to which she replied "I am still realing over the fact that you passed two in a row in consecutive nights, and now you're done with the next exam's book? I feel like your trying to sneak one in on me.".................YEP!   BTW, thanks for prayers and encouragement, as these really do wear on Bevy A LOT!

Well I did pass, my exam on Saturday, with a 835 out of 900, while needing a 750 to pass. This one was a cool one, the only thing I did not care for was that I could not find any study material for it, and what I did find was a student manual, not a full, self-study manual. As well, I usually spend three months per exam, and this one we stuffed into two. The reason I could do this, is it was a alot of info mixed from several other exams I had already taken. This all to the avail of to answer a question that has been asked of Bevy and she has not dared ask me, for fear of what the answer may be. HOW MANY MORE???? Well that depends on how you look at it. Technically three, but this breaks down. 1 is to finish my MCSA. The other two are just updates, which one to update 2003 to 2008 and other Vista to 7.

The last time I wrote I meant to say something about one of our bathrooms. This is for all those folks that have come to visit and have had to deal with the downstairs shower water pressure (or the lack there of). Well, it is not no more. Bev's sister Gladys was here (a few months ago) and we knew it was still weak pressure, well about three nights after she left, I took a shower after getting a hair cut and half way through the shower, we hear this big bang. Immediately the pressure was enough in the shower to chase you out. Now I have to keep the "throttle" in and not out all the way. We never did find out what the big bang was, but ever since - the downstairs shower has had GREAT pressure. Just kinda funny I find it.

I will admit, Gladys came to visit again last week, and I forgot to inform her about the pressure.  Oops.
So even for those that come from out of state, well no more running the 500yd dash to get wet in the downstairs shower.

I hope you all enjoy all the pictures that Bevy takes for posting. Well they are for family too, but she does do a lot of "need pics for the post". Recently I really have been enjoying the one of Caleb in the monkey PJ's. Oh- BTW- babe, that is not Curious George. I have a co-worker at work that loves monkey's so just had to send her a copy of the pic. ;)
.....OK, never mind. I just tormented Caleb to read the tag and they are Curious George registered......
You know as much as I go through about "Oh I am going to post about this and that", when it comes time I can never recall. I need to just make myself a list. You think I would have one, since we have list for everything else. There is one thing I would love to touch on. THANK YOU ALL for my 38th birthday wishes, I will be enjoying them NEXT year and that is all I am going to say about that.  ;)

Well as far as us as a couple, we have lots of things happening and going on as I am sure all of us do. Three hunting trips are planned, and that will most likely be all my hunting for the year. Bevy will be assisting a friend to do a Pampered Chef party here at our house, as our kitchen is alot more suitable to crowds. I will be starting my next round of studies, but with the holiday season on us, I am going to expand this over four months and try to take at the end of Feb. This way I can have some "holiday" time.

Well, I hope all is well and we will talk to you all again, Lord willing, next month! 

~Scott

PS:  I hope you placed your VOTE -today!

Friday's Finds: {no. 27/10}

Today finds us very aware that we left you all in a dire need of update(s).  Oops!!  I was so busy doing that three part series that I've forgotten to fill you all in...on all of the happenings around here.

BIGGEST and BEST-est news!!!
Scott passed both exams - respectively Monday and Tuesday evening, after a long hard day of work, both days. With Awesome scores, too.  Praise the Lord!! 
Special thanks to all you thought of us and kept us in your prayers.  Thank you!

That was also (him) running on very little sleep due to the fact that both of our little ones had come down with "strange" fevers over the weekend.  Actually, Aubrey started with one last Friday evening... and Caleb finished with one Monday night into Tuesday AM. 

All is well now.

And then.

I got a call from a friend on Tuesday (late evening) wondering if I could use some - Cucumbers.
 I said, SURE!!

So.


That meant on Wednesday, I found myself canning pickles.  I made four different kinds.

- Old Fashioned Bread and Butter
- Amish Garlic Sweet Dill
- Refridgerator Pickles
- Banana Pickles

I never want to see another cucumber again.  I don't think...

But.  Needless, to say I'm pretty proud of myself.  The near 25 quart (total) look really pretty... and we can't wait to give them a try in the near, distant future.  So, see?  I will be seeing cucumbers again... just pickled.

And then.

Yesterday...

Oh boy.

I was invited to meet a former co-worker out in Lancaster (along with several other ladies) to share my 'life-story'. I met them at a wonderful resturant - which I haven't been to this one in - years. ;)
These ladies have been studying "Mennonites and Amish Heritage/Culture/Religion".  And, since I grew up a Conservative Mennonite... and have since left the Mennonite Faith...they were wondering; would I be interested to share my story??

And.

So.

I said - Yes!

Wow!! What a fun day.  I was able to go alone - I asked my MIL to watch the little ones in the morning and another friend came to the house in the afternoon.  I took a little bit of an advantage and went shopping...sight-seeing...treating myself to ice cream...just enjoying the peace and quiet.  Only to have a WHOMPING, THOMPING HEADACHE the whole entire day...

Nerves, I suppose.


Anyway.

Since, I hogged-up Scott's opportunity to share with his "second sayings", yesterday... he wanted me to be sure to give ya'll a big hardy- "HOWDY"!  And, just so you know for the record... he blushed when I told him that ya'll love him... and I apologized for stealin' his thunder.

Here's hoping you all have a wonderful & safe weekend...and...Happy Labor Day!!  

I am off to go do S-O-M-E-T-H-I-N-G with some peaches that are in desperate need of  some TLC... (a.k.a. DESSERT, or two, or three) 

Oh yeah, and I canned several quart the other day (last week)... I think I forgot to tell you that, too.

Again, Happy Weekend!!

HOWDY!!

Howdy fellow Bevy PONDERLINGS!!!....Yes, I guess you could call me a ponderling too. WOW, it is hard to believe we are back to a second of the month again. If my typing is a little atrocious, please fogive me as I have been trying to terach myself to type without looking at the keyboard. I signed up for this online, teach yourself class. So far in the last month all I have done is one course.

What does Scott have to say???? Well a few things...First I would like to give a big shout out to our guests we had on Sunday for lunch. We will call them Mr. & Mrs. H. and family (4 kids). As you all know that in my studies it is difficult for me to find where we can fit in social affairs at times. Well, this weekend we hit a good 'take a break' point, so we called the H's to see if they would stay for lunch Sunday after service. Mr H. was not at home, but he did call back later, and they accepted out invitation. Mr. and Mrs. H*** - Just a quick thanks for letting us host ya'lls family for lunch. Bevy and I (& kids) enjoy fellowshiping with your family very much. If I may, Mr. H.  thank you for the sacrifice you and yours make to be part of our church. I know it is some distance for you to travel and am thankful that Bevy and I have had the oppurtunity to befriend ya'll.

Bevy, some years ago, used to travel quite a distance for church, and I would like to share her motto with you and the rest of blogland; "A church that's alive, is worth the drive".
Again, we thank you for your friendship!

If you did not get a chance to read Bevy's post (Friday's Finds) about the little red stool, I would recommend that read, as well as "Maude's" follow up post as she was a guest poster last week. This red stool is very dear in our family as it has housed many seat sitting situations. I would most like to just reflect on Maude for a minute.

As you know, Bevy and Maude use to split an old farm house. This is were they lived when Bevy and I met. Maude was a great neighbor, and friend then and still is to this day. I too remember MANY MANY conversations of you (Maude) coming over to 'chat'. It has always been interesting watching what you and Bevy would get into. I sure do miss those days as well, and I hope you know your always welcome with an open door to come and sit on the 'old red stool'.  Amiee, it's sure been fun using your nic-name: Maude.

I do want to post just a quick note while I am thinking about it, Melanie posted a comment about the tree that fell at the cabin. Wait until Bevy posts what was originally sitting there and supposed to be where the tree fell. But due to a last minute change, the evening before, it was not there when the tree fell.

In case you have missed it, we have been gone for the last week. Every year the family has a cabin we rent the last week in July and this has been an annual event for now about 35 years. I thnk the years I have known Bevy and have been going, this is about the best time so far. Alot I feel has to do with some of the family getting older now and some had to return to work for Monday and Tuesday and thus the latter portion of the week was not so populated with people. The weather was muggy on Saturday when we got there after being at a wedding all day.

Side note.....I heard a GREAT sermon on marriage and passage taken out of Song of Solomon. Bevy's cousin that got married, he and his bride had asked for certain passages to be read, and the pastor that did the message, well, he let it fly. I only remember his name (Matthew), but God really gave him a great sermon...

OK, back to the cabin. I think the one picture that Bevy had on Sunday for looking "up creek" is actually looking "down creek" (so just a clarification). The kids were fabulous; although, Caleb the first night did get lost in the hall. I think he might have been sleep walking. Appears there was alot of that going on, as another night, we found Bevy's brother wondering the hallway, too. He did not recall anything about it, the next morning. The time to relax and enjoy family and friend's fellowship was very relaxing. Even got to know folks that I see regually but never got too much time to talk. It was just really nice interacting with everyone.

I am going to sign off. This month is going to be interesting, as I have a double examine at the end of the month (Two exams in one day). Bevy will receiving an order from my aunt for several more bags, as she wants to give them as gifts this year. All this not to mention the regular day to day functions of family life.

Thank you all for stopping in, and BTW I've looked more at my key board than the screen....  and, I'm sure that Bevy is just chommpin at the bit to use spell check...oh well. ;)

God Bless!